ATTN: Car Saavy People

[Starscream]

Ok, heres the low-down:
Im getting a new car in about 2 months. I've pretty much narrowed it down to 3:

• 2003 Toyota Corolla Type S
• 5th Gen (97-2001)Certified Used Honda Prelude (either Base or Type SH)
• 2003 Hyundai Tiburon GTV6

The Tiburon is at the bottom cause, although its a V6, has pretty much all the works (6speed, 17"Al. Aloys, Leather int, sunroof, dual exahaust)... its a Hyundai. The gearbox seems pretty stiff too...

The Prelude is next cause its pretty much what ive been drooling over for the last 4 years. But its a few K less than the Corolla, and not as long of a warrenty... and its not new (the one i was looking at was a 99).

The Corolla is very tempting because its pretty affordable (right around 17k with all the options), and i like the new Type S body style.

So any input, oppinions would be helpful. Thanks!

[Computer Ninja]

VW Golf GTI VR6 200hp
VW Golf R32 3.2l 241hp AWD -- comes out in July/August

[Starscream]

eh. not into the Golf...plus im betting its outta my price range...

[whatsurpointnow]

What!

Your not going to buy a gas guzzlin, big ol fat George Bush tax break givin, road hoggin, small car killin, Latte holdin Supremely Unnecessary Vehicle?

After all, they come in colors designed to compliment the Dell Axim. And, if you buy the most expensive one out there, you can take a deduction of $45,000 in the first year! Hey that's almost three times the purchase price of any car on your dream list.

My feelings on automobiles are if you can buy a new car for a reasonable price, the new technology and warranty factors add a lot of value. But, only if you like to drive the wheels off your cars. Otherwise, you get to take the first year hickey on blue book value. Buying a car about a year old can save as much as thirty % of the purchase price.

You can make your best deals buying the "ad special", the one they highlight in the sale section, waiting till the end of the model year and purchasing out of stock on hand.

Check for Factory to Dealer incentives before buying, they can allow you to purchase the car for several thousand LESS than invoice!!

Finally, the easiest way to save a couple of hundred to several thousand dollars on your purchase.

1. Sell your car yourself! It is simple easy and takes nothing but a little time and effort. you can negotiate a much better deal if you don't try to sell your car to the dealership.
2. Use a credit union for financing. apply directly to the CU, dealerships make at least HALF of their profit financing cars. CU's are member owned and will generally give you much better rates.
3. know the dealers pricing structure before you sit down to negotiate. blue book, consumer reports, etc.
4. Be willing to walk if you don't feel comfortable, maybe walk anyway just to see if that really is the best deal, (gotta have the right personallity for that act).

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE FUN

[RommelS]

I say go for the Toyota. I have no problem with the Honda either. I used to own a Honda. Now I have a 2001 RAV4.

17k for the Toyota ...brand new. Don't forget your insurance.

[Starscream]

Yeah insurance at first was a big part of the choices, but then i found out as far as the car, its only like $50 difference.. im still in the "high risk" category since im only 22.... and with a few speeding ticks on the record..
Thanks whatsyurpointnow thats some good info (especially since this is my first purchase from a dealer). I already knew the dealer wasnt gunna give me what i wanted to get for my current car, so yes, im selling it myself.

[whatsurpointnow]

a key point that few people know is there are at least two negotiations involved. The purchase price of the car. And, the financing and all of the options, paint protection, fabric protections, mechanical breakdown insurance etc. I suggest you not buy any of that CRAP as it is mostly dealer profit.

Make sure you know what interest rates are available. I love it when the finance guy says "Hey, it's just $5 bucks a month more" That works out to $360.00 over a 72 month contract!

one last caveat, if your particular favorite brand has some know weakness as in chevy trucks/vans and transmissions it could be worth the 1500 to get a comprehensive warranty. My brother did and scored two transmissions for free! over $5k in work and parts. So, know what your buying choose accordingly

Man I love high stakes high stress negotiations!

[Starscream]

want to buy my car for me?

[Duckman]

Warranty warranty warranty......extend it!

I always extend my warranties to 100k miles. For 1 or 2 thousand, it is a good buy. Once you reach the 75k mark, repairs start to add up, that's why the dealers have standard warranties that go to 60k and no more.

The vehicle I had before my current had a problem at 96k miles and it would have been $1400 to repair.....cost me $0.

Good luck!

[whatsurpointnow]

wouldn't mind doing some negotiation, but I am in central oregon.

Duckman, how many times have you paid a couple of grand and not gotten your money back in repairwork? Its the house odds that payoff in the long run.