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Doombot

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Car buying tips?
« on: January 27, 2010, 10:43:31 PM »
I haven't purchased a car since 1996.

This time, I'm just going with a used car (I already got the "Get a Brand New Car for Once in Your Life" out of my system).

I've been looking on Ebay motors and via Craigslist. I know enough to get a mechanic friend to look at it, run a CarFax report, Not send my money ahead of time and then wait for the non-existent car... but what else should I keep in mind?

I'll probably just buy it outright.

Going to get a Jeep. I never got over leave my love on the island. (The Jeep).
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MrWeasel

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2010, 03:18:24 AM »
this sounds silly but start at the "reputable" dealers in your area (usualy a new car lot that also sells used)
this will at least give you an idea of what you can get in your price range from a "safe" source. Also check auto repair forums (lots of free ones out there) for that make and model car. It will give you a good idea what to watch out for in problems. ( a starter for 1 car is $30 for another $400). I bought a beautiful buick from craigs list with what seems minor but became major issues with car. (not starting being a major issue) I replaced it with a 1995 Cadilac Concours Deville (no i didn't leave out an e) 1 owner car from the dealer. 183k when i bought 205k now and is probably the nicest car i ever owned (paid $675 for the car itself and about $1000 for total tuneup (brakes, cables, plugs, oil change, radiator flush etc) dealer already had another on the lot (same year a little lower milage (not quite as nice) for $3000. (i should mention i had a trusted mechanic friend working at this carlot)

Just don't walk in blind and DON'T ever buy the 1st time you go to a car lot unless u know and trust the guy (last but not least NEVER trust the salesman their job is to sell you the worst car for the most cash)
Another good idea is if you have and trust your mechanic ask him if he knows of a good buy (he should know after all)

Oh and most importantly Buy a Ford or a Cadilac and your all set hehehehehehehe
Ok a JEEP is not a bad 2nd/3rd choice (i still miss my jeep but not as much as my 86 full ton Ford Bronco)
« Last Edit: January 28, 2010, 03:28:02 AM by MrWeasel »
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Brugdor

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2010, 06:41:23 PM »
Had a good experience buying my car from Carmax but that was over 10 years ago and in GA. Other than that, I got nothin.
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Hoopy Frood

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #3 on: January 29, 2010, 12:20:49 AM »
Quote from: Brugdor on January 28, 2010, 06:41:23 PM
Had a good experience buying my car from Carmax but that was over 10 years ago and in GA. Other than that, I got nothin.

Carmax is a good starting point. You will get a mechanically sound car for a price that is below full list.

However, you can get better deals elsewhere for the same car. But on the other hand, you can get much worse.

The advantage of Carmax is it's pretty much a no pressure sale and you can be confident that they aren't going to intentionally hose you.

But if you know enough about car shopping and want to put forth the extra effort to get a better deal, only use them as a price guide. You can always use pull the "Carmax sells it for $X card" on people that won't haggle.
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Thanatos

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #4 on: January 29, 2010, 12:41:58 PM »
buy a car five months ago when the government would give you three or four grand for a piece of crap.

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Swash

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2010, 12:01:13 AM »
Swash's car tips #45: When buying a car, plan to pay for it with locally recognised legal tender.  Attempting to barter with grapes, coconuts and foot massages has been scientifically proven to be less effective.
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Doombot

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2010, 01:31:41 AM »
Thanks for the tips everyone! I'll probably just start out going though local dealers and checking Carfax.com. =)

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Will I get Night Owl points for quitting but not as much for getting fired?
Will I still be a member of the Owl's Pals? I'd hate to turn in my card. It's got a real owl feather under the lamination and everything.

Night Owl: Oh, indeed. I quit many a job ...better than being fired. You can keep your card... in fact, you get double points for quitting!

Loveshack

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2010, 04:45:45 PM »
I've got a great car for sale. It's a classic 1958 Plymouth Fury with a custom "fire engine-red" paint job. It's a great car. I got a ding in the windshield the other day, and this morning I couldn't find it. It was like it fixed itself overnight; and I swear it runs better every time I drive it. PM me if you're interested.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2010, 04:50:24 PM by Loveshack »
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Loveshack

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #8 on: January 30, 2010, 04:48:26 PM »
Quote from: Doombot on January 27, 2010, 10:43:31 PM
Going to get a Jeep. I never got over leave my love on the island. (The Jeep).

I know it was hard leaving it half-submerged in the salt lake, but you have to let it go.
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Tank

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #9 on: February 03, 2010, 11:18:09 AM »
found it!

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Doombot

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #10 on: February 06, 2010, 08:15:06 PM »
I was going to go out and look at cars today (but not buy) and it's raining. Raining in Vegas! So far we've gotten more rain then we usually get all year!

Anyway... as much as it hurts, I MAY not get a Jeep. To get something I like in a Jeep is about 50% more than something I like in a Honda or Toyota.

So... I may do the *shudder* responsible thing and get a nice economical gas saving car.

I've been reading about cars for tall people and I can't remember some of the styles but what cars would you recommend? I want something roomy so I won't hit my head and gets decent gas mileage.

No trucks! =P
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Will I get Night Owl points for quitting but not as much for getting fired?
Will I still be a member of the Owl's Pals? I'd hate to turn in my card. It's got a real owl feather under the lamination and everything.

Night Owl: Oh, indeed. I quit many a job ...better than being fired. You can keep your card... in fact, you get double points for quitting!

Loveshack

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Re: Car buying tips?
« Reply #11 on: February 06, 2010, 09:06:49 PM »
Quote from: Doombot on February 06, 2010, 08:15:06 PM
I've been reading about cars for tall people and I can't remember some of the styles but what cars would you recommend? I want something roomy so I won't hit my head and gets decent gas mileage.
No trucks! =P

I kind of like the Ford Escape myself. Maybe a Toyota Highlander if you want to go for something with better gas mileage.
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