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Post by PaulR5 on Feb 11, 2016 22:39:44 GMT -5
All right, here is my problem. My spouse is pushing to upgrade our car to a newer one. Things I know I have to consider include: Cost Mileage Reliability track record for that type of vehicle Physical condition of body and motor Whether partially handicapped spouse can get in and out of vehicle easily Safety record of that brand and model of vehicle Cost of insurance compared to present vehicle Why was vehicle traded in by previous owner? Whether all windows and doors work AC and heating capability Wheel condition and condition of tires Whether body color maintains its color, or fades or peels (which happens with certain paints) Are accessories, including jack and owner's manual, with the vehicle?
I am not much of a car/vehicle person. What other factors should I consider?
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Post by TeddyBower on Feb 11, 2016 23:12:46 GMT -5
Nothing I hate worse that buying an automobile. A person can get taken advantage of so easily, it seems. One good way I've discovered when buying a newer, used vehicle is taking it to my local, trusted mechanic and have him look it over for mechanical soundness. Any seller who is serious about their integrity will allow the prospective customer to have a pre-purchase inspection done, at their own expense, of course. This approach has worked well for us. In fact I've gotten to the point where I just ask the mechanic shop owner if he's got any vehicles on the premises that he is willing to sell. He usually has a handful, and we choose one of them.
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Post by Lugnutz on Feb 12, 2016 8:36:22 GMT -5
Is it cool or not. I've been driving the same truck for 16 years, so I'm out of the loop.
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bobby
Young Hound
Posts: 95
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Post by bobby on Feb 12, 2016 18:13:42 GMT -5
Is it cool or not. I've been driving the same truck for 16 years, so I'm out of the loop. i've also been driving my 2000 Dodge truck for 16 years. Been the best vehicle i've ever owned.
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Post by Dabeagle on Feb 12, 2016 23:15:33 GMT -5
When I have shopped for a car for my husband we check into a few things - mileage, insurance costs and what sort of warranty comes with it. General reliability of the brand. I'd think, for you, the pool shold be narrowed by that item about your other half being able to get in and out with a minimum of fuss and that gives you a basic idea of a model.
Around here we like certain options like all wheel or four wheel for the winter weather. It also pays to find out what kind of tires the vehicle has - something that's a performance tire could have you on the hook for some big bills come replacement time.
Our Hyundai has done well, our Ford nickel and dimed us and the Jeep, well, the Jeep...I love my VW's, my mom has a Passat now and I had a 99 Passat that always did well for me. You should also factor in the type of driving that the car will get. Short hop driving where the car may not completely warm up may cause your exhaust components and brake pads to wear early. The exhaust because the condensation in the pipes won't get cleared out if it doesn't reach temperature, so the water sits and rusts the unit from the inside out. Brakes because of frequent stop,s in short hop, in town driving versus longer, highway driving.
Don't be afraid to walk away. There will always be another car available. Former fleet vehicles can be something to look at because they are maintained and usually come with records, as long as the mileage isn't too crazy.
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Post by jamessavik on Feb 13, 2016 11:06:12 GMT -5
Is it a Toyata? Check.
Is it a Tacoma? Check.
Done.
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Post by Dabeagle on Feb 13, 2016 11:32:37 GMT -5
Is it a Toyata? Check. Is it a Tacoma? Check. Done. Do I live where there is snow because my frame will rust out from underneath me? Nope, James is in the south - all set!
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Post by Lugnutz on Feb 13, 2016 13:57:44 GMT -5
My Jeep is real steel. It's all there. I would like to swap in EFI eventually. All wheel/4 wheel drive is a must up here for a newer car.
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Post by jamessavik on Feb 14, 2016 23:37:30 GMT -5
Is it a Toyata? Check. Is it a Tacoma? Check. Done. Do I live where there is snow because my frame will rust out from underneath me? Nope, James is in the south - all set! Salt is for margaritas, not roads.
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Post by JohnInOhio on Feb 15, 2016 0:02:07 GMT -5
I love my Jeep Patriot. It replaced the Liberty I drove until some idiot pulled out right in front of me. It has front wheel drive and four wheel drive. (Which I seldom use.) It's supposed to be red, but right now it's sort of white. I need to get it to the carwash so I can get the salt off and have it sprayed underneath.
James, I can tell you're from the south. BUT... You wouldn't like to drive on highways in the north without salt. When my father was alive he would winter in Florida. Sometimes we would visit during winter break. I remember once we left Florida in the high 60's or low 70's and by the time we got back to Ohio there was five or six inches of snow. There were cars on the side of the interstate, but the salt trucks had been through and the roads were clear. Thank Goodness. I wish I could afford to winter in Florida, or somewhere in the south where an inch of snow brings the world to a stop, knowing that it will all be gone in a day. Unfortunately salt takes a toll on cars. It's just a fact of life. Take them to a carwash that sprays underneath so they last longer.
John
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Post by PaulR5 on Feb 15, 2016 1:53:20 GMT -5
I love my Jeep Patriot. It replaced the Liberty I drove until some idiot pulled out right in front of me. It has front wheel drive and four wheel drive. (Which I seldom use.) It's supposed to be red, but right now it's sort of white. I need to get it to the carwash so I can get the salt off and have it sprayed underneath. James, I can tell you're from the south. BUT... You wouldn't like to drive on highways in the north without salt. When my father was alive he would winter in Florida. Sometimes we would visit during winter break. I remember once we left Florida in the high 60's or low 70's and by the time we got back to Ohio there was five or six inches of snow. There were cars on the side of the interstate, but the salt trucks had been through and the roads were clear. Thank Goodness. I wish I could afford to winter in Florida, or somewhere in the south where an inch of snow brings the world to a stop, knowing that it will all be gone in a day. Unfortunately salt takes a toll on cars. It's just a fact of life. Take them to a carwash that sprays underneath so they last longer. John Where I live the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) is experimenting with specially processed beet juice. It doesn't harm the roads or undercarriage of vehicles, but it costs more. When it rains next, the roads are washed clear, and so far there seem to be no environmental dangers. In some areas, such as bridge approaches, or certain hills of some steepness, salt is used more often. It works at a slightly lower temperature than salt, but the expense and availability restrict use more than salt. Thanks to every one of you for suggesting things to look for. I presently have a 1996 Ford pickup that I love, and am not getting rid of for some time. IF we replace the car, a 1992 model with more than 300,000 miles on it, it would be because the exhaust system and windows keep messing up, mainly. Additionally, the AC and heating systems are getting weak. Not good for an area where we had ice and sleet today and supposed to have 72º on Friday. Fortunately we have a trusted salesman who works at one of the local car dealers, from which we can get advice. He has never steered us wrong, and has even steered us away from vehicles which don't have good records of service, on vehicles which he feels have some mechanical defect in the making or vehicles which would not be good for our long term needs (of which he is aware.) Please, everyone, feel free to make more suggestions. We would not be replacing this car right away, so there is plenty of time for us to consider. Thanks to all who have made suggestions. They are greatly appreciated.
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Post by silentreader on Mar 21, 2016 1:18:01 GMT -5
You might check to see if you think the website Truecar.com could be helpful to you.
Our insurance company has its own car pricing service, but I understand they use truecar.com for it. We used it the last time we bought a car. Actually, we used it to get a quote from a truecar.com dealer 30 miles south of us and took that written quote with us when we went shopping at our preferred dealer 25 miles east. It seemed to get the price down a bit at our preferred dealer. (It seemed to be several hundred dollars lower that what our dealer had on his website - but who knows if we could have gotten the same price without that quote from the truecar.com dealer.)
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Post by greys on Oct 10, 2016 17:52:42 GMT -5
Not sure exactly what you are looking for, Understand that your wife has to be able to get In & Out of the vehicle. So that somewhat limits what you could purchase. When I purchased my last vehicle, I went to my local Chrysler dealer. (did it online first), found something I liked, (it was also Chrysler Certified,) with all of the records for maintenance, & other items, and mileage. Ended up purchasing an 08 Chrysler Town & Country Touring, All doors in the rear are power, and so is the rear hatch. All of the seats are StownGo, and they are folded down. I also like that it has triple zone Air conditioning & Heating. Driver, & Passenger can control their own temperature, along with the rear passengers if the controls are set to do so. I need something larger as I had 4 Greyhounds when I purchased this vehicle, Now, only 3. Still, I need a larger vehicle when I take them for rides or trips to the Vet. It rides comfortable, AC & Heat are Great, and love the Sirius XM in it also. Am really not worrying about Gas Prices as I do not drive that much, but hey, in all honesty I am not driving a MiniVan for the mileage it gets. Maybe this will giveyou some ideas, but there is the Car Fax things you can also check if you get an idea of what you are looking for. Hope this helps you. Good Luck
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Post by glh on Nov 13, 2016 23:30:17 GMT -5
One word of advice: If you're going to trade a vehicle in, make sure you bring a spare set of keys so you can walk out and leave at any time. One of a local dealer's favorite tactics is to take you hostage and wear you down to the point of buying a vehicle just to get the f$#$ away from them.
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Post by Dabeagle on Nov 18, 2016 7:25:14 GMT -5
One word of advice: If you're going to trade a vehicle in, make sure you bring a spare set of keys so you can walk out and leave at any time. One of a local dealer's favorite tactics is to take you hostage and wear you down to the point of buying a vehicle just to get the f$#$ away from them. Reminds me of a time when my mother went to look at cars. They took her keys to 'examine' the car for trade value, but were actually cleaning it out for their lot. She had to fight them to get them back. Another time a dealer asked fro a 100 deposit to hold a car. Mom gave them the check, but was assured it would not be cashed and she could get it back the next day if she changed her mind. You can guess...they didn't hold it, mom was pissed and they told her to just stop payment on it. Of course that costs money.
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