First time car buyer

[Amastacia]

I didn't see anyone mention it

but NEVER LEASE a car.

I disagree in one instance, and one instance only.

BMWs.

Lease, give 'em back before you hit 50,000 miles and have to pay for maintenance.

With the newer ones, it can sadly be cheaper to pay the premium for leasing rather than have to pay to keep them running once the initial period of free maintenance ends.

[jmc]

I disagree in one instance, and one instance only.

BMWs.

Lease, give 'em back before you hit 50,000 miles and have to pay for maintenance.

With the newer ones, it can sadly be cheaper to pay the premium for leasing rather than have to pay to keep them running once the initial period of free maintenance ends.

Ok, I agree with that.


Unless you want a M3, if so buy that sucker.

[Warudo Ecksu]

It's pretty hard to get a loan for a car right now. With a 700 rating and 0 negative accounts on my history, most places wanted me to put 50% down with 13% interest or have a co-signer. Places will give you the run around. They'll tell you, "Oh yeah we'll definitely get you a car." But once it's actually time to find you a loan they'll say, "So.... we want a cosigner or more down." even after you've already filled out the contract. (Happened to me)

Make sure you 100% have an approved loan before signing any contracts, going to the bank to get your down payment, going to get your insurance, etc.

Also getting a loan depends greatly upon if the sales manager wants to put any effort into helping you. I got a Honda last month by having a manager call in a favor, and I'm pretty satisfied with my new car and warranty. Would post more info but have to go to work

[ZhiGaruda]

Didn't read the thread, couple of tips, have either personally or through family ties purchased 8 or so vehicles since 2000, 6 being brand new:

Being hard. Don't act all giddy about the car. If you like it, that's fine. Don't look like you just fell in love, don't point out how nice it is, etc.

Point out flaws, if there are any. Inspect the paint for scuff marks/scratches that can be made possible from shipping, people walking around it, etc. The dealer will try to tell you it's not actually a scratch, just some dust, advise him you will be back tomorrow to look it over and it should be cleaned by then.

When you are ready to make an offer, write it down, and give it to saleman with your contact information. If he refuses, promptly walk out of the dealership, and let him know, if he changes his mind, to give you a call.

The last strategy is the most important of all. DO NOT BE AFRAID TO WALK OUT. The auto industry is on the rise again, but it is no where near a cakewalk to make a sale on a brand new car in this market. Let them come to you.

[LiquidFriend]

Here are a few tips.

1. Do not try and negotiate your monthly payments, focus on the actual price. They will have no problem getting closer to what you want to pay per month, as they will just turn around and jack up the length.

2. Make sure to get gap insurance if you can afford it. Paying for a car that you wrecked because your payout was less than what you still owed would blow.

Also pick up a subscription to Consumer Reports. I know some people rage over it, but I've found it's pretty accurate into what you're looking into with quality.

[antihero]

buy used

[MisterBob]

It's pretty hard to get a loan for a car right now. With a 700 rating and 0 negative accounts on my history, most places wanted me to put 50% down with 13% interest or have a co-signer. Places will give you the run around. They'll tell you, "Oh yeah we'll definitely get you a car." But once it's actually time to find you a loan they'll say, "So.... we want a cosigner or more down." even after you've already filled out the contract. (Happened to me)

Make sure you 100% have an approved loan before signing any contracts, going to the bank to get your down payment, going to get your insurance, etc.

Also getting a loan depends greatly upon if the sales manager wants to put any effort into helping you. I got a Honda last month by having a manager call in a favor, and I'm pretty satisfied with my new car and warranty. Would post more info but have to go to work

There are more factors than just your credit rating involved in getting a loan. Having a steady salaried job is big, and having below a certain % of income lost to debt is big as well. I was able to get a loan easily (multiple banks, got to compare rates and whatnot), and many friends have as well.

[Sylvrdragon]

The dealer will try to tell you it's not actually a scratch, just some dust, advise him you will be back tomorrow to look it over and it should be cleaned by then.

Most of the time, it really isn't a scratch. When the cars come in, they have white plastic over all of the large areas to protect them. The plastic is held on by glue. When the cars are on the truck and the wind is blowing around them, the plastic can peal up slightly and dust from the road will stick along where the glue was applied and make a dark line. These can look a LOT like scratches, but it actually rubs off with any cleaning solvent that can get through the glue (the dealership will have some on hand).

If you're not sure if it IS a real scratch (it did happen occasionally), ask them to wash the car right there. They won't hesitate. They have people there specifically for that.

What you DO wanna look out for though is: If a sizable section of said plastic comes loose while the car is shipping, it's gonna flap around in the wind and beat up against the paint constantly throughout the trip to the dealership. The problem is, if this piece of plastic still has glue on the bottom of it, it can collect dust and small pebbles from the road. It won't leave a single scratch, but rather a whole area that looks a bit faded, or maybe it will be several very short and very shallow scratches. Look for this on the front of the hood and the front of the roof. It's uncommon, but it does happen, and they won't mention it unless you do.