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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/3/2010 1:45:51 PM
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Abbreviated
Posts: 2323
Joined: 4/12/2005
From: Kansas
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There are only about 2 dealerships I enjoy dealing with when buying cars.
One is the local Dodge dealership. The other is a Honda dealership in Oklahoma.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/3/2010 4:00:44 PM
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reebz
Posts: 1880
Joined: 12/6/2008
From: Indiana
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I may have found it! 2001 ford focus wagon 140k needs a new fan blower which the guy said he'd put on. $2600...it's like my dream car in my dream color. The only problem? My car is at the shop as the repair needed was the hydraulic system and so about $400 it'll be fixed Monday (I had them fix it because I thought if it's not all that much pouring some money in to tide me over until I can find a really great car since Ramsey suggests that). So my car will work and would probably go to a sibling...and toe to toe these cars are near same specs my car is an 01 with 140ishk...difference is I like th wagon a tooooooon more and it's an automatic. So bf thinks it may be best to just hang on since my car is driveable and wait for something Better since I'll be losing my value if my car is just given away to a sibling. I don't know. Your thoughts?
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/3/2010 5:39:54 PM
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ta_mosquito
Posts: 11859
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: from MN, now in Ontario :D
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I think you should sell the car to your sibling instead of giving it away.
I'm not sure why you're not taking a step up in quality - the Ford Focus could (and probably will) have problems soon - it's an older car, 10 years old already. At that rate, you might as well stick with what you have (and know what's wrong with) than gamble on another older car.
What is your objective on getting another car? Reliability? How do you know this one is any more reliable, since it's the same age/mileage as your current car, and it needs fixing before you buy it? Doesn't sound very reliable to me, but a pretty big gamble. Especially if you're going to give away your current car, you'd be taking a $2600 hit for NO greater reliability.
You're fixing your car to tide you over until you find a really great car? This car doesn't sound like a really great car to me, and you're throwing away your $400 in that case.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/4/2010 12:30:53 AM
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iluvatar
Posts: 3545
Joined: 4/12/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: ta_mosquito
I think you should sell the car to your sibling instead of giving it away.
I'm not sure why you're not taking a step up in quality - the Ford Focus could (and probably will) have problems soon - it's an older car, 10 years old already. At that rate, you might as well stick with what you have (and know what's wrong with) than gamble on another older car.
What is your objective on getting another car? Reliability? How do you know this one is any more reliable, since it's the same age/mileage as your current car, and it needs fixing before you buy it? Doesn't sound very reliable to me, but a pretty big gamble. Especially if you're going to give away your current car, you'd be taking a $2600 hit for NO greater reliability.
You're fixing your car to tide you over until you find a really great car? This car doesn't sound like a really great car to me, and you're throwing away your $400 in that case.
I agree. You could put a lot of work into your current car for $2600. That's almost a whole new drivetrain, or practically all of the emissions systems w/ room to spare.
-Dan.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/4/2010 2:59:44 PM
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reebz
Posts: 1880
Joined: 12/6/2008
From: Indiana
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quote:
I think you should sell the car to your sibling instead of giving it away.
Car is titled in my mom's name - we each paid a portion for the car and repairs along the way. Me paying completely as the repairs have continued. So technically I can't really sell it. Besides, younger brother 1 refuses to drive a stick. And both younger brothers have no job.
quote:
I'm not sure why you're not taking a step up in quality - the Ford Focus could (and probably will) have problems soon - it's an older car, 10 years old already. At that rate, you might as well stick with what you have (and know what's wrong with) than gamble on another older car.
This is something I am really considering and a very valid point.
quote:
What is your objective on getting another car? Reliability? How do you know this one is any more reliable, since it's the same age/mileage as your current car, and it needs fixing before you buy it? Doesn't sound very reliable to me, but a pretty big gamble. Especially if you're going to give away your current car, you'd be taking a $2600 hit for NO greater reliability.
My objective on getting another car originally was one that would be better than my car. Now that the cost of a repair is only $400 and my car isn't completely dead yet, it's harder. The focus is an automatic, I'm driving a manual right now. It has more gizmos than mine though that's not really a deciding factor.
Now, it's an intangible value that I'm after - freedom. Freedom from a car I absolutely hate and the ability to buy a car all on my own and have it titled in my name. I don't know that this new car is more reliable and it is a bit of a gamble. My reasoning beyond the intangible was that I'll be moving in a year and in my field it probably will mean I'll only be able to take a car load to wherever I go - so a wagon would come in handy.
MMP doesn't buy that. He thinks yes, that's true - but you should keep driving your car now until right before you move all the while saving more money. He's right...but I want this car and I want it now! Just like an impulsive little kid right? 
I'm looking up the car's vin number on carfax and the guy mentioned it had a rebuilt title as it was a stolen recovered (this makes me ESPECIALLY nervous). I'm going to test drive it Tuesday and go from there.
More and more, I realize part of being a good steward of my little nest egg may mean driving a car I absolutely loathe until it really does conk out instead of losing so much value by giving my car away and buying another, especially after pouring another $400 into my current car.
It's just so hard because the car I'm looking for is difficult to find and this one seems to be everything I want. We went to a ton of different dealers and none have wagons - we even talked to a salesman and he said when I get a car like you're looking for, they're gone within a week because everyone wants them.
It's just hard because I WANT THIS though the truth may very well be that I don't NEED this so much now that my current car keeps returning from the dead much to my chagrin.
-reba.
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formerly rebakahblam
<<<<<Look! I found a lego baby!
beyond surrendered
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/4/2010 3:42:51 PM
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iluvatar
Posts: 3545
Joined: 4/12/2005
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quote:
ORIGINAL: rebakahblam
I'm looking up the car's vin number on carfax and the guy mentioned it had a rebuilt title as it was a stolen recovered (this makes me ESPECIALLY nervous). I'm going to test drive it Tuesday and go from there.
That oughta be the nail in the coffin.
quote:
It's just so hard because the car I'm looking for is difficult to find and this one seems to be everything I want. We went to a ton of different dealers and none have wagons - we even talked to a salesman and he said when I get a car like you're looking for, they're gone within a week because everyone wants them.
Is this the same salesman that took your keys, made you cry, and forgot to tell you that this thing had a rebuilt title until after you ran a carfax report? There's a reason car salesmen have reputations rivaling those of lawyers and snakes.
-Dan.
_____________________________
Well, I've been to one world fair, a picnic, and a rodeo, and that's the stupidest thing I ever heard come over a set of earphones.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/4/2010 4:13:54 PM
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myka
Posts: 619
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*this is why my husband takes me car shopping with him...
$400 in repairs is significantly less expensive than $2600 (plus whatever fees and taxes are added on top) -- and as Dan said, there are a lot of repairs that can be done for $2600. You also have a car that you kind of know its issues; with a new (used) car, you don't know what problems it might have. If the car runs and is fixable, it serves its purpose as a transportation vehicle.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/4/2010 4:53:47 PM
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ta_mosquito
Posts: 11859
Joined: 3/31/2005
From: from MN, now in Ontario :D
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quote:
we even talked to a salesman and he said when I get a car like you're looking for, they're gone within a week because everyone wants them.
And my wise father says that cars are like cookies - If you hesitate on one and lose it, don't fear, because there's another one of the same stamp out there. They're made on a cookie-cutter assembly line.
The salesman has a slant because he wants to sell you a car.
This one is such a good deal because it's a salvage and stolen recovery. "Salvage" means the insurance company totaled it, that it wasn't worth fixing for the value of the car. Someone bought it off the salvage yard or from the insurance company and fixed it up. It COULD be okay, or it could be a piece of trash just waiting to fall apart on you when you bring it home.
My pickup truck, which I loved, was a salvage - my dad fixed it up. So we KNEW what was wrong with it. But I wouldn't buy a salvage off a lot without knowing for sure what was wrong, what was fixed, etc.
Don't let your emotions get in the way of your good judgment. You may hate the car you have now, but with all the warning flags waving about this other car, you may hate it worse and be out $2600.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/4/2010 10:29:20 PM
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reebz
Posts: 1880
Joined: 12/6/2008
From: Indiana
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quote:
Is this the same salesman that took your keys, made you cry, and forgot to tell you that this thing had a rebuilt title until after you ran a carfax report? There's a reason car salesmen have reputations rivaling those of lawyers and snakes.
I did NOT cry. I was upset, yes, but I did not cry. And no this is not the same salesman. This is a one man shop in a little town in Indiana. He's a collision repairman who has a few cars for sale - not a dealership. He didn't forget to tell me, I just forgot to mention it in my excitement. As MMP's friend said, "You've got the fever"...and that I do or did.
I was so upset the guy was out of town for the holiday because I wanted to buy it RIGHT then and probably would have. But after thinking it over now, it is probably not the wisest choice.
I was planning on buying myself a nicer car for a graduation present and felt pressured to buy as I thought my car was going to go caput AGAIN so I was hesitant to buy. Then I started getting excited about a new car. And just like an abusive relationship that you think you're getting out of and can finally have freedom - the Lazarus car rises again only to suck you back in until the next time it almost goes caput. It's a rollercoaster I have HATED the entire time I've owned this car. Every 3-6 months it's oh here's another $500 repair. But thinking about that makes me really NOT want to possibly take that on with an unknown car.
quote:
And my wise father says that cars are like cookies - If you hesitate on one and lose it, don't fear, because there's another one of the same stamp out there. They're made on a cookie-cutter assembly line.
I'll have to keep that in mind. It's just hard because I've always wanted a focus and it's in my favorite color. One thing I've found car shopping is cars only seem to come in white, black, silver, and that awful gold/tan. I HATE those colors...this is bright green and suits me. I want a car that suits my needs but also my personality. Guess I'll have to keep looking.
I probably won't end up going to test drive this car and just write it off.
-reba.
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formerly rebakahblam
<<<<<Look! I found a lego baby!
beyond surrendered
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/5/2010 3:22:30 AM
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Aelric
Posts: 200
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From: My corner of reality. AKA My Room
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Reba, Advice I have had to take to heart lately is this. If the engine died today, what would it cost to replace.
Some cars are sold cheaper, and have large markups on their parts for later years. Kia comes to mind. The 3 times I have had to deal with a family member's Kia breaking, the parts were quite a bit more than in some of the other cars. Take a bit of a look at any car you consider, online, and check what the regular maintenance costs may be. What do the belts run, the headlights? The things you will replace in 3-4 years on a somewhat regular basis.
I have used nissan. I still drive my nissan pathfinder '97 LE. I have almost 250k on this car now, and my only major problem was a repair shop(I should have known better, they have been bad to other friends as well) who broke the plastic intake for my radiator, then just glued the broken shard back, so it would pass for 5-6 months, past their warranty. It cost me 160(Plus 40 in fuel) To replace it. I trust them, and they make a reliable car, that I trust.
Also with a wagon, remember that the more you put into the back, for the most part, the less your miles per gallon will be. When you get your new one, taking out what you don't need to carry with you will add miles.
As for the nail in the coffin, I would not take a chance on a previously stolen car. Perhaps there is nothing wrong, but for me, that just has too many factors that could be wrong. If the thief has half a brain, he will sand off most of the identification, and then resell the car with a better vin number than what was there, taken from another stolen car. It is not common, but it does happen. I would err on caution and buy something with a better record.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/5/2010 9:05:59 PM
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FreeEagle
Posts: 82
Joined: 7/2/2008
From: Minnesota
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quote:
Car is titled in my mom's name - we each paid a portion for the car and repairs along the way. Me paying completely as the repairs have continued. So technically I can't really sell it. Besides, younger brother 1 refuses to drive a stick. And both younger brothers have no job. ----My objective on getting another car originally was one that would be better than my car. Now that the cost of a repair is only $400 and my car isn't completely dead yet, it's harder. It don't matter how old / new a car is, they all need regular maintenance, and sometimes come up with a major repair.. However IMO, FORDS, especially used ones tend to be Found On Road Dead. I feel you should continue to look, and now that you have more time, consider the auction option. Just curious - Why were you so willing to GIVE the old car to sibling when it was falling apart, but now that it's running somewhat decent, you're confused? I thought GIVING should come from the heart.
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I will counsel you and watch over you. Do not be like the horse and the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you.
Psalms 32 8-
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/7/2010 3:35:31 PM
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Kath
Posts: 17701
Joined: 2/28/2005
Status: online
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We don't have inspections, either.
Hope they quit calling you soon!
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/7/2010 3:50:57 PM
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reebz
Posts: 1880
Joined: 12/6/2008
From: Indiana
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They sent me a card in the mail. So that's an email 6 calls and 1 card in the last 7 days. Ahhhh!
-Reba.
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formerly rebakahblam
<<<<<Look! I found a lego baby!
beyond surrendered
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/8/2010 2:03:49 AM
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reebz
Posts: 1880
Joined: 12/6/2008
From: Indiana
Status: offline
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quote:
Just an idea: call and speak with the manager and tell them to absolutely stop harassing you, and tell them you won't be buying a car from them. Ever.
You'll never guess what I got in the mail today. ANOTHER card...thanking me for taking the time to tell them I was no longer looking for a car...but asking for any referrals of friends.
There is a difference between persistence and pressure and this has really got me miffed.
This specific dealership has advertising at the TV station I'm at, so I'm worried in making them mad or complaining as I'd prefer not to be blackballed at the start of my career. I'm hoping this is the last bit of contact they try to have...and to just ignore it as I don't quite know how to handle this. Thoughts?
-reba.
_____________________________
formerly rebakahblam
<<<<<Look! I found a lego baby!
beyond surrendered
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/8/2010 9:23:28 AM
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peace77
Posts: 519
Joined: 4/18/2005
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Reba,
Just ignore them.
They will soon forget about you and move on to someone else.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/8/2010 1:47:34 PM
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crankius
Posts: 3341
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At this point I would probably ignore them. The card is a good sign...they are apparently accepting that you are no longer looking for a car.
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RE: First Time Buying a Car - 7/29/2010 3:00:16 PM
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reebz
Posts: 1880
Joined: 12/6/2008
From: Indiana
Status: offline
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They called me again yesterday because they got another caliber in stock.
I told him I wasn't interested in a car because the mechanic said mine should last another 90kish miles.
I also said, "I've decided not to do business with you. The car should last me at least another 5 years and I probably won't even be in the state."
So hopefully that gave him the hint.
I probably WILL still be in this state, but you never know - either way I've firmly told him no.
If they call/card again I will file a complaint with corporate and send them a certified letter to cease all contact.
-reba.
_____________________________
formerly rebakahblam
<<<<<Look! I found a lego baby!
beyond surrendered
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