What advice can you give for someone looking to buy a newer car?

Question

I recently graduated from college and got a job. I want to get a nicer car. I don't want to buy a brand new car. I want a "pre-owned" car that is relatively new, a least much newer than the '88 model car that I am currently driving. Any advice for me?

I like the late 90s Nissan Maxima.

Answer 1

Drive whatever you find first. Understand fully that certified means a number of months of extra service "IF" the original warranty is STILL valid.

Buy Japanese second-hand unless it's a "Fast'n'Furious type.

Answer 2

Have as much money as possible for a down payment. Secondly, know what options you want. Thirdly buy only at the end of the month and even better the last day of the month. At this point many dealers are trying to close their books with a positive mark; and are more willing to drop the price or give other incentives. Oh yea; if you have a particular car model in mind, shop around. Dealer prices varies from lot to lot.

Answer 3

The addage of buying a 2 year old car, let someone else take out the depreciation is bullcrap when shopping at a dealership. Their profit margin, fees, and taxes takes all of that out.

What you need to do is buy a brand spanking new car that resales very well. Scion has a new grad program and they have great resale value.

If you insist on buying a used car, buy it from an individual, you will get a much better vehicle for the same money.

Answer 4

Late 90"s Nissan,,, If you are going to finance one look for a newer on. That age car you pay more interest and shorter terms. You will have a better payment on newer one. With interest rates of 0% and collage grad programs a new one may be the way to go......

Answer 5

PRE - PURCHASE INSPECTION!! I work in automotive and I can't begin to tell you the things I have seen which could have been avoided had the vehicle been checked prior to purchase. Take it to your regular mechanic or a well known name. It may cost a few bucks, but it will be worth it in the long run! PS - Buy American if possible, but Toyota is the #1 rated car on the road this year. They beat everyone in overall quality, reliability, and price. And always remember that you get what you pay for!

Answer 6

There are a lot of good cars out there.....you did not indicate what kind of car you were looking for...sedan, coupe, SUV? Automatic, manual. If fuel economy important to you? You may want to check out the April issue of Consumer Reports...their annual roundup of cars shows repair histories going back several years for each model....you can get more details about what to look for and what to avoid. In general you will not go wrong with Honda or Toyota...but again, you did not give any details about what type of car you would like

Answer 7

Have a mechanic check it out first and also call your insurance company to find out how much full coverage is going to cost you. Many people don't take this into consideration when buying a new vehicle and cant afford to pay for the payments plus insurance. Honda's and most other import cars are expensive to insure. Domestic vehicles are cheaper to insure and the prices vary from company to company etc...
Hope I have been helpful.

Answer 8

TRY THIS,THAT BUY THIS TYPE OF CAR THAT THERE HAS NO SERIOUS AND DIFFICULT PROBLEM.NOW A DAYS MOST OF THE PEOPLE BUY CAR , SOME DAY DRIVE AND THEN SELL THIS .SO TRY TO BUY THIS TYPE OF CAR
AND IN FUTURE IF U PER CHASE A NEW CAR SO THIS IS VERY GOOD.
BEST OF LUCK!

Answer 9

Check out this site. It's what I used to get a great deal on my last car.

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/used.htm

Answer 10

Shop around.....take it for a test drive, let your mechanic check it out..get something that you can afford