I need moral support! Going to look for a new, used car...

[CTyankee]

I'm giving up on my 1999 Nissan Altima. It now has an electrical problem. My mechanic told me last time that one more repair then get another car. I trust him.

At this point, I don't care what they offer me for it. Been thru all that research once before but gave the Altima another chance because that process was so exhausting and emotionally wearing.

Right now, just looking. We have a Toyota and a Subaru dealer nearby. The mechanic told me not to get anything older than a 2008. I'll pay cash. I'm just done.

I may need xanax, tho, to get me through the process ...

[Generic Brad]

1. I've been very happy with the Toyota dealer near my home

They were low pressure. Respectful. They bent over backwards to meet my needs and my trade in came in higher than the blue book. The last two vehicles I have purchased have been extremely pleasant experiences. I have been to other dealers and felt used, abused, and degraded. Hope your experience is a positive one.

[CTyankee]

2. what model do you have?

I am looking for a smallish ladylike sedan...

[Generic Brad]

5. I used to drive a Scion Xb

But after 11 years I traded it in for a Prius V

[TexasBushwhacker]

29. I love my xB, except when I have to accelerate

It's a bit underpowered. It's a 2006 with only 74K miles. I plan on driving it for many more years.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. We've been buying Toyotas since 1980, and we have never been happier.

I wanted a Toyota Hybrid, so I got a Camry Hybrid as soon as they were available. That may be more money than you want to spend, though. It was around 30K.

It has run extremely well! Mileage is good; I usually fill up once a month or so, although that depends on how much driving I'm doing.

I always take it to the dealer for servicing; they've been good.

Good luck!

[CTyankee]

24. I don't do a great deal of driving but since you are in CA I can understand your concerns.

I fill up so infrequently it's laughable. Even there, I get a deal...I get my gas at the supermarket and they give me points on the price at the pump with my store card membership (cash only and self serve). Same deal at my nail place...I pay cash and get points that I can apply to future services...nice to get a free manicure or pedicure every now and again!

[NV Whino]

4. Check out the Honda FIT

Small but carries a ton of stuff. Civics are a good buy, too. Generally speaking Hondas get better mileage than Toyotas of the same level. The Civic gets better mileage than the FIT. Although, I got 33.1 on my recent trip down the coast. Generally I get 32 locally, and that's up and down a significant hill almost every day.

The new FITs are quite affordable. Used are slightly less.

[Tobin S.]

7. Another vote for Honda.

I have a 2010 Civic that has been very good to me.

[CTyankee]

23. My son has one and he loves it. Not sure how he manages with it as he lives in NYC

on the lower east side. I'm fairly certain he takes the subway to Brooklyn where he is a prosecutor with the DA's office...

[CTyankee]

9. My neighbor has a FIT. He's a highly educated guy and real smart.

He likes his FIT. He put me onto Edmunds.com which is where you can find anything you want to research.

I know I don't want a stripped down looking car, like the Yaris which I just saw...

[NV Whino]

13. I have the "basic" model

But it comes with everything. Cruise control, ABS, anti swerve thingy, anti theft, USB connection, another auxiliary connection, an 10, count 'em, 10 cup holders.

Mine is a 2012. Some of the earlier model don't have all of those things. I wouldn't go any older than 2010 if you want to go used.

[CTyankee]

15. I have simple needs. Just automatic transmission and air conditioning, radio...

no cruise control. I have an anti-theft device which they no longer use. I'm not all that interested in cup holders.

How does the anti-swerve thing work?

[NV Whino]

17. It's mostly for slick roads and keeps you from skidding out, auto correcting a swerve

Cruise control helps with gas mileage if you drive long distances. It's pretty useless for city driving. I laughed at the cup holders, but they come in handy for keys and stuff.

What I really like about the FIT is the versatility of the seat configuration. Mostly I have the back seats flat, but up, you can seat three people in back and still have storage behind them, or you can have one up and one down, or flip the seats to have through floor space behind the front seats.

Great car. This is my second. I, um, totaled my first. It's a credit to Honda's construction that I got off with only a seatbelt injury.

[CTyankee]

18. Right now my big consideration is my husband who has had a couple of back surgeries.

He gets around but he needs a car he can get into/out of. He uses my car a lot (we only have a one car garage and I drive more than he does so his car is in the garage.).

I drive up to MA to see the grandkids but not as often as I used to (teenagers you know...).

We have a little more versality with his car than mine in terms of the seats up or down and that works well. My sedan is useful for what I need...

Geez, that's scary about your accident. No wonder you are so happy with your Honda...sounds like it might have saved your life...

[NV Whino]

19. I've had hefty, six foot guys in the car

They're amazed at the headroom. Go take a test drive and see what you think.

[CTyankee]

25. Fortunately, I saw the exact car they are selling on their website...even inside shots

so I can get a pretty good idea from that.

[Sheepshank]

26. My dh also has serious back issues

We have found that the height on SUV or van body styles are better for him. Getting in and out of a sedan difficult and taxing. We have had a 4 runner, I have a Sienna, Gawd what's the smaller Nissan suv?

[CTyankee]

28. Don't know. The Versa is a smaller sedan. I'm not interested in an SUV...

[Paulie]

6. I recently went for a certified used

My 2005 Prius (bought new in 2004) with 200k miles was done. Neede $4k of mechanical repairs and was starting to rust out. Found an off lease 2013 Avalon hybrid with 30k miles for less than a new Prius. Much bigger car but about the same mileage. Very happy.

[DFW]

8. Best of luck!

The only dealers near me sell only domestic models (keep in mind, I live in Germany).

It took me a while to find a model I liked. When my old one was 10 years old (with all of 60,000 km on it and in great shape), my daughter asked me if she could have it (this was 2 years ago). She has already taken it down to Austria for ski vacations a couple of times, and probably has put more KM on it in 2 years than I did in ten. I liked mine so much for its perfect size, I ordered a new one. The goddam dealer neglected to let me know that the new models were about 20% larger than the old ones, so when I saw it, I was not pleased. European streets (and parking spaces!) being what they are, the last thing I wanted was a bigger car than my last one, but it was too late. As I keep my cars for ten years at least, this might well be my last one. Definitely next-to-last if not. Maybe some enterprising Albanian car theft ring will do me a favor and steal my car soon, so I can replace it with one more to my liking.

[elleng]

10. I have a '92 Toyota, yank,

and xanax to boot!!! (Dad's old corolla wagon, and NO problems. Xanax for occasional family-related stuff!)

Good 'luck!'

[CTyankee]

11. Actually, my doctor says I have "caregiver stress" which he sees a lot of in women

my age who have husbands with physical disabilities. So he gave me a scrip for xanax. It helps me sleep on the nights I have difficulty. The stress makes me dizzy, but I'm getting better. However, the car shopping venture today made me dizzy again. Well, at least I know what it is...

I'm now thinking of the Nissan Versa, which is smaller than the Altima and cheaper. I have a dealer close by and can easily check them out, once I ask my mechanic about it.

I sure hate giving up my Altima. My mother gave me the money to pay if off very shortly after I had bought it and not having car payments made a HUGE difference in my finances. I vowed never to pay another dime in interest (except for the house mortgage and that has tax benefits).

What do you think you'll do when the Corolla gives out?

[elleng]

12. I'll be DEAD then, yank!

HOPE it doesn't happen. Friend whom I helped with repairs to his Prius a few years ago has 'willed' it to me so tho I don't like it (rear window slant a real bummer, imo,) I think I'm set (assuming friend passes before my Corolla does!!!) Sure don't want a car payment!

Xanax helps me sleep those times too much running through my mind, like maybe this coming Thursday before I travel (amtrak) to NJ to visit Amy (+ little Eddie,) and then early Oct. when I go to meet Amy giving birth again in NJ; driving then!

[CTyankee]

14. I'm doing meditation in the morning for about 15 minutes. I figure it can't hurt.

My son in law does it and he's a lot calmer. I just concentrate on my breathing and if a thought arises I just gently go back to concentrating on the breathing again. I am getting better at doing it. Then I get up very slowly and go about my day. My doctor said he has other patients who like doing it so he doesn't have any problems with it. I just don't want to take another damn pill.

I wish you luck with your Corolla. May it never die. But don't be too freaked if it does...for me, the car repairs started becoming more expensive than what I can get for the car. I've been lucky...all those years I didn't pay a dime of interest on car payments were lovely. My mechanic said the 99 Altimas were very good cars but to stay away from the newer ones.

Oh well, I'll find out more on Monday...

[elleng]

21. My brother, sister in law and their whole family have meditated for years;

never got to me. When necessary I take 1/2 xanax tablet, and as prescribed dose is 3 tablets a day (not sure how many mgs,) it probably won't kill me!

Knock on wood haven't had car repairs I can recall, but I agree, if/when repairs start piling up, then it's time to get out.

[CTyankee]

22. I think, at a certain age, we have to be forgiving of ourselves for anxiety that comes with

aging. The xanax I have is low dose to begin with and I only take one half as needed. Doc doesn't really want to prescribe it but my blood pressure was hiking a lot. He may not prescribe it again and if I'm OK, well, fine...I'm seeing him at the end of this month and we'll re-evaluate. All in good time (as I've learned from meditation).

[CTyankee]

36. the one thing about meditation is that it is so relaxing that if you are doing it while

lying in bed, you may just fall asleep and you are no longer meditating. That just happened to me this morning. The good thing was that I had significant back pain during the night that kept me awake, despite taking my anti-spasm med. The meditation this morning put me back to sleep for another hour, which I obviously needed. Not complaining, tho, I felt great when I woke up!

[elleng]

37. I suspect the same happens to them,

as when they visit or I visit them their 20-minute 'program' often extends into an hour or more!

[CTyankee]

38. well, it's a good de-stresser, for sure.

I have lots to think about, esp. with this car issue. The less stress I bring on myself the better.

My friend Barbara wants to go to Sicily this fall but I called and the Oct. tours were sold out...so we may go the end of September instead if she can make it. It's been 10 years since I was there but it was so gorgeous and historically interesting I am eager to return! But wow, that's a quick turn around decision to make...however, John is OK with my being gone for that time stretch so it might work out for Barbara...me, well, have passport will travel...!

Enjoy those glorious grandkids while you can -- they grow up so fast and then don't particularly get a kick out of grandma coming...but that's natural...btw, any names picked out for the upcoming baby girl?

[elleng]

39. September would be a good month too, I think.

There's a name for the baby but it's secret. MAYBE they'll tell me when I'm there next weekend. HOPE I like it, as I tend to show my emotions; I can't act!

[CTyankee]

40. Are you good with a name of a living relative? If so, there might be an "ellen" worked

into the name...I personally think Ellen and its variations are wonderful and a little Ellie is so cute. But there's Eleanore and just Elle and some super combinations perhaps with daddy's mom's name...

When my dtr in law was pregnant, they had Otis as one they were considering since they knew it was a boy. I swallowed really hard and tried not to be negative. However, they might have gotten negative feedback elsewhere because Otis was dropped very fast and it was narrowed down to a few names -- I forget the other ones because Jack is what it is and he looks so much like a Jack it is perfect!

[elleng]

41. I don't mind it but would really like her to be named for my folks,

Roberta??? (not so much,) Cecily/Cecile??? He's already named after his dad + grandpa, with middle name after other (deceased) grandpa.

And I'm Gramma Ellie!

[CTyankee]

42. Ellie is so adorable. If I had a vote, I'd vote for it!

Cecily is so pretty, too. Of course, it might get shortened to Ceecee. But I think Cecily sounds rather elegant. I could see Cecily Ellen too!

[riderinthestorm]

16. Spent a week shopping for a used car for my youngest daughter last summer

after her 1999 Honda rusted out in perilous places (it was still going strong mechanically at 289k miles).

I was a basket case as the week dragged on. Following up Craigslist ads, dealers, slimy used car salespersons...it's an exhausting process.



It was worth it in the end. Scored a pristine 2002 VW Passat Wagon with only 100k miles for $2,000. Owned by a little old lady who had all of her original sales receipts.

The entire transaction from test drive, mechanic inspection, to handing over the cash was less than 2 hours. I almost cried at how easy it was at the end. My daughter LOVES this car...

Hang in there!

[CTyankee]

20. The great thing is my car looks really good. It's clean, has no damage and no rust.

It's never been in an accident. So it looks better than it "is" in terms of its age. My mechanic pointed that out to me and I think he's right.

I am now wondering if I can put the entire purchase on my LL Bean Visa card. At that price, I can get a load of Bean merchandise which means some basic stuff, mostly clothes but other stuff too, FREE (I get points for each $100 I charge). Then I use my cash to pay off the Visa bill w/o incurring any interest. The dealership may not let me do that, tho...

It was reassuring to me that someone else went thru the same exhausting process and came out of it feeling good. Thanks for the moral support...it helps!

[csziggy]

27. Figure out what you're looking for then use the internet to hunt

Especially this time of year it's a pain going from lot to lot to look.

The last two vehicles I bought I found on Cars.com - my 1999 GMC Suburban I had to drive downstate to get in 2004, and the 2006 Prius I got a couple of years ago was also downstate. I'm in a smaller market so the prices are usually better further south.

What's nice now is that most dealers offer CarFax reports on Cars.com so you can check on the history of the car before you ever contact the seller.

When I found the Prius, I wasn't sure what I was looking for - something economical to replace the GMC Envoy my husband had just totaled. He had to get something quick for commuting, since I wasn't going to let him put a lot of miles on my Suburban, much less burn the amount of gas it used.

I pretty much started out looking at was available within 200 miles under $10,000 - that limited the number of vehicles I was offered. When I spotted this Prius, I was intrigued but kept looking. After checking out some of the other possibilities locally we drove down to Gainesville to see the Prius and liked it. We walked out the door for $2000 over what we got from the insurance company for the dead Envoy and ended up with a newer and MUCH more efficient vehicle.

I really like Cars.com but there are other online car buying sites to check out. I can't name or recommend any but I know they are out there. I found car searching that way much easier to do than visiting lots in person - and I could do it while my husband was at work with my truck rather than trying to fit car shopping into the evenings and weekends.

[CTyankee]

30. Yep, I'm checking out what I want online and then visiting...I just went to the Toyoto

place because it was on my way back to my house...not a big deal...

but my research online is invaluable...doing lots of it and shopping accordingly...

[csziggy]

31. We did visit some car lots, mostly to sit in cars

A friend is a car salesman and he had a car that would have been perfect for me - a Honda CRV for way lower than our budget. But my husband just didn't fit in it. His knee was resting against the key. If he'd driven it and stopped suddenly it would have impaled his kneecap! I was disappointed since the little CRV was a great deal.

We went in to try out some other models at our friend's dealership (where he works, not what he owns) and they had nothing on the lot that fit our budget and needs. When we found the Prius he called around to try to find something as good. Once we broke down and drove down to try out the Prius, when we brought it back our friend looked it over and gave it his approval.

If we hadn't needed something quickly I would have waited for our friend to find something for us. Hopefully next time we will have time. Now that my husband is retired there is not so much pressure to keep two cars. But since both are paid for, it's reasonable to keep the truck for when we need to haul a lot and the Prius for most of our driving.

[SheilaT]

32. Oh, oh, oh. I love buying cars.

I will PM you with my Rules for buying a used car.

[Kali]

33. don't know where you are but my sister

had a GREAT experience with beepi. It is an internet/social media new way to buy a used car. If they serve your area I can vouch for at least one personal experience.

https://www.beepi.com/


edit: d'oh...CT

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A full walk-through by a Super Duper Beepi Inspector.

All the paperwork ready to sign upon delivery.

Outside the Beepi Prime area?

We got you covered!
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[Aerows]

34. Buying a car outright is the best thing you can do

A new car loses equity the second it leaves the curb.

My advice - secure a loan with your credit union or bank *before* you go looking (or have the means to pay with cash). You will have the capital to buy what you want and it is the same as cash in their eyes.

They want to suck you into bad backend financial "help" deals that you don't need.

Now then, that we have that out of the way - what type of vehicle are you looking for? One that sips gasoline and has large amounts of storage? Do you need to tow things with this vehicle (boat, etc.).

You are already on the right track though by paying cash, just *NEVER* tell them you are paying cash up front while negotiating the deal if you are looking in a New car sales used lot.

[CTyankee]

35. I'm also going to ask if I can put it on my LLBean Visa card. I get points for

using the card toward Bean merchandise but I am sure to always pay every balance in full and never to incur interest. So it means I get the extra of free stuff that we can always use, basic apparel that we can actually benefit from.

I'm doubtful that they would do that, tho. However, it's worth a shot. I have a big credit line (must check what that is) that might just be big enough to cover it. And given my track record with payment on time, I have excellent credit.

Not looking forward to all the switching over to new insurance, tho. It's another hassle and my rates will go up with a new car. However, I am resigned to my fate here...