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rocktivity

(44,555 posts)
1. Best used car advice I ever got was to buy it from a new car dealer.
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 07:41 PM
Aug 2017

Last edited Thu Aug 10, 2017, 08:23 PM - Edit history (1)

They get the "pick of the litter" as opposed to the used car dealerships, and can give you extra help with financing and maintenance.


rocktivit

Miles Archer

(18,837 posts)
2. In 2003, I bought a new Pilot instead of an Accord
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 07:43 PM
Aug 2017

I had two Accords before that.

Apparently, in the late 90s / early 2000s, Honda did a survey on the Accord, and the negative feedback was that it was "boxy" and not "sexy enough." So they decided to make it more "Beemer / European," so they sloped the roof. And when I sat in the 2003 model at the dealer, my head was touching the roof. I'm claustrophobic, I can't be boxed in. I ended up getting the Pilot for that reason.

I haven't looked at Accords since then...I'm not sure if you're looking at new or used, but my advice, as a previous owner, is that if you are OK with compacts and don't have the same issues I do, go for it. If you need headroom and such, look elsewhere.

Squinch

(50,774 posts)
4. I'd go one year used with low mileage. You'll save a lot of money
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 07:52 PM
Aug 2017

and it won't really make much difference in how long you have the car. Use what you save to upgrade the features you like.

My Civic is 12 and probably has another 12 years in it. Though I need to get some body work done so it will stop raining inside the car. (A tree fell on the roof about 5 years ago and I recently found out the hard way that the junction between the windshield and the roof has rusted through!)

forgotmylogin

(7,496 posts)
6. New but "slightly used" is good.
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 08:15 PM
Aug 2017

My first "new" car of my life is my 2013 Chevy Sonic which was returned to the dealership by the original buyer with 7000 miles on it (they didn't like it apparently) and I bought it in 2014.

It was loaded with remote start, power everything, touch screen satellite radio with Bluetooth phone connection/hands-free cell connection-calling/answering built in, OnStar (I don't subscribe to the Sat radio or OnStar, but it's nice to have them.) Gas tank is only 10/gal so fill-ups are economical. It is amazing in every way to me.

I paid more than I had budgeted because it was loaded, but it was probably about 8-10k less than the actual price due to being not "new". I was given an extended warranty and free oil changes for 2 years, I was able to fix a couple minor problems like the hazard light button being stuck, and a minor design issue with some kind of air intake that kept turning on the check engine light, which turns out to be a recall issue with the model that they will fix for free if it happens again in the future.

I walked into a famous local dealership with dodgy credit and said "I don't have a trade in or a down payment. I want to pay about $250 per month. Can you sell me a car?" and they worked it out. (I'm paying more per month, but that was built into my low ball request as wiggle room.)

5X

(3,971 posts)
7. Take a look at the Honda Fit
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 08:28 PM
Aug 2017

we bought one new 7 years ago, no problems at all and great gas mileage.

csziggy

(34,120 posts)
8. Check online for recent used models
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 08:30 PM
Aug 2017

I've found good deals on Cars.com - in 2005 a 1999 GMC Suburban 2500 and in 2013 a 2006 Toyota Prius, both from used car lots out of town.

Our most recent purchase, a 2014 Prius V, was from Carvana.com. Carvana only sells online and if you are in their delivery area they will bring the car to you for free and let you test drive it. If you like it you keep it with a seven day return period. We paid cash - using their loan system is not recommended.

All three times I have looked online I found the exact vehicle I was looking for, with the exact features, for good prices - without the hassle of traveling from car lot to car lot or dealing with car sales people. A friend of ours is a Honda salesman. He had looked for the last two cars for us but could not find anything through his contacts. On this most recent Prius, he had looked for over two months!

 

Purveyor

(29,876 posts)
9. Run the numbers. This time of year you could very well get a new car (2017) for nearly
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 08:53 PM
Aug 2017

the same price as a slightly used car. Dealership's are trying to liquidate their '17 inventory.

Personally, if the price difference is under $1000, I'd go with new every time.

Excellent time of year to buy BTW and great deals.to be had on cars because they just aren't selling that well as many want a SUV.

Check out these folks. http://www.carprousa.com I listen to these guys every Saturday and they are good.

If their is a carpro endorsed dealer in your area, printout the VIP certificate and have fun be it new or used. Also see if their show is available on the radio in your area, you'll learn a lot.

Good luck with whatever you decide and enjoy your new ride.

underpants

(182,283 posts)
10. Be assured that everything Honda makes is good and the Accord is just about the perfect car
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 08:58 PM
Aug 2017

Notice how any cars advertise themselves in relation to an Accord.

I have a Honda Hybrid and I have no complaints other than it not having cruise control - it was a fleet car.

Some very good advise here especially about buying this time of year.

Hassin Bin Sober

(26,273 posts)
14. That's true.
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 10:32 PM
Aug 2017

We used to buy from Enterprise when I was in the business. We even picked them out for friends and family.

We did snicker a little .

Customer: is this a one owner car?

Salesman: yes (under his breath. Lots of drivers but one owner)

But yes. Well maintained.

no_hypocrisy

(45,782 posts)
13. I've bought two pre-owned Honda Accords.
Thu Aug 10, 2017, 10:05 PM
Aug 2017

One was 1987 and the one I have now is 1993, both with a stick. I got the first one with 85,000 miles and ran it up to 300,000 +.

I'm doing all right with the 1993 Accord. Bought with 110,000 miles and now at 225,000 after 8 years.

I've gone to qualified used car dealers and had my mechanic look at both.

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