[Off topic] Car selection - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: blueskull
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 02:25:52 am
content: Hi all,I'm looking to buy an used car in the US. Any suggestions? I used to drive an Accord, until I crashed it on I40 this afternoon. I crashed into a Jeep, the Jeep suffered from almost no scratch at all, any my car crashed like cheese.Budget: no more than $25k, preferably <$15k. All price figures here are overall cost, including first year tax, title transfer and other miscellaneous fees.Preferably from a no bullshit dealer, I need it as soon as possible, preferably tomorrow.Location: Raleigh, NC.Huge thanks.Bo, aka blueskull

author: Silveruser
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:05:49 am
content: Just by a Jeep. That way you have an even chance next time!

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:09:45 am
content: Quote from: wilfred on May 06, 2016, 02:31:48 amYes, there are. I can highly recommend CarMax. I bought my car from them - the price you see on the sticker, the price you pay, no upsell ever. Obviously the price on the sticker reflects actual price of the car you will end up paying anywhere else, but with CarMax you are done much faster and less annoyed.As far as car goes, I've got Toytoa Corolla and pretty happy with it, but that's a matter of personal preference.PS: No association with CarMax, just a happy customer.

author: retrolefty
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:11:34 am
content: Rent a car in the mean time while you take proper time to locate what you want. Rushing into a major purchase is a sure way to screw yourself or let others take advantage of your situation.

author: Monkeh
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:14:15 am
content: Quote from: retrolefty on May 06, 2016, 03:11:34 am+1

author: BigfootJim
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:25:20 am
content: Quote from: Silveruser on May 06, 2016, 03:05:49 am+1Quote from: retrolefty on May 06, 2016, 03:11:34 am+2Used?I bought my last 2 from CarMax, a 2006 Jeep LJ, and a 2011 Subaru Outback. Depending on the mileage, it may be worth buying their extended warranty. The Jeepwasbone stock with 35K on the clock so I opted out of the warranty on that one, and it has never had an issue I didn't cause from wheeling it. The Subaru had 100K and lost the motor within 30 days due to a failed oil pressure indicator on the dash - the warranty covered putting a new long block in there and it only cost me the $300 deductible. Sure there are cheaper dealers out there, but not having to haggle to save $500, and their 30 day policy are worth the few extra bucks in my opinion.New?I think the only car I've seen under 15K is the Versa, but that's here in CA with all of our lovely emissions laws (among others). Jeep is supposed to have a Wrangler under $25K, but you have to be careful, Jeeps are like crack - you'll soon find yourself living in it to afford those 35" tires, or to fund a trip to Moab.Good luck!-BFJ

author: bills
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:36:32 am
content: totaly off topic but I have been buying old cars IE: 1980 911sc,1990 jag xjs they don't lose value. but you better be able to fix them. old cars rule and are good investments and fun to drive.sorry I know this is not the advice you were looking for.bill

author: ataradov
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 03:38:16 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on May 06, 2016, 03:30:15 amYou can do it right now. Their site fully reflects their stock. If it is on the site, you will be able to see it in the lot.When I bought my car, I literally showed a printout to a sales person, was escorted to the lot to that specific car.

author: GreyWoolfe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 08:11:02 pm
content: I strongly 2nd CarMax. I bought a year old Chevy Cavalier from them. 2 days after driving it home, I heard a grinding noise shifting from 4th to 5th. I brought it back and they ended up sending the car to The local Chevy dealer and gave me a loaner. There was an issue with the dealer getting their hands on a special tool to fix the trans. All in all, CarMax gave me a loaner for almost 2 months before I got my car back. They certainly didn't have to do that but they did and I would recommend them unequivocally.

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 06, 2016, 11:36:04 pm
content: Quote from: blueskull on May 06, 2016, 02:25:52 amIt's meant to. That "crushing like cheese" is the crumple zones absorbing the impact soyour bodydoesn't have to!Think about it, if you had to get into a box that would be dropped 5 metres, would you rather that box be made from thick steel or thick foam?

author: Delta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 07, 2016, 01:04:23 am
content: Quote from: blueskull on May 07, 2016, 12:48:02 amThat comment was more aimed at the "buy a Jeep then you'll be safer" guy...

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2016, 03:14:07 pm
content: Jeep, a rollover looking for a place to happen. Honda parts are also a lot longer lasting than GM parts, as generally the GM parts will come in a box marked Daewontgo or Hyundied, and will be priced as if they are made from platinum and gold, instead of the cheapest pot metal they could scrounge up.I drive a VW, and my friend drove a Chrysler for years, but then got wise and bought a BMW. His first service from the dealer on the BMW was one sixth the price of the same service from GM. He traded it in at 380000km on a Ford Everest, needed the extra seats. Moans now about the fuel consumption though, way heavier on fuel.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: May 08, 2016, 07:09:39 pm
content: A couple of years ago, my youngest son was turning into a shop's driveway, when a car behind him didn't notice his car, his blinker or his brake lights - and slammed into him at somewhere near the posted speed limit - 80km/h.His pride and joy Subaru was a write off - the boot all but disappeared - and he just had some shoulder trouble that took some months to settle. He bought another Subaru.Crumple zones are a pain in minor collisions - but you come to appreciate their true value in events such as this.

author: SeanB
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 08, 2016, 07:32:49 pm
content: Yup, dad bought his beloved, pampered, sun shines out of his $%% son a brand new BMW for his 21st birthday. A week later, he, in the car with a few of his friends, failed to notice the stop street, and blew through it. Unfortunately I was crossing at the time. Damage was assessed at the value of the car, so I suddenly was shopping for a new one. He claimed I ran the cross, but stopped when I replied to his insurer as to which car only stopped well outside the intersection. Put in a claim from Road Accident Fund using my tame ambulance chaser, and got a paltry payout around 6 months later. Still had to pay the medical bills, and still have the odd reminders.