?? about buying cars..

we are not in the market right now, but I remember reading that alot of people and their DH/FH won't buy a new car because of their loss in value.
I always worry about buying a used car because you never know what you're really getting.

What do you guys prefer and why?

if you buy, buy one that has a high resale value or great reputation.....Hondas and Toyotas have great reps for lasting forever and their resale is always high, even as used cars (check out the classifieds, look at the prices of the different brands).

I also think this whole certified pre-owned thing is great....you get a warranty, you know the history of it.

We just bought a brand new Camry and love it and we know it will last for a loooooong time

We just bought a Toyota, and the salesman told us that Hyundais and Buicks tend to lose value. DH saw this info online as well. (We have a Buick and were also thinking about a Hyundai, as I too will need a new car soon). BUT both cars are decent so you can spend a little less if you wanted something used but recent.

Consumer Reports just put out a car issue with lots of good information. Even if you're going to wait, it might be a good thing to have now for future reference.

Hondas always retain their value...plus you can drive them into the ground...they last so long.

Another car is Lexus...but they're very pricy!

Subarus hold their value too, they last forever and they all come with AWD....(All Wheel Drive)

I dont know if I will buy a new car next time around. I may do what I did with the car I am currently driving.

My car was $17,800 new in 2001, I bought it used in 2003 for $9300. That is a lot of money to be lost over a two year span.

When I bought my Civic Ex coupe new in 2001, I paid close to $18,000 for it, and just 2 years later when I went to sell it...It was only worth around $11k. I ended up trading it in for $10,300 and saving the tax on my current car.

What I am trying to say is figure out what type of car and what brand and model car you are looking for and then look at the prices of the cars in the newspaper and online for a year old model or 2 year old model. You may be able to get a better deal on a car that is 1 to 2 years old, and has low mileage. Being certified helps too. My car is certified.

One more tip...Wait till the summer. Most cars dealers will have the 2006 models in their showrooms by then...You will probably be able to get a really good deal on a 2005 left over. Especially if the model will be dramatically changed the next year. Most people will have no interest in the 2005 model and will want to purchase the 2006 model leaving plenty of 2005 models on their lot.

Scott

I had this same exact debate last year when I bought my car. This is my 4th car: one was a high school hand me down, two were brand new, and I looked at both new and slightly used for this one. I came to the realization that I could get a much nicer used car with all of the extras I wanted for much much cheaper. I bought a car that had low mileage & excellent ratings for lasting a long time. It's a 2001 Nissan Maxima. I love it and feel confident I made the right choice. I bought it from a dealer, but did lots of research first. I knew the book value so I knew that I wasn't getting ripped off. Good luck! Happy shopping!

ETA: I did get an extended warranty too just to be safer.

If you buy from a dealership, just make sure you do a little research first on the dealership. I have worked for two dealers, and I wouldnt buy a used car from either. I would recommend the dealer where I bought my chevy though. My car was certified from chevrolet. I have had it for 2 years. I bought it with 19k miles. I know have 45k and I havent ever had a problem, knock on wood.

The dealer where I got my car is in hicksville...It is robert Chevrolet. You can check the Bbb online....to research the dealers.

A lot of dealers buy cars from auctions. Those are the cars you need to be careful of. They could of been damaged or stolen recoverys that the dealer bought, repaired and resold.

If you see a car at a dealer, make sure it was a trade in. That is what I would recommend buying. Always get a Car fax done on your own, even if the dealer offers you a free one.

If you buy from a private owner, you will save money. The car wont be certified, but you should save at leasat $2000.

Scott

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Posted by Danielle&Scott

If you buy from a dealership, just make sure you do a little research first on the dealership. I have worked for two dealers, and I wouldnt buy a used car from either. I would recommend the dealer where I bought my chevy though. My car was certified from chevrolet. I have had it for 2 years. I bought it with 19k miles. I know have 45k and I havent ever had a problem, knock on wood.

The dealer where I got my car is in hicksville...It is robert Chevrolet. You can check the Bbb online....to research the dealers.

A lot of dealers buy cars from auctions. Those are the cars you need to be careful of. They could of been damaged or stolen recoverys that the dealer bought, repaired and resold.

If you see a car at a dealer, make sure it was a trade in. That is what I would recommend buying. Always get a Car fax done on your own, even if the dealer offers you a free one.

If you buy from a private owner, you will save money. The car wont be certified, but you should save at leasat $2000.

Scott

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I agree. I did get a Carfax report too and I also had the 'Lemon Detector' look at the car.