Looking for some advice

[LilRed]

Hi guys, I am in need of some advice. I could not think of a better place to get a man's opinion then a board full of men!!

As dependable and trustwrthy as my single owner, 1996 Toyota Camery has been to me, at 260,000 miles, the time has come to up-grade. So......... I really need some advice. I know nothing about cars. Could you take a moment to list some cars that are known to be good and reliable? I am undecided if I want something a few years old or go for brand new. I'd like to keep it around $20K or less. Also, any advice I should know BEFORE walking into a dealership will be greatly appreciated!! Being a woman has so many advantages until it comes to car shopping and repairs. HELP me please!!!!!!

[ashwednesday666]

Toyota Corolla 276,000 and counting.

[haya1300]

Depending on what you want as far as options go, a Nissan Altima will be the same size as your Camry is, and its been rated #1 the past 2 years in a row by Consumer Reports for sedans under 25K.....and yes, you can get a new one close to the 20K mark.

Cheers

[lowgear]

being a lady i would not buy used because there is no warranty most of the time.I would look at something with a good warranty,because repair cost are high today.being a women most shops will try and screw you with no lube.as bad as the economy is it is a buyers market on new cars.a lot of manufactures are offering lifetime or 10 year 100k mile warranty.

[biomed1]

Here is a couple of links to a website/webpages that offer advice and tools for you to use when buying a car. (New or Used)

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/

Here is the link for the first page of tips for buying a new car.

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/carintro.html

The web page was explains how dealerships will attempt to take advantage of you.

It provides you with tips and advice to remain in control of the process/transaction when buying a car.

There is also an Excel worksheet that you can use to prepare an "Offer" to present the dealer on a car you are interested in purchasing.

This worksheet will show the dealer his profit (which you determine when completing the worksheet).

I successfully used this website and the worksheet when I bought the car I have now.

It saved me over $2000.00 between what the dealer thought was a good deal, and what I paid for my current car.

Ms. Red, invest a little time in the research, determine which vehicle you want to buy, be prepared, and refuse to be intimidated.

You control whether you buy the car or not.

Be Careful & Enjoy!

Biomed1

[Murf76]

I have been in the Automotive repair field for 38 years.I was always a staunch supporter of the "Buy American" banner.However,it seems that we have been surpassed by a whole lot of other folks. Check out your local Honda dealer for a "Honda Certified" used car.These cars are put through a 150 point check and anything that looks even remotely questionable is repaired or replaced.They also come with a warranty.The other Company worth looking into is Hyundai.They have come a long way in a short time and are poised to give Toyota a run for their money!!

If I can answer any questions for you,just pm me!!!

[LilRed]

Thank you for all the posts and PM's with advice on cars and how to handle a sales person. When it comes down to it, I will probably take a gentleman with me JUST IN CASE.

I agree with you lowgear about having a warranty. So a new car it is. Ouch... I have not had a car payment since 2000. LOL. But being a woman, repairs can get costly. I am pretty smart in general, but I am as dumb as a rock when it comes to cars.

Murf76, my Sir also suggested a Hyundai. A Sonoma. Any opinion on that one? He and I travel a lot and see many a rental cars. He seems impressed with this one.

Wow, I am sooooooo excited to start looking for a new car when I get back next week!!

[lowgear]

the hyundai sonata looks like the honda accord,hyundai use to be a pos,but now they have one of the best warranties in the industry,with a fair price.so if you choose the car you want and its new,be careful with the snake oil salesmen.oh by the way make sure the back seat is comfortable.ha ha

[DallasRain]

Why not just get a harley??? lol

[LilRed]

Originally Posted by DallasRain

Why not just get a harley??? lol

Oh Dallas.... I love you to death.

I do have a review on here telling how much fun a Harley can be, but with the Louisiana rain.... forget it!!! I'll just keep hanging on the back of all those HOT biker men!!! I can always find something to do with my hands.

[LilRed]

Originally Posted by lowgear

.oh by the way make sure the back seat is comfortable.ha ha

I had not thought of that. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I remember as a young college student I once did it in the back of a Pinto. OMG that hump in the back was soooooo uncomfortable!!

[DallasRain]

lol--Red you are so sexy! Harley guys are such fun to ride with!!

Lowgear....coool idea.....lol

[Murf76]

[quote=DallasRain;1481176]lol--Red you are so sexy! Harley guys are such fun to ride with!!

So are Harley Dee's!!!!!!

[PAPA JOE]

LOL ... my Harley D is named Harley Dee ..... and both are fun as hell !!!

[DallasRain]

lol--Thanks PJ---you are the BEST!

Red what did you get babe?? can I have a ride??