tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002485154548532159.post6646231350798233566..comments2023-04-11T09:58:32.087-04:00Comments on Clueless with Cash: HELP - I need your advice!Katiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12809648211296599395noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002485154548532159.post-54105085912126298922014-11-04T10:27:29.240-05:002014-11-04T10:27:29.240-05:00We purchased a 2006 Chevy Impala in November of th...We purchased a 2006 Chevy Impala in November of that year from a guy who was getting a divorce, and as part of the settlement, he had to get rid of the car. We hit the jackpot when we purchased for his total loan amount, which meant the car would be worth more than we owed! Paid it off in two years, and it's been pretty reliable ever since. I've had a couple weird breakdowns due to the car's computer system, but overall I'm content driving that sucker into the ground. I can't help but feel that all the fancy computer crap these newer models have contributes to their downfall, making repairs costly. Then again, I don't take much of an interest in cars so I can only give you an opinion on the one I drive. :)Brihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14110738288201374796noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002485154548532159.post-29545619065235644542014-11-03T14:56:21.154-05:002014-11-03T14:56:21.154-05:00I think used is fine, but I would definitely get a...I think used is fine, but I would definitely get a Certified Used, so that way you know what kind of work has been done, any accidents it's been in, etc. so you can feel safer about what the future holds. You can often times get great deals on used cars, and many kinds (Honda, Toyota, Mazda, etc. can last YEARS and years and years)! Also, 2.99% is a fantastic interest rate, but also check with the local car companies! For instance, my Aunt just bought a brand new Nissan because the dealership was offering 0% financing for the first 24 months (not positive on the details on what it would be afterwards), but it was a great deal for her!<br /><br />Whenever we buy a car (new or used) I just tell the dealership how much I want my max monthly payment to be (I always say $25 less then I want because you know they will always make it higher), and tell them to show me whatever options they have that will give me that monthly payment. <br /><br />Good luck!Rachel G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17098799756617902970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002485154548532159.post-4671506453738043652014-11-03T14:54:25.951-05:002014-11-03T14:54:25.951-05:00I bought a used Hyundai back in 2006. It was 3 yea...I bought a used Hyundai back in 2006. It was 3 years old with 30k miles and I'm still driving it today. Only maintenance has been routine oil changes and a few minor things here and there but definitely nothing big enough where upgrading would have been a better option. Seeing as my car is also always parked outside I have a fear of buying something nicer/newer if it's going to go through MN winters sitting in the snow and salt every day.Alison Farnhamhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07575500030395187051noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002485154548532159.post-44888173376179804222014-11-03T12:51:16.777-05:002014-11-03T12:51:16.777-05:00I would definitely go used. It certainly isn't...I would definitely go used. It certainly isn't as exciting as buying a brand new car with all the bells and whistles but right now for the situation that you're in, I'd definitely recommend going used. I bought used back in 2007... spent $15K for my Ford Escape which was 2 years old at the time. 7.5 years later I'm STILL driving that same SUV (knock on wood!) and while I've been tempted so many times to trade it for something new and 'sexy', it just makes no sense. I have no payment so I will drive that sucker until I can't anymore. Sure, I've had repairs here and there but nothing substantial at all... not even close to making me wish I had bought new. I'd buy something used that's as cheap as possible, all while being safe and reasonable, of course. At least in another few years you'll be in a much better position financially and can then go new if you choose. Good luck!She's a big starhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18385405097113766641noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6002485154548532159.post-23381975167323194842014-11-03T12:26:43.059-05:002014-11-03T12:26:43.059-05:00I hope you get some good advice because I'll n...I hope you get some good advice because I'll need it too soon :) We bought a used car last Dec. from Luther Hopkins Honda - but it was an atypical situation. The car was only 1 yr old, had been a company car, no accidents, and only had 15K mileage - and b/c of that it was a bit more $$, but worth it when we weighed the risks of other older, higher mileage used vehicles. However, we're looking to buy another one in 6 months and there's no way we can afford something the same price was last time.:/ So, we're in the same situation with the same concerns. Cheaper, more mileage that burns out faster. OR spend a little more for something better and hope it lasts longer. Such a dilemma!!! Wishing you good luck and if you end up with some great advice please pass it along to the rest of us used-car noobs :)Meg @ Mr.C and Mehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13456676076068670835noreply@blogger.com