Export thread

I'm buying a new car...

#1

Emrys

Emrys

...because a stupid deer decided to be a shmuck. Now, I've never bought a new car before. As a new car virgin, what would you recommend I consider in a new car and what should I avoid like a plague rat?

As @Bubble181 obliquely pointed out, maybe I should add some details. I live way out in the middle of nowhere, so I do a lot of highway and backroads driving to get to work. As I'm sure most of you know, I live in the Land of Ice and Snow, so I also do a lot of winter driving.

I'm not necessarily looking for make/model recommendations. I pretty much know what I'm going to get. I'm thinking more along the lines of extended warranty and other extras.


#2

Bubble181

Bubble181

There's far too many variables. If you live in the middle of a big city, get a Smart. if you live in the middle of a large rural area with lots of rain or snow, maybe not so much :p


#3

drifter

drifter

Snow tires?


#4

Tinwhistler

Tinwhistler

I grew up in Texas. I still don't know a good snow car :(
If you've never bought a new car, look into "gap coverage" if they have that in Canada.

Up here, the minute you drive off the lot, your car isn't worth what you paid for it. So if you wreck it while you're still upside down (owe more than the car is worth) you're stuck with the difference. Gap coverage is additional insurance to cover that gap. It sounds like a racket to me, but what can you do?

I'd also at least consider extending the warranty to the term of the loan. But be aware, they'll usually have 3-4 different warranty options, which can be confusing, and they're all overpriced. Most car dealerships make most of the profit on the warranties.


#5

GasBandit

GasBandit

IMO, buying a new car is largely a waste of money. As Tin pointed out, the car loses half its value the instant you drive it away. Rather, I'd say get a 2 year old used car or so.

As for which kind of car to buy, I hear Subaru is still an excellent choice when dealing with snow and ice. It was undoubtedly so back when I lived in Colorado, and other people have told me that still holds true today.

Also...



"Never get the undercoating!"


#6

Dei

Dei

What? No one drives a Subaru in Colorado. [emoji52]


#7

GasBandit

GasBandit

Dei said:
What? No one drives a Subaru in Colorado. [emoji52]
Click to expand...
I had like 3 friends who all drove subarus. Granted, one was a Justy, so that doesn't count, but the other two were Outbacks, and they did really well.

Also granted, this was 20 years ago.


#8

Dei

Dei

:facepalm:
Sarcasm


#9

GasBandit

GasBandit

Dei said:
:facepalm:
Sarcasm
Click to expand...
With you, sometimes, it's impossible to tell because you slip in and out of it so effortlessly :p


#10

blotsfan

blotsfan

As another person who has made the mistake of living in a place with excessive snow, I also highly recommend getting a Subaru.


#11

Dei

Dei

GasBandit said:
With you, sometimes, it's impossible to tell because you slip in and out of it so effortlessly :p
Click to expand...
That's why I used the straight face emoji!


#12

Dei

Dei

Also, I like my Ford C-max in the snow! And it's a hybrid. But also pricey and has no trunk space.


#13

GasBandit

GasBandit

Dei said:
That's why I used the straight face emoji!
Click to expand...
Well maybe you should have used the sarcastic face emoji.


#14

Dei

Dei

GasBandit said:
Well maybe you should have used the sarcastic face emoji.
Click to expand...
:rolleyes:


#15

strawman

strawman

All wheel drive is worthwhile, front wheel drive if you aren't getting all wheel.

Traction control is a must. It'll help out in the ice and snow.

Heated seats if you can stomach the cost, heated steering wheel is also a very nice thing to have (so I'm told, I still haven't tried one, but I have tried icy cold fingers and I don't recommend that).

If you can shop used, I'd go that direction. New cars lose so much of their value in their first 20k miles, and getting a car that's a few years old can save you a lot of money for not much real wear and tear on the car. If you don't like doing your own car work, get one that's still got at least 5-10k miles left under it's bumper to bumper warranty, and get any little thing fixed while you can. After that it should be good until it hits 90k-120k with regular maintenance.

Beyond that, I'd look at gas mileage and whether I can fit the things in it that need to fit.


#16

PatrThom

PatrThom

Count me among the folks who think that you shouldn't get anything newer than at least a few years ago.
Extended warranties are really only worth it if the model has a history of needing them.
Get floor mats. If the car doesn't come with them, get some aftermarket ones, preferably the kind that can hold a bit of water.
Also self-defrosting side mirrors. A full-size spare is nice but can be inconvenient if you like to keep stuff in your trunk.
I'll try to contribute more when I'm not doing 3 other things simultaneously.

--Patrick


#17

Dei

Dei

Though if you are going to buy a new car, now is the time to grab a 2015 model.


#18

Gruebeard

Gruebeard

Please don't buy an Equinox or Terrain. I don't want to work any more Saturdays.


#19

DarkAudit

DarkAudit

First choice would be a Fiat 500L. But that's just me, 'cause I want one. :)

I don't know what terrain you have to deal with, but here everything is literally uphill both ways. So AWD is pretty much required during the winter. Which I don't have, so I'm SOL if they didn't treat the hill I'm on.


#20

GasBandit

GasBandit

Everything I know about Fiats, I learned from Regular Car Reviews.



#21

Shakey

Shakey

We got a new Subaru, and we don't regret it at all. The resale on them is so high, it was hard to find a reason not to.

My favorite feature is eye sight. Having variable speed cruise control saves my sanity. I don't get nearly as annoyed when I get stuck behind a slower car as I did before. Plus it helps save on insurance.


#22

Gruebeard

Gruebeard

DarkAudit said:
First choice would be a Fiat 500L. But that's just me, 'cause I want one. :)

I don't know what terrain you have to deal with, but here everything is literally uphill both ways. So AWD is pretty much required during the winter. Which I don't have, so I'm SOL if they didn't treat the hill I'm on.
Click to expand...
Saskatchewan is so flat the Earth doesn't even curve there.


#23

Ravenpoe

Ravenpoe

I drive a 2000 Toyota Camry that I paid for in full, in cash, to replace the previous Camry that I also bought in full, in cash.

I'm probably not the person to ask about buying a new car...


#24

Sara_2814

Sara_2814

I got a new Subaru Forester last year. Because I got the manual transmission, the winter package was included: heated seats and defrosting side mirrors are awesome.


#25

Emrys

Emrys

DarkAudit said:
First choice would be a Fiat 500L. But that's just me, 'cause I want one. :)
Click to expand...
So I should buy a Fiat... for you? :p

DarkAudit said:
I don't know what terrain you have to deal with, but here everything is literally uphill both ways. So AWD is pretty much required during the winter. Which I don't have, so I'm SOL if they didn't treat the hill I'm on.
Click to expand...
Gruebeard has it right; the earth does not curve in SK.[DOUBLEPOST=1454525887,1454525847][/DOUBLEPOST]
Dei said:
Though if you are going to buy a new car, now is the time to grab a 2015 model.
Click to expand...
Definitely going to be a 2015.[DOUBLEPOST=1454526124][/DOUBLEPOST]Thanks for the advise, everyone. I've talked to my bank about financing and will see if I can get a better deal through the dealership. Either way, I'm covered there. Mostly I was looking for justification to avoid the extended warranties, as well as advise on any other nifty features to get.

I'm taking my stricken car in on Friday for appraisal and write off. I told them the deer was drinking and texting.

And this thread needs more sex.


#26

GasBandit

GasBandit

Emrys said:
And this thread needs more sex.
Click to expand...


#27

Dei

Dei

My car is small, but all of the seats go down for more storage space, so if you threw a blanket in there, it would be very convienient for having sex in.


#28

MindDetective

MindDetective

Emrys said:
So I should buy a Fiat... for you? :p


Gruebeard has it right; the earth does not curve in SK.[DOUBLEPOST=1454525887,1454525847][/DOUBLEPOST]
Definitely going to be a 2015.[DOUBLEPOST=1454526124][/DOUBLEPOST]Thanks for the advise, everyone. I've talked to my bank about financing and will see if I can get a better deal through the dealership. Either way, I'm covered there. Mostly I was looking for justification to avoid the extended warranties, as well as advise on any other nifty features to get.

I'm taking my stricken car in on Friday for appraisal and write off. I told them the deer was drinking and texting.

And this thread needs more sex.
Click to expand...
Your most powerful tool is the word "no". Be willing to walk away, even with the pen in your hand and the contract on the desk in front of you. Dealers can throw some twist at you at the last minute (never again! *shake fist*). Your next most powerful tool is to have fully researched your options. I literally make a spreadsheet of all the cars I am willing to consider and work out the best deal available. (I'm considering writing an app that can do this for a person...) If you come armed knowing what you want and what you can get, you'll leave with the same.

I recommend doing research at cars.com and edmunds.com. A little effort now will go a long way towards saving you some frustration later.

One last tip: Going at the end of the month, on bad weather days, and some holidays can result in a good position for you. If they are struggling to make a sale at the end of the day, you can plant your feet more firmly. Our last car we purchased on Father's Day and they had not had any sales all day. We literally rolled in 5 minutes before closing and got exactly what we wanted for the price we wanted.


#29

Gruebeard

Gruebeard

Let's go for a drive, she said to him
Then park the car, watch the sky grow dim
My car ain't that big
But it's got this rig
Where the seats transform to a gym.


#30

Dei

Dei

Also, anytime we go to a dealer and leave, usually within a week they are calling to offer a better deal. This is especially true of the 2015 models that will still be left, no matter how they try to say it might be gone.


#31

Cheesy1

Cheesy1

Hey @Emrys, I found your dream car!:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferret_armoured_car


#32

PatrThom

PatrThom

I like Subarus. I even want one.
But the TCO on those things is among the highest you can get for a nonexotic.
So one will have to wait until after retirement, probably. If then.

--Patrick


#33

Shakey

Shakey

PatrThom said:
I like Subarus. I even want one.
But the TCO on those things is among the highest you can get for a nonexotic.
So one will have to wait until after retirement, probably. If then.

--Patrick
Click to expand...
I've heard that too, but insurance isn't bad on our outback, and after 50,000 miles we haven't had to fix a thing.


#34

Emrys

Emrys

Gruebeard said:
Let's go for a drive, she said to him
Then park the car, watch the sky grow dim
My car ain't that big
But it's got this rig
Where the seats transform to a gym.
Click to expand...
Rhyme - A+
Meter - A+
Imagery - :unibrow:


#35

WasabiPoptart

WasabiPoptart

I'm voting for Subaru Outback or Forester. I've had friends who owned them and those cars took a beating. Also, I want one for my next vehicle.
I'll thrown my hat in for an older model over brand new.
As far as extended warranty...nope. Don't.


#36

PatrThom

PatrThom

I wasn't really trying to recommend a model ('cuz @Emrys starts right off by saying, "I pretty much know what I'm going to get"), I was just responding to all the Subaru comments.
Also, keep a 2.5gal gas can in the trunk. Hopefully you'll never use it, but if/when you ever do, you'll be so happy you had one.

--Patrick


#37

GasBandit

GasBandit

PatrThom said:
I wasn't really trying to recommend a model ('cuz @Emrys starts right off by saying, "I pretty much know what I'm going to get"), I was just responding to all the Subaru comments.
Also, keep a 2.5gal gas can in the trunk. Hopefully you'll never use it, but if/when you ever do, you'll be so happy you had one.

--Patrick
Click to expand...
But don't keep it full of gas.


#38

strawman

strawman

If you can afford gas, you can afford a gas can, and if you're at a place that sells gas, you'll find they also sell gas cans, so there's no point in keeping a gas can in the vehicle. Please don't store gas inside the passenger compartment of any vehicle (unless it's in a properly rated fuel cell designed for use inside the passenger compartment). If you have a trunk and you must carry fuel, then I suppose it's not the worst thing ever outside the passenger compartment, but it's pretty close. If you regularly find yourself in this position, buy a new bumper for your vehicle that includes a jerry can holder, and use those to store your fuel outside the vehicle.


#39

Emrys

Emrys

I also have CAA.


#40

drawn_inward

drawn_inward

CAA:Canadian Alcoholics Anon? Don't drink and drive, gurl.


#41

PatrThom

PatrThom

GasBandit said:
But don't keep it full of gas.
Click to expand...
Right. I just meant to keep a can.
If you run out and have to walk/get a lift to a gas station, you will find that station probably WILL NOT lend you a gas can. Also, the price they charge you for a gas can will probably be a lot higher than whatever the going rate for gas cans is at places where people's need for gas is not as urgent. Basically, if you're in a situation where you will need a gas can, it will be much more convenient to grab the (empty) one from your trunk than trying to track one down and pay through the nose for it "in the moment."
I will admit to filling the can in my trunk and keeping it there for a few days, but this is usually for right when I catch the prices going up, when it's just before Christmas Day and I don't know what stations will be open the next day when I have to drive 350mi, etc.

--Patrick


#42

Dei

Dei

I was trained at a young age to never let my gas gauge drop below 1/4. What is wrong with you people?!


#43

strawman

strawman

Dei said:
I was trained at a young age to never let my gas gauge drop below 1/4. What is wrong with you people?!
Click to expand...
My wife was too.

It wasn't too hard to get her to break that habit.

:troll:

You can bet, though, that when my kids start driving I'm going to enforce that rule with an iron fist.


#44

Dei

Dei

stienman said:
My wife was too.

It wasn't too hard to get her to break that habit.

:troll:

You can bet, though, that when my kids start driving I'm going to enforce that rule with an iron fist.
Click to expand...
Even now, 1/4 means my car still has over 100 miles on it, AND I STILL CAN'T DO IT.


#45

Emrys

Emrys

I get down to half a tank and I get antsy.


#46

GasBandit

GasBandit

Dei said:
Even now, 1/4 means my car still has over 100 miles on it, AND I STILL CAN'T DO IT.
Click to expand...
Hah, you'd think with my... thing... about cell phone batteries, I'd be that way with cars, too... but all too often I don't buy gas until the "LOW FUEL" light comes on.


#47

Dei

Dei

GasBandit said:
Hah, you'd think with my... thing... about cell phone batteries, I'd be that way with cars, too... but all too often I don't buy gas until the "LOW FUEL" light comes on.
Click to expand...
Ironically, you should see my phone battery right now. [emoji12]


#48

Emrys

Emrys

OK, it's test-driving time. Wish me luck in avoiding the deer.


#49

Shakey

Shakey

Tell us what you are buying so we can judge you!


#50

PatrThom

PatrThom

Dei said:
I was trained at a young age to never let my gas gauge drop below 1/4. What is wrong with you people?!
Click to expand...
I have never run out of gas. This includes times I have driven for 12mi with the dashboard reading "0 miles to E" the entire time.

--Patrick


#51

GasBandit

GasBandit

PatrThom said:
I have never run out of gas. This includes times I have driven for 12mi with the dashboard reading "0 miles to E" the entire time.

--Patrick
Click to expand...
I haven't run out of gas on this car yet (and I've owned it for... 6 or so years). But I ran out of gas one time each on my previous 3 vehicles.


#52

Ravenpoe

Ravenpoe

stienman said:
If you can afford gas, you can afford a gas can
Click to expand...
But if you can't afford gas, get yourself a gas can and a siphon hose.


#53

strawman

strawman

Emrys said:
I get down to half a tank and I get antsy.
Click to expand...
That's because it takes you half a tank to get anywhere - that's the price of a secret lair out in the boonies.


#54

fade

fade

I disagree with the Smart recommendation. They're expensive and get relatively poor gas mileage for what they are supposed to be. The only advantage is the size.

Gap insurance is up to you, but I wouldn't recommend that either. It's an expensive gamble that rarely pays off. The drive-off depreciation is often exaggerated. It's not 50%, it's more like 9-10% immediate depreciation. Even a year later, your car has only dropped in value by about 20%. Here's an Edmund's article about it, and there are plenty more to find.

As for the Fiat 500L, I've had two now. The first was a buyback because they could not get the computer to work. It was an "Easy". We now have the Trekking. I like it a lot. It's like a mini-minivan. Lots of space, but not too much. Fits two hockey bags and four people just fine. Decent gas mileage, and not terrible performance. The thing to keep in mind is that Fiats are not historically known for reliability. Though now that they've merged with Chrysler, it's probably better.


#55

Bubble181

Bubble181

The American (and Canadian) car market is just completely different from the European one. Seriously, almost none of these comments make any kind of sense from my perspective :p


Top