/r/carbuyingadvice

Photograph via snooOG

Are you looking at purchasing a vehicle? Need some guidance on where to start and what to look for? Post your questions, or general advice!

Seeking advice on a vehicle purchase? Want to learn the ins-and-outs of the car business? Free advice here to inform the modern buyer on what to expect from the car purchase process and where the red-flag money grabs are from your local dealerships.

/r/carbuyingadvice

2,054 Subscribers

3

Looking for a car for Off-roading

Im looking to buy a new car soon and I’m just looking for some advice because I want to do some off-roading with it and I was trying to look for some cars that would be good for that I’d like a Toyota but they are hella expensive and my mom wants me to get a newer car so it’s safer 🙄 and I have a budget around $20,000

2 Comments
2023/01/23
19:59 UTC

3

4k for new transmission or move on

I have a 2015 Dodge Grand Caravan with 125k miles. On Saturday, the transmission began resisting moving from 3rd to 4th. Shop says that they can replace fluid, gasket, and filter, but it’s only a temporary fix and that some point soon, I’ll need to replace the transmission. Is it worth it to replace the transmission at $4k (rebuilt, 1 year, 12k mile warranty); $5k (rebuilt offsite with 3 year, 100k warranty); $6k (Mopar transmission lifetime warranty) or should I just find a different car? Background: I’ve had the car since 2015; lifters and rockets replaced 1.5 years ago; I really like the vehicle and the performance. Financial situation is good.

3 Comments
2023/01/23
18:11 UTC

2

Challenger

I drive about 112 Km everyday , 6 days a week, I’ve always wanted a challenger but I’m not sure how efficient the gas will be? I already drive a 2008 GMC Sierra and pay 115 every 5 days, would it be worth it or a waste

5 Comments
2023/01/21
01:57 UTC

2

Is buying a gas or a hybrid car a bad idea for 2023?

9 Comments
2023/01/20
03:17 UTC

6

How much should I walk into a dealership with if I can score for 0 percent apr

So my boss has a buddy who runs a dealership and every one of my coworkers have bought a car without putting a down payment. I have a fair credit score and a about two years of credit history I’ve never missed a payment on anything. My question is if I do go in how much money should I have before I walk into a dealership for a new car costing about 30-40k

2 Comments
2023/01/19
05:58 UTC

1

Taxes on 2023 Highlander

Does $3,000 in taxes, a $495 admin fee, and a $260 non tax fee sound reasonable on a nee 2023 Highlander Hybrid? Seems steep to me. Wanting to purchase in NH.

2 Comments
2023/01/16
19:10 UTC

7

Trying to play the game "Buying A New Car" ....with a twist.

I would like to buy a new car. A Toyota GR86 to be specific. Seems to be quite popular. I'm sure supply chains issues are still relevant. I'm trying to be specific, but obviously not too specific on my choice. As an average American I am working with a budget, yet, trying to get what I want.

With that said, it seems Dealerships are asking for a down payment to be put on a list and be the first at grabbing one of these cars. As far as I'm aware, they have no say or control on which cars they are allotted to sell.

Is there a way for me to easily work with or around these multiple dealerships to up the probability that I can get the car that is closest to what I want? Without putting down a down payment to be on each of their list?

Now, the twist.

If most of these people that are on a list waiting for these cars to be built are willing to buy them with out even seeing them. Is there a chance that the dealership would be nice enough to wait for that car to be at the dealership so I can put my eyes on it before I buy?

Or is that just a wild pipe dream?

Any advice appreciated.

2 Comments
2023/01/15
20:07 UTC

4

Can you haggle a preorder that says they sell at MSRP

So I live in Canada I preordered the new ioniq 6. The Hyundai dealership around here say they sell at MSRP. When the price of the car comes out later this month and they expect to sell this spring do I go in an just sign because I'm already paying the Hyundai price? Like there's no lower price to talk about right? I'm confused because this is the second time I'm buying a car and the first time I was terrible at negotiating.

I'm not for sure buying it. If doesn't get the ev incentive in BC I may reconsider. I really like everything advertised about it so far though.

0 Comments
2023/01/14
12:17 UTC

1

Is this 2007 Mitsubishi Lancer Evo 9 Worth its price? If not what would be the ideal price?

https://offerup.com/item/detail/ba830bf8-d695-3306-87c1-ae4193f6f28b?q=mitsubishi+lancer&cid=5.1

I've been looking at plenty of Evo and this one has especially caught my eye, although I am not too familiar if high miles on an Evo 9 is a bit risky or fine or just in between. I also had some questions on what "Running on E only" means and if it's a deal breaker for the car. And if anyone has more basic or experienced knowledge on Evo's overall preferably Evo 9s and below. Thank you in advance, very much appreciate it.🙏🙏

These are some other evo's that have caught my attention, i would appreciate it if i could get some feedback on these too.

https://offerup.com/item/detail/1451260846

https://offerup.com/item/detail/1476717489

https://offerup.co/TxMFxsOewwb

https://offerup.co/sZUa12Tewwb

https://offerup.co/5hGJyG3ewwb

1 Comment
2023/01/12
04:22 UTC

2

Honda Pilot EX-L 2021 is it good buy

3 Comments
2023/01/10
03:15 UTC

1

Buying an electric car for a first car? UK

Hi all so for context i (20m) had planned to get a cheap run around car in march however i decided id rather just get a good car now (nothing flashy just something more recent then the typical 2010 fiesta everyone has) as id rather get a car thats a 2015 model and actually lasts me a good while even if it costs a little more. Anyway ive been looking at a variety of different cars but never considered EV's here in the uk you can get some cheaper evs for around 6000 and yet i never see them as first cars is there a reason for this or could an ev be a good potential first car??

2 Comments
2023/01/08
22:20 UTC

1

2020 Telluride EX

I looked at a Used Telluride EX yesterday and walked away and want to know if I made the right choice. The car drove great and has everything I wanted. However, the car was in a minor accident a few months ago. Stated as cosmetic damage but nothing I could see (according to Carfax). The dealership seemed fairly sketchy. The guy knew nothing at all about the car and the car still had the previous owner's address and other contacts in the navigation system along with their SiriusXM subscription still active. The car has been sitting on the lot since the end of October, which seems like an eternity in this market. The price was $36,990 (25,000 miles). I asked for $1000 off which he flatly said no. He said he could maybe do $500 off. Am I right for walking away? I was creeped out by the dealership in general and was surprised they weren't willing to move on price given the car has been there for months. Should I call in a week if it's still there and ask for $1000 off (at least)?

4 Comments
2023/01/07
20:27 UTC

6

Car Buying/Insurance

I'm 18 turning 19 in March and I'm looking to buy a car soon (which would be my first car) what I don't quite understand is the car insurance aspect of buying a car. Now what I do understand is you can't really buy a car without proof of insurance. If you do buy a car without insurance, you can't drive it off the lot. Now what confuses me here is I have no car insurance at the moment because I don't have a car. Would I have to get a car insurance policy before I buy the car, during the car buying process, or after? Because how would I even get car insurance before buying a car If I don't have a car in my possession. Now if I have to get a policy during the car buying process someone, please explain to me exactly when in that process it would be. Also if anyone wants to give me good and useful tips when shopping for a car as a little bonus that would be highly appreciated.

Thank You

6 Comments
2023/01/04
02:28 UTC

1

are you able to purchase vehicles from a private seller, but with a lien on them? (specifically in Canada)

Found a good used car, but the seller has a loan from the bank, and is trying to sell the car on facebook marketplace. I am interested in buying but have never been involved in such kind of transaction before, is it possible to negotiate with the bank since the car will be repossessed as the seller is leaving country soon? If it was a straight cash transaction i would be comfortable negotiating. I wish to buy the car cash. Please let me know if anyone has done this before. Based in BC, Canada.

1 Comment
2023/01/01
16:40 UTC

1

Honda Accord LX with 99k miles

I’m in need of a new daily as my Mustang Mach 2 (selling it) and Toyota celica gt (1978 with broken engine and rust) isn’t ideal for it. Rn car prices are high as heck. I came across a $7k Honda Accord that has 99,582 miles on it however it was in 3 accidents (all three weren’t owner fault). The rear bumper was hit twice so you can see the damages on the bumper and the front bumper and 2 fenders were replaced. The owner thinks it’s the same light housing that was torn off because of how loose it is. The car has a really bad power steering pump, it has a bad front right axle, and also based of what the owner is saying I think it has a bad throttle house. (Car sometimes shut off when in motion) is it worth it or should I just spend 20k on a 2 year old car with 50k miles.

1 Comment
2022/12/31
15:08 UTC

3

should I buy a car now or wait 6 months. I want a newer car, but I can wait another 6 months to a year. What do you advise?

6 Comments
2022/12/31
10:05 UTC

2

Used LX 570 vs BMW X7

I’m attempting to replace my wife’s 2017 Tahoe and I’ve narrowed the search to either a ‘19 or ‘20 Lexus LX or comparable BMW X7. My budget is around 65k-75k. Any thoughts or recommendations? We’ve test driven both and they both seem very nice. (PS. My ultimate would be a Land Cruiser but there are none in my area and they’re a little pricier than these options.)

1 Comment
2022/12/31
01:48 UTC

1

Honda Pilot 2022 or the 2023? Looking to get a pilot. I found a 2022 SE for k36 OTD but debating if I should get the 2023 instead. Any advice?

2 Comments
2022/12/30
22:58 UTC

3

When will prices get better?

1 Comment
2022/12/30
22:41 UTC

2

Discount on two cars?

We need a car and my parents need a car. We want the same car. Is there any realistic way to say "give me the absolute best deal on two right now we already have financing let me know exactly what we want"? In and out As quick as possible. Or is it still a seller's market because of shortage of inventory, no bargaining, just take MSRP.

1 Comment
2022/12/30
22:38 UTC

2

20k Hybrid

Any advice would be appreciated.

Looking for a hybrid around 20k. Honestly that’s it. Would be nice to have a sunroof as I feel in love with that feature in my youth, but have never had one.

I just want a car that is reliable and won’t drain my wallet at the pump. Appreciate any help!

2 Comments
2022/12/29
12:41 UTC

2

Buying 2 cars, buy one cash or finance both?

My husband and I both want a car. We got 18k from a trade in. The car he wants is 12k (14k cash) and mine is 20k should we fully buy his car cash and use the leftover as the down payment for the 20k car? Or should we put 6k down on his and 12k down on mine and finance both? I like the idea of only having to pay one car but I’m not sure if it really saves any money on interest?

View Poll

1 Comment
2022/12/29
02:03 UTC

3

Buying a new car, how to negotiate?

Hi all, I realize now is not the time to buy a new car, however my current car just died and I can’t justify the cost of repairs. I am wanting to buy a 2023 Toyota Corolla le (non-hybrid) base model. Planning to pay with cash. Live in California Central Valley area. The dealer did say they are selling at msrp. How would you negotiate? Thank you in advance. Price break down below:

Vehicle base model (MSRP *) $21,550.00 Factory Installed Packages & Accessories $1,180.00 Port Installed Packages & Accessories $289 Delivery processing / handling $1,095 Total Price $24,114.00

6 Comments
2022/12/28
13:17 UTC

2

Can you recommend a car based off of mine wants and needs? See below

My car has too long of a to do list, so I’m looking to replace it soon. I have quite a few variables that will affect my decision and has made it tough to find a car and research it. Here are my circumstances.

  • pricing: I have never had any kind of loan except my credit card. I have excellent credit (780+) Would prefer to buy cash with no financing. My cash budget is $15,500. Willing to get a $10k loan on top of that, if a vehicle is really worth it.

  • fuel efficiency: I’m only interested in a hybrid or full electric vehicle. Both my employer and state government offer rebates for purchasing electric vehicles so that will get me about $3000 off of any price if I buy all electric.

  • usage: I only commute for work once a week, otherwise I am either home for days or driving hundreds of miles round-trip for a camping trip. all of my driving is on the highway, or unpaved mountain roads.

  • storage: its rare for me to have anyone but my dog in the car with me. No kids, I’m not driving my friends around, so I don’t need a lot of seating. But I do need storage I am an avid camper. I go once or twice a month currently I fill the entire backseat and trunk of my Honda Civic with each camping trip.

  • final thoughts: all of my cars have been 2008, I don’t need anything fancy and I prefer a more simple model over built-in navigation, heated seats, back up cam, etc.

I appreciate any thoughts.

0 Comments
2022/12/24
22:53 UTC

1

Buyer's Remorse from first Major Car purchase?

First major car purchase in my life from a dealership.

Just bought a 2017 Subaru Impreza Touring with 77,000KM from local Subaru dealer. Having Second thoughts. Picking it up next week.

It was also $1000 less than market value on kbb.

Having second thoughts/buyers remorse.

Second thoughts are...

Shitty service from the dealer/poor communication. Mechanical inspection passes. They said no squeeky brakes when they did the test but I heard it when test driving. Their excuse was cuz of the cold weather of -30C. (i'm in Canada).

Just gave them my driver's license and they were able to set up direct withdrawal from my bank without me giving any of my banking details? They said its cuz of my good credit. Banking info is only needed if I had bad credit. Seems sketch. Is that normal?

Don't like the color. It's red/maroon. Kinda ugly. But value wise, think its great.

Am I overthinking or should I back out?

2 Comments
2022/12/24
20:00 UTC

1

Used BMW Cars 2011 335d vs 2010 528i

I was wondering if someone could weigh in on these two cars for me:

The 2011 335d is a diesel 260 hp turbo with 180k miles, no accidents, 2 owners and 32 services. Everything is clean and in good condition inside out with a slight smell of smoke on the inside. Rims and tires are in perfect condition too - seems to have been kept in a garage. Ac is perfect. The price is $7688.00

The 2010 528i is a gas car 230hp with 90k miles, 2 minor-moderate accidents (car was towed on 2nd occasion, but the damage seems to have been fixed with a brand new headlight on the front left of the car), and 13 services. The price is $9588.00

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

2 Comments
2022/12/16
17:05 UTC

Back To Top