Buying My First New Car

[Finner]

I know we have lots of these threads, so i figured what's one more.

I'm looking at purchasing a new vehicle and trading in my old standard 98 Acura 1.6 el with only 112k.

I'm getting a new one as my old vehicle is starting to get to the point where it needs money dumped into it and with the great deals on new cars I think it might be a good time to jump in. Plus i've moved offices at work and my commute is a lot longer then it used to be.

I'm looking for something for ~20k that I can grow into (ie. eventually family), that has A/C, is an auto (tired of shifting in rush hour), and preferably power windows and locks. My girlfriend who I live with will also be using this car. Preferably it would be a hatchback or a small SUV.
I've settled on a couple different vehicles, wanted some opinions on them and any tips for buying a new car.

Hyundai Elantra touring (~$21000). Has everything i want for just over 20k, and has the largest cargo space in its class...supposedly not very fun to drive though.

Kia sportage (~25000). Little SUV. By far the cheapest in its class (compared to rav and crv)..again supposedly not that fun to drive

Dodge Caliber (~20k). Lots of space, like the styling but some pretty bad reviews...plus some worry with the companies situation. Heard it's underpowered.

Other cars i'm thinking about...Mazda 3 (to pricey for what i want), Civic (Not really big enough for what i'm looking for). Other cars in the hatchback class (Rabbit, Fit, Matrix) seem either to expensive or have bad financing. I also like the look of the new Kia Forte.

If i had the money i'd probably get a Rav4 or Nissan Rogue....

Any help with personal experiences with these cars or other ideas would be great.

[DESS]

Well, you don't seem to be much of a car enthusiast given what vehicles interest you. That being the case, you should look at a Nissan Versa. They're cheap, roomy for their size and are Japanese. Not much fun to drive, but I'd take one over an Elantra.

[alltherage]

Yeah... I personally can't get too excited about a hyundai, but that's just me. Are you interested in New but Pre-owned? Like 06, 07, 08 etc? If so... you can get something pretty exciting for that price. All the depreciation has come off but they can still have low klicks. that's my 2 cents.

Personally, out of the ones you chose I would like the Dodge Calibre. It's still somewhat manly IMO.

[Dion]

Instead of buying new, why not go the slightly used route. Get a vehicle that's a couple of years old, low kms that still has the balance of the warranty. Let the other guy pay most of the depreciation. This way you can buy a vehicle you like and at the the price you can afford - like that Mazda 3 you want.

[MickMcGeough]

1) Stay away from all things Hyundai (that includes Kia).
2) Purchasing a new car is among the dumbest financial decisions possible.
3) Stay away from all things Hyundai.

Let me know if you require clarification on any of these points.

[ok, ok,....I get it]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

1) Stay away from all things Hyundai (that includes Kia).
2) Purchasing a new car is among the dumbest financial decisions possible.
3) Stay away from all things Hyundai.

Let me know if you require clarification on any of these points.

yeah the hyundai points...please

[Traditional_Ale]

Ford Escape

http://ford.ca/app/fo/en/suvs_crosso...?modelYear=B90

The 2.5L model starts around $25K.

[Bill Bumface]

Hyundais are awesome these days. They are making really good cars now, they are just suffering from their old bad rep (just like Toyota and Honda back in the day). I'd get one for a utility car for sure.

German cars are the ones you want to stay away from if you don't like the shop.

[The Yen Man]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

German cars are the ones you want to stay away from if you don't like the shop.

My advice is to stay far far away from Volkswagons.

[Old Yeller]

My last car I bought brand new...

I'll never ever EVER buy brand new again.

It's just not worth the premium you're paying.

[GreenTeaFrapp]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

Hyundais are awesome these days. They are making really good cars now, they are just suffering from their old bad rep (just like Toyota and Honda back in the day). I'd get one for a utility car for sure.

I love my Santa Fe. Of all the vehicles I've driven, it's the one I like best.

[skins]

Originally Posted by MickMcGeough

1) Stay away from all things Hyundai (that includes Kia).
2) Purchasing a new car is among the dumbest financial decisions possible.
3) Stay away from all things Hyundai.

This is a very valid point (I'm not sure about those other two). You're literally losing thousands in depreciation in the first 2-3 years.

You could easily find a '07-'08 Mazda 3 in your price range. Maybe even a Mazda 6. Check it out:

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/f-mazda-3-c...earchFormZtrue

Not to mention those prices are probably more negotiable than at a dealership. Good luck.

[Bill Bumface]

The only thing with new vehicles right now is insanely low interest. Some manufacturers offer this on used vehicles as well (which is what I would do). If your bottom line is month to month payments, not total cost of ownership, this can sway you to the new side a bit I guess.

[REDVAN]

I think that I'll be getting a Ford Escape when I am in the market for the "grow into it" kinda vehicle. (Or Mazda Tribute, obviously). They are decent little guys for the price, I'm sure there's a reason why there are so many of them on the road.

[Traditional_Ale]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I think that I'll be getting a Ford Escape when I am in the market for the "grow into it" kinda vehicle. (Or Mazda Tribute, obviously). They are decent little guys for the price, I'm sure there's a reason why there are so many of them on the road.

They're freaking awesome for what you pay.

[Potty]

Originally Posted by hulkrogan

The only thing with new vehicles right now is insanely low interest. Some manufacturers offer this on used vehicles as well (which is what I would do). If your bottom line is month to month payments, not total cost of ownership, this can sway you to the new side a bit I guess.

Negotiate a deal for a new car with 0% interest. Then offer to pay in cash and see how much the dealer will take off your price. I guarantee you, you will get a better deal.

Is it really 0% if the dealer would take less in a cash deal? 0% financing is a bit of a scam IMO. You're just paying the interest up-front in the purchase price of the car.

[Ice]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I think that I'll be getting a Ford Escape when I am in the market for the "grow into it" kinda vehicle. (Or Mazda Tribute, obviously). They are decent little guys for the price, I'm sure there's a reason why there are so many of them on the road.

I love my Escape. I bought it in 2005 and its been a great SUV. Its the perfect size for me and there is plenty of cargo room for a small SUV. The only thing I've had to take it in for was minor recall stuff and have the brakes replaced. Its been dependable and inexpensive to own.

When I got my new car last year, I just couldn't part with the Escape so I decided it would still be useful as the hockey transport vehicle.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by REDVAN

I think that I'll be getting a Ford Escape when I am in the market for the "grow into it" kinda vehicle. (Or Mazda Tribute, obviously). They are decent little guys for the price, I'm sure there's a reason why there are so many of them on the road.

I own one. Best vehicle ì have ever owned

[Fobby]

Buying a used car makes sense to me if you can get either

a) pay for the used car in full

b) get an interest rate near the rate of a new car.

It blows my mind when people are buying a used car and their finance rate is 9%.

[C-Four]

Buy a Subaru