I'm a car salesmen, Go ahead and ask me anything

[TimSJ]

In a word no.. There are some decent offering in the market right now. but in order to get that great deal you need to buy a model that is not selling so it has big money on it from the manufacturers. Dealers may be selling the odd used car under cost but that is the exception rather than the rule.. They aren't going to be in business for very long if they are selling everything at a loss.

Things in general in the canadian car business aren't too bad either.. Cars are still selling.

[jedisen]

Originally Posted by TimSJ

In a word no.. There are some decent offering in the market right now. but in order to get that great deal you need to buy a model that is not selling so it has big money on it from the manufacturers. Dealers may be selling the odd used car under cost but that is the exception rather than the rule.. They aren't going to be in business for very long if they are selling everything at a loss.

Things in general in the canadian car business aren't too bad either.. Cars are still selling.

Thanks TimSJ. Appreciate the advice and for setting my expectations at a reasonable level.

[The Fonz]

Originally Posted by TimSJ

What kind of car is it?

Pontiac G8

[MRCboicgy]

Here's a bit a vague question for the car people (not just the salesmen mind you):

You can afford 350-400 bucks a month on a car over 60 months (72 is fine if you must). You plan on keeping this car for the long term

What do you buy? (lower payments is good too, assume no down payment and that you want an automatic)

[STeeLy]

What kind of car do you want? Something that's really easy on gas like Fit, Yaris, or an economy car a Civic, Corolla, that class. Or do you want a full size like a Camry or Accord? Truck, Minivan, SUV, Crossover?

Do you want something sporty or just a plain ordinary car?

What kind of options do you want? Power Windows, power locks, Power Mirrors, etc...?

These are questions you need answers to before anyone can narrow down what car is affordable for you

I don't mean to come on harsh if I appear that way.

[MRCboicgy]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

I don't mean to come on harsh if I appear that way.

As I said, it is a vague question. Instead of asking more questions, perhaps share an opinion?

Consider it a what-would-you-do type thing? Maybe even throw in some reasoning on why you would do it, just for fun I have my reasons for asking it as such.

I don't mean to sound like a bitch if I appear that way.

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Here's a bit a vague question for the car people (not just the salesmen mind you):

You can afford 350-400 bucks a month on a car over 60 months (72 is fine if you must). You plan on keeping this car for the long term

What do you buy? (lower payments is good too, assume no down payment and that you want an automatic)

I think buying any car over 60 months is a bad idea, 5 years is a long time to be committing to a loan of something that is worth far less when you are done with it than when you started. Sure right now driving that 2009 off the lot for 400 bucks might seem like a steal, but how will you feel in 2014 when you are paying $400 a month to drive a car that is starting to break down in areas that are not covered by warranty anymore.

IMHO if you can't afford to finance it over 3 or less years the car is to expensive for you, especially in a possibly unstable job market.

[Wookie]

Tim specific (mostly because it's a benz, but anyone else can comment)

My buddy is looking at this car
http://www.canadatrader.com/result/d...calgaryalberta

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by Rathji

I think buying any car over 60 months is a bad idea, 5 years is a long time to be committing to a loan of something that is worth far less when you are done with it than when you started. Sure right now driving that 2009 off the lot for 400 bucks might seem like a steal, but how will you feel in 2014 when you are paying $400 a month to drive a car that is starting to break down in areas that are not covered by warranty anymore.

IMHO if you can't afford to finance it over 3 or less years the car is to expensive for you, especially in a possibly unstable job market.

I would finance most Hondas/Toyotas/Subarus over a 5 year period without hesitation.

[STeeLy]

Here's an interesting question. This is purely out of curiosity as I don't see myself parting with my car anytime soon.

How do most dealerships deal with modifications on cars that have been traded in?

Modifications can include tints, engine intakes, lowering springs, exhaust, etc...

[TimSJ]

Originally Posted by Wookie

Tim specific (mostly because it's a benz, but anyone else can comment)

My buddy is looking at this car
http://www.canadatrader.com/result/d...calgaryalberta

Looks like a decent price.. seems cheap actually.. i watched an 03 with 100k go through the auction in the mid $30k's a while ago..

great trucks.. I have actually been looking for a G55 for myself..

My biggest beef with them is that you need to keep the door hinges lubed a lot.. they are constantly rusting and seizing up.. They are not the quietest things either..

[TimSJ]

Originally Posted by STeeLy

Here's an interesting question. This is purely out of curiosity as I don't see myself parting with my car anytime soon.

How do most dealerships deal with modifications on cars that have been traded in?

Modifications can include tints, engine intakes, lowering springs, exhaust, etc...

They really add no value to the car as far as we are concerned.. In fact i will often pay less if it has a bunch of stuff on it. Generally people want stock cars... And the kids that want the exhausts, intakes etc.. can't afford it and you end up doing a million test drives with punks... lol

[MRCboicgy]

What are the overall thoughts on Certified used--like those from the top brands? Good buy or ripoff? Are certain brands' certified deal better than others?

[Sample00]

the name "Certified Used" is just a name that the automotive company came up with.

All dealerships in Alberta are required to run their vehicles through a mechanical fitness report, also known as a certification report. This is now required by law under AMVIC's rule. AMVIC runs the automotive industry in alberta.

When dealing on a used vehicle, always ask for the report. The dealership is required to disclose anything that may be wrong with that vehicle.

[Aces High]

I've got about ten grand to spend. I want the newest, lowest-mileage Honda Civic or Honda Fit I can get. What am I looking at? A 2005 Civic with 130k on it or thereabouts? Something newer maybe? Should I wait, are prices dropping as the recession hits?

[Sample00]

Originally Posted by Aces High

I've got about ten grand to spend. I want the newest, lowest-mileage Honda Civic or Honda Fit I can get. What am I looking at? A 2005 Civic with 130k on it or thereabouts? Something newer maybe? Should I wait, are prices dropping as the recession hits?

I have this one on sale for 11,995.00

http://www.valqwestmotors.ca/Invento...1&ItemID=42184

Used car pricing is actually increasing at this time.

[Aces High]

Thanks for the tip, I'll think about it.

[Calgary '89]

Originally Posted by Sample00

the name "Certified Used" is just a name that the automotive company came up with.

All dealerships in Alberta are required to run their vehicles through a mechanical fitness report, also known as a certification report. This is now required by law under AMVIC's rule. AMVIC runs the automotive industry in alberta.

When dealing on a used vehicle, always ask for the report. The dealership is required to disclose anything that may be wrong with that vehicle.

For the most part, "certified" is a loose term used with pre-owned cars.

Some brands like Acura, Volkwswagen, Audi and BMW to name a few, actually do have a certification program that means much more than an AMVIC-approved certification report.
"Certified Pre-owned" cars that come with 1 or 2 year extended warranties are the best IMHO, and are worth financing for more than 3 years as they are typically the ones in the best shape, and those brands also offer better interest rates.

Compare this:
Buying a used 2005 Honda Civic with 80,000 Kms for $12,500 from a Honda dealer. You could call this a "great deal".

48 month finance through a local bank @ 6.9% (If your credit is good):
$314/month with $0 down.
$266/month with $2000 down.

Buying a used 2005 Volkswagen Jetta with 80,000 Kms for $14,500 from a VW dealer:

48 month finance through VW Canada @ 2.9% (guaranteed on approval)
$336/month with $0 down.
$292/month with $2000 down.


The Jetta goes through a VW standard inspection which is a higher standard than an AMVIC-approved safety inspection and comes with a 2 year extended warranty covering the entire vehicle.
Purchasing an aftermarket warranty on the Civic would probably cost between $1400-$1800, bringing your Civic payments up by $30+ per month.

"Certified pre-owned" is a great way to buy a used car, just make sure its a real "certified" with a warranty that backs it up.

The same applies to other brands that have Certified programs, I used VW and Honda cuz they're way more affordable than the other brands I mentioned.

[Calgary '89]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

Here's a bit a vague question for the car people (not just the salesmen mind you):

You can afford 350-400 bucks a month on a car over 60 months (72 is fine if you must). You plan on keeping this car for the long term

What do you buy? (lower payments is good too, assume no down payment and that you want an automatic)

Here's a vague answer: Buy from brands with the best resale value, so you should probably stay away from the Big 3.

[Ironhorse]

Originally Posted by MRCboicgy

You can afford 350-400 bucks a month on a car over 60 months (72 is fine if you must). You plan on keeping this car for the long term

Originally Posted by Calgary '89

Here's a vague answer: Buy from brands with the best resale value, so you should probably stay away from the Big 3.

If he's keeping the car long term, then resale value is not nearly as important as getting the "right" car.