I need a cigar and a beer!

It looks like we finally drove my wifes POC into the ground. Right now we are looking at "reasonable" and "practical" cars. Although 30-40 mpg does sound pretty good after driving my 10,000 pound V10 truck.
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Look on the internet first and then go to the dealership to test drive ... my opinion.

You can find out how long cars have been sitting on the lots, who has a large inventory they are willing to move on the type you want and in the case of my last truck, you can often work through 95% of the entire deal before you talk to the person face to face in 1-2 emails.
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I just picked up the new 2012 Mazda3 itouring. It is awesome on gas (39 mpg). and is a pretty decent car...got the hatchback.

Just an option.
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That's actually what I am doing...We already have a vouvher from our credit union, so I know how much I am going to spend, my interest, etc. Now it's just a matter of finding the right car for the price I am willing to spend.

I'm looking up reviews online now.
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I have heard good things about truecar.com anyone confirm?
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I'd go private party myself-why pay a dealer 20-30% more just to get one off the lot to pay commission, operating costs, etc? (Obviously assuming used is an option). There's not any more "free" money left to buy new, is there?
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Whats the budget Steve? The wife and I are in the same boat. both our rigs are getting long in the tooth. But we did the reasonable and practical (USED CAR) route and ended up putting about 10K in repairs over a two year period. I am now leaning towards a brand new entry level base model car with warranty. something to consider. We are looking at the KIA soul or Honda fit type cars and with careful shopping without any sort of financing we should drive one home for 12K.
I do know it will be a nice financial safety blanket to just drop it off for repairs with out that dreaded call from the mechanic with the bill.
:-)
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I have never been able to find "free" money. I'm thinking new just for the convienence of a new car warrentee (I have been holding the POC together with duct tape, bailing wire and prayer for years now), gas milage, and the fact that my daughter will be driving in a couple of years.

That said, I am on Autotrader, Carmax, Auction Direct, as well as some of the local dealer websites as we speak.
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Exactly. I am looking at Ford Fiesta (I have a contact at the local dealer that I trust, although I may be leaning away from it due to some preliminary reviews) Honda Fit, etc. Something in that territory.
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How many times do you incur warranty repairs in the 3 year/36k mile window? There's a reason why they only offer that in most cases, which is because there's virtually nothing that goes bad during that window. Also, there are plenty of good mechanics available that you can find through craigslist or whatever that aren't going to charge you $100/hour to repair as well and will allow you to provide your own parts (or buy discounted through them).

Look at the reliability of any make/model you're looking at historically and it'll give you some sort of idea what type of window you're looking at. My Avalon has ~ 103k miles on it and I think it has the reliability to get me another 100k miles without any significant repairs (unless I just jinxed myself). It's a 2005, but with laser cruise control, rain sensing wipers, heated/cooled seats, navigation...just what kind of new features would I get in a newer model until this one eventually craps out? Nothing.
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Good luck brother. Also look at comfort. We tried 4 cars before Leigh found one I could actually sit in.
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Edmunds.com is another good site for reviews.
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Keep us (me) posted on what you choose. I will take any info I can get to render a decision. We wont be buying for a few more months...or more.
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i suggest going to dealers websites and getting the online quotes. and look at dealers in other areas of the country.

when we were looking for my wifes car, i emailed dealerships up near DC and got better prices than the ones in my backyard.
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The POC is a 97 that has topped 225,000 miles. I guess it is entitled to die.
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also look at certified used cars.

my 2008 TL-s has a 8 year 100,000 mile warranty from the factory on it right now.
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Where are you located? We are selling our 2007 Altima Hybrid that has 55.5K miles on it.
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FL
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Yeah, that'd be a bit too far. :-) Anyway, good luck on the search!
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Yes, unfortunately you held onto it just before you hit the major repairs. All I'm saying is that while there's that "good feeling" of owning a new car, do you think for a second buyers as a whole come out ahead?

Manufacturers charge a premium on something that shouldn't break down anyway and offer a warranty that doesn't really touch their reliability. All you're "betting" on by buying a new car with a warranty is what you're buying is a piece of junk to break down in that amount of time. :-)
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