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I'm 22 and going to start studying for my license, tired of the muni and spending money on bart. also since I have a toddler it's harder to travle with a stroller and everything else. So, I'm asking how much do people usually spend on a new car? or at least at a place where they sell used cars, that are still good, and worth it?
Of course since I'm a mother I need a safe car, with good air bags, and saftey features. but I'm also into small cars that can at least fit 4 to 5 people, like for example; my favorite types of cars would be between: Toyota Yaris, Ford Focus, Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta.. and well, yeah. Those type of small cars, there's others that I was more interested in, but I can't remember the names..
Whenever I see a car commercial, I see the amount you'd pay monthly, plus the amount you need Due at Signing in the fine print of the commercial.. what is the amount you'd pay monthly for? if you pay around $3,000 at signing??
I know a new car is expensive! Would it be cheaper to buy a car from a friend, or someone selling them and have a michanic look at the car to make sure everything is Ok?
- leave tips on buying new car from suspicious dealers, things to look out for, and anything you'd think I should keep an eye out for, and how to make a better deal to fit my budget, money is a bit tight, but I'm able to save $100 a month till I'm at a ok price to get a car..
so, thanks :)
Answer
I have been in your shoes....okay....you are asking a very simple question that has about a billion different answers. first, how is your credit? If you dont have any, you will need a co-signer. A down payment on a car is generally about 10-15% of the sale price. Oh, and those offers on TV----don't listen to them. they DO NOT apply to you. A car payment should be no more than 20% of what you bring in per month. If you make $2000 per month, your payment should not be above $400. Just remember that.
Do your research. Ask family. Do not ask friends, they are just as unknowing as you. Mechanics want you to buy the least reliable car so that they can make money on you later. Maybe a family mechanic would be okay.
Don't buy a car from a mom/pop shop. They will ruin your life. go with a bigger name, like a new car dealer that sells used cars, or Carmax. Don't go to "Jim's Used Car Depot" for instance.
If you go used, invest in Carfax. It is about 30 bucks a month, but it allows you to search VIN's, which is pretty much a car's SSN. Carfax registers accidents, major fixes, smog repairs, insurance claims, owners. All that.
Avoid "prior rentals." As Jeff Foxworthy says, " Buying a rental car is like going to a house of ill-repute lookin for a wife. If something has been driven that hard, for that long, by that many people.....you dont want to be stickin your key in it."
Dont EVER trust a car salesman. If you are not a good negotiator, stay away from the dealership, or bring your dad with you. I was a car salesman, I know. They are up there with Lawyers and thieves.
What I would do is get approved for financing before you go to a dealership. this will prevent you from having to have credit when on the dealership. Talk to banks, and get approved before you step on the dealership. If you step on the lot with "a cash offer", so to speak, it has a very big advantage in getting a lower price for more of a car. It means the dealer won't have to finance you, and credit will not be an issue. If credit IS an issue, they will not make anything available to you until they see your credit. Any questions on that, talk to your folks.
Check fuel mileage, and insurance rates, so there is no surprise. Sports cars cost more in insurance than subcompacts, for instance.
Lastly....test drive everything you are interested in, and use it on the freeway, as well as the city, to make sure you will be comfortable in it. check the safety rating for the back seats of cars (this can be found on IIHS website). Searching for a car is fun, as long as you dont get sucked in.
P.S.----and this is important-----If you buy a car from a private seller, like out of Auto Trader or off of Craigslist, you are buyin the car AS IS. IF THE CAR BLOWS UP 10 MINUTES AFTER YOU BUY, SELLER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE. Dont buy a car that cant pass smog. If you do decide on a car, pay a mechanic 60 bucks to look it over before you sign the pink slip or bill of sale.
Good luck!
I have been in your shoes....okay....you are asking a very simple question that has about a billion different answers. first, how is your credit? If you dont have any, you will need a co-signer. A down payment on a car is generally about 10-15% of the sale price. Oh, and those offers on TV----don't listen to them. they DO NOT apply to you. A car payment should be no more than 20% of what you bring in per month. If you make $2000 per month, your payment should not be above $400. Just remember that.
Do your research. Ask family. Do not ask friends, they are just as unknowing as you. Mechanics want you to buy the least reliable car so that they can make money on you later. Maybe a family mechanic would be okay.
Don't buy a car from a mom/pop shop. They will ruin your life. go with a bigger name, like a new car dealer that sells used cars, or Carmax. Don't go to "Jim's Used Car Depot" for instance.
If you go used, invest in Carfax. It is about 30 bucks a month, but it allows you to search VIN's, which is pretty much a car's SSN. Carfax registers accidents, major fixes, smog repairs, insurance claims, owners. All that.
Avoid "prior rentals." As Jeff Foxworthy says, " Buying a rental car is like going to a house of ill-repute lookin for a wife. If something has been driven that hard, for that long, by that many people.....you dont want to be stickin your key in it."
Dont EVER trust a car salesman. If you are not a good negotiator, stay away from the dealership, or bring your dad with you. I was a car salesman, I know. They are up there with Lawyers and thieves.
What I would do is get approved for financing before you go to a dealership. this will prevent you from having to have credit when on the dealership. Talk to banks, and get approved before you step on the dealership. If you step on the lot with "a cash offer", so to speak, it has a very big advantage in getting a lower price for more of a car. It means the dealer won't have to finance you, and credit will not be an issue. If credit IS an issue, they will not make anything available to you until they see your credit. Any questions on that, talk to your folks.
Check fuel mileage, and insurance rates, so there is no surprise. Sports cars cost more in insurance than subcompacts, for instance.
Lastly....test drive everything you are interested in, and use it on the freeway, as well as the city, to make sure you will be comfortable in it. check the safety rating for the back seats of cars (this can be found on IIHS website). Searching for a car is fun, as long as you dont get sucked in.
P.S.----and this is important-----If you buy a car from a private seller, like out of Auto Trader or off of Craigslist, you are buyin the car AS IS. IF THE CAR BLOWS UP 10 MINUTES AFTER YOU BUY, SELLER IS NOT RESPONSIBLE. Dont buy a car that cant pass smog. If you do decide on a car, pay a mechanic 60 bucks to look it over before you sign the pink slip or bill of sale.
Good luck!
What is the average weight of a car?
i need to know what the average weight of a car is, but i don't want any answers that say it differs greatly. there is an average weight to every car on the road.
Answer
Average U.S. Car Is Tipping Scales at 4,000 Pounds
The E.P.A.'s weight statistics show that the average weight of a 2003 car or light-duty truck, like a pickup, sport utility, van or minivan, was heavier than in any model year since 1976, when the average peaked at 4,079 pounds. Just five years later, after the oil shocks of the 1970's, the average had fallen by more than 20 percent, to 3,202 pounds. The figures take into account the sales volumes of different models.
http://cars.lovetoknow.com/How_Much_Does_My_Car_Weigh
Average U.S. Car Is Tipping Scales at 4,000 Pounds
The E.P.A.'s weight statistics show that the average weight of a 2003 car or light-duty truck, like a pickup, sport utility, van or minivan, was heavier than in any model year since 1976, when the average peaked at 4,079 pounds. Just five years later, after the oil shocks of the 1970's, the average had fallen by more than 20 percent, to 3,202 pounds. The figures take into account the sales volumes of different models.
http://cars.lovetoknow.com/How_Much_Does_My_Car_Weigh
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