Sheebs
Hello,
I'm buying a car for the first time. and have some questions if you can answer any of them please respond
New or Used?
If used what year should I not buy before? (i.e. 89, 99, 09)?
What Make and Model:
Most dependable?
Best MPG?
Easy Maintinance I could do most of?
And any other questions I was too stupid to ask.
Also, what else should I ask?
Thank You
Answer
First narrow down to what type of car you want and can afford. Then find the model and year you want and can afford. Research the car on Edmunds.com and kbb.com (Kelly Blue Book). These sites will give you the value of the car and any reported issues with the car you're looking at. Some cars are lemons (cars that break down frequently) so it's vital that you research your car on Edmunds.com
Cars have what's called "packages". Basically they're add-ons to what the car comes with standard. Examples are: Premium Package-Adds a moon roof, more luxury options, etc. Sound Package-Updated sound system, better speakers, multi-disc changer, iPhone connector, etc. Every car is different in this respect. Features that a package offers will differ between cars.
If the car is new, there will be 0 millage. During this period, this is called the break in period. Do NOT excessively wear your car down during this period or you may damage it and shorten the life span of the car.
If the car is used, it REALLY depends on the age, brand, and if the previous owner(s) took care of it. If the maintenance was hardly done, the car is bound to have severe problems that you will have to fix. Buying a car with low millage is better than one with high millage. High millage can be considered 90,000+. Anything over 100,000+ miles you need to be VERY careful about. Most cars will develop issues over this millage.
Borrowing money is based on several things. The banks determine what the requirements are. One, you must have a job and at least have held it for a year. You must present your W2 tax form (it states how much you made in that tax year) and you're two most recent pay stubs. The bank uses this to determine if you can pay back your loan in a timely manner and that you aren't asking for excessive money. A bank will not lend you money for a Mercedes if you make minimum wage for example. If you make $7000 in a year. The bank will typically not lend you anything higher than that amount. Banks look at what's called a debt to income ratio. You want this percent to be as low as possible.
If you have no credit history or a limited one, you will be charged with a high interest rate because you are considered a "possible high risk" borrower. If you pay the loan back on time, your credit score will greatly improve.
Assuming you are pre-approved. If you're buying it from a dealer, so have to get a form stating the final costs of the car (car, taxes, document fee, etc.). If you're buying the car from someone (e.g. Craigslist, private party, etc.) you need to bring the owner of the car, the car, registration, title and safety check to the bank, the loan officer will review everything and insure that the title is properly transferred to you. They will be listed as the lien holder (those who financially own the car).
IMPORTANT: Auto loans are also subject to car requirements set by the bank. Meaning that a bank may not approve the auto loan if the car is too old (usually a car older than 10 years will not be approved), if the car has any problems (engine check light is on, etc.), and/or if the car is in poor condition.
If you have to borrow money, the lien holder (the one who lend you the money to buy the car) will require you to buy purchase total coverage insurance. Basically this will cover any and all incidents if you get into an accident.
Maintenance on any car is required if you don't want it to break down quickly. Maintenance is not just changing the oil, but maintaining everything. Examples are power steering fluid, breaking fluid, transmission fluid, clutch fluid (if it's a manual), tires, etc. Japanese cars are usually cheap to maintain. My Honda Accord Coupe costs $40 to do an oil change. European cars are more expensive to maintain and repair. I also own a Mercedes C240 and an oil change costs about $200. If you're just starting off and don't have a high income, get a Japanese car, like a Honda or Toyota.
Changing oil isn't that hard in Japanese and American cars. It's a PAIN in European cars. You can do this yourself if you know what you're doing. DO NOT use the incorrect oil or you will damaged the engine. If you're not sure, take it to the dealership. It will cost more, but they'll know what they're doing. You can find this out be reading the owner's manual (all cars come with one).
Different cars use different grades of gasoline. Make sure you are using the correct one or else it will damage the engine. My Honda uses Regular gas, the cheapest option. My Mercedes uses Super, which is the most expensive.
Overview of Owning a Car (what you'll be paying for and should consider before buying a car)
-the loan amount
-insurance on the car
-gas
-maintenance
-repairs
Luxury cars are more expensive to maintain and repair. I don't suggest buying one if it's your first car and if you have a low income.
If you do decide to buy used, get a Japanese car, if possible a Honda Accord. They're known to be one of the most reliable cars to buy. If buying used, try to get it directly from the owner. An owner will know the car better than a dealer, who's primary concern is to make money. I wouldn't buy a car that's older than 10 years old and/or with high millage.
In general, Japanese cars are cheap to maintain and fix. European cars are more expensive to maintain and fix.
why do luxury cars get bad gas milage?
Johnny
my dad has a 91 lexus LS400, and it gets 21 miles per gallon, which is even worse because you have to fill high octane gas in it, while our corolla gets 28 mpg, I checked the weight of the lexus and it is 200 pounds less than a toyota highlander, so why must they make luxury cars so heavy, does it make an impact on the performance, or handling
Answer
Luxury cars are pretty big, for more seating comfort. They have many features, for entertainment and convenience. For example, the 2007 LS460L has power rear seats! All of this adds weight, so engines need to be more powerful to haul it around, so down goes the mileage. To increase power, many companies increase the compression ratio of the engine, so the gasoline is squeezed smaller before igniting. To ensure that the gasoline doesn't ignite at the wrong time due to all this pressure, high-octane fuel is needed.
Powered by Yahoo! Answers
