Car folks: first car purchase advise

Turkey · October 19, 2014, 09:18:02 PM

Gonna be a no-shit, bill-paying adult in a couple months working a real job with a wife and my own health insurance and car payments. This is in serious because I don't want the typical flood nonsense, but I understand if it has to be moved.

I'm looking to buy a car towards the end of the year to take advantage of sales on 2014 models. I don't really have any particular desires other than the typical ones: decent fuel economy, reliability in terms of maintenance frequency, and affordability. My salary will be roughly $55k for the first year, though I'm not sure what budget that entails. When I posted this thread a while ago on B.Net, I specified that I do want a hatchback but I'm open to any suggestions.

1. What budget should I shoot for?

2. Any manufacturers that I should avoid?

3. Lease vs. buying?

Other than that, just post recommendations. Thanks, Sept.

Spoiler

Right now I'm thinking about a Ford Focus SE.

Dustin · October 19, 2014, 09:19:10 PM

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Kinder Graham · October 19, 2014, 09:55:14 PM

I worked at a car dealership for a few months

Buy a used car. I suggest after finding a car you like, research the trade-in values and come up with a good estimate. Dealerships will not over pay the trade-in value but will jack up the resale price, as that's where they make their money from and it will be easier to lower the price rather than a new car.

Funny enough though, the car I bought when working at the dealership was an 08 Focus. They were asking like $10k but with employee discounts, got it for like $8,500

Mega Sceptile · October 19, 2014, 10:07:57 PM

I would suggest a Ford Fusion if you're looking for a 2014 model sedan, the ford engine will last longer than the frame if you treat it right, and the parts are inexpensive.

Also, avoid Toyota, Kia, and any "luxury" cars. Modern toyota lasts as long as a guy with E.D, Kia is just shit, and Luxury cars end up costing twice as much for replacement parts.

DAS B00T x2 · October 19, 2014, 10:12:33 PM

I'm a tad clueless in the category you're looking for, but the Focus and Mazda 3 Hatchback seem like good choices to look in to.

I wouldn't bother with leasing.

The Waifu Master · October 19, 2014, 10:13:44 PM

Quote from: Mega Sceptile on October 19, 2014, 10:07:57 PM

I would suggest a Ford Fusion if you're looking for a 2014 model sedan, the ford engine will last longer than the frame if you treat it right, and the parts are inexpensive.

Also, avoid Toyota, Kia, and any "luxury" cars. Modern toyota lasts as long as a guy with E.D, Kia is just shit, and Luxury cars end up costing twice as much for replacement parts.

^ Knows what he's talking about
Fusion gets amazing gas mileage too.
Fiesta and Focus are cheaper and I believe they get better mileage, but they're pretty small.

Mega Sceptile · October 19, 2014, 10:20:46 PM

Quote from: The Waifu God on October 19, 2014, 10:13:44 PM

Quote from: Mega Sceptile on October 19, 2014, 10:07:57 PM
I would suggest a Ford Fusion if you're looking for a 2014 model sedan, the ford engine will last longer than the frame if you treat it right, and the parts are inexpensive.

Also, avoid Toyota, Kia, and any "luxury" cars. Modern toyota lasts as long as a guy with E.D, Kia is just shit, and Luxury cars end up costing twice as much for replacement parts.
^ Knows what he's talking about
Fusion gets amazing gas mileage too.
Fiesta and Focus are cheaper and I believe they get better mileage, but they're pretty small.

I say fusion because the trunk is fucking huge, you could hide 3 bodies in there if you wanted and STILL have room for your groceries, otherwise I'd go with the focus because it has a more space than the fiesta.

Mega Sceptile · October 19, 2014, 10:24:42 PM

ALSO, Stay away from leases, it's a temporary solution to a car problem. IF you want to get a monthly thing you just pay for a car monthly. Leases end up being like 60% of the car for I believe 3-5 years, buy it outright and you have a car that lasts 10 or 20 depending on how well you keep it.

challengerX · October 20, 2014, 06:00:24 AM

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Turkey · October 20, 2014, 09:17:32 AM

Like I said, I'm not stuck on a Ford or any model, it's just the one I have been considering.

Mega Sceptile · October 20, 2014, 10:08:47 AM

Quote from: E̲n̲g̲a̲g̲e̲d̲T̲u̲r̲k̲e̲y̲ on October 20, 2014, 09:17:32 AM

Like I said, I'm not stuck on a Ford or any model, it's just the one I have been considering.

We aren't telling you to get a ford because of that, we're telling you because they're genuinely good cars for the price, and well worth the money.

Mad Max · October 20, 2014, 10:12:18 AM

Quote from: E̲n̲g̲a̲g̲e̲d̲T̲u̲r̲k̲e̲y̲ on October 19, 2014, 09:18:02 PM

1. What budget should I shoot for?

I'd say under $7500

Quote

2. Any manufacturers that I should avoid?

Pretty much any american sedan from 1998-2005. That was a rough time for the American car industry. The Honda Civic, Accord, and Toyota Carrolla, and Camry are always great cars.

Quote

3. Lease vs. buying?

Buy. Paying all cash is preferable, but a cheap auto loan through your bank/credit union wont be too bad. I paid $12,000 for my 2007 A3 with no money down, and my monthly payments are around $200.

I'm not sure what situation makes leasing more attractive. Maybe when you're older and want a new Lexus every few years?

Turkey · October 20, 2014, 11:19:51 AM

A couple of you mentioned the Civic. I've driven a Civic (albeit a lease and one without many features) for several hundred miles and found it very uncomfortable. The seat sat too low, the windows and mirrors made it difficult to see around the rear of the car, and the trunk was too small.

I do a lot of outdoorsy stuff like diving, biking, and hiking, so I really like being able to pack a bunch of gear. I'd even be down for a truck, though the poor gas mileage turns me off to them.

Mad Max · October 20, 2014, 11:27:18 AM

Quote from: E̲n̲g̲a̲g̲e̲d̲T̲u̲r̲k̲e̲y̲ on October 20, 2014, 11:19:51 AM

A couple of you mentioned the Civic. I've driven a Civic (albeit a lease and one without many features) for several hundred miles and found it very uncomfortable. The seat sat too low, the windows and mirrors made it difficult to see around the rear of the car, and the trunk was too small.

I do a lot of outdoorsy stuff like diving, biking, and hiking, so I really like being able to pack a bunch of gear. I'd even be down for a truck, though the poor gas mileage turns me off to them.

If you're looking for storage space, especially for outdoorsy stuff, you might want to consider something like a Toyota RAV4, Honda CRV, or similar smaller SUV.

Prototype · October 21, 2014, 02:51:12 AM

Do you know how to drive stick?

challengerX · October 21, 2014, 03:05:24 AM

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Sprungli · October 21, 2014, 10:01:46 AM

Bro just buy a Skoda Superb or Yeti, or a 2014 Ford Fiesta or Ka.

Especially buy a 14 Yeti, best car in the UK

DAS B00T x2 · October 21, 2014, 10:06:43 AM

Quote from: Sprungli on October 21, 2014, 10:01:46 AM

Bro just buy a Skoda Superb or Yeti, or a 2014 Ford Fiesta or Ka.

Especially buy a 14 Yeti, best car in the UK

#murica, bro.

Juuzou · October 21, 2014, 11:25:33 AM

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