new vehicle

[NiteHawk]

Originally Posted by Hannainnc

yeah our van...but we owe what we'll get for it, if that. chrysler minivans suck.

Ok. Too bad you didnt own it because what you do if you own a vehicle is get the dealer's bottom price on the vehicle you are wanting. After you get the lowest price, then tell them you are going to trade a vehicle in on it. They may not like it but they will work off the lowest price then when you do your trade-in.

[CraigC]

Originally Posted by Lowrider

why do americans, no offence always have these big trucks and stuff,

To waste gas and destroy the atmosphere.

Hanna, you should be driving one of these:

Edit: oops, I'm a bit late with this one.

[fitme]

Originally Posted by NiteHawk

Hondas look and sound cheap..

Bump to Honda's...I've only ever driven Honda's and never had a problem. Fits car seats too!

[PADZZ]

My wife's got a 2004 pilot. It's loaded, leather, dvd etc. Couldn't be happier. I've put about 300,000 miles on the 5 or so Hondas I've had and haven't had one problem. We're looking at a 2007 Acura MDX now. Steep at $49,000, but way nice.

[Roles]

I used to sell cars, so I can give you a few hints...
1. Most car dealers use NADA guide to price their vehicles and to price your trade. They have a website www.nada.com.
2. Edmunds.com has a ton of information on what other people are buying and selling their cars for in your area. They also have a ton of information, reviews, safety, etc.. Definately one to look at prior to your purchase.
3. Use the autotrader.com, vehix.com, and cars.com to your advantage. Find pricing that you like for similar vehicles and tell the dealer "What other people are offering."
4. If you find a car you like online, try to get the dealer to give you a price over the phone. Give him an excuse that you are too busy, or you need to watch your kids. But be educated...know as much about the vehicle as you can, therefore he won't think of you negatively.
5. Always try to buy a car at the end of the month, or during crappy weather. Most sales managers try to get as much as they can sold at the end of the month, so they are more likely to make a deal. Rainy crappy days, not too many people are looking at cars. You can use this to your advantage, since they are more likely to get a car sold.
6. Don't get sucked into the "What do you want your payment to be?" If you give them a number, then they may not give you the best deal since they can make the payment work.

Good luck...car buying should be fun and not an unpleasant experience.

4-Runners are cool, but small inside and a gas hog.
Highlanders are small as well, but have better gas mileage.
Any Toyota or Honda will have better resale than most other vehicles.
You are going to loose a ton of cargo space when switching to an SUV....as well as the wide open sliding doors.

[Hannainnc]

thanks roles...I look forward to losing these darn sliding doors and having doors that actually have windows that roll down.

I wonder if I could cram my kids in a car...if I did not have so many children, I would get a small car. I like to save on gas like everyone else.

the more i think about it, not sure if I want a new car yet. maybe i should just drive what I have til it doesn't go anymore.

I'm not good with change and the thought of a new car and a new car payment is starting to freak me out a bit.