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Help Buying First Car

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by bucki, Jul 1, 2006.

  1. bucki

    bucki New Member

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    Hi everyone,

    I need some help buying my first car, which I hope to be a Prius. Because, I have looked at all the web sites concerning fuel efficient cars (environment friendly). And decided the Prius is best for me, in the looks and MPG field.



    My questions are, does the Prius really get the MPG listed on those sites? (Living in S.Georgia)

    Where should I buy my used Prius? At carmax, or from a certified used Toyota dealership?

    Anything I should know about them? Like problems they have? Or, what to look out for when buying?

    What year should I look for? Or is there any difference in buying, a certain year?






    Thank You So much!
     
    #1 bucki, Jul 1, 2006
  2. Springtime

    Springtime Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SturmTiger @ Jul 1 2006, 05:49 AM) [snapback]279608[/snapback]</div>
    First, I would wait until after you know for sure where you will be stationed before you buy a car. You can always start saving for a down payment now so you have a sizable down payment when the time comes to purchase.

    I bought my first new car in 1969 while I was in the Air Force and stationed in NJ - three months later I had orders to go overseas for 13 months! My car ended up spending a year at my parents house as a second car for them to use.

    If you expect to be taking out a sizable loan for this car - be sure you have a backup plan to pay the monthly payment if you suddenly get reassigned and the car can't come with you. If you had to sell it 6 months after you bought it you might not be able to break even on the deal.

    At your age I think your best bet is to consider a preowned Corolla you could pay cash for and use for the next two years or so. Corolla gets good mileage, preowned Corollas are reasonably priced and you will not be stuck with a huge monthly payment for a car you may not be able to use if you are reassigned overseas.

    Whatever you decide to buy - wait until after you find out for sure where you will be assigned.

    Springtime
     
    #2 Springtime, Jul 1, 2006
  3. bucki

    bucki New Member

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    Yes, I'd agree Springtime. Right now, I already have the money for a car saved up. And do not need to take out a loan or sorts.

    But, im pretty much a shoo-in since this base is not really in high demand. And my job should not involve me going to Iraq or such. But yes, I was not planning on buying it before I get stationed but after. But I wanted to get my research done first, before I even leave. Because, I probably will not have the time on my hands to do it then.
     
    #3 bucki, Jul 1, 2006
  4. B Rad

    B Rad New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(SturmTiger @ Jul 1 2006, 07:29 AM) [snapback]279628[/snapback]</div>
    Believe me, They make a lot of promises before you sign up. After that you go and do what is needed. Good Luck and thanks for serving......
     
    #4 B Rad, Jul 1, 2006
  5. Godiva

    Godiva AmeriKan Citizen

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    If you go with a used car, be very careful it's not a Katrina or flood car.
     
    #5 Godiva, Jul 1, 2006
  6. bucki

    bucki New Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Godiva @ Jul 1 2006, 02:27 PM) [snapback]279746[/snapback]</div>

    Well, after doing 4 hours of reading this morning about buying... I think new would be best, since most of the used ones are around 17-19k and new are 21k-23k. (not cheap enough to buy used) Since, I'd pick the #1 package of just airbags anyway..Nothing special
     
    #6 bucki, Jul 1, 2006
  7. IHeartMyPrius

    IHeartMyPrius New Member

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    why are you asking for car advice on a prius forum? do yourself a favor, buy a car, not a go-cart
     
    #7 IHeartMyPrius, Jul 4, 2006
  8. bucki

    bucki New Member

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    I was asking questions concerning the Prius, on a Prius Forum....
     
    #8 bucki, Jul 5, 2006
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    troll alert!
     
    #9 Tideland Prius, Jul 5, 2006
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