Buying my first car, massive headaches ahead.

[specialmias]

I'm a college student graduating in 10 months and I was offered by my uncle a new car. I just got my license due to family issues and am ok driving, but I need more time out there so I make less mistakes. As my father is getting ill I will be responsible for doing errands now, thus me being forced into a license, thus me being 22 and having 60 hours tops driving time. For example, I turn really slowly on streets that are cramped with cars on both sides. I'm still not used to highways, I'm ok on a boulevard doing 45-60mph. All things People keep telling me I'll get used to.

My uncle is willing to purchase a car for me that will last me a long time. he insists I get a warranty that lasts a while and something with less than 40k miles and around 2004-2006 range used. He found out the prices of Toyota and Honda models in this range and now suggests I just get a new model. He wants me to get something that's dependable and will withstand my constant need to drive long distances due to my career options in the future.

My problem is, as a new driver I am scared to drive a new model and damage it in some way. I've called a few dealers and right now got a price on a $16,700 for a 2010 Corolla LE. I also was offered a Corolla S 2005 for $10,500, with 80,000 miles. 2005-2006 Corollas I keep finding for $13,000-$15,000 with 45-32,000 miles. Because I'm a new driver the lowest insurance rate I can find is $200, applies to both the old and new Corolla. I've been looking at Honda as well, but am finding for the requirements he's asking for they're pricier with less features. He's giving me $8000 and $400 a month to spend on insurance and car payments.

Right now, I'm leaning towards an older model due to depreciation and much greater wiggle room in monthly payments. I also probably will feel less afraid of damage and theft in the used car. Right now I'm very indecisive from the amount of cars and dealerships I've looked at and visited for price quotes. The entire situation is giving me a headache and any advice anyone can give me would be greatly appreciated. Looking through the threads on these forums a "new car" thread seems very common so I apologize.

[akboss]

Some quick advice. Do your research before you walk into a dealership, used or otherwise. If you're generally indecisive about the matter, they have that much more control over the sale. "Hey, you want to impress the girls right? Well then you need leather seats and a sunroof!". Not saying you're that naive, but you know where I'm going. Use websites such as autos.msn.com, edmunds.com, or just google the make and model with the word "review" tagged afterwards - get some professional opinions on the cars you're looking at to evaluate its performance and deficiencies.

Don't buy new - for your first car, its a waste of money. Sure you may get a big warranty but the comprehensive (bumper-to-bumper) only lasts 3 years anyways, and even that won't cover you if you smuck your car into someone else. Speaking for myself I don't want to deal with the depreciation - losing 20% of the car's value in the first year alone is a big hit. Let someone else take the punch and buy 2-3 years old with low mileage.

For your level of driving skill and what you seem to be saying about your needs, you need a comfortable, nimble, reliable car that gets decent economy for all your driving. Look at a 2-3 year old compact hatchback, they are awesomely versatile. Compare shop the Toyota Matrix/Pontaic Vibe, Suzuki SX4, Mazda3 and Nissan Versa. They all come in hatchbacks, and offer decent drives for the money. A personal favourite is the Versa - its cheap, reliable, great mileage with the 1.8L motor, and because its tall and upright it has great visibility and space inside.

[carsforsale]

The car is 159 inches//4042mm long (just slightly shorter than Astra) and its height of 63.9 inches/1624mm makes it as tall as the Zafira. The measurements demonstrate the designers' brief to create a spacious, practical interior on a minimum road area.
The true spaciousness comes from making the fullest use of the wheelbase of 103.5 inches/2630mm, which is close to that of the seven-seater Zafira.

[O'Dailigh]

I would suggest an 03 Honda Accord; an EX model if you can get one. With around 40K on it you can buy one for close to $10,000. A family member has had one and has had nothing but positive experiences with it. It is an easy car to drive as well as a pleasant one to drive. But just as others have mentioned, do your research first before you talk to a dealer!

Good luck and I hope you love whatever you pick!

[Shpuker]

Akbss has got it right, do your research thouroughly and don't buy new for your first car. and the guy right about me has some bad advice, anything with a VTECH in it is a car to avoid. my mom had a 2003 Acura MDX Touring, got it brand new yet the check engine light came on after putting 5k miles on it, we never could get it to turn off. plus the retail value on it droped 25k in the first 2 years (from 42,000 to around 18,000) she just traded it in for a 2007 BMW X3 literaly yesturday

but do your research and get a list of 5-10 cars, you don't wana go and test drive 50 cars because chances are you'll end up with something you don't want. but don't be afraid to say NO to the dealer, negotiate below how far you think they'll go.

P.S. whats the price range your looking at? Helps people to suggest cars.

[03cavPA]

Originally Posted by Shpuker

but don't be afraid to say NO to the dealer, negotiate below how far you think they'll go.

Agree. Do your research, get some idea of prices, and walk away if they jerk you around too much. Don't be afraid to stick up for your interests.

I hate dealing with car salesmen, no offense to any on this board, but I don't have time for the stroke n joke crap. Give me the bottom line. If I don't like it, I walk. Time is money.