Kaptured Chat

anon · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Posts: 294

So I'm truck/SUV hunting now. My '96 Explorer has 190,453 miles on it, and I'm tempting the fates by trying to make 200K (but I'm going to, dammit!)

So far, I've driven the upper-scale Xterra (so-so, mushy brakes, indistinct steering input, difficult ingress/egress), the Dodge 1500 (just getting me to test a Chrysler is a BIG step) which was good on power and OK to drive, until...

I drove the '06 F-150. What a truck! Tight, good power, the A-pillar doesn't restrict the view (Unlike the Ram), I could go on and on.

I attempted to get someone at Toyota to open up a 4-Runner, but they seem to be too busy to mess with customers.

So my question is, what are you driving that you'd recommend? I'm going to Honda this afternoon (Pilot/Element, I will not drive that ugly-ass 'truck'), maybe the Volvo X-90 or the BMW Z-3/5.

Dunno, I haven't done this in 10 years, and I DETEST car dealers. Hate 'em. Cannot stand to be with them. No is not an answer for these idiots, and I hate being lied to by anyone, but especially these idiots.

'Course, the guy at Ford told me they've sold one (1) car all day today (Saturday? What up with that?), so they're ready to deal. I bet.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

a

riotkayak284 · Joined: 28 Oct 2005 Posts: 21

Had a 2002 and it died at 33000k.

Mr. 'Holica · Posted: Sat Oct 29, 2005 10:50 pm Post subject:

I drive a Mustang GT, but it sounds as though you want a little more room:) Of course, I went from a truck(no extended cab or anything) to the Mustang, so I was just happy to have a trunk and a backseat! I still have my truck, though....it's going nowhere.

I eliminated the sales people when I bought my car. I did most of my searching on the Internet and then when I did hit carlots, I did it on a Sunday when most are closed or late at night. When the time came to actually by the car I wanted, I went to my bank, got my financing ready there and then went to the dealer and talked price and nothing else(they like to play voodoo tricks when you start talking about 'what kind of payment would you like to have?'). It was the easiest experience I ever had buying a car. And got a damned good deal in the process.

You might catch a deal since it's the end of the month. And I hear the Ford trucks are very nice if you're looking for a big truck. My buddy just bought a Pilot 2 days ago and loves it.

Ponyman · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 658 Location: Oklahoma

Bought a new 2005 CTS today. End of month and it is a 2005 got a pretty good deal on it. Car runs like the wind and rides and handles great! Never thought I would drive a caddy, but they have changed. My step mom has drove caddy's the last 8 years, and she if you every drive one, nothing else will do. we'll see. So far so good.

KFAN (the real KFAN) · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 246

My '95 Jeep has 140,000 and is going strong

tylerdurden · Joined: 19 Jul 2005 Posts: 221 Location: Texas

I have a 96 Chevy 3/4 ton with a 350. It has 480,000+ on it. Never has the heads off, never had the oil pan off. Still runs great. Mostly highway miles though.
_________________
There's many who tried to prove that they're faster but they didn't last and they died as they tried.

Rob Halford

anon · Joined: 25 Oct 2005 Posts: 294

I bought my last car from a dealer/friend of my girlfriend's family, so I got a deal, and even then, they asked if I wanted to lease. I looked at 'em like they were speaking French. I'm gonna drive it til it dies, was my response...

OK, Holica, where did you go on the net for your information? I haven't done much poking around yet. Mostly, I buy consumer reports big issues and peruse those. The company sites (ford, toyota, etc) will allow me to outfit the car the way I want, but the price is sticker.

The sticker on this 150 is 30K, but the papers are advertising 10K off the sticker. Is this even close to reality? If so, it is stupid. Kinda reminds me of the Marvel comics days when in June, you'd get the November issue, out of whack.

I'm with you, take the dealer and the deal off the table. There are three separate phases: price of the car, the loan and the trade in. They try to combine all three, and you get screwed. 0% has helped some, but it is still shady dealings. My trade in will go to auction, so I'll get a grand out of that, if I'm lucky (even if I classify it, no one will buy it for more than that). The loan I can secure on my own, which leaves me with the actual, real world price of the vehicle.

Any suggestions on web areas where reality is presented? I'm going to Google today, but if you've got a bead on it, lemme know.

thanks!

a

Mr. 'Holica

cymbalo(The Jen-uine one) · Posted: Fri Nov 04, 2005 3:16 pm Post subject: Believe it or not,.........

a guy in this area drives a '83 Toyota celica that has 560,000 miles on it.Only new parts:a few mufflers,radiator,something else. Surprised

Dr. Zaius · Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 146

Mr. 'Holica is right, you should start with http://www.consumerreports.com and work from there. I had to get a new(er) car last summer. I think you can sign up for a month subscription that is really cheap.

They also have terrific books I highly suggest you get on 2005-2006 used and new cars and how to choose smartly. You can go to any book store and get it. They have a lot of useful web sites and tips. I used these books and found a great and reliable car for the money! (You can go to Amazon.com and type "consumer reports car"--this will get you the right books.)

http://www.carfax.com is a total necessity! Pay the fee and get info on any car you are interested in.

Good luck! Smile

Let us know your progress.