Another "Buying a new car thread"

[veg1992]

Kia and Hyundai started becoming great (topping a lot of other companies) in 2006, but avoid anything older than 2002.

2003-2005 Kia/Hyundai's are like Honda in the 80's.

But, remember, checking Autotrader/Craigslist is much better than any stealership.

 

[james.wired]

^ I don't know man, it's hard to trust a private dealer. Plus, if he goes through with the deal at least he gets some kind of warranty.

 

[veg1992]

Well, usually I get a pal who's a local mechanic check it out, and see what's up, then also get a Carfax report too.

 

[zmatt]

Well, usually I get a pal who's a local mechanic check it out, and see what's up, then also get a Carfax report too.

Agreed, whenever I look at cars I take my mechanic buddy with me. With a good inspection and a carfax then you should be legit. IMO dealerships charge waaaaaay too much for used cars. You really get screwed. Certified pre-owned is different, but with used cars most of the time you are better off going private, especially if you can fix things yourself.

 

[95BlackGA]

I DID decide to buy it today. Carfax was clean, and I noticed it was in LA during Hurricane Katrina, so I took it to 2 different mechanics, and they said it was very clean, but not in a "suspicious way." Full price is $4179 financed, not sure what it'll be paid off early, just depends on how long I make payments. Warranty covers everything from dead battery to full in shop drive-train replacement, with Rental car reimbursement. I'm a little disappointed I bought it, but with the price, and the warranty, I just could not pass it up. My girlfriend loves it, which is who we actually bought it for. I'm selling my car, and truck, and buying a new one after we pay this off.

 

[wafflehammer]

as my dad always says when it comes to used cars " There is a reason it's on that lot."

But I guess for $4200 it's that not that bad since you seem to of got lucky with the warranty.

Does seem kinda overpriced though. My girlfriend's dad recently bought her a used car. 2001 something(can't remember name) and it has about the same cosmetic problems your's does..and it was like $1800. I know 2-3 years is a lot on a cars value but stil.. I guess location would have something to do wtih it too probably :\ Uhm never mind I know what it probably is. The financing. I think he paid in full but since you're doing financing that always adds a crap ton onto the cost.

After all is said n done I wouldn't worry about it and call it a good purchase though. Does it feel nice buying a car? I can't wait to make some sort of purchase like that lol..even though I'm sure it's really stressful.

 

[veg1992]

Use KBB to check the value out..

2003 Kia Optima - Select A Trim - Kelley Blue Book

Adjust that according to the car you're buying, and it'll give you a suggested value.

 

[95BlackGA]

as my dad always says when it comes to used cars " There is a reason it's on that lot."

But I guess for $4200 it's that not that bad since you seem to of got lucky with the warranty.

Does seem kinda overpriced though. My girlfriend's dad recently bought her a used car. 2001 something(can't remember name) and it has about the same cosmetic problems your's does..and it was like $1800. I know 2-3 years is a lot on a cars value but stil.. I guess location would have something to do wtih it too probably :\ Uhm never mind I know what it probably is. The financing. I think he paid in full but since you're doing financing that always adds a crap ton onto the cost.

After all is said n done I wouldn't worry about it and call it a good purchase though. Does it feel nice buying a car? I can't wait to make some sort of purchase like that lol..even though I'm sure it's really stressful.

This isn't the first car I bought, my first car that I bought "off the lot" was a '95 Grand Am (Hence the name). It's the first car I haven't paid full cash for, so it's a little dreadful, as I know I will be paying on it for at least 4 months, and anything can happen within those 4 months.

Use KBB to check the value out..

2003 Kia Optima - Select A Trim - Kelley Blue Book

Adjust that according to the car you're buying, and it'll give you a suggested value.

Suggested retail was $45xx with KBB and $43xx with NADA. Take away the $500 for the warranty, and IIRC $400-$600 for the financing. Around $3400 for just the car.

 

[zmatt]

as my dad always says when it comes to used cars " There is a reason it's on that lot."

But I guess for $4200 it's that not that bad since you seem to of got lucky with the warranty.

Does seem kinda overpriced though. My girlfriend's dad recently bought her a used car. 2001 something(can't remember name) and it has about the same cosmetic problems your's does..and it was like $1800. I know 2-3 years is a lot on a cars value but stil.. I guess location would have something to do wtih it too probably :\ Uhm never mind I know what it probably is. The financing. I think he paid in full but since you're doing financing that always adds a crap ton onto the cost.

After all is said n done I wouldn't worry about it and call it a good purchase though. Does it feel nice buying a car? I can't wait to make some sort of purchase like that lol..even though I'm sure it's really stressful.

car values vary greatly depending on make model and year. Knowing an '01 something cost $1800 means absolutely nothing.

 

[Jorsoft]

^Pretty much, yeah.

I think you made a good choice, nothing wrong with Kia in my experience, good dependable cars as far as I know. Not the greatest when they first hit the market but there's a reason Hyundai and Kia offer 5 and 10 year standard warranties now.