tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19981140.post7626614601988804363..comments2023-08-26T11:20:56.026-05:00Comments on B.O.M.M.: CarBryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09071302507467572886noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19981140.post-35324908640347302292008-08-24T19:50:00.000-05:002008-08-24T19:50:00.000-05:00For domestic brands, avoid any Chrysler product fr...For domestic brands, avoid any Chrysler product from about 1993 on. They tend to eat transmissions, especially after the Mercedes years. I would have to concur with a Buick as a low maintenance choice. The 3800 V6 especially as it has been around as long as Mr. Otto created/perfected the IC engine. Recent Fords I cannot really make a recommendation one way or another. Some are as reliable as a nail, while some will break if you look at them wrong. Sadly, I would have to agree with the VW assessment. Beautiful in and out, but when they break, they break big time. For foreign cars, look into a late model Camry (the V6 model will really scoot) or a Mazda 6 would be a good choice.<BR/><BR/>The DrewidAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19981140.post-38584355269717383912008-08-24T06:34:00.000-05:002008-08-24T06:34:00.000-05:00I'm behind Dan's reasoning on the bigger engine GM...I'm behind Dan's reasoning on the bigger engine GMs (plus, they make louder vroom vroom noises, which is important to me). Anyway, I know you said not to get into the foreign vs domestic car debate, but let me point this out: foreign cars means foreign parts means you better be investing in the foreign currency market to afford those parts. Plus, labor on a foreign car is usually more. That's one of my main reasons for not ever buying a foreign car. <BR/>As for suggestions, I, personally, recommend a GM because, I believe, they have more cars with interchangeable parts, which means cheaper parts due to more of them out there. <BR/>Other than that, my personal specific recommendation is a Buick. Three of the five cars I've owned have been Buicks. Two of those three are still in my driveway back home and running like champions. (And believe me, I run my cars hard.) <BR/>And Alex's buying advice is golden. <BR/>Oh, and like Ande said, check private sellers and KBB. Also, think about selling your car privately rather than trading it in. You'll get more money for it.Jorgehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15047566317771817432noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19981140.post-52198994612155802902008-08-22T16:37:00.000-05:002008-08-22T16:37:00.000-05:00Wow, DeWolf has got you covered on actual vehicles...Wow, DeWolf has got you covered on actual vehicles. As for buying...<BR/><BR/>I picked up a vehicle in 2002 from a fella on CarSoup.com - relatively painless procedure.<BR/><BR/>If you're going to a dealer don't fall for that "initial this scrap of paper so I can let my boss know you're serious" thing or settle for a high interest rate if you finance (call me optimistic, but anything over 8.5% is too high). Also, if you're going to pay cash instead of finance, don't tell them until you write the check. If you tell them it's a cash deal up front they'll never show you their rock bottom price. Work with them on the price, talk financing, then after you have the price you want, write the check at signing. Watch them stiffen as you do and smile at how much money you're not spending.thelifemosaichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12492368275805977946noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19981140.post-37979801272666104062008-08-22T15:46:00.000-05:002008-08-22T15:46:00.000-05:00Avoid Volkswagon: those cars are overpriced, they ...Avoid Volkswagon: those cars are overpriced, they break down ofter, and they're expensive to maintain. At least two models consistently appear on the Consumer Reports 10 most unreliable cars of the year list.<BR/><BR/>Honda and Toyota are a little pricey, but they'll run forever (so long as you keep up with the maintenance schedule). If you go with a GM car, make sure you opt for a bigger engine (at least a 3.1L); GM's never had luck with small engines--case in point, the Grand MA's Quad 4. The nice thing about Chevy (with at least a 3.1L V6) is that the engine requires little maintenance (aside from oil changes) in order to last a long time. <BR/><BR/>My mom's 12-year-old Lumina has never had engine trouble, nor has it required major engine work.DeWolfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04909455768957335749noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19981140.post-16987484239378386172008-08-22T13:39:00.000-05:002008-08-22T13:39:00.000-05:00Try autotrader.com or one of those other online ca...Try autotrader.com or one of those other online car buying sites. You might find someone near you selling a reasonably priced car. If not, you might be able to shop around and at least see what people in your area charge for stuff. Make sure to use the Kelly Blue Book site, too.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com