Buying a new crossover after almost 20y of owning compact

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,
Grateful for your car buying/bargaining tips.
My first take, prices are so high that I should just hold on to my falling-apart-car….but I know I have to bite the bullet given price trend and interest rate hike coming up.
I’m cautiously shopping for crossovers similar to Toyota 4rav and Nissan Rogue.
Appreciate your advice. Thanks so much

[Anonymous]

Avoid Nissan like the plague. Maybe also consider CX30 or Crosstrek.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Avoid Nissan like the plague. Maybe also consider CX30 or Crosstrek.

Thanks for your reply. B/c Nissan drivers are un-nice?

I will take a look at the other options. I am also looking at cx-5 packages but - OMG - the dealers are vicious and not coming down from msrp at all, but marking it up.

My options seem to be:
- biting a bullet and paying high prices?
- waiting for new car market crash in December - possibly?
- going with cheaper packages?

Any recent resources on how to talk/bargain with your dealer?
Do I even have any bargaining power in tis market, even though I come with cash?

[Anonymous]

I have also been looking. My car is falling apart and is pretty old. I just need to bite the bullet as well.

I've been looking at the cx-5 and the prices in VA seem to be highest. Check further out areas in Maryland if you can (not Rockville). I tried the Rav 4 and it was too big for me and the cx-30 I really liked the ride (better then the cx-5) but felt the back window was cramped. If you are looking at Mazda, keep in mind that many of the 2022 models are coming in without the liftgate and bose stereo on the preferred and premium models. You need to check the window sticker to see if there was a credit given (which means it isn't there). Also, the 2023 models are not including those features until the top price points.

[Anonymous]

We just bought a Crosstrek after owning just one car (Prius) for several years. Also considered a Taos although it’s a new model which is never ideal. I wanted the small subcompact or whatever it’s called so honestly found CX-5 too large. CX-30 back seat is so small it is unusable…in other words some makes they just don’t have a vehicle that is quite the size I want. Rav-4s get terrible reviews. I would look at engine size because plenty of options in this category are underpowered (eg the HR-V) - look for a 2.5L or turbo powered engine. Maybe look at the CR-V if not too big for you?

In terms of market, it is tough. Honestly, looking for a dealer that wasn’t going to charge a “market adjustment fee” or similar was a priority. Subaru has a great product and cars sell within hours after coming off the truck, meaning they could easily pit buyers against each other or up charge but they didn’t. I should be clear, we are on a year’s sabbatical in the southwest so I can’t recommend a dealer but I’d look for one that is maintaining their integrity despite the market. And then to some extent, you just take what you can get (in terms of color and features). I did a ton of research for this and it took us a good month to buy something so if I can help I’m happy to.

[Anonymous]

Try going a bit outside the DC area. Less demand = less likely to charge a markup.

https://www.pohankatoyotamd.com/new-toyota-rav4-salisbury-md

https://www.youngertoyota.com/searchnew.aspx?Model=RAV4
Younger in Hagerstown is selling RAV4's at MSRP.

[Anonymous]

Thanks so much for all the advice.
It helped to be braver and just request MSRP price. Some won’t talk back but one gave the offer I wanted for the package I wanted. It’s a worthwhile drive away from greedy Tyson’s area. I shall see if the guy keeps his word.

[Anonymous]

Why not just get another compact?

Do you really feel the need to add yet ANOTHER giant behemoth SUV/crossover to the roadways?

[Anonymous]

Ford Escape. I have more than 200,000 miles on mine and have done nothing to it but breaks.

[Anonymous]

Good luck, op. I’m on the cusp of buying. I’ve got an 11 year old CRV with 127000 miles. I’ve no complaints about the CRV, but I want the rav4 prime. It’s going 7,500 over msrp- which coincidently the same amount as the federal tax credit. However, the prime no longer qualifies for the tax credit (and neither do I). I’m giving it a couple of months so people can realize the tax credit isn’t available anymore to see if the market got it softens. I will either buy a 22 in December or a 23.

I’d give it 2 months.

[Anonymous]

We bought in February 2021 so a bit before the real madness of car prices, but we got a great deal on a subaru outback. Love, love, love it. I don't know how hard they are to find now but I would highly recommend. This was an upgrade from a Camry for us. We bought out of state prior to moving to the DMV so I don't have any tips for local dealerships, unfortunately.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not just get another compact?

Do you really feel the need to add yet ANOTHER giant behemoth SUV/crossover to the roadways?

A CRV, rav4 and escape aren’t ‘behemoths’ under any standard.

[Anonymous]

I love my Ford Edge!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Why not just get another compact?

Do you really feel the need to add yet ANOTHER giant behemoth SUV/crossover to the roadways?

My commute is now on I-66 west and humongous trucks are to blame for this switch.
I just want to feel safer. I’ve seen pretty bad accidents on that road.

I had my car for 17 years and so deserve a nice upgrade. That may be my last car before I die. Ok to make it a bit nicer. I’m also hoping for more getaway trips with friends and family.

[Anonymous]

Guys if you have good credit, it’s possible to get Mazda CX-5 at MSRP. Took me a couple of days of talking to multiple dealerships.
Alexandria Brown’s Mazda won. They are a bit of a drive but the whole experience was neat. I think they said they are the largest Mazda dealership in the area so I guess that’s why they could be more flexible.

I could not wait till the market cool down as the old car was basically done.