help me pick out a car and tell me the best way to buy it

[Anonymous]

I"m over my 16-yr old black on black sedan for quite a few reasons but the final straw is the fact that the AC does not work when the outside temp is over 85degrees.

At first I was fine with it but after not having House or Car a/c for 4 days, I am done suffering.

Here's what I would like (am taking suggestions b/c I'm a bit overwhelmed at the choices).
1. Something safe as my current car is really, really safe.
2. Will last a long time as my current car probably won't die...it will just become more and I need to sell husband on this decision.
3. has a low-maintenance reputation. We put very little into maintaining ac. (it's apparently "illegal" to fix an old freeon ac or something like that).
4. Has room for travel b/c even though we are a family of 3, we take a lot of road trips and our car seat is huge and our toddler still requires a lot of crap and once he no longer requires a lot of stuff, we will probably hike, bike, camp ect with said car.
5. Has tank-like qualities as our current car is steel, shows no dents, goes over anything without a second thought...
6. Costs between 20-30K. We will pay cash and are willing to buy used.

Final question: What's the best way to buy a car? Last time I had horrible experiences and eventually was just really bitchy-rude at a dealership but don't want to do that b/c of stress and time. So I guess the question is what's the most efficient and least stressful way to get this new car at a fair price/

Thanks in advance.

[Anonymous]

Research, research, research.

Consider buying a newer model of the same car if you like it.

If you are female (sounds like you are), be prepared for overt sexism at most dealerships. The only exception I've ever experienced (aside from Carmax) is Tom Schweiss, who is now working at Tischer Audi in Silver Spring. He is...normal. Unlike 99% of other car salespeople I've dealt with. (Audis are also good cars if you like to drive -they are very heavy, too, if that's what you're looking for. They aren't perfect but every brand has its pluses/minuses.) I'm sure they have other types of used cars there too.

Sit in various makes/models and see how you like the style. Are the controls too big/small/hard to reach? Is there too much plastic for you? Are things tough to understand? Do you feel like you can handle the car safely? Can you see out your windows/windshield/rear mirror?

Try an Audi A3, if that's in your price range. Even used, they are not too big, and the hatch styling makes them very versatile.

[Anonymous]

Check the overall maintenance records for Audi -- not too good.

Frankly, OP, I'd go with a good old fashioned Honda Accord. Safe, reliable, low maintenance, room for a family of three and their stuff, easy to install a car seat - everything you're looking for. You could probably go another 16 years without having to buy another one.

[Anonymous]

The 2012 Accord is VERY roomy inside. My husband just bought one a few months ago. It fits all your parameters. I happen to have an excellent in at a Honda dealership. I can guarantee you won't have any issues with crappy sales people. I'll post contact info if you're interested. Good luck with your car shopping!

[Anonymous]

Subaru Outback. Reliable, safe, and last a LONNNNNNG time!

[Anonymous]

If you have USAA, use their car buying program. They do all of the work. Make sure you read and understand how the program works. It's an excellent service.

[Anonymous]

Costco also has a buying service...

[Anonymous]

I'll ditto the Outback. If we hadn't already bought a minivan in 05 we would have bought an Outback instead of the Altima this year. It would definitely hit all of your categories and the back seat is huge (i.e. when your toddler becomes a teen he'll still fit in the back seat).

[Anonymous]

Love the Outback--very roomy and the trunk space is great. Also, if you get the leather, navigation, etc., it doesn't feel like a station wagon inside. The new CRVs are also really nice.

[Anonymous]

OP here:

I"m fascinated with the outback lovers. I"ll check it out. I've got bad associations with the audi (I know, issues).

In-laws have the CRVs but I don't find their backseat comfortable which I"m not going to like that 10 yrs for now when my child gets cramped and whiny.

Anybody taken a road trip in the backseat of a CRV recently? Can you ask a 10-yr-old and 15 yr old if they are comfortable back there?

Re; Sexism. I was seriously thinking about going to carmax just to avoid the BS.

I will check out the USAA thing.

[Anonymous]

OP again. My issue with the Honda Accord is not being able to pick mine out in a parking lot! I realize they must be amazing since there are so many around.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP again. My issue with the Honda Accord is not being able to pick mine out in a parking lot! I realize they must be amazing since there are so many around.

Getting some type of unique license plate would solve that problem. DH has a 2012 Honda Accord. it's a wonderful car, so roomy, lots of extra features, very smooth to drive.

[Anonymous]

if you get a honda accord or toyota camry, you cannot go wrong. As far as buying it and selling your current car, the EASIEST thing to do is go to CARMAX--they will buy any car, and they have a bunch to try/test drive and you can be in and out of there in 2 hours.

To save about $1k-2k, try emailing back and forth with a dealer on the price of a car. But this requires haggling & shopping around/internet work.

Alternatively, you can get some good deals by just driving out of the DC area and to say, Culpeper or a small town like Harrisonburg, VA. My neighbors swear they got much better deals on their cars that way.

[Anonymous]

Saabs are safe as hell. Between myself and family members, we have been in several car accidents where we've been hit by another vehicle, and walked away unscathed.

They are also pretty fun to drive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I"m over my 16-yr old black on black sedan for quite a few reasons but the final straw is the fact that the AC does not work when the outside temp is over 85degrees.

At first I was fine with it but after not having House or Car a/c for 4 days, I am done suffering.

Here's what I would like (am taking suggestions b/c I'm a bit overwhelmed at the choices).
1. Something safe as my current car is really, really safe.
2. Will last a long time as my current car probably won't die...it will just become more and I need to sell husband on this decision.
3. has a low-maintenance reputation. We put very little into maintaining ac. (it's apparently "illegal" to fix an old freeon ac or something like that).
4. Has room for travel b/c even though we are a family of 3, we take a lot of road trips and our car seat is huge and our toddler still requires a lot of crap and once he no longer requires a lot of stuff, we will probably hike, bike, camp ect with said car.
5. Has tank-like qualities as our current car is steel, shows no dents, goes over anything without a second thought...
6. Costs between 20-30K. We will pay cash and are willing to buy used.

Final question: What's the best way to buy a car? Last time I had horrible experiences and eventually was just really bitchy-rude at a dealership but don't want to do that b/c of stress and time. So I guess the question is what's the most efficient and least stressful way to get this new car at a fair price/

Thanks in advance.

I think the Toyota Venza might fit your needs.
1. The safety ratings are all good ratings.
2. Toyota still has one of the industries highest reliability ratings. People buy Toyota for this reason.
3. Again, one of the biggest advantages to Toyota is the high customer reliability ratings including low maintenance
4. Station wagons are good storage vehicles. And with a split back-seat fold down, you can have your child in the back seat on one side and fold down the other side to extend the cargo area
5. This is the only issue...for that you might want an SUV type vehicle
6. Carmax Toyota in Laurel has new Venza's for $25-35K, used for $22-30K.