Buying a car is like having a night job.

[jessicaem]

I looked at this car last weekend:
http://www.branchville.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?sid=0462887X10K27K2006J1I10I10JPMQ610R0&veh=403549

It's just the sort of Corolla I want: the new (2003 and later) body style, with power windows and locks and cruise control.  The mileage isn't bad for a Toyota (47K), and there's no sunroof (I hate sunroofs).  No

Comments

[blindman738]

I'm horrible with car buying.

Salesman: What are you looking to get into?
Me: Trouble.
Salesman: I mean what kind of car.
Me: Oh, a truck.
Salesman: We have a white Chevy. Go take a test drive.

Return from test drive of two miles.

Me: It works.
Salesman: So, do you want to get it?
Me: Yes.

Signs paperwork.

See? I suck at it.

[jessicaem]

Hah! I almost wish it could be that easy. That's kind of how it was with my Saturn.

Me: This one is cute! Can I drive it?
Them: Okay.
Me (in the car with Lee): It's so cute! I want to buy it.
Him (later, to them): We only want to pay $2,600 or $2,700.
Them: We'll take $2,700.
Me (to him later): Why did you let them choose? Oh, well; it's cute!

[blindman738]

Yeah, that's how my car buying experiences are. I don't even research. I just take whatever is available. LOL

I always buy used anyway. Problem is I get bored with my cars after a couple of years and I've hit that point with my truck. I still have three years to pay on it. Guh!

[congogirl]

I paid about that much in 1999 for a 1996 corolla with 25K, no sunroof, etc.

I'd say that's a good deal, but tell him you want him to get it detailed first, then it will be pretty and spotless for you!

[folkgirl]

The color thing, meh. My car is a "I can live with it" color (my ideal color for a car is navy blue) and I don't think too much about it on a day-to-day basis. The dents, I don't know. I understand the appeal of having a car that is "perfect," especially if you're paying that much for it. My car has several dents of late, but at least I know that I put them there myself. (Well, one of them was put there by some lady's bratty kid at the BP station, but I didn't realize that until it was too late. And I guess my little Trader Joe's thing this week was my karmic due. Or something.)

I don't know. I think maybe you should wait. In my experience, another deal will almost always come along. As long as Sadie's still kicking, take your time and find something you can really be happy with.

[afakejournal]

Hold out! Hold out for one you love!