Major help needed

Dec 12, 2016 13:51

So... we're looking at buying a car. I've never done that, not even close. My sister's information is years out of date, like 10 or so. Things are different today ( Read more... )

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Comments 14

dagibbs December 12 2016, 21:32:31 UTC
Some notes ( ... )

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niall_ December 13 2016, 12:42:00 UTC
I've been government-indeterminate for 17 years, that should help, and I almost never carry-over my credit card.

One online insurance comparison rate site - for however trustworthy that info was - pointed out that one company doing auto rates was the same as I currently have for rental insurance, so I'll check with them as well.

Thanks for the comments!

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dagibbs December 13 2016, 14:51:13 UTC
Yes, sometimes you can get a multiple-insurances discount with the same company.

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beable December 12 2016, 22:00:30 UTC
For the insurance, also don't take for granted that the best rate you have "now" will be true when it renews. If you find that your rate jumps on renewal for no obvious reason (e.g. accidents, losing demerit points, other claims) it's worth checking the competing rates ( ... )

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niall_ December 13 2016, 12:43:55 UTC
Very good info I wouldn't have known, thank you! As for discounts, while I'm supposed to have a preferential rate with the PSAC company that won't stop sending "join us" literature despite years of not using them, I will check my rental insurance company to see if a package would help there.

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ironphoenix December 12 2016, 22:22:57 UTC
Adding to previous comments:

You can get your credit reports.There are sites which can get you information on what a dealer paid for your car if it's new. Research them and then keep that information in mind in your negotiation. They will need to make some money on the overall deal, but try to keep it to about $1K on a small non-luxury car ( ... )

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niall_ December 13 2016, 12:47:19 UTC
A good amount of this I knew, but thanks for a few more particular details, always good to keep in mind. Major thanks for the credit rating link!

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ironphoenix December 13 2016, 20:16:10 UTC
No problem!

We've been very happy with the Mazda 3; in about 8 years, we've put almost 250,000 km on it and it's still in good shape. We do our maintenance, though. It's not as fuel-efficient as some, but it's very pleasant to drive.

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ungulata December 13 2016, 17:47:24 UTC
Get a Lemon-Aid car guide by Phil Edmonston ( ... )

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niall_ December 14 2016, 03:09:57 UTC
Neither of us have much in savings, so paying with money now is not that much of an option - but a loan of the third of the price will be much easier to repay.

Many more good advice, thanks!

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ungulata December 14 2016, 13:11:37 UTC
You're welcome! You probably have a high enough credit rating to get a car loan at a used car lot (or a bank), but I think you can use your existing credit card as leverage to acquire a card with an even higher credit limit and thereby increase your credit rating. Lending institutions are nuts.

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niall_ December 15 2016, 00:07:28 UTC
I keep having to refuse a credit limit increase on my cards... but with a car, I definitely will have to need a higher at-a-time ceiling. Repairs don't come cheap or in installments.

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niall_ December 14 2016, 03:15:31 UTC
Deeeefinitely two sets of tires, and I know very well about having each on rims. Storing... that can be an issue. Do they have to be stored at a reasonable temperature? I.e., the all-seasons put in a garage that's not connected to a house and feels all of the cold... We most definitely do not have space in the building's storage area.

I have a good idea for a garage mechanic, the one my mother and sister have used for forever. They've never complained.

Where can I find this red book? I keep hearing about it...

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