Although he'll not be here until next year, I'm thinking ahead for what my fiance is going to need when he gets here and high up on the list is going to be a car, particularly when he starts interviewing for a job. So I was wondering what other folk have done in this situation. He'll have some small amount of money saved up so it was my thought that he might just want to buy a cheap used car outright, preferably with some small warranty, from a reliable dealer. My own vehicle will be paid off in December, so my other thought was to offer to co-sign with him. I've also seen a number of places in my neighborhood that advertise "no credit, no problem," but those disturb me on several levels and I'd be afraid to walk into one.

So I'm curious to know what others have done, and any ideas, or what has/has not worked for you. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

I found the car (truck) I wanted and then started negotiating the price with the salesman. Consumer Reports offers a pretty good deal if you know specifically what you want they will recommend what to offer for the vehicle.

Once we had reached an agreement on the price of the vehicle we started negotiating the price of my trade-in. Don't let them know you have a trade-in until you reach an agreement on the new vehicle.

After reviewing what the truck was selling for and what my Mustang trade-in was worth I think I really did a good job in getting the best deal. If they won't give you want you want then walk away. I most cases you won't get far, especially if they have spend a few hours in getting the pricing all worked out. The dealer didn't want to give me much for my Mustang, only $13,000 for a 2003 and that was a year and a half ago. I told them what I wanted, based on Consumer Reports, and they finally gave it to me otherwise I was ready to walk.

Remember, it’s your business they want, not you wanting their business so stand fast. If one place doesn't offer you what you want go somewhere else. Take your time, it can save you thousands.

Good luck

If he is in a position to either buy new outright or finance a new car he might like to try International Autosource. They are in New York based but have an office in the UK, Phone: (UK) + (44) 207 177 0018.

They were set up originally to sell vehicles to US service people returning from overseas but now sell to people moving over as well. The vehicle comers from the manufacturer and is delivered to a dealer local to you. I got a vehicle through them at 20% off the sticker price, which worked out at $4000 below the dealer invoice price.

I had a budget of less then $3,500. So we knew we were doing used! LOL. I suggested that we get a honda or toyota as they are known as reliable cars. We looked at 3 cars then we decide to only look at the Honda Accord, but not so old that it didn't have a driver's side air bag. The we went to craigslist.org. And I searched Honda Accord Max $4000. We also looked at autotraders.com and a local web site for the newspaper. Then we compared the prices people were asking and got a feel for price. We looked at a few. And because we were looking at a specific car we learned what was a good price. We looked for a dry engine, no oil and low milage. And over the summer we found a 94 with only 83K and we got it for $2100. It had no radio and the tires are shot, but even with purchasing a radio and the ties it came to $2,450 a great price. It took about 2 1/2 weeks for the whole process. We weren't in a rush so we were able to get a good deal. In the end we saw I think 8 cars and 6 were the accords.

We searched around the internet, the paper, local used car lots and felt hopeless. We thought no matter where, there was probably something totally wrong with the car, otherwise the person wouldn't be selling it. BUT WE WERE WRONG! I put my pessimism aside and found a car for my husband on Craigslist.org. It was a 96 2 dr civic for $3000 (with sunroof, AC, all the bells & whistles, only 104K miles). It was in perfect condition. The guy just graduated with his masters and was moving to NY and said he didnt want to drag his car with him. He even gave us all the service records he had for the car (he was the first and only owner) and even gave us his dad's address & tel # locally to call with questions if anything ever came up.

And if you are searching on CL, dont get scared off by price. I was at first, cause Honda's & Toyota's retain value very well. Just put your negotiating skills to use. The guy wanted $4400 for this civic, we managed to get it down to $3000. Well within our budget.

Search around, and good luck.

When I arrived my husband and I looked at CarMax to get an idea of what was on the market. I had had a Hyundai in Canada (actually, several:-) ) and liked them so we went to the local Hyundai dealer to see what they had available used. We found an Elantra here that was a year old and had been used by their service manager. They offered us a great deal on it - the time of year was right for that - so my husband and I took out a joint car loan and bought it. One of the reasons we took out the loan in both of our names was to help me build up credit in the US since my Canadian credit didn't transfer to the US with me. That is something you may wish to keep in mind for your husband - taking out a co-loan on a vehicle will help him start to build a credit history here in the US.

This is something I've been thinking about as well. We'll only have some money for a down payment. I left behind great credit in the US (and have maintained that while in the UK for the past two years), but isn't it true that get some type of car loan I'd have to show proof of income as well as good credit? We'll need a car pretty much right away, definitely before we've actually started jobs.

Does anyone know if we'll be just fine with my good credit and my dad (who has plenty of income) willing to co-sign a loan?

We bought our second car on eBay. Saved ourselves a good grand in price. Not quite the same as asking about getting credit for buying a car, but something you could bear in mind for saving some cash...

We have bought and sold cars in both the UK and the US on ebay and been pretty happy with the results. (UK forum members may remember my Morris Minor George -- bought and sold on ebay!) I think you need to ask yourself -- do I need a brand new car or am I happy with a used one? For us, it was a simple choice -- the hubby doesn't like modern cars much so it was used all the way. We also didn't want to be saddled with paying off a loan and interest just for credit purposes, and preferred to own the car outright and be able to use it as an asset. Me? I love Volvo 240s, and they don't make them any more so when we get car number 2 it will have to be used.

However, used cars will need time and money to maintain, and you can't just turn to your dealer if something goes wrong. My husband is a car nut, so maintenance can mostly be done at home on our 20-year old car, but this is not the option for everyone. And of course some people can't stand the idea of driving something "pre-loved", which is fair enough. Others will see this as a way to build credit, so perhaps a loan is a good idea for them.

Make a list of what means more to you to start you on your way.

Hubby has a Volvo 240; it's currently not running (nor does it have current plates) but he swears he will get it running again. He's an ex car mechanic so maintenance and repairs aren't an issue for us either.

Beryl was purchased on eBay for me, for when I start to drive:



She is a lovely little motor (1999 Ford ZX2) and, as I mentioned before, we saved at least a grand on her price and this was despite her being purchased from a dealer (through eBay). She was a trade in and therefore would have been going to auction if not sold on eBay - we got her at the reserve price too.

Oh, and she corners like she is on rails (look at the low profile tyres!) and she has a rear spoiler, which is an obsession of Charles' here on VJ.

Beryl's a cutie!

She is. For a not so new car she sure is a purdy one!

When we first arrived we bought a Dodge Interpid for $3000, that car lasted around 3 months before the engine blew. After several months of getting the bus everywhere, I got a job and after my first pay check I went to a dealership and bought a brand new car (Chevy Equinox) with $1000 down. Since my wifes credit wasn't great they done it all on mine (I didnt have any credit history) and got me a good deal on some new buyers scheme. we had to pay slightly over what we wanted for monthly payments, but insurance is fairly cheap, decent interest rate and the car has a 5 year warranty.

We just phoned around the various dealerships and were completely honest with them and most went out of the way to find us credit.

Beryl is adorable! Love the name. Now, you better lean on the PlatyPius to fix up that 240... they are sweet little things to drive, built like a tank and easy to control. I am in love with my dad's (it's black with all the goodies -- we call it the Stealth Volvo), but no matter how much I beg and plead he won't give it up, at any price. I've started socking some money away for my own -- one good enough to drive across America in when we finally move to California next year.

oops -- sorry for the hijack!

I'll direct hubby to this thread...I'm sure he'll agree with you how wonderful the 240 is!

make sure it has a rear spoiler

That's the idea; I'm from Essex, can't do without that rear spoiler!

Thanks, everyone, for the ideas! I'll try to co-sign and see if my credit is up to enough snuff. I'm also thinking we'll see if we can find a "certified used" car from a dealer because then at least we'll have some sort of small warranty, even if it's only a year.

Thanks again!

For $12, Consumer Reports (which is nonprofit) will provide you with a report of a specific car that you are interested in which will help you greatly in not only finding a reliable used car, but paying a reasonable price.

https://ec.consumerreports.org/ec/aps/order.htm

Consumer Reports Bottom Line — the price where you should start negotiating (including current national rebates, unadvertised dealer incentives, and holdbacks).
•

Dealer Invoice Price (provided by the manufacturer to the dealer).
•

Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) — what the dealer wants you to pay.
•

Invoice and MSRP Prices for all factory-installed options & packages.
•

Different Trimlines for your selected models.
•

Consumer Reports' predicted reliability ratings (based on feedback from over 800,000 car owners).
•

Consumer Reports' Recommendations on how to equip your car or truck.
•

Current Safety Ratings based on our analysis.
•

Alternative Vehicle Choices — so you have genuine options to choose from.
•

"Best Deal" Negotiation Advice.
•

Online Buying Advice.

I believe that www.edmunds.com gives you the same info, but for free. I keep going in there to see how much the invoice prices are and seeing how much the dealer is trying to rip people off.

Awesome info! Thank you. I bought my only brand new car from a dealership back in 2001 by first ordering the report from CR. I went to the dealership with pre-approved loan paper from my credit union and the report and then told the car salesman if he can get me into the Toyota Echo with tax and license for what I was approved for, then I'd buy the car. I had to start walking off the lot at one point but the dealership accepted my terms. I know they still made at least $500 from the deal...they were just hoping for a few grand.

Steven,

You have a Toyota Echo? What's it like?

I was thinking of getting one for the missus so she'd stop borrowing mine

Unlike me, she's into Japanese (as you know, I wouldn't be caught dead in a Jap car.)

I had the 4 - door, 5 speed manual. It was suprisingly spacious and had a lot of zip. You sit higher up so you have increased visibility (much like the Matrix). I was getting about 35 mpg. The seats are a bit cheap looking but a good seat cover made up for it. It went to my ex after the divorce.

Unless you're trying to find the cheapest, I'd recommend a Matrix, which gets nearly the same mpg and is a much nicer ride. (I owned a 2003 Matrix for a couple of years).

The "no credit, no problem" places should not scare you. They have special arrangments made with far less then prime financing companies or do their own 'in house' financing. i.e., you borrow the money from them. The vehicles, generally, are no different than what you find on the main used lot. They tend to stick with cars that have a sticker of less than $10K. There is usually a lot of play in the price of the vehicle as the interest rates on the loans tend to make up for the loss of profit made on the car. The dealer makes his money on the back end of the deal rather than the front. Many times, you can find a nice car for a fairly decent amount of money. The best thing to do is take the car to a trusted mechanic, before making an offer, and have him give the vehicle a good once over. Ask him what his experience is with working on that particular year make and model. He'll tell you if they show up in the shop often or not and if they do, why.

Well... the missus thinks a car is a box on wheels to take you from A to B and
doesn't really care what it looks like, as long as it's "good on gas". She also
likes manuals, so I think the Echo is a good choice. I don't want to spend more
than $10k so it'll have to be a 2003-2004 car. Or maybe I'll just add another
$5k and buy a brand new one....... not sure yet.

The missus sounds like my kinda gal. I'm almost certain you'll be able to find a manual, older Echo for that price.

Mister Fancypants and I plan to buy an old Toyota Supra and have it like this... My cousin's 1994 Supra from New Jersey. We'll just asked his sponsors to upgrade it.





or like this... (My Dad's driving for Mangima Maximum Underdrive Challenge, PHILIPPINES)

My langa likes to dream.

Maybe you should listen to her

Japanese cars are so incredibly boring otherwise.

I'm a point A to point B kinda guy. Maybe we should switch wives? j/k and please no more polls.

LOL - I'll ask her. She's originally from California, so it'd be easy for her.

You mean you married a granola eating hippie? Oh boy, wait until the other Marc hears about this.

100% American Grade A Granola-Eating Tree-Hugging Hippie from San-Francisco

Careful. Saying that might make some here go into convulsions. Well she MUST be a member of the Communist Party then.

She's not THAT bad.

You don't have to tell me that. I'm just telling you what gets thrown my way all the time.

Woops! You made a typo!

Oops

I'd rather get a root canal than go out and buy a car.

How come?

If you go into a car dealership without a good idea what you want and how much is a fair price, you're screwed.

We bought a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee from Craigslist for $3500 a year ago....... runs like a dream, and haven't spent any money on it except tyres......driven it 14,000 miles.......I :jest:LOVE THAT CAR!!!!!

We eventually managed to get me a used car. It involved a lot of searching, time and energy but in the end I'd say we got a really good deal. We got a 98 Mercury Tracer (basic model) for less than $2,700 (including Tax, Title, Tag, Registration). Blue Book had it valued at around $3,500 in good condition. No loans, no greedy bank to repay and no stupid car payments every month .. I work for us not some big greedy bank.

We took along a friend who knew what they where doing (we couldn't afford a mechanic, if you can take one). We researched online, auto trader, local papers used the blue book to get a feel for prices. Like I said it takes time and a lot of energy. You have to decide which is best... easy buy now repay the bank forever or do some work, save up some cash and get it free and clear!

I'd personally avoid the "no credit no problem" places like the plague! Don't touch them, if they don't get you with insane (should be illegal) interest rates then they will get you with other fees or excessive late fees. Either way they will extract the very soul from your body and consume it payment by payment until nothing is left. My opinion used cars with warranty are and could be good but you will pay over the value for it but you'll buy peace of mind.

If I where you... I'd bring my peace of mind with me (a trusted mechanic), check the VIN's, negotiate a price and get something decent and used for cheap! Then get something new or almost new when all is more stable and secure money wise plus you now have a trade in

Good Luck!

What ever you buy unless you are rich. Buy one that gets high gas milage.
Gas hit $410.99 yesterday here.
They aren't saying "Lucky to live Hawaii" anymore!!
Anyone want to buy a 4 wheel Ford F250?
Cheap!

Wow! That's expensive....
Gas is finally barely below the $3 mark in central Florida.
My hubby had a job, but no credit when it was time to buy a car. So....we had to buy it together. I know he wanted it to be for himself, but he couldn't have done it alone - so he was fine with it. He pays for it .
The good thing too is that now he'll have credit - and good credit as long as we keep up the payments.
Easy enough I think.
The only negative side to our experience is that when we financed it I was told that the interest rate is a bit higher since we needed to use me. It's not much higher - but more so than the interest rate I got when I bought my car 2 years ago by myself.

I'm in central Florida too and just filled up today.. it's still $3.09 here I'm not complaining it cost less than $60 for us to fill both cars. That is one of the biggest benefits of having two 4 cylinder vehicles. What they lack in raw power they more than makeup for at the pump in price

Ima get a manual to get some better gas mileage. Its nice to see it so low compared to what im used to here in the UK. A mustang at 26 to the gallon really seems quite good now

I can relate!.. We went back home to Ireland for a visit in May last year, rented a standard size car and it cost $72 to fill it! $72 to fill a car that would most likely cost about $30 - $35 to fill in the US. Until things hit $5 or $7 per gallon I'm not going to be complaining anytime soon about petrol prices.