I'm planning to buy my first ever new car, an Accord LX. I've never taken a new car on a test drive, although I've scrutinized many a used one. I'd be interested to know what things I should look for in a new car specifically. My bet is that most people just get in and drive a mile or two and say "Hmmm... nice. I'll buy it". How can we avoid the lemons?
What to look for on a new car test drive?
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DrPimpDadi
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1) try all the accessories, such as radio reception, air cond, windows, etc.
2) take it on the freeway
3) climb hills
4) walk around the car and inspect fit and finish
2) take it on the freeway
3) climb hills
4) walk around the car and inspect fit and finish
ravelation
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wrote:
Check for wind noise at higher speeds. Some cars get a lot of wind noise at speeds above 50.
Check for how the seat feels for your size. Headroom, legroom
Trunk size. Check spare.
Look the exterior of the car over very carefully for blemishes. Point out any dings or scratches on the spot. Get them to commit to fixing them. Same for the interior. On the test drive, don't let the salesman talk the whole time. Listen for creaks and rattles.
The last advice I'd give is to really look at some of the upgrades they offer, especially if you're financing. A few extra bucks a month can get you a nicer set of wheels or a spoiler that will make you stand out from all the rest. I have a neighbor who just bought an Accord. He's mad at himself for not opting for the leather interior, in order to 'save money'. The amount it adds to a payment is so minimal, and the enjoyment of the upgrades is worth it, IMO. Plus, there's that horrible feeling of regret for not adding an upgrade. Kind of tarnishes the new car a bit.
Check for wind noise at higher speeds. Some cars get a lot of wind noise at speeds above 50.
Check for how the seat feels for your size. Headroom, legroom
Trunk size. Check spare.
Look the exterior of the car over very carefully for blemishes. Point out any dings or scratches on the spot. Get them to commit to fixing them. Same for the interior. On the test drive, don't let the salesman talk the whole time. Listen for creaks and rattles.
The last advice I'd give is to really look at some of the upgrades they offer, especially if you're financing. A few extra bucks a month can get you a nicer set of wheels or a spoiler that will make you stand out from all the rest. I have a neighbor who just bought an Accord. He's mad at himself for not opting for the leather interior, in order to 'save money'. The amount it adds to a payment is so minimal, and the enjoyment of the upgrades is worth it, IMO. Plus, there's that horrible feeling of regret for not adding an upgrade. Kind of tarnishes the new car a bit.
'Curly Q. Links'
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Greg,Greg said:
You could start with reading John Horner's post (yesterday). If you find anything wrong with the car, make sure it's in WRITING on the contract. Check other resources where they do reviews and ratings to make sure you're aware of 'known issues'. Regarding options, there are many web sites that help you know which ones are worth it and which ones are just overpriced 'fluff'. Undercoating by the dealer comes to mind . . . Look at this site as a starter
http://www.carbuyingtips.com/
Test drive with the stereo turned OFF, and salesman MUZZLED. Find a parking lot with lots of speed bumps and try different speeds to see if any internal rattles appear. Try wiggling around on both front seats to check for any creaks / looseness. That's all I can think of now, but I'm no expert on buying a new car, since I've never done it.
'Curly'
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"ravelation" wrote:
Geeze, that sounds like the spiel that the car salesman spewed when I bought my car!
You won't see the wheels while driving the car. Spoilers only work at high speeds. Neither of these will increase one's driving pleasure. They will increase the theft potential of an already high-theft vehicle. If you really want fancy wheels or exterior accessories they are almost always much less expensive in the aftermarket.
The leather interior is something you pretty much have to opt for at purchase. Some folks like them, some don't. I prefer sheepskins myself.
Of course, there's the other kind of regret of being talked into higher payments or a longer loan for stuff you really didn't want or need.
Buy what you want and need, not what other people pressure you to buy. Negotiate on the purchase price only, not on the monthly payment. And remember, it is very easy to tell when a car salesman is lying. His lips move.
George
Geeze, that sounds like the spiel that the car salesman spewed when I bought my car!
You won't see the wheels while driving the car. Spoilers only work at high speeds. Neither of these will increase one's driving pleasure. They will increase the theft potential of an already high-theft vehicle. If you really want fancy wheels or exterior accessories they are almost always much less expensive in the aftermarket.
The leather interior is something you pretty much have to opt for at purchase. Some folks like them, some don't. I prefer sheepskins myself.
Of course, there's the other kind of regret of being talked into higher payments or a longer loan for stuff you really didn't want or need.
Buy what you want and need, not what other people pressure you to buy. Negotiate on the purchase price only, not on the monthly payment. And remember, it is very easy to tell when a car salesman is lying. His lips move.
George
We're not all old and dried-up. Some of us like flaunting our stuff. Beside, if you plan on keeping the car for a very very long time, getting the extra options will probably pay off in the long run in driving pleasure.
Pars
wrote:
Pars
wrote:
When I bought my Civic, I requested that the Odometer have a very low reading. I've notice that 8 km tends to be the standard if the car comes right off the truck.
Also, I was motivated by the fact that the car was built in Ontario (Canada). It seems as if the Canadians give serious regards to their Civic... Considering that the Civic is the most popular economy vehicles on the road (especially in the northern half of Toronto) and that the loaded-up Civic is actually marked as an Acura (which comes with some very nice option packages).
Pars
98 Hatch
Greg wrote:
Also, I was motivated by the fact that the car was built in Ontario (Canada). It seems as if the Canadians give serious regards to their Civic... Considering that the Civic is the most popular economy vehicles on the road (especially in the northern half of Toronto) and that the loaded-up Civic is actually marked as an Acura (which comes with some very nice option packages).
Pars
98 Hatch
Greg wrote:
G
Guest
(Top-posting corrected)
If it floats your boat, go ahead and buy it. Just be forewarned that any accessory you buy at the dealer will probably cost double what it costs anywhere else. Buying accessories through the dealer just so that you can put it on the financing is stupid. If you are that short of cash, you shouldn't be buying a new car.
George
If it floats your boat, go ahead and buy it. Just be forewarned that any accessory you buy at the dealer will probably cost double what it costs anywhere else. Buying accessories through the dealer just so that you can put it on the financing is stupid. If you are that short of cash, you shouldn't be buying a new car.
George
Timothy J. Lee
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pars <"sdaro(remove)"@hotmail.com> wrote:
But extra power accessories may be more prone to failure and may be more difficult or expensive to repair when they do fail. So someone who wants to keep a car for a long time may actually prefer one with fewer options of the type that can result in increased repair expense.
But extra power accessories may be more prone to failure and may be more difficult or expensive to repair when they do fail. So someone who wants to keep a car for a long time may actually prefer one with fewer options of the type that can result in increased repair expense.
But, If the car isn't in high demand or near the end of it's production run (e.g Civic), the cost of the extra can be a bargaining chip. I'm sure the dealership markup their accessory at least 100 percent. In my opinion, the body kits from the dealership tends to look nicer when compared to the extroverted after market products. Also, I would pay the extra for the dealership's installed power upgrade so that the warrantee doesn't get void. However, there's much to be said about a naturally inspired engine which will return consistent power over the long run.
Pars
"Timothy J. Lee" wrote:
True. Also, consideration should be given to the car. Some cars can handle the upgrades while other will fizzle out very quickly. It's probably a good idea to watch the street-race crowed and pick the most popular if you plan on getting a project car.
Pars
True. Also, consideration should be given to the car. Some cars can handle the upgrades while other will fizzle out very quickly. It's probably a good idea to watch the street-race crowed and pick the most popular if you plan on getting a project car.
Pars
ravelation
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wrote:
>especially if you're financing. A few
>extra bucks a month can get you a nicer
>set of wheels or a spoiler that will make
>you stand out from all the rest.
>car!
Yeah, when I bought my Lexus, the dealer offered me a job. I didn't take it, but was flattered he liked my style.
>speeds.
You mean spoilers do something other than look kewl?
I disagree. Here in SoCal, the car is a big part of one's life. Power perceived is power achieved. (borrowed line from a favorite movie.)
>really want fancy wheels or exterior
>accessories they are almost always
>much less expensive in the aftermarket.
Not the spoiler. To add one is cost prohibitive vs. the cost from the factory. With wheels, yes, I agree that it's more expensive as you don't see any value from the discarded wheels, unless you're smart enough to ask for credit on the unused wheels.
>payments or a longer loan for stuff you
>really didn't want or need.
Whose fault is that? If you're wishy washy enough to buy something you don't want, then you get what you deserve. I'm talking about people who don't opt for something they want because it adds to the price of the car. I personally wouldn't feel $20-50/month more as much as I would feel the regret of not opting for the look and feel I truly wanted.
>at some of the upgrades they offer,
>especially if you're financing. A few
>extra bucks a month can get you a nicer
>set of wheels or a spoiler that will make
>you stand out from all the rest.
>car salesman spewed when I bought my
>car!
Yeah, when I bought my Lexus, the dealer offered me a job.
I didn't take it, but was flattered he liked my style.>the car. Spoilers only work at high
>speeds.
You mean spoilers do something other than look kewl?
>driving pleasure.
I disagree. Here in SoCal, the car is a big part of one's life. Power perceived is power achieved. (borrowed line from a favorite movie.)
>an already high-theft vehicle. If you
>really want fancy wheels or exterior
>accessories they are almost always
>much less expensive in the aftermarket.
Not the spoiler. To add one is cost prohibitive vs. the cost from the factory. With wheels, yes, I agree that it's more expensive as you don't see any value from the discarded wheels, unless you're smart enough to ask for credit on the unused wheels.
>regret of being talked into higher
>payments or a longer loan for stuff you
>really didn't want or need.
Whose fault is that? If you're wishy washy enough to buy something you don't want, then you get what you deserve. I'm talking about people who don't opt for something they want because it adds to the price of the car. I personally wouldn't feel $20-50/month more as much as I would feel the regret of not opting for the look and feel I truly wanted.
"ravelation" wrote:
Dealers are good at flattery when they're selling you something
Most don't. Well, they do promote corrosion and look cheesy after the car is a few years old and the plastic deteriorates faster than the rest of the car.
I live in SoCal, but I don't consider a car to be all that important to my self-esteem. It's a tool that gets me from here to there. Now, I do like to have nice tools, but I won't be in line for spinner wheels or such fluff.
Yeah, but you can get the kewl aluminum ones from the riceboy supplier!
I love takeoffs. I have a set sitting in my garage right now that I bought for a song, with the factory new hubcaps. They will be very handy when my current tires wear out!
The person who originated this thread is a first-time buyer. Such folks are very vulnerable to the sales pitches and techniques used in the car business. Most people have not dealt with anyone as unscrupulous as a typical car salesman in their entire life. You hear the stories and think "nobody can be that crooked" but the truth is that they are. First time buyers can profit from all the warnings that can be given!
Selling a car based upon payment instead of price is a common ripoff. Loading the vehicle with accessories is another. Combine the two "It'll only be another $20 a month!" is a case of two wrongs not making a right.
Dealers are good at flattery when they're selling you something
>You won't see the wheels while driving
>the car. Spoilers only work at high
>speeds.
You mean spoilers do something other than look kewl?
Most don't. Well, they do promote corrosion and look cheesy after the car is a few years old and the plastic deteriorates faster than the rest of the car.
I live in SoCal, but I don't consider a car to be all that important to my self-esteem. It's a tool that gets me from here to there. Now, I do like to have nice tools, but I won't be in line for spinner wheels or such fluff.
Yeah, but you can get the kewl aluminum ones from the riceboy supplier!
I love takeoffs. I have a set sitting in my garage right now that I bought for a song, with the factory new hubcaps. They will be very handy when my current tires wear out!
The person who originated this thread is a first-time buyer. Such folks are very vulnerable to the sales pitches and techniques used in the car business. Most people have not dealt with anyone as unscrupulous as a typical car salesman in their entire life. You hear the stories and think "nobody can be that crooked" but the truth is that they are. First time buyers can profit from all the warnings that can be given!
Selling a car based upon payment instead of price is a common ripoff. Loading the vehicle with accessories is another. Combine the two "It'll only be another $20 a month!" is a case of two wrongs not making a right.
ravelation
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wrote:
heh, we may be neighbors as I live in SCV...Santa Clarita.
>self-esteem. It's a tool that gets me from
>here to there.
Utility kind of guy. You're few and far between here in LaLa land.
>Now, I do like to have nice tools, but I
>won't be in line for spinner wheels or
>such fluff.
There is a limit to the fluff I'll add. Spinny wheels scream "steal me!". I learned my lesson by tricking out a RAV 4 once. It is after all, a Rav. The fact it had the nicest wheels and leather interior didn't add up to much upon selling the car. But while I had it, it made me feel great when I drove it, as I knew it was one of a kind.
I really detest those spoilers. Stock look is what I like.
I'm not advocating that at all. What I think is smart is to reasearch on the 'net true invoice cost, set the price and work from there for the add ons. Know your product so you don't get ripped off.
heh, we may be neighbors as I live in SCV...Santa Clarita.
>to be all that important to my
>self-esteem. It's a tool that gets me from
>here to there.
Utility kind of guy. You're few and far between here in LaLa land.
>Now, I do like to have nice tools, but I
>won't be in line for spinner wheels or
>such fluff.
There is a limit to the fluff I'll add. Spinny wheels scream "steal me!". I learned my lesson by tricking out a RAV 4 once. It is after all, a Rav. The fact it had the nicest wheels and leather interior didn't add up to much upon selling the car. But while I had it, it made me feel great when I drove it, as I knew it was one of a kind.
>supplier!
I really detest those spoilers. Stock look is what I like.
>instead of price is a common ripoff.
I'm not advocating that at all. What I think is smart is to reasearch on the 'net true invoice cost, set the price and work from there for the add ons. Know your product so you don't get ripped off.
