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Post by mcscrapper on Feb 6, 2015 18:16:56 GMT
So I need to start shopping for a new car. Actually more like a new-to-me car. My dd turns 16 soon and I'm planning to give her my 2003 Acura MDX. It has been such a great car and I really hate to not have it. It has never given me a single problem in 12 years. Knock on wood.
I just don't know what to get next. I am in grad school and won't finish until May 2016 so I have a while to go until I can make a better salary. I should almost double what I'm making right now at least. I really want a newer MDX but that just isn't financially feasible so I'm looking at the RDX. Smaller but still a great car. It is still a little more than I was hoping to spend right now.
I can afford it but money will be tight until I finish school. I'm considering just getting something for the next year or so but then I hate the thought of going through this process again.
What 2012-14 cars are you happy with? I am trying really hard to like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot but I just don't like them. I kind of need an SUV so I can haul my bike around. I know I can throw my bike rack on a trunk too but would prefer an SUV maybe.
Where do I even start with this whole process? I like shopping for cars about as much as I do jeans. No thanks!
m
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Post by Aheartfeltcard on Feb 6, 2015 18:25:09 GMT
I love both of my vehicles, the Honda Pilot (2010) and the Nissan Rogue (2014). I love the Rogue so much, it's luxurious to me.
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Deleted
Posts: 0
Aug 18, 2025 20:03:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2015 18:31:20 GMT
I started my search online. Googled the type of vehicle I wanted (a cross over) Researched the Manufacturer's suggested selling price for different options I wanted.
Then when I went to the dealerships I had a good idea of the price we should be talking about, what options were available, which ones weren't worth it to me, etc.
If you are looking at used vehicles also do some kelly blue book research.
Most of the dealerships in my area have all their inventory, new and used, online with the specs like milage so I could research it.
IMO the the angst is a hold over from the old days of car shopping when the buyer went in blind as to what a car should cost. You don't have to be blind any more. Use your favorite search engine and research skills.
eta: I ended up with a Kia Soul. It met my needs for passenger/cargo conversion as well as being in my price range as a new car instead of spending the same amount on a used car with quite a few miles on it.
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Post by ntsf on Feb 6, 2015 18:32:48 GMT
I throw a bike inside the back of a honda crv...
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Deleted
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Aug 18, 2025 20:03:24 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Feb 6, 2015 18:49:26 GMT
I throw a bike inside the back of a honda crv... we did that too! We had to recently retire out 2002 CRV because of transmission issues. We ended up with a nice big 2011 Chevy Traverse, we LOVE it! |
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Post by mcscrapper on Feb 6, 2015 18:53:55 GMT
I throw a bike inside the back of a honda crv... Not sure if you know this but keeping your bike in the back of the car on a hot day is not a really good idea. I am also short and find it easier to just throw it on a rack on the back. Now, I can use the MDX for races and stuff if I decide to get a car. I'm toying with the idea of a smaller car / SUV to drive for a year or two until I'm done with school and then let my dd take that car to college with her. I've got some options, I've just got to decide what is going to work for me. I hate to even say it but I do enjoy a little luxury and don't want to buy something "less" than what I'm giving her. My MDX has just been the best car!!! |
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Post by heckofagal on Feb 6, 2015 19:31:27 GMT
Another vote for the Nissan Rogue. I have a 2011 and love it!
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Post by cmpeter on Feb 6, 2015 19:38:41 GMT
Since you love your car why not keep it for another year and get your dd something smaller/less expensive? Then when you done with school you can look at replacing your car if you feel the need.
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Post by gritzi on Feb 6, 2015 19:57:17 GMT
I love my Honda Pilot! Actually, this one is my 3rd. I owned two, traded the second for Rogue, missed the Pilot's size & traded again last year.
Actually, I like cmpeter's suggestion. I would buy your DD a car for $4-5000, keep your car for yourself until it's feasible to buy the new vehicle you want. Once you're in that financial position, buy that car & then give your current car to your DD or sell it.
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Nink
Pearl Clutcher
Posts: 4,963 
Location: North Idaho
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Post by Nink on Feb 7, 2015 1:34:24 GMT
Since you love your car why not keep it for another year and get your dd something smaller/less expensive? Then when you done with school you can look at replacing your car if you feel the need. Exactly what I was going to suggest. |
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Post by danor98 on Feb 7, 2015 2:01:14 GMT
M
My last new to me car was from CarMax..out on University. They are awesome, at least the people I dealt with. The cars in their lot are all unlocked. You only need a salesperson if you want to take one for a test drive.
The salesman I had, came in special on a Saturday, and then rode with me all the way home. I wanted to see how the car I liked would get up 431 past Monte Sano. Then all the way back to the dealership. They will even bring something in from about 250 miles away if you find one you like in either Atlanta or Nashville.
Their website is very user friendly, too.
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Post by Eddie-n-Harley on Feb 7, 2015 2:24:53 GMT
M My last new to me car was from CarMax..out on University. They are awesome, at least the people I dealt with. The cars in their lot are all unlocked. You only need a salesperson if you want to take one for a test drive. The salesman I had, came in special on a Saturday, and then rode with me all the way home. I wanted to see how the car I liked would get up 431 past Monte Sano. Then all the way back to the dealership. They will even bring something in from about 250 miles away if you find one you like in either Atlanta or Nashville. Their website is very user friendly, too. My carmax wouldn't even let me out onto the lot without a salesperson. Anyway, M, if you're not going to pay cash for the car, I'd start by getting the financing approved. |
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GiantsFan
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,704
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Jun 27, 2014 14:44:56 GMT
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Post by GiantsFan on Feb 7, 2015 2:43:20 GMT
Since you love your car why not keep it for another year and get your dd something smaller/less expensive? Then when you done with school you can look at replacing your car if you feel the need.  Actually I think you keep the MDX until you finish school and not give your DD a car just because she turns 16. I'm old school though. I didn't get my first car until I was 17. My parents wouldn't let me get one until I was able to pay for it, the gas and insurance on my own. |
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