Car advice-

[alphabassettgrrl]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

hmm, may be getting the '08 after all. The underwriter seems willing to get me more at an even LOWER rate.

That's how our car-buying deal went. We got prequalified at the credit union, negotiated the price of the car, and presented the letter of prequal to the dealer. We got a better rate than even the credit union was offering.

How did it go????? As far as my car-owning experience goes, I had a really good experience with my last Toyota, and with my current Honda. I drive a CR-V and couldn't be happier with it. I'm at 80,000 miles and all I've paid for is routine maintenance. There have been two recalls and two warranty repairs. There is one wierdness with the transmission on some occasions, but it doesn't get in my way and is not reliable enough to try and explain to a mechanic.

[BarTopDancer]

I love car buying. It's a game to me.

[CoasterMatt]

Best of luck with this whole situation, Nephy

[Nephythys]

Ok so here is how it went-

I went to the dealer- test drove the '07 and felt like a sardine. The '07 is 3.5 cubic feet smaller inside than the '08. Ok- so now I know I want the '08- now, let's talk $$.

The sales guy asked me what rate I was offered through my employer- 7.5 says I- wow, can't beat that says he. Ok, let's call them up and get the money flowing. Then in the middle of the process he asks again - if they can meet the same rate would I finance through them? Ok says I-

He came back with two offers for me- 7.5% for 60 months, payment was like $447- other offer was 8% for 72 months payment was $407. I did go with the longer term-I can pay additional amounts anytime as well. I added Honda Care- which gets me a rental when the car is in the shop, towing, etc etc- resist-all- which will scotch gard the inside of my car (with kids it makes good sense) and GAP insurance- and got a Clear Mask (clear bra) for free. (hahaha)

She's beautiful- royal blue pearl, grey interior. Roomy and just---swoon- beautiful. I'm sold on their service and sold on the product as well-

Am I freaking a new payment- yeah, a little. I have purpose behind all this-and soon it won't be freaky, it will be fine. Actually registration scares me the most

Trying to grab a picture.....yeah....

[wendybeth]

Congrats!!! I understand the car payment freakout, but it sounds like you got a good deal on a great car.

[Nephythys]

Oh yeah- forgot that- they dropped the price $710 as well- not huge but for a brand new car?

woot!

[Kevy Baby]

Congrats on the new wheels - enjoy!

[Nephythys]

Ok- insurance rundown

We have AllState- home and auto. Right now we pay $229 a month for the '99 Montana (paid for) and the newer Monte Carlo (still making payments) I am 35, female, have kids and 2 speeding tickets in the past 3 years. My fiance is 25, male (heehee) and has one speeding ticket and one minor violation at a light in the last 3 years. We own our home (sort of)

My agent told me adding the Honda would add $170 to the monthly bill! $400 a MONTH for insurance????

So I went to Progressive and put in all the details- tickets, ages, etc etc- $269 a month for all three cars!

My agent must have known I was unhappy with the quote- because she is re-writing the policy and told me it would come out much better- but if they can't meet the Progressive quote then I may switch.

Besides Progressive and Geico any other suggestions?

[Alex]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

Besides Progressive and Geico any other suggestions?

Get fewer speeding tickets and don't let 25-year-olds drive your car.

That's all I've got. In the nearly 20 years I've been a driver I've never once been involved in my car insurance coverage decisions.

We have USAA but I have no idea if it is really any good. Doing comparisons would be shopping and that isn't going to happen.

[Nephythys]

Originally Posted by Alex

Get fewer speeding tickets and don't let 25-year-olds drive your car.

That's all I've got. In the nearly 20 years I've been a driver I've never once been involved in my car insurance coverage decisions.

We have USAA but I have no idea if it is really any good. Doing comparisons would be shopping and that isn't going to happen.

That would be suggestions on good insurance companies- thanks

speeding tickets are all dropping off soon- none for a long time but still in 3 year time frame.

We are on the same policy- home and auto-and we sometimes drive each others cars. It's called "life".....though now that my car will not be in the shop all the time we may swap less often.

Besides that- his insurance is going down due to being a homeowner and turning 25.