HAY GUYS

I poked it and it made a sad sound · Nov 15, 2007, 01:01 PM

Buy a year or two old, drive it until it dies, repeat. You save a bundle on the initial purchase and it'll last you forever. It's the most cost-effective system. Just remember that you don't need a new one every 4 years.

Also, Locke, you're looking at it from the wrong way. Don't say "how much will they charge me". Decide on an amount you're willing to pay. Make an offer (start too low) and see where it goes. If they're not willing to give you the car at the price you want, just walk out and try another dealership. The world goes on. Negotiate on your terms, not theirs.

Some of the best tips I've ever heard, from A to Z.

Set your own price and negotiate. It's a skill that you should practice now, as it will ALWAYS come in useful. Aim your price low, and expect to come out somewhere in the middle, between asking price and your price. DO NOT tell them how much you're looking to spend, and act like everything is expensive - EVEN IF you can afford it.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

I poked it and it made a sad sound · Nov 15, 2007, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Locke

And any worries about getting the rust out of my old stick and clutch driving skills? The salesperson isn't going to kill me for a stall or two?

It's to be expected. I've stalled a car for sale before while driving stick - you can't be to blame, really. From what I understand, all sticks usually differ in clutch gauge and all. My sister stalled out a brand new Mustang several times before getting how sensitive the clutch was.

There's nowhere I can't reach.

I poked it and it made a sad sound · Nov 16, 2007, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by Locke

Oh - I had another question!

It now looks like we're going to get one of these "Certified Used" Toyota Corollas, they're pretty good, shitloads cheaper then a new car, etc... I was wondering though - should we still get it checked out by a third party mechanic? They do a 127 point inspection on the car they say, and warrenty it for 12mo/24,000km (with extensions available).

Whenever you buy used, you should probably have it checked by a third party mechanic. Should, of course. Not MUST. That way, if the mechanic finds something wrong, you can have the repair of the problem written into the purchasing contract.

In other words, make the purchase of the vehicles contingent upon the repair of the things the third party mechanic found.

This thing is sticky, and I don't like it. I don't appreciate it.