Automobiles.. Gotta Love Depreciating Assets!

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Wednesday, January 10, 2007 7:08:24 AM UTC

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My 4Runner just got back from the shop, and I’ve been informed that my engine is… not so well. It looks like the previous owner didn’t really take care of it, and an oil change is showing just how “dirty” the inside is. Bummer. So I’m looking for a new (yes, brand new) car.

I’m crazy, I know. My mission is to find something I like, but don’t end up paying more than $600/month for. And I’m $5000 upside-down on my current loan…

So yeah, fun times! Hopefully Jeff can help me out, since he works for Nissan, and maybe get me a deal on one of those new Altimas. They are looking pretty spiffy right now. My boss just got an Infiniti G35S (Infiniti = Nissan’s luxury line) and it is the cat’s meow of features. The new Altimas have most of them, and cost $20k less. Sign me up for some of that!

I just quickly priced out two Altimas… one for $28,965 and another for $32,175. The more expensive one has bluetooth phone capability as well as MP3 playback, etc. which would be nice, but is it worth $4k?

Does anyone have any advice for car shopping? What not to fall for, etc.? I’ve learned a little bit, having bought two cars in my lifetime from dealerships, but I still end up walking away feeling like a sucker.

Comments [3] | Trackback

Monday, January 15, 2007 7:28:28 PM UTC

Bluetooth in a car costs like, $200. A bluetooth headset costs like $49. ;-)

If you don't want to pay more than $600/mo, you'll need to purchase a car for less than $28,000.

I personally lean towards Acura, such as the TSX as the starting price is within the $28,000 range, and it includes EVERYTHING. Also Mini Coopers are also ~$25,000.. if you wanted a sporty little car ;-)

But I would stick with a Japanese car.

Also, www.carsdirect.com 4tw ;-)

Eric | ericAT NOSPAMenusbaum dot com

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 1:04:20 AM UTC

Where are you living that a Nissan Altima costs $32K?!? That sounds to be more in the mid-level Maxima price range. Altimas start at $18.9K, and $14K of options is too much for an economy level sedan. If you are going to end up around $32K you might as well spring an extra $4K and get a fairly loaded Infiniti G35 (leather, bluetooth, xenons, 306-hp, etc.). Plus if you've got some skills you should be able to talk the G35 down to around $32.5K. Just remember, nobody pays $32K for an Altima no matter how tricked out, and you can always get an extra 10% off sticker with some skilled negotiation. I agree with the previous posting that if you want a tech tricked car your best value is a $32K Acura TL (although the 270-hp engine in a front wheel drive car does cause understeer in quick acceleration).

Sideshow | side7show6AT NOSPAMaol dot com

Tuesday, February 13, 2007 2:47:10 AM UTC

Sideshow,

Southern California-- the Altima I ended up with is a 3.5SL, fully loaded. They priced it at $31k for me, and I talked them down to around $27.5. Have you seen the new Altima line for 2007? It's completely redesigned.. and more luxury+sport in the high-end.

Pricing out a comparable Altima SL would set me back almost $41k. And it doesn't come with the reverse camera, the Bose multi-speaker sound system, or the CVT drive (which is awesome!)

So, thanks for the advice, but I think I made a good choice.

Nicholas | iransofarawayAT NOSPAMgmail dot com

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