Looking for feedback on car purchase

[momof2girlz Profile]

We are considering trading out '02 van in for something new. We rented a Buick Enclave this weekend to go out of town and I loved it. We had been looking at the GMC Acadia or the Pacifica. Can anyone share any feedback on these or and other crossover vehicles, best deals, offers, trade in deals, etc. It's been so long since we have bought a "NEW" car, I must admit I'm a little nervous.

Thanks,

[ncmom2dawters Profile]

Have you considered buying one that is not brand new? The depreciation just driving a new car off the lot is like throwing away money.

[momof2girlz Profile]

yes, our last 3 vehicles have been pre-owned. We aren't opposed to that but haven't seen many (if any) available in the past month or so. We aren't buying until we find that "can't pass up deal" (if there's such a thing when it comes to cars).

Thanks,

[kittyluvr Profile]

Check out CarMax online for the pre-owned car you are looking for...if they don't have one locally, they can transfer it here for free from their closer locations like Charlotte or Greensboro. Other locations such as in Virignia may have a transfer fee as high as $249...we just bought our second car from them on Dec. 23 and were pleased with the service, the financing and the overall experience. We went to the one on Glendwood.

When we looked at how much depreciation occurs when we drive it off the lot, a new SUV didn't make sense for our family. Just do your homework!

[laurinas Profile]

How "used" were you going to go? They have some great end of year specials that I believe go until Jan 2 (today).

We were looking at used but could buy a new '07 for less than '06 and '05 models with less than 20,000 miles. Didn't make sense to us, but we weren't complaining...

I highly recommend buying at the end of the year and using internet pricing. You email a bunch of people, they email you back quotes, and then you start calling around saying, "the _______ dealership will give me the vehicle I am looking for for $_______. Can you beat that?". It was our easiest car shopping experience yet. The only drawback (and it's a pretty big one) is you get a million phone calls and emails from different dealerships....

[momof2girlz Profile]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will definitely do my homework. I like the idea of e-mail. I hate going to the dealerships.

[craybon Profile YIM]

Hi Kristina,

I'm not sure where you live but try Universal Chevrolet in Wendell. They keep a good stock of great preowned vehicles as well as new. Our families have purchased around 40 vehicles from them over the last 15 years with never a problem. They opened in the 1920's and still have that one on one relationship with each customer. All 3 owners work there on site and still help customers on a daily basic. They are real good Christian people and if you ever buy a car there you will drive 100's of miles to buy there again.(People still do this) It's like buying a car from your Mom !! Ask for Vince and tell him your a smartspender and you're on your way to happiness!!

Hope this helps,
Chet

[momof2girlz Profile]

Chet, thank you so much. It is hard to find "good, honest, yet alone Christian" dealers. We will definitely keep them in mind.

Kristina

[RLP2451 Profile]

This was in the Wall Street Journal today:

Q: We're looking to replace our minivan with a new crossover that can seat seven, and want to spend under $40,000. Our shopping list includes the Buick Enclave, GMC Acadia, Acura MDX and Mazda CX-9. Which of these (or any other candidates you think we should consider) would you recommend?

A: Well equipped versions of any of the models you mention can be purchased for less than $40,000, but I think the Acadia is probably the best choice for replacing a minivan. Its airy, spacious interior is bigger than the Mazda's or the Acura's and can be ordered with second-row captain's chairs that have an aisle between them. This arrangement allows the sort of easy access to the third-row seats that makes minivans so attractive. While the Buick and GMC are based on the same design, the GMC's interior makes it a better choice if you plan to use the third-row seat often.

[ladybug335 Profile]

I understand your indecision, it is a big purchase.
The GMC is beautiful...
I am also a big fan of the pacifica, but one note about that, this is the last year that the pacifica will be produced. Probably because of chrysler selling off the daimler division.
HTH
ladybug