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Old 23rd June 2012, 01:58   #976
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

Quote:
Originally Posted by amitoj View Post
Nice going there, Chevelle. Mouth watering rides, except for the Genesis i feel.

Anyway, I have a question about buying a new car. If the dealer does not have the car that i want in his inventory, then how soon can he get it for me? A dealer close to where i stay says he can get it in a day or two. Its a dodge charger, of course. Is that reasonable timeframe? Also, i suppose a car on the dealer lot gives the buyer an advantage from bargaining point of view. How much of that advantage do i lose if the car is not from the dealer's inventory? These RTs seem to be moving fast though from dealer lots. Two are already gone within a week, and they dont keep more than 3 or 4 max.

Also, is a Purchase and Sales agreement final? That is, I have to buy the car once i sign it?

Thanks in advance for all your help!
Ordering from factory usually takes 3-4 weeks depending on the model. My friend ordered a Jeep Wrangler Sport. He got it in 5 weeks.

Usually dealers quote less time but it all depends on the factory shipment to particular dealer. Like dealer in remote places will take time. A large dealer in a big city will have more allotments so one can expect to get it early. If your dealer says 1-2 days, he/she is kinda exaggerating. Atleast a week for sure unless he is expecting a lot coming in.

If you order from factory, chances of you getting any good discount is almost nil unless the company itself has some specials going on. Example: 2012 370Z has 0% interest and $1000 cash back on most 370z models. So if i order from factory i can avail of this offers only. No other from dealer. In that case we basically end up paying more. Instead pick one from the existing inventory, get loaded with KBB TMV and Truecar quotes and talk them into discounts. I have convinced a Chevy dealership to let go of 2012 camaro 1LT for $500 above dealer's price there by saving 2-3 grand.

If you sign, its yours. You may have to buy it. There is a policy of 250 miles or 3 days when you can return the vehicle without any questions asked. But i think it cost $250 more. As far i know, if you sign on dotted line, you can't back out.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mpower View Post
All GM cars come with 7 yr 100,000 mile powertrain warranty..same as hyundai.

Camaro is rated at 30 hwy. yes its about 300 lbs heavier than Mustang unfortunately. I have my eyes on a black one
Hyundai has 10 year/100k mile powertrain warranty that includes engine, transmission, transaxle, 5 year/60k new vehicle warranty that includes all components and a 7 year unlimited mile anti-perforation warranty.

GM's warranty still falls 3 years short.

While riding in Mustang, i feel like puking be it in passenger seat or back seat. It throws around a lot. Doesn't happen in camaro. I think its because of IRS.

The Chevrolet's website and camaro's website says its 5 year/100k.

http://www.chevrolet.com/owners/warranty/

http://www.chevrolet.com/camaro-performance-car/

Last edited by chevelle : 23rd June 2012 at 02:03.
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Old 23rd June 2012, 03:47   #977
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

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Originally Posted by chevelle View Post

2010 BMW 335i Coupe ($35k)

- Felt each and every bump on my regular test track that has not the best road
- FE is unknown.
- N54 has problems. Have to stick to N55.
Was the car equipped with the sport package?
The run-flats really ruin the ride.
My personal FE is around 28 hwy, 15-19 city (depending on traffic) on average. Combined around 22 mpg.
Matches the EPA ratings pretty well. Drops if driven aggressively.

Yes, you're better off going in for the N55, but if I remember correctly, the fuel pump issue affected the early models too.

The N54 is a jewel of an engine but the fuel pump problems have gotten it a lot of flack. I won't diss the engine though.

BMW has issued a recall (bandage solution), that has more or less fixed this issue but you'reright - better to be safe.

Quote:
Originally Posted by amitoj View Post
Anyway, I have a question about buying a new car. If the dealer does not have the car that i want in his inventory, then how soon can he get it for me? A dealer close to where i stay says he can get it in a day or two. Its a dodge charger, of course. Is that reasonable timeframe? Also, i suppose a car on the dealer lot gives the buyer an advantage from bargaining point of view. How much of that advantage do i lose if the car is not from the dealer's inventory? These RTs seem to be moving fast though from dealer lots. Two are already gone within a week, and they dont keep more than 3 or 4 max.

Also, is a Purchase and Sales agreement final? That is, I have to buy the car once i sign it?
Dealer's time frame looks alright. Might be a tad aggressive in some cases but nothing out of the ordinary. Usually they just check what other dealerships have the car you want it in their inventory and get it from the nearest one.

Buying off the lot will be advantageous of course - they have to move their cars. You'll get the best price if you go in just as next year's models have begun rolling-in.

The P&S agreement should be pretty much what it says. I haven't signed any yet so I won't comment further.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Mpower View Post
Camaro is rated at 30 hwy. yes its about 300 lbs heavier than Mustang unfortunately. I have my eyes on a black one

Last edited by aah78 : 23rd June 2012 at 03:50.
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Old 23rd June 2012, 18:39   #978
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

Quote:
Originally Posted by amitoj View Post
Anyway, I have a question about buying a new car. If the dealer does not have the car that i want in his inventory, then how soon can he get it for me? A dealer close to where i stay says he can get it in a day or two.
I think the dealer may have located the car in the inventory of some other nearby dealer and is planning to ship it over for you only if you have decided to buy that particular spec car.
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Old 24th June 2012, 17:36   #979
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

It seems there are not that many AWD Charger RTs around, specially in redcoat or blackberry. All the dealers are promising to get what i want but nothing is finalized. Today I am going to a dealer whose website is showing up in their inventory, even though it is a 1 hour drive away. But I was told by someone at another dealership that they keep the car listed in their inventory even after it is sold in order to get more folks to come in to their showroom. Not very ethical, I should say.
So, not keeping my hopes up yet.

Oh and yesterday I went to this dealership called 495 CJDR in Lowell. That guy talked my head off and gave me nothing in the end but a promise to get back to me by Monday!

Another dealership i went to (Allen Mello, which is very near to where i stay) the guy there does not have much idea about the car, but still wants me to put down some deposit!!

I BET its a lot easier to buy a Honda or a Toyota.
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Old 24th June 2012, 22:14   #980
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

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Originally Posted by amitoj View Post
I BET its a lot easier to buy a Honda or a Toyota.
It's probably just the variant. An all American Muscle car in AWD may not make for a big market, hence the low inventory for it.

Last I checked there's about 9 listed AWD R/T's within 50 miles of Nashua NH.

AutoTrader Dodge Charger Nashua, NH

Last edited by aah78 : 25th June 2012 at 01:29. Reason: Link fixed.
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Old 25th June 2012, 01:18   #981
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

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Originally Posted by arindamray View Post
I picked-up a car yesterday.

Some photos of the car below. Its Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GS, 2002, Silver w/ black top.
Now it is almost time to return and hence to sell the car. Any pointers?
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Old 25th June 2012, 02:17   #982
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

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Originally Posted by arindamray View Post
Now it is almost time to return and hence to sell the car. Any pointers?
craigslist. Leave bargaining room when you post a price.
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Old 25th June 2012, 18:37   #983
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

Quote:
Originally Posted by amitoj View Post

I BET its a lot easier to buy a Honda or a Toyota.
You do have a bunch of specific conditions, so might be a little harder to get the very specific car you want, and also, that reduces your room to bargain.

Have you looked around at Dealers in Boston? Being a larger metro area, you are likely to have lot more options. That said, this search Auto Trader Search gave me a grand total of three Charger R/T AWDs in 50 miles of Boston! Here is a certified pre owned model which is in New Britain, CT (!) - Papa's Chrysler Dodge Jeep

Good luck with your search
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Old 25th June 2012, 20:54   #984
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

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Originally Posted by Mpower View Post
I have my eyes on a black one
Do let me know which one you are considering and the offer you are getting.

Yesterday, i got a quote for 1LT v6 Auto with RS package, spoiler and different grille to be around $29k+taxes and fees ($33k OTD) with a little bit of haggling. They had dealer mark up of $3000 and a dealer package of $600 which i was able to waive. I am going to push them to $29k OTD if possible.

OTOH, 2008 Corvette is $33k + taxes and fees which was around $36300 OTD and i am going to try to have it for around $31k-$32k OTD.

So essentially i am confused between the two. A brand new camaro for $28k-$29k or a 4 year old corvette for $4k more .
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Old 25th June 2012, 21:56   #985
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

Guys, need your suggestions.

One of my colleague has offered me his 2009 Altmia 2.5 S with 40.5 k on ODO. It is fully loaded with leather, heated seats, electric adjustment, BOSE audio, sunroof, alloys, twin exhaust, bluetooth, Home link, auto dimming mirrors, compass et al. The car is in Jersey city. He has bought a BMW 5 series. I had driven the car few years back and it was a blast. I havent seen the car in its present state yet, but knowing him he keeps his cars well maintained.

Price quoted is 15k.
Please advice if i should bite.
Also, how much upcoming maintainence costs should i apprehend.
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Old 25th June 2012, 22:34   #986
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

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Originally Posted by DexterMorgan View Post
One of my colleague has offered me his 2009 Altmia 2.5 S with 40.5 k on ODO. The car is in Jersey city. I havent seen the car in its present state yet, but knowing him he keeps his cars well maintained.

Price quoted is 15k.
Please advice if i should bite.
Also, how much upcoming maintainence costs should i apprehend.
Not a penny more than $13.5k i would say.

Show him kbb used cars value and edmunds true car value. Both will give you and him idea of what should be the right price. Also inquire with nissan of transferring warranty to new owners. Since its 09, you should have some warranty left.

Maintenance shouldn't be an issue. Its nissan altima, one of the most reliable cars in the market.

Also keep in mind, 2013 altima which is a complete redesign is coming in market this or next month. So current altima's value will go down even more. If you are spending $15k on 3 year old car, better spend $3k-$5k more and get a 2012 altima for lower price. There will be clearance for existing altimas for sure. You can point this out to the seller too.
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Old 26th June 2012, 05:21   #987
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

Had to drive 300 miles over the weekend but finally got one!! Here is the first pic!
More will follow later.
Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America-img_8007a.jpg
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Old 26th June 2012, 05:47   #988
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

Now we're talking. That's a sweet ride. Please post your impressions on the car when you get a chance. If you can, get rid of the front number plate. I never carry front number plates on my nice cars. Don't know how strict the enforcement is in NH, though. Some states do require them.

Congrats on your new car. Looks great. How's the grin factor? I bet much higher than the Camry and Accord.

Last edited by VLOCT : 26th June 2012 at 05:51.
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Old 26th June 2012, 07:28   #989
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

Thanks VLOCT.
The grin factor is right now like, "I'll see you after completing a few hundred miles" Thats what i tell myself when everyone goes zooming past me! Gotta be light-footed with occasional bursts of open throttle during the initial phase (this is as per the manual!)
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Old 26th June 2012, 08:16   #990
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re: Buying, Owning, Driving and Maintaining a car in North America

Sweet ride Amitoj! Looks hot in red. So this one a R/T AWD?
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