New-Car purchase considerations, all of them.

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: morris
how high do people rate the dealer?

I only take the car to the dealer for warranty work so I don't really care that much. That said, there is one local dealer that I'd never go to again for anything, but their brands have other dealers around so its not an issue.
When I bought my tractor, the dealer was a much larger factor in the purchase decision as its much longer term purchase and independent shops are very rare.

 

[hattaresguy]

A good dealer is important. Nice to know you can get work done, parts if need be, and not have to put up with to much [censored].

 

[morris]

"I only take the car to the dealer for warranty work" NOT a bad idea.

 

[zzyzzx]

I would not buy any new car that uses a timing belt and has an interference engine.

 

[supton]

Why not? Replace the belt on time, and no damage.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: asiancivicmaniac
Is it fun to drive and will I have a smile on my face after driving it.

Owned a Civic for four years and while it made me happy at the gas pump, I have to say I stopped enjoying it around the 2nd year of owning it.


You made it that long? haha.. congrats.
I love my Civic, but only for the reason I got it. Fuel economy. I miss my VQ's every time I go to pass someone on the highway and I have to wring out all 140 ponies from my 1.8L.
At least this car gets 40MPG regularly and saves me $. It is the sensible choice and its the best one in my life right now. It pains me every time I accelerate though, LOL!

 

[artificialist]

Originally Posted By: supton
Why not? Replace the belt on time, and no damage.

I hate having to spend so much on that job, and just because a belt says it is going to go the distance, doesn't mean it actually goes the distance.

But mostly it is because of something that happened when I was young. I loved mom's 1985 Nissan Maxima, It made me feel like a movie star when I rode in it, and a failed t-belt killed it. I know that she waited too long, but emotion can take over logic.