Looking for some advice

Hi guys, I am in need of some advice. I could not think of a better place to get a man's opinion then a board full of men!!

As dependable and trustwrthy as my single owner, 1996 Toyota Camery has been to me, at 260,000 miles, the time has come to up-grade. So......... I really need some advice. I know nothing about cars. Could you take a moment to list some cars that are known to be good and reliable? I am undecided if I want something a few years old or go for brand new. I'd like to keep it around $20K or less. Also, any advice I should know BEFORE walking into a dealership will be greatly appreciated!! Being a woman has so many advantages until it comes to car shopping and repairs. HELP me please!!!!!!

Toyota Corolla 276,000 and counting.

Depending on what you want as far as options go, a Nissan Altima will be the same size as your Camry is, and its been rated #1 the past 2 years in a row by Consumer Reports for sedans under 25K.....and yes, you can get a new one close to the 20K mark.

Cheers

being a lady i would not buy used because there is no warranty most of the time.I would look at something with a good warranty,because repair cost are high today.being a women most shops will try and screw you with no lube.as bad as the economy is it is a buyers market on new cars.a lot of manufactures are offering lifetime or 10 year 100k mile warranty.

Here is a couple of links to a website/webpages that offer advice and tools for you to use when buying a car. (New or Used)

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/

Here is the link for the first page of tips for buying a new car.

http://www.carbuyingtips.com/carintro.html

The web page was explains how dealerships will attempt to take advantage of you.

It provides you with tips and advice to remain in control of the process/transaction when buying a car.

There is also an Excel worksheet that you can use to prepare an "Offer" to present the dealer on a car you are interested in purchasing.

This worksheet will show the dealer his profit (which you determine when completing the worksheet).

I successfully used this website and the worksheet when I bought the car I have now.

It saved me over $2000.00 between what the dealer thought was a good deal, and what I paid for my current car.

Ms. Red, invest a little time in the research, determine which vehicle you want to buy, be prepared, and refuse to be intimidated.

You control whether you buy the car or not.

Be Careful & Enjoy!

Biomed1

I have been in the Automotive repair field for 38 years.I was always a staunch supporter of the "Buy American" banner.However,it seems that we have been surpassed by a whole lot of other folks. Check out your local Honda dealer for a "Honda Certified" used car.These cars are put through a 150 point check and anything that looks even remotely questionable is repaired or replaced.They also come with a warranty.The other Company worth looking into is Hyundai.They have come a long way in a short time and are poised to give Toyota a run for their money!!

If I can answer any questions for you,just pm me!!!

Thank you for all the posts and PM's with advice on cars and how to handle a sales person. When it comes down to it, I will probably take a gentleman with me JUST IN CASE.

I agree with you lowgear about having a warranty. So a new car it is. Ouch... I have not had a car payment since 2000. LOL. But being a woman, repairs can get costly. I am pretty smart in general, but I am as dumb as a rock when it comes to cars.

Murf76, my Sir also suggested a Hyundai. A Sonoma. Any opinion on that one? He and I travel a lot and see many a rental cars. He seems impressed with this one.

Wow, I am sooooooo excited to start looking for a new car when I get back next week!!

the hyundai sonata looks like the honda accord,hyundai use to be a pos,but now they have one of the best warranties in the industry,with a fair price.so if you choose the car you want and its new,be careful with the snake oil salesmen.oh by the way make sure the back seat is comfortable.ha ha

Why not just get a harley??? lol

Why not just get a harley??? lol Originally Posted by DallasRain

Oh Dallas.... I love you to death.

I do have a review on here telling how much fun a Harley can be, but with the Louisiana rain.... forget it!!! I'll just keep hanging on the back of all those HOT biker men!!! I can always find something to do with my hands.

.oh by the way make sure the back seat is comfortable.ha ha Originally Posted by lowgear

I had not thought of that. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. I remember as a young college student I once did it in the back of a Pinto. OMG that hump in the back was soooooo uncomfortable!!

lol--Red you are so sexy! Harley guys are such fun to ride with!!

Lowgear....coool idea.....lol

[quote=DallasRain;1481176]lol--Red you are so sexy! Harley guys are such fun to ride with!!

So are Harley Dee's!!!!!!

LOL ... my Harley D is named Harley Dee ..... and both are fun as hell !!!

lol--Thanks PJ---you are the BEST!

Red what did you get babe?? can I have a ride??