Current Events > Car buying tips?

(+) Yeah! (+)

In the market for a new car. Thinking of going EV with the 2019 Kia Niro EV, but it's a pretty hefty upfront cost, and I would have to install a level 2 charger at home too. The other option is a 2019 Prius Prime, which also saves a lot of gas, and you get 25 miles of pure electric driving range. But then you still have to do all the maintenance that you'd have to do on a gas car :(

kinda kicking myself for missing out on the $7500 tax credit for Teslas
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I wouldn't spend extra for the "electric" gimmick unless you're going full-on tesla.

Get a Honda Fit.
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buy used, not new.
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PatrickMahomes posted...

I wouldn't spend extra for the "electric" gimmick unless you're going full-on tesla.

Get a Honda Fit.

it's not a gimmick... i did the calculations and based on current gas and electricity prices going electric will pay off within 7 years

the thing is that my gas car is pretty old, and i'll have to replace it pretty soon anyway. If I replace it in 5 years with another similar gas car then the EV starts to pay off. gas is really expensive in California
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Try a no haggle dealership if youre not comfortable negotiating.
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try leasing not buying
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Don't go electric. Their resell value is absolutely horrible.

Buy used, not new, but stick to within 3 years old and a mileage to match.

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Christian RULES posted...

try leasing not buying

yeah, i still need to go through the calculations for that. It make especially good sense for EVs since the technology is changing so rapidly
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Ilishe posted...

Don't go electric. Their resell value is absolutely horrible.

Buy used, not new, but stick to within 3 years old and a mileage to match.

I've always been buying Used with gas cars. It's definitely good advice.

The problem is that 2/3 year old electrics have terrible range, and you don't get the HOV sticker. You don't get the tax credit either, but that's priced in.

I definitely want to go electric/hybrid. I'm paying over $200/mo on gas and it's just ridiculous. I did the calculations and electric will easily save me money in less than 10 years, even if I buy full new
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How far do you work? I bought a used Ford Focus Electric for about 6K that only gets about 60 miles. That enough to get to and back from work. I also kept my gas car in case of long road trips. Any car over 10K is just luxury imo.

konokonohamaru posted...

In the market for a new car.

Your first mistake
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UnholyMudcrab posted...

konokonohamaru posted...

In the market for a new car.

Your first mistake

by new I don't necessarily mean New New. Definitely open to buying Used
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Feed_Me_More posted...

How far do you work? I bought a used Ford Focus Electric for about 6K that only gets about 60 miles. That enough to get to and back from work. I also kept my gas car in case of long road trips. Any car over 10K is just luxury imo.

I drive about 25 miles one way

Did you install a level 2 charger at home? It bothers me how long charging takes
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konokonohamaru posted...

Feed_Me_More posted...

How far do you work? I bought a used Ford Focus Electric for about 6K that only gets about 60 miles. That enough to get to and back from work. I also kept my gas car in case of long road trips. Any car over 10K is just luxury imo.

I drive about 25 miles one way

Did you install a level 2 charger at home? It bothers me how long charging takes

I just charge from a regular outlet at home. It just wan't worth it to spend more money to save a few hours. I do live near a public charging station though. Maybe there's also one near your home or workplace?

Is buying newly used, still a good deal these days?
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if you buy used, check the inside of cap on the oil tank.
if there's condensation on it, that means there's water in the oil which is generally a bad thing.

that's about all i learned last time i bought a car.
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