(no subject)

[nolly]

My insurance says the truck is totaled; hers hasn't looked yet, but I'm sure they'll concur. So, I'm taking suggestions on my next car! 2-4 years old, probably, fuel efficient but zippy enough for SoCal freeway driving, not too expensive. I prefer something aesthetically pleasing, but I'll take what I can get. I know some of you are car people; any tips on what to look at?

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Part 2 *sigh*

[glittercat13.livejournal.com]

My final choice, in September, was a Corolla. I ended up getting mine, used, from Enterprise Car Sales as they offered me the best deal ('06 LE [w/the power toys - doors, windows, etc.] w/42K miles for $13K). I then went across the street to the Toyota dealership and bought the *manufacturer's* extended warranty. (Avoid after-market, non-manufacturer warranties. They're generally crap designed to take your money and give you grief.

...and, a few final notes:

[Another "Note" here: If you didn't know already, *always* ask to see the CarFax report on any used car you're thinking about. It'll forewarn you of problems - damages, flood, multiple owners, etc.]

While I will be more than happy to recommend my Enterprise location and/or Toyota dealership, you can also do a fair bit of hunting at Yahoo Autos and through the Kelley Blue Book site. However, I avoided like the plague private sellers and car wholesalers in the interests of also avoiding getting the shaft.

http://autos.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTE5MGRqZDdoBF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLXRyb3VnaARzbGsDc3Bpcml0LWZpeGVk

http://www.kbb.com/kbb/UsedCars/default.aspx

I'm getting a steady 30+mpg with my style of driving and occasional use of air conditioning (not that I've needed much of that the last few weeks). Also, before I bought, I checked with my insurance company to find out what my rate would be. For instance, though it didn't have a top rating, the Ford Focus really caught my eye (and is a *very* pleasant ride) and wasn't badly priced. However, I would have bumped my insurance premium up by almost 50% over the Corolla. Also, even though the Yaris is a less expensive vehicle, it insures at a higher premium. Ditto the Kia Spectra (Probably due to the fact that they are not inherently as safe and/or there are fewer of them so repairs cost more.)

Last week, after the insurance company finished their end of things and paid off the loan, I ended up with money back. (Please note, I do NOT, *EVER* recommend a car wreck as a way to make money. However, if it has to happen, coming out ahead on dollars was a *very* pleasant surprise.)

[Note to self: ALWAYS get the GAP insurance on a car!!!]

Having seen what the car looked like when I got out of it and knowing how little damage *I* took, it was a no-brainer to climb back into another Corolla. This time, I talked with both Enterprise and the Toyota dealership. (Shameless plug here for Kearney Mesa Toyota as their prices were better than the other dealerships and they played nicely without trying to buffalo me or treat me like an idjit!)

So, when you see me again (or, if you like, call), ask me how I got a one-owner '07 "pre-owned" CE (no unnecessary power stuff and, also, no unnecessary bills in a few years for unnecessary power stuff) w/18K miles for $12K. :D

A final note: I just checked the Enterprise site and found 7 Corollas. Three were '06 Corolla LEs with aprx. 42K miles listed at $13.5K. At the Kearney Mesa Toyota site, I found one '07 Yaris w/26.5K miles for $14K, one '08 Prius w/9K miles with a "request more info" note, and 5 Corollas from '07-05, w/5K to 30.5K miles, ranging from $14.5K to 17K. The best appears to be an '07 CE w/29K miles for $14.5K asking price.

*sigh* More edits and, it turns out, LJ cuts don't work when posting replies. So, who knew...?