You should not repair a car if the repairs cost more than the value of the
car. IMO you should junk the car and buy another one because it is going to
cost you more than the value of the car.

<dkaufma@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1184194423.287809.292120@m3g2000hsh.googlegroups.com...

Depends on how soon you want that new car. I'd suggest you repair the Altima
since '94 was a good year and it sounds like yours has been taken care of.
Drive it for a year or two more. After 3 months, bank 1/3 of that 1100 every
month. When you're ready, use what you've saved as a down payment on the new
car of your choice. Right now, buy yourself one of these:

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00000JBLH/ruggedelegance3305-20/ref=nosi
m?gclid=CPnVucWQoY0CFQIpFQodTWYA5w

and spend a little time really learning how to use it. With it you can
effectively deal with bankers, car dealerships, mortgage types and anyone
else who'd like some of your money. If they know you know what you're doing
no one wastes time. You get the best deal going and they move on to an easy
mark. It's really that simple.

I generally find that those who believe themselves to be the most prepared
are the ones who make the most ridiculous offers on vehicles, thinking
themselves clever and tough negotiators, when in reality they are just
foolish. You don't need a book to tell you how to get a decent deal on a
car. Follow these quick steps and you shouldn't have an issue:

1) Research the vehicle you wish to purchase online, and know the costs
involved (KBB and Edmonds are good sources. The problems with books is that
they may contain out-dated pricing information). Don't try to eliminate
things like "Destination" from the vehicle build because no matter what you
will have to pay it. And if you want something like leather, expect to pay
for it. Nothing is free, no matter what some dealers may try and tell you.
It's all part of the MSRP and the vehicle cost, so live with it if you want
that equipment. Also, be aware of all rebates to which you may be entitled,
including college grad, military, etc. It costs a dealer nothing to give
these to you, if you are eligible.

2) Get pre-approved for a loan from a bank BEFORE you go into the
dealership. At that point in time if the dealer can do something better for
you through one of the many banks with whom they work, take it. But at least
you are assuring your best situation. It just saves you money and if the
dealer can make something, even a $50 flat bank fee, instead of nothing,
they will take it.

3) What type of service will you get at the dealer? Where you buy is just as
important as what you buy and for how much. The dealer for which I work
offers free oil changes for life, among other things, and has an excellent
reputation for customer service. All things being equal (and all dealers can
sell new vehicles for the same price) wouldn't you want to be taken care of
after the sale? You are spending a great deal of money, you should buy the
dealership as much as you buy the car.

4) Watch out for add-ons. Extended Waranties are useful IN THE RIGHT
CIRCUMSTANCES. If you are only going to keep a car for three years (which is
the current average for those taking out a 60 month loan) why pay more for
something you will never use? Rust-proofing is a scam (new vehicles all come
with a corrosion through warranty, most of them fairly substantial),
although under-coating can be said to offer sound-dampening (although this
is highly dubious, I recommend against it. It voids your factory corrosion
warranty.).

GAP Protection, which you can read about on the website below, is the one
Financial add-on that I do recommend, as long as you aren't paying too much.
$200-$350 is about right, depending on the exact coverage. Anyone charging
$1000 is just too high, unless you are purchasing a very high-line product.

5) Sell your trade if you can. Your 95 ALtima is a wholesale piece to a
dealer and will pass through several hands before it's final destination,
wherever that may be. Each of those hands takes a cut. If you have the time
and patience, sell the car on your own to maximize the potential worth of
the vehicle. If you decide you must use the vehicle as a trade, just as you
would the price of a new vehicle, research the value of your trade. KBB is a
good resource to give you a general idea on value. Unless the vehicle is in
absolute stunning condition, use "FAIR" condition to get the best idea of
the value. Dealers generally use auction reports and Galves, to determine
value. But KBB is usually close, if you are honest about the condition of
the car. For example, if KBB says the "FAIR" condition value is $2000, but
you know the vehicle needs tires and an alignment, then the vehicle is not
worth $2000, it is worth $1500. If you kow the vehicle further needs work,
like stuts, the value is no longer $1500, but under $1000. That being said,
make sure you take your car into the dealership looking it's best. Clean it
up, and make it presentable. If you are asked if it needs struts, or
similar, you must, by law, give an honest answer. However, it is encumbant
upon the dealership to ask those questions, and inspect the trade.

6) Approach the transaction in a business-like fashion, but there is no
cause to be the typical rude customer. Car salespeople have an incredibly
tough job. Most work 60 hours a week, and don't make as much money as some
would have you believe. Most make under 40k per year. So make sure you do
your homework to get a good deal, but treating the salesperson with a
modicum of respect will earn you the same treatment back, making everyone's
life easier. If you want to try to be the "Great Negotiator" and are
generally unpleasant, you will never get your salesperson to go to bat for
you with the sales managers. Most salespeople will throw their hands up in
surrender and not bat for a customer that has to have that last $1.75 per
month in payment, or $50 in price when they are already scrapping the bottom
of the barely and they know they will only see a $50 flat commission.

The true art of negotiation is knowing when you have a good deal, and taking
it.

So to break it down: do your homework, negotiate in good faith, buy from
someone that will remember you as a customer after they have your money, and
be friendly. In the end you will save time, money, and aggravation.

Hope this helps.

And by the way, it is almost always cheaper to repair a decent used vehicle
rather than buy a new one. If the vehicle is in generally good shape you may
want to consider those repairs. As well, check out Factory Certified
vehicles as replacements for your Altima, as well as brand new. You can save
thousands and have a better warranty.

bringler@jerseynissan.com
www.jerseynissan.com