Comments on: Best and Worst Used Vehicles of 2007 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm Building Wealth through Saving and Investing Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:42:26 -0330 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Kathleen http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-121917 Kathleen Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:06:53 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-121917 Thanks for replying, Didn't realize how old the thread was until after I posted. Certainly gives me something to think about. Thanks for replying, Didn’t realize how old the thread was until after I posted. Certainly gives me something to think about.

]]> By: Traciatim http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-121914 Traciatim Wed, 12 Oct 2011 03:05:19 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-121914 Wow, old thread. Kathleen, going from a van moving down and you don't want to feel crammed I would think that the Focus, Cobalt, G5, Mazda 3, and possibly the corolla would be out. The Malibu, and Fusion are nice sedans and the matrix is a nice versatile hatchback so you wouldn't have to give up everything the Van had by down sizing. Both my spouse and I are below average size and we essentially rub up against each other if we lean toward the middle of a focus, but can barely even reach each other to give a good bye kiss in the morning in our van. That's a huge space change. Wow, old thread.

Kathleen, going from a van moving down and you don’t want to feel crammed I would think that the Focus, Cobalt, G5, Mazda 3, and possibly the corolla would be out. The Malibu, and Fusion are nice sedans and the matrix is a nice versatile hatchback so you wouldn’t have to give up everything the Van had by down sizing. Both my spouse and I are below average size and we essentially rub up against each other if we lean toward the middle of a focus, but can barely even reach each other to give a good bye kiss in the morning in our van. That’s a huge space change.

]]> By: Kathleen http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-121909 Kathleen Tue, 11 Oct 2011 01:08:31 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-121909 I am looking to buy a used car. I am looking to find out which is my better options. I am looking at several different ones. Any car people out there with knowledge and opinions are appreciated. I am looking at Ford Focus, Chev cobalt, Pontiac G5, Chev Malibu, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix and Ford Fusion. All that I am looking at are 2006 or 2007. I have driven a van for the last 15 years and want to downsize to a car that is good on gas and that I won't feel like I am crammed in a sardine can...I love the room in the Malibu and the Ford Fusion, but am thinking I would go smaller for the better gas mileage. Anyway, look forward to advice., I am looking to buy a used car. I am looking to find out which is my better options. I am looking at several different ones. Any car people out there with knowledge and opinions are appreciated. I am looking at Ford Focus, Chev cobalt, Pontiac G5, Chev Malibu, Mazda 3, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Matrix and Ford Fusion. All that I am looking at are 2006 or 2007. I have driven a van for the last 15 years and want to downsize to a car that is good on gas and that I won’t feel like I am crammed in a sardine can…I love the room in the Malibu and the Ford Fusion, but am thinking I would go smaller for the better gas mileage. Anyway, look forward to advice.,

]]> By: Brian1945 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-79525 Brian1945 Sun, 26 Apr 2009 03:46:41 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-79525 I heard David Bach on CBC Radio 1 this week [the save/invest smart fellow] and he said, as someone mentioned here, the best bet is the car that has just come off-lease that has been with a reputable lessee. They take the time to have their vehicles serviced because a vehicle off the road costs them/their staff downtime. We're blessed with a used car dealer in our town who only deals with off-lease vehicles, checks each one he buys, stands behind his sales, and is straight-arrow honest. It's a combination that can't be beaten. My last Toyota station wagon had over 300,000 *miles* on it when in a fit of generosity I gave it to a buddy who was a high school shop teacher. A year later I would have gladly traded him for the Ford Aerostar van I'd made the mistake of buying new. Fortunately someone ran into me. I replaced it with a loaded Pontiac Transport - end-of-lease, from a relative. See Worst-of-the-Worst list above - 'nuff said! My next car will be a back-to-Toyota RAV4, built by quality Canadian auto workers in Woodstock, Ontario ... 2-years old, off-lease! I heard David Bach on CBC Radio 1 this week [the save/invest smart fellow] and he said, as someone mentioned here, the best bet is the car that has just come off-lease that has been with a reputable lessee. They take the time to have their vehicles serviced because a vehicle off the road costs them/their staff downtime.
We’re blessed with a used car dealer in our town who only deals with off-lease vehicles, checks each one he buys, stands behind his sales, and is straight-arrow honest. It’s a combination that can’t be beaten.
My last Toyota station wagon had over 300,000 *miles* on it when in a fit of generosity I gave it to a buddy who was a high school shop teacher. A year later I would have gladly traded him for the Ford Aerostar van I’d made the mistake of buying new. Fortunately someone ran into me. I replaced it with a loaded Pontiac Transport – end-of-lease, from a relative. See Worst-of-the-Worst list above – ’nuff said! My next car will be a back-to-Toyota RAV4, built by quality Canadian auto workers in Woodstock, Ontario … 2-years old, off-lease!

]]> By: Nissan North America Inc Qx4 M35 Truck History Isuzu | Nortonshocks http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-71166 Nissan North America Inc Qx4 M35 Truck History Isuzu | Nortonshocks Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:31:58 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-71166 [...] 2008 Nissan versa - Bug deflector: Versa Forum / Tiida Forum … [...]

[...] 2008 Nissan versa – Bug deflector: Versa Forum / Tiida Forum … [...]

]]> By: anon http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-31487 anon Wed, 16 Apr 2008 23:30:24 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-31487 Our car is an 18 year toyota corolla. It's still running pretty good! It might last a few more years. You shouldn't buy into the idea that you HAVE to replace your car every 10 years. Our car is an 18 year toyota corolla. It’s still running pretty good! It might last a few more years. You shouldn’t buy into the idea that you HAVE to replace your car every 10 years.

]]> By: New Car every 10 years or Used Car every 5? | Million Dollar Journey http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-31092 New Car every 10 years or Used Car every 5? | Million Dollar Journey Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:31:09 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-31092 [...] asked an interesting question in the comments section of "Best and Worst Used Cars of 2007", the question [...]

[...] asked an interesting question in the comments section of "Best and Worst Used Cars of 2007", the question [...]

]]> By: RH http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-27980 RH Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:25:20 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-27980 Go to a large GM dealer and ask for a off-rental minivan. They will be 50% off the retail value with 4 years left on the bumper to bumper warranty. Get a base level with no fancy electronics or automatic gates. Go to a large GM dealer and ask for a off-rental minivan. They will be 50% off the retail value with 4 years left on the bumper to bumper warranty. Get a base level with no fancy electronics or automatic gates.

]]> By: Ed http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26773 Ed Fri, 29 Feb 2008 23:23:01 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26773 I thought this was Million Dollar Journey...what's up with recommending $30,000.00+ used cars? Hondas and Toyotas are terrific for reliability and fuel efficiency. Civics, Fits, Yaris, Corollas and Echos are tough to beat if you're on a budget. Use this site for used car reviews: http://www.canadiandriver.com/used.htm. Use this to compare fuel economy: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/tools/fuelratings/ratings-search.cfm?attr=8 Disclosure: I drive a 2007 Honda Fit, I got it brand new for $20k and I LOVE it. Zippy, roomy and darn fuel efficient. I thought this was Million Dollar Journey…what’s up with recommending $30,000.00+ used cars?

Hondas and Toyotas are terrific for reliability and fuel efficiency. Civics, Fits, Yaris, Corollas and Echos are tough to beat if you’re on a budget.

Use this site for used car reviews: http://www.canadiandriver.com/used.htm.

Use this to compare fuel economy: http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/transportation/tools/fuelratings/ratings-search.cfm?attr=8

Disclosure: I drive a 2007 Honda Fit, I got it brand new for $20k and I LOVE it. Zippy, roomy and darn fuel efficient.

]]> By: DAvid http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26280 DAvid Mon, 25 Feb 2008 01:58:15 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26280 Traciatim, I wonder if the car replacement at 5-7 years is the consumer succumbing to marketing hype? If you chose well, a vehicle should easily last 10 years plus. I've done considerable research on each of the vehicles I've purchased, and kept each for a fair while. DAvid Traciatim,
I wonder if the car replacement at 5-7 years is the consumer succumbing to marketing hype? If you chose well, a vehicle should easily last 10 years plus. I’ve done considerable research on each of the vehicles I’ve purchased, and kept each for a fair while.

DAvid

]]> By: Dividendgrowth http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26168 Dividendgrowth Fri, 22 Feb 2008 22:18:55 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26168 My brother-in-law always pays off his credit card balance every month. He paid for his car in cash when he bought it ( he saves a lot). My sister on the other hand had some credit card problems for several years and she bought her car on credit. At the end of the day, my sister, who had a lot of credit card ( but was always making at least the minimum payments) managed to get a higher credit score than my brother-in-law, who always purchased stuff for cash, and always paid off his credit cards. I would buy stuff on credit, just for the sake of improving my credit score, vs buying a new car with cash. My brother-in-law always pays off his credit card balance every month. He paid for his car in cash when he bought it ( he saves a lot). My sister on the other hand had some credit card problems for several years and she bought her car on credit. At the end of the day, my sister, who had a lot of credit card ( but was always making at least the minimum payments) managed to get a higher credit score than my brother-in-law, who always purchased stuff for cash, and always paid off his credit cards. I would buy stuff on credit, just for the sake of improving my credit score, vs buying a new car with cash.

]]> By: Mike http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26163 Mike Fri, 22 Feb 2008 20:56:20 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26163 MunEconomist - you talk about buying a car with your own money being cheaper than taking the 0% financing. If you have 15+K that you can sink into a new car you would still have to consider the savings of the price of the car versus what that 15+K could be earning you invested while you 'borrow' money at 0% to buy the car. Interest is a killer and people are usually shocked when they see the numbers for buying new (@ 0%) versus used. MunEconomist – you talk about buying a car with your own money being cheaper than taking the 0% financing. If you have 15+K that you can sink into a new car you would still have to consider the savings of the price of the car versus what that 15+K could be earning you invested while you ‘borrow’ money at 0% to buy the car. Interest is a killer and people are usually shocked when they see the numbers for buying new (@ 0%) versus used.

]]> By: Traciatim http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26133 Traciatim Fri, 22 Feb 2008 17:17:58 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26133 I just thought I would mention, I found a cool slidewhow (originally linked from Yahoo Canada) of the to 10 cheapest cars. http://www.forbesautos.com/slideshows/advice/toptens/2007/least-expensive-to-own-all.html I bet if you picked the three you liked out of this, went to a few dealers and asked for a 1-2 year lease return on one of these bad boys you would probably find a great deal come your way. Plus, David, I think that may end up being determined by the maintenance cost of the 10 year old new car. Plus, many people just get tired of their cars after a while and just want to get a new one anyway, that usually ends up happening after 5-7 years or so. Not a lot of people really want to keep a car for 12 years (my goal is replacing my 2002 in 2012, I puchased it in 2004 used). I just thought I would mention, I found a cool slidewhow (originally linked from Yahoo Canada) of the to 10 cheapest cars.

http://www.forbesautos.com/slideshows/advice/toptens/2007/least-expensive-to-own-all.html

I bet if you picked the three you liked out of this, went to a few dealers and asked for a 1-2 year lease return on one of these bad boys you would probably find a great deal come your way.

Plus, David, I think that may end up being determined by the maintenance cost of the 10 year old new car. Plus, many people just get tired of their cars after a while and just want to get a new one anyway, that usually ends up happening after 5-7 years or so. Not a lot of people really want to keep a car for 12 years (my goal is replacing my 2002 in 2012, I puchased it in 2004 used).

]]> By: DAvid http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26128 DAvid Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:21:12 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26128 So,..... is it cheaper to buy a used car every 5 years, or a new one every 10 - 12? I currently have a '95 Dakota (needed a new rear diff this year (caused by towing?) and the ECU died). Once the loan was paid, I had 7.5 years of trouble- and repair-free driving. I still have it, but bought a smaller vehicle this year (also new) which I expect to keep for a similar lifespan. The new vehicle has a 7 year bumper to bumper warranty, so I should have no repair expense during that time. Living in a rural community, the dependability and certainty of the one owner (me) vehicle has value. DAvid So,….. is it cheaper to buy a used car every 5 years, or a new one every 10 – 12? I currently have a ‘95 Dakota (needed a new rear diff this year (caused by towing?) and the ECU died). Once the loan was paid, I had 7.5 years of trouble- and repair-free driving. I still have it, but bought a smaller vehicle this year (also new) which I expect to keep for a similar lifespan. The new vehicle has a 7 year bumper to bumper warranty, so I should have no repair expense during that time.
Living in a rural community, the dependability and certainty of the one owner (me) vehicle has value.

DAvid

]]> By: The Financial Blogger http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26117 The Financial Blogger Fri, 22 Feb 2008 11:59:47 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26117 FT, they might not last longer (My wife once had a 350 000 km Toyota but I had a 20 years old BMW that was in a better shape), but they sure have heated leather seats ;-) FT,
they might not last longer (My wife once had a 350 000 km Toyota but I had a 20 years old BMW that was in a better shape), but they sure have heated leather seats ;-)

]]> By: Sarah http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26103 Sarah Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:22:30 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26103 When we car shop, I always get the latest Lemon-Aid Guide from the library. There are various versions: new cars, used cars, minivans and trucks, etc. Pick up the one that fits your situation. The author even talks about which years to purchase and avoid. I HIGHLY recommend these books. We've gone with his recommendations and never been sorry. When we car shop, I always get the latest Lemon-Aid Guide from the library. There are various versions: new cars, used cars, minivans and trucks, etc. Pick up the one that fits your situation. The author even talks about which years to purchase and avoid. I HIGHLY recommend these books. We’ve gone with his recommendations and never been sorry.

]]> By: George http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26101 George Fri, 22 Feb 2008 02:04:50 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26101 dropby: Why not buy a reliable late-model used car (i.e. something that's just come off of a lease) instead of a new car? If you get a good model from a good automaker, and get it inspected before purchase, your chances of getting a "problem" car are actually fairly low. And, you'll save a bundle since many cars depreciate 30-40% in the first three years. That way, you get little trouble, and get to save your money. dropby: Why not buy a reliable late-model used car (i.e. something that’s just come off of a lease) instead of a new car? If you get a good model from a good automaker, and get it inspected before purchase, your chances of getting a “problem” car are actually fairly low. And, you’ll save a bundle since many cars depreciate 30-40% in the first three years. That way, you get little trouble, and get to save your money.

]]> By: thickenmywallet http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26100 thickenmywallet Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:59:45 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26100 I owned a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 for 5 years. Put a lot of hard city driving on it and other than a tube leaking, it never had much issue. A co-worker owns the same model and year and he has over 300,000 km on it- his story is the same as mine; all he had to repair were minor things. Its too small for a family of 4 but its a car with a simple build so less breaks down. Good luck. I owned a 2002 Mazda Protege 5 for 5 years. Put a lot of hard city driving on it and other than a tube leaking, it never had much issue. A co-worker owns the same model and year and he has over 300,000 km on it- his story is the same as mine; all he had to repair were minor things. Its too small for a family of 4 but its a car with a simple build so less breaks down. Good luck.

]]> By: dropby http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26099 dropby Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:57:34 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26099 My family has only one car now. With the new little one coming, we would need another car. Although I totally agree buying used car saves you money, we plan just buy a new car as it saves you trouble. Ahh, I guess when coming to saving money, sometimes I am just too lazy. My family has only one car now. With the new little one coming, we would need another car. Although I totally agree buying used car saves you money, we plan just buy a new car as it saves you trouble. Ahh, I guess when coming to saving money, sometimes I am just too lazy.

]]> By: nobleea http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm/comment-page-1#comment-26092 nobleea Thu, 21 Feb 2008 22:54:00 +0000 http://www.milliondollarjourney.com/best-and-worst-used-vehicles-of-2007.htm#comment-26092 damn...and here I was hoping to get an '03 porsche 911... damn…and here I was hoping to get an ‘03 porsche 911…

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