Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Hi guys, I will be buying a used vehicle by the end of the month and I haven't decide which one to buy. I'd like to ask you guys which one will be worth buying. Have anyone here has purchase vehicle through a dealer auction, reason I ask because my wife friend purchase one and she saved about 5k but they will charge you for their dealer services. What other source can I use besides ebay and craiglist. So far my list is

2009 - 2010 Infiniti G37xs sedan
2009 -2010 Mercedez benz C300 4matic
2009-2010 Acura TL awd or fwd but would prefer awd

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

I bought my RL through a "dealer/broker", it was a fleet car out of FL and I picked it up in GA.

If you have the cash its a great way to go IMO. I can hook you up with a guy I know down here if you are interested.

As for which car to buy, what are you using it for? Out of that list I would go G37.

SSjTrunks112O

cars.com & autotrader.com are also good sites.. plus you can use edmunds & truecar for price research..

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Hi Heavy, how much did you saved going this route? Yes I've the money so no need for auto loans. I'll pm you to optain more information. Thanks

Thank you.

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

The vehicle I'm getting will be my commuting vehicle and plan to rotate with the RL. I drive about 75 miles per day. I like the infiniti but I don't much. Why would prefer the G and not a TL ?

oo7spy

1) G37
2) TL


Notice there is no #3...


Edit: To answer ^, power. Nissan makes their money catering to people's heavy right foot. Acura makes their money from attention to detail. The TL interior is likey nicer than the G, but you hear lots of complaints about TL rattles and such.

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

My third choice is the benz C300 4matic. I will need to test drive the G and 4th gen TL and see the difference. I just hate going to dealers and salesman start with the harrasing phone calls

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

I got my 05 for less than 20k with 35k on the odometer in 2008.

But its all about 1. taking a risk on a car that hasn't been formally check out 2. having cash in hand and being able to "talk" a good game with a seller that is willing to negotiate.

My contact, Jose, goes to actual auctions so there isnt much negotiation but he can get lucky if no one is there to bid.


The RL was bought as my commuter vehicle and a few things were important.
1. Maintenance/reliability - Warranty/oil change cost/tires/etc
2. fuel mileage - 20-24mpg
3. comfort - interior/suspension/amenities
4. in climate weather abilities - AWD is a must for me
5. liking the car enough to look at it everyday - style baby

I wouldnt pick the TL because I do not like the ride (feel) nor do I like the interior as its much smaller than the RL.
The styling isnt that great, and there is not a lot of car for the money. Plus once you go AWD you arent getting anything better than the RL from a MPG/performance IMO.

I wouldn't pic the Benz because of the general maintenance costs, dollar per mile you are paying for the status not the car and getting less in the terms of performance IMO.
You do get a VERY plush ride and a great interior but again the cost out weighs the benefit.

The G is a good all around car in both performance/style/cost, it has a smaller cockpit like the TL but IMO the fit and finish is better and you have marginally better technology and performance than Acura for around the same money.

Whew.... all that info is purely my opinion and not worth the paper you print it on.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Me too, I use the internet and only give them my email and my office VM.

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Thank you Heavy for the information, your theary makes sense, my heart tells me to go for the TL but I haven't driven the G and this time I want to do things right. Do your contact Jose deals with manheim auto action? How much did you pay for dealer fees?

In regards to the G I've seen a sedan with oem bbk but I've only seen it on a coupe.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

I'd have to look at the paper work, I'll try to find it later when I get home.

I'm not 100% sure, I PMed you his number.
Tell him you were referred by "GD" Davis.

This is where its all opinion, I truly feel the industry is leaving Acura behind.
The only reason I don't own a G series car now is because the interior was to tight for me.
As I've said before my next car, if I buy one, will be a Caddy unless Acura pulls off a magic trick in the next few years.

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Got it thanks Heavy.

037

now I'm gonna throw in a curve ball and say 2.0T Sonata, brand new, can be yours for $23,500 before taxes/fees.

Much better mileage than either one of those vehicles, no AWD but nothing a good set of tires won't fix. Much better warranty than either one of those vehicles and probably roomier inside.

You don't get a fancy badge but what you do get is a nice car for the next 5-10 years at the best price around.

I'm not a Hyundai fan boy (many of you will disagree) but I think for the money it's an excellent choice.

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info 037 but want to stick with one of the 3 choices. Keep in mind misses Zelaya will have to agreed and knowing her it's a BIG NO NO

037

to each their own I guess. I'm still grinning everytime I put the 333hp down. My wife actually managed to chirp the tires the other day, she was proud of that one.

Stats are showing Hyundai moving fast up the field and I think they just passed Honda in one of the studies.

037

Of the 3 choices I would go with Infinity because it's got more power, definitely wouldn't even consider the C300, it's slow and not as reliable as the japs.

oo7spy

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

23109VC

you can get cars at a dealer auction, but I believe the person who buys it needs to be a dealer... and they will charge you a fee... depending on how cheap they can get the car, and what their fee is - you coudl get a good deal.

you have to watch the auctions and see what those various cars are selling for. the big auction houses will keep records of what cars sold and for how much. then you can get an idea as to what you would probably pay... add the dealer fee and there you go.

if you get a car at auction, you could still buy a used car warranty after if you wanted.

downside to the auctions is i don't think there is much of ANY way for the dealer to really test the car out... i have no idea what hte rules are for verifyign the car is in good mechanical condition... you also take what you get.. whereas if you shop via used car dealers, cars.com, autotrader.com you can look for the color combo / features you want.

good luck.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Fantastic point, I forgot to mention that I had an extended warranty to 100k that covered a lot of quirks I had.

neuronbob

Moving to Car Talk. You will get even more replies there even though ther is some solid advice here.

NwTSXmt

TL, although your service via the Acura dealership will bite

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

I have to agree. Having driven one as a rental I can say I was more then impressed. The 2.0T would be even better then the 4-cyl we had. Plus, a little chip action and it's a performer.

Otherwise, I'd likely go G37, then C300. Not a huge fan of the 2009-2010 C class... but I am not a fan at all of the 2010 TL, so that determines the order by default. I do like the G37, but the gas mileage is the lowest of the 3... so if that really matters to you, then that should be a consideration as well.

I'm wondering... why just those three vehicles? There are so many other nice ones to be had in your price range. As one example, I'd buy a CPO Audi A4 2.0T over any of those on the list.

oo7spy

Uh oh. Moved to car talk with no bimmer and or Mazda option?


Zelaya.

AZuser

If you're just going in to test drive and not buy from them, who says you have to give them your phone # or even your real phone #. If they insist on a #, give them the # to a nearby Domino's pizza

HenryNYC

iTrader: (3)

Auctions are a hit or miss IMO. If you get lucky, you get a nice clean hassle free car and save a good amount to boot. But the flip side is, you may also get one that could have unforeseen issues and there goes the savings.

Since this is a commuter car, maybe consider something a little less and possibly some better MPG? I would choose the G if I had to make a choice though. No point in getting another Acura if it is somewhat like the RL already but that's just me

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Thanks guys for the recommendation. Been busy lately but I'm going to hit hard car haunting next weekend. In regards to auction, they can provide a list of vehicles 2 days before auction start so that gives you the head start to check car fax at least even tho is not 100% accurate. My wife don't really care what vehicle I get but she did mentioned " Do we really want to have 2 Acura" we did owned a 07 Lexus IS250AWD which was a leased and was great on the snow but that's going backwards if we buy another one plus my daughter always complained about room space on he back. I may add a Audi on my list

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

This guy is gunna hate you

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Hahahaha. Don't worry the wife don't want a Audi because too small.

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

I started my car haunting guys. Don't know if this seller belongs to the forum. Do you think the price is reasonable or what will you pay.

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...932635358.html

037

31k for a 3 yeard old car...I don't think it keeps it's value THAT well.

vas25tl

Seems expensive for the TL...

dnd2984

iTrader: (6)

Ahhh car shopping... I started looking at cars six month ago.. My top 3 choices were

Bmw 335i (2009)
Bmw 528i (2008 or 09)
Acura TL (09 or 10)

I ended up getting a 2010 TSX v6 with Tech. Car was certified pre owned with 12k on it I got great deal and saw lots of value if I sell 2 or 3 years from now.

From your choices I would get a Acura TL, I did start looking at the 2010 Infiniti but the interior didnt sell me. All the 2010 TLs I looked at were around 30 to 32k for a AWD with 30k or lower miles.

Saintor

C300.... nothing wrong with the two others .... except in the way they look (hard to my eyes). Anyway the Mercedes will be more memorable.

pttl

Plus there should be a discount for the

Jiggy2dmax

iTrader: (1)

I'd go wit the G37 out of those....you should get in touch with Shoofin on here...he's a dealer and a regular on the forum.

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

Agreed, so far I think I've lower the asking price to 29k but I still feel that's too much. The seller only have the front spoiler and sides and rear without. That will cost me another $700.00. I've seen more TL's on autotrader.com from a price range 26,996 to 31k for AWD

Agreed. I always think on resell value.

I removed MB from my list

I'll check that out but my wife don't like the interior of the G37, she said the seats is too narrow.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

Please don't get that TL. That thing has the . If you must get a 4G TL, at least get the post MMC one.

JS + XES

iTrader: (1)

And test drive everything on the same day!

Zelaya

iTrader: (1)

What do you mean MMC ?