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Buying a car. Loan question

Posted on 4/3/15 at 7:58 am
Posted by olemissfan26
MS
Member since Apr 2012
6242 posts
Posted on 4/3/15 at 7:58 am
I'll keep it short, but basically my commute is 1.5 hours in the car everyday (round trip), the gas mileage in my car sucks, and it's getting older and I'm scared it's going to start having some costly issues now that it's about to hit 100k miles, so I'm trading it in for a more fuel efficient option to save money at the pump.

I've got an offer of $7K for my car and I have $2K saved up to go towards a new car. The one I want costs $11K and I was wondering where y'all think the best place for me to get a $2K loan to cover the rest/build credit in an easy way (24 years old, fresh out of college, I have zero credit history. No college debt or student loans.) I could pay it off very fast.. I have the cash flow, just need the money now and don't want to pay penalties for paying principle early.

TIA
This post was edited on 4/3/15 at 8:06 am
Posted by Sigma
Fairhope, AL
Member since Dec 2005
3643 posts
Posted on 4/3/15 at 8:01 am to
How long would it take you to save 2k?
Posted by LSUtigerME
Walker, LA
Member since Oct 2012
3809 posts
Posted on 4/3/15 at 8:01 am to
Credit Union or Bank.

Credit Union will likey offer better rate, but some have restrictions on first time car loans. If the rate is reasonable, and that dumps your savings, take out a little bigger loan and keep some savings for backup. As it rebuilds, pay down the car note.

Just make sure to pay it on time.
Posted by GenesChin
The Promise Land
Member since Feb 2012
37706 posts
Posted on 4/3/15 at 8:16 am to
What type of car are you buying?

I am in the same situation and got a Sonata but I'd look at Hyundai Elantra. Great car, great gas mileage and mega warranty for around 15k
Posted by Oenophile Brah
The Edge of Sanity
Member since Jan 2013
7543 posts
Posted on 4/3/15 at 8:58 am to
A couple of things. First, the $11k, car is going to have TT&L which is going to cost you an extra $1k or so unless you've alrady factored that in.

2nd, for a small loan like that, I wouldn't worry about the interest rate too much. The additional interest for an extra percent is almost insignificant. I would seek a place you can establish a longer term relationship for future needs.
My .02
Posted by WPBTiger
Parts Unknown
Member since Nov 2011
31239 posts
Posted on 4/3/15 at 10:22 am to
Credit union if there is one you qualify to join.
Posted by Revorising
Member since Jan 2013
495 posts
Posted on 4/6/15 at 10:32 pm to
Forget the $2,000 why not find a decent brand/model ( Honda, Toyota ) that you can pay cash for? If you really want to build credit find a $300 limit credit card, don't max out and pay on time to build history. ... Think about this for your car. Unless your tranny goes bad or something like that, your repairs should be minimal. ... FYI my 2004 Honda pilot recently cracked 193k miles. Just routine maintenance as far as money into it.
Posted by PrettyLights
Member since Oct 2014
1163 posts
Posted on 4/6/15 at 10:39 pm to
There is nothing wrong with your current car. No offense but it doesnt sound like you have the extra cash to be spending on a new vehicle. If your current car is paid off, drive it until the wheels fall off. Use the money spent on buying a new car toward building a nice emergency fund.
Posted by kennypowers816
New Orleans
Member since Jan 2010
2446 posts
Posted on 4/7/15 at 11:25 am to
quote:

I'm scared it's going to start having some costly issues now that it's about to hit 100k miles


quote:

Jetta TDI


I don't think you're going for the best option here. I have a 2011 Jetta TDI, but the general consensus is that VW is are not the best option for high-mileage reliability and cost of maintenance. Since you said the car you wanted was ~$11k, I'm guessing you're looking at something with at least 65k miles and probably more (maybe upwards of 85k).

The TDI engine should have minimal issues for a long time (250k+) but if you're going automatic, I believe that issues with the DSG transmissions are not uncommon in the 100-150k range. Also, other issues (A/C, etc.) are not surprising in older VWs. Lastly, I know there are differing opinions on this strategy, but the regular, preventative maintenance schedule for TDI's is not cheap at all.

Coming from a Jetta TDI owner, if you are short on cash but want some increased fuel economy and decent value, I would look for something more along the lines of an Elantra, Corolla or Civic. None of them are fancy at all but the hwy mileage on recent models is pretty solid and the maintenance costs should be low for a long time.
Posted by bayoubengals88
LA
Member since Sep 2007
18998 posts
Posted on 4/7/15 at 12:13 pm to
So you're current car doesn't even have 100k on it, but you're looking to buy a car that has at least 60k miles? Why buy a new car? Just how bad is your gas mileage?

I drive a 2010 Fusion 1,500 miles/month just to and from work.
I bought it with 64k miles for $12,000 in the fall of 2013.

This is the type of car you'll get for $11k

The car now has 97k miles (so you'll be in a similar situation very soon).
You bet your arse I'm not going to start looking for another car until I've got 175k on this one.
I get 33-34 mpg during my commute. Is this your only concern? Gas mileage? Is it worth getting a new car? Especially with how cheap gas could be for the foreseeable future...
This post was edited on 4/7/15 at 12:16 pm
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