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View Poll Results: Better Investment?
Buy a junker and use the saved money to fix it
57.89%
Buy a new car and not worry about issues
42.11%
Voters: 19. You may not vote on this poll

Which one is a better investment?

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Old 04-23-2008, 04:56 PM
  #21  
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I would actually advise the opposite. Since domestic cars depreciate so quickly, it'* a perfect time to leverage an EXCELLENT deal. Like I said, all cars will have problems. So, why not start with a car that doesn't cost you much to begin with? Buy an older domestic car that has adequate support online, knowledge among friends, etc.
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Old 04-23-2008, 05:13 PM
  #22  
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if you're concerned about reliability then buy two $1000 beaters. The insurance on both cars will still be less than full coverage on one car and still leave you with pocket change for repairs. In the end a new car is still a beater; it just takes longer to get there and keeps your wallet empty until it does.

edit - also, if you happen to find yourself without a job, you at least don't have to worry about the repo man come calling.
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Old 04-23-2008, 05:19 PM
  #23  
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I realize a car is not an investment in any sense, so the terminology was incorrect, I apologize... The reason I'm keeping the car is because it'* very hard paying 200 bucks and repairing it at the same time. I still owe my parents roughly 1100 bucks for the transmission... I'd also like something that gets better gas mileage. Gas is 3.59 here, and I drive about 12 miles to work every day, and 40 miles to school every tuesdays and thursdays... If I bought used, I would probably not care as much about fuel economy, but the new cars I'm looking at get around 27 mpg combined (33-35 mpg hwy). My car gets around 29 on the highway (used to get 35, but I think it needs a tune up and a fuel filter...). If I get a used car, it'd be american. Heck, if I could find a '95 or '96 SLE or SSE, I'd buy a Bonneville... We'll just have to see. I got my car appraised for 4000. I owe about 6000, but I've seen people sell these cars for like 5500... so we'll see...
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Old 04-23-2008, 05:20 PM
  #24  
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I say you go with the junker. You're not going to be inclined to mod a beater POS either, and that'* more money in your pocket.

You also may not necessarily want rely on finding a beater quickly. Continue to drive the Impala as it is now, and only jump on a deal when it'* right for you.
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Old 04-23-2008, 05:23 PM
  #25  
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Gas went up to 3.93 here today for super... I expect it to go much higher too.
Thats a 12 cent increase in less than a week. :(

If your car isn't running efficient, a tuneup pays for itself quickly at these prices.
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Old 04-23-2008, 06:28 PM
  #26  
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get you a tempo with a standard
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Old 04-23-2008, 07:02 PM
  #27  
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Why does everybody call run around cars a beater? If I had some of your cars would they be beaters compared to my BMW? I just don't understand how the term is used. I have a 1990 car I drive everyday but I dont consider it a beater?
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Old 04-23-2008, 07:12 PM
  #28  
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A beater is simply that, a super-cheap car that you can beat on without worrying about the value going down...
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Old 04-23-2008, 07:36 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by petraman
I realize a car is not an investment in any sense, so the terminology was incorrect, I apologize... The reason I'm keeping the car is because it'* very hard paying 200 bucks and repairing it at the same time. I still owe my parents roughly 1100 bucks for the transmission... I'd also like something that gets better gas mileage. Gas is 3.59 here, and I drive about 12 miles to work every day, and 40 miles to school every tuesdays and thursdays... If I bought used, I would probably not care as much about fuel economy, but the new cars I'm looking at get around 27 mpg combined (33-35 mpg hwy). My car gets around 29 on the highway (used to get 35, but I think it needs a tune up and a fuel filter...). If I get a used car, it'd be american. Heck, if I could find a '95 or '96 SLE or SSE, I'd buy a Bonneville... We'll just have to see. I got my car appraised for 4000. I owe about 6000, but I've seen people sell these cars for like 5500... so we'll see...
Based on your statement in bold, do I take that as this thread has been settled in that you have now decided to keep the car rather then the two choices in your poll. Keep in mind that the value of your Impala will depreciate more then you owe. Therefore you will never break even. That is why financing a car isn't your best value. Here in Canada, you can purchase a 2001/2002 Bonne SSEi. for the money you owe on your Impala, which I understand is $6000.00
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