Buying a New Car: Need some Advice
- Thread starter ChrisBird
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Dene
Premium Member
I'm pretty much going to say what BeautifullyDecayed said.
Why the hell are you buying a mini cooper? Seriously you're what 18 years old? Get a Toyota Corolla '96 for less than $2000. A Toyota Corolla is literally the cheapest car to run in the entire world. Insurance will be low, petrol will be very good value, maintenance cheap as hell.
There is literally no need to spend more than $3000 on your first car. Just treat it right and it will be fine.
Why the hell are you buying a mini cooper? Seriously you're what 18 years old? Get a Toyota Corolla '96 for less than $2000. A Toyota Corolla is literally the cheapest car to run in the entire world. Insurance will be low, petrol will be very good value, maintenance cheap as hell.
There is literally no need to spend more than $3000 on your first car. Just treat it right and it will be fine.
ChrisBird
Premium Member
Dene: I have worked long and hard to get my first car. I don't want some junker no one wants. I want to be able to look at my car and feel proud that I was able to buy such a cool car (in my opinion) with my hard work and dedication.
Also, I have always hated the fact that almost every car out there looks the same. Black, white, or silver and the normal style. Companies come out with "new" cars saying they "look better" when all they have done is taken the old style, and maybe rounded this part, or made that part look a little different.
Why the Hell am I buying a mini cooper? Simple.
Looks good, great gas mileage, always wanted one, and now that I have the ability to get one, I'm not going to decide not to so I can get a piece of crap I'll be embarrassed to drive.
Like I said before, our opinions differ, so I am not attacking you or what you said, just giving my response to it.
~Chris
Also, I have always hated the fact that almost every car out there looks the same. Black, white, or silver and the normal style. Companies come out with "new" cars saying they "look better" when all they have done is taken the old style, and maybe rounded this part, or made that part look a little different.
Why the Hell am I buying a mini cooper? Simple.
Looks good, great gas mileage, always wanted one, and now that I have the ability to get one, I'm not going to decide not to so I can get a piece of crap I'll be embarrassed to drive.
Like I said before, our opinions differ, so I am not attacking you or what you said, just giving my response to it.
~Chris
skatemaster78
Regular
I would probably buy the newer one, It may be 3K more but I'm sure it's worth it.
oprah62
Veteran
Personally, as I just got my permit and am also looking into this, I wouldn't get either. BUT, it is your choice and if you had to pick one, the 2006 would be better in my opinion.
teller
REAL Fingertricks!
There's nothing quite like the attachment one feels for their first car, especially when it's well-earned. Enjoy!
cincyaviation
Veteran
Honestly i have no experience in buying cars whatsoever, but here is my input anyway. I would get the 2006 mini. It has few miles on it, so you can basically just start brand new with it, if you take good care of it and keep it in good condition, then you could end up having it for years. I'm taking this as you don't want a cheap starter car to last you a couple of years, so my advice would be to get the newer one, take really good care of it, and make the best opportunity of getting a nice car.
Dene
Premium Member
I understand. I think you're making a very stupid decision, but if that's how you wish to spend your hard earned money then go ahead. Personally I like to spend my money on trips around the world but each to his own
Hiero
Regular
With some experience buying cars, I wouldn't go for either. Get a brand new Kia or Hyundai for the same price. Sure it's not the coolest car, but you'll start with almost 0 miles and you will have a 5 year warranty. The piece of mind knowing you don't have to worry about the car breaking down for a long time will override any other concerns. Plus when you get older you need something that will get you where you need to go. I read an investment book by The Motley Fool and they reiterated that a car is the worst investment you can make, so go new and cheap. They all come with 5 year warranties.
If you are dead set on these two cars, I would say the extra 3k is definitely more than worth the 50,000 miles. Imagine a Mini Cooper makes it to 120,000 miles before something major, you have about 7-9 years with the younger car, but only 3-4 years with the older one. That's double the life.
If you are dead set on these two cars, I would say the extra 3k is definitely more than worth the 50,000 miles. Imagine a Mini Cooper makes it to 120,000 miles before something major, you have about 7-9 years with the younger car, but only 3-4 years with the older one. That's double the life.
PhillipEspinoza
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Petrolol. Over here in amurrica, we call that gas.
Congrats Chris on your decision and the hard work it took to get the money to buy a car like that!
I think you can get friends without having a car. But ya, I guess it does affect your social life. Especially when you get older, people always ask "Where'd you park?" or assume that you know/care how much the prices went up on parking permits for college. If I worked for the money, I would probably do the same thing. Not having a car is probably one of the biggest disadvantages I have.
On another note, I'm still amazed at $15/hour. That's crazy. I guess it just amazes me that our country is such that you can have someone who is 70-something years old working at Burger King getting $8/hour (Cali's minimum wage) when a teenager is making almost twice that. Sigh... I see her everyday on campus and it depresses me.
Congrats Chris on your decision and the hard work it took to get the money to buy a car like that!
I think you can get friends without having a car. But ya, I guess it does affect your social life. Especially when you get older, people always ask "Where'd you park?" or assume that you know/care how much the prices went up on parking permits for college. If I worked for the money, I would probably do the same thing. Not having a car is probably one of the biggest disadvantages I have.
On another note, I'm still amazed at $15/hour. That's crazy. I guess it just amazes me that our country is such that you can have someone who is 70-something years old working at Burger King getting $8/hour (Cali's minimum wage) when a teenager is making almost twice that. Sigh... I see her everyday on campus and it depresses me.
oprah62
Veteran
Hmm I ref soccer games and I get 30$/game.
ChrisBird
Premium Member
I understand. I think you're making a very stupid decision, but if that's how you wish to spend your hard earned money then go ahead. Personally I like to spend my money on trips around the world but each to his own
Of course you think I'm making a stupid decision, I haven't yet seen a time where you think I've made a smart decision =p
And the bolded part is my opinion as well.
chris410
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My wife and I both had minis and while they are great cars they do require a lot of maintenance. I had no issues with mine but my wife's had several which, were covered under warranty. I would say go for the newer one and if possible get a warranty once you hit around 60k miles. Mine was an 07 and hers an 08 bit were new and had the maintenance package so her issues were part failure.
Andreaillest
Premium Member
I say 2006. I'm assuming that you're going to keep this car for a long time since you like this style. The 06' seems more reliable because it's newer. Also, in terms of gas mileage, the 06' is slightly less cheaper. I think you can save about over $100 worth of gas anually if you go with th O6'. So ya, if gas is your concern, then go with the 06' model.
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