Is it worth getting a car in the winter?

Aquiles · Post by **Aquiles** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:25 pm

As far as I know, reliablity-wise there is no glaring difference between a Civic or an Accord. If anything, an Accord gives more cabin room, and that bigger displacement is ok, without sacrificing mileage.

...

And I'm assuming that you getting a car in winter means it's the year-end right? I heard from somewhere that that's the most recommmended time to get a car from the stealership, simply because they'd be more willing to get rid of stock, thus you have more bargaining room. Not really sure if this is true, so could someone verify?

hockeystyx16 · Post by **hockeystyx16** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 3:32 pm

civic = rice
accord = grocery getter

v6 accords are pretty good tho.

potownrob · Post by **potownrob** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 4:48 pm

having had both a civic and an accord, i'd go with the accord, because:
it's roomier
it's just as reliable
it feels like a tank
it has more pull down low (yes, even the 4 banger)
it has a ginormous gas tank which offsets the slightly lower gas mileage
it handles well for its size while swallowing the bumps better
it's not a civic

Leedeth · Post by **Leedeth** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 6:55 pm

Aquiles wrote:And I'm assuming that you getting a car in winter means it's the year-end right? I heard from somewhere that that's the most recommmended time to get a car from the stealership, simply because they'd be more willing to get rid of stock, thus you have more bargaining room. Not really sure if this is true, so could someone verify?

My dad says the best time to buy is in the winter, because people usually don't buy then, and the guys who are selling their cars want to get rid of them more desperately. The worst time to buy is in the spring and summer since people look for a summer car at that time.

I don't know about stealerships, but I'd try not to buy from one anyway. Not only are their prices higher, and in some places you get taxed more (ie. in BC one also has to pay provincial tax as well as federal), but they know how to lie and convince you.

Prodigal Son · Post by **Prodigal Son** » Mon Oct 08, 2007 7:12 pm

Aquiles wrote: And I'm assuming that you getting a car in winter means it's the year-end right? I heard from somewhere that that's the most recommmended time to get a car from the stealership, simply because they'd be more willing to get rid of stock, thus you have more bargaining room. Not really sure if this is true, so could someone verify?

I believe it depends on how long you intend to keep it. If you intend to keep if for a long time, you are getting a new car at a discount. If you trade every few years, however, you are buying a car that is a year older and the resale loss will more than offset the year-end discount.

watkins · Post by **watkins** » Tue Oct 09, 2007 1:00 am

Avoid buying from a mainstream stealership whenever you can. I do recomend indie specialist used car dealers though. I got my Saab from a place that specializes in Saabs and Volvos. They were more than fairly priced, and have been nothing but accomidating and responsible since they sold me the car.

Prodigal Son wrote:As good as any other car in its class, I would think. Winter driving is about tires, torque control, tires, brake control, tires, steering control, and tires. Not too much torque in a Civic, which is definitely an advantage in Winter. They are generally reliable, which is also an advantage. Get ABS definitely, and traction control if you can. And good winter tires.

Just throwing this out there, but you forgot one thing in you list: Winter driving is about Subaru. And tires.

Redline280 · Post by **Redline280** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 12:14 am

Thanks a lot for the replies everyone. I know this is a little off topic, but what do you guys recommend is a good amont of money to spend? Since I drive a decent distance, is it worth spending the money on a new car? It seems like most other college kids post a question of what car to get with a budget of around $15,000. Do they just pay it off over a long period of time or do their parents usually pay for it? I only make about $430 a month. I'm just not sure exactly how much to spend with insurance being accounted for or just getting an older car. I will be going to this particular college for 2 years then transferring closer and need advice on what to do. Thanks again.

hockeystyx16 · Post by **hockeystyx16** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 1:09 am

dont get a new car for college

since august 20th, my pgt aquired a small red scuff on the back bumper and a white scuff and a small crack on the left mirror
thats in a month and a half, already ive been nicked in the parking lot twice. im not looking forward to seeing how fvcked my car will be in 4 years.

now my car is not perfect. in addition to a piece of sh1t facory mazda paintjob with chicken feet in it, it has a small dent above the RF wheel that i popped out but the paint chip is there. there are occasional paint chips in the paint, and the front bumper clearcoat is faded and peeled in some spots. its not perfect, but unless your right there next to it, you are not likely to see it.
i would love to keep it that way until i either run across a shitload of money for a professional paintjob, or a few free weeks to roller paint it.

im about to start parking way the hell out there in the back of the parking lot, instead of finding the closest spot. if thats what it takes to keep my car dent free (cuz there will be people sliding into cars in the winter, theres no way a college parking lot is a safe place to park with drunk ricers running qualifying laps around parking lots) i will do it.

if you get a new car for college, be ready to park it way out of everyones way if you want it to stay looking good. if you park with the traffic sheep, the car will get fvcked.

watkins · Post by **watkins** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 1:44 am

paul34 wrote:
hockeystyx16 wrote:
im about to start parking way the hell out there in the back of the parking lot, instead of finding the closest spot.
Don't do it. *Someone* will park next to you. Happens every time. I still don't understand why people do it .

Im that guy. If I see a nice car or a ricer parked out in the middle of nowhere theres a good chance Ill park next to them. I always leave enough room for them when I do it though.

DocPHD · Post by **DocPHD** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 3:27 am

watkins wrote:
paul34 wrote:
hockeystyx16 wrote:
im about to start parking way the hell out there in the back of the parking lot, instead of finding the closest spot.
Don't do it. *Someone* will park next to you. Happens every time. I still don't understand why people do it .
Im that guy. If I see a nice car or a ricer parked out in the middle of nowhere theres a good chance Ill park next to them. I always leave enough room for them when I do it though.

same here, but only if it's the same make and model. something about seeing the same car (even different years and bodys) lined up just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside... just like families at thanksgiving! and divorce appearences, except they're a lot happier in the courtroom for some reason...

Aquiles · Post by **Aquiles** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:29 am

Redline280 wrote:Thanks a lot for the replies everyone. I know this is a little off topic, but what do you guys recommend is a good amont of money to spend? Since I drive a decent distance, is it worth spending the money on a new car? It seems like most other college kids post a question of what car to get with a budget of around $15,000. Do they just pay it off over a long period of time or do their parents usually pay for it? I only make about $430 a month. I'm just not sure exactly how much to spend with insurance being accounted for or just getting an older car. I will be going to this particular college for 2 years then transferring closer and need advice on what to do. Thanks again.

Depends on your budget, really. How much are you willing to spend? The way I see it, you just need to find some sort of compromise if you're getting a car for college.

On one hand, if you have the spare change and you can afford a brand-new ride, then reliability is not a problem. However, as pointed out here, a lot of "mishaps" happen at public parking, so there.

On the flip side though, if you get a POS ride, you won't be paying much, and you'll hardly care if someone hits your tail lights with a bat. But, it is a POS car, so expect the same thing in reliability, and upkeep cost. And, oh yeah, forget about getting that hot chick to ride with you, and get ready, because you might become the laughing stock of the campus.

As for kids who get their cars from their parents, I think there is a rant posted here about that. But, really, it's all about your current financial standing, so try to figure that for your considerations.

Post by **Johnf514** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 10:17 am

Are you new to college? Do you *want* or *need* a car?

Honestly, if you're a freshman/sophomore and don't need a car, don't get one. Use the buses, get rides from friends, etc. It's not worth working for a car when you aren't making a lot of money.

If you're older and need the car, then look for a 3-5 year old Honda/Toyota/Nissan/Mazda/Ford. Might be able to get one for $7-10K. Smaller car, 5-speed. Then you don't have to worry about small dings, and the car is depreciated in value.

DrNick · Post by **DrNick** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 10:51 am

Johnf514 wrote:Are you new to college? Do you *want* or *need* a car?

Honestly, if you're a freshman/sophomore and don't need a car, don't get one. Use the buses, get rides from friends, etc. It's not worth working for a car when you aren't making a lot of money.

If you're older and need the car, then look for a 3-5 year old Honda/Toyota/Nissan/Mazda/Ford. Might be able to get one for $7-10K. Smaller car, 5-speed. Then you don't have to worry about small dings, and the car is depreciated in value.

Agreed. If you really do need the car, Honda Civic/Accord, Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra/Altima, Mazda3/Protege, or the Ford Focus are all good choices for 5-speed college cars. Low maintenance, low insurance, decent power/room, etc.

wannabe · Post by **wannabe** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 11:55 am

my roomie had an 80something cougar, 2 door, auto tho, but it took us to the store and back when we needed it to

Redline280 · Post by **Redline280** » Wed Oct 10, 2007 4:56 pm

I'm a freshman in college but I do need a car. I have the 97 Ford Escort with an idiling problem and is extremely beat up (dents everywhere). The previous owner didn't take very good care of the car. In two years, i'll be transferring to a college only 2 miles away.