Can anyone recommend where to buy? I have seen Matthew Motors, but some of their prices seem on the high end, and the inventory is not what we are looking for.
how new are you looking? Don't forget about places like Craigslist.com and autotrader.com. I have bought 2 vehicles from Matthews and feel I got a good deal (after a few hrs of negotiating). Just be patient. My lil buyers guide: 1) know what you are willing to spend REGARDLESS of vehicle. 2) Don't budge and don't jump on the first car that you see and like. 3) Don't let the dealership pressure you. 4) stick to your guns...If they won't work within' your price range...just walk away...They may change their mind once you start walking out!
Dwight Adams next to the Rite-Aid on 70, opposite the McDonalds. We bought our jeep from one of the salesmen, it was his own personal vehicle. If you go there, ask for Doug Creech, he's supernice and a good ol' country boy.
Are you here yet??? How's it looking around here to you and the family? As far as the cars go, can't really help you there, what are you looking for? There's a place right near my house, small place, but nice cars, mostly trucks and SUVs, but they must sell a lot because I see alot of their vehicles on the road, it's Mark Williams. Don't know their number, but it's on the corner of Hwy 42/50.
I second Craigslist.......just got MIL a car for $1000.00. Nothing was wrong with it, just an elderly lady needing some money. You'll find all kinds of deals there.
Auction Direct. We were shocked at the great prices. We got a car for $3500 under blue book. Located on Glenwood. They have cars in all kinds of price ranges. -we went for the $10K and under category--LOL. But they have cars in the tens of thousands too if you're looking. Our car was only a year old. BRand new, had the brand new smell and just immaculate condition. The staff was amazing. See, we didn't go intending to purchase a car that night. We drove our "bus" and had all 7 kids w/ us. Again, intentions were just to look real quick and go home. Well, long story short we bought a car. Stipulation for the staff was though they had to process us out in 20 minutes b/c 1) some of our kids needed to get home right away and take meds and 2) I have serious nightblindness and opthalmologist said NO driving at night. It was getting dark soon and we knew we had to be out of there. They processed us in record time AND entertained the kids to boot! So, after a family that has purchased vehicles on lists, ebay(our van), carmax and auction direct, I highly recommend them. Good luck on finding a car. Stephanie--mom to 7
Do your research on what cars you'll be interested in and know exactly what you are willing to pay for said car. I always do a ton of research and go in with a binder with all my numbers crunched, I'll give them a little profit, but they aren't going to fool me with that Kelly Blue Book dealer invoice crap. Their true dealer invoice is often 2-4k (higher for luxury cars) less than what you'll find online. If looking for a used car, locate the trade in value of that same car on KBB or some place like that and then add a little $ to it, because they didn't pay anymore than that for that vehicle. Also, always have your financing before you go to the dealer. Often they charge you a much higher interest rate than what you'd qualify for through your credit union or bank. You know what they do with that difference, well it goes in the finance person's pocket (see they are on commission too).
Depending on what used car you want, Mark Jacobson Toyota in Durham is good because of the Lifetime Warranty they give on most used cars. (On all new cars).
My stepson got a good deal on a Mazda at Classic Ford in Smithfield. I've had dealings with MM in the past and won't do it again. Check with new car dealers, they're always getting nice vehicles in on trade. Mike
We bought a car from Shumakers on 70 in front of the Food Lion in Clayton. We got a good deal and a good car and they are family owned. Highly recommend them.
I would stick with a franchised major automotive dealer. Most of your smaller independents buy their autos from either the auctions or from dealers that want to wholesale out some less than desirable trades. They may be less than desirable because of high mileage or the price that the dealer would have had to put into it in order to work the trade. In addition to getting a better quality car in most cases you are getting their ability to arrange quality financing if needed. Just remember, buyer beware!!
The car we got had low mileage when we got it. We bought a '99 and to date we still have less than 100,000 miles on it. We are the ones that put the most mileage on it with all the driving we have done and trips we have made.
Your best bet is trying to buy from a private seller. Anytime you go to any car lot, be it a factory dealer or some guy selling them on his lawn, you are going to pay dealer mark up. Most of the time the car either has a factory warranty remaining or is sold AS-IS...no matter if it is purchased from a dealer or a private seller. Some dealers give you a 30 day warranty, but 99+% of the time, nothing is going to go wrong in 30 days. Unless I was paying cash, I would line up financing before searching for a car. Go to your bank or credit union and tell them you want to get pre-approved for a car loan. At the NCSECU, you can do this over the phone. Next, find a private seller through craigslist, ebay, the newspaper, 4042.com, autotrader, etc that has the car you want. When you find a car you like, have it checked by a mechanic (not a quickie lube place). They will look for signs that it has been wrecked and will also be able to tell you about the condition of the drivetrain. Tell your mechanic what the seller is asking for the vehicle. Your mechanic will let you know if the price is right. Carfax is also a great resource, but remember that it might not be completely accurate. If everything checks out, you can negotiate the price of the vehicle. You can do all the necessary paperwork with a trip to your bank (or credit union) and the DMV license plate office. I bought my truck from a private seller and saved at least $4000 over what I would have paid for the same truck on a car lot. After I bought the truck from the private seller, I went to the Dodge dealership and paid $100 to transfer the 70000 mile extended warranty to me.
