|
Hi all,
Well, after months of trying to keep the trusty old car running, it is finally giving out on me. Well, more specifically it is becoming not cost efficient to keep. The residual value of my car is probably less than $2000, so I won't have any trade in to speak of. I am looking at Acura and Lexus. Specifically, the following:
1) Acura TL, '03 or '04
2) Acura TSX '04 or '05
3) Lexus ES '03 or '04
I am willing to spend up to 25k, but would like to keep it to around 22k or lower. I prefer a car with navigation, but it is not mandatory. From the online searches that I have done so far, my budget is slightly lower than what is being asked for the above named models/years with reasonably low mileage. However, that is before negotiating.
My basic financials: Zero debt, very low rent, good pay (appx 100k), non-retirement savings appx 75k. I am saving for a downpayment if R/E prices ever reenter the stratosphere (I live in LA). Ideally, would like to buy a house by 2007, but am not sure prices will make sense by then.
Two questions:
1) Any car buying advice? Any websites you like, dealerships that were good, models I should consider?
2) Financing. I heard that paying cash will get a lower price. That is my number one concern, not the payments. I can obviously make payments, but prefer not to. On the other hand, I prefer not to make a 25k withdrawal from my savings. I have good credit (score around 750), so I should get a low rate. What makes the most sense. Bite the bullet and pay cash? Put a few thou down, and make the pmts? If so, where should I finance?
Thanks,
Eric
|
Threaded Mode
