Buying a car

[truck driver]

Well after driving a Chevy Equinox for14 years plus 177474 miles I decided it was time to let it go since it needed tires possible wheel bearings and front-end alignment. It has 19" tires on it that cost $200 a piece so I was looking at $800 in tires and another $1200 in repairs if nothing else was found wrong with it, $2000 dollars was more than I wanted to put back into it and didn't see where I was going to get it back out of it.
My mechanic friend convinced me it was time to let it go so the search was on, I could find the cheapest model made or go for a nice used SUV which the wife is partial to driving, so it was going to be another Equinox or one similar in size.
Three days of internet searching reading car faxes was mentally draining.
I had set up an appointment with one dealer for a Sunday and my friend told me about 2 where he was the service manager, so the wife and I rode up to my friends place of work to check out the 2 he told me about on Saturday.
They gave me what I wanted for my old car sight unseen plus a Veterans discount that was reserved for new car sales.
Needless to say, we came home with the car of her choice a 2023 Equinox Premier which is the top end model of 2023.
I could have got a bare bone 2025 model but wouldn't have been happy with it and the used loaded low milage one might be the last car I have to buy if it last as long as the 2011 did.
Oh, and I did call and cancel the other appointment so the salesman at the other dealership wasn't waiting around for me to show up.
I must say that was one of the most stressful four days I've experienced in a long time and hope I don't have to do it again anytime soon.
I dislike having to buy a car.

 

[Vince]

I like to beat them up, the salesman, and take a few days to come to a satisfactory conclusion.

Glad you got it done.

Vince

 

[NYDAN]

Yes, vehicle buying can be stressful, especially when you are working against time. I have found some "salespeople" to be less than truthful.

Good for you for working through the process and getting something you are happy with.

 

[grry10]

My wife drove a Chevy Equinox until the wheels about fell off. Other than normal maintenance we never had to put any money into it. It was a great car. She has back and spinal issues that affect her ability to get in and out of a vehicle on both sides, and she uses a walker to get around. We tried out just about every vehicle that Chevy and Ford made and couldn't find one that met her needs, they had redesigned the passenger side on the newer Equinox. She ended up purchasing a Toyota Sienna van. We've had it 4 years and so far so good. Good luck with your new purchase!

I HATE MAKING VEHICLE PURCHASES!!

 

[truck driver]

Thanks for all the replies.
Vince, I do tend to beat up the salespersons also but don't make them wait several days but tend to walk out on them and make them follow me out the door if we can't come to an agreement, getting the sales manager involved.

Dan, salesmen and Lawyers are the worst along with politicians who were lawyers. One reason why I go over the listing on their web sites with a fine-tooth comb and use Car Fax .

grry10, Toyota and Honda were also on my list and have had trouble getting in and out of the 2011 Equinox I owned, surprisingly Chevy has changed the body design some and cleared up the major problems I experienced with them, getting in and out was one of them.
Since the wife was used to and very familiar with the Equinox along with the long gevity was why we settled on the Chevy.

I really wanted a GMC Acadia, but it looked too much like a truck to her.

 

[JD338]

I agree that car buying is a PITA. I've bought a lot a vehicles in my life. I usually go straight to the sales manager. I get a GMX discount and sell my old vehicle outright. (I have always stayed up on maintenance and keep them clean , polished and detailed so I get top dollar resale for them). I also take care of my own financing so this eliminates the haggling. It's a little more straightforward but it's still a PITA.

JD338

 

[RL338]

I bought my truck on the back end of covid and that was a treat. Everything was sent to your phone to sign from a guy on the other side of the desk. Couldn’t do any paper signing.

 

[truck driver]

The finance manager's desktop was a touch screen that you signed all the documents electronically and they sent you a text message with zip file attachments with the electronic paperwork so you can print it off or save to your computer.