I promised to blog about my car-buying experience. I guess I have to keep that promise, even though it didn't involve actual, you know, car buying.
So, since it's me, I did a lot of homework to prepare for this. I researched cars for reliability and fuel-efficiency, and looked at Edmunds.com and Kelly Blue Book for value. I looked at a LOT of dealer websites. I calculated how much car I could afford based on the down-payment I had, what I could expect for my trade-in, and what my interest rate for financing would probably be. I was nervous about the whole thing, so much so that my stomach was in knots from Friday night on. But, I was ready. I wasn't going to let a salesman walk all over me or try to trick me into spending more money.
Turns out I never got the chance to spend any money.
The first place I went to made it clear that it was pretty much impossible for me to get a car. No one would finance me. Here's the break down:
-I need a car that costs X
-A bank will only finance a car for me that is 2007 or newer
-No car that is that new costs X
Conclusion: I cannot get a car.
It's very frustrating (and scary) to be driving a car that is clearly unsafe, and have no other option open to me. Unless I decide to start stripping to save extra money fast (and let's face it: I would not be a successful stripper), I will have to drive Serenity for another six months at least before I can try this again. And, if she breaks down before then (which looks increasingly likely every day), I will be forced into a truly desperate position where I will end up with a beyond-shitty monthly payment, like the $400 a month the car dealership suggested this weekend.
I'm at the end of my tether with this situation, but there's little I can do but wait. And pray, every time I turn my key, that I will make it safely to my destination.
6 comments:
I'd start looking for used cars by private sellers. You never know how willing someone might be to work with you?
Then no warrantee, and no guarantee that it won't be a lemon. Plus, I'd have to get independent financing (which would be great if I could get it, but alas!). That's a big bag of scary.
Police Auction?
Again, I would need independent financing so I could walk in with $7000-8000 in my pocket. And, I would have no idea what kind of car I'm getting. The last thing I want is to get another car that will die within a few months, or nickel and dime me to death.
Check out CarMax. They are really good at working with you on financing.
Steve: I just talked with them. They can't help me either.
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