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need advice on buying car - 1/13/2015 9:24:21 AM

defiantbadgirl

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Sir and I are thinking of buying a used Toyota Corolla or Kia Rio with low miles. (My dream car is a Ford Mustang, but unfortunately, auto insurance would be sky high). I'm leaning more toward the Toyota since they have been known for years as extremely reliable (plus some have rear spoilers), but instead of conventional automatic transmissions, they have CVT (continuous variable transmissions). Are CVT's unreliable? Do they cost a fortune to repair or replace in comparison to conventional automatics? I'm also open to other types of reliable cars with spoilers. I want to get as sporty looking as I can without paying a fortune in auto insurance. Not looking to hot rod (not that there is anything wrong with that), just like the sporty look.

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/13/2015 9:34:37 AM

darkwanderer3305

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CVT's are about $2500-$4000 (price from 2 years ago - in Tennessee) to replace. Since they are relatively rare there is little aftermarket demand, there are few (if any) garages that will break one down and rebuild it (like they could/would with any other automatic transmission). However, the reliability of the CVT makes it highly unlikely (IF you, and the previous owners) have cared for it with regular maintenance) that the unit will give you any problems. [be sure to check "recall notices" for the make/model car you want to buy, before you buy it - I don't remember the model, but, there was a Toyota that had recalls on the transmission - so, you may want to avoid that model]

As for the "sporty look" - the look of the car is one of personal preference. However, [although it may not be as high as the Mustang] ANY 2 door car is more expensive (insurance-wise) than a 4 door. And, IF the manufacturer has classified that model as a "sport car" the insurance rates will be higher, as is the norm for that class of vehicle.

Just some things to ponder...

On a lighter note --- no matter what car you get - ENJOY!!!

< Message edited by darkwanderer3305 -- 1/13/2015 9:35:10 AM >

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/13/2015 9:38:29 AM

DaddySatyr

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I've never owned a KIA but I have friends who have and I know quite a few mechanics. My anecdotal "evidence" is that they are not very good vehicles, in general.

I found the Kelly Blue Book site to be VERY helpful, when I was car-chopping, last year (2013). You can get best prices in your area and if you look around a bit, they have entire lists of "commonly reported issues with this make". I like the site, a lot.

Good luck!

Michael

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/13/2015 9:54:46 AM

kdsub

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THIS is a great site for car buying, used and new, and rating as well.

Butch

< Message edited by kdsub -- 1/13/2015 9:55:06 AM >

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/14/2015 10:11:14 PM

defiantbadgirl

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Thanks for the advice. Sir and I decided to go to some car lots and look around. I saw a blue Mustang with black leather interior and fell in love. Insurance will be high, but this is the car I've always wanted.

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/14/2015 11:25:57 PM

stef

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Who cares if the insurance is high, does it have a spoiler???

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/16/2015 9:07:21 PM

MercTech

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The CVT system is a high tech update of a 19th century patent on the Vari-Drive. Very simple in the basics but it too high tech carbon fiber tech to make belts that would not wear out very frequently. They have fewer moving parts by far than a regular transmission but the hydraulic actuators and computer controls make it other than a shade try repair job when one breaks down. Rebuild is much simpler than a geared transmission... replace belt and hydraulic cylinder seals.

When I first looked at a CVT transmission vehicle one thing jumped right out at me.. you CANNOT get it to spin the tires or jack rabbit out of a stopped position. It accelerates gradually at all times which leaves many thinking the vehicle is underpowered.

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/17/2015 8:04:43 AM

FelineRanger

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The best source for information on any used car is a reputable independent mechanic. If you're still wasting time with chain places like Firestone, stop now and find yourself a new shop. For example, if you're in or near Philly, go to Mort's Auto Repair at 7611 Castor Ave. It's an old school grungy little shop with mechanics that mouth off at each other every 5 minutes but it's also basically a family operation and they know their stuff. The second best place to find information is Carfax. Hope that helps.

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/17/2015 4:46:41 PM

MercTech

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And don''t forget Carfax
http://www.carfax.com/

One little item you do NOT want to see is "salvage title"

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RE: need advice on buying car - 1/19/2015 6:21:28 AM

impishlilhellcat

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It sounds like you are going with a Mustang, but I own a Toyota and it was one of the best decisions I made when buying a car.

I completed a lot of research before I bought my car. I checked consumers guide for safety ratings, recalls, repairs, price, mileage, etc... Then I checked carfax and kelly blue book. I ended up going to several lots to get a good deal and good customer service.

A Toyota tends to be more expensive to fix than other cars. In my area no one really likes working on them. However, I've been really blessed. I've taken really good car of my car and I haven't had anything serious go wrong. I bought it used and it is currently 9 years old with a lot of miles on it. The only thing that has gone wrong with it was the sunroof got off track and I had to replace an engine seal. Both cost less than $200 to replace. Plus, the dealership just looked at my car from top to bottom and couldn't find anything wrong with it.

I have a sporty version and it does have a spoiler. It probably wouldn't hold up to a Mustang as far as speed, but I get really good gas mileage and it handles well during the winter months.

Good Luck!

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