Author Topic: A hopeless girl needs help getting a car  (Read 2314 times)

Offline zdenka

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A hopeless girl needs help getting a car
« on: February 04, 2005, 06:22:54 pm »
Hello, just as I described myself in the subject I am hopeless when it comes to cars (sure I am not the first woman you hear this from)

I would like to lease an older car, really like Ford Focus. How much would the monthly lease be? Any ideas? I just realized I need a car few hours ago and the stores are closed that is why I didn't call there...... in case you were wondering..... Let's say: 2 year lease, year 2000, standard!!! (really don't like automatic) . I live in Montreal.  

???

thanks

Z.

Offline wing

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« Reply #1 on: February 04, 2005, 06:32:11 pm »
I highly recommend NOT leasing a USED car, bad idea.


Offline Brigitte

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« Reply #2 on: February 04, 2005, 06:32:28 pm »
Welcome to the forum, Zdenka.  You say you just realized you needed a car a few hours ago.  What happened?

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« Reply #3 on: February 04, 2005, 06:39:23 pm »
A 2000 Focus depending on the mileage will command about $4000.  Things too watch for, wheel bearings, brakes, ignition switch, numerous recalls including important ones like the rear coil springs, a campaign on the fuel pump.  They are hard on tires, especially the rear, frequent rotation is a must as well as a wheel alignment.  A kit is available for the rear suspension that basically eliminate the excessive wear.  The engines are very good, not the best on fuel but not that bad either.  Parts can be expensive, more than imports in some cases!  Insurance rates are fair.  Considering newer like an 03 would be better, or consider something else.

Offline Accordingly

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« Reply #4 on: February 04, 2005, 06:50:18 pm »
Hopeless, but not helpless...see, you found this place and all the free advice and misinformation you can handle!

Goodluck in the car hunt...but to help us help you, what do you need the car for? Commuting to work in the city, hauling farm animals, courier work?

Perhaps you are considering and X-Trail or a Tucson, in which case, grab a really comfortable chair because you'll be here for a while.

Offline bob

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« Reply #5 on: February 04, 2005, 06:58:32 pm »
First bit of advice?

NEVER walk into any automotive retailer/repair facility and say you are "A hopeless girl"...

Unfortunately while there are many good people in this industry, they are just as many, if not more, complete jerks who will take advantage of you if you know nothing and make it public knowledge...

While you have taken the right step in trying to educate yourself by inquiring on a reputable forum such as this one, if you go into a business looking for something you know nothing about, take someone with you who does, or at the very least, don't let on how little you know until you can properly ascertain that you are dealing with a reputable person. This will usually take more than one visit...

Offline ovr50

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« Reply #6 on: February 04, 2005, 07:39:38 pm »
Zdenka - Welcome to the Forum. Firstly, you will have to give us some more info (clues if you will) as to what you are looking for and what your budget is. It is not very easy to lease a 5 year old car and it is not really a bright idea. If you are looking at a 5 year old car, you will need to buy it using either your money or the lenders. You should be able to find something like the 2000 Focus you mentioned, standard shift by looking around in Montreal (dealer's lots, ads in newspapers, AutoTrader magazine and online, etc). Start by finding out what available and at what price, then let us know how you're doing and we'll offer some suggestions. OK?
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Offline wing

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« Reply #7 on: February 04, 2005, 07:41:58 pm »
You know, if you have good credit and want to lease for a short term, taking over someone elses lease might be the best way to go.

www.leasebusters.com

Offline zdenka

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« Reply #8 on: February 04, 2005, 08:05:47 pm »
oh so much advice.... Thanks god I found this place, that would be a disaster...

I will be looking around for a bit more.. I am looking at under 300$ a month  
As Jamesbe suggested taking over someone elses lease I found this..... not Ford but it is small and cheap..

http://www.leasebusters.com/$295/details.asp?ID=3731

Brigitte -- I looked up a bus schedule in the area.... closest mall, cinema, fitness, com. centre..... you name it.... is at least (!) one hour by bus vs. 15 mins by car..... THAT made me start looking into buying one.

Offline zdenka

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« Reply #9 on: February 04, 2005, 08:12:24 pm »
Forgot to add...... the car would/will be used to get around.... let's say errands, meeting up with friends, shopping, fun.... all that I need in my life is within 30kms, well not everything but that would be a topic for different boards...

thanks again...

Offline zdenka

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« Reply #10 on: February 04, 2005, 08:21:54 pm »
www.leasebusters.com/$295/details.asp?ID=6411

or??

Offline Shnak

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« Reply #11 on: February 04, 2005, 08:22:09 pm »
I say look into leasing a new Echo Hatchback... you should be able to get one around 200-250$/month and it's a very nice city car. Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, Suzuki Switch+ or Chevrolet Aveo would also be great choices.

Offline zdenka

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« Reply #12 on: February 04, 2005, 08:34:20 pm »
shnak..... I tried the Echo and it turned out to be 380 per month including taxes, I might have done someting wrong. I will try the others...

Offline articsteve

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« Reply #13 on: February 04, 2005, 08:56:33 pm »
What is your insurance situation?  What is the situation in Quebec for insurance?  I know in Ontario if you have not been previously insured recently you get hammered regardless of age.  I think insurance might be your biggest problem.

If not, buy or lease a new Hyundai, Kia or Echo.  DO NOT get into a used car unless you got a guy friend that will fix it for you.  A used car will bury you.
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Offline wing

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« Reply #14 on: February 04, 2005, 10:11:04 pm »
Insurance in Quebec is super cheap!

Offline articsteve

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« Reply #15 on: February 04, 2005, 10:43:08 pm »
That is what I hear and read. Is the Quebec all private or public?

What is going on in Ontario?  I hate this system in Ontario, that and 80 kmph on provincial highways.

Offline barrie1

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« Reply #16 on: February 05, 2005, 12:01:18 am »
They are trying to save us from ourselves at 50mph on the sideroads. Who drives that slow anyways?  Just a money maker for the province.

Offline zdenka

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« Reply #17 on: February 05, 2005, 07:06:27 am »
I lived in Ontario before.... paid almost 200 a month my first insurance of course I was "woman under 25" then. I am hoping that Quebec will be better. That is why I am looking into a cheap small car so the ins. wouldn't go too hight.... I know I know dream on....

So you think that even a 2003 car could be trouble? I owned Ford Aspire 1994 until last summer, total repairs in three years were 300, excluding oil change and stuff.... but I guess I was super lucky.  

well back to searching

Offline ericthejet

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« Reply #18 on: February 05, 2005, 08:02:35 am »
If you have the money to buy a used car I would advise against anything domestic 5 years or older.  If you can afford a new car then check into the cost of insurance before you purchase or lease.  If you want cheap the Pontiac/GM dealers have some small cars to choose from or Hyundai.  

http://www.gmcanada.com/english/vehicles/2005/chevrolet/aveo/
http://www.gmcanada.com/english/vehicles/2005/pontiac/wave/

http://www.hyundaicanada.com/HYUNDAI/Pages/Documents/type1/DocumentAction.aspx?D ispatch=Display&DocumentID=72&LanguageID=en
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Offline articsteve

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« Reply #19 on: February 05, 2005, 08:31:32 am »
I took from your original post that you don't really want to lay out any money on a car up front.  Therefore you are looking to lease.

Leaseing a used car is a super BAD idea with alternatives such as Kia and Hyundai available.  You lease a new Hyundai or Kia and for 3 years you will put zero dollars into it.

At Hyundai a base Accent is 219. per month plus both taxes with zero down for 3 years.  You just cannot beat that for transportation.  At the very worst you might need to install a set of front break pads if you take it the full 60,000 km.

Kia offers the Rio for the same amount, but I think they are offering free oil changes for the full term.  Check that out.

Just be careful when dealing at these places.  They will try and push you into higher priced models by saying that they are out of stock, etc.  Plus they will push extras such mats and fabric protector.  Go to Canadian Tire and buy mats and a can of Scotchguard if you need them.  These people in these places will tell you anything.  Just remember that and keep to your original goal; cheap transportation that is better than the bus.