STICKSHIFTS AND SAFETY BELTS

I seriously HATE car shopping. And I wish I could drive a stickshift. I am so stressed about finding a car in time for Tk and I to take our trip, and I am TERRIFIED that my car is going to explode any day now. I can’t afford what I really want and am totally unable to find something that is even close.

So here are my options:

Photobucket 2007 Chevy Aveo. One owner. 23,000 miles. 9,795 bucks. No bells and whistles though. No power locks, windows, sunroof etc.

Photobucket 2002 Pontiac Grand Am. 59,000 miles. Power locks, power windows, sun roof, automatic. $8400.

Photobucket 2003 Chevy Malibu. 77,000 miles. Power locks, power windows, keyless entry, sunroof. $8200

Seriously guys. Help?

9 Comments

  1. Comment by Josh on April 1, 2008 4:04 am

    Based on what you’ve explained to me, I’m liking the Grand Am. It seems to be the closest to what you’re looking for.

    It’s up to you though, mate.

  2. Comment by Sarah on April 1, 2008 5:27 am

    I think you need to get an import over a GM. They last longer. They have good safety ratings. And they’re sexier.

    I think you should get this 2000 Saab. Those fuckers are sweet and last forever.

    http://www.lujack.com/site/used_inventory_search?state=detail&vehicle-guids=6974F658-6071-B84E-6FBB-BE2520CEE109&include-options=true&include-media=true

    Here are some other prospects:

    http://www.lujack.com/site/used_inventory_search?state=detail&vehicle-guids=CD2DF4C1-2528-98DE-0508-13701CF3176B&include-options=true&include-media=true

    http://www.lujack.com/site/used_inventory_search?state=detail&vehicle-guids=473148F5-8CD5-6882-8E85-70C28708680F&include-options=true&include-media=true

  3. Comment by Sarah on April 1, 2008 5:33 am

    I have to add 2 more things..

    People say that imports are costly to repair, and it’s true.. although I have hardly had any problems with it (just had to replace engine coil), my VW is ridiculous in repair costs. But honestly, I am still in love with the damn thing and it runs as smooth as it did the first day I got it. And it’s a 2002.

    Another thing about that Saab.. Google search “2000 Saab 9-5 wagon” and click on images. It’s a hatchback, and after owning a hatchback, I will never go back. EVER. It’s nice to know that on a long drive home, I can push my seats down in the back and turn my car into a camper. Just sayin.

    Get the Saab.

  4. Comment by Allison on April 1, 2008 2:25 pm

    Get the aveo. Mainly because I want to know that you made sweet love to the salesman in the back. Ha.

    You forgot to mention that the Aveo is still under warranty. For 2 years.

    After looking and comparing, the Grand Am really does seem like it’s the better deal, I suppose. But did you love it when you drove it?
    I’d say either the Grand Am, or the the aveo. You know how I feel about the bells and whistles thing.

    I liked my Grand Am, but I didn’t love it. I wasn’t really that sad when it got totaled. I know none of this isn’t helping, but whatev.

    Also, I like the Saab that Sarah posted but did you look at the mileage? If it weren’t over 100,000 I might say go for it- but I wouldn’t suggest buying a car with that many miles that you plan on keeping awhile. Especially if you and TK are going on that road trip of yours.

    You know.

  5. Comment by em on April 1, 2008 4:07 pm

    I drove an old school Cadillac (the black and gold one, SG know what I’m talking about) for 5 years…now I drive a 97 Buick Century.

    Personally, I feel safer in a huge American car, though I think you do sort of trade off between not having to make repairs and getting a little less MPG than you would with an import. Every car I’ve had I’ve bought used, and the only repairs I’ve ever had to do were replacing the battery on the Caddy (because it was 20 years old).

    However, that Saab looks hottt. Just think about what you want versus what you need. Will you be moving to a city soon where you might not need a car? (Or it might be more expensive to park it than keep it?) Are you looking for something that you can trade in, in a couple years? Etc…

  6. Comment by Marci on April 1, 2008 10:19 pm

    I would say the Grand Am, but that’s just because I have good experience. Mine always ran great, even after the ghetto-fying accident. Plus, my dad owned 2 before it that rocked. They’re generally reliable cars.

  7. Comment by Nikki on April 2, 2008 3:41 am

    my sis just bought a 2006 aveo and loves it. good gas mileage and can fit into any small spots (which is def good in a big city). hers doesn’t have any bells or whistles either, but she loves it so much it doesn’t bother her. plus you’re talking about spending a little more than $1000 extra for a nicer, 4-5 year newer car compared to the other two.

    def put a lot of thought into it though and don’t let time restraints pressure you into buying something you are not 100% into.

    xoxo

  8. Comment by Sarah on April 2, 2008 1:20 pm

    Don’t be scared by mileage if it’s a good car. There’s a reason you still find Hondas and Toyotas, etc. with 100,000 miles on ‘em bluebooked at $9k… because they can go twice or triple that.

    The Aveo won’t. I’m not saying don’t get the Aveo. It’d be nice to have a new car. But they’re not built to last you forever. They’re built so people can by them new and cheap. Are you at all concerned about safety? And registration (and possibly insurance) will be more on a new car.

    I don’t know. If you’re heart isn’t set on any of ‘em, don’t put $9k on them. Keep looking. And check the paper. Private sellers have to price down for bluebook.

    Haha.

    Are you frustrated yet?

  9. Comment by Hannah on April 2, 2008 2:02 pm

    I fucking HATE car shopping!
    Safety is important to me, obviously. I dont want to DIE in an accident. Just get injured enough that the other guys insurance gives me a hell of a payoff. :)

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