car shopping by bike

[redrhodie]

Rode to the Toyota dealership and test rode a Yaris today. It fit! "It" being the bike, of course. In the hatch, with the seats down, and the front wheel off, it went in easily.

Really liked the car (maybe I even loved it) + that the dealership is bikeable. The car was fun to drive, and felt very comfortable. It felt right. The price is my hang up. I've seen similar models advertised with similar miles for $4,000 less, private owner sales. This one was Toyota certified "pre-owned". I'm not sure the Toyota warranty, which lasts until 2015, is worth $4000 to me. What say you? They did also offer me $1000 for my Maxima, sight unseen, which is on death's door, so that's a consideration.

Also thinking about the Honda Fit, but it may be hard to find in my price range, and the Nissan Versa. My friend has a Versa so I bet I can test ride his. The Fits seem more rare used, so I may have to try a new one. The dealer is in a bike unfriendly location, so I may not ride to it. We'll see.

[OakLeaf]

What kind of mileage does the Yaris have? And what does the warranty cover? The higher the mileage, the more I'd hesitate to buy private. An inspection by an independent mechanic is worth the money in either case, IMO.

If you intend to get your car serviced at the dealership, then bikeability is a more than just a convenience issue. That's something to take into account, too.

[azfiddle]

We love our Honda Fit... (Encouraged by another TE member!). It's the first car we ever bought new. Not sure what your budget is though...

[redrhodie]

It has 51,000 miles. It's a bumper to bumper warranty for one year, then the rest of the time until 2015 it's just the powertrain that's covered. I wish I could remember everything he said.

The private owner one that's $4000 less has 66,000 miles on it, same year.

That's a good point about bikeability. It would be really annoying not to be able to ride my bike home when my car's being serviced.

[redrhodie]

We love our Honda Fit... (Encouraged by another TE member!). It's the first car we ever bought new. Not sure what your budget is though...

I'm a used car kind of girl. :) I want to stay under $10,000 so I won't need a loan. I think it would be really hard to find a Fit in that range, but I should test ride it just to see its awesome factor.

[ny biker]

So the $4000 is for 15,000 fewer miles, warranty and the fact that it's been checked out before you buy it, not just the warranty.

You could buy it anywhere and still bring it to that dealer for service.

[redrhodie]

So the $4000 is for 15,000 less mileage, warranty and the fact that it's been checked out before you buy it, not just the warranty.

You could buy it anywhere and still bring it to that dealer for service.

Yes. Is that worth it? I bet I can find an even better deal. I have some time (unless my Maxima dies tomorrow).

[Biciclista]

I bought my (used) FIT from a private person. I assessed him as much as the car. I got a good price and I KNEW he was the kind of guy who took care of his stuff. He had a replacement for every single lamp in the car! and stuff for the oil change.. and extra windshield wipers. And he recorded every fill up.. and he had perfect penmanship. It was nice not to have to deal with a dealer or all the BS they attach to the price.

[redrhodie]

I bought my (used) FIT from a private person. I assessed him as much as the car. I got a good price and I KNEW he was the kind of guy who took care of his stuff. He had a replacement for every single lamp in the car! and stuff for the oil change.. and extra windshield wipers. And he recorded every fill up.. and he had perfect penmanship. It was nice not to have to deal with a dealer or all the BS they attach to the price.

He sounds dreamy. ;) I've always bought used cars privately, and I've done pretty well, but never met anyone that good!

These cars don't seem to depreciate much. I suspect that's a sign of the time.

ETA, the dealer was actually very nice.

[maillotpois]

The Fit really holds its value. I traded mine in in June (have wanted to be back in a convertible for years and had an opportunity to get the last of the VW beetle convertibles). Part of the reason I traded my Fit in was that the dealer gave me 14k for it in trade - even though it had over 50,000 miles on it!!!

The Fit was a great car - I loved that the bike fit right inside it so easily and I do miss that, but I also love the wind in my hair. ;)

I love the idea of taking your bike to shop for a car.

[Biciclista]

actually... i forgot to say, we've gone by bike car shopping many times, for the same reason. If the bike doesn't fit we don't look at the car.. of course it did fit into the FIT.

[Crankin]

I can't speak to buying a car from a private dealer (I wouldn't do it), but I can speak to the Toyota "certified" used car/warranty. In my mind, it is worth it. Buying a used car is a gamble and this gives peace of mind. There's too much that can go wrong with a car, let alone a used one. Worrying about my car is the last thing I would want to do, so I would go for this type of warranty. While I wouldn't buy one of those extended warranties, the last 2 cars I have had came with 4 year/50K mile warranties and I was very glad they did. I found Toyota service/warranty, etc. to be great when I had one and I am actually thinking of going back to one for my next car.

[Koronin]

We ended up buying a used Nissan Versa hatchback. Haven't tried to put the bikes in it, but just looking at it they should fit without much trouble. Bought the car more for my work than anything else. It's an ok car, but I doubt I'd find anything in the Versa/Yaris range that I'd consider to be fun to drive, since my other car is a sports coupe and my dream car is a sports car.

[marni]

we were dithering with the same choices back in may with similar issues about price. We ended up buying a used pre certified Ponitac Vibe, 4 door hatchback with 35,000 miles on it. Price included a 2 year engine and drive train warranty. Gotta love car max and my husband who is a suburb negotiator.

The best part is that with the back seats down (and they lie totally flat) it can take our two bikes (minus front wheels) head to tail, or resident FILs wheel chair with a bit of room to spare.

Good luck- if you have a carmax in your area, it might be worth a look.

[redrhodie]

Carmax isn't great here, but Auto Trader is. I just found the same Yaris, same year, color, and options, more miles but still what I consider low, Toyota certified, for $4000 less list price. It's and hour and a half away, but I'll drive for that. I will tell my local dealer before I make the haul out to see it, to see if they want to play ball.

[tulip]

Sounds like the first dealer is really marking that car up. Offer him $4k less and then walk out when he says no. Tell him there are plenty more for less--there are. Toyotas are great cars, but they do tend to be overpriced used. What's a new Yaris going for?

[redrhodie]

They start at $14,115 for the 2012, which have not arrived yet because of the Japanese earthquake. Knowing that I can get what I want for at least $4000 less than that dealer is asking is good, especially since I have some time.

[Catrin]

Have you considered the Kia Soul at all? Good mileage, and I can fit my bikes in the back without taking the wheel off. That being said I do have a hitch mounted rack I prefer, but it is quite easy and there is tons of space. I am always amazed how roomy it is considering it doesn't look very big in a parking spot.

[Velocivixen]

I presume you've looked at Kelly Bluebook to see how much this model sells for? I'd offer them cash for 4,000 less and be prepared to walk away if they don't jump.

[redrhodie]

Sounds like the first dealer is really marking that car up. Offer him $4k less and then walk out when he says no. Tell him there are plenty more for less--there are. Toyotas are great cars, but they do tend to be overpriced used. What's a new Yaris going for?

Actually, I now think the dealership who advertised the $4000 lower price are sleaze bags, according to the reviews I just read. They are out of the running. I'm not going there. They bait and switch, and charge thousands more than their advertised prices. Lots of 1 * reviews. Too risky for me.

The price on the one that's $4000 more is still a little lower than the KBB, so maybe that's a fair price. Ugh. I am very tired and hating car shopping. Spent the whole day helping my brother buy a car (at least we did it). We didn't manage to get anything off. I feel very depleted, and disappointed that we didn't get a better deal, and like a sucker for paying full price. But, he's happy and relieved to be in a much better car, so I'm really happy for him.

Bike shopping is so much more fun.

[Catrin]

It sounds like you are making all the right decisions, and you are correct, bike shopping is a LOT more fun ;)

When I purchased my Galant a few years back (with 25,000 miles), I was able to get an extended warranty on it to 100k miles and this was bumper to bumper. The peace of mind was well worth it - and I would consider a certified used car in the same light. I wonder if there would be another Honda or Toyota dealer in your area who could/would provide a similar warranty for you? Mitsubishi might have a different policy on this, but it might be worth looking into.

[Biciclista]

we finally got around to trying to put two roadbikes in the back of my honda fit. WOW
we took the front wheels up and angled each back wheel to the door. then we bungied them in tightly and it's all in. Photos to follow (it's too dark now)

[malkin]

I like my Yaris and it always amazes me how much stuff will fit in it.

Lots of road noise on the freeway, though.

[Koronin]

malkin, I know what you mean about stuff fitting in a small car. We are amazed at how much we can stuff into the Versa we just recently bought. However, it will never be used for any long trips. It gets better gas mileage than the other vehicles, but it is not where near as comfortable for a longer drive. We bought it for functionality for me as a work car, not for trips. The 4X4 Ranger gets to go to Bristol (must have 4X4 for parking) and we take it for trips to the beach. The Monte Carlo is for all other vacations.

[redrhodie]

Finally picking up a Yaris to test drive on Monday!

The Versa is also on my short list, and if the Yaris doesn't work out, that will be the next test.

So sick of thinking about cars.

[Catrin]

Finally picking up a Yaris to test drive on Monday!

The Versa is also on my short list, and if the Yaris doesn't work out, that will be the next test.

So sick of thinking about cars.

Good luck on your search, and hope the Yaris works out for you!

[Biciclista]

as promised

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/320713_2362542535541_1009659155_32725404_336549666_n.jpg

and a great ride was had by all!

[Marquise]

as promised

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/320713_2362542535541_1009659155_32725404_336549666_n.jpg

and a great ride was had by all!

What sizes are your bikes? I'm thinking about a Fit and know my bike won't be a problem but my husband's tall so his frame is big. We put both bikes in his car all the time but being able to fit both in a smaller car would be nice.

[Biciclista]

my husband's bike is probably about a 55. Neither of us are tall. YOur DH might have trouble if his saddle is on LONG saddlepost; but maybe you could put his bike in first.

[Marquise]

my husband's bike is probably about a 55. Neither of us are tall. YOur DH might have trouble if his saddle is on LONG saddlepost; but maybe you could put his bike in first.

Thanks. I think my husband's is a 60. I told him when the time comes we'll take both bikes to the dealer and see if they fit.