car shopping by bike

[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.

[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.

[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.