Buying a Car

[ronyville]

Hi Guys, I am looking at buying a car, currently have an old Mazda 323 that I am looking to trade-in. Is autoco.co.nz a decent place for a trade-in? Anyone ever had any issues with them? Willing to spend around $15k (will be on finance), looking at Toyota Corolla or Blade G and possibly Mazda Atenza. Any other advice, such as which model to stay away from? Any help is appreciated.

[Bobh]

Going from Ford Mazda to Toyota should be a good move.

[ronyville]

Thanks... also not looking for anything fancy.. I dont have the need to speed. 1500-2000cc, auto.

[Cato]

Get a loan from the bank etc. and not financing from the car dealers themselves... They are seem rather more willing to drop prices significantly if you do so, terms are usually better with banks, too.
Trade-ins are terrible, unless your car is worth under 3k on the market... I have been offered 2500-3000 on my car for a trade in, TM has them going for 8-10k.

[Alex B]

Blade G will most likely be better equipped than NZ new corolla. Or if you want to have some fun Blade Master G, there is something quite fun sounding about a 206kw v6 shoe horned into a Corolla :P

[ronyville]

Thanks, what about the mechanical warranties offered by the car dealers? Is it worth having that?

[Nomad]

We just get it from Turners Auctions, we did get a car from a dealer many yrs ago but had hassles re: warranty. First they said we didn't know how to start it up then they said b/c we didn't take it in for the checkup(s) that may had voided the warranty. At the end we just paid. We got our last 3 cars from Turners, the price is a bit less, less selection but if you are just after a average car and not going too cheap we think they are brilliant. Just make sure you check the aircon is working b/c that is something they don't check on their checklist. I think they have major breakdown insurance for a few weeks we never paid for the more comprehensive breakdown thingy though.

$15k - so quite a newish model then .. We got a VW Bora 2006 for about $8k I think. Dad got a 2001 Toyota Camry with the foot handbrake wagon, paint work is fine but bit scruffed, no rust etc .. for under $5k might have been. This was like 2yrs ago.

[inphinity]

The Mazda3/Axela is pretty awesome, tbh.

[R2x1]

Awe is the feeling you wish to inspire in your enemies. I know the feeling, I used to have a Mazda, it awed the cr** out of me at times. Made garages smile though.

[coldfront]

Going from Ford Mazda to Toyota should be a good move.