Buying my first car, help needed

[shilala]

Bob is right on. Leases suck.

I have a very pragmatic approach to buying cars. Always have.
I need to love it. Am I willing to drive this car until the wheels fall off or until it makes financial sense to replace it?
If I fall out of love with a car, odds are it's gonna cost me to get rid of it. I've only ever gotten beaten up on an upside-down deal once, and that was when I was a kid and I bought a new Camaro. I loved it, but it wasn't practical for 1,000 reasons.

I used to always buy trucks. I came to hate trucks because I drove one every day for so many years. One day I decided I wouldn't buy another one. I went and bought a trailer for those times when I need a truck.
Problem solved.
It also solved needing a car with a 3rd row, I could now drive an SUV or whatever.

I drove my 04 Envoy until I gave it to my daughter, and it still runs perfectly because I took care of her. My wife made me buy a new car. I got a '10 Traverse. It's still like brand new because I keep her that way.

I do it that way because an old boy once told me "Your car will treat you like you treat it."
I'm happy I was there that day to hear that. It was as good a life lesson as any, I suppose.

I don't know what you can take away from that jumble, but it's all time-tested.

[cmitch]

Rules I follow:
1. I never buy new. It's the most foolish thing to do. You'll lose 10% of the value before the first oil change. Example: I bought a 2010 F150 that was traded in 6 weeks after it was bought. I got it for $7800 less than sticker and it had 1800 miles on it. Granted, I could've gotten a 'NEW' truck for $4500 off sticker but is 1800 miles worth $3300?
2. I never lease. Dave Ramsey doesn't call them 'fleeces' for nothing. Usually, you'll owe an up front down payment of at least $1500 and first and last month's payment. If it's an open end lease, that means you'll owe the difference between residual value and the estimated value at the beginning of the lease. Plus, even though you're leasing, many states still require you to tag it as if you were the owner meaning you're paying the ad valorem taxes on a car that isn't yours. Not really fair.
3. I always buy used. You can score a certified pre-owned at many dealers for thousands less than new with a better warranty. Or, you can get a vehicle that's about 4 years old that has low miles and years of service left in it. I've found these are the best bargains. I bought a car that sold new in 2005 for $85000 for less than a 2 year old used Camry's price 6 years later. I've had it 3 years and still consider it my best buy, by far.
4. Always negotiate out the door price. What that means is, when you make an offer to the salesman, tell him that it's an out the door offer. Taxes, title, doc fees, etc. Don't let them shill you when you get in to sign paprs. If they try to stick you for that doc fee after you've closed the OTD price, walk. I promise, they'll be calling you back.
5. As you know, do your homework. Find out what comparable models are selling for. Sales people try to take advantage of inexperience and youth. Don't be embarrassed to take your dad or uncle with you. That usually puts an end to that BS.