Thinking about buying a car

[gldstwmn]

Originally Posted by skcin

I've had my car for about 7 years now (it's 8&1/2 years old) and I'm thinking of getting something else. I like it, it runs & looks great, but it's a 2 door & not really practical anymore as far as the dog, fam & other stuff go. It's a Monte Carlo.

I'll be selling my car myself - I refuse to let a dirty dealer screw me out of $1000 or more to trade it in. I'm thinking of a smaller SUV (shut up, Diss) - I like the Jeep Liberty, Hyundai Santa Fe, Saturn VUE, etc. Used, preferably 2003 or 2004 (I'd go 2002 if the miles are low & it's in good shape.)

Any advice? Recommendations? Warnings? I've heard the VUE has lots of problems, so I'm leaning away from that. Jeep does a really thorough check on their "certified used vehicles" but I hear the Liberty is not a smooth ride. I've heard great things about the Buick Rendevous, but eh.

Well, I do know that GM is doing the employee discount thing. Personally, I financed my car through a credit union and bought it on ebay for $5000 below blue book. It worked out quite well. It's still under warranty for another three years and the scheduled maintenance is covered by the manufacturer up to 30,000 miles. SUV's are going pretty cheap right now. I'd still advise against most of them. They have a high center of gravity and roll too easily and are just not safe in my book.
Good luck to you.