Best New Car Deals
So, I need a new car, which would normally be an exciting time for me…but each of the three cars that I want are newer and really cool models…and thus are currently expensive and don’t come with any good financing incentives or rebates.
I really do need a nice new car though, because I am, once again, getting tired of paying $2.75 a gallon for vehicles that only get 10-14 miles per gallon. (Why do I buy big trucks all the time?)
Anyways, I’m looking at the 2010 Buick LaCross, the 2010 Ford Taurus, and the 2010 Lexus ES 350. Each are beautiful vehicles with great Consumers Report ratings…but this comes at a price.
I wish I liked the Chevy Impala…I believe you can get rebates and 72 month, interest free financing…BUT IT IS SO UGLY!
Any of my blogging buddies bought a vehicle out there, I would love some advice and input on which vehicle you picked, why you picked it, and if it appears to be a good deal. All input is greatly appreciated as always! Believe it or not, I want my next car to be nice, but to actually be a decent long term investment…I realize that is a tough task to accomplish.
Peace and blessings to YOU, my online friends!
-TAM
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!













October 30th, 2009 at 6:02 am
We’ve been driving our cars for a long time now without any major problems. I drive a 2001 Jeep Cherokee Classic (100k miles) and my wife drives a 1996 Honda Accord LX (60k miles).
At the end of last year, we decided it was probably the best time for a good deal on a new car. After comparing prices, looks, dependability, fuel costs, and resale value we could find anything better than a 2009 Honda Civic EX, so we bought one for cash.
We even used AAA to find us the best deal and buy it for us. I don’t think we could have done much better ourselves and it allowed us to bypass the time and headaches of haggling with various car dealers.
The Cash for Clunkers program wasn’t in effect at that time, but we didn’t want to trade in the Jeep anyway. Now I’m driving the Honda Accord and parking the Jeep for use when needed for hauling, or as a backup vehicle. Although I have to pay for liability insurance on the Jeep, it’s a minimal amount and it’s already been handy as a backup.
So far, no problems with the Honda Civic, but my wife only uses it to drive about 3 miles to work and back and for local travel and shopping.
[Reply]
The Almost Millionaire Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 12:37 am
Great input brother, Congrats on being one of the only people that I know who seems to have REALLY gotten their money worth out of their automobile investments.
[Reply]
October 30th, 2009 at 11:47 am
From your choice of three I’d recommend the Lexus every time as an investment. I don’t know US residual values, but I can tell you that the Lexus is so beautifully made that it will still be in good shape, and therefore presumably still have a decent value, after many years of use.
[Reply]
The Almost Millionaire Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 12:38 am
I’ll tell ya brother, I’m leaning the way of the Lexus also…I especially like the new $35K Hybrid that they came out with this year. 35 MPG baby!
[Reply]
October 30th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Don’t go for the ugly car - you know you’ll regret it! x
[Reply]
October 30th, 2009 at 7:20 pm
Get a Toyota Prius and bless the planet
[Reply]
October 30th, 2009 at 8:14 pm
I do have to admit, Buick did a nice job with the Lacross this year.
[Reply]
October 30th, 2009 at 10:01 pm
We’re not making this easy for you are we? Based upon looks alone the Taurus SHO (which I believe you have owned before) is a good looking ride. I’ve heard good things about it and I believe the general consumer reports are in line with this. Buy American…but hey what’s American?
American-made UAW vehicles:
Mazda 6
Mitsubishi (MITEY.PK) Eclipse
Mitsubishi Galant
Toyota (TM) Corolla
Isuzu i-Series Truck
Mazda B-series Truck
Mitsubishi Raider Truck
Toyota Tacoma Truck
The Ford Fusion is made in Mexico and the Camry is made in Kentucky. Anyways… it gets sticky. If you want to buy American look at where the engine was made, the transmission was made, and where it was assembled. Those are the largest components in terms of job provision. Happy hunting and let us know what you get.
G
[Reply]
The Almost Millionaire Reply:
November 6th, 2009 at 12:52 am
Great input G MONEY…I will keep you in the loop!
[Reply]
November 1st, 2009 at 11:18 am
A few years ago, I would say definitely DO NOT get a ford Taurus, but Ford has done a really nice job of increasing their cars over all appearance and performance. Quite honestly all three cars that you mentioned are fine choices, and it would be hard to choose from those 3 options which one is the best. Surprisingly though if I had an ultimatum to choose a car, from the 3 you listed, I would say go with the Ford Taurus… from a visual stand point in my opinion it looks the best. It’s kind of shocking that I am picking Ford… now that I think about it…. lol
Till then,
Jean
[Reply]
The Almost Millionaire Reply:
November 4th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Jean,
I agree with you, it is shocking that Ford is having more and more of my favorite car models…if you read my posts from a year ago, I would not have been surprised if Ford had went the bankruptcy route…they have done an amazing job reinventing themselves.
[Reply]
November 1st, 2009 at 11:01 pm
I’ve heard great things about the Mazda3. Rave reviews about gas efficiency, reliability, and handling. It is a very affordable car as well so its something to consider.
[Reply]
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:29 am
I agree - in these credit crunch times you have to think of how much gas to the mile and other economic points - but i hope you haven’t picked the ugly car, surely (affordable) style has to count too?
[Reply]
November 2nd, 2009 at 10:39 pm
Definitely all the cars that you mentioned are beautiful cars there is no doubt about it.
I agree in what Used Tires said; Ford has done a nice job on their cars. I’ve also heard good things about it. I definitely recommend the ford Taurus.
The car you are looking for is out there; prepare yourself to shop; I hope you make the right decision.
[Reply]
November 5th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
large car = much money on fuel. therefore I don’t like such cars. I live in Poland and fuel is expensive, i must paid 1,5$ for 1 liter petrol:)
[Reply]
November 6th, 2009 at 12:02 am
How can I make money monthly on my investments?
[Reply]
November 6th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
All great cars that you’re considering, however, I’m loving the Lexus! It’s a luxurious vehicle and should hold its value pretty well.Good luck with your decision and let us know which one you chose!
[Reply]
November 10th, 2009 at 1:19 pm
are you any close to making a decision yet? I am excited to know which one you choose
[Reply]
TAM Reply:
November 11th, 2009 at 1:12 am
I have test drove the Buick and the Ford, I am going to check out the Lexus next week. Thus far, the Ford Taurus is winning. More housepower and better gas mileage.
[Reply]
used tires Reply:
November 13th, 2009 at 1:21 am
Cool Thanks for the update, I imagine your next post will be on your decision of which car you bought! Which would be perfect =D
Till then,
Jean
[Reply]
November 12th, 2009 at 1:27 am
Checked out Taurus again today, great ride!
[Reply]
November 13th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
I personally own the 2007 ES350 and have no regrets with this car. Before that, had a Hummer H3 which was an obvious mistake from day one. Back to the Lexus, it does require high-grade gas, but the mileage and comfort and outstanding. Tomorrow I will be taking the 2010 ES350 for a spin for a possible upgrade but am not sure if I want to part with my current ride and just might add a second vehicle. Have you tried the Infinity G37? I drove that for a week last month and loved the ride and sporty style.
Buying a car is hard! So many choices.
[Reply]
The Almost Millionaire Reply:
November 17th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Thanks for the input and advice my friend!
[Reply]
November 18th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I have a bad oil leak on the top of filter housing on my GMC 1991 Z71 ..is it the gasket or orning that could be leaking.. how do I get it changed?
[Reply]
November 20th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
We just bought a Ford Explorer and I am very happy with it. We wanted an SUV so that we could take it camping on the beach and so on.
[Reply]
November 25th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Just remember that when you drive that automobile off the showroom floor you automatically lose 20% - 30% of the purchase value. My advise is to buy a low mileage automobile that is less than one year old. You’ll experience a significant saving over purchasing brand new.
[Reply]
The Almost Millionaire Reply:
December 2nd, 2009 at 12:30 am
@Net Age Web Design,
Good thought, I did that with a minivan last year and saved about $6,000.
Great advice, I just need to hang tight…and I may just do that.
[Reply]
February 22nd, 2010 at 7:36 pm
YEH, what a great site and informative posts, I will add backlink - bookmark this site? Regards.
[Reply]
March 1st, 2010 at 6:42 pm
Following along with what Net Age Web design says - Isn’t the best new car deal actually a used car? If you really want to save as much as you “uncomfortably” can a quality used car is a better choice financially.
[Reply]