Edmunds Answers questions

Ordered new car 6/18 told deliverly would take 6 weeks. Three weeks ago was given VIN. Today given new # and told delivery 8/28. Sold my car.

jeaniew — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 21:16:01 GMT

Ordered new car on 6/18 told it would be here in 6 weeks. At 3 weeks given a vin#. Today given new vin# with delivery of 8/28. Could they have sold the car I ordered and how do I prove?

What advice is there for someone buying a repossessed credit union car?

mikedudical — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 16:00:44 GMT

Are credit union repossessions safe to buy? What should I be looking out for?

How do you title and register a brand new car bought from a dealer? Must the dealer do it, why can't I do it?

gr8vine — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 12:28:23 GMT

How does one title and register a brand new car bought from a dealer? Must the dealer do it? Can I do it myself? I will be paying for the car up front, no financing.

Can the Comfort Access option be added to a BMW 328i Coupe at the dealer or does it have to be ordered ahead of time?

astrand — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 21:00:54 GMT

I don't want to special order a BMW from the dealership and would like to take from their current inventory. I'll be using the cash for clunkers program also.

An option appeared on one of my price quotes" FE 50 state emissions". The cost is not listed. How much and what is it?

laurie77479 — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:29:49 GMT

I live in Texas & am pricing a Toyota Venza.Today an option appeared on 1 of my price quotes "FE 50 state emissions". The cost is not listed & I have not been able to find info. Does anyone know how much this option is & what is it? Is this a new requirement? Thanks

1999 Volkswagon New Beetle reliability.

tjleanna — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 11:18:36 GMT

I am currently trying to find a good VW Bug for my teenage daughter and I really dont know a lot about VW's life span of their engines. Most of the models I am looking at have close to or over 100k miles on them I am aware of the life span of a Honda or Volvo but can anyone tell me about the VW's?

Can I purchase a new car that's Cash for Clunkers eligible under my daughter or wife's name who live with me?

apryzmenski — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:57:58 GMT

I own a vehicle that is eligible for Cash for Clunkers and I want to purchase the new car in my daughter's name and do not want to cosign. She lives at home with me and is under our insurance policy. Is it at all possible to get the new car without having my name on it?

How do I buy clunkers to recycle them?

junkyarddog3 — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:20:55 GMT

I am a salvage yard, how do I buy these clunkers to recycle them?

For Cash for Clunkers, can you order a new car or do you have to take dealer stock?

jill68 — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:23:30 GMT

We were told you had to take a car from the lot. We want to order to our specifications. Can we do that in the cash for Clunkers program?

Has the US paid any dealer fror Cash for Clunkers vouchers yet?

gracenumber2 — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:37:32 GMT

My dealer says he will refund to me a mistake on my deal when he receives the Federal funds.

We are buying a 2009 Chevy Aveo and we are being quoted $1500 to get AC installed. What should it cost?

jspriggs — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:10:14 GMT

We are buying a 2009 Chevy Aveo and we are quoted $1500 to get AC installed. What should it cost?

Which auto manufacturers offer prequalification for financing on the website? Good idea before going to car lot?

kells812 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 12:34:28 GMT

I heard that it's a good idea to get pre-qualified for a loan directly with the auto manufacturers website prior to going to the car lot to wheel and deal. Which manufacturers offer this pre-qual financing on their websites? And is this a good idea to try?

Cash for Clunkers registration issue. There was delay in buying a new sticker for 2 months. Owned vehicle from 11/2007.

npal — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 03:44:06 GMT

Actually I was applied for cash for clunker. Vehicle services department reports registration not continuous in past 12 months which is requirment. Car sticker was expired on 11/31/08 and I took that sticker on 1/24/09. At that day they charge me regular $78.00+late fee $20.00= $98.00 and given me sticker up to 11/31/09. So they charge me for 11/31/08 to 1/24/09 period too and new sticker expiration date is 11/31/09. So they should consider it 12 month continues registration.

Vehicle Services department send letter to my dealer that due to lapse in registration for 11/31/08 to 1/24/09. We cannot verify twelve months of continous registration on the vehicle. Please reply as I am owing vehicle from Nov 2007.

Can Nissan Murano (Ti Model in Australia) with reverse camera STILL install the Rear Park Assist? Dealer said no?

lovepub — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:39:39 GMT

I am in Australia. We dont get all the range models as US.

We have ST and Ti Model.

Ti = top of range with reversing camera.

I am buying a Ti, and they said the rear parking assist sensor WILL NOT fit due to Ti already have Reverse Camera installed.

Is that TRUE? Why can't the two co-exist at the same time?

Should the dealer be able to install the REAR park assist even though I have the reverse camera there??

Should I pay cash for a new car?

cle2 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:39:43 GMT

I'm in the market for a new car, and plan on paying cash. Is it better to be upfront about this plan, or cagey?

The 2005 Acura MDX I want to buy has covered over 138,000 miles. Is this a good or bad sign?

jk05mdx — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 22:36:22 GMT

I found a 2005 Acura MDX and I was hoping to buy it but my concern is the high mileage of over 138,000 miles. I will like to know if it is advisable to buy such a vehicle. Also I will like to know the potential problem areas I will like experience with such a high mileage vehicle. Thanks.

Can a Ford Transit Connect be purchased in the US with right hand drive?

lmielke — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:12:03 GMT

I am a mail carrier and would like to know if a Ford Transit Connect can be purchased with right hand drive in the United States?

What do HP and torque values mean relative to powering uphill with a load?

rauh — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 09:45:38 GMT

I am buying a new van and am confused by HP, displacement and torque values. I need more power than I have now to travel in the mountains with little hesitation under load.

I am trying to find out what equipment options came on my 2004 Chevy Tahoe, can anyone help?

chad713 — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 19:47:54 GMT

2004 Tahoe. Sold to me as an LT, trying to find out if it is an LS.

Can you get a 4 cylinder base Toyota Highlander with a 3rd seat?

megabrooke — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:28:59 GMT

The local dealer told me you can't get a 3rd seat with a 4 cylinder, yet it's listed as an available option.

Where can I buy the BMW M3 Brabham Racing BT92?

racing_bt_92 — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:50:28 GMT

Where can I buy the Brabham Racing BT92? I have the money but, don't know where to buy it.

I currently have a car that I am still paying on. Can I trade it in or do I have to wait?

pd8585 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 23:17:01 GMT

I currently have a car with 2 more years of payments left (about $5,000 left). Would I be able to trade this in for a different car even though I still owe money, or do I have to wait until it's all paid off?

Where do I find body kits for Chevy Express Cargo Vans?

crossroadsatt — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 23:14:48 GMT

I want to use a Chevy Express for my business. To make it stand out, I would like to midify the body somewhat by adding larger fenders, ground skirting, etc. I can find kits for Econolines, but can't find anything for a Chevy Express.

1999 Yukon 125K miles better to get use the cash for clunkers or straight trade in? What is the value of my SUV?

shiznitttt — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:50:29 GMT

I have a 1999 Yukon and was wondering if my vehicle was worth more as a straight trade in or to use cash for clunkers? My vehicle has 125K miles on it, and is in fair condition at best. Thanks in advance.

Do you think a 2001 VW Volkswagen with 176K miles for $3800 is a good deal? How many more miles will a VW Beetle run?

nishajohnson — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 21:31:43 GMT

It's a manual transmission and it's a sports model.

I'd like to know where the voucher for cash for clunkers will apply to. Is it applied to the MSRP, invoice or TMV?

nvia — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:40:17 GMT

I want to know where to apply the voucher for the Cash For Clunkers program. When I'm calculating the price for a vehicle I would like to purchase, should I apply the the discount of $3500 or $4500 (I know it depends on the MPG of the new vehicle) to the MSRP, Invoice or TMV? I read the law from the cars.gov website, but it did not specify where the voucher was being applied to. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

Is a 2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX with 101K miles on it good for $5800?

nishajohnson — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 12:54:17 GMT

The car has leather seats but with slight wear and tear because of the kids. Its an automatic with 30 m/g. Its been sold by a private party.

How to install or add rear parking sensors on '07 SAAB 9-3 2.OT 60t AE?

cdm_gal — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 13:07:23 GMT

I have '07 SAAB 9-3 2.OT 60th AE with Cold Weather Package but don't have Visibility Package (rear parking sensors, driver's seat memory setting, rain-sensored wipers, xenon headlights).

It would be nice to have driver's seat memory setting, xenon headlights, but rear parking sensors are almost essential for me (always parking my car by backing up in very tight garage).

I'd like to install/add at least rear parking sensors.
How easy is it to do this? If dealership will do it how much will it cost to me?

How much is it to add a whole Visibility Package? Can I have a local independent mechanic to do this? Would it be a better deal? I would appreciate all your advices.

I just bought a new car that I still owe on, can I trade it in for something cheaper to lower payments?

brianboneyard — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 16:49:56 GMT

Hi,

I recently just bought a 2007 VW Jetta GLI. My current monthly payments are around 370 a month. I can afford this with my income and living expenses.

I was recently offered a job out of state where I don't need a nice car, because it will be parked in a city.

Thing is, the cost of living if I take this job is way higher than I live now, and I will not be able to afford rent and my same monthly car payment.

I really want to take the job but this car is holding me back from advancing my career.

What options do I have?
1. Trade for something cheaper and get a lower payment?

Thanks so much in advance,
Brian

When will Dodge start producing trucks again?

almanortim — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:45:52 GMT

I am looking to purchase a new Dodge 1500 Laramie 4x4 but the one that I want is imposible to find. When will they re-start production? Will it be the 2009 truck or the 2010 truck, is there any differencce between model years?

Why is my 2000 Chrysler Cirrus not eligible for Cash for Clunkers?

flippinidiot — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 21:36:26 GMT

$4500 rebates?

I am looking at a 1998 Mazda MPV with a blown cylinder, and overheats. Radiator has been replaced. They want $400.

gburks — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 15:49:30 GMT

The car is $400, and has 127,000 miles. The seller says she drives the car everyday.

What is the invoice price of foglights and back-up sensor if installed separately on a 2009/10 Honda Odyssey EX-L?

vehicleseeker — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 23:02:26 GMT

I am canvassing a brand new 2009/10 Honda Odyssey EX-L. I am looking into adding the two accessories. I understand that some salesman inflate their accessory prices to jack up the total cost. I would like to have an idea of how much the two accessories cost separately

I have about 10 grand and I want a used sedan or coupe.

windgrace — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:01:37 GMT

Okay, I'm looking into buying a used sedan/coupe. I have about 10 grand. I know Toyota Corollas and Camrys and Honda Civics are what everybody recommends for reliability and whatnot but it would appear everyone else knows this...hence ridiculously high used car prices. Where I am I would be lucky to find a 96 civic for under 7 grand! So I would like to know what other sedans/coupes would be worthwhile looking at. I read that under 10k it doesn't really matter the make/model but what do I know, eh? Hyundai Elantras seem to get good reviews. Any decent Chevys? ABS would be a plus as well.

If anyone also has links to like a "Top 10 Suggested Used Sedans" websites please post those as well. Thanks.

Why does the 2009 Ford Explorer have such a rough ride and what can we do to make it more comfortable?

needrose — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 13:13:23 GMT

The ride of the new 2009 Explorer which we just bought is very rough. We were unaware that this is the case - the dealer/salesman did not mention it - is there anything to be done. It feels fine on the highway, terrible around town! One feels every nook and cranny! Do we have any recourse?

Keep or sell a Subaru Forester with 154K miles?

arih33 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 00:36:02 GMT

I am the original owner of a 2001 Subaru Forester S with 154K miles. Over the past two months, I've been forced to replace a timing belt (with water pump, tensions, and accessories) and a harmonic balancer (with bolt etc). I know my brakes are half-worn and assorted engine stuff have leaks, let alone I've never replaced the cat converters.

Would you cut your future losses and sell the Subie for either another one, or keep it? I'm leaning toward a sale, and either trying for an Impreza or shifting companies and getting something more fuel economic like a Honda Fit or Kia Soul or such.

Is rear-seat entertainment really available on the 2010 Ford F-150?

cherkyb — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:08:03 GMT

http://www.edmunds.com/ford/f150/2010/re...

"Other options include a premium Sony audio system, a hard-drive-based navigation system with Sirius Travel Link, a back-up camera, a cargo management system, a stowable bed extender, a trailer brake controller, reverse parking sensor, a rear-seat entertainment system and a sunroof."

Rear-seat entertainment wasn't available on '09 models, and when I do "price with options" on a '10 model, I can't find it as either std or optional equipment (I've checked Lariat, Platinum, and King Ranch SuperCrew models). Is it really available? If so, with what configuration and/or option package?

What does Texas/Oklahoma edition mean in the options of a 2009 Ford F-150 XLT?

love2cruise — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:02:04 GMT

Looking at F150's and live in Louisiana. Dealer is looking for one with specific options and has printed several window stickers for me. There have been several that have "Texas/Oklahoma edition" in the Options column. The dealer doesn't know what this means, and told me that it was irrelevant and that it just meant the truck was located in Texas. I would like a better explanation than that. The Louisiana trucks don't say "Louisiana edition" so it must mean that something is different. Anyone know exactly what this means?

Price for a Honda Civic sedan with moonroof, automatic transmission, antilock brakes, disc player, automatic windows, anti theft device?

rjminz — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 11:47:52 GMT

Price Honda Civic sedan moonroof,automatic trans,antolock brakes, disc player, ac, alarm, auto locks.

I need a small compact truck to tow on 4 wheels behind my motorhome. Extended or club cab. Ideas?

ggipson — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:59:19 GMT

I need a small truck with extra seating, towable on 4 wheels (with or without adaptations), good mileage. At least 6 cylinder, weight low.

Best used minivans to convert to wheelchair vans?

rebop49 — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 16:29:39 GMT

What are the best used minivans most suitable to convert to a wheelchair van?

Can a minivan accomodate an occupied wheelchair lift or just a ramp?

I owe $27K on a Jeep Compass worth $13K. Can a dealer help me lower the negative equity?

elo_1219 — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 10:35:13 GMT

The current car I have is a 2008 Jeep Compass. The negative equity was due to poor management of my parents, they trade in cars every two years and my present was my fourth car with the negative equity that had built up. I met a car dealer who says he can help me lower the negative equity. Can he really do that?

Sell vs. trade-in of an unwanted 2003 Audi TT.

ttbegone — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 13:16:43 GMT

Mr. Shift right,

We own a 2003 TT and a Land Cruiser. We just had a baby. The TT is no longer practical. I don't want to drive it, and my wife can't drive it given the baby. The remaining loan obligation is $15,000, with payments of $480 per month. It looks like the trade-in value is about $10,000 (best case) and private party is maybe a few thousand higher. The problem is, consumers aren't buying used little sports cars for cash from private parties. We need to get rid of the Audi and get something small ala Jetta sportwagen or rabbit 4-door hatchback, something like that. It needs to be a decent commuter car for when I drive it, and be safe and fun for her.

I don't mind the car payment, that really isn't the issue. What I mind is that car. I would be fine paying $400 or $500 per month going forward, but for a car that's useful to us. While it would be nice to sell the car privately, it just doesn't seem likely right now. Would you advise trading it in and paying off the note (our cash), in order to buy something new or only a year or two old? I've never purchased something brand new, or financed a vehicle (Audi was prior to our marriage). I'd prefer to buy something for cash outright, but that's not practical either. There is a lot of appeal in buying a new or almost new car that is reliable, covered by a warranty, safe, and pleasant to drive. It would reassure me as to their comfort/safety.

So I guess there's two questions- how best to unload the Audi (would a dealer go for it?) and, would you recommend buying a brand new car for the peace of mind/warranty etc, given the incentives available now, or a slightly used pre-owned car with warranty? Any advice appreciated.

Thanks for your expertise.
J

Help! Divorce + Ex = Chpt 13 soon unfortunately. Lease or buy an '06 or '07 Lexus RX 350?Need advice please!

tessa7 — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 13:13:10 GMT

Hi all! thx for your response! I am looking for an '06 or '07 Lexus RX 350. First, my credit score is not good anymore, BK has not been filed yet, but will be soon. I may have about$ 10,000 or $20,000 to put down and I can afford up to $470.00 a month.

Just not sure the best way to go, If I lease,(if they approve me) my interest rates may be very high. right? (even with large down?) I could go to an auction and buy outright (with a lil more $$$ right? but do i need to find someone with access to auction? and get extended warrenty?

Lease is up real soon!! What would you do?

94 Subaru SVX Ls1. Ad said had AM/FM/CD. Doesn't and needs windshield. What does this take off price?

blazedog — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 00:34:23 GMT

Am looking at buying a '94 Subaru SVX Ls1. Ad I responded to said it had an AM/FM/CD player. It doesn't have any sound system. It is in good condition and drives nice. The dealership is asking almost $1000 over the Edmunds TMV. It also needs a new windshield which I understand will be quite expensive since the car is no longer made. What should this do to the asking price?

What's the easy way to buy a new car? No trade in.

ojha — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:04:16 GMT

I am very new in buying car who is trying to understand this process and trying to make it as simple as possible.

I am thinking of buying “2010 Honda Pilot LX 4WD” in central NJ area. I am reading all post online and few things like to confirm.

a) I am buying new 2010 Honda Pilot LX 4WD
b) I am not trading my current car
c) First I am thinking of pay cash all

Should I be paying any single $ more then following:

Car price : 28,000 (including destination charge)
Sales Tax (7%) : 1,960
T/R : 420
-------------------------
Total: 30,380

I should be write check of 30,380 and just take the key walk out….I hope. I don’t want to buy any extra items.

What is F&I process can I completely skip.

What are things I should check in car before driving out of dealer. Is it possible that dealer can take any thing out from car or not give in car which I am suppose to get?

Please feel free to add any other advice you have for me.

Thank you - Ashok

Help me, please. Is there a truck, SUV or car that exists that seats six, gets good MPG, can handle a snow plow?

thunderpants — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 17:10:47 GMT

I've been researching high and low with no good options. Gotta move kids and snow without killing the Earth or my wallet....

What offer should I make on a Toyota RAV4 AWD V6, EVP #1. Quoted $31,703 including doc fee. Not sure if destination fee is included.

gmerker — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:07:23 GMT

What should I offer on a 2009 RAV4, AWD, V6, EVP#1? Quoted a MSRP of $31,703 which includes doc fee but not sure if this included the destination fee. Figuring dealer invoice is between $26,717 and $27,745. Dealers trying to add to MSRP sticker price with what they call Dealer's Addendum - extras I don't want but claim I have to purchase. Any advice on lowest I could pay for this car?

Fuel mileage on a 2000 Chevy Suburban 2500 6.0L 4.10 ratio?

kidhauler — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 14:45:59 GMT

Hello, I am considering purchasing a 2000 Suburban 2500 with a 6.0L V8 and a 4.10 ratio. Can anyone give me a ballpark average on the fuel economy of this vehicle? Also I would love to hear reviews from anyone who has one. Thanks!

My 2007 Land Rover LR3 lease is up at the end of the month. The dealer is not negotiating the $29, 900 buy out price. Thoughts?

sh12 — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 11:29:38 GMT

My 2007 LR3 lease is up at the end of the month. The dealer is not negotiating the $29, 900 buy out price. The vehicle has 18,900 miles. I leased it when it was a "loaner" and had 7K mi. on it. Thoughts?