Question From JanNesha: I am looking towards buying my first car and i was just wondering how much should i put down

Queen of the Road: Hi JanNesha. Welcome to our blog! I’d love to help you save money on your first car. Buying your first car is always exciting. It’s an experience everyone always remembers. So let’s make sure you get a great deal.

Did you pick out a car yet? If so, I’ll need all the info. on that car so that I can look up the wholesale price range. There are many factors that can determine if the car will be expensive or less expensive. Sedan or SUV, New or Used, 2WD or 4WD, etc.. If you’re on a budget, I suggest buying a used car but made within a decade. Sites I recommend to search is Craiglist and AutoTrader.

How much you should put down is partially determined by your financial situation.  Historically speaking, interest rates are very low but having bad debt is not a good idea.  What we can tell you is:

1) Don’t buy more car than you can afford.
2) Shop around for the best financing deals.  Check with your local credit union because their rates are usually very good.  Don’t worry if you are not a member because joining is a cinch.
3) Buy the car you want but remember the first point above.  However, don’t ever let a car salesman talk you into buying something you didn’t want in the first place.  The car buying experience should not be like pulling teeth.
4) Think total car price and NOT monthly payments.  Saving some bucks every month but having a loan stretched out for an extra year or two is NOT worth it.

If you don’t mind giving us more specifics on your situation we can better assess your situation.

Since this is your first car buying experience, here are some articles I recommend you glance through to get an idea of what you need.

Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying A Car 

The Best 13 Step Guide To Buying A Car

Send me the car’s info. once you have it picked out and I’ll get to work. Simply leave your info in the comment/reply box.

Question From Patricia:  How much should I pay for a 2008 Toyota Highlander base model brand new. I’d really appreciate some help.

Queen of the Road: Hi Patricia! Welcome to AutoBragBlog! I’d be happy to find you some Highlander deals.

For the base model, do you want AWD or not?

Here are our base models: 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 5A) OR 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A)

Please leave your reply in the comment box and I’ll start looking up deals for you.

Question From Nsama:  looking for a used BMW in good condition

Queen of the Road:  Hi Nsama. Welcome to our blog! I’d be happy to help you look for a BMW. What we generally do is find the best internet deals and provide people with used wholesale car prices. I’d be happy to help you find a car for minimal prices.

Do you have any idea what kind of BMW you’re looking for? Try looking through Craigslist and AutoTrader in your area. If you find something interesting, then just run the following by us and well help you by finding the right prices to pay.

Year:

Make:

Model: 2WD or 4WD? 4C or V6? Auto or Manual?

Trim: (Coupe? Sedan? Please try to include as much detail as possible)

Mileage: (Necessary if asking for used car prices)

VIN:

Question From Kilagros:  i love that your car are all ready looking good and cheap to

Queen of the Road: Hi there! Welcome to AutoBragBlog! Our expertise is finding the best internet deals and providing car consumers with fair prices. I’d be happy to help you find a car for minimal prices.

Do you have any idea what you’re looking for? Try looking through Craigslist and AutoTrader in your area. If you find something interesting, then just run the following by us and well help you along the way.

Year:

Make:

Model: 2WD or 4WD? 4C or V6? Auto or Manual?

Trim: (Coupe? Sedan? Please try to include as much detail as possible)

Mileage: (Necessary if asking for used car prices)

VIN:

Question From Kristin: I am hesitant to buy a new car as opposed to a used one, but was hoping for a great year-end deal.

Zip code: 95337

Here is what I am looking for:
2008 Highlander, Magnetic Gray Metallic, V6, AWD

Would like to have:
-Towing package (TO)
-AMFM/6CD w/6 speakers (DJ)
-Cold Weather package (EH)
-Tonneau Cover (CD)
-Cross Bars, Roof Rails

Follow Up Comment: I am interested in the 4 dr SUV AWD.

Queen of the Road: Hi Kristin. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! I’d be happy to look into some deals for you. We also offer pre-owned wholesale prices in case you come across a used Highlander that you’d like figures for.

The following deals may not have all the options you listed, but they’re the best deals.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $34,185.00
MSRP: $44,045.00
ePrice: $34,185.00
Savings: $9,860.00
% OFF MSRP: 22.39%

2nd Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $24,881.00
MSRP: $31,915.00
ePrice: $24,881.00
Savings: $7,034.00
% OFF MSRP: 22.04%

The Lowest Internet Price: $24,341.00
MSRP: $30,824.00
ePrice: $24,341.00
Savings: $6,483.00
% OFF MSRP: 21.03%

There aren’t any incentives being offered for the Highlanders at the moment. If you’d like to research other Highlander deals, feel free to look through www.AutoBrag.com. Below is an explanation of the data above and how to utilize these deals from out of state in your local dealership.

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

How do I use these deals from out of state in my hometown? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. It may take a few tries before a dealership agrees to honor the deal.

The effort is certainly worth it. Saving an extra thousand(s) really pays off at a time like this. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service. Goodluck and keep us posted!

Question From Eugene:  What is the wholesale value for the 2007 Ford Focus SE 4 Dr Sedan? It has 37500 and 1 scratch on passenger door and scratches on the right rear frame of rear widow. Paint otherwise is excellent red!

Queen of the Road: Hi Eugene. Welcome to AutoBragBlog!

For a 2007 Ford Focus SE with 37,500 miles, wholesale prices range from $8,000 (being in above average condition) to $7,000 (being in average condition) and $6,100 (being in below average condition).

A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale, so their estimated retail prices could range from $7,100 to $9,200. A private seller will usually aim to sell it for 5%-10%.

Are you buying from a dealership or a private seller? What was the offer? Be sure to check carfax and do plenty of research on the history of each vehicle. Ask for their maintenance records. You can even bring a mechanic for a brief inspection.

Here’s a good car buying article I recommmend everyone read before completing the car buying process.  Best of luck and keep us posted on how the purchase goes! Don’t forget to tell your friends and family about our free personal service.

Follow Up Comment: Thank you so much for your expert comments. The dealership is offering the Focus at $10,999. I am working through a third party, credit loan & automobile specialist who says that by working through him I will be avoiding the “salesman hassle” and get “wholesale” value for the Focus from the dealer. Evidently, from your advice, it seems I am getting wholesale value PLUS 37.5% above wholesale of $8K. Also, the “specialist” said that the “current economy” drives the “wholesale value” up because everyone now wants a gas-saver vice SUVs. Carfax gives a good report on vehicle and prior owner was a “rental company”!

What should I make of the offer by this “specialist” who supposedly is suppose to be on “my side” of the negotiation process?

Thanks in advance!

Sincerely, Eugene

Queen of the Road: The “specialist” will always by on the side of making money. That’s for sure. Did you officially hire him? Were any contracts signed for him to do your car purchase?

 Yes, it is true than ever since the price of oil hit the $140-$150 level, consumers have been scared into buying smaller and more fuel efficent cars.  SUV prices have conversely taken a nose dive.  However, 37.5% over wholesale is just too much.  Keep in mind AutoBrag is giving you real time up to darte wholesale prices.

Stick to your commitment on saving money and getting a great deal on the Ford Focus.  Have you checked on craigslist or AutoTrader for private party sales?

Question: i am looking for a toyota corola year 2004 or 2005..i am looking on autotrader but the price still high for me. how would i find your prices

Queen of the Road: Hello there and welcome to AutoBragBlog! What we generally do with pre-owned cars is provide people with wholesale prices. We do not sell any cars, just provide fair prices. So, people will ask us how much they should pay or sell a specific car.

Let’s say you find a car you’d like to pursue on AutoTrader, but you think the price is too high. You simply send me the year, model, trim, mileage and vin. Then, I’ll send you a range of what is a fair price and a high price to pay/sell. It’s quite simple. So just send me the info. or link of the car you’d like and I’d be happy to pull up some prices for you!

Question: I am looking for a 1999-2005 crew cab or ext cab truck. I just need it to get around in the mountains a little and for camping. Any suggestions? I have seen some Dodge trucks for around 5-7K. What is the best way to get a good deal given the high gas prices?

Queen of the Road: Hello there! Welcome to our blog. Have you looked through Craigslist or Autotrader or your local classifeds? That’s the best way to find and buy a used truck. I’d prefer private sellers over dealerships. The prices are lower majority of the time.

If you’d like pre-owned wholesale prices, I’ll need a specific car, mileage, trim, etc.. So whenever you see a car you’re interested in pursuing, send me the specs and I’d be happy to look into the prices and send you a range of fair prices. Have you considered an SUV? Those are great for camping as well.

Do you have a budget that you don’t want to go over? Maybe I can find you a low priced new truck.

Question From Jade: hi, i was wondering how much i should pay for a 2008 highlander. I know that inventory in dealers are backed up as of now. I am hoping to get the best deal out there.Plus the 2009s are coming in

i was looking for a 4wheel or awd.. doesn\’t matter, with third row seater, the most important thing..

my area code is 03079
please help me out thanks

Queen of the Road: Hi Jade. Welcome to AutoBragBlog! Sure, I’d love to help you out and save you some money.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 5A),

The Largest Percentage Off MSRP Price: $31,906.00
MSRP: $40,719.00
ePrice: $31,906.00
Savings: $8,813.00
% OFF MSRP: 21.64%
This Thumbs Up deal is from Miller Toyota Scion in Virginia.

The Lowest Internet Price: $24,841.00
MSRP: $30,824.00
ePrice: $24,841.00
Savings: $5,983.00
% OFF MSRP: 19.41%
Another Thumbs Up deal.

What are all these blue links for? The first blue link breaks down the numbers so that you don’t have to do any math or researching. You’ll see exactly how much money you’re saving if you pay the “Internet Price”. It also lists the National Average Discount, the National Maximum Discount and the National Average Price for each vehicle. We also provide our personal opinion to whether we think the deal is good or not.

If we approve the deal, we’ll show a thumbs up and “Bring Your Checkbook“.

If we think the deal is ok, we’ll show a thumb tilted sideways and “Fair Market“.

If we disapprove the deal, we’ll show a thumbs down and “Keep Shopping“.

The second blue link is the proof you’ll need when you step foot onto the dealership. Don’t leave home without it! It’s the page that shows the price which you’ll be asking for. It’s basically what you need to pull up on their computers if they don’t believe you found that price online form that dealer’s inventory.

So now what? Print out all the blue links above and take them to your local dealerships. But before you go, we highly recommend you call and make an appointment to see the Internet Fleet Manager because he/she should know exactly what you’re talking about. Avoid the floor salesmen, head straight to the Internet Sales Manager.

If they don’t believe your prices, ask to use one of their computers so they can see where these figures came from. It’ll be impossible for them to doubt you because you’re pulling up dealership’s website and checking their inventory. Remember, cars are a commodity so these prices apply everywhere in the U.S. If you want to research more new car prices, poke around on www.AutoBrag.com.

Is there any other cars you’d like me to look into? Keep us posted with how everything goes!

Question: Hi , 1st Time Poster…Thanks for providing such a valuable service to the Community.

I’m looking for a used 2008 Toyota Highlander Sport. I’m in the midwest (Iowa, Minnesota) if that matters on the quotes.

2008
Toyota
Highlander 4×4
Sport model (Sport Suspension, 19 inch Rims, Reverse Cam Package)
Can you price both ~10,000-15,000 miles and ~20,000-25,000 miles?

I’d also like to see what the Limited model is going for as a comparison because I’d really like to step up to that package for the right price.

2008
Toyota
Highlander 4×4
Limited
Can you price both ~10,000-15,000 miles and ~20,000-25,000 miles?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Queen of the Road: Hi there, I’ll look up prices for both models witha median of the range of miles you listed. Take a look…

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport with 12,500 miles, prices range from $25,800 (being in above average condition) to $23,800 (being in average condition) and $21,800 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Sport with 22,500 miles, prices range from $23,900 (being in above average condition) to $21,900 (being in average condition) and $19,900 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Limited with 12,500 miles, prices range from $31,500 (being in above average condition) to $28,400 (being in average condition) and $25,300 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale.

For a 2008 Toyota Highlander 4WD V6 Limited with 22,500 miles, prices range from $29,700 (being in above average condition) to $26,600 (being in average condition) and $23,500 (being in below average condition). A dealership will usually aim to sell it for +12%-14% more than wholesale.

What have you been offered so far? Are you looking to buy from private sellers or dealerships?