Should I buy an automatic?

[tomato]

You know I got a pretty similar deal when I bought my Yaris, a few months ago.

I bought an '07 "Certified" Yaris with a couple years left on the powertrain, just like what you're looking at. The car already had 55K miles and they wanted $10,500 originally, if I remember correctly. I got it down to $9, then they nailed me with last minute add-ons because I didn't know any better (now I know ;), and I ended up paying just a little under 10K OTD for a 2007 Yaris, not too bad, not too good either because if I had waited just a few more months, I might have gotten a new one for just a little bit more (they had sales and 0% financing 2 months later, but not when I was looking).

There was a high demand for cars like that at the time, and gas was still kind of expensive around here. Plus I was really set on a manual transmission (they're supposed to be cheaper, by the way, so an auto, same year, at the time would have cost me a little more) because 1) I've driven MT my whole life, and 2) on a used car, I'd rather take my chances with someone's clutch (you know you're gonna have to replace it at some point anyway, no big deal), but I dont want to replace someone's automatic transmission though ;0)

MT's are HARD to find around here, so when I saw that Yaris, I jumped, practically bought it on the phone (the dealer put an add on Craigslist).

Now that I've driven it for a few months, I realize that if had gotten an auto instead, I would have been just as happy with the car overall, because of all the hills and all the traffic around here In fact, the MT on the Yaris is a little weird, compared to any other MT car I've driven.

So, that's my story.

You asked for advice or input, here is mine: if you don't get this Yaris, it's not the end of the world, don't worry, another one will be around the corner in the near future. If you want MT, then wait for a MT (they're HARD to find, though!!) but if you live in an urban environment, or have to go through heavy traffic often, or contend with hills, then why not get an auto for now?

[ktoyo]

Originally Posted by tomato

You know I got a pretty similar deal when I bought my Yaris, a few months ago.

I bought an '07 "Certified" Yaris with a couple years left on the powertrain, just like what you're looking at. The car already had 55K miles and they wanted $10,500 originally, if I remember correctly. I got it down to $9, then they nailed me with last minute add-ons because I didn't know any better (now I know ;), and I ended up paying just a little under 10K OTD for a 2007 Yaris, not too bad, not too good either because if I had waited just a few more months, I might have gotten a new one for just a little bit more (they had sales and 0% financing 2 months later, but not when I was looking).

There was a high demand for cars like that at the time, and gas was still kind of expensive around here. Plus I was really set on a manual transmission (they're supposed to be cheaper, by the way, so an auto, same year, at the time would have cost me a little more) because 1) I've driven MT my whole life, and 2) on a used car, I'd rather take my chances with someone's clutch (you know you're gonna have to replace it at some point anyway, no big deal), but I dont want to replace someone's automatic transmission though ;0)

MT's are HARD to find around here, so when I saw that Yaris, I jumped, practically bought it on the phone (the dealer put an add on Craigslist).

Now that I've driven it for a few months, I realize that if had gotten an auto instead, I would have been just as happy with the car overall, because of all the hills and all the traffic around here In fact, the MT on the Yaris is a little weird, compared to any other MT car I've driven.

So, that's my story.

You asked for advice or input, here is mine: if you don't get this Yaris, it's not the end of the world, don't worry, another one will be around the corner in the near future. If you want MT, then wait for a MT (they're HARD to find, though!!) but if you live in an urban environment, or have to go through heavy traffic often, or contend with hills, then why not get an auto for now?

AND THERE YOU TOUCHED IT! A NEW ONE.

Apparently the tax on new car purchases will be deductable from your taxes. Not only for those that itemize, but everyone. It's part of the incentives the government is doing to boost spending. Cash for Clunkers is over, but some don't realize a new car purchase in 2008 may reduce your taxes. I think this will be the first year tax on new car purchases will be deductable. (They may have been for businesses, but I don't think so for general consumers. Speak to your tax preparer and visit IRS link1, link2, and link3.)

Anyways my Dad's telling me about it and saying wait and purchase a new car using dealer end of year financing and cashback deals. Just like what happened to you.

Then I gotta purchase what's on sale and in stock. And if it's a new ride, I'm gonna want to stay stock to not void warranties and all that. Naw man. I can't go for that.

Slowly, I'm settling into the idea of an automatic transmission. I was taught on manual and it's all I drive. But I could get used to a free hand for texting. KIDDING!!!

I missed my insurance broker who probably left early for the holiday weekend. Since I don't have an insurance card that has stopped the purchase from happenning over the weekend. More time to ponder, visit other dealerships, and see if I can get the dealer to throw in some extras. I'd particularly like free installation of some aftermarket rims and lowering springs.

[Loren]

Geez, I'll sell you mine for $9k tomorrow. It's got less than 30k on it, it's already lowered with wheels. Come get it.

[ktoyo]

Originally Posted by Loren

Geez, I'll sell you mine for $9k tomorrow. It's got less than 30k on it, it's already lowered with wheels. Come get it.

I'm thinking about it. (I couldn't get it tomorrow. I'd have to get financed first. Get the check. Go to DMV for registration. Drive down there, or pay for transport. It wouldn't be a quick.)

[ktoyo]

Thanks for the comments guys. I've found a lower priced Yaris as a result. Which is hopefully leverage to get some extras from my dealer. I've learned I can modify an automatic with a Blitz compressor, and there's nothing wrong with driving an automatic. I'll check back for more comments later.

[Loren]

I'm not in a rush to sell, but I wouldn't turn down $9k. I've only got $12k(ish) in it, I've enjoyed it for a year and a half, the balance is getting close to $5k (woohoo!) and I'm feeling like I have too many cars right now.

[nemelek]

There was a time in my life that I thought I would never own an automatic. Now I don't think that I will ever drive a stick again.

[sam07yaris]

answer is no.. end story... manual ftw!

[advocate]

Originally Posted by ktoyo

I think it's an okay deal at $8,788. With taxes, delivery, etc. it comes to just under $10,500.

I bought a brand new base liftback manual for 12,500 after taxes and licensing. Not sure your 2,000$ is worth 40,000 miles.

[ktoyo]

Originally Posted by advocate

I bought a brand new base liftback manual for 12,500 after taxes and licensing. Not sure your 2,000$ is worth 40,000 miles.

An automatic would have been about $1,000 more. I get what your saying. $3,000 off a 3 year old car with 2 years/19,000 miles left on the drivetrain warranty and no basic warranty.

Put that way, it doesn't sound like much of a deal.

[Bob Dog]

A.$12,500 is about right for a new base model. A new base model is only slighty more expensive, with no miles on it, the car you are talking about will be used and without warranty in just 10,000 miles

[Forrest]

Have an automatic ! Originally wanted a standard but after a year of the automatic, it is great. Especially in traffic..auto is great.

[Altitude]

You should check with your insurance company - not necessarily your agent - because when I bought mine they had informed me that new car purchases are automatically covered under my existing policy for a period of 15 days. So when I purchased it, I was covered without the insurance co. having any details on the car. I thought that was pretty cool.

[tomato]

Originally Posted by Altitude

You should check with your insurance company - not necessarily your agent - because when I bought mine they had informed me that new car purchases are automatically covered under my existing policy for a period of 15 days. So when I purchased it, I was covered without the insurance co. having any details on the car. I thought that was pretty cool.

+1

[ktoyo]

Originally Posted by Altitude

You should check with your insurance company - not necessarily your agent - because when I bought mine they had informed me that new car purchases are automatically covered under my existing policy for a period of 15 days. So when I purchased it, I was covered without the insurance co. having any details on the car. I thought that was pretty cool.

Thanks! My insurance company's hours are Monday - Friday, so I can't confirm if that applies to me. (They do have a 24 hour claim number.)

[Forrest]

Originally Posted by Altitude

You should check with your insurance company - not necessarily your agent - because when I bought mine they had informed me that new car purchases are automatically covered under my existing policy for a period of 15 days. So when I purchased it, I was covered without the insurance co. having any details on the car. I thought that was pretty cool.

Each state is different on coverage. In NY, you have to have insurance on vehicle in order to put registration/plates on it. Get temp. reg for window until permanent one comes...but insurance is a must.
Perhaps you had dealer plates for a while?

[DandiDani]

i have an auto and i love it. but then again i dont know how to drive manual.

[Bob Dog]

you can get repair or replace insurance also if tis new car for next to nothing in some states