I wasn’t going to buy a car today I wasn’t going to buy a car today I wasn’t going to buy a car today.
I test drove both a Corolla and a Matrix. There were some embarassing moments: I did, in fact, forget that when driving a stick shift, one has to press the clutch to turn the vehicle on. They both had a very tight turning radius, and the greater elevation off the road (as compared to the Celica) made for a smoother ride.
In the end, I preferred the Matrix. While the Corolla had a few more bells and whistles (the only one I really would’ve liked were the fog lights), a six-disc CD changer wasn’t enough to compensate for the far more comfortable driving position in the Matrix (I felt like I had to reach for the shift knob in the Corolla, which made me uncomfortable). In addition, I liked the greater size of the Matrix (it gets 26/33 mileage): now if those tailgaters ram me, I won’t be a pancaked Snay!
I still wasn’t ready to buy. My dad had offered to cosign so that I could get a better rate, plus, I was on the fence as to whether or not to wait until my check from the insurance company arrived so that I could make a downpayment. Carmax Financing and Bank of America offered ridiculous rates, and I was ready to wait a couple of days, but I guess Toyota likes me.
After a quick call to my dad to confirm a.) that their interest rate was what I thought it was (which is to say “killer”), and b.), that even with his signature on the application, I wouldn’t get a better interest rate, I signed on the dotted line.
So, with an interest rate of 4.9% (four point something percent, anyway, I don’t have the paperwork right here at the desk), I drove off the lot in a 2008 Toyota Matrix. It’s “indigo ink”, which is a fancy way of saying “navy blue.” It doesn’t have all the goodies, but it has its fair share: cruise control, power windows, remote entry, a panic button! Best of all is the “Anti-Deer Avoidance System” at the wheel (aka: me!*).
*One deer hit in five years, estimating a minimum of two deer avoidances per week (probably higher) gives us a failure rate of 1:520.
YAY! You have a car again! Happy for ya, dude.
Comment by Pand0raWilde — December 11, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
!@#$@ 4.9% That is Sweet.
Congrats on the new car! Your likely first call should be to get insurance on it. Also if you are getting Gap insurance your insurance company likely sells it lower than the dealer.
We just got just shy of 6 for a used which is pretty decent. Though based on the dealer experience post sale, I wouldn’t get within 10 miles of any Yark dealership in Northwest Ohio.
I’ll be ranting about our experience soon.
Comment by Josh — December 11, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
If you do nothing else today, read this comment.
I bought a new Camry in September from R&H Toyota. I, too, financed with Toyota Financial Services for 4.9%. I sent them a check in Nov for $1500 which they cashed but will not admit to receiving. I have spent hours having my bank trace the check to prove that they cashed it. I have called them at least 25 times and have been lied to at every step of the process. In fact, it’s looking like I’m going to have to sue them or I’ll be out $1500. Once I get that payment applied, I am going to refinance at a higher rate with Wachovia just to get away from that ship of fools. RUN, DON’T WALK, AWAY FROM TOYOTA FINANCIAL SERVICES.
Comment by tfg — December 12, 2007 @ 8:37 am
I forgot to ask, Pics soon?
Comment by Josh — December 12, 2007 @ 9:23 am
Cool. Also, meanwhile, while I can’t speak to Toyota Financial Services, I have Wachovia for Fun CarTM and I’ve had no problems with them.
Comment by jwer — December 12, 2007 @ 9:44 am
Damn, superscript tag no work…
Comment by jwer — December 12, 2007 @ 9:45 am
Congrats!
Comment by Charissa — December 12, 2007 @ 8:18 pm
I’ve totally missed your car woes while overwhelmed with mine. I’m so sorry!!! And congrats on the new car!!
I have a loan with Toyota and haven’t had a single problem with them. Hopefully that will be your story too! Enjoy your new car!! And maybe you should move to the city, where there are no deer… of course, there are those OTHER problems…
Comment by Summer — December 14, 2007 @ 1:52 pm
Congrats!
Pancaked Snay sounds delicious.
Yes, that’s what got my greater attention.
I might be hungry.
Comment by WM — December 15, 2007 @ 10:41 pm
I want a Matrix. I’m seriously thinking of getting rid of the piece ‘o shit Nissan. I want a Matrix.
Comment by Jazz — December 18, 2007 @ 9:55 am