the trouble with sam

I keep mentioning that I need to replace Sam. I’ve been saying this for a couple years actually. It probably started when I lost the bumper, or I started having my first bouts of engine trouble. It’s hard to say, but every time I get it fixed, I go back to my mantra “as long as it drives.” But I don’t know how much longer that will put me or any passengers I’m carrying at ease. Frankly, it’s a bit embarrassing the way it drives and chugs along like the Little Engine That Could. Mine is the Little Engine That Doesn’t Want to but Will (For Now). I’d tell you what’s wrong with it, but I honestly I don’t know yet. Not until tomorrow. This may be Sam’s last check up.

Last night I started preparing for real to get a new car. Each time I get into car shopping mode, I re-research all the tips and facts about cars, what to look for, what to say, what to ask, print outs, sales, so forth. I’m definitely not a master at buying a car, but I don’t want to be hoodwinked either. I can’t say whether or not I was tricked with the purchase of my current vehicle, but I do know that I knew nothing about buying cars and was suckered into buying one the day I walked in. I probably got slapped with a bunch of extra charges I didn’t need. Live and learn, right? Which is probably why I still owe $10,000 on the car still. I rather not get into details right now.

Basically, this weekend I will make up my mind what to do with Sam, and what Sam’s replacement will be. I’m 85% sure it will be a Hyundai Santa Fe. When I go to get Sam checked out at it’s original Nissan dealer home, a salesman told me he’d look into finding me a Santa Fe that I asked for. If I don’t like the deal, I’ll go up the street to an actual Hyundai dealer that was actually very helpful and didn’t pressure me. No offense to other car salespeople that are honest and non-harassing… I just dealt with so many of people that I got a good spectrum of whom I feel more comfortable buying a car from, and the dude from Hyundai may be the one that gets my money.

Not only am I looking for a decent deal, but a deal that works for me and my personal economic troubles. I got my credit report and credit score. I don’t know if credit scores are supposed to be guarded like how much money you make, but let’s just say it’s not poor, but it’s not where I thought it would be or where I’d like it to be. Fortunately, I think it’s better than last year… I can’t remember what it was last year though. But I’m aware that a low score won’t help matters. And contrast to popular belief, it does not hurt you to check your own credit history. I’ve had enough dealers tell me that already. Besides, I’ve also learned to just print out what they will look up anyway. But I’m hoping in these tough times, especially with car dealerships, they might be more willing to take on a risk like me. Especially if they know that I know what I’m talking about. I’m no expert; I’m just informed and aware. So I give credit where credit is due and thank websites like carbuyingtips.com for being around to help guys like me. Because of that, I will go back to the dealer with my “folder” and ready to talk business. The site is more for buying a new car, but it’s generally helpful to buying any kind of car.

Even though I’ve pretty much made up my mind as to what I want, what are some other good cars I should look into? My other thoughts besides getting another Altima or Santa Fe included a Toyota Corolla or Yaris, mostly due to gas mileage. I’m not looking for brand new, and I’m looking for something cheap. I don’t like hatchbacks and I’m not crazy about SUVs unless they are similar to a Santa Fe (even though they aren’t necessarily known to be that great on gas either, I’ve always wanted one). I’m also open for names of the new car. I’m looking for names that aren’t limited to genders like Sam (Samuel or Samantha). I don’t have any in mind yet, I’ll need to get a feel for the car first, ya know?