I don't know if it's like this nationwide.

I've been trying to buy an SUV for the past couple of weeks. With the exception of one dealer that I like, most of the other communications with either dealers or private parties have left me wanting a shower afterwards.

I think trying to buy a used model that's in relatively high demand is bringing out all sorts of shady characters around here. Not one, not a single one, has seemed honest and forthcoming. Something has always seemed off about the car and/or the seller.

I just need to vent a little. I may try some more or I'm really just leaning toward dropping it all and just buying new. I really don't want to because I need to replace my wife's car in the next few years and buying a new SUV will push that out a bit. And really hate to spend so much that we can ill afford on something that will be used part time (3rd car).

But I'd rather have my hard earned money go fully towards me rather than some slimy bastard trying to take advantage of a hot (double meaning) car.

Frickin A I never imagined buying a used SUV would be so difficult.

I'd buy from the dealer I like but he doesn't have anything in stock; what he does have in stock is reasonably priced such that I'd probably just buy new. (they don't carry anything more than a few years old - all the older stuff gets sent to the slimy bastards I guess).

Not in the Yoop. Just looked at a 2013 Honda CRV AWD that was in too good to be true condition and still smelled new inside. 23K on the clock. 14K was the price. I expressed my skepticism to the owner of the small dealership that had it. Dude said test drive it and here's the address of the former owner. I stopped by. Totally legit. Guy said it was his wife's car and she rarely drove it. Tires were original! I passed on it but a friend bought it.

There are deals to be had in used vehicles, just not the vehicles I've been looking for. The last three vehicles I've bought have been new because the prices of anything a few years old with less than 40,000 miles were such that they cost more per mile of useful life than just buying new. I suspect that's what you are running into. Why not just buy a new one and make it your DD? You'd save some money insuring two vehicles instead of three. My DD, impractical in that role, but it it's what I need to get the job done the other 35% of the miles we are driving it.

Think about it...

If a car is running great, most will keep it.
If car has problems, they try to get rid of it.

It's all an odds game...and they aren't in your favor.

My last SUV, a Honda CRV, sold for $10,000 and had 149,000 miles on it. Bought a new Suburu Forrester for $20,000. I figure that I got 149,000 trouble free miles for $10,000, and the next guy will get the troubles for the same price. That's why I bought new. Same deal.

I'm gonna add a side rant ya'll are familiar with if you've used Craigslist.

I REALLY hate when posters post a shit ton of brands / models in their post that is not their product.

For example, I see a shit tone of BMW and Mercedes postings when I search for something like 4Runner or LX470.

If I wanted to buy a BMW, I'd search for BMW. It ain't hard. I wish CL would have a Brand and/or Model filter to cut down on this shit. Very annoying. I actually will not go to a dealer that does shit like this. Pisses me off.

Search for LX470 - I get 3 hits out of 50 results. 5% are actually the product I'm looking for.... Grrrr.

quote:

I wish CL would have a Brand and/or Model filter to cut down on this shit

They do...all you have to do is eliminate Dealers and limit your returns to Private Sellers

quote:

Originally posted by 9mmepiphany:

quote:

I wish CL would have a Brand and/or Model filter to cut down on this shit

They do...all you have to do is eliminate Dealers and limit your returns to Private Sellers

Problem is, a lot of private seller will put a glob of 'keywords' at the bottom of their ad to generate more visibility.

Search to 4Runner of LX & likely see something like below.

Not a HONDA, ACURA, BMW, LEXUS, AUDI, MERCEDES, CHERVOLET, FORD, HARLEY, PORSCHE, SILVERADO, 4RUNNER, TACOMA, TUNDRA, SILVERADO, CAMARO, MUSTANG, CHARGER, CHALLENGER, DODGE, CHRYSLER, JEEP, RAM, RIMS, DONK, SLAB, SPINNER, YAMAHA, SUZUKI, TRUCK, CAR, SUV, 4WD, 2WD


and so on.

quote:

and so on.

I guess cars/trucks I'm searching just aren't as popular

I wish sellers would post the MILEAGE of the vehicle they're trying to sell.

Try www.texasdirectauto.com. they are or were the EBay autodealer, They are near Houston.

quote:

Originally posted by refugee from california:
Try www.texasdirectauto.com. they are or were the EBay autodealer, They are near Houston.

Think the OP is in CA, so TX Direct may not be too much help there.

Road trip!

Although I think I like the Q in Austin more than Houston.