Car buying is giving me anxiety attacks

[Conservative Hippie]

Well, I am nearly 30 years old and I have never had my own car. I lived on campus in college, so it wasn't an issue, and DH (then boyfriend) drove me anywhere else I needed to go. When we got married we still shared the same car and used the city bus system. When we moved to FL it became more of an issue because I can't drop him off at work due to tight security, so I am a permanent-SAHM. After 4 years of that, we finally decided to buy a gently used minivan as a second vehicle. While discussing financing and down payments on Saturday I had a massive anxiety attack! But everything seems to be working out and we are set to go pick it up tomorrow (we are insisting the seller - a small independent used car dealer - put new tires on it first). I am confident that we are getting a good price and good van, but still very nervous about buying my first car!

We already own a 2001 Nissan Maxima, and our new-to-us van is a 2006 Nissan Quest S (pretty standard features).

 

[Christine]

Hey, more people should feel like you when they spend a lot of money!!!!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Well, I am nearly 30 years old and I have never had my own car. I lived on campus in college, so it wasn't an issue, and DH (then boyfriend) drove me anywhere else I needed to go. When we got married we still shared the same car and used the city bus system. When we moved to FL it became more of an issue because I can't drop him off at work due to tight security, so I am a permanent-SAHM. After 4 years of that, we finally decided to buy a gently used minivan as a second vehicle. While discussing financing and down payments on Saturday I had a massive anxiety attack! But everything seems to be working out and we are set to go pick it up tomorrow (we are insisting the seller - a small independent used car dealer - put new tires on it first). I am confident that we are getting a good price and good van, but still very nervous about buying my first car!

We already own a 2001 Nissan Maxima, and our new-to-us van is a 2006 Nissan Quest S (pretty standard features).

You will live and be fine. You will no longer be a car virgin.

DH has bought/sold cars for others and ourselves. I think we have had about 30+ cars over 25yrs together.

We have 2 on Craigslist right now. Happy driving!

 

[Queen2PrincessG]

You'll be ok. Question? Do you really need a van? I ask because with the price of gas if you didn't need the space I would seriously look into getting a hyrbid. Yes it would be a bit more expensive but the saving in gas...totally worth it.

 

[jen0610]

Any time I have to sign loan papers, DH swears I turn the prettiest shades of green he has ever seen. The bigger the dollar amount, the greenier I get. He said nothing has topped the green color of when we bought our house.

Don't feel to bad, it just means you've thought about what it means to be spending the money that you are. For you, money isn't easy come, easy go, just like some people don't blink twice at the cost of some things.

 

[Melmac]

I know how you feel. When I make large financial decisions, I throw up. When I bought the certified cheque for the down payment on our house, I was sick for two days. It also happened when I bought my first car (9 years ago) and when we recently bought another car. Even though all of the decisions were good ones and we got good prices, I still feel guilty and sick about it. Have fun with the new vehicle!

 

[Handbag Lady]

It will pass. It took me three weeks to get past it when I paid cash for my car last year.

Just think, though, of the fun you can have with your new car! My friends with their mimivan love it.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

You'll be ok. Question? Do you really need a van? I ask because with the price of gas if you didn't need the space I would seriously look into getting a hyrbid. Yes it would be a bit more expensive but the saving in gas...totally worth it.

Yes, we really do need a van. If we didn't need the room, I would have no problem getting an even cheaper used car. But I have no desire whatsoever to ever drive a hybrid.

 

[stevenpensacola]

www.carbuyingtips.com

Make sure you spend some time on this site before you sign any papers...could really save you some money and heartache.

Great Website with TONS of valuable information.

 

[Conservative Hippie]

www.carbuyingtips.com

Make sure you spend some time on this site before you sign any papers...could really save you some money and heartache.

Great Website with TONS of valuable information.

Good advice! We did get a Carfax report, and my mechanic (who is also a friend) came to look at it with me. The only thing he found wrong was that the rear tires were nearly bald (which I could see with my own eyes), and the front tires were on their way out. So the seller is replacing all the tires today and I'm going up there tomorrow.

 

[mamacatnv]

Go with your own financing thru your bank or preferably a credit union, in this state the dealer car "mark-up" the interest rate and keep the "profit"

In other words lets say the finance company says they will give you the loan at 5% here in NV that means the dealership could tell you that your interest rate is at 8% and they get the profit and its legal.

If you use a credit union and CUDL Credit Union Direct Lending, they can't do this.

Always go in with your own financing if at all possible.

Enjoy your new to you car!

 

[Poohforyou]

I can't imagine being home all day with 2 kids. What happens when you need something? You'll love having the freedom to run errands during the week when places aren't too busy. I spent countless hours walking the mall in the winter when DD was a baby just to get out of the house.

 

[Kath2003]

I recently bought my first "truly mine" car which I picked out myself and I LOVE it...but I did feel sick as a dog handing over the money when I bought it!

 

[Conservative Hippie]

I can't imagine being home all day with 2 kids. What happens when you need something? You'll love having the freedom to run errands during the week when places aren't too busy. I spent countless hours walking the mall in the winter when DD was a baby just to get out of the house.

I do grocery shopping either in the morning (he usually goes in at 9) or in the evening. If I have an appointment or know there is a big errand I need to do, I tell him in advance and he arranges to work from home. Having my own car is going to make my life so much easier!!

 

[tvguy]

. I think we have had about 30+ cars over 25yrs together.

DW and I have been together 29 years.....we've owned a total of 7 cars in our entire lives not just our time together., and we're both 54. 3 for me, 4 for her.
Just thinking about the sales tax you paid on 30+ cars scares me.
At this point, barring accidents, we hope to never have to replace my wife's 2000 Mercury and my 2003 Ford (both purchased new).