Don't think I'm as big a man as Gogar to drive a minivan.

It's the Toyota tax. Cars that have the Toyota badge are much more expensive than comparable models. If you like the Matrix look at the Pontiac Vibe. Exact same car, Toyota built them for Pontiac under some weird agreement. Toyota built, Toyota drivetrain, thousands less.

I'm with Webb. The Fit is fun and huge inside, get with a stick for more amusement. The Mazda3 hatch would provide similar space to an SUV with the economy and fun of a car. They also made a Mazda6 hatch that was bigger still.

Mazda 6 wagon is a good alternative to the Eurowagons. Mazda6 S Sport Wagon--low miles

Bought an '07 RAV4 w/V6, 2WD, 5 spd. auto, 50k miles in 2011 off C/L in Gilbert, AZ.
A good rig, actually.
Paid $50 to transfer the Titanium (7 yr.) warranty.
$14k
With a/c on, I can only get 17 - 20 mpg. A/C off, 27 mpg. @ 65 mph.
.
Never should have sold my '92 Jeep XJ in 2010. Mint rig.

whatever you get, pics are required


hey - another option would be a barn door VW Bus! - a Samba would be cool

I don't think I've ever seen a Mazda CX-7. Any love for this car? Looks interesting.

Mazda : CX-7 in Mazda | eBay Motors

Decent SUVs from what I know. MPG with the turbo 4 is just ok, low 20s on the highway.

Also, not sure what years, but some had a higher than average failure rate on the turbo. NA 2.3L models will probably be too new to come in below the $10K spending limit.

have never driven - word is, they are fun, sporty, reliable

I'd say it's one for your short list - I would also get Cons. Reports stats. on everything on the short list, then do some test drives

maybe try a rental if you can - nothing like tossing a bunch of stuff into someone else's car

I got an '84 diesel land cruiser for 9k. Its huge and simple and gets 24.5mpg. Has a turbo but still pretty slow. Search for bj60.

Going to look at this '08 Hyundai Santa Fe tomorrow.

Used 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe GLS For Sale in Phoenix AZ 3M323A | Phoenix Used Hyundai For Sale 5NMSG13D38H169742

Internet sales mgr. left me a vm tonight that tomorrow, being the last day of the month, will be a good day for aggressive pricing. He said this car was still in the shop being gone over, so he didn't yet know what they'd have into it and how they'd price it. KBB says $10.8k for excellent condition. If I'm in love with the car, I won't pay more than $10k out the door for it. Anyone have some experience with these or how to really beat the dealer up on price?

If you are looking for a good deal, the dealerships are the wrong place to be looking...

Oh, I don't want to buy from a dealer. But my new job leaves me with a lot less free time to search and set up appts. with private parties, deal with DMV, etc. With a stealer, I'm in and out in about three hours and the plates get mailed to me. Worst part about buying from a dealer here is there is no sales tax on private party sales, but it's about 9.25% at dealers, plus their BS fees. I don't mind wearing them down and sitting there as long as it takes to get them to my out-the-door price.

I have had luck on several occasions to get a car from a dealer at my price. The price was not unreasonable but fair. I just told them out front what I am willing to pay, and asked whether they are ready to deal. Once it took me several visits. I walked out and gave them my number to call when they would be ready. Finally I got the car at my price. There were no lenghty negotiations taken place.

AZ allows for independent shops to take care of tag & title. I use one near me that charges around $20 over and above the regular DMV fees. I've never spent more than 10 minutes transferring a tag and title there. The people are even friendly!
Locations & Hours

As for dealing with the dealer, I've had good luck with presenting myself as an experienced buyer who is not going to do the song and dance. "Can we skip the games. You tell me the absolute lowest price you can sell me the car for out the door and still make your minimum profit. If I think it's reasonable, I'll write you a check and we'll be done. If I pass, please don't chase me down in the parking lot and tell me you can take less." I bought my wife's new 2011 Mazda3 using this technique and paid much less than I was prepared to pay.

Say the asking price is KBB $10.8k. How much are they willing to deal at 6pm on the last day of the month?

Look up trade in value, that's likely the max that they gave for it. Probably somewhere in the middle. Unlike new cars where they get money and incentives from the manufacturer just for making a sale, used cars they have to sell for more than they paid. Plus it's a cheap used car which tend to sell quickly.

see if the dealer has a GUY WHO DOES INTERNET SALES; or theFLEET SALES GUY - you'll save TIME & likely get a BETTER PRICE

I am already talking with the Internet sales mgr.

Rick,

What is your new gig?