desperately need help

[SamsungHDTV]

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@2011beginnings wrote:

I think a 2013 is out of my budget.

After much deliberation with two dealerships in talks about the almost same identical vehicle, the best price I worked was $19,500 but my loan was approved for $18,000 so I called PenFed to up it to $20,000.  This switched the status from conditionally approved for the purchase order to conditionally approved after sending two pay stubs so now I am backtracking.  

Hopefully, this process goes smooth because I just faxed the paystubs to them.  I really like the car and at $19,500 I am basically getting the car for $18,500 before TTT.

It is a 2011 EX black exterior, black interior, sunroof and woodgrain with only 34,000 miles.

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@2011beginnings wrote:

I think a 2013 is out of my budget.

After much deliberation with two dealerships in talks about the almost same identical vehicle, the best price I worked was $19,500 but my loan was approved for $18,000 so I called PenFed to up it to $20,000.  This switched the status from conditionally approved for the purchase order to conditionally approved after sending two pay stubs so now I am backtracking.  

Hopefully, this process goes smooth because I just faxed the paystubs to them.  I really like the car and at $19,500 I am basically getting the car for $18,500 before TTT.

It is a 2011 EX black exterior, black interior, sunroof and woodgrain with only 34,000 miles.

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Congrats on the approval. Not really backtracking, so long as you put accurate income figures on your application you will be fine. Smart choice in buying used, its always the smarter decision. I went against this intuition and purchased new. But I plan to drive my car for the next 15 years as I know it will last that long. You still see late '90s model honda out on the road. And I take good care of my car.

[2011beginnings]

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I guess I'm just being impatient and nervous since this is my first auto loan. I'm upgrading from a 96 Honda Accord that still runs great.

[SamsungHDTV]

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@2011beginnings wrote:
Thank you for the words of encouragement. I guess I'm just being impatient and nervous since this is my first auto loan. I'm upgrading from a 96 Honda Accord that still runs great.

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Are you trading it in or keeping it? I'd keep the car if you haven't decided on that.

This is my third accord, I went from a '98 that I gave to my brother. '06 that I totaled, and now I'm in a '13. They keep getting better and better, so very practical.

[2011beginnings]

I'm keeping it until I sell it.

Which '13 did you get?

[Anonymous]

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@2011beginnings wrote:
Thank you for the words of encouragement. I guess I'm just being impatient and nervous since this is my first auto loan. I'm upgrading from a 96 Honda Accord that still runs great.

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If it still runs great, then why not spend the $1300 to fix it.  $1300 spent is better than $20,000 spent.

I really just want to comment that you can buy a can of sealant to seal the leaking head gasket.  The cans are like, idk, 10 bucks and you can get it at walmart.  Follow the directions on the can, which is really simple, and presto.  Problem fixed for less than 1300 bucks.

ETA:  If you're unable to do the can yourself, the dealership and other well qualified shops can do the same thing by running the sealant through for you.  Again, this is way less than $1300.  The $1300 quote you got must be related to the shop wanting to replace the head gasket with a new, which is a moderate job and, of course, is better than sealing it, but sealing works great (especially if it is as you say: a little leak). 

Just wanted to let you know of your options if money is a concern. 

[Anonymous]

If its an inline-4 cylinder and you have a garage, would you consider talking the job yourself? 

I had a old '92 Cavalier with a leaking head-gasket I successfully fixed myself (after buying a newer car first... of course). Saved $600 - $1200 I was quoted from three different repair shops. It was a nice experience, or maybe I'm just weird.

[Bluebonnet]

Did the dealer talk to you about financing through Honda?  Sometimes they have very good rates.  I checked the website and it stated that for Accord Sedans, they are offering 0.9% APR for 24-36 months or 1.9% APR for 37-60 months.  You can apply for credit (pre-approval) on their website too.  Hope it works out for you!  

[2011beginnings]

Thanks for the responses.

Honestly, it was time for a new whip. I've invested a lot in the car and it has been good (overall) but I'm tired of spending money on it for personal reasons. I need something reliable. Even if the method you guys are suggesting works, I needed new tires and other things too. At the end of the day, it's not something I want to deal with.

I got the 2011 Accord EX and love it. Great, low rate through PenFed and savings to help so no money was not an issue. Everything worked out great and now I have a peace of mind.