Buying a new car

today | me

[Caipirabob]

I have written a check for a car before, but times are different now...

[libstripper]

I’ve bought two Navigators with a personal check—no trouble either time. As long as they know who you are and where they can sent the cops to if it bounces, you’ll be OK.

[old and tired]

I've never financed a car in my life. If you're buying it used from another person, generally you'll need to use cash or for a pricier used car, I'd imagine a cashier's check would be ok, although I've always gone with cash myself.

Buying from a dealer, they take your check, they go off to the finance office, make a phone call, come back and you're good to go.

[old and tired]

Well, I see you already found your answer. Enjoy the new car. Hope you get another 16 years out of it.

[Malsua]

Enjoy the new car

I wish I could. Not allowed ;). I'm only allowed to pay for it.

[old and tired]

but those kind of games do just the opposite for me.

Me too. I find the internet has been great for separating the slimeballs from the honest businessmen. Last couple of times I've negotiated a price via email with several dealers. I bring my cash to the one who gives me the best price and pick up the car.

[IamConservative]

I wish I could. Not allowed ;). I'm only allowed to pay for it.

Sounds like the job of a Father to me. At my house, you can tell I pay for the cars because I am driving the oldest one.

[Verbosus]

The last time I bought a new car with a personal check was
in November 2003 and there wasn’t an issue then.

[JoeSixPack1]

The last time I bought a new car with a personal check was
in June of 1973.

And I still remember the exact amount! :-)

[TexasRepublic]

If you have good credit, any dealer hungry for business will accept a personal check. After my car was totaled by a drunk, I reached a settlement with insurance company; they told me a check would arrive in a week. Then I went to a Toyota dealer to shop; they weren’t going to let me leave that day without a new car! I told them I would return when I had the insurance money in my hand; no, they said just write a personal check for $1,000 and drive a new car today. After a week When the insurance check had not arrived, I called the dealer back to see what must be done. No problem, just bring the insurance money when it arrives. A dealer will try really hard to shove a car onto you and make it stick. :-)

[Malsua]

If you have good credit, any dealer hungry for business will accept a personal check.

Brought it home tonight, no issues with the check at all. He said he hasn't had anyone pay straight up for a car in almost a year. Wife is happy, it really is a nice car for the price(08 Civic LX). Wasn't happy with NJ sucking out their pound of flesh in taxes but what are you gonna do.

[tatsinfla]

cal worthington.....

wow what a blast from the past...and his dog spot.....

is cal still alive and around...??

[garyhope]

I looked him up on “The Google” as Dubya calls it and:

“Mr. Worthington is still alive, however the voice on the most recent Worthington Ford television commercials is now that of his son.. He and his family actually live in the Orland, California area. He was born in 1920, making him 87 years old.”

When I first moved to LA in the early 70’s, I was fascinated with all the TV car commercials. Cars were cheap and easy to get if you had a job, any job, any cheap, crappy, low paying job. LA was SO much fun in those days.

Ah, to be young, drunk and horny again.