Debating on a new or used chevy suburban?

[Mama JK]

Hi,everyone! As I'm awaiting a tax return(which, i will use as a down payment towards a car) , I am debating if I should get a new or used chevy suburban. I have bad credit, and with the way the auto industry is doing..I'm not sure of what's the better option. I will be putting down a total of $4800 on the down payment, and I make an average of 1800-2000/month. My first car experience was horrible(I got a lemon), and I have three kids, and I can't afford to be ripped off again. I really don't need the added expense that a new car requires, but I'm afraid that if I don't buy new(or relatively new) that I might be labeled a sucker again. So, what should I do? And, please, no one try to persuade me to buy anything else, unless it's the same size as a suburban..I want a huge suv, no exceptions. Thanks for all your input!
Mama JK
I'm sorry-to clarify, my monthly income is 1800-2000, and I was hoping to put somewhere between 300-500/month towards the vehicle.

 

[drtried]

The Suburban is the best SUV in that size you're going to get.

A compromise would be to get a low-mileage used one that still had plenty of warranty left, like maybe a couple years old with 15-20k miles.

But the thing is with the auto industry in such a slump, you can often find new ones for just as good a price. I would shop hard for a new one for a while and make SURE you get the Sunday paper and browse all the car ads - that's where you'll find the deals. Sales are much better at furnishing deals than any amount of negotiating will ever furnish for you.

Also, you can always purchase an extended warranty on nearly any used vehicle that's not over 10 or so years old.

If you do go with an extended warranty and it's not backed by the dealer, make sure you research the warranty company and get an idea of their reputation.

You can also take any potential vehicle to a mechanic of YOUR choosing for inspection. If the dealer won't let you do that, run like the wind.

Take your time and PAY ATTENTION to your instincts.

 

[Chris G]

$1800/month?You could almost get a Bentley for that!If your going to spend that much better get a loaded new white diamond edition LTZ!