Single father in need of help

Submitted by builderbull t3_z5bz2o in Connecticut

I moved here with my ex and it didn't work out. My current vehicle is unsafe to travel with my son. I am having trouble saving for a down payment on a newer vehicle. I am seeking a used car dealership that has low down payments and will help me get a new truck. I need a pick up truck as I need something for side work so I xan get ahead and take care of my son. Please, any help is greatly appreciated.

Update: I am blown away at the amount of great advice. I truly appreciate everyone here who has replied to me. I read each and every comment. I am going to hold out with my current vehicle for now and save for a vehicle I can afford. I know eventually I need to get a new truck because I have frame rot but it should be able to last me until I can get ahead. I am currently studying for computer networking and am going to try to limp my current truck along until I can get a remote job or at least something that pays well enough. I can't tell you guys how much I appreciate you all! Much love. 💚

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Pharcited t1_ixvqknm wrote

My advice is to stay the fuck away from used car dealerships around here. Consumer protections are only for cars 7 years old and earlier. With the way truck prices are it doesn't sound like you'll be buying 2015 or newer pickup. Finding a private sale in a quiet residential area will be your best bet. Goodluck.

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Independent_Source97 t1_ixwgh4d wrote

Stay away from A Better Way in Naugatuck. They want $1,000 deposit to test drive a car. If it needs repairs they will promise to fix them, after you buy it. They give used car salesmen a bad name. There is a reason their car prices are lower then other dealers. Review of A Better Way

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fox_hunts t1_ixwjl4m wrote

I’ve heard this same sentiment.

I believe they pretty much just buy anything from dealer auctions and list them themselves at a markup to the public. Sometimes you get lucky and it’s a fine car, othertimes it’s a piece of junk and they didn’t even know.

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Lithsdith t1_ixxjnah wrote

I tried them once. The car I liked wouldn't start because it was sitting. They wouldn't put the work into getting the car running unless I bought it first. Very shady. Told off the salesman.

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splimp t1_ixyp8db wrote

A better way are complete slime. Don't eve think about going there ever.

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Salad_Key t1_ixzjilg wrote

Their inventory and prices are too good to be true, major red flag!

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Beachynurse t1_ixvpict wrote

If you have decent credit, you might be able to just use your existing vehicle and small amount of cash as a down payment on a used vehicle at a regular car dealership. For a used car dealership specifically, I heard J&M in naugatuck has good quality used cars, although I never bought from them myself.

If you have bad credit and little cash for a down payment, you'll probably be stuck going to a "buy here pay here" used dealership, of which there are many all over. They help people with bad credit get a vehicle, but charge much more than it is worth because they no these people have no other option. Those dealerships sometimes put a device in the car that prevents you from starting it if you are behind on the payments.

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berlinyachtclub t1_ixwz2ix wrote

I’ve bought from J&M and had a great experience, even when my credit was less than stellar.

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Boddah067 t1_ixx5609 wrote

I bought from J&M back in 2013. Really good used dealer.

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Ctgunthrowaway12 t1_ixwp0am wrote

I'm sorry about the situation you're in. I hope you can find the help and vehicle you need, that said, you give us little details, and the details you give show some lack of knowledge (at least how it's presented) on car buying.

First off, why is your current vehicle unsafe? What is your current vehicle?

How much car can you actually afford? You say you can afford $400/mo payment, but that doesn't mean anything as dealers can and will take advantage of you. A dealer can easily put you into a cheap car with a high interest rate that will eat up your $400/mo and end up costing you big money long term that will end up hurting you more financially. Don't look at purchases as monthly payments, look at the total cost. Also, since you say you can afford up to $400 a month, does that include insurance? Fuel? Maintenance? You also mention "Dealers that have low down payments". Predatory lenders can offer little to no down payment in exchange for a loan with astronomical interest rates that will ruin you financially as mentioned above. How much do you have set aside for a down payment?

What price range are you shopping for? $10k? $20k? More? What kind of truck are you looking for? Affordable trucks in this market are extremely hard to find. How long are you planning on keeping the truck for? Does your side work require a truck? Can you get a work van instead?

These are all very important questions to answer before even thinking of stepping foot into a dealer, especially smaller independent or "Buy here pay here" type lots. They'll see you coming from a mile away and take you for everything.

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builderbull OP t1_ixvngqs wrote

I appreciate the upvotes! I really need help

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dicksmcgee420 t1_ixx0eap wrote

Where about you at sorry if I missed it.

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builderbull OP t1_ixx8g8e wrote

Connecticut

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dicksmcgee420 t1_ixxlvmn wrote

So In Gales Ferry there is CC auto. They’re just starting out and beginning to sell and I believe finance. I know them personally and they are the kind of people to help out if they could. Worth a try if it’s your area

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Screaming_brain t1_ixvwfz3 wrote

Barbarino Nissan in Wallingford. They approve pretty much anyone.

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builderbull OP t1_ixvxfrc wrote

I'll give them a shout. My current vehicle is hardly even a trade in.

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Fkn_dummy t1_ixz8dds wrote

They are ripoff artists on the loans, do not use them. If you find no other choice read every sentence on ever page to be sure its what you want like a sliding scale loan that is impossible to payoff. They may tell you one thing but you sign another or add in extended warranty that is $5,000-$7000 which is an insane ripoff.

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RandyPhylum t1_ixwf2fz wrote

I'm sure everyone has had their good and bad experiences with any used dealership, but I have had very good luck with CarMax. Used them twice and my mom is on her third or fourth vehicle from there. As far as banks go, they check multiple banks for your loan. You can also check with your own bank to see what kind of loan they will do. That will also give you a better idea of your price range if you are pre-approved for your loan. CarMax also has the added value of the other CarMax locations. They will drive the car to your location for free if it's another close location. Three in CT. Waterbury, Hartford and East Haven. So a good size inventory between the three to choose from. Being a national brand, I have always felt more comfortable shopping here. I don't get the "how am I gonna get screwed over" feeling that I would get shopping at a local smaller pre-used dealership.

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berlinyachtclub t1_ixwz8wi wrote

I just went through car shopping and CarMax’s prices, at least at the one in Waterbury, were thousands of dollars more than other places for comparable vehicles.

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TheDudeMaintains t1_ixyizdi wrote

They have to be charging top $ to stay in business, I sold 2 cars to them recently and they paid absolutely stupid money both times.

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BingoStrikesAgain t1_ixym056 wrote

I’m on my 4th car from CarMax. Had nothing but great experiences. My SO bought a car, drove it home, decided she didn’t like it and took it back for something else with no questions asked or no hesitation from them.

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ct-yankee t1_ixyqx2a wrote

I had had a lot of luck with Carmax. The cars aren't perfect, by any stretch, and usually need something (like a transmission service) but their process is smooth, nothing beats being able to test drive several vehicles and they stand by their product and honor things that need to be addressed at time of sale. Over the years I have bought from them 4 times (three from Waterbury and one from East hartford), I have never been disappointed about how I was treated.

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auntiemaury t1_ixwlzi5 wrote

Capitol in Willimantic helped get me in a newer car when I was sure I couldn't qualify

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giant_toad42 t1_ixxzmld wrote

They treated me fair when I was getting established.

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YS15118 t1_ixvrzz2 wrote

What's your budget? What kind of help are you looking for? Are you looking for pickup truck recommendations in a particular price range, are you asking for recommendations on dealerships, or is this post a plead/hope for someone just to gift you a free truck?

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builderbull OP t1_ixvw17x wrote

Looking for recommendations for dealerships. I can afford uo to 400 a month but again the down payment has been hard. I always end up needing things for my boy or to keep my current vehicle going. Not looking g for a hand out, though I wish. I am just looking for recommendations as to where a good used lot I can go to.

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YS15118 t1_ixwkaaq wrote

Cerritos Auto Sales in Wallingford. Solid reputation, very decent set of owners. Small lot and probably not much in terms of selection though. You can also try J&M automotive in Naugatuck. Big selection, reasonable prices.

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bmeezy1 t1_ixym347 wrote

How about zero down payment . Do not finance through a dealership . If you have a bank that you work with or credit union , apply for a car loan through them . I did this a couple years ago. Check sent right to dealer boom , done . If you do , do not tell the dealer until you agree to contract , cause once they find out you’re not using them for financing you lose bargain power on price . They make bank on financing . Plus is your bank or credit union could have better rates . The dealer couldn’t match my credit union rate and the sales manager was pissed when I rugged him after negotiating the price where I wanted it. Good luck

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Paolo2ss t1_ixwwmfs wrote

I bought a car online from Carvana. It was very easy to buy and I had 7 days to return my car for any reason. I highly recommend them. I also didn't have to pay downpayment, and this is why I recommend them to you.

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Vness374 t1_ixvylhn wrote

Idk about trucks, but I was able to get a car with my shitty credit and $1500 down at Jim Juliani in Waterbury. That was many years ago tho. Good luck!

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billdf99 t1_ixwglto wrote

How much is your current vehicle worth? Is it enough to use as a trade in instead of a cash down payment?

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beaveristired t1_ixwh90o wrote

I had good experience with Star Autos in Meriden. Car was in great condition and was well-priced (this was back in 2017 though). I didn’t use their loan services, though, I paid in cash. Usually credit unions are good options for loans. I have a friend with bad credit who uses one in the New Haven area - unfortunately I don’t know the name.

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builderbull OP t1_ixw6z6l wrote

Tha ks for the info, I'll settle for a 4x4 suv

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yesterdaywas24hours t1_ixxfh1y wrote

M&M Motors in Clinton. They have a small selection but can find you what you need. They are actually honest guys that want to give you the best they can. They can get you in something for sure. They’re also the best mechanics.

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yudkib t1_ixzfxxr wrote

Good to know, I just moved to the area and always want to know the car guys more than the profiteers

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Dependent_Wind_4727 t1_ixwquqk wrote

Berkshire Auto Sales in Torrington. Honest people that will help you find what you need.

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NetSecCity t1_ixysit3 wrote

That is a huge lie. I had horrible experience with them with a car with bad brakes, almost took them to dmv since they refused to repair. Then they sold out my loan to another company to not deal with the situation. Bunch of family crooks running used dealerships in Torrington is what they are.

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ct-yankee t1_ixyrmsf wrote

Sorry about the break up and wishing you and your son the very best!

Is it really Unsafe? Is that repairable? What would it take to make it safe again? Often times that is an easier fix than buying a new vehicle. Esp if your current car is paid for and you are struggling for a down payment on the next car - car payments SUCK and end up being a long term drain on your finances, especially if you're already struggling.

Wanting a truck for side work is a different matter altogether. I've personally had luck with Carmax. However, if you really want to find the best possible deal - avoiding shops that advertise "BUY HERE PAY HERE" and charge ridiculous interest rates (again, borrowing from your future self) Many are collision rebuilts and junk from auctions; private party is the way to go.

Again, best of luck - Wishing you and your son the very best.

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NetSecCity t1_ixystfy wrote

I would start by finding a remote job that doesn’t need a car, save up and take it from there. As things get better look into better things such as a better car, better town (not sure where you ended up at with your situation), and eventually a better girl once the dust settles. Ur money is limited and this is a high income state, they will try to take everything u got at most places. Be mindful but set a plan, u don’t only need a car, u need a plan to get back in your feet.

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black10188 t1_ixywx35 wrote

I'm in a similar situation and I'm a plumber who does side work at night. I was not able to afford truck prices either and I settled for a minivan Honda Odyssey. It's been great to me and I can fit a sheet of plywood in it with the back seats taken out.

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builderbull OP t1_iy08sys wrote

Interesting 🤔

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black10188 t1_iy0gnju wrote

Yea dude it's been great. Even gets better gas mileage. Toyota sienna are good too and some models are available all wheel drive. Downside to those are they are more expensive and I don't think they come with a spare tire. Like others have said before check for private sales like Facebook marketplace and offer up

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Charbonium t1_ixxa7fb wrote

Checkout Cahill’s Motor Cars in Granby. I’ve bought a few cars from them and found them to be professional and extremely understanding and helpful. They handle all of the paperwork so you don’t need to make extra trips to the DMV. Not sure what they’re current inventory is for Trucks or SUVs though. May be worth giving them a call if you’re not in the area. Best of luck.

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builderbull OP t1_ixyknkm wrote

Thank you everyone for you help! I'm going to make a lost of all suggested dealers and see if anyone can help. I will keep you guys posted.

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Steady_Habits_CT t1_ixysoyn wrote

Understand that most used car dealers are buying cars at auction and don't know anything about the history of the car. So they could have substantial maintenance needs over time, unless close to new.

Your safest bet is to find a car that an older person is selling or that a child is selling after their parent died. I realize that doesn't help with financing, but it would lower your costs over time.

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zeus7482 t1_ixzck8a wrote

Try to find out the car cost and Interest rate you are comfortable with. Just bout a car in Jan without paying dealer markup.

You can buy cars in tristate area dealers and get it to CT with little or no headaches. So you can widen your search.

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yudkib t1_ixzfmoi wrote

I’ve been to Blasius South in Stratford and bought from them. They’re still a franchise dealer so they don’t have a lot of older inventory, but compared to Blasius’ marque dealerships it’s their scratch-and-dent that are still too valuable for them to send to auction. Two HUGE benefits of theirs is 1) as a franchise dealer they can get loans from virtually any financial institution. A loan you get from Bank of America will have much better terms than a subprime loan. And 2) the cars they sell are ALL trade-ins, they’ve never been to auction. They might not be perfect, but for large dealers they only send duds across the block. They put their best trade-ins for certified pre-owned, second best is sell at the marque dealers (Blasius Chevy for instance), third is send them to Blasius South, fourth is to a wholesaler, and worst go to auction. So dealers who get their cars from auction get real turds. Blasius South has zero bought from auction.

They are essentially no-haggle and their closing fees are not unreasonable. Little high, but manageable.

Try to decide on your budget and how many years you want to finance across. You can use calculators online to make sure the payment is realistic. But be really careful comparing payments for a 4 year loan to a 6 year high-interest loan for a marginally nicer car. Decide your parameters and keep them the same across dealerships.

Good luck with your search

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TIFUstorytime t1_iy23ojd wrote

Find a local mechanic to get chummy with. Get recommendations on your towns Facebook forum if you’re on Facebook, and explain your situation. Some of these mechanics get used cars for a song and will sell it to you cash for only a small profit if you are close with them

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CtForrestEye t1_iy3sg1d wrote

After you've shopped financing work with a local dealership. The largest auto auction in New England is in Windsor, CT but only dealers are allowed so tell them what you are shopping for and agree on a markup (ie. $300). The next week when they're at the auction they can call your cell and tell you what is coming up and make things happen.

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lymantoadstool t1_ixx86en wrote

Bro best of luck to you…. No clue what finances you have but I saw this today just browsing around…. Plow for side work, affordable, safe ( it’s a tank) guy is in Milford super nice dude https://www.ctcarguys.com/2006-Chevrolet-Tahoe-Milford-CT-Norwich-Middletown-Waterbury-New-Haven/used_car/OoZx99AZ%5dPI%3d

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Steady_Habits_CT t1_ixyyqx1 wrote

That is a lot for $175k miles and it likely lacks a warranty. Also, the plow adds a premium and may be worth more than ghe Tahoe withoutthe plow! At this mileage, if the transmission hasn't been rebuilt yet, it will likely need a rebuild. Also, the 5.3 liter engine will start burning oil and need a ring job if it hasn't happened yet. And expect 12 to 14 mpg around town and 16 to 18 on the highway, depending on the axle ratio, so it is expensive to operate.

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