30th Dec 2010, 13:23
"Read your Zero interest a bit more. If you even have the tier to qualify; most do not."
Well I am a tier 1, so that is never an issue for me. Also, I deal separately on the vehicle and the financing, so I NEVER pay list or even close to that, even if I am getting the 0% financing deal. You have to know how to negotiate!
Also, most dealers can find whatever you want. I live near NYC, so there are tons of cars in every model and color with specific option packages, etc., etc. If one dealer tells you that you have to take what they have, then simply go to another dealer. I usually get a good chunk off of the car, get the 0% financing, and save a ton on the back end of the deal by paying no extra money for the use of their money. I save my cash for other positive equity investments, and then make out at the end of the five year loan.
30th Dec 2010, 11:29
These days there are just as many options for boats and campers as there are for trucks and cars. For example, my parents have always owned some sort of camper. My Dad has owned a 4Runner, a Ford F250, and now a Tundra. The 4Runner was actually able to haul a 25 foot camper no problem. The F250 would have course haul more and at the time they owned a 35 foot bigwheel camper. They used the Tundra to haul that camper as well. But now they own an all-fiberglass camper that weighs very little, and can easily be pulled by something like a Tacoma or Ranger no problem.
I've never owned a full size truck, and over the past 15 years, have only really needed one on perhaps 2 or 3 occasions, but even then managed with my small Tacoma. Then again, I don't really see the reason for buying a $50,000 40 foot long camper either, thus my needs are different. But there are options for people like me that do make a happy median.