About 5 weeks ago I got in an accident (thank god no one was hurt!). My 2002 Accord (i'm the original owner) slipped on black ice and hit the curb on an entrance ramp to the highway. I thought no biggie, I changed the tire on the spot and drove off.
Immedietly I noticed the tire rubbing onto the fender, so I brought the car to a local mechanic for service. After replacing the lower control arm, bending back the frame (list goes on forever, but since the guy is a friend the bill was just $600 total). The car still had vibrations at any speed above 50mph.
Last night, I was driving on a turn, and bam! My tire+ wheel shot off and flew 30ft into the trees (thank god again no one was hurt!). I had my car towed to the local pepboys. I can see that my frame is still busted up, the car does not feel safe, I have already 99% decided to purchase a new car as soon as I get my Accord out of the shop.
I have $3500 in GMcard points on my credit card (apparently only $2000 are elligable at one time towards the purchase of a CTS). If I can get a good deal going, my best friend said he is also interested in purchasing a new CTS 3.6 liter.
My dad is willing to help me to the best of his abbilities in dealing with this situation. My dad lives in Detroit, and I goto Rutgers Law School in NJ. My dad will probably be able to give me $5000 and be a co-signer on my new car loan. I currently owe $0 on the Accord
As I am a student I need to be prudent with my purchase. If I can't get the CTS price low enough, I will probably go for a Chevy Malibu (still a great car!).
I heard there is a "conquest" rebate of $1000 for current owners of competing brands, is that only towards a Pontiac or any GM vehicle?
I plan on trading in the Accord, and I also plan on disclosing that the car was in an accident (even though it was not reported to any insurance company.)
I am 23 years old, so I do not need a CTS, but I sure would love to be able to afford one (if it's possible)!
I have already waited 5 weeks to get my car back, and considering I have spring break coming up in 2 weeks, I would love to get into a new car (whichever car that may be) soon!
Any points/suggestions?
Thanks in Advance,
David Cappell
P.S.
I have a few thousand cash of my own, so between me and my dad I probably have $10k in cash + whatever equity my Accord is worth on a trade (73,000 miles, I4, 4speed auto, 6cd in dash, clean title except I plan to disclose the accident anyways).