okay, my Equifax is at 660 through Credit Watch as of today. ? ? ( I am in Texas, so Equifax should be applicable ) Will being right on the edge qualify for Tier 2 or is my score going to be run through a different auto model? if so, I am hoping it would go up since I have 6 bads all related to discharged 13BK, no other negatives other than late pay on mortgage in 2001, and my "library felon" collection acct... how much down payment for Tier 2 ? would you possibly be willing to advise offline? email ? I am interested in the Matrix as an alternative to the Ford Focus zx5.
I have no idea what Tier I managed to scrape by with on a FICO of 593 (they pulled Equifax) Got a Matrix XRS for 13.25% with 4k down. Don't even think about the Ford ZX5. Once I clear my reports (1 neg left), I'll talk to them again to lower it to a more reasonable 6-7ish.
if you want a decent car with safety in mind (read your other posts), look at Honda Accords closely......they are having a clearance for a reason - next year = new model look, it changes every 3 years. It doesn't sound like you are a "speed" freak, so why the hatchbacks? the ZX5 is a 4 dr hatchback, as is the Matrix. Spec wise, they both look the same, with the Matrix XRS edging it out. I prefer the Toyota, it "feels" better. Toyota's Matrix just came out this year so there's no safety history or info about it. The low-end Matrix models (non XR or XRS) put it in the same range as a Civic, opt for a Civic. Accords are rock solid, reliable cars (plus right now they are just slightly more than the new-design Civics) - runs quieter on the road etc. If I wasn't picky about performance vs comfort and safety, I'd have gone with an Accord.
why a hatchback with 4 doors, rather than standard 4 door I sometimes like to be able to carry around large >>> long >>>items,such as you might buy at a flea market or a weekend of shopping for dorm stuff for my daughter. Have had Celica hatchback, Jeep & a Minivan, so I'm used to having that capacity. I am single and do not want to bother a friend to get a truck with bed in order to be able to haul things like that. (You can lay the backseats down in the Hatchback.) Plus, most of the time, it's just me and the groceries in the car. When I am with my daughter, she likes to drive her car. So small, with cargo capacity, is okay with me. not too much on speed, i just liked the look of the Matrix. There is a Toyota and Honda dealership both, I will check them out on way home this PM. thanks for the opinions
