I'm a first time car buyer, and I ended up walking away with a 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross. I love the car, but when I was talking to my friends about it, they all have that painful look on their face. Did I get robbed?

A first-time car shopper with a limited budget wanted a used car at a more affordable price but wound up leaving the dealership with a brand-new Toyota. Should she feel bad based on her friends' reactions?

When buying a new car, buyer's remorse is not an uncommon emotion soon afterward. A recent Reddit r/Toyota post explains what happened to her at a dealership and needs validation based on her friends' responses to her new car.

A Common First-Time Car Buyer Question

Here is a summarized rundown of what happened to the OP and her situation:

I have no idea about cars in general, so I brought a male family friend to help (he was no help―he disappeared on me).

I was alone in the purchasing process, except for having my mom on the phone while at the dealership.

I was eyeing a used 2023 Toyota Corolla Cross for $28,564. The dealer offered a 2025 one for about $3,000 more.

I put down $3k on it, and my mom co-signed the loan.

I have a mid-600s credit score with no car-buying history, and I ended up with the 2025 one with a 9.21% APR and a $636.20 monthly payment.

When I talk to my friends about it, they'll have that painful look on their faces and ask me if I haggled at all.

I told them I spent about 2 hours in the dealership. I did try to haggle but then I stalled too much and the manager came to talk to me.

I love my car, but I wonder if I got robbed.

Reader Responses Make Some Valid Points

Let's look at the downside comments first:

Over 9% on a new vehicle is pretty rough. I would prioritize paying down that loan with spare income. Unless you have other debts at a higher rate, then prioritize those first ―MChammar707

The Upside Comments Acknowledges the Downsides, However…

Post commenter _Rock_Hound provides a balanced view of the OP's purchase, which is spot-on. Here is a summary of the points he makes:

1. "You did not get robbed"―You did make a financially questionable decision, though, >$600/month when you need to pick up extra hours to afford it is going to be tough.

    2. "You do have several pluses with the deal."

• You have an extremely reliable and practical car…but not a grossly expensive vehicle.
• The dealer probably actually steered you right in the right direction with new a car vs the slightly cheaper used car, as I would bet with a mid-600 credit score, any savings on the cost of it would be immediately eaten up by an interest rate that is more in the 12-15% range.
• I think the pained look you are getting is more from your friends worried about your finances and likely seeing you less because you will be working extra hours and have less money to go do things with them, than thoughts about you being robbed.

  3.You are in a situation where you just need to be diligent to do well. Referring to his buying a Toyota Avalon that has lasted him 22 years so far, he makes a good point that, to him, the initial cost does not matter because taking good care of his Toyota model with the right maintenance has paid for itself many times over.

What Do You Think of the Car Deal?

I see this car deal as a potential success story. Many of us, when we were first-time new car shoppers, did not have a financial picture as great as we would have liked.

Plus, she loves the car, which is important, and she is willing to work extra to meet her payments.

Furthermore, with the current unexpected-expected with car and car parts tariffs on our immediate horizon, the OP most likely bought the new car in the "nick of time," as the old saw goes.

And yes, the OP may have done better by following this recent advice on how to Negotiate The Best Deal With a Car Dealer For a 2025 Model; however, call it “a rite of passage” if you will―but this is a good learning experience so that next new car deal will leave her friends positively impressed.

Let us know what you think in the comments section below. Should she have saved money buying a cheaper, used 2023 Toyota Cross instead? Would shopping around with her current loan from a different lender be a good idea? Should she make new friends? You be the judge.

Related article: Toyota Mechanic Asks Whether You Should Really Consider Buying a Toyota Corolla Cross

For additional articles on buying a car, here are two for your consideration and comments:

1. I Recently Took My 2021 Rav4 LE AWD In For A Check Engine Light. I've Been Waiting To Hear Back From Them And Just Saw The Updated Quote. Apparently, A Damaged Fuel Line Requires The Entire Fuel System Assembly To Be Replaced. This Can't Be Legit…Is It?
2. I Bought a 2017 Toyota Prius with 69k Miles For $14,500, It Was an Exceptionally Good Bargain, But There Ended Up Being A Catch

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati who currently researches and works on restoring older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. He also reports on modern cars (including EVs) with a focus on DIY mechanics, buying and using tools, and other related topical automotive repair news. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites as well as on Facebook and his automotive blog "Zen and the Art of DIY Car Repair" for useful daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

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