Should I avoid getting a new car working in the S.Bronx? (Morris: leases, insurance)

[Rachael84]

As some of you might know, I teach in the High bridge/Morrisania section of the Bronx. I'm moving to Long Island, so I'm getting a car. I've been told which cars to avoid because they're susceptible to getting their parts stolen. Toyota is one of them. Someone told me Hyundai's parts are rarely stolen, so I'm thinking of getting that kind. The thing is, I don't know if a new car would be more susceptible to getting parts stolen. Would it be better to get a used Hyundai? Or does it not matter?

I hope no one takes offense to the question. I don't mean it in a bad way. I'm aware crime like this can happen anywhere in the city, I just don't know what's more common in this area, if anything.

[hsw]

Would get a new Camry or Accord and $0-down lease it for 3 yrs

Don't know that rates of theft of new cars parked in semi-secure areas are notably high (almost unheard-of car theft in most decent cities/suburbs for past ?10-15 yrs)

Nearly all leases and insurance policies have lease-gap provisions; best outcome is car is stolen and a total loss (if ever recovered); insurance simply pays off lease and one just leases another new car

Need to value one's safety in driving a new, well-engineered car w/modern safety systems (and reliability to avoid being stranded roadside in an unsafe area)

[Spac3d]

Unless someone has a business to offset the expenses of a lease, it is a terrible financial idea to lease.

[Viralmd]

Honestly? Hondas are, I read, among the MOST vandalized and stolen of all the brands of car....

[Rachael84]

I'm looking into getting a Hyundai, not Honda.

[Green Irish Eyes]

Do you have secure parking at your school, or will you have to leave the car on the street? If it's a lot, I'd say whatever you want to get will be fine. If it's street parking, I'd probably go for a reliable, yet ugly, older vehicle.

[bluedog2]

Is there really that much of a problem near your school with cars being vandalized/broken into,etc during the day? I thought most of that stuff happened at night,in more desolate areas and to cars where stuff is left in the open on seats,floors,etc.
I also teach in what everyone calls a bad area of The South Bronx and a lot of my fellow teachers park their cars in the area during the day with no problems.

[Rachael84]

Cars being broken into and parts being stolen happens in the daytime by my school. I would be parking it on the street. I'm not that concerned with it being broken into, since I know not to put anything of any value out in the open in the car. It's the stolen car parts I'm weary of. I've asked teachers which cars are most susceptible, but I'd like to hear opinions of people who live in the area.

[Americanboy]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

As some of you might know, I teach in the High bridge/Morrisania section of the Bronx. I'm moving to Long Island, so I'm getting a car. I've been told which cars to avoid because they're susceptible to getting their parts stolen. Toyota is one of them. Someone told me Hyundai's parts are rarely stolen, so I'm thinking of getting that kind. The thing is, I don't know if a new car would be more susceptible to getting parts stolen. Would it be better to get a used Hyundai? Or does it not matter?

I hope no one takes offense to the question. I don't mean it in a bad way. I'm aware crime like this can happen anywhere in the city, I just don't know what's more common in this area, if anything.

If something happens to your car, your insurance will cover it.

Get the best car you can afford.

[Viralmd]

Originally Posted by Rachael84

I'm looking into getting a Hyundai, not Honda.

I was responding to HSW, who suggested an Accura, which is really a Honda.