Buying a new car - Either a Fusion or Malibu.. what's my negotiation room?

[MrEgo]

Hopefully this isn't taboo or anything to ask in this forum. If it is, I apologize.

I've been doing some research about these two cars and I'm really liking the reviews that I'm finding. I'm really surprised to see that a couple of American-made cars score so highly when compared to imports.

The Malibu and the Fusion that I have picked out from the local car dealerships have sticker prices of $24,000. This will be my second price negotiation ever (with respect to buying/leasing a car), and I'm confident that I will get a good deal, but I'm wondering what the general consensus is for what you think a realistic price would be for me getting one of those cars off the lot.

I did pretty well my first time (at least I think I did), but any tips or advice is always welcome. Thank you!

 

[Imported]

Check out http://www.truecar.com/index.html

 

[StageLeft]

Truecar is good. Go to at least two dealerships also.

IMO the value on at least the Fusion (probably Malibu, never checked, tho) drops so fast I'd be really hesitant about buying one new.

 

[SearchMaster]

cars.overstock.com

Looks like each has about $1500 in wiggle room but the Fusion has an extra grand in customer incentives. You'll probably get a better deal on the Ford (and it's a better car IMHO).

 

[BigSmooth]

Just out of curiosity, have you priced the Mercury Milan? It's pretty much the same car as the Fusion. It's supposed to be a bit more upmarket but you might be able to swing some good deals since Ford is killing off Mercury.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Buy a 1-2 year old Fusion with ~20k miles. I got mine for about $8k less than sticker (paid ~$14k, original price was ~$22k). I've put about 13k miles on it so far, and no complaints.

 

[jaydee]

If you can hang on for a couple months, the Chevy Cruze will be out around September. Starts at $18k for 1.4T with 6-speed auto. Way better buy IMO.

 

[Bignate603]

If you can hang on for a couple months, the Chevy Cruze will be out around September. Starts at $18k for 1.4T with 6-speed auto. Way better buy IMO.

And way smaller car. It's hard to compare a mid-sized family sedan like the fusion or Malibu with the Cruze.

 

[MJinZ]

If you wanted a domestic car, you should get a Malibu. It's made in the USA, not Mexico like the Fusion.

 

[MrEgo]

Well, after looking around at the local dealerships, the appeal of a significantly lower monthly payment of a used car is really starting to sound nice. I was pleasantly surprised at what was available for ~12-15k.

Is there a significant difference in quality for GM and Ford vehicles between 2008 and 2010?

 

[jaydee]

And way smaller car. It's hard to compare a mid-sized family sedan like the fusion or Malibu with the Cruze.

You realize there is a big difference between the outgoing Cobalt and the incoming Cruze, right? The Cruze about 10 inches shorter than the Malibu, but the interior dimensions are about the same due to more efficient packaging. It is a very valid comparison.

 

[Supersonic64]

If you wanted a domestic car, you should get a Malibu. It's made in the USA, not Mexico like the Fusion.

Oh no you didn't. Both are American companies and both employ American workers.

 

[Bignate603]

You realize there is a big difference between the outgoing Cobalt and the incoming Cruze, right? The Cruze about 10 inches shorter than the Malibu, but the interior dimensions are about the same due to more efficient packaging. It is a very valid comparison.

Cruze interior volume: 94.6 cubic feet
Cruze trunk volume: 15.4 cubic feet

Malibu interior volume: 98 cubic feet
Malibu trunk volume: 15.1 cubic feet

Fusion interior volume: 100.3 cubic feet
Fusion trunk volume: 16.5 cubic feet

A few extra cubic feet of interior space is noticeable and both the Malibu and Fusion have almost an extra 2 inches of rear legroom. While 2 inches doesn't sound like much that's a big deal if you're trying to cram an adult back there for a road trip. I admit that the difference isn't as big as I originally thought but I am still not convinced that the Cruze will feel as roomy as a the Malibu or Fusion.

Oh no you didn't. Both are American companies and both employ American workers.

Guess what? Honda and Toyota employ American workers too. However a car designed in the US and made in the US will make more jobs than one designed in the US and made in Mexico.

 

[Mermaidman]

If you're buying used, the Chevy Impala gets you a lot of car (literally) for the same money as the other two, if interior space is a concern.

Between the Malibu and Fusion, I'd go with the Fusion if you can afford the newest generation because it's so much better than the previous version. Malibu is going to be revamped for MY2012.

 

[MJinZ]

Oh no you didn't. Both are American companies and both employ American workers.

Except one uses Mexicans to build your Fusions.

 

[Arkaign]

OP :

Malibu 2008 vs 2010 is basically identical. Getting a lightly used Malibu would be a bargain.

Fusion 2008 vs 2010 is a pretty huge change even if it's technically a 'refresh'. The interior is improved, the motors and fuel economy are notably improved, NVH (quietness/smoothness) is improved, styling is improved (subjective). The 06-09 Fusion is a good vehicle imho, but the '10+ is a front-runner in the class, and it's not the 2010 MT Car of the Year for nothing.

So, if you're going used, I'd look at Malibu. New, Fusion.

 

[Arkaign]

Ah, forgot to mention one crucial detail. The previous gen overlapped slightly into '08, and was sold as 'Malibu Classic'. Definitely avoid this at all costs. GM has been becoming world-class one model at a time, but the previous gen Malibu wasn't there yet. So beware, there are two gens of Malibus sold as 2008. All 09+ are current. Most '08+ are as well, but not the 'classic'.

 

[Supersonic64]

Fusion didn't win MT 2010 car of the year for nothing...

 

[PhoKingGuy]

One complaint i had about the Malibu was that the buttons for the radio on the steering wheel were designed for someone with ogre hands. I couldn't comfortably press them with my hands on the wheel, i had to move my hands to do it.

Other than that though it was a pretty solid car, I kinda liked it.

The auto rags are right though when they say it has a tendency not to want to downshift to stay in higher gears for fuel econ purposes. But you dont notice it after awhile.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Ask to see the invoice at the dealer. On cars of that sticker price, a little over a grand back of sticker should be invoice.

That's what you negotiate for.....keep all rebates and other incentives separate.

Ask for the invoice, find the invoice price and say "this is what I'll pay", MINUS any rebates and other incentives. And walk if they won't do it. Someone will, somewhere. Key is, you have to be willing to walk.

 

[postmortemIA]

There's no better place than this one:
Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences
http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/WebX/.ef17997/

 

[CurseTheSky]

The differences between the 2006-2009 and 2010+ Fusions aren't really that big. The exterior styling has changed, it's a bit more powerful, and the interior is a bit nicer (the best part being no more circa 1990 green gauge illumination! ). However, if you can save yourself $5k or more, don't hesitate to buy an "old model" Fusion; they're GREAT cars.

The biggest difference, IMO, is the I4 models. The new 2.5L 4 cyl is more powerful AND gets better fuel economy than the previous 2.3L. The 3.0L V6 just got a ~19 HP boost, which you can easily achieve with a tune (and not risk anything). Also note that on the "old" 3.0L, the 221 HP is rated at 6250 RPM while on the "new" 3.0L, the 240 HP is rated at 6550 RPM. The 3.5L sucks down gas from what I've heard, and for the price (~$26-29k), I'd much rather get a Mustang (almost GT territory) or a different "sports" sedan than the Fusion Sport.

 

[SandEagle]

get a honda accord instead

 

[jaydee]

OP :

Malibu 2008 vs 2010 is basically identical. Getting a lightly used Malibu would be a bargain.

Fusion 2008 vs 2010 is a pretty huge change even if it's technically a 'refresh'. The interior is improved, the motors and fuel economy are notably improved, NVH (quietness/smoothness) is improved, styling is improved (subjective). The 06-09 Fusion is a good vehicle imho, but the '10+ is a front-runner in the class, and it's not the 2010 MT Car of the Year for nothing.

So, if you're going used, I'd look at Malibu. New, Fusion.

If he's looking at I-4's, the 2010 Malibu comes with a 6-speed auto (on any trim higher than LS I believe), the 2008 had the 4-speed.

 

[jaydee]

OP, what you going to be using this car for? Seriously it's hard to justify a Malibu or Fusion brand new with the new Cruze coming out in a few months slightly smaller, but better in all other ways (for a 4-cylinder): interior, safety, features, fuel economy. Above that, you've got the Chevy Equinox that gets the same EPA fuel economy as the Malibu/Fusion, for roughly the same price (starts at like $23k), and again, has a better interior, safey, features and a lot more utility.

If you go used though, I think you're on the right track. 2008 Fusion was a solid car, also look at the 2007-2009 Saturn Aura. Very much like the Malibu (better in some ways), and will be cheaper because the brand is shut down.