Considering a new (used) car... updated with porsche consideratiosn, come help!

[Cuda1447]

I currently own a Mustang, purchased new in 2006. It has around 70,000 miles on it. I owe just over 8,000 on it. KBB actually shows it being worth about 12,000 in excellent condition, so I'll call it 10,000 to be very generous (Its in solid condition, nothing major wrong with it).

That said, I have no reason to get a new car. I enjoy my car, it runs well and has had very few issues up to this point. I do however need to get a few things done on it which will cost a bit of money. New tires, alignment, need to get it checked out as there is some sort of flui d leaking out of the bottom. Maybe transmission fluid? I also am a bit annoyed that my door handle on the outside of the drivers door is sticking a bit, it doesn't seem to close all the way. Minor issue that I'm sure could be fixed, but an issue none the less.


With that in mind, I have tossed around the idea of just trading it in, getting a newer used car with less miles, something a bit nicer but keep my car payments around the same.

Im paying about 340 a month right now. I was kicking around the idea of getting a car for around 15,000 with between 30-50,000 miles on it.

Pros:

Newer car
Less miles
Something different and fun
Lowers the chance of expensive repairs in the near future
Possibility of lowering car payment, depending on what I buy

Cons:
A new loan that I'll be on the hook for longer that what I currently am.


Aside from the one con, I really can't think of any reason NOT to do this. Especially when considering that some car dealerships are giving away the house.


The way I look at it is I will find a car I like. Go in with the attitude that I really don't care if I walk away with the car, I don't need it. But if I can get a killer deal, why not? Right?

What am I missing? Not considering? Any suggestions/thoughts would be much appreciated.


For what its worth Ive looked a Saturn Sky with about 45,000 miles on it that could be had for around 16,000 (maybe less with some negotiation?)

 

[ponyo]

I don't see deals right now. All I see are higher prices than what I saw 6-9 months ago for similar cars. I think the window of opportunity has passed, and I don't think dealerships will be hungry again til at least November at the earliest.

 

[Cuda1447]

That may be true and I'm in no hurry to get anything, so waiting until the deals come again is def. something I can do. I was not looking at the car industry 6-9 months ago, so I did not realize this. Are there any sites that track car sale trends/prices that would allow me to easily see this? I'm just curious now.

 

[Cuda1447]

bump for moreopinions

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Run KBB trade in on a Good condition vehicle and then subtract $2K.

Expect that from the dealer on trade.

If you trade in a car with issues & needs tires - expect an even lower trade in value - no used car is excellent. Good to Fair is all.

You can also go to GM's website and ask them to appriasse your vehcile using the Black Book - they will give you a range you can expect.

Once you have some better figures you may change your mind.

 

[StageLeft]

You'd only do this because you're tired of your car, not because it really needs replacing and certainly not because it's a financially superior move, as it most certainly is not. You could of course keep your car until it's paid off and then keep driving it. The money you'd save doing that would basically let you replace the entire damn power train every 18 months if you had to, which of course you never would.

If you are itching for something new, forget the car and go to best buy and drop 1k on a tv or something. Much cheaper, and frankly much more enjoyable. Or buy a new bicycle or something.

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Run KBB trade in on a Good condition vehicle and then subtract $2K.

Expect that from the dealer on trade.

If you trade in a car with issues & needs tires - expect an even lower trade in value - no used car is excellent. Good to Fair is all.

You can also go to GM's website and ask them to appriasse your vehcile using the Black Book - they will give you a range you can expect.

Once you have some better figures you may change your mind.

I made a mistake on my original KBB. I thought it was 12,900, but that wasn't trade in value that was retail value. Its actually about 8700 in excellent condition. I was just at a dealership and test drove a 2007 Sky and a 2003 BMW Z4. I have to say I'm really let down by the Sky's quality of ride. The breaks were very touch, seemed to lurch backwards if you pressed them just slightly to hard and when going through the gears (automatic) it seemed to lurch forward sometimes and not in a good way. Maybe I just wasn't used to the car. *shrugs*.

The Z4 drove a lot nicer, but I really did not like the interior of it. I much preferred the styling/interior of the Sky. So it really left me with some things to consider.

On the upside though, the dealer actually offered me 10,000 for my Mustang. Given what the actual KBB is, I'd say that's a pretty damn good deal.


Skoorb has a good point though, the most financially savvy thing to do is to drive my Mustang till its paid off and then some. But the question is, do I have it in me to drive a car for 5+ years and not get bored of it?

 

[PricklyPete]

Just keep your car...I can't see a good reason to upgrade with the relatively low miles you have, little left on the loan, and your general pleasure with your current car. You'll get the itch again a few years from now...and maybe you'll have to cash to pay then instead of getting another loan.

 

[ja1484]

If you bought it new, you know its maintenance history. That's something that doesn't go into resale value but is worth a hell of a lot of money.

That's why I don't buy used cars any more...when I buy new and do the maintenance myself (i.e. make sure it's done right), I end up saving money in the long run. The vehicles last forever. I would've gone through three used vehicles in the time I've had my Matrix. It's still going strong at 165k, has been paid off for years, and probably has another 150 - 200k left in it. The only money I have to put into it is oil and air filter changes, and every 30k I take it to the dealer for a tune up. It only costs about ~$175 a year to maintain. That's hard to beat.

You don't miss a well-maintained car until its gone.

 

[StageLeft]

But the question is, do I have it in me to drive a car for 5+ years and not get bored of it?

Who knows, maybe. I'm going on seven years now in my Maxima. The very crucial point with it of course is that the car is still inherently enjoyable to drive. Putting seven years into a Camry I would quite literally feel like I'm wasting my life, seven good years of my life spent behind the wheel of a car without any spirit whatsoever.

Now that the maxima is paid off it makes keeping it a heck of a lot easier, though I understand for some people once they lose the car note they get immediately antsy for a new vehicle.

If you are interested in reduced money you surely won't replace the mustang with an older bmw.

Further to pete's comments, I think most people get the itch. The strong man doesn't scratch it. It will always go away. I get it once or twice a year and often go so far as to test drive cars, but after a few days, almost every time (worse case 2-3 weeks) it goes and I'm so glad I didn't replace the car.

It's still going strong at 165k, has been paid off for years, and probably has another 150 - 200k left in it. The only money I have to put into it is oil and air filter changes, and every 30k I take it to the dealer for a tune up ($500ish every 3 years or so).

Is your Toyota Matrix really 16.5 years old? I don't think they made them that long ago

 

[ja1484]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Is your Toyota Matrix really 16.5 years old? I don't think they made them that long ago

It's 6 years old. I just put a shit ton of mileage on it because I travel a lot climbing/mountaineering. The $500/3 years is about my average maintenance costs over that period. I can see how I wrote it was unclear though. Sorry about that. Edited for clarification.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447
I made a mistake on my original KBB. I thought it was 12,900, but that wasn't trade in value that was retail value. Its actually about 8700 in excellent condition. I was just at a dealership and test drove a 2007 Sky and a 2003 BMW Z4. I have to say I'm really let down by the Sky's quality of ride. The breaks were very touch, seemed to lurch backwards if you pressed them just slightly to hard and when going through the gears (automatic) it seemed to lurch forward sometimes and not in a good way. Maybe I just wasn't used to the car. *shrugs*.

The Z4 drove a lot nicer, but I really did not like the interior of it. I much preferred the styling/interior of the Sky. So it really left me with some things to consider.

On the upside though, the dealer actually offered me 10,000 for my Mustang. Given what the actual KBB is, I'd say that's a pretty damn good deal.

I've not heard alot of good things about the Sky. I think the best thing it has going for it is the looks, which are very so-so. For a similar price you could easily get a 986 Porsche Boxster. Since you mentioned two smaller coupe sport cars I'd definitely go Boxster over those. Similarly you can find a 350Z for a similar price.

If you really want something new then get something new. Just be prepared to live with the car note.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: ja1484

Originally posted by: Skoorb
Is your Toyota Matrix really 16.5 years old? I don't think they made them that long ago

It's 6 years old. I just put a shit ton of mileage on it because I travel a lot climbing/mountaineering. The $500/3 years is about my average maintenance costs over that period. I can see how I wrote it was unclear though. Sorry about that. Edited for clarification.

Actually, your writing was more clear than my reading comprehension was good

For a similar price you could easily get a 986 Porsche Boxster. Since you mentioned two smaller coupe sport cars I'd definitely go Boxster over those.

Operating costs on that Porsche would quite literally be magnitudes more than on the Sky, though.

 

[thedarkwolf]

The car to compare the sky to is a miata. And what the hell are you doing driving an automatic sky for anyway?

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
The car to compare the sky to is a miata. And what the hell are you doing driving an automatic sky for anyway?

I hadn't considered the Miata, not really to sure what I think about them. They seem like a chicks car, first of all. Not sure why, I just get that impression. I also don't think I like the way they look, but who knows maybe if I drove one I'd change my opinion. Performance wise, are they really any better than a solstice or sky? They do seem to be a bit cheaper than the Solstice/Sky.

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
The car to compare the sky to is a miata. And what the hell are you doing driving an automatic sky for anyway?

I hadn't considered the Miata, not really to sure what I think about them. They seem like a chicks car, first of all. Not sure why, I just get that impression. I also don't think I like the way they look, but who knows maybe if I drove one I'd change my opinion. Performance wise, are they really any better than a solstice or sky? They do seem to be a bit cheaper than the Solstice/Sky.

My buddy has a Dodge Viper GTS, Corvette C6, Nissan 350Z, Nissan 300ZX TT, Lexus GS400...and a '91 Mazda Miata...by far his favorite car is that Miata. He'd ditch the Viper or Vette way before his Miata. He laughs at himself because he too thinks it's a "chick car" but he absolutely loves it. Don't bash the Miata until you've tried it!

Originally posted by: Skoorb

For a similar price you could easily get a 986 Porsche Boxster. Since you mentioned two smaller coupe sport cars I'd definitely go Boxster over those.

Operating costs on that Porsche would quite literally be magnitudes more than on the Sky, though.

While Porsche's are a bit more expensive the Boxster isn't that bad, certainly not to the levels of the upper tier 911's.

 

[HannibalX]

I vote keep the Mustang and pay it off.

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: kabob983

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
The car to compare the sky to is a miata. And what the hell are you doing driving an automatic sky for anyway?

I hadn't considered the Miata, not really to sure what I think about them. They seem like a chicks car, first of all. Not sure why, I just get that impression. I also don't think I like the way they look, but who knows maybe if I drove one I'd change my opinion. Performance wise, are they really any better than a solstice or sky? They do seem to be a bit cheaper than the Solstice/Sky.

My buddy has a Dodge Viper GTS, Corvette C6, Nissan 350Z, Nissan 300ZX TT, Lexus GS400...and a '91 Mazda Miata...by far his favorite car is that Miata. He'd ditch the Viper or Vette way before his Miata. He laughs at himself because he too thinks it's a "chick car" but he absolutely loves it. Don't bash the Miata until you've tried it!

Originally posted by: Skoorb

For a similar price you could easily get a 986 Porsche Boxster. Since you mentioned two smaller coupe sport cars I'd definitely go Boxster over those.

Operating costs on that Porsche would quite literally be magnitudes more than on the Sky, though.

While Porsche's are a bit more expensive the Boxster isn't that bad, certainly not to the levels of the upper tier 911's.

Fair enough, I may go test drive a Miata. After talking about the Miata I decided to look at some other options as well. Convertible is a must for me, that's the one thing I want in my new car. That said, I just realized 350z's are within my price range. Just a tad higher than the Sky's that I was looking at, but with some research and a bit of luck I might be able to get a good deal on one.

Looks wise, I'd rank the 350z at the top of the list. Well above the Sky/Z4/Miata etc. It appears they have an automatic version that allows you to manually upshift? Can anyone comment on this? How does it compare to driving a Manual?


I've never actually driven a manual, which is a shame. I understand the concept of driving one, but have never owned one. (Neither have any family members, thus never had the opportunity to learn). If I were to consider getting a manual (more fun I would assume?) how would I go about actually practicing driving one. I don't want to go to a dealership and practice on their cars, screw one up or something lol.

 

[Cuda1447]

Originally posted by: iFX
I vote keep the Mustang and pay it off.

Pfft, no fun!

 

[Kabob]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447
Fair enough, I may go test drive a Miata. After talking about the Miata I decided to look at some other options as well. Convertible is a must for me, that's the one thing I want in my new car. That said, I just realized 350z's are within my price range. Just a tad higher than the Sky's that I was looking at, but with some research and a bit of luck I might be able to get a good deal on one.

Looks wise, I'd rank the 350z at the top of the list. Well above the Sky/Z4/Miata etc. It appears they have an automatic version that allows you to manually upshift? Can anyone comment on this? How does it compare to driving a Manual?

I've never actually driven a manual, which is a shame. I understand the concept of driving one, but have never owned one. (Neither have any family members, thus never had the opportunity to learn). If I were to consider getting a manual (more fun I would assume?) how would I go about actually practicing driving one. I don't want to go to a dealership and practice on their cars, screw one up or something lol.

You just realized you could get a 350Z (was that before or after I listed it ) ? They're cheapish now, when we bought our WRX the 350Z's were in the ~$13K range for a used '02 or '03. I've not tried the "manually upshifting automatic" but if it's like every other gimmicky "you're totally controlling the shifting, honestly!" automatic transmission out there I'd not touch it. I've driven some cars where it's as bad as you "upshift" on the lever and 1 - 1.5 seconds later the car upshifts...stick with the tried and true manual and you'll get alot more enjoyment out of your car.

I bought my first car with a manual and no clue how to drive it, it'll be a bit frusterating at first but easily doable and it's a skill you'll enjoy your entire life. Parking lots are your friend, mainly big empty parking lots. Since (I assume) you don't have anyone to "show you" how it's done, go on youtube and watch some "how to drive a manual transmission" videos. I think that Edmund's Inside Line has a few videos on the same subject.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Cuda1447

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
The car to compare the sky to is a miata. And what the hell are you doing driving an automatic sky for anyway?

I hadn't considered the Miata, not really to sure what I think about them. They seem like a chicks car, first of all. Not sure why, I just get that impression. I also don't think I like the way they look, but who knows maybe if I drove one I'd change my opinion. Performance wise, are they really any better than a solstice or sky? They do seem to be a bit cheaper than the Solstice/Sky.

Miata > Solstice/sky.

Yes they are chicky cars kind of, but the newer ones look a little more masculine. I hear they are an automotive orgasm. You should give one a try. BTW, never look at any of these in automatic, that is just absolutely for shame. Make sure you never buy an automatic miata, I think it's actually against the law in most states.

Convertible 350z is a good option. They are the least girly of these options. A convertible Infiniti G is nice but out of price range perhaps, used obviously, though.

Learning to drive a manual is like learning to swim. You could either pay a friend some money for potential damage on his clutch or you could simply test drive the automatic but buy the manual. Have a friend actually drive you home and go play in a parking lot for a while. It's not that hard and absolutely a must-have skill for a guy. It wouldn't take long at all before you can drive the thing by yourself and then you're off to the races.

Manually shifting an automatic is ridiculous and a waste of time, don't bother.

 

[Cuda1447]

Good insight Skoorb. I think Im going to go test drive a 350z and Miata tomorrow. We will see what happens.

 

[Cuda1447]

Apparently S2000's are within my price range as well. *Sigh* just another option to consider

 

[Chunkee]

right now most stealerships are gouging right now...if you buy, buy from an individual...if used. usually better deal and less fucking hassle. i wish they would just go to straight pricing...there really is no fucking need for a car salesman...they do nothing but annoy people.

jC

 

[Cuda1447]

I'd considered private seller, but that means I'll have to private sell my car, which may be a difficult task. I really can't afford to get stuck with two car payments for awhile while I try to trade my car.