Getting a new car...need advice

[Fritzo]

I really like the WRX's....in fact they would be the perfect car for me: AWD, fast, stylish, great handling....the problem is they're just too damned small Not much storage space and the back seat is too small for the kids. I have one now an was thinking of getting an STi when they come out (I'm at the point on my current WRX where if I sold it I would make a nice profit), but the size thing is a big turnoff.

I saw the commercial for the new Pontiac Gran Prix GTP. Add that with the Comp-G package and for about $28000 I have a larger, fast car with great handling and arguably even better looks. What do you guys think? Are the new Grand Prix's any good? Edmunds and Road and Track have given them pretty good reviews, but I'd like to hear from actual owners if possible. I haven't test driven one yet.

Also, I see that the GTO is coming out at the end of this year. From it's engine specs, there's no way it's going to cost under $40000 (160MPH???? DAMN!!)

Also also, are there any other cars in the $20000-$30000 range I should be looking at?

 

[Sluggo]

You want good advice?

Buy a used car, let someone else take the huge new car depreciation hit.

 

[Ladies Man]

Also, I see that the GTO is coming out at the end of this year. From it's engine specs, there's no way it's going to cost under $40000

why not? camaro/mustang/ etc etc are/were under 40000.

I don't think it's going to cost that much at all when it comes out.

 

[Fritzo]

Don't do the used thing anymore. I've inhereted too many people's problems with used cars. New or nothing, sorry.

Anyone?

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: Ladies Man

Also, I see that the GTO is coming out at the end of this year. From it's engine specs, there's no way it's going to cost under $40000

why not? camaro/mustang/ etc etc are/were under 40000.

I don't think it's going to cost that much at all when it comes out.

Oh, I'm going to drive this year around, so RWD/high torque cars are out. Besides, wouldn't be caught dead in a Camaro Back seat and storage in either of those cars isn't much better than my WRX.

 

[Fritzo]

Lets bump this for the day shift.

 

[007bond]

Ehh according to the Car and Driver test I just read on the GTP they didn't sound terribly impressed. The Tapshift system was basically worthless according to them because the car doesn't shift any faster when you use it and it's only a 4 speed transmission. That being said it's all about personal preferences when buying a car. Maybe take a look at the Mazda RX8 or even the new 6.
And the GTO better cost well under 40K or no one will buy it.

 

[chin311]

wrx = my dream car.

buy it, take pics, send to me.

 

[vi edit]

Altima SE, Maxima, Mazda 6, GTP.

I'd give those all a shot.

 

[J Heartless Slick]

I rented a Grand Prix for about a week a month ago. It was an okay car but I was not overwhelmed by either its handling or acceleration\speed.

 

[Moonbeam]

Definitely a Calillac DeVille.

 

[Walleye]

get a minivan! then RICE it!

 

[z0mb13]

get the new accord v6 with navi

very nice and roomy

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: Fritzo
Back seat and storage in either of those cars isn't much better than my WRX.

Wait, do you already OWN a WRX? Or was that a Freudian slip?

BTW, I agree with other people's suggestions about used cars. Go the certified route if you have to, even with that additional markup you will save a ton over a new car. Or else get a better mechanic to check the car out before you buy.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

ok, if you have kids, don't bother with a compact car, get a midsize to full size, like a Altima or maxima. I'm experiencing the prob of a compact with kids now. So, i'll be selling my spec soon and getting something bigger

 

[bigshot]

Originally posted by: BigSmooth

Originally posted by: Fritzo
Back seat and storage in either of those cars isn't much better than my WRX.

Wait, do you already OWN a WRX? Or was that a Freudian slip?

BTW, I agree with other people's suggestions about used cars. Go the certified route if you have to, even with that additional markup you will save a ton over a new car. Or else get a better mechanic to check the car out before you buy.

If you plan on keeping the car for a while, who cares about the depreciation. So you would rather save a little money, but if god forbid something goes wrong you gotta pay for it...nevermind the financing on used cars..its usually sh!t compared to new cars....especially domestic where they offer 0% financing and long warrenties. Used cars are good until they start breaking down and theres no warrenty to back them up.

About the new GTP...its a wonderful car, i test drove the regular GT but not the GTP and it was quick, handled well, and the interior was much better than the previous generation. Its quite big and is very safe. A friend of mine's sister got hit by a transport truck on the highway and was almost killed but because she was driving a grand prix(bigger car) she survived. If she was drivin anythin smaller like a grand am or accord she would have been killed.

I heard the tapshift is really cool, it holds upshifts until you hit it and downshifts very smoothly The 4 speed autos in the grand prix (frankly in any GM product) are bulletproof. They get great milage and require only 87 unleaded. I was shoping around for cars and for the price the grand prix GTP had more features(HUD, Stealth mode, nice 17 rims and performance tires) than the camry, accord and altima. The maxima was almost 6 grand more after taxes and options.(im talking canadian) With the 0% financing, long warrenty, lower price than the rivals i found it to be a better deal and im most certainly buying one when i can afford it.

 

[TallBill]

Fun little New/Used Car depreciation tool

 

[BigSmooth]

If you plan on keeping the car for a while, who cares about the depreciation.

True, keeping it longer softens the blow. But the savings are still there if you buy used. Additionally, many people don't like to hang on to their cars forever.

So you would rather save a little money

It depends on the car, but most new cars depreciate 20% or more in the first year alone. On a $25K car that equals $5K or more. That's not "a little money". Some cars depreciate 50% or more within 2-3 years.

but if god forbid something goes wrong you gotta pay for it...

Cars in general are much more reliable than they were 10 or even 5 years ago. If you're worried about warranty coverage, 1 to 2 year old used cars almost always have some transferrable factory warranty remaining (some cars have even have 7 or 10 year warranties these days). Additionally, if you're REALLY worried and willing to pay a premium, virtually every manufacturer offers a "certified used" program that will give you a new warranty or extend the existing one, or you can purchase a warranty from a 3rd party if you want to.

nevermind the financing on used cars..its usually sh!t compared to new cars....

My credit union has recently been offering used-car financing under 5%. It's not 0%, but it sure ain't bad.

especially domestic where they offer 0% financing

True, and IMO the biggest motivator to buy new. However, the interest savings do not make up for the hit in depreciation - especially considering that the cars that have the best incentives usually have the steepest depreciation curves.

If you look at the numbers, buying used is a better economic decision than buying new. Yes, you can stung by a lemon, but that can happen with a new car as well, and it shouldn't happen with a used car if you have the car thoroughly inspected by a good mechanic before buying.

However, I would agree that there is something to be said for the peace of mind of owning a new car and knowing exactly how it's been treated etc. There is also the pride of owning a new vehicle and, oftentimes, the fun and excitement of having the latest model with the new body style/engine etc. These are intangibles that you can't really place a value on.

Sometimes the savings with a used car aren't HUGE, so (considering those intangibles) it might be better to go new, especially if you are getting 0% financing. But from a purely financial standpoint, buying used almost always wins out.

 

[Fritzo]

Originally posted by: J Heartless Slick
I rented a Grand Prix for about a week a month ago. It was an okay car but I was not overwhelmed by either its handling or acceleration\speed.

Was it the GTP version with the Comp-G package? That adds a lot of suspensiona and handling enhancements...guess I'll have to try one out.

I was looking at the RX-8 as well. It's a 4 four, so that would work. I'm a bit concerned about aniemic performance though from it's 1.3L rotary engine. Looks a bit too small too.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Fritzo

Originally posted by: J Heartless Slick
I rented a Grand Prix for about a week a month ago. It was an okay car but I was not overwhelmed by either its handling or acceleration\speed.

Was it the GTP version with the Comp-G package? That adds a lot of suspensiona and handling enhancements...guess I'll have to try one out.

I was looking at the RX-8 as well. It's a 4 four, so that would work. I'm a bit concerned about aniemic performance though from it's 1.3L rotary engine. Looks a bit too small too.

I was just about to say that the Rental cars are usually the most stripped down base model you can get. So don't judge a car based on renting one. First it is the base of base models, and second it is a rental that has been beat on like its a..... Rental
The GTP and the new Comp-G cars should be very nice. The Comp-G has gotton some good reviews.

My grandmother wanted a Grand Prix but they stopped making the 2 door, so she got a well loaded Grand-Am GT with the V6 ram air, chrome wheels, etc... She loves it. Very happy with it.

 

[Fritzo]

I test drove a GTP with the Comp-G package over the weekend, and WOW! It's not quite as nimble as my WRX, but it's not bad at all. The instant power as soon as you hit the gas, and the fact that it takes 87 oct. gas is a BIG plus. The HUD is absolutely amazing....I sat there at each stoplight just playing with that feature alone It can be configured to show speed, RPM, gas, temperature...way cool! I couldn't even tell is was a front wheel drive car. They have removed any sign of torque steer (I took a 30MPH on ramp at 60MPH.....no pulling at all). The salesman also took a 10' board, lowered the front seat (it lowers flat...great picnic table ), lowered the back seat, and was able to put the whole board inside the trunk! So, this puppy has space, speed, handling, will be decent in snow, looks great, and is $5000 less than the WRX Sti. I'm sold

 

[BigSmooth]

Originally posted by: Fritzo
I test drove a GTP with the Comp-G package over the weekend, and WOW! It's not quite as nimble as my WRX, but it's not bad at all. The instant power as soon as you hit the gas, and the fact that it takes 87 oct. gas is a BIG plus. The HUD is absolutely amazing....I sat there at each stoplight just playing with that feature alone It can be configured to show speed, RPM, gas, temperature...way cool! I couldn't even tell is was a front wheel drive car. They have removed any sign of torque steer (I took a 30MPH on ramp at 60MPH.....no pulling at all). The salesman also took a 10' board, lowered the front seat (it lowers flat...great picnic table ), lowered the back seat, and was able to put the whole board inside the trunk! So, this puppy has space, speed, handling, will be decent in snow, looks great, and is $5000 less than the WRX Sti. I'm sold

Cool, glad you found something you liked. Now, you need to find a good deal.

 

[Fritzo]

I'm looking at $26985 with the comp-G package and a sunroof. From the price quotes I've gotten over the net it looks like that's actually on the cheap side. We have 4 Pontiac dealers around here, so I'll have to go around and do the old "He's selling it to me for this..." deal