New Car Thread

[desy]

Solid decision IMO

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: desy
Solid decision IMO

2nded, that's a steal for that car with those miles/condition.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Well, thats not going to work. Called my mom and she said she still has a year and a half left on her lease. Back to the drawing board

 

[TangoJuliet]

Ok, what do you guys think about buying a CPO Civic, Accord or such? I been looking around to price them under $10k but I'm not so sure this is a good route.

On cars.com its showing on average a 2003 Civic with 60,000 miles is about $10k. Most look like the EX models with the LX models being a little cheaper. Now, if I just spend a couple thousand more I could get a brand new one (LX at $18,000) or I could go with the Aveo5 at $16,000.

Ahhhh this stuff is making me crazy!!

 

[Vette73]

Look at the new Saturn Astra.

Its a small european based car. Good gas milage and a lot of options. Around $16.5k starting

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Look at the new Saturn Astra.

Its a small european based car. Good gas milage and a lot of options. Around $16.5k starting

It looks pretty nice but after configuring it to auto it comes out to around $17,800. Thats around the same price of the Fit Sport and I like the Fit a little better (plus its a Honda).

What about buying a used Focus? Are there any certain models that are better then the others? I remember playing NFS: Underground 2 and my starter car was a Focus and I really liked the way it looked....not sure how that translates into real life though.

Maybe something like this?

Link

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Look at the new Saturn Astra.

Its a small european based car. Good gas milage and a lot of options. Around $16.5k starting

It looks pretty nice but after configuring it to auto it comes out to around $17,800. Thats around the same price of the Fit Sport and I like the Fit a little better (plus its a Honda).

What about buying a used Focus? Are there any certain models that are better then the others? I remember playing NFS: Underground 2 and my starter car was a Focus and I really liked the way it looked....not sure how that translates into real life though.

Maybe something like this?

Link

Hey Check out http://www.focusfanatics.com

Used Foci are great, you can get a lot for your $$, and have a reliable, economic, fun car.

Things to watch out for :

Make sure it has either a Duratec 2.0 motor. These have the best fuel economy, are a Mazda design, and use a timing chain instead of a timing belt.

It's advisable to go with a manual transmission, the autos are a little clunky/lazy, and you can get truly excellent fuel economy if you aren't too heavy on the gas.

Avoid the SVT model, it's a cool ride and all, but the base models handle great already, and the SVT uses a beefed up Zetec motor that would be a lot of fun, if it weren't mated to a very lazy 6-speed manual. 0-60 and 1/4 times are actually faster on the somewhat rare 2.3L ST models, and about the same as a 2.0 Duratec with a good driver.

Avoid the models with the Zetec or SPI motors. IIRC, all 2005+ Foci are Duratec-based. In '08, they dropped the 2.3L, and slightly boosted the 2.0 (just different intake/exhaust setup).

If you jump on the FF forums, you can probably pick up a nice set of SVT wheels/tires for cheapish, and that car handles like mad with 16" or 17" wheels. Focus is a lot lighter than Neon/Cobalt/Sentra/etc, and it shows on the road. The car is a Ford UK design, which goes a long way towards explaining why it's so much better than the products that preceded it.

 

[desy]

Yaris doesn't compare to a Fit or Versa, the only edge it has is in gas mileage, but its not well made
The Astra is a compact car so you are getting more car than a Fit which is a subcompact.
Used Focus is are good deals anything later than 03 is the way to go, older and they were still ironing out the bugs

 

[Synomenon]

Have you owned a Yaris?

I've had mine for two years now and it is pretty well made. I haven't had any problems with it in the two years I've had it.

 

[Arkaign]

Well, you get what you pay for, TBH I wouldn't mind owning any of them.

IMHO : Fit > Versa > Yaris, but not such a huge gap that any of the above have any huge advantage/disadvantage. I ended up with a Focus because it's hella light and has decent power for the class @ 140hp.

 

[desy]

I've riden in them with coworkers and test drove them before I bought my Versa

Most reviews puts it in a distant 3 or 4th, Fit Versa neck and neck, comfort and ride for the Versa, economy, handling and utility for the Fit, and then Kia Rio 5 usually above the Yaris and tied with an Aveo typically.
I didn't say it wasn't reliable just not as good as the competition

 

[MixMasterTang]

Originally posted by: desy
I've riden in them with coworkers and test drove them before I bought my Versa

Most reviews puts it in a distant 3 or 4th, Fit Versa neck and neck, comfort and ride for the Versa, economy, handling and utility for the Fit, and then Kia Rio 5 usually above the Yaris and tied with an Aveo typically.
I didn't say it wasn't reliable just not as good as the competition

If money was my main priority I would like at 2-3 year old cars since that is where the most depreciation happens. Although CPO like you mentioned is nice, you will pay a premium, your best bet is to find something from a private seller still under warranty and get it inspected by a mechanic.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet

Originally posted by: Marlin1975
Look at the new Saturn Astra.

Its a small european based car. Good gas milage and a lot of options. Around $16.5k starting

It looks pretty nice but after configuring it to auto it comes out to around $17,800. Thats around the same price of the Fit Sport and I like the Fit a little better (plus its a Honda).

What about buying a used Focus? Are there any certain models that are better then the others? I remember playing NFS: Underground 2 and my starter car was a Focus and I really liked the way it looked....not sure how that translates into real life though.

Maybe something like this?

Link

Hey Check out http://www.focusfanatics.com

Used Foci are great, you can get a lot for your $$, and have a reliable, economic, fun car.

Things to watch out for :

Make sure it has either a Duratec 2.0 motor. These have the best fuel economy, are a Mazda design, and use a timing chain instead of a timing belt.

It's advisable to go with a manual transmission, the autos are a little clunky/lazy, and you can get truly excellent fuel economy if you aren't too heavy on the gas.

Avoid the SVT model, it's a cool ride and all, but the base models handle great already, and the SVT uses a beefed up Zetec motor that would be a lot of fun, if it weren't mated to a very lazy 6-speed manual. 0-60 and 1/4 times are actually faster on the somewhat rare 2.3L ST models, and about the same as a 2.0 Duratec with a good driver.

Avoid the models with the Zetec or SPI motors. IIRC, all 2005+ Foci are Duratec-based. In '08, they dropped the 2.3L, and slightly boosted the 2.0 (just different intake/exhaust setup).

If you jump on the FF forums, you can probably pick up a nice set of SVT wheels/tires for cheapish, and that car handles like mad with 16" or 17" wheels. Focus is a lot lighter than Neon/Cobalt/Sentra/etc, and it shows on the road. The car is a Ford UK design, which goes a long way towards explaining why it's so much better than the products that preceded it.

Hey, thanks for all of that information! In your opinion which would be the best Focus to look for? (ie what year, model zx3/zx4/zx5, mileage and price).

I dont want to get a manual because of the constant stop/go traffic in NYC plus my wife can not drive stick.

 

[NAC]

I agree with MixMasterTang

If money is a priority, do not buy a new car. Especially if you think you might want to sell it in a couple years.

Buy something used and save a bundle. And avoid a dealer premium, learn more about the car by buying from a private seller and get it inspected by a mechanic. I'd rather buy from the original owner and get the original receipts, judge his character, than buy a "certified" used car. The mechanic can look over everything the dealer's mechanic does to "certify" one.

You'll have to figure out financing of course. But even if the APR is higher, the loan amount might be half of a new one.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet

Hey, thanks for all of that information! In your opinion which would be the best Focus to look for? (ie what year, model zx3/zx4/zx5, mileage and price).

I dont want to get a manual because of the constant stop/go traffic in NYC plus my wife can not drive stick.

The various models of the Foci share the same suspension/drivetrain, so it's just a matter of personal preference/practicality as to which model you get.

ZX3 = 3 Door Hatch
ZX4 = 4 Door Sedan
ZX5 = 5 Door Hatch
ZXW = 5 Door Wagon

There was a refresh in '05, by which time the only motors available were the Duratec ones, so if possible, go for an '05+. As for mileage, that has a lot to do with the price, but given that the Duratec has proven to be a very reliable motor, it's a bit flexible in that regard.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...ax_price=&cardist=1114

That's an '05 with less than 30k miles, for $9k. Lots of options.

Here's an '04 with under 60k miles, with the Duratec, for $7k, well equipped.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...max_price=&cardist=969

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet

Hey, thanks for all of that information! In your opinion which would be the best Focus to look for? (ie what year, model zx3/zx4/zx5, mileage and price).

I dont want to get a manual because of the constant stop/go traffic in NYC plus my wife can not drive stick.

The various models of the Foci share the same suspension/drivetrain, so it's just a matter of personal preference/practicality as to which model you get.

ZX3 = 3 Door Hatch
ZX4 = 4 Door Sedan
ZX5 = 5 Door Hatch
ZXW = 5 Door Wagon

There was a refresh in '05, by which time the only motors available were the Duratec ones, so if possible, go for an '05+. As for mileage, that has a lot to do with the price, but given that the Duratec has proven to be a very reliable motor, it's a bit flexible in that regard.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...ax_price=&cardist=1114

That's an '05 with less than 30k miles, for $9k. Lots of options.

Here's an '04 with under 60k miles, with the Duratec, for $7k, well equipped.

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...max_price=&cardist=969

Thanks for the links. I prefer the hatchs over the sedans and dont like the wagons at all.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Hey guys

I been looking around craigslist, autotrader and cars.com and this is what I have found so far. Would you suggest I go and take a look at any of them?

http://www.petesautonj.com/ind...=feature&vehicle_id=82

http://newyork.craigslist.org/wch/ctd/839756314.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/ctd/837060846.html

http://newyork.craigslist.org/lgi/ctd/833968399.html

 

[Arkaign]

WOW, that '05 ZX3 is a deal if it's in as good a shape as it probably is. Only 13k miles, almost nothing at all (my '08 has that many already!).

All power, CD Changer, Sunroof, etc.

When you get it, throw Mobil Supersyn in it, perhaps a better intake (the same motor for the '08 with an altered intake gets slightly better fuel economy and slightly more power). You're golden.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
WOW, that '05 ZX3 is a deal if it's in as good a shape as it probably is. Only 13k miles, almost nothing at all (my '08 has that many already!).

All power, CD Changer, Sunroof, etc.

When you get it, throw Mobil Supersyn in it, perhaps a better intake (the same motor for the '08 with an altered intake gets slightly better fuel economy and slightly more power). You're golden.

So I sent an email to the seller asking if the car was still available. I happened to google the dealership where the car is being sold and found they offered a free carfax report.

http://www.carfax.com/cfm/ccc_...P31N25R158878&zipcode=

It shows the car was involved in an accident with a pedestrian. It doesn't say if there was any damage or anything.

Do you think I can possible get them to lower the price some? or do you think 10k is a descent price if the car is in good shape.

 

[Arkaign]

^^ It's certainly worth a try. I'd have the car inspected and also request service/repair history paperwork if possible. *IF* the car is in perfect condition as it should be with such low miles, $10k isn't crazy, but you can argue that the incident report on the carfax makes it worth less in resale, as it's something that pretty much anyone checks for in that kind of situation.

 

[ViviTheMage]

meh, you drive soo much daily you should get a prius.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
meh, you drive soo much daily you should get a prius.

I dont think that is a good option in my situation. First off, this car (Focus) will cost around $10k while the Prius would be $22k. Do you really think I will save $12k over the span of 2 years?

If I dont move closer to my job then I will probably look into getting a new Insight. However, if I do move closer then I don't need a fuel efficient car and can get something I really like (G35/37, 335xi, A4/5, etc).

 

[TangoJuliet]

I set up a day to test drive/look at the car. I spoke with the salesperson (dealership) over the phone and he was very brief with me. I told him the car had been in an accident and that I would like to work on the price.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet
I set up a day to test drive/look at the car. I spoke with the salesperson (dealership) over the phone and he was very brief with me. I told him the car had been in an accident and that I would like to work on the price.

Excellent, let us know how that plays out, and if the car feels good to you. Be sure and take your carfax report with you.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
meh, you drive soo much daily you should get a prius.

I dont think that is a good option in my situation. First off, this car (Focus) will cost around $10k while the Prius would be $22k. Do you really think I will save $12k over the span of 2 years?

If I dont move closer to my job then I will probably look into getting a new Insight. However, if I do move closer then I don't need a fuel efficient car and can get something I really like (G35/37, 335xi, A4/5, etc).

A quick thought. If you don't move closer, but want a very fuel-efficient ride that is sporty as hell, look at a used C5/early C6 Vette. With Royal Purple / Amsoil, and a steady foot, you can get 30+ on the highway with those suckers! That is, if a lot of your commute is highway.

Hybrids really help bigtime in city driving, but to date, aren't a big help on highway.