Originally posted by: Vortex22
Originally posted by: zinfamous
Only b/c I am a new owner, I'd recommend this:
http://www.internetautoguide.c...chback/1874/index.html
Love the styling of these models (esp 2007-2008), and had never considered a hatchback before these.
I actually ended up with the sedan and i trim (2.0 vs 2.3L) b/c it was more within my budget. Can be a bit zippy, but maybe not enough? I love the feel of the interior, and if you do need adults in the back, the hatchback should offer more room. rather cramped in the sedan.
You can find the hatchbacks easily going for ~15-17k w/ 2.3L and automatic, depending on options, and ~30k miles.
also consider the Mazda6 if you really want a V6?
I have considered the Mazda 6/Ford Fusion but have not yet gotten a chance to actually check one out in person (test drive). I was looking for something a little 'sportier' than these but I'm still undecided.
I don't really want a small/compact class car; I've been driving one for many years and want a change.
Also, maybe a bit off topic but I need some buying advice since I have little car purchasing experience: How much more would I be able to talk them down in price if I was paying straight up 100% cash as opposed to a moderate down payment + finance?
well, I think if you plan on unloading 15-20k in cash on the spot, then you should have a decent chance.
The only thing is that based on all the Bluebook & NDA pricing I did over the previous weeks, most dealers are advertising (esp through Craig's List) a good bit below "retail."
You can always talk them down below that, of course. I went in planning to put 60-80% down. I could have done that, but the minimum loan BoA would approve didn't quite allow that.....so I'm just going to unload another 1.5k or so on my first payment this month
From what I've heard from a few dealership mechanics (friends of my brother), most cars are flying off ~$5k below what dealers are asking. They're really, really desperate out there.
Once you choose what you like, be sure to shop around all the surrounding towns and see what your car is going for (Craig's List is really good for this), print out several Bluebook quotes with options and retail vs trade-in pricing. You could assume that the dealer paid a good bit below trade-in, especially for a fleet/rental, as they tend to have spiffy contracts with these companies. Also, many have brokers that buy from auction at wholesale.
If it's convenient for you, show up and ask for a test drive. sound interested, but a bit apprehensive. Don't worry about low-balling or getting laughed at. just find someone else that will deal with you. Once you do reach an agreement on price and they start working on the tax and such, just say "Taxes and fees? The price we agreed on is the price I'm paying." Then stand up to leave.
They LOVE that!
...and it actually works, sometimes. Probably more so for the well-used, much older cars.
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