Trade a 370Z for a Fiesta?

[Chiropteran]

Am I nuts to even consider doing this?

Why am I thinking about this?

My commute sucks, bumper to bumper traffic most of the way to work. Mileage with the Z is horrible, as expected, and don't really get to have fun driving it due to all the traffic. Also, I went with the default base stereo, which is somewhat inadequate, and the nicer model version of the Fiesta has a much nicer system.

If I traded in for a Fiesta, my mileage would increase by about double, saving me $100/month on gas. I'd guess my insurance would probably go down some also, from it's current $1600/year. My car payment would go down, although I'd be starting over with a new loan, if I went with a 3 year loan it would still be paid off just as quick.

I'd still have a small car, which is what I want and enjoy driving. I'd lose out on a lot of performance, and maybe the test drive will totally change my mind but right now I am thinking I wouldn't mind it that much.

All the reasoning sounds so logical, but then when I just look at the basic concept: trade my awesome 330 horsepower sports car for an econbox, it sounds like I am making a huge mistake. In the Z's favor, it would probably hold a better residual value after I fully pay it off, but that would probably not be enough to cover the difference in gas and insurance.

*** 7.15.2011 update
Major update. Last year around October I did it. Traded my Z and bought a Fiesta SE Sedan, loaded with all features except no leather & manual transmission(my preference). Net result at the time was about $50 less in insurance, $70 less in gas, $100 less car payment, and still paying off the car within the same time frame (going with a 3 year loan). Unexpected bonus is that car loan rates were incredibly good, so I got a 2.5% interest rate on the loan.

I was somewhat afraid to post right away, because I had a small worry that I might regret the decision, but after 10 months still feeling like it was a great idea so I think I can put aside those fears.

The best part is I am putting in an offer on a condo today, which would have been out of my price range with the Z.

98% of the time, I don't miss the Z at all. City driving in the DC area involves so much traffic that it is hard to enjoy a sports car. I'd rather have a sunroof than the extra horsepower I can't enjoy. On the highway, I sometimes miss the Z until I look at my MPG. And for vacations, travelling... the Z might be fun to drive, but the storage space leaves a lot to be desired. The Fiesta has been a much better beach car this summer.

Anyway, I did it. Traded a 370Z for a Fiesta, and in the end I've been 100% happy with my decision.

 

[Throckmorton]

I seriously doubt you would double your gas mileage and save $100 a month in gas.

 

[LordMorpheus]

The new fiesta looks like a great car, but there will be world of difference between it and your 370.

You're planning to test drive one. If you like it, go for it. If not, there are other small performance cars that get good mileage (miata comes to mind, though you'd loose the back seat).

You can always rock the fiesta for a while, and when your situation commute-wise changes, upgrade to something that's a ton of fun again.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

is your 370z stick or auto?
i may be interested. where do u live?

 

[CraigRT]

This is exactly why I have to (semi) cheap cars.
I use my Maxima for when I'm not commuting where mileage is important, and I drive the inexpensive old Saturn to work and back because its awesome on gas, its long since paid for (paid $800) and wear and tear is not a concern.

Why not get a beater for your mundane commute?

 

[StageLeft]

You'll have to think long and hard about this. First, never, ever again talk about the stereo in the 370z being inadequate as a reason to get rid of it. A total stereo overhaul is cheap and I believe you're just looking for a reason, but that is a bad one.

Gas is a good reason, as is insurance. The fiesta could be a hatch and more practical but it will be way less fun. You'll have to drive one. I suspect a good chance that when you get behind the seat you'll hate it. You may not, but if you do the thread can be closed, right?

Oh and that's also true your mileage won't double; the fiesta goes 50% further on a gallon.

The miata gets sh*t mileage, though, so I see even less reason to swap the Z for that, it's rated only 3-4 mpg better.

The 370z may have been a decadent mistake and I can appreciate that but replacing it with an entry econobox is going to have a hard time being the appropriate response unless you need its larger size.

 

[kornphlake]

The Fiesta isn't an entry level econobox though, the Focus is. It's like going from an Escalade to a Town Car, two entirely different vehicles, with different uses, but similar levels of luxury and comfort. The fiesta just happens to cost quite a bit less than a Z. If it's going to save you money in the long run and not sacrifice much in terms of actual driving enjoyment, then why not?

 

[AstroManLuca]

A hybrid will get better mileage in stop-and-go traffic than a gas-only vehicle. But of course you pay a lot extra so that fuel savings gets offset.

If you're moving from a sports car to an economy car, you're really going to notice the decrease in power. But maybe it's not important to you.

You'd probably do better if you sell the 370Z than if you trade it in. Then again, selling is a hassle. And I don't know what dealers typically give you for sports cars.

 

[AstroManLuca]

The Fiesta isn't an entry level econobox though, the Focus is. It's like going from an Escalade to a Town Car, two entirely different vehicles, with different uses, but similar levels of luxury and comfort. The fiesta just happens to cost quite a bit less than a Z. If it's going to save you money in the long run and not sacrifice much in terms of actual driving enjoyment, then why not?

What? The Fiesta is cheaper, less powerful, and smaller than the Focus. It looks fresher and sportier because it's new but I'm not sure what you're talking about.

 

[Chiropteran]

You'll have to think long and hard about this. First, never, ever again talk about the stereo in the 370z being inadequate as a reason to get rid of it. A total stereo overhaul is cheap and I believe you're just looking for a reason, but that is a bad one.

Gas is a good reason, as is insurance. The fiesta could be a hatch and more practical but it will be way less fun. You'll have to drive one. I suspect a good chance that when you get behind the seat you'll hate it. You may not, but if you do the thread can be closed, right?

...

The 370z may have been a decadent mistake and I can appreciate that but replacing it with an entry econobox is going to have a hard time being the appropriate response unless you need its larger size.

Yeah, a stereo system upgrade has been considered, if I don't replace the Z that is probably what I will do. As far as liking or hating the fiesta, it's hard to say. I just have to test drive one and see

The larger size of the fiesta (feels wrong typing that) is a small advantage, it's been a slight inconvenience a few times when I can't drive my car because I need a backseat.

I seriously doubt you would double your gas mileage and save $100 a month in gas.

Currently, summer driving in traffic w/ AC, my odometer was at 260 miles when I had to fill up, 17 gallons. Getting about 15 miles to the gallon. The fiesta is rated at 28/37 (or a few higher for automatic, which I don't want), which would be a pretty nice improvement if that is accurate. But mileage doesn't tell the whole story- the Z also takes premium gas, so I'd be paying a little less per gallon. Maybe not $100 less per month, but I suspect it would be close.

is your 370z stick or auto?
i may be interested. where do u live?

Manual. DC area. It's going to be a pain to sell I suspect, because it's only a little more than a year old and very low miles (less than 8k), I probably won't get what it is worth.

 

[Mermaidman]

Not to mention that the Fiesta will not be cheap due to the initial demand. Then again, the auto industry depends on people who want the latest and greatest and change cars often.

Why the Fiesta anyway?

 

[Zargon]

less than its worth but more than dealer trade in isnt exactly a small margin usually, unless the dealer WANTS your car.

lots of them now will let you trade the car in 30 days after you purchase one, so you could try to sell it on your own then just trade it in if it doesnt sell

I kinda wish the fiest was out when I bought my wife a saturn astra, as it gets way better mileage, and might last more than one model year

 

[AstroManLuca]

Not to mention that the Fiesta will not be cheap due to the initial demand. Then again, the auto industry depends on people who want the latest and greatest and change cars often.

Why the Fiesta anyway?

That's true; hot new models are sometimes hard to get. I think a typical dealership would rather have your money than your thirsty sports car. They can give you a lowball offer and if you don't take it, who cares. They'll sell the Fiesta to someone else instead. The margins on small cars don't give you much room to negotiate.

You might want to consider a less in-demand car like a Civic, Focus, Mazda3, Fit, etc. instead. Just an idea. Not that I dislike the Fiesta.

 

[TechBoyJK]

ive been thinking about trading my z4 in for a fiesta too.. crazy

 

[PricklyPete]

I am probably the wrong person to ask, but I would never do this.

1) The two cars are not even close. I'm sure the Fiesta will be nice...but if you actually like a sports car...the Fiesta will certainly disappoint. I know I would go limp switching between the two...but this is probably my most subjective point. You mentioned a stereo as one of the reasons you'd move from a fantastic sports car to a limp econo-box...so maybe the sports aspect is not that important to you.

2) You'll lose a bunch of money on your Z. Are you underwater on it based on trade-in values? Even if you are not...you pretty much just soaked up the largest part of the depreciation curve. That curve starts steep and gets flatter and flatter over time...but the steepest part by far is the first year...especially if you trade it in. If you think about it...you're essentially throwing that loss directly on top of that Fiesta price (whether you've already paid for that depreciation or not...the money differential is still there).

So if you paid 32K for your 370Z and the dealership will give you 25K...then you've spent 7000K + tax for the year with the 370Z. I'd hate to have spent that and be stuck driving a Fiesta that will likely cost you ~$20K if you are adding any significant options.

Go test drive a Fiesta and find out what you'll get for your Z. I'm pretty sure you'll think otherwise and keep your Z.

 

[KIAman]

Factor in how long you are going to keep the car, subtract out the loss of selling your Z, then add in potential money saved from gas. Tada.

If you only cared about commuting in boring bumper to bumper city traffic and MPG, why not lease a Prius instead? $199 a month is hard to beat.

 

[Chiropteran]

Factor in how long you are going to keep the car, subtract out the loss of selling your Z, then add in potential money saved from gas. Tada.

If you only cared about commuting in boring bumper to bumper city traffic and MPG, why not lease a Prius instead? $199 a month is hard to beat.

I owe $18,400. A new Fiesta equipped as I want appears to be around $19,400.

Save $4800 in gas over 4 years.

2004 Z350 has a trade in value of $10k-$12k, thinking this might be what my car might be worth when it's 5 years old.

2004 Focus (closest thing to a Fiesta) has a trade value of $6k-$9k.


Keep the Z, spend 18,400 to pay it off, plus $4800 on gas, sell it for $10k, overall cost 13400 for 4 more years of use.

Trade in for a Fiesta, get $3k over whats owed for my trade(worst case, I hope), spend $19,400 on the fiesta, sell it for $6 at the end of 5 years, overall cost 10,400 for those 5 years.

That doesn't count insurance, but that doesn't look like I'd be saving that much money. Then again a lot of those numbers are just gross estimates, if I get a lot more for my trade the Fiesta route would be that much cheaper.

 

[KIAman]

I owe $18,400. A new Fiesta equipped as I want appears to be around $19,400.

Holy bajeesus, a Fiesta can cost that much?!? Wow.

 

[BlahBlahYouToo]

Manual. DC area. It's going to be a pain to sell I suspect, because it's only a little more than a year old and very low miles (less than 8k), I probably won't get what it is worth.

color and packages plz?

please say black and sport.

 

[Chiropteran]

color and packages plz?

please say black and sport.

It's black and it's just a base model, no extras.

Holy bajeesus, a Fiesta can cost that much?!? Wow.

It does sound like a lot. I know the base entry model is $13-14k. I haven't fully researched, but based on a quick check it looks like the SES model is around $19,400

 

[AstroManLuca]

It's black and it's just a base model, no extras.

It does sound like a lot. I know the base entry model is $13-14k. I haven't fully researched, but based on a quick check it looks like the SES model is around $19,400

So it's not a base model. But whatever, I guess I'm being pedantic.

Small cars are all like that, though. They have these super-low base prices of $10k or $12k and then you have to add a $3,000 options package (or just move up a trim level) to get luxuries like power windows.

 

[KIAman]

So it's not a base model. But whatever, I guess I'm being pedantic.

Small cars are all like that, though. They have these super-low base prices of $10k or $12k and then you have to add a $3,000 options package (or just move up a trim level) to get luxuries like power windows.

I purchased my wife a brand spankin new 2005 Honda Civic EX with all ding dongs and yahoodickys 5 years ago for 16,200 OTD. Is Fiesta more car worth than a Civic? I'm really curious.

 

[Zargon]

that was 5 years ago, an ex starts at 20K now dude.

a better compare would be the FIT anyways wouldnt it?

they start at 15K and can be optioned up towards 20K as a sport model

 

[ayabe]

Just get an autotragic beater for 2K or less and take that to work, keep the Z in the garage and drive it when you want to have fun.

Personally the thought of downgrading to an econobox like that makes me want to throw up a little bit. For instance whenever I have to drive my GF's Corolla I want to empty hundreds of rounds of large caliber ammunition into it, crush it into a cube, then fire it into the sun.

Bumper to bumper traffic just is not fun with a manual, doesn't matter what you drive. In those situations you can only experience the negative aspects of any sports car.

 

[zerocool84]

I purchased my wife a brand spankin new 2005 Honda Civic EX with all ding dongs and yahoodickys 5 years ago for 16,200 OTD. Is Fiesta more car worth than a Civic? I'm really curious.

Cheap cars come with more options and more things to add to them compared to 5 years ago plus cars are more expensive to make cus of the ever increasing safety standards. The Fiesta has 7 airbags and many with things a 5 year old Civic never would have come with or been able to add via options.