New ~$12-14K commuter car?

[cKGunslinger]

EDIT 4: Almost 10 years later, just rolled 200K miles on the old Mazda.

A/C is flaking-out (short-cycling compressor - adding coolant didn't help.) Check-engine just popped on as well. But other than that, it's held up pretty well.

Anyway, still have it for now, but now a new member of the household:

2015 Dodge Ram Big Horn w/ 4WD. Because, Texas.


EDIT 3: I was going to take it out and photo the new car, but it's been cold and rather wet, so I never got around to taking pictures. It's cold and windy once again today, so I just snapped some quick shots:

Side View
Front Side View
Rear Side View
Interior

I love the color, as it seems to change depending on the light conditions. It goes from very dark grey, to average grey, to light grey with a hint of underlying blue.

Interior is clean, except for the grass I keep tracking in. Need to get some new mats. Fuzzy steering wheel is courtesy of my daughter.

----------------------------------

EDIT 2: I joined the club and bought a Mazda 3.

----------------------------------

Well, the ol' Protege is starting to get long in the tooth (and slipping gears once in while), and I'm looking for a new commuter car. We've got the minivan rocking, so I really only need something to drive ~60 miles per day, and maybe sit 4 once in a while. I really like the Mazda 3s, but they're a little high on the budget end, and rather low on the mpg.

I started off looking at the Hyundai 2007 Accents, because I liked the price, the warranty, and the fuel economy. But I'm not big on the overall "cheap feel" of the ones I've seen. I plan to test drive on this week. Dealer is working on a price quote for me, but I priced one out for $12.5 online. I'm hoping the dealer can get me in closer to $11K.

Today, I saw a Scion xD on the way home for the holidays, and I kind of liked the way it looked. Checked it out online and saw some nice features and stats - nothing awesome, but rather decent. Price looked a bit on the high side at $15K+ for the baseline.

There's the old standby - the Toyota Corolla - but I've grown rather "meh" to those for some reason.

Anything I'm overlooking? Warranty is rather important, which is why I'm leaning towards the Hyundai, but I'm hoping to get $2000 for the trade in, which would let me approach a $15K vehicle.

I realize if I opened up my budget another 2-3 grand, I'd have more options, but the failing tranny on the Mazda is forcing my hand by about 6 months.


edit: Well this is annoying. I keep seeing all these "cheap" cars advertised, but when I get to the dealerships, they are $5K more than I expected.

Toyota Yaris
Online MSRP starts about $10,500.
Cheapest one on the Dealer lot: $16,989

Repeat for almost everything near $12K. All MSRPs start at ~$16K. Can I talk them down $4000?

 

[redgtxdi]

Hyundai Elantra


/thread

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: redgtxdi
Hyundai Elantra


/thread

Yeah, I'm seeing good prices on them as well. Will research. Thanks.

 

[Scouzer]

Commuter vehicle with no cruise? You're crazy. (The Accent has no cruise available)

How about a Hondumb Fit or a Nissan Versa? The Versa has the best interior of any subcompact.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: Scouzer
Commuter vehicle with no cruise? You're crazy. (The Accent has no cruise available)

How about a Hondumb Fit or a Nissan Versa? The Versa has the best interior of any subcompact.

Rural travel on curvy back-roads for 10 miles, followed by stop-n-go rush-hour traffic for ~15 miles? Not a big need for cruise.

I dunno, this 5-year/50K mile warranty might just be the selling point for the Hyundai's. 3-year/36K seems to be the norm, and I know my Mazda seemed to start to fall apart at 36,001 miles (power locks started to fail, cruise stopped working, etc.)

Yes, reviews for the Versa seem to be very favorable, but the MSRP is hard to nail down. I internet-requested a price from my local dealer. Maybe a contender.

Thanks.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Versa hatch - Backseat is roomy and can haul cargo with its hatchback. Expect a $2,500 discount off MSRP, then haggle from there.

Focus - refined again for 2008 with the new Sync software stereo. Coupe is all new as there is no 3-door any longer. Expect $2000 off 2008's then haggle.

Suzuki SX4 Sport - non AWD model and LONG warranty

 

[Scouzer]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Versa hatch - Backseat is roomy and can haul cargo with its hatchback. Expect a $2,500 discount off MSRP, then haggle from there.

Focus - refined again for 2008 with the new Sync software stereo. Coupe is all new as there is no 3-door any longer. Expect $2000 off 2008's then haggle.

Suzuki SX4 Sport - non AWD model and LONG warranty

$2500 off the Versa?! What?? How! The markup would be $800-1200...

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Originally posted by: Scouzer

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Versa hatch - Backseat is roomy and can haul cargo with its hatchback. Expect a $2,500 discount off MSRP, then haggle from there.

Focus - refined again for 2008 with the new Sync software stereo. Coupe is all new as there is no 3-door any longer. Expect $2000 off 2008's then haggle.

Suzuki SX4 Sport - non AWD model and LONG warranty

$2500 off the Versa?! What?? How! The markup would be $800-1200...

Nissan USA Special offers Sowing $1,250 rebate on 2007's and $750 on 2008's.

Dealers are looking to move there remaining 2007's so expect a higher discount.

 

[Zee]

i second the elantra. not new, 1 year old. i bought one (2004) as a beater for almost half the msrp with 17K miles cash from a private seller.

 

[rootaxs]

A second vote on the Suzuki SX4 (Sedan). They come with a lot more features standard than similar cars in the segment. MT and R&T both had reviews of the vehicle in their recent issues.

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B

Originally posted by: Scouzer

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Versa hatch - Backseat is roomy and can haul cargo with its hatchback. Expect a $2,500 discount off MSRP, then haggle from there.

Focus - refined again for 2008 with the new Sync software stereo. Coupe is all new as there is no 3-door any longer. Expect $2000 off 2008's then haggle.

Suzuki SX4 Sport - non AWD model and LONG warranty

$2500 off the Versa?! What?? How! The markup would be $800-1200...

Nissan USA Special offers Sowing $1,250 rebate on 2007's and $750 on 2008's.

Dealers are looking to move there remaining 2007's so expect a higher discount.

I've gotten pretty interested in the Versa (I like the sedan over the hatchback.) The only problem I see is that the Cash Backs only apply to Dealer Stock, and most dealers don't carry the stripped-down, manual-transmission models, so the rebate and additional options pretty much cancel each other out.

The emailed me this morning, I'll contact them and see what they have.

 

[AMCRambler]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

Originally posted by: Scouzer
Commuter vehicle with no cruise? You're crazy. (The Accent has no cruise available)

How about a Hondumb Fit or a Nissan Versa? The Versa has the best interior of any subcompact.

Rural travel on curvy back-roads for 10 miles, followed by stop-n-go rush-hour traffic for ~15 miles? Not a big need for cruise.

I dunno, this 5-year/50K mile warranty might just be the selling point for the Hyundai's. 3-year/36K seems to be the norm, and I know my Mazda seemed to start to fall apart at 36,001 miles (power locks started to fail, cruise stopped working, etc.)

Yes, reviews for the Versa seem to be very favorable, but the MSRP is hard to nail down. I internet-requested a price from my local dealer. Maybe a contender.

Thanks.

If it's a lot of stop-n-go rush hour traffic I'm guessing you're looking at the automatics? I'm thinking the Elantra is a good car for you. They are fairly roomy cars and they changed the body style in '07 so they aren't have bad looking anymore. You can probably talk the dealer down quite a bit for a car on the lot as well.
My gf has a 2007 Elantra and it's a pretty nice car for the money. Her's cost about $17 with tax title and tags and she's got the six speaker stereo with cd, power windows and locks, keyless entry and the automatic. The other thing about it is the brakes are insane. It's a small car and it's got four wheel disk and they grab like a mother. You barely touch the brake pedal and the thing wants to stop quick. Maybe it's because I'm used to driving my heavier Ford Contour but A++ for the Elantra's brakes.

EDIT: Oh yeah, I almsot forgot they got a good warranty on them too. Only thing is they told my girlfriend she had to get all her oil changes done by the dealership or it voids the warranty. I haven't really looked into this to see if it's true or not. They might be trying to scam her.

 

[meltdown75]

Just curious, what year was your Protege and how did you like it?

 

[vi edit]

You could squeeze into an '07 Pontiac Vibe for around $15k if you give up the options. You can slap cruise on there for around $70 by buying the cruise stick and installing it yourself.

It's essentially a Corolla with a lot more functional backseat & cargo area. Better seats up front too for longer drives. Plus it comes with GM's 5 year/100k mile powertrain. Bumper to bumper isn't as good as Hundai/Kia.

Intown milage is high 20's. Highway is mid 30's. Not bad, but not as good as the more conventional Corolla.

 

[senseamp]

Mazda Protege 5 would be my pick in this price range, especially since you mentioned curvy back roads.
Ford Focus would be the runner up.
Actually, a lightly used Mazda3i sedan would also be up there. 2.0L is plenty for that car, you don't really need the 2.3L. I only got the 3s because the hatchback only came with it.

 

[vi edit]

Originally posted by: senseamp
Mazda Protege 5 would be my pick in this price range, especially since you mentioned curvy back roads.
Ford Focus would be the runner up.
Actually, a lightly used Mazda3i sedan would also be up there. 2.0L is plenty for that car, you don't really need the 2.3L. I only got the 3s because the hatchback only came with it.

Bleh. MP5's are a horrible used choice IMO. Because of a cult like tuner following they are hard to find used and non-abused. And when you do find one, the price is very high. Just not a good value.

Plus they were rather gutless and the milage wasn't *that* great.

 

[cKGunslinger]

I'm actually looking at Manual Transmissions. I kinda miss it from my old truck, and traffic isn't *that* bad that it would be a killer. On the other hand, it's actually quite hard to find manuals in stock at the dealers I'm looking at.

The Versa actually has the CVT (continuously variable transmission) option, although that ups the price a bit.


Does anyone know the specifics on financing? I'm pre-approved from my Credit Union for 100% financing - they say I just need to get the dealer to fax a Purchase Order to them, and they'll approve it and pay out in ~24 hours.

Now, will the P.O. they send include TTL, trade-in, rebates, cash-back, etc? That is, is it possible to walk away with a new car with $0 out of pocket, or even extra $$ in hand, or am I going to be stuck shelling out cash?

 

[thomsbrain]

Fit/Versa/Yaris/Elantra.

If you like to drive, you'll like the Fit best. Otherwise, the Versa may be the best choice.

 

[thomsbrain]

Also, if you look around, you can find stripper Mazda 3's selling for $14K or less.

 

[DougK62]

Not the coolest car around, but dealers are practically giving away new PT Cruisers. I bought a brand new 06 at the beginning of 07 for only just over $10k. Reliable and has a lot of utility.

 

[Scouzer]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
I'm actually looking at Manual Transmissions. I kinda miss it from my old truck, and traffic isn't *that* bad that it would be a killer. On the other hand, it's actually quite hard to find manuals in stock at the dealers I'm looking at.

The Versa actually has the CVT (continuously variable transmission) option, although that ups the price a bit.


Does anyone know the specifics on financing? I'm pre-approved from my Credit Union for 100% financing - they say I just need to get the dealer to fax a Purchase Order to them, and they'll approve it and pay out in ~24 hours.

Now, will the P.O. they send include TTL, trade-in, rebates, cash-back, etc? That is, is it possible to walk away with a new car with $0 out of pocket, or even extra $$ in hand, or am I going to be stuck shelling out cash?

Why wouldn't you take advantage of low interest manufacturer financing?

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: Scouzer

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
I'm actually looking at Manual Transmissions. I kinda miss it from my old truck, and traffic isn't *that* bad that it would be a killer. On the other hand, it's actually quite hard to find manuals in stock at the dealers I'm looking at.

The Versa actually has the CVT (continuously variable transmission) option, although that ups the price a bit.


Does anyone know the specifics on financing? I'm pre-approved from my Credit Union for 100% financing - they say I just need to get the dealer to fax a Purchase Order to them, and they'll approve it and pay out in ~24 hours.

Now, will the P.O. they send include TTL, trade-in, rebates, cash-back, etc? That is, is it possible to walk away with a new car with $0 out of pocket, or even extra $$ in hand, or am I going to be stuck shelling out cash?

Why wouldn't you take advantage of low interest manufacturer financing?

I have a for-shit credit score.

 

[Scouzer]

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

Originally posted by: Scouzer

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger
I'm actually looking at Manual Transmissions. I kinda miss it from my old truck, and traffic isn't *that* bad that it would be a killer. On the other hand, it's actually quite hard to find manuals in stock at the dealers I'm looking at.

The Versa actually has the CVT (continuously variable transmission) option, although that ups the price a bit.


Does anyone know the specifics on financing? I'm pre-approved from my Credit Union for 100% financing - they say I just need to get the dealer to fax a Purchase Order to them, and they'll approve it and pay out in ~24 hours.

Now, will the P.O. they send include TTL, trade-in, rebates, cash-back, etc? That is, is it possible to walk away with a new car with $0 out of pocket, or even extra $$ in hand, or am I going to be stuck shelling out cash?

Why wouldn't you take advantage of low interest manufacturer financing?

I have a for-shit credit score.

Maybe you shouldn't be buying a brand new car then...?

 

[cKGunslinger]

Originally posted by: Scouzer

Originally posted by: cKGunslinger

Originally posted by: Scouzer

Why wouldn't you take advantage of low interest manufacturer financing?

I have a for-shit credit score.

Maybe you shouldn't be buying a brand new car then...?

Yes, because being 60 days late on a mortgage payment 4 years ago due to helping out a family member with a medical emergency is a very good indication of my current financial status. :thumbsup:

I would also be in support of sterilizing everyone with credit score under 600. I mean, it's really the best indication of a person's worth we have, no? :laugh:


Edit: OK, that sounded a bit defensive, sorry. The point is, credit blemishes last ~7 years. While a poor credit score is definitely something to be wary of, it by no means completely defines the credit worthiness of a person. That's why I went with my CU. They see that even though 4-5 years ago I had some issues, the past 4 years or so have been perfect. I've paid off all my debt (save for my house,) which was no small feat, put money away regularly, no late payments, etc. I'm definitely in a better place now than several years ago, and it show, just not in my score.

In short, I'm more than capable of affording a new car - I'm even pricing one about 30% below what I can "afford," just because I like to play it safe.

 

[Scouzer]

Alright, just checking.