Something I've learned from car shopping thus far...

[redwing497]

Hey everyone. With my lease on my Audi being up in a couple months, I've decided to actually BUY my next new car. So I wanted something affordable, quick, and fun to drive. The Si, MS3, Cobalt, and even an '08 350z fit the bill (more on that soon).

Every dollar counts this time around because I'm trying to save for a house at the same time so I keep tight track of my finances. I tried to "steal" an '08 350z but could only get it down to 24,535 before TTL. It was an enthusiast listing for 30,205. Not bad but more than I wanted to spend. The Cobalt, forget it, not one coupe within 50 miles of my house, plus I finally realized it looks like poop.

So the MS3, never liked hatchbacks until I saw this car in person. Nice looking car. Looks sweet in red. So I talk to about 4 dealerships, all lying to me about the invoice price (i've done EXTENSIVE research). For example, one guys says "i'll sell it to you for invoice" His invoice price was over $24,000. And that doesn't include the TT&L.

I've been keeping track of the Si inventory in my area since january, so if any are still there by the time I'm ready to buy, I'll try to throw that in the dealer's face. I don't see a problem getting the car for around 20k, maybe even less. The Si seems to be in a class by itself, is what I'm trying to say. For the price, it's a killer performance bargain. Yeah these other cars are faster, but significantly more expensive. I will continue my search and negotiations but i just wanted to share my experience thus far with everyone.

Thoughts on this?

[MattyLX]

Originally Posted by redwing497

Hey everyone. With my lease on my Audi being up in a couple months, I've decided to actually BUY my next new car. So I wanted something affordable, quick, and fun to drive. The Si, MS3, Cobalt, and even an '08 350z fit the bill (more on that soon).

Every dollar counts this time around because I'm trying to save for a house at the same time so I keep tight track of my finances. I tried to "steal" an '08 350z but could only get it down to 24,535 before TTL. It was an enthusiast listing for 30,205. Not bad but more than I wanted to spend. The Cobalt, forget it, not one coupe within 50 miles of my house, plus I finally realized it looks like poop.

So the MS3, never liked hatchbacks until I saw this car in person. Nice looking car. Looks sweet in red. So I talk to about 4 dealerships, all lying to me about the invoice price (i've done EXTENSIVE research). For example, one guys says "i'll sell it to you for invoice" His invoice price was over $24,000. And that doesn't include the TT&L.

I've been keeping track of the Si inventory in my area since january, so if any are still there by the time I'm ready to buy, I'll try to throw that in the dealer's face. I don't see a problem getting the car for around 20k, maybe even less. The Si seems to be in a class by itself, is what I'm trying to say. For the price, it's a killer performance bargain. Yeah these other cars are faster, but significantly more expensive. I will continue my search and negotiations but i just wanted to share my experience thus far with everyone.

Thoughts on this?

i too have been looking around for new cars. the honda dealership by me has a sticker price for a 4door 09 si w/o navigation for 22g's. i did a little haggling with the man while we were test driving and he said they havent sold an si in a good 6 weeks and they would be glad to let this one go for $18,500. now i just need to get my approval from the bank for my loan!

[bouncer07]

All cars you named is very good in performances as well as the 1/4 mile times. I'd say with your experiences, have a good idea of what you want to drive for the next 3-4 years without trading it in cause it will make a big loss on your next purchase. That will be a money saver for the house. Also, if your not into big performance tuning, get the SI. If your looking for cars that are under $25K shop around more as you'll find the car you want. Here's what I'd do I'd get if my car is a DD, SI, MS3, Colbalt, 350Z (RWD). 350Z will be hard to drive if you have snow.

[redwing497]

Originally Posted by MattyLX

i too have been looking around for new cars. the honda dealership by me has a sticker price for a 4door 09 si w/o navigation for 22g's. i did a little haggling with the man while we were test driving and he said they havent sold an si in a good 6 weeks and they would be glad to let this one go for $18,500. now i just need to get my approval from the bank for my loan!

Holy crap dude that's an awesome deal. Whereabouts in NY are you? Do they have any coupes? I'm in NJ and it may be worth the trip!

And just to add, the performance of these other vehicles is very enticing, but from what I've read they depreciate like nobody's business. The Si seems to have better resale value. And, to be honest, I'm scared to death of actually owning a turbocharged car. If something even happened to that turbo, it's very expensive to fix. Leasing one doesn't bother me since it goes back but reliability plays a part in my purchase as well. Thanks for the feedback guys.

[bouncer07]

I see you did you research for the resale value.

[redwing497]

Originally Posted by bouncer07

I see you did you research for the resale value.

Yeah somewhat. I also listen to what you guys say and browse message boards of these other cars and find that they depreciate quickly. The performance looks great, but I would also like to see this purchase as an investment. (yeah bad investment because i lose money but you know what i mean)

[Phalanx]

Have you considered the VW GTI? My wife and I own one and we've been very pleased with it thus far. Its her DD, mine is the Si ... but like you mentioned, the GTI is more on par, pricewise, as the MS3

[Crucifer]

Challenger R/T, V6/8 Mustang, Mazda Miata MX5, RX-8, GTI, Pontiac G8

you still have a lot of competition to try...$20 says you fall in love with the Miata if your not afraid of driving a girly named car.

[redwing497]

Originally Posted by bouncer07

I see you did you research for the resale value.

Originally Posted by Crucifer

Challenger R/T, V6/8 Mustang, Mazda Miata MX5, RX-8, GTI, Pontiac G8

you still have a lot of competition to try...$20 says you fall in love with the Miata if your not afraid of driving a girly named car.

Thanks for your suggestions but each one you mentioned above is out of my price range with the exception of the Miata and V6 mustang. Would never drive a V6 mustang and the Miata is a little too small. Not a big fan and never was.

So basically where I'm at now, it's between the MS3 and the Si. I would have to spend a bit more to get the MS3 (I want the Grand Touring model) but we're not talking about a couple bucks here. I'm anticipating, when all is said and done, the MS3 will probably cost me about 3k more than the Si

[redwing497]

Originally Posted by Phalanx

Have you considered the VW GTI? My wife and I own one and we've been very pleased with it thus far. Its her DD, mine is the Si ... but like you mentioned, the GTI is more on par, pricewise, as the MS3

I considered it, but like you said, it's much more expensive. And I'm not a fan of how it looks, quite honestly. Plus, I've had that same engine in my A4 for a couple years (2007) so I'm bored with it. Great engine, don't get me wrong. Had the APR tuning done and it was pretty beastly, even in a 4000 lb. car.

[Phalanx]

Originally Posted by redwing497

I considered it, but like you said, it's much more expensive. And I'm not a fan of how it looks, quite honestly. Plus, I've had that same engine in my A4 for a couple years (2007) so I'm bored with it. Great engine, don't get me wrong. Had the APR tuning done and it was pretty beastly, even in a 4000 lb. car.

Yea... the engine is great, but its not really that 'fun' to drive, IMO. Its great for just putzing about town, but not much else. I'd imagine with a tune it could be more fun, but no need to do that on my wifes car.

Good luck w/ your search. Sounds like youve got a pretty good grasp of what you're getting yourself into and what you need/want. Thats a rarity around here.

Have you test-driven the Si yet? If you havent I'd suggest it... you might actually be displeased with how little torque there is coming from the 2.0T

[Crucifer]

2009 Subaru WRX as well...best performance in class currently besides the cobalt with GMs new turbo kit package.

[redwing497]

Actually, no I haven't. Not yet. Once busy season dies down for me (stupid tax season for accountants) I will be hitting the dealerships hard. I've read a lot about the lack of torque and I know it'll be something I will miss, but saving for a house and an ring is my top priority now. So naturally I'll have to make sacrifices in other areas, in this case it's the car. I'll just have to live with it, but I'm hoping its not as bad as what others say.

I've heard many mixed opinions on it.

[redwing497]

Originally Posted by Crucifer

2009 Subaru WRX as well...best performance in class currently besides the cobalt with GMs new turbo kit package.

Yeah but both are ugly as sin, IMO. And the WRX STARTS at 25k. Maybe too high

[Phalanx]

Originally Posted by redwing497

Actually, no I haven't. Not yet. Once busy season dies down for me (stupid tax season for accountants) I will be hitting the dealerships hard. I've read a lot about the lack of torque and I know it'll be something I will miss, but saving for a house and an ring is my top priority now. So naturally I'll have to make sacrifices in other areas, in this case it's the car. I'll just have to live with it, but I'm hoping its not as bad as what others say.

I've heard many mixed opinions on it.

Personally I dont think its that horrible... but Ive never driven high whp/wtq cars in the past. Who knows... maybe you'll love it

[Crucifer]

Originally Posted by redwing497

Yeah but both are ugly as sin, IMO

The hatchback with the sport grille is like equivelant to the MS3 with an additional scoop.



Anywhom my best opinion man is the same most will likely tell you...Don't discredit the Cobalt on looks alone...thats why theres body kits out there...



315hp/340lb-tq for the same MSRP as a Si...that performance aspect alone out weighs the negatives about looks/interior which can all be fixed in time. Esp if your into the modding community.

[ManhattanMechanic]

Originally Posted by redwing497

Actually, no I haven't. Not yet. Once busy season dies down for me (stupid tax season for accountants) I will be hitting the dealerships hard. I've read a lot about the lack of torque and I know it'll be something I will miss, but saving for a house and an ring is my top priority now. So naturally I'll have to make sacrifices in other areas, in this case it's the car. I'll just have to live with it, but I'm hoping its not as bad as what others say.

I've heard many mixed opinions on it.

It's actually quite easy to look past. For a few reasons:

1. The torque down low really isn't as bad as everyone thinks it is. I can still get up a hill at 35 MPH in 5th gear with only 1/4 to 1/2 throttle.

2. You can easily pass on the freeway without downshifting, it just wont be as fun than if you hit VTEC.

Overall, in this economy I'm sure you can get an Si for a decent price. There are a few Si sitting at a dealership near my hometown, and I know they are dying to get rid of them.

It's in Upstate NY, but I'm not sure if you want to travel that far.

Happy trails, and good luck!

[redwing497]

How do you figure the same MSRP? Unless no LSD or Sunroof on the Cobalt. Even then it probably still isn't close.

[Eric.]

Originally Posted by redwing497

How do you figure the same MSRP? Unless no LSD or Sunroof on the Cobalt. Even then it probably still isn't close.

And they start with 260hp...not sure where that extra 50hp is coming from...Definitely not for an Si price unless you get nav, summer tires, HFP 18"s and everything else possible, and nothing on the Cobalt.

[Phalanx]

Im hoping this link works.... but its a simple comparo of the Si, Cobalt, MS3 GT and WRX

http://www.autotrader.com/ac-servlet...=PRINTTHISPAGE