Need some advice - thinking of trading my car in.

BernR6 · 02-09-2007, 10:09 AM

What's up kids, I need some advice. I'm thinking about trading my 03 RSX base in. Here's my situation...I'm looking to lease my next car. I've never done it before. I can't afford the payments with financing (due to saving for a wedding this august), and figure that leasing will at least allow me to get into a higher end model, but for less price initially. Anyway, obviously because it'll be a lease I'm okay with not modifying...at least until the lease is up. I know this is a Civic site, and I know there'll be some biased opinions. I was just curious if anyone has test driven the cars I have in mind. Granted, I'm going to do some test driving myself, but just wanted some opinions. All stock, which is probably the most enjoyable to drive daily...to the people who have driven these? Thanks for any opinions. Just wanted to get an idea about these vehicles. I've done a ton of research throughout the internet but that's it so far (I've even read the article from March 06 about these three vehicles against each other). Thanks for your help.

1. Civic Si Coupe or Sedan
2. VW GTI
3. Mini Cooper S

All of these fall within similar price ranges, and I don't really have an interest in anything else, except for more expensive cars.

NIGHTHAWKSI · 02-09-2007, 10:40 AM

my bias opinion is go for the SI coupe...preferably in nbp!

as for leasing...i didnt think there was a big differnce in payments from the finance/lease when the car is only ~24,000

***darna*** · 02-09-2007, 01:44 PM

congrats on the wedding...

here's my opinion, in order:
1. Si Sedan/Coupe
2. Mini S
3. Gti

Vince · 02-09-2007, 01:48 PM

Leasing will save you money each month, over financing/purchasing. My lease is 353, purchase was going to be in the neighborhood of $400, but then the dealership was playing price games with me so...they finally got off the dope.

audiophile · 02-09-2007, 02:29 PM

Never driven a GTi..

Mini S is pretty quick, a girl friend of mine has one, they're smallll though

My pick would the the Si sedan

and yea, I'd go with NBP too if I had to do it again.

blackhawk black si · 02-09-2007, 02:43 PM

A mini s is a chic car i dont know if your a girl or not but if not definitely do not get it. I test drove the GTI its pretty quick alot more torque than the SI but its ugly. I would get the SI of course.

striker_1818 · 02-09-2007, 02:49 PM

man leasing is like giving the dealership your money then after a couple ofyears give the car back while still paying for damages/scratches you might have done to the car...
ouch

BernR6 · 02-09-2007, 03:41 PM

Thanks for everyone's input. I'm a guy, so to the guy who mentioned about the Mini being a girl car, that probably is the case of not wanting to get one. I think they look sweet though in all black. I guess the problem would be that no matter how much I change or mod it, it's still a Mini afterall....however, they probably handle really well. So I understand what your saying.

To the other guy who mentioned about leasing, and then having to worry about paying for scratches and all that shaz when I bring it back. What if I lease initially since the payments will be slightly lower, with the intent of financing after my lease term is up? Has anyone done that? To me it would seem that if things get wrecked but I'm planning on keeping it anyway, then it doesn't matter if I bring the car back with dents, scratches, etc (not something I try to make happen though). Plus when I bring it back and finance, then I'd think the payments would be lower, because I'm then financing less. I guess what I'm trying to figure out, is a way to still have a toy, despite getting older. I'll be 29 soon, I'm getting married in august, and I'll be looking into getting a house but also paying down some other debts. I already agreed to sell my R6, so I'm scrounging to keep some vehicle that's fun to drive/ride. Most would think that getting a vehicle of this cost is unreasonable, so I'm trying to see if I can pull it off. I drive over a hundred miles a day, round trip to work, and I'm not really liking my 03 RSX base. I'm looking to trade, but also trying to pay down the negative equity which I'm going to get hit with when I try to trade. So that's my situation and why I wanted to know if anyone has driven those vehicles. I will admit that I'm an avid Honda-boy, and have been for the past 7 years. So the Si Coupe/Sedan is probably the car I'd do my pricing research on. Growing up and making mature decisions sucks. haha.

Vince · 02-09-2007, 04:01 PM

I've leased a handful of vehicles and have never financed the residual and "bought" the car at lease end, but that's how it works. When you lease, you get a "residual" of expected value of the car at lease end. You can turn the car in or finance that residual. In Honda's, the residual is usually less than the trade-value so instant equity, even with a lease (not in all cases). Honda financial even gives a 1500 allowance to cover any excess mileage or wear and tear charges that could be incurred with the lease termination.
But leases aren't good for anyone that puts miles on a car and or doesn't take super good care of them.

new06Civic · 02-09-2007, 04:13 PM

Hello kid and welcome to the site! You can see your choices below.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BernR6

What's up kids, I need some advice. I'm thinking about trading my 03 RSX base in. Here's my situation...I'm looking to lease my next car. I've never done it before. I can't afford the payments with financing (due to saving for a wedding this august), and figure that leasing will at least allow me to get into a higher end model, but for less price initially. Anyway, obviously because it'll be a lease I'm okay with not modifying...at least until the lease is up. I know this is a Civic site, and I know there'll be some biased opinions. I was just curious if anyone has test driven the cars I have in mind. Granted, I'm going to do some test driving myself, but just wanted some opinions. All stock, which is probably the most enjoyable to drive daily...to the people who have driven these? Thanks for any opinions. Just wanted to get an idea about these vehicles. I've done a ton of research throughout the internet but that's it so far (I've even read the article from March 06 about these three vehicles against each other). Thanks for your help.

1. Civic Si Coupe or Sedan
I traded the Coupe for the ASM 07 Si Sedan, and I am very happy with it. The Sedan is more practical and less bumpy and slightly better cornering. To me, any 8th Si models is better than the RSX.
2. VW GTI
It is not as fun to drive and refine as the 8th Si, but it is very practcal. It can get very expensive w/ VW options.
3. Mini Cooper S
It is very crampy and the least power.

All of these fall within similar price ranges, and I don't really have an interest in anything else, except for more expensive cars.

TommyD · 02-09-2007, 04:36 PM

If you are going to lease then forget about choosing what you want. Go to all the mfr's websites and see what specials they are running. Honda had sweet accords for $199 a month lease. I mean you can't beat that with one of Anna Nicole's tattays. Look at the websites and you can find very nice rides on the cheap.

Gamble · 02-09-2007, 04:56 PM

Don't expect to come to a banana store and all of us suggest you go get oranges.

BernR6 · 02-10-2007, 01:34 AM

Yes, that's to be expected. I was just curious if anyone had test driven the other cars I was considering. As was previously stated, I was able to get some opinions on the driving experiences with the other vehicles, that I was looking at. Thanks to all for your input on this. I'm going to look around and see what I can find, as far as leases go.

tonybui · 02-11-2007, 11:34 AM

Go to www.edmunds.com, watch the videos civic SI vs GTI and decide for yourself, mini cooper = no comment lolz

KingMarineM16a4 · 02-11-2007, 12:27 PM

http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28724

The GTi is a very fun car even with DSG automatic.

adamhoud · 02-11-2007, 06:27 PM

Just get a WRX spend 1K in mods and you will have 235/280 hp/torque.

bilzfan · 02-12-2007, 08:40 AM

My wife has an '04 RSX and I have an '07 Si sedan. I love both cars. If I were you I'd considr going to a credit union and refinancing your RSX so the payments go down. the payments on even a leased Si are going to be significant.

The Si is a great car but the RSX is also a great car. I prefer the lower driving position of the RSX. The reason we bought the 4 door Si sedan is because we have two boys.

truflip · 02-12-2007, 09:10 AM

has someone told u that you can modify a leased car?
just dont do anything permanent.
bolt ons are best since u can always remove them when lease is over

PS: i would get the Si Sedan if I were you =)

HondaSalesman2 · 02-12-2007, 10:23 AM

You should definatelly go for the Si!

As for leasing, If you call any financial advisor they will tell you to lease. You are not tying up a bunch of money and usually allows you for lower payments on a shorter term. As for the damage, when leasing with Honda you are allowed up to 1500 dollars worth of damage as long as one item does not exceed 500 dollars.. so.. if the tires are bald and it doesn't cost more than 500 bucks then you don't have to pay for them. Also gap protection is built in so you don't have to worry about that. If you have any additional questions concerning leasing just drop me a line. I do 60 percent of my business selling leases. They just make good financial sense.

Besides.. who's going to ever own their car anyways.. You always make payments why not get the lowest ones possible.

BernR6 · 02-12-2007, 12:01 PM

I'm glad about all the input I've been getting on my situation here. I appreciate it. Here's the only dilemma, which is something I failed to mention from the start. I got into an accident back in August with the RSX...it was $8000 in damages, and I wasn't at fault (which is negligible in this situation). However, it wasn't enough to total the car. They fixed it, and I got it back on the road. There was slight damage to the radiator support, which was fixed. They replaced the hood and front bumper and repainted everything to match. I've been to countless dealerships to try to trade it in. I feel like I'm shunned though, because of the accident. I bought it certified used, and apparently, because of the radiator support, every dealer is claiming that it's "frame damage." I know it's a uni-body construction and all, but the radiator support being fixed/replaced seems to be extremely minimal damage to the frame, if any. However, dealership guys don't see it as that, claim they can't certify it, and then low ball the trade in value...so because of the negative equity (the price was $18k when I bought it...it's an 03 and had 19k miles on it). So they're offering me $11k for the car. So til they add in how much I still owe, which is about $16k, I'm adding on $5k to the price of any car that I choose. I even looked at a used RSX-S for like $16k...when financing, I'm financing about $21k for the car. This brings up another problem because I can only get a car loan for the amount the car is worth. So I couldn't get a loan for $21k if the car is only worth about $16. So I'd have to put $5k down in cash, which I don't have. Aside from getting into another accident and having it totalled (cause I have gap insurance on this car), I think I'm screwed. Do you guys/girls agree?

02-09-2007, 10:09 AM	#1 (permalink)
BernR6 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ambler PA Age: 30 Posts: 14 Bernie iTrader: 0 / 0%	Need some advice - thinking of trading my car in. What's up kids, I need some advice. I'm thinking about trading my 03 RSX base in. Here's my situation...I'm looking to lease my next car. I've never done it before. I can't afford the payments with financing (due to saving for a wedding this august), and figure that leasing will at least allow me to get into a higher end model, but for less price initially. Anyway, obviously because it'll be a lease I'm okay with not modifying...at least until the lease is up. I know this is a Civic site, and I know there'll be some biased opinions. I was just curious if anyone has test driven the cars I have in mind. Granted, I'm going to do some test driving myself, but just wanted some opinions. All stock, which is probably the most enjoyable to drive daily...to the people who have driven these? Thanks for any opinions. Just wanted to get an idea about these vehicles. I've done a ton of research throughout the internet but that's it so far (I've even read the article from March 06 about these three vehicles against each other). Thanks for your help. 1. Civic Si Coupe or Sedan 2. VW GTI 3. Mini Cooper S All of these fall within similar price ranges, and I don't really have an interest in anything else, except for more expensive cars.

02-09-2007, 01:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
*darna* Tang Na! Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: anaheim Age: 34 Posts: 2,608 christian iTrader: 6 / 100%	congrats on the wedding... here's my opinion, in order: 1. Si Sedan/Coupe 2. Mini S 3. Gti __________________ *The last time I was inside a woman was when I went to the Statue of Liberty*

02-12-2007, 09:10 AM	#18 (permalink)
truflip Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ottawa, ON Age: 22 Posts: 7,437 iTrader: 11 / 100%	has someone told u that you can modify a leased car? just dont do anything permanent. bolt ons are best since u can always remove them when lease is over PS: i would get the Si Sedan if I were you =) Last edited by truflip; 02-12-2007 at 09:22 AM.

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02-09-2007, 10:40 AM	#2 (permalink)
NIGHTHAWKSI Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: long island Posts: 10,587 iTrader: 12 / 100%	my bias opinion is go for the SI coupe...preferably in nbp! as for leasing...i didnt think there was a big differnce in payments from the finance/lease when the car is only ~24,000

02-09-2007, 01:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
Vince Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Platte City, MO Age: 35 Posts: 901 Stephen "Vince" Carter iTrader: 0 / 0%	Leasing will save you money each month, over financing/purchasing. My lease is 353, purchase was going to be in the neighborhood of $400, but then the dealership was playing price games with me so...they finally got off the dope.

02-09-2007, 02:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
audiophile Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Minden, LA, USA Age: 24 Posts: 1,627 iTrader: 1 / 100%	Never driven a GTi.. Mini S is pretty quick, a girl friend of mine has one, they're smallll though My pick would the the Si sedan and yea, I'd go with NBP too if I had to do it again.

02-09-2007, 02:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
blackhawk black si Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: So Cal Posts: 499 iTrader: 0 / 0%	A mini s is a chic car i dont know if your a girl or not but if not definitely do not get it. I test drove the GTI its pretty quick alot more torque than the SI but its ugly. I would get the SI of course.

02-09-2007, 02:49 PM	#7 (permalink)
striker_1818 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: New York Age: 23 Posts: 9,192 I HATE Stephanie iTrader: 18 / 100%	man leasing is like giving the dealership your money then after a couple ofyears give the car back while still paying for damages/scratches you might have done to the car... ouch

02-09-2007, 03:41 PM	#8 (permalink)
BernR6 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ambler PA Age: 30 Posts: 14 Bernie iTrader: 0 / 0%	Thanks for everyone's input. I'm a guy, so to the guy who mentioned about the Mini being a girl car, that probably is the case of not wanting to get one. I think they look sweet though in all black. I guess the problem would be that no matter how much I change or mod it, it's still a Mini afterall....however, they probably handle really well. So I understand what your saying. To the other guy who mentioned about leasing, and then having to worry about paying for scratches and all that shaz when I bring it back. What if I lease initially since the payments will be slightly lower, with the intent of financing after my lease term is up? Has anyone done that? To me it would seem that if things get wrecked but I'm planning on keeping it anyway, then it doesn't matter if I bring the car back with dents, scratches, etc (not something I try to make happen though). Plus when I bring it back and finance, then I'd think the payments would be lower, because I'm then financing less. I guess what I'm trying to figure out, is a way to still have a toy, despite getting older. I'll be 29 soon, I'm getting married in august, and I'll be looking into getting a house but also paying down some other debts. I already agreed to sell my R6, so I'm scrounging to keep some vehicle that's fun to drive/ride. Most would think that getting a vehicle of this cost is unreasonable, so I'm trying to see if I can pull it off. I drive over a hundred miles a day, round trip to work, and I'm not really liking my 03 RSX base. I'm looking to trade, but also trying to pay down the negative equity which I'm going to get hit with when I try to trade. So that's my situation and why I wanted to know if anyone has driven those vehicles. I will admit that I'm an avid Honda-boy, and have been for the past 7 years. So the Si Coupe/Sedan is probably the car I'd do my pricing research on. Growing up and making mature decisions sucks. haha.

02-09-2007, 04:01 PM	#9 (permalink)
Vince Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Platte City, MO Age: 35 Posts: 901 Stephen "Vince" Carter iTrader: 0 / 0%	I've leased a handful of vehicles and have never financed the residual and "bought" the car at lease end, but that's how it works. When you lease, you get a "residual" of expected value of the car at lease end. You can turn the car in or finance that residual. In Honda's, the residual is usually less than the trade-value so instant equity, even with a lease (not in all cases). Honda financial even gives a 1500 allowance to cover any excess mileage or wear and tear charges that could be incurred with the lease termination. But leases aren't good for anyone that puts miles on a car and or doesn't take super good care of them.

02-09-2007, 04:36 PM	#11 (permalink)
TommyD Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,358 iTrader: 0 / 0%	If you are going to lease then forget about choosing what you want. Go to all the mfr's websites and see what specials they are running. Honda had sweet accords for $199 a month lease. I mean you can't beat that with one of Anna Nicole's tattays. Look at the websites and you can find very nice rides on the cheap.

02-09-2007, 04:56 PM	#12 (permalink)
Gamble Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: New Orleans Age: 20 Posts: 147 Gamble iTrader: 0 / 0%	Don't expect to come to a banana store and all of us suggest you go get oranges.

02-10-2007, 01:34 AM	#13 (permalink)
BernR6 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ambler PA Age: 30 Posts: 14 Bernie iTrader: 0 / 0%	Yes, that's to be expected. I was just curious if anyone had test driven the other cars I was considering. As was previously stated, I was able to get some opinions on the driving experiences with the other vehicles, that I was looking at. Thanks to all for your input on this. I'm going to look around and see what I can find, as far as leases go.

02-11-2007, 11:34 AM	#14 (permalink)
tonybui Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 160 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Go to www.edmunds.com, watch the videos civic SI vs GTI and decide for yourself, mini cooper = no comment lolz

02-11-2007, 12:27 PM	#15 (permalink)
KingMarineM16a4 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Arlington, Texas Age: 19 Posts: 5,274 David iTrader: 0 / 0%	http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28724 The GTi is a very fun car even with DSG automatic.

02-11-2007, 06:27 PM	#16 (permalink)
adamhoud Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,024 Adam iTrader: 3 / 100%	Just get a WRX spend 1K in mods and you will have 235/280 hp/torque.

02-12-2007, 08:40 AM	#17 (permalink)
bilzfan Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Johnson City, NY (Upstate) Age: 46 Posts: 119 Gordon Jackson iTrader: 0 / 0%	My wife has an '04 RSX and I have an '07 Si sedan. I love both cars. If I were you I'd considr going to a credit union and refinancing your RSX so the payments go down. the payments on even a leased Si are going to be significant. The Si is a great car but the RSX is also a great car. I prefer the lower driving position of the RSX. The reason we bought the 4 door Si sedan is because we have two boys.

02-12-2007, 10:23 AM	#19 (permalink)
HondaSalesman2 Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 27 iTrader: 0 / 0%	You should definatelly go for the Si! As for leasing, If you call any financial advisor they will tell you to lease. You are not tying up a bunch of money and usually allows you for lower payments on a shorter term. As for the damage, when leasing with Honda you are allowed up to 1500 dollars worth of damage as long as one item does not exceed 500 dollars.. so.. if the tires are bald and it doesn't cost more than 500 bucks then you don't have to pay for them. Also gap protection is built in so you don't have to worry about that. If you have any additional questions concerning leasing just drop me a line. I do 60 percent of my business selling leases. They just make good financial sense. Besides.. who's going to ever own their car anyways.. You always make payments why not get the lowest ones possible.

02-12-2007, 12:01 PM	#20 (permalink)
BernR6 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Ambler PA Age: 30 Posts: 14 Bernie iTrader: 0 / 0%	I'm glad about all the input I've been getting on my situation here. I appreciate it. Here's the only dilemma, which is something I failed to mention from the start. I got into an accident back in August with the RSX...it was $8000 in damages, and I wasn't at fault (which is negligible in this situation). However, it wasn't enough to total the car. They fixed it, and I got it back on the road. There was slight damage to the radiator support, which was fixed. They replaced the hood and front bumper and repainted everything to match. I've been to countless dealerships to try to trade it in. I feel like I'm shunned though, because of the accident. I bought it certified used, and apparently, because of the radiator support, every dealer is claiming that it's "frame damage." I know it's a uni-body construction and all, but the radiator support being fixed/replaced seems to be extremely minimal damage to the frame, if any. However, dealership guys don't see it as that, claim they can't certify it, and then low ball the trade in value...so because of the negative equity (the price was $18k when I bought it...it's an 03 and had 19k miles on it). So they're offering me $11k for the car. So til they add in how much I still owe, which is about $16k, I'm adding on $5k to the price of any car that I choose. I even looked at a used RSX-S for like $16k...when financing, I'm financing about $21k for the car. This brings up another problem because I can only get a car loan for the amount the car is worth. So I couldn't get a loan for $21k if the car is only worth about $16. So I'd have to put $5k down in cash, which I don't have. Aside from getting into another accident and having it totalled (cause I have gap insurance on this car), I think I'm screwed. Do you guys/girls agree?