Getting a new car soon!!!!

scottvamp · February 2003

Finally I am getting a "new" used car. I start shopping tomorrow.
Good news is that I know what I am getting. Lots and lots of research and comparision on the web. Good stuff.
Looking at the low mile 2000/2001. I can't wait. I am long over due for a new ride. I am excited like little kid again.

Mitsubishi Eclipse GT

brettw22 · February 2003

Didn't you just say something a few days ago about waiting a while to get a Tiburon? I'm confused......

scottvamp · February 2003

Good catch Brett - don't be confused my friend. That was during my research phase. After doing some comparing on different cars I really like the Eclipse GT.
It blows the Celica GT and Tiburon out of the water. I was looking at buying new on the Tiburon loaded and won't be able to swing the payments. But a used low mile Eclipse GT should put me where I need to be on payments. I still have to get the financing part all settled but I am getting very close now.:D

brettw22 · February 2003

If you can hold out, Mitsubishi runs a KILLER promo seemingly yearly that you have NO payments for the first year. Of course you wanna save that money up, but regardless, if strapped for some cash, it's a good deal. Just don't plan on selling it for a while since you'll be even more upside down as you've not made a single payment..........

Steve@3dai · February 2003

Wanna run?

Tour2ma · February 2003

That the new WRX wagon?

A Bud's got the sedan and he loves it... especially for controlled 4 wheel drifts on wet pavement.

Steve@3dai · February 2003

Yea, WRX wagon. Is he really drifting it, or just understeering it? There seems to be a lot of confusion between the two

Dr. Spec · February 2003

New WRX on the horizon - 300 big ones under the hood. Still won't run with John Strong's Mustang, though.

I used to rip off high 13's and low 14's in the quarter with my old Chevelle - those were the days of a hot Chevy small block that could be souped up so easy.

Rochester Quadrajet carb, Edelbrock intake, Crane ignition, Crane cam and lifters, Zoom triple chain timing gear, Alumakote headers with custom dual exhaust and Thrush mufflers, THM-350 tranny with a B&M stage II shift kit, and 3:73 Posi 12 bolt rear end.

Man that thing would fly. Nothing like the sound of an unrestricted American small block V-8 at full howl. The new **** stuff is nice and it sure can be made to run with the big dogs with electronic fuel/air management and nitrous and turbocharging, but I'm sorry, it just ain't the same.

Steve@3dai · February 2003

Subaru WRX STi
300hp and 300ft/lbs. 2.5L turbocharged. That thing is going to be a beast, and will commence the domination of the streets.

Mine does about a 13.8ish I'm thinking, haven't ran it lately but I beat a 14.0 car. Plus, it's also about handling and stability, no good to have 400+ hp if you can't take the twisties

faster100 · February 2003

Hey scott, Let me give you a few suggestions on the car shopping, Not assuming you don't already know or what not..

as you know i just got a new Xterra and learned a few tricks from my wifes dad with 30+ years in the sales business under his belt.. first off check out www.Edmunds.com
they will give car reviews, any rebates or low apr's available for said cars you search,
Go to consumer reports.com for more info, I actually used my father in-laws account that he had left to do alot of research, he also just bought a new car, I can search and e-mail any stats you need off the members section of consumer reports for any cars your interested in,

lastly, always tell the sales Guy, " i know you can do better than that price" First time i did, took 2 grand off the price, It works.. also after you get the best deal possible, so you think.. ask for a buyers order, that lists all the prices and deals they give you... Then got to another dealer with the same car and ask, what can ya do for me, I have a buyers order from Joe smoe, they will beat that price and usually give incentives to shop there..

If you liked the first dealer better, leave #2 and head back to the first place, Ok joe smoe i have a buyers order from #2 dealer can you beat it?? It works...

just a few suggestions, if you already know this stuff i'm sorry for beating a dead horse..

I looked at the Hyundai sante'fe's first and the second dealer i wen't to gave me money off and free oil changes and tires for life. now you can't beat that for a deal maker, although Nissan gave us a deal we couldn't say NO to, $22000.00 Out the door, tax, tag and the works, when the sticker was almost 24,000 before anything was added...

research, is key and play the game, we started shopping last week and had the one we wanted By Friday(V-day) don't be pushed or rushed in one day by the sales Guy, walk and they will call you if you had a chance in the first place.. Good Luck

Dr. Spec · February 2003

Originally posted by Steve@3dai
Plus, it's also about handling and stability, no good to have 400+ hp if you can't take the twisties

No argument my friend. Today's cars, muscle or otherwise, are so much better than the cars of the 60's it's not even funny.

I'll stack up an '03 Z06 Vette against any old Vette any day of the week. In terms of overall performance, comfort, handling, reliability, and safety - the new guy dominates hands down over the old timer.

I was just waxing nostalgic about the sound, feel, and smell of the old pushrod American V-8 bellowing through an open air cleaner, a 4 bbl carb, a hot cam, high comp pistons, and headers. Ahhh.....

scottvamp · February 2003

First Off that WRX wagon is the ugliest car I have ever seen.
No really. I don't care if it has a 600hp V12. Geesshhh!!!!

Faster - thanks very much. Buying tips is really what I was looking for when I started this thread.
Here's the situation:
I have already been financed but I have to make a deal that is going to keep me in my monthly price range. I do have a tradein to reduce the price a little.
New is not an option. Ya - Mit is always offering 0% and no payments for a year. And about 5% of people are approved.
$22000 new and $15000 with about 20000 miles. Little or No money down and your starting upside down. At 15 grand the price slowly drops from there.
Here's the thing: I live in a small town in Arizona and have to travel 250 miles to Pheonix to get a deal. So it is a one day thing.
There is a huge auto mall their and I will be using your advise Faster to wheel and deal.
Any other advice!!!!!

faster100 · February 2003

Good deal scott, also the finance guy told us if we pay our monthly payment just 5 days before its due for the duration of the loan it will drop a year of interest, reason?? because 5 days ahead is within the same payment period as the month prior's payment and will go straight to the principal and not interest, hence anything over your due payment say $400.00 go's right to the loan amount, say you paid 450.00 every month instead of 400.00 you would also drop tons of interest off the loan, anyways good luck and give ol' scott some advice he can take to the bank and help him out....

goingganzo · February 2003

the eclips is a very good car and i allmost had i but i got my alero when they had 12months no intrest no payments if the mitishibushi had that i would be driveing a convertable. v6 eclips

Steve@3dai · February 2003

Originally posted by scottvamp
First Off that WRX wagon is the ugliest car I have ever seen.
No really. I don't care if it has a 600hp V12. Geesshhh!!!!

At least I'm not buying a girlie car.

RuSsMaN · February 2003

Agreed Steve.

What's the Eclipse look like? A Bar of soap?

Cheers,
Russ

scottvamp · February 2003

A bar of soap - a girlie car??????
Ya - you can get some girlies with this car!!!!!
Not sure about that station wagon though.....

faster100 · February 2003

Funny, hey to each is own i say, The eclipse does lok nice though, the awd spider would be nice, Turbo and all...

Steve@3dai · February 2003

The GS-T or GS-X is a real Eclipse, 2nd gen. Those are true DSMs. 3rd gen are slow.

Scott, you can pick up on all the high schoolers you want with that car

hahahaha

Wait, I'm kinda dating a high schooler now. Dammit!

Oh, and Scott, please, for the love of all things good, don't slap a big wing and gauady exhaust on it.

Even if Scott and I don't agree on his car choice, it's still swank to get a new car!

faster100 · February 2003

Actually i liked his first choice even better, The tiburon's are nice looking cars, haven't researched to see what they have but looks is a plus, their is one down the street from me with after market rims and a small wing and it looks hott, silver in color.. Nice ride..
I actually like the celica's this year also... sports car wise its to each is own i guess, I am not into the sport car thing much anymore, Had a 95 Mustang before the kids and stuff and now the space and SUV look is what we like as of now.. if i want muscle i will get a old Nova or chevelle.. I had a 73 Nova until i wrecked it about 5 years ago.. those were the days and long since gone...

faster100 · February 2003

lets see if i can cut and paste this,

faster100 · February 2003

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Model year: 2002 Vehicle type: Sports/sporty car
Mitsubishi Eclipse

Click here for a guide to the Ratings and reviews

Although it offers a powerful 3.0-liter V6 engine, the Eclipse just doesn't feel very sporty to drive. Handling and braking are nothing special, and the ride is stiff and busy. The manual shifter feels balky and imprecise, and the clutch pedal's long travel forces drivers to sit closer to the wheel than they might like. The front seats are reasonably comfortable, but the cockpit is surprisingly cramped, especially in the rear. The hatchback design adds versatility. Early 2003 updates include a light exterior freshening and the addition of a new GTS variant, with 210 hp and a higher level of standard equipment. A convertible model, called the Spyder, is also available.

This review represents our latest advice on the current model. It's based on our expert perspective, plus the latest reliability and test data for this year's model or an essentially similar predecessor. Click here for complete road test information.

Body styles and prices

Price range Trim lines

2-door hatchback $18,087 - $21,147 RS, GS, GT

Convertible $23,617 - $27,000E GS, GT, GTS

faster100 · February 2003

The Tiburon is a traditional sporty coupe with tiny rear seats and a hatchback rear gate. It was redesigned and released in mid-2002 as a 2003 model. The new Tiburon picked up more elegant styling but retained its meager head room. The cockpit is now more conventional and has a higher-quality feel. The top-of-the-line GT model comes with a six-speed manual transmission that shifts pretty well but not all that precisely. The GT's 2.7-liter V6 is smooth and refined but isn't all lthat eager to rev. Base models continue to use a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. Handling is fairly nimble, but not as involving as one might expect. The ride is very stiff, even more so than other cars of this ilk.

New for 2003: Redesigned.

Reliability: Because this is a new model, there is no data to show its reliability history

Price range Trim lines

coupe $15,999 - $17,999 Base, GT V6

faster100 · February 2003

Model year: 2003 Vehicle type: Sports/sporty car
Nissan 350Z

Click here for a guide to the Ratings and reviews

The new-for-2003 350Z two-seater revives Nissan's famed Z series of sports cars that started their reign in the early 1970s when Nissan was still called Datsun. The new car shares mechanical components, including a wonderfully strong and smooth V6, with the Infiniti G35. 17-inch alloy wheels are standard, and 18-inch wheels are available. The manual gearbox has six speeds. The five-speed automatic can be shifted like a manual. Competitors include the Audi TT, BMW Z4, Honda S2000, and Mazda RX-8. A convertible arrives in the spring of 2003.

Tests and reliability: This model is new, so no test results apply, nor are there survey responses to show reliability history.

Price range Trim lines

coupe $26,269 - $34,079 Base, Enthusiast, Touring, Performance, Track

faster100 · February 2003

Model year: 2002 Vehicle type: Sports/sporty car
Toyota Celica

Click here for a guide to the Ratings and reviews

The current Toyota Celica, the car's seventh generation, arrived for the 2000 model year. The interior takes some design cues from the race-car world. With six speeds and lighter weight, it's a more focused sporty coupe than its stablemate, the Toyota Camry Solara. Handling is capable, nimble, and secure, making the Celica fun to drive. The ride is pretty good for a sporty coupe, and the hatchback configuration adds versatility. The GT-S's 1.8-liter, 180-hp Four is a stronger performer than the GT's 140-hp version, but the difference is only apparent at very high rpm. The budget-minded may prefer the GT, which costs about $5,000 less and delivers comparable low- and mid-range acceleration. Optional on the GT-S is a four-speed automatic that can be shifted manually.

This review represents our latest advice on the current model. It's based on our expert perspective, plus the latest reliability and test data for this year's model or an essentially similar predecessor. Click here for complete road test information.

Price range Trim lines

2-door hatchback $17,085 - $21,555 GT, GT-S

goingganzo · February 2003

my next car i eather want a mini copper s or a new Z car.
the tiberan is a bit cheasy for me but look nice.

faster100 · February 2003

I know they are long, But these reviews are straight from consumer reports, and you have to have an account to get this info, I do so i thought i would share with you Scott,

The tiburon was to new to have a rating, the Eclipse had a few bad marks for room, comfort, and some others, actually the Toyota celica had the best consumer report results.... I will look on edmunds to see who is offering rebates and low apr's.. you might have already been approved and made your mind up but i'm bored with some time to kill so thought i would do some research for ya for the heck of it for what it's worth, and being No one else gave you any buying advice i don't think

faster100 · February 2003

give me your zip code and i can check better, But looks like 2002 Mits eclipse has a $1750.00 cash back rebate

and None for Toyota

and $900.00 rebate for Tiburon's

that means that comes off what ever price you come to and your down payment, and you don't need tons down, that only makes your payment lower and possibly get better options, cause you offset the extra cost of options with what money you put down.. I know i put to much time into your experiance to get a new car but like i said, I am bored........ Good luck

RuSsMaN · February 2003

Since we are on the car topic: Fyi...

Car Thieves Are Back in Force After a Decade of Declines
NEW YORK (The Wall Street Journal)--After slowing down for nearly a decade, auto thefts are gaining speed again.
The sour economy is a major contributor to the rise in stolen vehicles, and more sophisticated auto-theft rings are compounding the problem. Increasingly, stolen cars are chopped up for parts or shipped whole overseas, where they can fetch three times as much as they do in the U.S. Currently, roughly four out of 10 stolen cars are never recovered.

In all, the number of stolen vehicles rose 5.7%, to about 1.23 million in 2001, and preliminary figures show that thefts rose again in 2002, says the National Insurance Crime Bureau, a nonprofit group of insurers.

The figures reflect a grim truth: In the arms race to safeguard cars, the bad guys are making a comeback. Car thefts are currently the third most frequent crime in the U.S., behind thefts from cars, and home burglaries. To give consumers an edge, companies have concocted a bewildering array of antitheft gadgets, from inexpensive steering wheel locks to "smart keys" to sophisticated satellite tracking services. But before throwing money at any of these, auto-theft experts suggest trying to evaluate the level of threat facing your vehicle.

How vulnerable you are depends on your car's make and model, but perhaps most important, where you live. By this month's end, the NICB plans to roll out a new service on its Web site (www.nicb.org) where car owners can find out how likely it is their chariot will join the hot wheels set. Car owners plug in the vehicle's make, model and where they live; each participant's score correlates to different levels of security measures.

In most regions, car thefts reflect car sales. So in California, a bastion of foreign-car sales, eight of the 10 most stolen cars were imports, according to the NICB. By contrast, nine of the 10 most stolen vehicles in Ohio were General Motors Corp. brands.

But there are some geographical oddities as well. The Mustang is the second most stolen car in Montana, but made the top 10 in only four other states. The Cadillac DeVille is among the most stolen cars in several Southern states.

In St. Louis, Chrysler vehicles have been targets of an alarming upsurge of thefts, says Police Chief Joseph Mokwa. From July through December of last year, 1,372 Chrysler vehicles -- which include Jeep, Chrysler and Dodge -- were stolen in the St. Louis area, more than twice the number stolen a year earlier. By contrast, theft of other makes rose 13% last year.

Many of the Chryslers have been stolen by groups of teenagers, for joyriding or renting out to friends at up to $50 a day, says Mr. Mokwa. Some of the apprehended juveniles have "made it clear that they found a defect in the Chrysler ignition system" that allows them to drive off the vehicle within about 60 seconds. Though confined to St. Louis for the moment, authorities fear that knowledge could spread to thieves in other cities.

Owners do have a few new tools at their disposal. Increasingly, new cars come with sophisticated antitheft equipment. These often consist of a tiny electronic transmitter in a "smart key," which emits a unique signal needed to start the car. Almost all new Ford Motor models have such a system, as do several models by GM, which also offers a less sophisticated version on other models that doesn't use a computer chip in the key. The antitheft ignition systems have helped cut the rate of theft on newer model vehicles that have them, say auto and insurance-industry officials.

DaimlerChrysler says about 49% of its 2002-model-year vehicles were sold with the antitheft system, and that three of its models -- the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Chrysler 300M and Dodge Neon -- have it as standard equipment. It's offered as an option on almost all other models. The system can be added to the Sebring sedan, which has a starting price around $19,000, as part of a $297 option package. A Chrysler spokesman says his company has a higher percentage of anti-theft ignitions on its vehicles than some auto makers. He also said the company is looking into the St. Louis situation.

Many consumers have unwittingly disarmed their new antitheft ignition systems by installing kits that allow them to start their vehicles by remote control, says GM. The remote option is popular in very hot or cold climates because it starts running the heater or air conditioner while the vehicle is unoccupied. GM and other auto makers now offer remote-starting devices compatible with antitheft ignitions.

Ironically, some auto-theft experts believe that the prevalance of car antitheft devices has actually made drivers more vulnerable to carjackings, which federal statistics indicate occur over 20,000 times a year in the U.S.

To help prevent such heists, Toyota Motor, for one, has added a feature to some of its models that automatically locks the doors when the vehicle is put into drive or reverse, says Paul Williamsen, a product education manager. Toyota models with this feature include, Camry, Corolla and Lexus.

Such clever gadgetry is miles ahead of simple devices such as "The Club," which became popular by the early 1990s and is still one of the most widespread after-market antitheft devices. Though the device can be defeated, police say it can also cause a thief to move on to another car.

Likewise, audio alarms may be disparaged as mere noise makers, but "if your intent is to steal a vehicle and the alarm goes off, you do take note," says John van Wiemeersch, a Ford engineering supervisor. Insurance companies in about a dozen states still offer discounts on auto insurance for vehicles with alarms, he adds.

For those who can't afford tracking devices, a few dollars buys a handful of theft-deterrent decals -- hey, who's going to know? For under $50, tire deflators cause the tires to go flat if they rotate before the device is removed. And hidden switches can prevent fuel or electricity from flowing.

Of all the weapons in a car owner's potential arsenal, common sense might be the most effective: Park in a well-lit area, take the keys out of the ignition and lock the doors.

But the safest advice of all might be to move. Cities at or near the U.S. border are often particularly susceptible, since it is easier to ship the cars out the country from those locales. The highest incidences of theft, with over 1,000 vehicles taken per 100,000 population, occurred in Phoenix and Miami, according to NICB data. By contrast, State College, Pa., had a mere 44 heists per 100,000.

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Copyright (c) 2003 Dow Jones Reuters Business Interactive LLC (Factiva) Received By NewsEDGE/LAN:Tue Feb 18 01:20:41 2003

scottvamp · February 2003

Faster- thanks again for all the info. Very Cool! Area code 86401
I have been doing tons of research and every car has it's pros and cons.
It is strange to read reviews because what one person feels about a car another feels totally different.
Getting to completly different reviews on the same exact car.
All the research is giving me a headache.

brettw22 · February 2003

Use zip code 85016. That's my zip in Phoenix and may affect the actual rebates being issued as compared to Scotts zip code up north.

When are you making the purchase Scott? I have a co-worker that has one and from what I know, she likes it. Have you talked to people that have actually owned one? You've driven one, true? If not, I would hope you do two trips......one to actually test drive and evaluate, and then another to actually do the purchasing after you've got all the research done based on real life situations...........

Getting a new car soon!!!!

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