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Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous

32430 messages,  Last post on May 24, 2013 at 10:20 PM

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#30265 of 32430 Elantra GT test drive by breld

Feb 15, 2013 (4:21 pm)

My wife and I went and test drove the Elantra GT over lunch - found a nice one with just the "touch & go" package, which adds the 17" wheels, leather steering wheel/shifter, proximity key and a couple of other things for $950. Nicely equipped if you don't need the panoramic sunroof. When I tested one last year, it was a manual, so I was interested to drive the automatic this time.
 
I was very pleased with the way it drove - thought it was sporty enough in handling, and acceleration was at least adequate. I like the styling inside and out. Rear legroom was decent for the size of car. Quiet on the highway.
 
Without a direct contrast to the Mazda3 or Focus, I like it. But I plan on taking a closer look at those two again. And that used Golf TDI is a strong contender too.

#30266 of 32430 Lease tips? by breld

Feb 15, 2013 (4:25 pm)

With these hatchbacks I'm considering, I'm strongly considering leasing for the first time.
 
How do you evaluate a lease deal? I can back into the payments using the terms of the lease, but what do you negotiate on? The money rate and residual are set, right? So do you concentrate on the cost of the car (cap cost, right?) just like with a purchase, and figure the payments that way?
 
Is there a rule of thumb on what a good lease payment is based on the relative value of the car? How much is "too much" to put down ($0 down would be nice)?
 
Thanks for the input - I'm certainly well versed in negotiating the purchase of a car, but not sure how to do so with a lease.

#30267 of 32430 Re: Chronic Tire Buyers Anonymous [xwesx] by ateixeira

Feb 15, 2013 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: xwesx (Feb 15, 2013 3:20 pm)
Funny thing is the speedo reads fast now, at least compared to the GPS. About 1-2 mph faster than I'm going at highway speeds.
 
With new tire it will read a little slow, but by about the same difference.
 
Bob pointed out my gearing will be 5% taller but I'm fine with that, as even 6th gear is way too short.
 
Some times I look for 7th, because 6th revs so high i think im in 4th!
 
Still haven't found 7th gear. LOL

#30268 of 32430 Re: Elantra GT test drive [breld] by ateixeira

Feb 15, 2013 (4:27 pm)

Replying to: breld (Feb 15, 2013 4:21 pm)
How did you find the ride?
 
I drove the 17"s but with the sport suspension and felt it was slightly brittle.

#30269 of 32430 Re: Elantra GT test drive [ateixeira] by breld

Feb 15, 2013 (4:53 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 15, 2013 4:27 pm)
Oh - that's the other thing that comes with that "Touch & Go" package - the "sports" suspension.
 
I had your recent review in mind during the test drive, and I didn't really notice any harshness to the ride, though I can't say we went over any particularly bad roads or bumps.
 
My wife definitely likes it over the Mazda3 in the styling department - though she did say that if I like the drive of the Mazda better then that should bear more weight in the decision. I'm definitely swayed by the fact the Mazda3 is due for a model change and the Elantra GT is a fresh design.
 
I'm interested to check out the Focus to see if that auto trannie is as bad as everyone says. And I'll likely check out the Impreza too.

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Feb 15, 2013 (4:56 pm)

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#30271 of 32430 Re: Chronic Tire Buyers Anonymous [ateixeira] by tifighter

Feb 15, 2013 (5:08 pm)

Replying to: ateixeira (Feb 15, 2013 2:56 pm)
My stock size was 205/45R17, but there is also a 215/45R17 factory tire. I purchased 215/50R17, same as the 2 folks mentioned above.
 
Interesting. Will be curious to hear your impressions. If the ride quality is better, is it because of the bigger sidewall or that its a different tire? Maybe some of both?
 
BTW- are you on the miata net forums?

#30272 of 32430 Re: Lease tips? [breld] by jayrider

Feb 15, 2013 (5:21 pm)

Replying to: breld (Feb 15, 2013 4:25 pm)
Leasing the Sonata is super cheap. Lots of manufacturer back money. The Elentra is new so it's hard to say whether the deals are super. Check ridewithg.com for info.

#30273 of 32430 Re: Lease tips? [breld] by nyccarguy

Feb 15, 2013 (5:48 pm)

Replying to: breld (Feb 15, 2013 4:25 pm)
Breld
 
There is actually a lot to focus on when you are talking about a lease. 1st & foremost is the selling price of the car. You negotiate this just as you would a purchase.
 
The residual value is set by "the bank," or leasing company.
 
The lease rate or money factor is also set by the bank, but dealers are allowed to mark this up to make additional profit. The dealer will play the "it's only $20 per month more" card, but that $20 is actually $720 over the 36 month life of the lease.
 
All leases have what's called a bank fee or acquisition fee. This is set. Usually somewhere between $500 & $800. I know for a fact that BMW allows its dealers to mark this up an additional $200 (for added profit).
 
There is an article somewhere on the web (maybe even here on edmunds?) that breaks down on whether a lease is a good deal compared to traditional financing. I forget what the exact number is but it's something like $150 per month per $10,000 or something like that.
 
Don't put any money "down" as a capitalized cost reduction. Roll your taxes into the payment. If your car gets stolen or totaled at any point, that money will be gone.
 
Keep in mind that aside from the bank fee I mentioned above, you are also on the hook for a disposition fee (usually $350) at the end of the lease (if you keep the car that long).
 
Check your state's law regarding GAP insurance. All leasing (& finance) contracts written in NEW YORK STATE include GAP insurance. The state of CT does not, so dealers can bang you over the head with that in the F&I office.
 
Did I leave anything out?

#30274 of 32430 Re: Elantra GT test drive [breld] by sandman_6472

Feb 15, 2013 (7:55 pm)

Replying to: breld (Feb 15, 2013 4:53 pm)
At work, I've driven probably 20 or so brand new Foci and have taken 2 on an extended ride...one to the Keys and one to the west coast. Personally I like the car and I'm not a Ford person at all and I prefer the hatch version also, looks sleeker to me. The gauges are no nonsense but bland with a very ho him color...and the radio, MySync, is overly complicated that I just gave up on it. The tranny is wonkey, that's the best I can describe it. Been told by others on here that the tranny needs to "learn" the driver's driving style to cooperate and not feel so wonkey. Makes sense I guess but not sure if I'd do it. The Mazda3 is definitely the sexier looking vehicle, a much cooler looking hatch and I can recommend that Mazda reliability is top notch...ours is already at 116k and with the recent repairs, like a brand new vehicle. I think if the wife could keep this car forever, she probably would she likes it that much. Best thing to do is to rent the Focus hatch for a week and put it through your everyday life driving situations, you'll soon find out if this is a vehicle to add to the stable. And if not, you've had a fun week...money well spent in my opinion but with the way y'all flip vehicles, maybe not!
 
The Sandman

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