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Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Saturn Astra Prices Paid and Buying Experience
17 messages, Last post on Jun 28, 2009 at 5:01 AM
You are in the Prices Paid: Buying & Leasing Experiences Forum. Your Hosts are car_man & kyfdx
I was planning on buying a little white manual shift hatchback sometime next year, and had casually looked at the Mazda 3 and 6, the Kia Rio, the Vibe GT, Honda Fit, and Nissan Versa. While out grocery shopping on Saturday, my wife and I stopped by the Saturn dealership to see if we would fit in the Astra. She likes plenty of clearance from the steering wheel and doors, and I often lack legroom. The Astra was quite roomy for a compact. We also liked the solid sound made when the doors close (my other cars are a BMW 330i and a 300C Hemi). They mentioned that they had a white manual shift XE model with A/C on sale for $15495, $1960 less than the MSRP of $17455. That surprised me, given the reputation Saturn has of selling at MSRP, confirmed by the Edmunds TMV price. I said that was a good price, but I really didn't need to buy until next year. They then said they could knock off an additional $1500 using dealer coupons. At that point I took a test drive and was favorably impressed by the power, handling, comfort, maneuverability, and visibility of the car. The oddometer showed only 18 miles. Since white manual shift hatchbacks are very scarce in my area, I just couldn't pass up the deal. Allowing them the dealer fee of $498 (for tinted windows and front mud guards), $960 of sales tax, and $225 for a new tag and title, the out-the-door price was $15687. The salesman and his manager were very honest, not pushy, and good at providing information. Before we drove off, they took a photo of us and most of the staff showed up to chant their thanks and shake our hands. It was a little strange, but the overall experience was quite pleasant (no last minute fees or pressure to buy extras).
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Well, at 18045, the 5dr xr 5m was too pricey for me. I was about to go look at an SX4 or an XB when I decided to check online. One almost local Saturn dealer was giving 2,000 off any in stock Astra.... another was advertising they now take GM card dollars. Well I found yet a 3rd dealer that had a earlier MSRP (17545) one in stock. My family has more GM bucks than they know what to do with so I called them up and they gave them to me. I got full blue book for my car and an 08 Silver Sand Astra XR 5D 5M for 15545-1000 gm cash so 14545. I also got them to throw in the armrest and I refused to pay for the pin-striping and the wheel locks that were already on there. Add only a 100 dealer tag processing fee normal tax and tags and it was done. What an awesome car. On my way home it seemed a bit more jittery than i remembered. When I got home (120 miles) I checked the air pressure 45psi on a car that was rated 30. Adjusted it down and wow the perfect handling/riding car. Other than the tire pressure this was the best buying experience I have ever had to bad my local dealer (only 4 miles away) refused to match the 2k off(only gave 1500) and was trying to make me pay for pin striping and window etching. The only time they'll see me is for warranty work. |
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Replying to: pafromfl (Jul 30, 2008 7:29 pm) 
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Replying to: diexodos1 (Aug 24, 2008 9:16 am) |
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I've just started investigating purchasing an Astra (helping my parents). I usually spend a month or so researching my own vehicle purchases, but they're planning on buying this weekend while I'm visiting. Any interesting incentives for Saturn or GM that you all know about that might help? They are existing Saturn owners and love the one-price/no haggle ways of the dealerships. Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
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Replying to: timmboj (Oct 20, 2008 10:42 am)
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Replying to: no_one (Oct 20, 2008 2:42 pm)
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Replying to: slocko (Nov 23, 2008 11:11 am) i don't see a thread on leasing information? any help here? looking for a 36 month lease.
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Replying to: slocko (Nov 23, 2008 12:22 pm) |
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I gave my white manual shift XE hatchback (see #4 “unexpectedly purchased an Astra” by pafromfl Jul 30, 2008 7:29 pm) to my daughter and traded in her 2005 Sentra Special Edition automatic with 30,000 miles for a white manual shift sport XR hatchback with 14 miles for $8760 out-the-door. My daughter prefers a manual shift, and I’m happier knowing that she now has ABS, more airbags, and hopefully 3-5 years of warranty. Also, my XR handles a little better than the XE, has a better sound system, and sporty 18” wheels. The future of GM and Saturn is in doubt, but I like the Astra so much that I’ll happily take my chances.
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