Quote:
Originally Posted by Staticz
I have considered leasing, but I really would prefer to own the car. Financially I should be fine, I have had a credit card for 5 years or so, have no student loans, and cost of living is fairly low here. If I stay in the 20-25k range, I shoul be fine.
the problem with gen coupe, gti, and wrx is they msrp in the 24-25k range.
I fear the brz will have a similar price issue, but hopefully the frs is closer to the civic SI/v6 mustang price
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Just for clarification, when you lease you retain the option to own at the end of the lease. For instance, my mother just leased a 2012 Honda Accord LX for $0 down ($315.24 down for DMV fee's), $199 a month for 36 months - no acquisition fee's or anything since Hardin dealership absorbed the costs. At the end of the lease she can buy the Accord for $13,04x. That means she bought the car for $21,1xx sans dmv fee's and taxes. Which is exactly how much it is on truecar.com at the moment. Except now, she has the option of walking away from it after 3 years if she doesn't want to keep it.
Chevy is running a similar program with the Volt for $299 a month, $0 down.
As for the price of the FR-S, seriously... you know the estimated price of $25k. If you're in a financial position to buy a new car, what's the difference of $1,500 -+ ?? If it's that detrimental to your finances, reconsider a new car. People getting bent out of shape over not knowing if it will be $24,000 or $26,000 and throwing claims that 'the car isn't worth it' when they haven't driven it are simply trolls with no business in purchasing discussions.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Maxim
Leasing to own might be a very viable way for him to reduce the monthly payment if he isn't willing to put down a sizable deposit. However, if he's established some credit, taken out student loans in his own name, kept a credit card and used it regularly while paying off, etc, he may be able to get a very competitive APR on a vehicle loan. If he can, then I would go that route. More money spent up front but less in the long term.
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Correct, I'm sure my student loans helped quite a bit in boosting my credit score - but see above, it isn't entirely true that 'owning' is financially better than leasing, it comes down to the deal.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Staticz
I am finding it hard to justify to myself why I should get an fr-s/gc/gti over something like the Mazda 3... 40 mpg highway, regular vs premium fuel, still supposed to be fun to drive.. Tho I hate the smileyface.
I WANT an fr-s but I'm having trouble lol. Doesn't help that my family/gf/ some friends keep telling me how dumb they think getting any combination of manual trans/rwd/sports car is.
Does anyone have experience with a Mazda 3? Any comments? Also been looking at civic SI a bit, any opinions on that?
I wish they would just release pricing/features for fr-s.... If its cheap I doubt I can resist.
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See above, price is irrelevant if you want the car and are in a position to buy ANY new car around $25k.
Unless you enjoy driving spiritedly illegally (doing anything with the tail out is reckless driving
regardless of speed v.c. 23103, as it taking corners faster then the posted limit) or on a race track, a rwd 6 speed manual light weight SMALL coupe is useless and impractical, especially for the purchasing price. This is a niche car that will sell because of marketing - it's a Scion and it's cute. Having said that, if that's your thing, then this car deserves a look at among its price competitors; gti, wrx, miata, cooper s, genesis coupe, mustang, camaro, etc. It's only actual competitor based upon class (size) is the Miata.. I hope you aren't tall
The Mazda 3 is entertaining to drive (I've experience with the base gasser and turbo diesel) for being a practical hatch. It communicates a solid, albeit hefty, feeling. Steering feedback is nice, transmission is nice, power is nice and it is a practical car with good resale value, good efficiency with the new skyengine series but steeper buy in price.
However, since you mentioned MPG..let me just climb onto this soap box...
I'd choose a more pragmatic option and forego the sportiness and focus on utility because at that point - who cares - an automatic practical commuter is an appliance I don't want to shift or put in any extra effort I need to sit in traffic. I want to save money, save gas, and keep as much residual as possible. I'll save the fun stuff for a bespoke un-compromised toy; get the right tool for the job. The FR-S is NOT a commuter car just like the
mazdaspeed 3, if you are going to design a comparison - make sure it's apples to apples and in the right context.
/soapbox
Civic SI has a fantastic shifter, a neat dash imo, and will retain value and be reliable. Others have compared it to the last gen TSX (same 2.4 engine) but handles better although with less luxury and a much lower price tag ~$22,400. Looks are in the eye of the beholder.
Mazdaspeed 3's can be had for a good price currently, as well ~$22,600.
Either car will likely be quicker then the FR-S, too.