Buying a new car...

[sith_killer_99]

Well, with child #2 quickly on his way...less than 2 weeks...the wife wants a 4 door car for the family.

We have had the 240SX (hatchback) since we got married in 2000. I plan on keeping the 240, but it will have to go into "storage" as I am the only driver in the house and I will not pay insurance on 2 cars.

So here's what I am looking at...

#1 2009 Honda Civic Si sedan (red or black) with the 197hp 2.0L engine, with front, side, and rear spoilers, all season floor mats, trunk tray, and XM stereo. Price $24,622.

#2 2008 Dodge Charger sedan (red) with rear spoiler, 3.5L V6, power everything, lots of comfort features. Price $19,941 (21,469 miles)

#3 Mitsubishi Lancer GT 168hp 2.4L (red or black) super sweet entertainment package, black out kit, alloy fuel door, all season mats, remote engine start, navigation system. Price $26,678

#4 basic used vehicles from Minivans to HHR's, misc. features priced from $10,000-$18,000.

I have to confess I love tuners, which puts the Honda and the Lancer towards the top of the list. In order to get the Lancer right I'd have to go with the EVO X, but that's upwards of $40,000!!! The Charger is used, so the price is better, but it's a much bigger car.

Grrr....I just can't decide. I may have the decision made for me, depending upon financing. Yes, I am looking at financing my first car, I know I've said I am against it, but we need the 4 door for the family.:rolleyes:

I have also noticed a couple of used 2008-2007 Civic Si's for about $5,000-$6,000 less at a few dealerships.

Anyway, as you can see I'm kinda all over the place here.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or input?

[LTBasker]

The poor Charger. It shouldn't be toting families, it should be hauling (rear).

The only thing I can really add is that my family used to have a 4th gen Ford Taurus and it was a pretty reliable car. Quite comfortable too with spacious backseats and a large trunk.

[Darth Jax]

gotta think about where you might be stationed in the future also. don't want anything thats rear-wheel drive if your gonna be anywhere in the snow

[sith_killer_99]

Well, I just got back from the dealership and I test drove the Lancer...I'm sold!

This car is amazing!

I love tuners, and the Lancer is a great car for tuning.

I need something that is spacious, and the Lancer has plenty of room for the family...it is a full size 4 door sedan.

I love cars with style, this car has style to spare.

It has a great balance of power and performance and it handles like a dream, not like one of Tycho's dreams, but like a good dream.lol

Now I just have to pick out the model I want, oh and the dealer told me they are giving $1,500 in incentives, plus a $500 incentive for military, so that's $2,000 off the top!:D

The model I test drove was priced at $18,900 cut $2,000 off the top and I'm looking at $16,900! Final version will probably be around $20,000 after tax, tags, and title.:thumbsup: I have more to work with, but I want to keep it below $20,000....that's my goal anyway.

Anyone else here driven a new Lancer?

[TeeEye7]

Are we talking Mistubishi Lancer or Dodge Lancer?

[Ando]

I'm a firm believer in wrapping up a young family in the loving embrace of an SUV or van. I get that from my dad I guess.

That's my two cents.

Good luck in your car hunt.

[TeeEye7]

I agree with Ando.

Safety. Safety. Safety. That's from professional observation, BTW.

[mtriv73]

If you want safety (and performance) you could always go with a Volvo. I don't care how many kids we end up with, I will never own a mini-van. I'm sticking with my A6, there are 4 doors making access to the car seat easy and there's enough room to have 4 adults sit comfortably even with the car seat installed.

[DarkArtist]

if it was Style i would go with the Dodge Charger (big fan of the look of the vehicle) but for safety and comfort i would go with a mini van myself or station wagon (maybe the Dodge Magnum)

[Slicker]

I must agree with the SUV thing. If you're worried about the environment ( :rolleyes: ) they have several that are hybrids. I also agree with DA about the Magnum. I don't have any kids and I really wouldn't mind having one. They've got that lowdown stance that looks mean plus there's plenty of room for the kiddies. Just put dark tint on the back so the ladies can't see the car seats. ;)

[sith_killer_99]

Mitsubishi...and it's more like this...

BTW, I bought the Ralliart.

[JediTricks]

Well, with child #2 quickly on his way...less than 2 weeks...the wife wants a 4 door car for the family.

We have had the 240SX (hatchback) since we got married in 2000. I plan on keeping the 240, but it will have to go into "storage" as I am the only driver in the house and I will not pay insurance on 2 cars.

So here's what I am looking at...

#1 2009 Honda Civic Si sedan (red or black) with the 197hp 2.0L engine, with front, side, and rear spoilers, all season floor mats, trunk tray, and XM stereo. Price $24,622.

#2 2008 Dodge Charger sedan (red) with rear spoiler, 3.5L V6, power everything, lots of comfort features. Price $19,941 (21,469 miles)

#3 Mitsubishi Lancer GT 168hp 2.4L (red or black) super sweet entertainment package, black out kit, alloy fuel door, all season mats, remote engine start, navigation system. Price $26,678

#4 basic used vehicles from Minivans to HHR's, misc. features priced from $10,000-$18,000.

I have to confess I love tuners, which puts the Honda and the Lancer towards the top of the list. In order to get the Lancer right I'd have to go with the EVO X, but that's upwards of $40,000!!! The Charger is used, so the price is better, but it's a much bigger car.

Grrr....I just can't decide. I may have the decision made for me, depending upon financing. Yes, I am looking at financing my first car, I know I've said I am against it, but we need the 4 door for the family.:rolleyes:

I have also noticed a couple of used 2008-2007 Civic Si's for about $5,000-$6,000 less at a few dealerships.

Anyway, as you can see I'm kinda all over the place here.

Does anyone have any suggestions, or input?Go with the Honda, it's safer, gets better mileage, and is cheaper to repair. Plus, you dig the whole tuner thing. The charger gets poor mileage and isn't as safe in a crash, repairs are a little more expensive IIRC. The Lancer would have good performance and stability, but mileage and repairs are very compromised, it's not an Evo, and it's a theft-magnet (the Honda would be a theft magnet too if it were the 2-door, but the 4-door sedan I don't believe has that).

Probably would be wise to try each car both you and your wife, if your wife can't drive it safely it's a bad sign. The Lancer and Honda should outperform cornering on the Charger easily. Jax makes a good point about environment, the Lancer is 4wd and well balanced.

I hate to bash on another American car, but having rented a brand new Chevy Cobalt last weekend, I was left underwhelmed with American car design and manufacturing yet again.



I'm a firm believer in wrapping up a young family in the loving embrace of an SUV or van. I get that from my dad I guess.

That's my two cents.

Good luck in your car hunt.Pretty standard thinking, I don't really understand it though, they look safe because they're large but the reality is that they handle poorly to middlingly, and their crash safety is all over the map.

[sith_killer_99]

I ended up going with the Lancer Ralliart, a step below the EVO (same engine just with a single smaller turbo). It looks just like the pics in my above post, mine does not have the sun roof, not really my thing.

Honda Civic Si is rated 21/29 mpg
Lancer Ralliart is rated 17/25 mpg

Honda had the edge by 4/4 mpg.

The Lancer was a better choice in terms of room, comfort, and handling. It also has better safety features, more airbags, airbag sensors, child seat anchors, better stopping power, etc. It just felt more solid all the way around. The Lancer also has a great warranty (almost as good as Honda) and my insurance has gap coverage (in case it gets stolen :(). I priced the insurance cost before final purchase.:yes:I also like the all wheel drive features (multiple modes). Finally, the Lancer just can't be beat in terms of torque, which is good for long road trips with a weighted down vehicle....my wife NEVER travels light. lol

[JediTricks]

How sad is the Honda when it has the same mileage as my 16-year-old Mazda MX-6?

Sounds like you made a good choice, just don't need any repairs.

[sith_killer_99]

Bumper to Bumper
5-year/60,000-mile
(Ralliart 3-year/36,000-mile), Bumper-to-Bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty*

Anti-Corrosion
7-year/100,000-mile Anti-Corrosion Perforation Limited Warranty

Powertrain
10-year/100,000-mile
(Ralliart 5-year/60,000-mile), Powertrain New Vehicle Limited Warranty*

Roadside Assistance
5-year/Unlimited Miles Roadside Assistance

I should be good until it comes time to trade it in.:thumbsup:

I plan on trading in within 2-3 years, after I have built up my credit...it all depends. The EVO I want is running around $40,000.00!!!

[JediTricks]

Sounds good. Maintenance isn't included tho, that's where they can get ya, so be aware and careful, don't void the warranty.

[sith_killer_99]

Sounds good. Maintenance isn't included tho, that's where they can get ya, so be aware and careful, don't void the warranty.

I'm always good about maintenance, it's the other stuff that voids warranties I need to be cautious of, I want to tune this car so bad it hurts. I know a lot of guys over on the Lancer boards that tell me a "boost pill and an ECU flash" will instantly add 50whp, and I've seen the papers to back it up, AMS is doing some pretty incredible work on the RA's.

Must resist temptation....:twisted:

[Slicker]

So long as you don't put anything on permanently you should be good. Keep it to bolt ons.

I think I broke my warranty 6 months in. And now I've probably broken it a half dozen times. :yes:

[sith_killer_99]

Pics of my "other" new baby....;)

[JediTricks]

Not too shabby. Sucks the dealerships get to glue their logos onto your car though.

[TeeEye7]

Not too shabby. Sucks the dealerships get to glue their logos onto your car though.

That's a "back East" thing that I'm glad hasn't caught on out here. When we were transferred to New Orleans (along with a bunch of other folks) we had some friends that took their Chevy into one of the local dealerships for repair. When it came out, they stuck one of their logos on the trunk of the car. Not glued, but holes drilled and affixed with screws! Our friend was not a happy camper!

[sith_killer_99]

Not too shabby. Sucks the dealerships get to glue their logos onto your car though.

No worries, I plan on cleaning it all up this week. I will be removing all logos from the trunk.

Heat gun (or hair dryer) + fishing line + goo gone + claybar = clean trunk:thumbsup:

I'm looking at about 2-3 hours of work.:(

Luckily I am on leave right now.:D

[JediTricks]

That's a "back East" thing that I'm glad hasn't caught on out here. When we were transferred to New Orleans (along with a bunch of other folks) we had some friends that took their Chevy into one of the local dealerships for repair. When it came out, they stuck one of their logos on the trunk of the car. Not glued, but holes drilled and affixed with screws! Our friend was not a happy camper!Now that you mention it, I have seen it mostly on cars from back east, and I find it sleazy as hell. My car had it glued in and then taken off, but you can still see where the paint there is a slightly different shade of white than the rest of the car. If my car had come out of the dealership with new holes drilled in it, I can assure you I would have demanded they replace the part and repaint the whole f'ing car to match. That is some serious bullmonkeys and your friend was right not to be happy. Geez, who do these clowns think they are?!?


No worries, I plan on cleaning it all up this week. I will be removing all logos from the trunk.

Heat gun (or hair dryer) + fishing line + goo gone + claybar = clean trunk:thumbsup:

I'm looking at about 2-3 hours of work.:(

Luckily I am on leave right now.:DSeems like a lot of work for a car that you paid for fresh from the factory. Then again, you want all the logos off, not just the dealership logo. For my car, I am happy to wear the badging of the brand and make.

[sith_killer_99]

When it came out, they stuck one of their logos on the trunk of the car. Not glued, but holes drilled and affixed with screws! Our friend was not a happy camper!


If my car had come out of the dealership with new holes drilled in it, I can assure you I would have demanded they replace the part and repaint the whole f'ing car to match. That is some serious bullmonkeys and your friend was right not to be happy. Geez, who do these clowns think they are?!?

Yep, they'd be replacing it or I'd be filing a claim with my insurance company detailing the whole thing! Either way I would push it and not let it go unanswered!:mad:


Seems like a lot of work for a car that you paid for fresh from the factory. Then again, you want all the logos off, not just the dealership logo. For my car, I am happy to wear the badging of the brand and make.

Yeah, I saw someone do this over on evom, it looks sharp. I'm leaving the rest of the logos on, just cleaning the trunk.:yes:

[El Chuxter]

When I first moved out here, everyone asked why I had the name of a dealership on my car.

[UKWildcat]

When we were transferred to New Orleans (along with a bunch of other folks) we had some friends that took their Chevy into one of the local dealerships for repair. When it came out, they stuck one of their logos on the trunk of the car. Not glued, but holes drilled and affixed with screws! Our friend was not a happy camper!

Yeah, that is complete BS! If that was my car, they would be replacing my trunk.

First thing I did when I took my car home was remove the dealer sticker. It came off real easy, and there was no fading or anything. They haven't attempted to put another one on either.

[TeeEye7]

That's how they put those things on in the olden days, just as if it came rolling off of the assembly line in Detroit. I wonder if dealerships still use the screw/rivet technique or if they're all glued on.

I don't remember the outcome of the drama. I was probably too busy checking out my Raquel Welch poster in my room. :lipsrsealed:

[sith_killer_99]

I was probably too busy checking out my Raquel Welch poster in my room.

LOL, that line probably works no matter what your age....or hers. hehehe:lipsrsealed:

[Ando]

One of the Ford dealerships here in the People's Republic of Portland (soon to be Porkland if your name is Merritt Paulson) puts their emblem on all new Fords. It's a metal star.

Their name of the dealership? Courtesy Ford.

[JediTricks]

I wonder if you could charge them with vandalism. :D

[sith_killer_99]

Well, I finally cleaned up the back of the car....no more dealership sticker or any badges.:D

[TeeEye7]

Looks good!

You don't need no stinkin' badges!

[JediTricks]

Nicely done.

I just got word that my mother bought a '98 Ford Escort. :(

[Bel-Cam Jos]

I just paid off my car earlier this year. It's a 2005 model, got just over 22K miles on it. All sounds great, right? Model type? Saturn ION2. : priceisrightloserhornsound: I liek the car, but what'll I do when there's no more Saturn brand? I'LL NEVER EVEN BE BORN!!!?! :eek:

[sith_killer_99]

what'll I do when there's no more Saturn brand? I'LL NEVER EVEN BE BORN!!!?!

I thought there was talk about Saturn being bought out, or owned by the employees.

[sith_killer_99]

Well it's been just over 3 years.

Last night I traded the Ralliart in for the Evo!

They paid off the Ralliart and got me a MUCH better interest rate, cut it in half. Three years of flawless payments paid off. lol

So I got a 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution MR, Mercury Gray Pearl with premium and touring packages. I will post up pictures tomorrow.

[JediTricks]

Killer! I am shocked to see this is 3 years out of date now, doesn't feel like that long ago.

[sith_killer_99]

Killer! I am shocked to see this is 3 years out of date now, doesn't feel like that long ago.

I know right.

To be honest, the only thing that has helped me keep it in perspective is that I bought the car just before my son was born. But, it doesn't feel like it's been that long.

The car had just over 30,000 miles on the odometer.

Pics of the new car.

http://img685.imageshack.us/img685/7184/p1020992m.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/685/p1020992m.jpg/)

http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/3995/p1020994bo.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/703/p1020994bo.jpg/)

http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8878/p1030003g.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/152/p1030003g.jpg/)

http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/5214/p1020999a.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/441/p1020999a.jpg/)

Touring and premium packages include:

Recaro leather seats
Power glass sunroof
Heated front seats and side mirrors
Rain sensing wipers
Auto on/off headlights
Auto dimming rear view mirror
710 watt Rockford Fosgate stereo w/6 disc CD changer
SiriusXM satellite radio w/3 months service
FAST-Key electronic keyless entry and engine start
Leather rear seats and door inserts
Improved sound deadening w/interior noise reduction

Standard features include.

All Wheel Drive
Super All-Wheel Control
18 X 8.5 inch BBS Wheels
BILSTEIN struts with Eibach springs
Brembo brakes
7 Airbags
Xenon HID Headlights
FUSE Hands-free link system w/USB port

It's a big upgrade from the Ralliart, has a much better quality feel.

[Bel-Cam Jos]

My good ol' orphaned Saturn is still going strong. Almost at 40K, a/c still holding up, might need shocks soon but brakes are good. Not looking for a new car, myself. Yet.

Nice new ride, SK!

[sith_killer_99]

Well, this is the one I've wanted for a long time now. She's a keeper, I don't plan on getting rid of this one...ever. lol

I might buy another car eventually, but I plan on holding on to this one for good.