maraqxa
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Post by maraqxa on May 6, 2011 11:08:41 GMT -5
I'm looking to buy a new vehicle. Right now I'm debating on a 2012 Ford Focus (never thought I would want one) and a 2011 Mazda 3. They are both priced the same new $18K. Ford is ofering 2.9% for 36 month, 3.9% for 48 months. Mazda 3 is 0%.
I want something small, I currently own a 2002 Mitsubishi Galant, car runs fine but the AC is not working well and I just moved to where the summers are hot. I have had to spend money on AC for the last 3 years each summer and it still doesn't work well. Both dealers will give $2K for my car.
What do you think?
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maraqxa
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Post by maraqxa on May 6, 2011 11:09:48 GMT -5
I would also say money is not a problem. I could afford something higher but I don't want to spend much on a car.
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:11:26 GMT -5
...I'm confused... the only thing wrong with the 02 is the AC, you're willing and able to drop $$$ on transportation, but fixing the AC isn't an option?  |
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jd2005
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Post by jd2005 on May 6, 2011 11:12:33 GMT -5
After you get beaten up for wanting a new car (hey if you can afford it, go for it)...0% interest sounds good to me.
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:14:34 GMT -5
<<< 0% interest sounds good to me. >>> ...agreed... a good hedge against inflation...  |
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maraqxa
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Post by maraqxa on May 6, 2011 11:14:40 GMT -5
Fixing the AC is an option, I have done it 3 times for the last 3 years and it still doesn't work well. I can afford a new car, I just need to make a decision. I have had my galant for almost 10 years.
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Plain Old Petunia
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on May 6, 2011 11:16:37 GMT -5
Given that you could fix the AC for far less than 18k, a new car is a want not a need. Can you afford this want? We can't tell as you have not provided nearly enough information. If your finances are in order and you can afford it, then do as you please. Buy whichever you like more.
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maraqxa
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Post by maraqxa on May 6, 2011 11:18:10 GMT -5
I guess I should have asked...which car do you like best??
I have around $4K of income that goes straight to savings each month. Not counting 401K so like I said money is not a problem. Believe, I LOVE my car!
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Plain Old Petunia
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bloom where you are planted
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on May 6, 2011 11:18:14 GMT -5
In other words, I wouldn't buy the Mazda if I really wanted the Ford merely because of the 0% offer.
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:18:15 GMT -5
...have you taken it back and demand they fix it correctly or give you a full refund so that you can have someone else fix it? ...and do you like the 02, other than the AC? for example, are their other features you now need? |
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:19:28 GMT -5
...ah, you do love the 02... then why not fight for it?  |
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Plain Old Petunia
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Post by Plain Old Petunia on May 6, 2011 11:20:05 GMT -5
I'm not even sure what each looks like, Lol, I'm just not that into cars. Have you driven both? Have you checked Consumer Reports on both cars?
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:20:14 GMT -5
<<< If your finances are in order and you can afford it, then do as you please. Buy whichever you like more. >>> ...agreed... |
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maraqxa
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Post by maraqxa on May 6, 2011 11:22:28 GMT -5
and do you like the 02, other than the AC? for example, are their other features you now need?
I love my galant, I don't get attached to things but for some reason I don't want to let it go. I could go and see how much it would cost to repair AC again, I've lived in a different place each time I've fixed it so can't go back.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on May 6, 2011 11:22:51 GMT -5
Check consumer reports, but then go for the one you like better.
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Gardening Grandma
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Post by Gardening Grandma on May 6, 2011 11:25:09 GMT -5
Have you driven both? We were trying to decide between a RAV4 and a CRV. We test drove each and both of us agreed that, for us, the RAV4 just "felt" more comfortable.
Don't make the decision based on the financing. Make it on what suits you the best.
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on May 6, 2011 11:26:30 GMT -5
Having dealt with malfunctioning A/C on an older car I'm not gonna fault the OP for looking to get a new car. (I didn't need to drive my car to work and I managed to 'mooch' off of friends/relatives for the few times a year I needed a ride when A/C was imperative. Believe me - after 3rd failure to get the a/c fixed and being quoted 2K for the ultimate repair (which still might not have fixed the problem) AND if I had to drive the car to work during the summer - I would have opted for a newer car). That said, based ONLY on the cost and the interest rates (I know nothing about Ford Focus' or Mazda 3's) I'd probably go with the Mazda 3. Unless it was red. I refuse to drive a red car.  |
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Post by illinicheme on May 6, 2011 11:27:59 GMT -5
I've heard that the new Ford Focuses are pretty nice, but I'm partial to Mazda 3's. I have a 2004 Mazda 3, and I LOVE it. Great car. Definitely agree with the advice to make sure you take a thorough test drive in both options. That will often make the decision for you.
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:28:39 GMT -5
<<< I love my galant, I don't get attached to things but for some reason I don't want to let it go. I could go and see how much it would cost to repair AC again, I've lived in a different place each time I've fixed it so can't go back. >>> ...ah, thanks for clarifying... I'm a fellow "love my car" alum...  ...my vote is then to find the closest church of your persuasion and AutoZone/O'Reilly's auto parts shop in your new hometown and ask for trusted/well-respected mechanics, and go talk to them... but also do some cursory homework on replacement vehicles... ...and here's a houseplant as a cyber housewarming present:  |
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maraqxa
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Post by maraqxa on May 6, 2011 11:29:22 GMT -5
...ah, you do love the 02... then why not fight for it? I should! Here's the other thing, my DH wants me to get a new car, he feels that we should have a good car for long drives, we have to visit his family which is 7 hrs away and also looking to do some long weekend trips and vacations. He owns a 2005 Ranger and I hate traveling in that thing and also it costs more to fill it up, not too much. He's been wanting a new car for for the last 2 years, he's a freak about safety and always worries my car breaking down and stuff even tho my "baby" has been great. At the end of the day is my decision what I want to do. |
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:29:49 GMT -5
<<< Having dealt with malfunctioning A/C on an older car I'm not gonna fault the OP for looking to get a new car. >>> ...understandable... |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on May 6, 2011 11:29:59 GMT -5
Well, this is based on nothing, outside of personal preference, but I'd get the Mazda over the Focus.
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maraqxa
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Post by maraqxa on May 6, 2011 11:31:58 GMT -5
I test drove both, I like them both. I could pay cash for it but I want finance it low if I can.
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:32:14 GMT -5
...ah, you do love the 02... then why not fight for it? I should! Here's the other thing, my DH wants me to get a new car, he feels that we should have a good car for long drives, we have to visit his family which is 7 hrs away and also looking to do some long weekend trips and vacations. He owns a 2005 Ranger and I hate traveling in that thing and also it costs more to fill it up, not too much. He's been wanting a new car for for the last 2 years, he's a freak about safety and always worries my car breaking down and stuff even tho my "baby" has been great. At the end of the day is my decision what I want to do. ...again, understandable... I'll love my car but not to within an inch of our lives... if safety were an issue, it's gone...  ...and, fwiw, for several of our long trips we've rented vehicles (cost analysis works out) and requested vehicles we think we may purchase one day...the ultimate test drive, so to speak... more food for thought for you... |
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maraqxa
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Post by maraqxa on May 6, 2011 11:43:01 GMT -5
I should! Here's the other thing, my DH wants me to get a new car, he feels that we should have a good car for long drives, we have to visit his family which is 7 hrs away and also looking to do some long weekend trips and vacations. He owns a 2005 Ranger and I hate traveling in that thing and also it costs more to fill it up, not too much. He's been wanting a new car for for the last 2 years, he's a freak about safety and always worries my car breaking down and stuff even tho my "baby" has been great. At the end of the day is my decision what I want to do. ...again, understandable... I'll love my car but not to within an inch of our lives... if safety were an issue, it's gone... ...and, fwiw, for several of our long trips we've rented vehicles (cost analysis works out) and requested vehicles we think we may purchase one day...the ultimate test drive, so to speak... more food for thought for you... That's a good idea. I would look at that. |
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:49:21 GMT -5
...have a fun road trip next time you go... ...and another idea... consider surfing the net for fellow Galant lovers discussing AC issues... as well as mechanic sites... it's possible the output on the 02 AC unit just isn't as powerful as you'd prefer... and there's no point in "fixing" a sub-par unit... |
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Post by BeenThere...DoneThat... on May 6, 2011 11:52:18 GMT -5
...oh, and I forgot:
<<< I test drove both, I like them both. I could pay cash for it but I want finance it low if I can. >>>
...been there, done that... pun intended... ;D
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on May 6, 2011 11:52:30 GMT -5
When we did our final car shopping, we had it narrowed down between the NIssan Murano and Mercury Mariner and basically we went out that day with the mindset that we were going to buy a car that day (had to get a babysitter for DS, so it was a big deal). We liked both equally in earlier test drives and consumer reports were equal on both. It just so happened the first place we stopped at had a Nissan. We saw it, drove it, loved it, realized it was out of price range, cried and started to leave. The dealership said please don't leave what is your price range, we can make it work. And low and behold the numbers did work. And we have a very nice Nissan Murano slightly over the price we were planning on paying (I decided $1000 was worth not having to drive anywhere else).
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❤ mollymouser ❤
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Post by ❤ mollymouser ❤ on May 6, 2011 12:17:50 GMT -5
Did you compare the fuel efficiency/gas mileage of the two cars? www.fueleconomy.gov has gas mileage estimates and more information for 1984-2011 model year cars. Selecting which vehicle to purchase is the most important fuel economy decision you'll make. The difference between a car that gets 20 MPG and one that gets 30 MPG amounts to $990 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $3.96). That's $4,950 extra in fuel costs over five years! |
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RoadToRiches
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Post by RoadToRiches on May 6, 2011 12:19:10 GMT -5
I would go with Mazda. I think they look nicer than Ford Focus.
I don't blame you for getting a new car. My old Altima was running just fine, but AC went bad. I was quoted 1k to fix $60 part because of the labor. They would have to take entire dashboard apart to replace that one bad AC part. I hated it in a summer. I wear dress shirts to work and on hot days, I would be sweating like crazy on the way to and from work. I got sick of it. My Altima was also 10 years old at that time. I went ahead and bought a different, newer car.
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