So here I am, choosing what will be my first, new vehicle owned..... I've actually narrowed it down to two vehicles, originally, I was considering a Hyundai Accent, but after hearing about the potential handling issues on that vehicle in adverse weather conditions, I decided that it was best to ditch that option and concentrate on my two "finalists".
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt, 4 door, air conditioning, manual transmission. - What I like: My parents have been loyal GM drivers for as long as I can remember, and most of the time they are quite satisfied with their vehicle choices. They also have a $3000 coupon that they are willing to let me use if I want it. With this coupon, monthly payments can go as low as $335 a month for 48 months financing, if I pony a $3000 deposit. - What I don't like: I took a test drive with a Cobalt with Automatic Transmission. Immediately, I noticed that when the car shifted into third gear, at 60 km/h the tachometer was at 3000 RPMs and the car would not switch into fourth gear at all (meaning I would have to go faster to get into fourth gear). On my old vehicle, at third gear and 60 km/h, the car would do 2200 RPM and the car would switch into fourth gear immediately. Big difference to me, which is why if I get the Cobalt, I will opt for manual transmission so I have better control of the RPMs, which means I need to learn how to drive a stick. Also, the engine is noticeably louder than my the one in the old Sunfire (which the Cobalt was supposed to replace). Like all North American cars, this car will depreciate quite rapidly.
2006 Mazda 3, 4 door sedan, air conditioning, 4-speed "manumatic" transmission. - What I like: "Manumatic" transmission of course, almost like getting the best of both worlds, manual and automatic. Smoother ride than the Cobalt. Engine not as noisy, and I can keep the tachometer below 2000 RPM with the manumatic transmission while doing 60 km/h. This car will not depreciate as much as the Cobalt. - What I don't like: While I could do with the same down payment and slightly higher monthly payments, the fact is that this car costs more meaning that I would have to finance it for 5 years, and not 4. This is due to the ridiculously high finance rate on this car compared to the Cobalt (4.9% vs 1.4%).
Opinions, anyone?
[ December 15, 2005, 10:29 PM: Message edited by: Saltah'na ]
Posted by Topher (Member # 71) on :
They're both new cars that haven't been around long enough to have all the major mechanical bugs worked out on them, so its a tough call. But if you're willing to learn I'd say get the Cobalt with the 5speed. You'll have a lot more fun driving and you'll be able to control the engine better (ie fourth gear at 60).
Posted by LOA (Member # 49) on :
Mazda 3, hands down.
It's been out for 3 years, so most of the bugs HAVE been worked out, plus the anaumatic transmission they use has been around since way before that car's inception. The Mazda 3 is the replacement for the Mazda Protege, and as we all know, I was a VERY happy Protege owner for quite a while, and I desperately wish I could go BACK to my Protege....
Honestly, I considered getting myself a Mazda 3 in the spring when I trade in the Jeep, but I decided to go with the Mazdaspeed 6 solely for the fact that it's AWD, whereas that option isn't available on the 3.
But the three is an amazing car.
I would not get a GM car. Wouldn't, wouldn't wouldn't. No way, no how. I understand that you are not into all of the stereo and alarm stuff that I am, but I'm going to tell you now... if you want to change out your factory deck to an aftermarket CD player, it's going to cost you in a GM. BIG time. Like, we're talking about a difference of $85 USD between the wiring harnesses alone!
If you ever want to add a remote start, it's gonna cost you. If you ever want to put on an alarm, it's gonna cost you.
All car manufacturers are integrating more and more things now, which is really cutting into the ease of aftermarket upgrades, but GM is really the worst (excluding high end luxury cars, but let's be honest - if you can afford one of them, you can't afford to deal with the stereo issues, too!). I wouldn't do it. Emphasis on would not.
But it's still your choice....
One thing to consider.... how different will the insurance rates be? Will they be different?
I was also going to suggest that you consider safety ratings, but they look pretty close to the same, so that's not a major determining factor....
Ultimately it's up to you, but that's my take on it.... good luck, and happy shopping!
Remember - if you wait 'til the very end of the month, you're going to get a better deal. :-)
Posted by LOA (Member # 49) on :
Oh, one more thing.... no matter what car you choose, please do me a favor...
When you drive off the lot, you will already be upsidedown on your loan. That is not a place ANYONE wants to be if they get into a serious car accident.
If GAP insurance is an option for you, PLEASE buy it. It may seem like a lot of money, but it's worth it if anything ever happens to your car. Trust me. I'm working for Safeco insurance now, so I'm learning all KINDS of scary statistics. So please consider that for yourself if it's an option.
Have fun!!!!
Posted by Saltah'na (Member # 33) on :
LOA: When you are talking about GAP insurance, are you talking about comprehensive insurance?
I just put a down payment on the cobalt. Deciding factor was the fact that I got another $1000 coupon to use against the Cobalt. So yeah, turning down $4000 worth of coupons is to say the least, not a smart thing to do when car shopping.
And besides, my previous experience with GM has been more than positive, so I hopefully will be able to duplicate that success.....
Posted by LOA (Member # 49) on :
Well, we talked about this, and I still would have chosen the more expensive model, but as I said - I don't always act in a financially responsible way
Congrats on the car though! I hope you enjoy every minute of it! :-)
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