Any RYF great Cash for Clunkers deals out there?

[Robert M]

Deus,

It's not just Chrysler. All of the auto manufacturers are offering discounts. For example, Toyota is offering cash back on a new car if you purchase a specific extra value package. I didn't know about it until after poking around on the 'net.

MrBig,

If you are interested in the Vibe, then definitely get out there ASAP. They're screaming out the door. But, if you like the Vibe, then take a look at the Toyota Matrix. It's the same car with different packaging. You can get all wheel drive on the S trim.

Robert

[Psurfer]

I'm coming from the point of view of: spend under $5000 on a high-spec'd, great-looking Euro-clunker w/likely monstrous repair bills sooner or later -ouch-, vs the steady pymnts -ouch- of a reliable, but appliance-looking -kind of ouch- bit of traffic.

If making the pymnts on a new A4 or Passat wagon were easy, the decision would be easy.
-note how even then I don't stray too far from the old monstrous repair bill sooner or later thing...

Has anyone figured what the diff in cash outlay would be at the end of a given yr, new vs used?

[troywellbuilt]

mikebw - If you were looking at a Vibe/matrix, check out the Honda Fit. You won't believe how big it is inside. I was originally leaning toward a Matrix, but took a look at a Fit for the heck of it and bought it without thinking about the Matrix again. We love the Fit.

[mrbigstuff]

Psurfer, sounds like we own the same car!

[Robert M]

Psurfer,

It depends on the model of car. For example, if I went for a Jeep Patriot, I'd be saving $8000 off the MSRP immediately. That's $4500 clunker cash for the Cherokee and the $3500 discount that Chrysler is offering on the Patriot. However, I would never let them get away with charging me the MSRP for the car. I'd negotiate the price down from the MSRP and then factor in my clunker cash and the $3500 promo.

So, my final price would be "Whatever good low price I can negotiate for the Patriot" minus clunker cash minus promo. So, imagine the MSRP of the Patriot is $28,000 (which is pretty close to what the Patriot would cost the wayI'd configure it). I'd negotiate that down to the lowest price I can convince them to agree to. Imagine that is $26500. Then I'dget the $3500.00 promo. The price is now $23000. then I'd get the clunker cash. The price is now $18500.00.

If I were to see which is the better deal, then I'd compare that price to that of a late model used Patriot. All things considered relatively equal, I'd definitely go for the new Patriot, even if it was a bit more money. That's without taking into consideration the '09 Patriot is a noticeable improvement over the '08 and earlier models. For what it's worth, I saw some '08s for between $14K and $18K. Looking at that, I'd seriously consider the brand-new one.

Robert

[Filliam H. Muffman]

decay wrote:
given the size of the Fit, i'm disappointed with its MPG ratings.

:agree:

The 1994 Civic VX got 50 mpg. The 2009 Fit only gets 35 mpg. It does weigh a little more due to the extra 2 doors and airbags, but they have had 15 years to improve the engine, transmission, and optimize the gear ratios.

I think a huge number of people would turn in their current cars for a model that got at least 9 mpg better. If those got over 26 mpg, they could be refurbed (jobs) and sold cheaply to people that can not afford a new car but would really benefit from something better. I think the government is overly focused on getting rid of "guzzlers" that do not get driven very far because of the poor mileage, when people drive slightly better cars much further.

I know someone that has a 2002 Altima that gets 27 mpg and would buy new Prius or Insight if they got a decent rebate.

[DeusxMac]

Muffman wrote:
The 1994 Civic VX got 50 mpg. The 2009 Fit only gets 35 mpg.

Would Honda (or any other manufacturer) even be able to build a new 50 mpg 1994 Civic VX equivalent today, given all the safety and pollution requirements implemented over the last decade and a half? One who's price would also be equivalent?

[Filliam H. Muffman]

VW is losing a lot of CARS sales because they are out of stock of the new Jetta Diesel SportWagen. This is a decent alternative to a SUV if you do not really need massive storage space.

Hoping to snag a Jetta TDI with your clunker cash? Too late! It has a $1,300 diesel tax credit.

[Acer]

The Vibe is the best deal out there, because you can get a Toyota for close-out Pontiac prices. Up to July 31 (!), they have an extra $2500 off summer sale going on. That will indeed require running like a fool assuming they don't renew the promotion.

You'll need to get the smaller 1.8L engine with combined mileage of 28 to get the full $4500, though.

We decided to downsize from two minivans to one minivan and a gas-sipper with this program. Thought seriously about the Vibe, but we still need to squeeze in five people from time to time. We have a deposit on a Prius; hopefully coming in next week.

[Filliam H. Muffman]

DeusxMac wrote:
[quote=Muffman]
The 1994 Civic VX got 50 mpg. The 2009 Fit only gets 35 mpg.

Would Honda (or any other manufacturer) even be able to build a new 50 mpg 1994 Civic VX equivalent today, given all the safety and pollution requirements implemented over the last decade and a half? One who's price would also be equivalent?
Good question. I would love to see what kind of mileage a Fit would get if someone transplanted the drive train from a 1994 VX into it. I think the performance might be a little slower and not have as low emissions. The sales of the new Prius is apparently slaughtering the new Insight because of the better mileage.