Old and busted:


New hotness:



Sorry about the dark pics, I just got home.

Anyway, I was at the Honda dealer bright and early this morning with my dad. I first took the base Fit out, then the Fit Sport. I liked the Fit, but because it's such a hot car they don't run any deals on it. Motherfuckers wanted $361/mo for it.

So I go back out and take the Civic LX out for a spin. Not bad. But there is a special on the Civic Hybrid now for $159/mo with 4k down. So I took this Hybrid with 37 miles on it for a spin, and I liked it. Besides the special on the Hybrid will beat any certified pre-owned deal out there.

I originally intended to just use the Integra as the down. They were only gonna give us $1250 for it but after haggling, we got $2500 from my fucking blown ass GS-R. This car needed a new timing belt, radiator, suspension bushings, motor mounts, had a blown headgasket, etc. More headache than anything.

I'm gonna miss her though, she served me real well. The Integra has been through everything from torrential rain, to snow, to hail, to the ghetto, the desert, etc. I've had the best times of my life in that car, but it is time to move on.

Back to the story.

I leased the car. That's right, leased. I know I am going to get flamed hard for this, but hear my plan out, because I've thought long and hard on this subject.

The figures:

I got the car for $21,900 (sticker was $23,235)
Traded in the Integra for $2500 (they were only willing to give $1250 at first)
I have 23 payments of $250
Limits: 12,000 miles per year

Since I am not making that much money, I think this was the best choice out of my options - the Mazdaspeed 3, Mazda 3, Honda Civic.

In two years when I am making more money, and am better financially, I could either extend the lease, buy it, or return it and get a fun car.

It makes a lot of sense.

Pros:
- The money I save on gas and insurance goes to the car payment.
- I can use the carpool lane
- It's fucking new, so no rattles, bumps, etc
- The car is quiet as hell
- ipod jack

Cons:
- Tan interior
- Brakes feel spongy because that's how it charges up the electric motor
- It's slow (but I didn't buy the car to go fast anyway)
- Automatic (I could probably get used to it)

Anyway it was a tough decision, and even though I won't be able to have fun driving anymore, at least I know it is the more practical and sensible thing to do.

Plus I don't need to worry about cops looking at me funny, people trying to race me, etc. etc.

 

Congrats Dom Me Nick

 

In for Dom having a good piece of mind about transportation

 

good choice, congrats. Plus you kept it white (which is best color in my opinion)

 

It was cool watching my dad haggle. He taught me probably the most important thing ever. I think when it is time for me to buy a vehicle by myself, I will know how to handle it.

I did everything wrong when I bought my bike because it was all on impulse, but watching my dad break down this guy's arsenal was fucking amazing.

 

Shoulda got the fit h: Can you still get the carpool stickers? I wasn't too sure that they still released them.

 

with the price of gas I can't blame you for your decision. what was the difference in price between the EX and hybrid?
being able to use the carpool lane will be huge, I'm jealous I'd love to use the carpool lane myself.

 

No but I heard you could still drive in the Carpool lane even without a sticker, as long as the car is a Hybrid (note the Hybrid badge...)

No I should not have purchased the Fit. There are no specials for this car. I can't pay $300 a month with just my car as a down. I am smarter than that.

 

hybrid huh

 

The EX, I am not sure but I think the sticker price was $21,000 while the Hybrid was $23,000. I got it for $21,000 anyway.