Fuck it, I think I'm just getting a Honda

Now I don't know what the fuck to do.

Didn't have a Mazda the way I wanted it, and can't get one by month's end. HOWEVER, they have a Mazda Speed6, which is 274hp/281 lb-feet of torque and AWD. Has a 6-disc in-dash changer, 18" alloy wheels, basically, it's loaded minus a Nav system. 6-speed manual tranny. It rules.

The dealer was "as aggressive as possible." With $1,800 out-of-pocket, at 48 mos./15,000 miles per year, they've got it so my lease would be $400/month (that's based off a price of $26,953 - $2 grand under MSRP).

Then I went over to VW.

Test-drove a 2.0Turbo Jetta. Loved it. They located a nice black one for me, with 17" wheels, 5-speed manual tranny, DVD nav system, center console 6-disc changer, power everything (incl. moonroof), etc. In short, a damned nice car. With $2,000 out-of-pocket, at 36 mos./15,000 miles per year (my preferred lease term), they've got it so my lease would be $363/month (that's based off ballpark $500 over invoice costs).

I don't know what to do. Not exactly comparing an apple-to-an-apple, but both really nice cars. I think the same or very similar lease terms for the Mazda will push that payment to nearly $430 (not what I want to do). So what to do, what to do. Just how much more dinero is an extra 75hp and AWD worth?

NAD? lurch?
 
I really like that new Mazda, and I'm also heavily biased toward AWD + turbo cars obviously.

Honestly, I don't think you can go wrong with either one. They are both pretty awesome cars. Or at least sure seem to be on paper, I've never driven either one.
 
the VW wins ... i mean, German, DVD Nav ... lower lease ... shorter term.

I am not sure, but the Mazda is surely a heavier car, so those 75 extra ponies will be eaten up fast.

AWD is not a big deal for us city folk
 
lurch70 said:
i mean, it also must be said that at $400 + a month ... that is 3 Series territory

Not really. I checked, believe me.

A BASE model 3-series (we're talking, not even metallic paint finish), i.e. NO premium audio, NO sport package (handling & suspension), is $400/month for 36 mos./12,000 miles per year.

The way I want it built (w/ only 3 options, listed above), is $515/month, with $3500 out of pocket! That's just fucking insane for a lease.
 
MadeInNewJersey said:
Not really. I checked, believe me.

A BASE model 3-series (we're talking, not even metallic paint finish), i.e. NO premium audio, NO sport package (handling & suspension), is $400/month for 36 mos./12,000 miles per year.

The way I want it built (w/ only 3 options, listed above), is $515/month, with $3500 out of pocket! That's just fucking insane for a lease.

yeah, but a 3 series even bare bones at $400 ... well ... you know ... > mazda loaded

also ... don't forget the ZERO $ out of pocket for maintenance for the lease period on beemers ... oil, brakes, shit like that
 
lurch70 said:
AWD is not a big deal for us city folk
Doesn't it help in the snow though?

Honestly I got an AWD car because since I was so used to driving 4WD trucks (and hated my 2WD one), I figured it would make a great transition over to car-territory. :loco:
 
lurch70 said:
yeah, but a 3 series even bare bones at $400 ... well ... you know ... > mazda loaded

also ... don't forget the ZERO $ out of pocket for maintenance for the lease period on beemers ... oil, brakes, shit like that

Dude, again, not true.

BMW (bare bones): no sports package (suspension & handling), 16" wheels, no CD changer, rear-wheel drive, either black, white or red (no metallic paint), in other words, zip, zilch, nada. BMW has always been about a la carte pricing.

MazdaSpeed6 (STANDARD): 18" wheels, 6-disc in-dash changer, AWD, 275 ponies, etc etc.

The Mazda has 2x as many "standard" features installed already, and it's AWD, and it has 45+ more hp.

That said, the fucking insurance quote on the Mazda was $2100!!! I only pay $1150/year right now! Holy crikey.

VW here I come.
 
NADatar said:
Doesn't it help in the snow though?

Honestly I got an AWD car because since I was so used to driving 4WD trucks (and hated my 2WD one), I figured it would make a great transition over to car-territory. :loco:

I don't know what he's talking about, lol. AWD is ESSENTIAL in the northeast, IMO. Or damned close to it. VW is only FWD, but they're damned stable anyway. My Saab sucked ass.
 
Fun story:

Took some broad out a week or so ago and I was double-clutching for turns like I always do (keeps me in good driving shape), and the revving as we're slowing down scared her. So I got to explain all about double clutching, rev-matching, and all that fun stuff. Then I put it into practice around a 70º turn, showing how fun it is be flying out of a turn right after just slowing down. She was impressed.

Reason #17 why manuals > automatics
 
Yeah, I can safely say that pending extreme injury (my left knee already suffers from patella femoral syndrome, whatever the fuck that is), I'll always drive stick.
 
For me, it's for going in the dirt. 2WD with an open diff (like most cars and trucks have) can get you stuck in even a small amount of soft sand. And yes, I take my car offroading. On the street it's just a nice thing to have because it's nearly impossible to break traction. Not necessary though.

Oh and in the rain it's really nice because that same no losing grip thing applies whereas in other cars I'm sliding all over the damn place.
 
Well,

I actually think that the winters in northern Sweden are more "hazardous" or difficult or whatever you'd like to call it than your average weather, yet I know only very few people with AWD... I mean, sure if you're going to do offroad driving, but for roads? Ridiculous, get m+s tires and some skill kthx.
 
But dizzam if this ain't a hawt lookin' car

pho_gallery_MS6_ext1.jpg

pho_gallery_MS6_ext6.jpg

pho_gallery_MS6_ext10.jpg

pho_gallery_MS6_ext15.jpg

pho_gallery_MS6_ext18.jpg
 
fotmbm said:
Well,

I actually think that the winters in northern Sweden are more "hazardous" or difficult or whatever you'd like to call it than your average weather, yet I know only very few people with AWD... I mean, sure if you're going to do offroad driving, but for roads? Ridiculous, get m+s tires and some skill kthx.

I have plenty of driving "skill" kthx

AWD enables me to not have to worry about losing any traction whatsoever while still driving as I (almost) normally would. Perhaps the roads here just aren't cleared as well as they are in Sweden, I don't know. All I do know is that AWD rules.