Thinking about buying a Scion XD,...

[cvriv]

Gonna try and keep this short and sweet.

#1: About what RPM is the motor at when driving along at 75mph?

#2: Is the Scion nav system really worth $2000?!?!? How many skip this and just go for either the regular Alpine or the Alpine nav system?

#3: No fogs lights!!! I could configure in fog lights online. does this mean the xD doesnt come with fog lights?!?!?

#4: The arm rest that can be added to the car, is it flimsy? Cheap? Worth it to add? Do I have to worry about it breaking x amount of time down the road?

#5: I want to get the 18" silver TRD wheels with the car. I love the way they look. Any reason not to get them?

#6: I live in NJ. Could I get a better price on the xD if I went out of state to say PA?!?! I know I would still have to pay NJ tax but what about the overal cost of the car? Im looking at 22000 with its current config.

#7: How does the xD compare to the Yaris? I can get the yaris loaded for about $20,000. Is it much smaller than the xD? The Yaris has fog lights too.

#8: How long would it take for them to customize my scion xD? I spoke to a sales rep and he said 4 - 6 days? Is this true?

#9: Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks a ton!

[Resolve]

From the top of my head:

1) about 3750 - 4000 rpm

2) Don't have it, but since factory installed it is covered under warrenty. Other than that can't help. But most people I think just get aftermarket. Alot of times either cheaper or better product or both.

3) xD does not come standard with Fog Light pre Installed. Has location and option to buy not standard feature.

4) From what I recall the Arm rest are pretty decent.

5) Nope just personal preference.

6) Probably not. Scion is, or at least used to be, what they call pure pricing. No haggling what is on the sticker you pay. Basically they keep the cost of these cars as low as possible without wiggle room to negotiate.

7) Smaller car and Smaller engine. Yaris has 1.5L engine. If I recall it is the same engine that was in the 1st gen xB. Suspension componants of yaris and xD are the same. Other than that don't know any comparision points. I would drive a Yaris if that matters. I actually want a Yaris.

8 ) It depends on the dealer and what is in stock. The car comes to the port with bare essentials and then some stuff maybe put on there and some stuff maybe put on at the dealer.

9) Not alot of aftermarket support for the xD. A few things and slowly building, but not alot. So If you are looking for performance go to a different vehicle. But since looking at Yaris and xD I would say that isn't your driving factor.

THose are what I can think of off the top of my head.

My Question, Why the obsession with fog lights? lol

[simmons0613]

I went and bought fog lights from wwwtrdsparks.com I love them and they are pretty easy to install. As for the arm rest, I just went to ebay and bought one that bolts down into the cup holder between the two seats. Its pretty sturdy plus this one can open up and be a center console as well. I only paid about $30 + S&H, i will post a picture here in a bit. If power isnt an issue with your decision then I say go ahead and get the xD. It gets pretty good MPG. I have a lead foot and and even when driving like that I can still average 32+ MPG, just the other day I tried to drive properly and I hit a daily average of 40, I will post a pic of that to show you also. I havent driven many different vehicles but out of the ones I have, I would say I like the feel of this one the most.

[xd_kidd]

#1: yea 3750 sounds about right.

#2: def. not worth it. buy other aftermarket

#3: get it from trd sparks where its cheaper.

#4: dont have one but heard its on of the best accessories to have

#5: preference

#6: i think they are pretty much the same.

#7: its not worth it if your planin to build your own.

#8: varies.

#9: I personally would go with a yaris 4 door hatch over the xd but if your not modding much then xd has a better platform than the yaris. and there are nice parts coming out for the xd but its a slow process. but they do have all the basic parts available. headers, exhaust, intake, coilovers and spring and so on.

[CWB211]

1) I rarely drive that fast, but yes I think about 3500rpm is where it was at the few times I did.

2) Agree with the rest. Its not worth it. Get an aftermarket one if you really want one.

3) Again, trdsparks.com is the place to get them. There are also Blazer Fogs that are HIDs if you are going that route. Around the same price too.

4) I would recommend getting one of the aftermarket armrests. I bought mine from zetaproducts and I think its better then the stock one you can buy... it has compartments and was cheaper too.

5) Nothing wrong with those, but the only thing I would say is that they are expensive compared to what you can get by purchasing some wheels aftermarket.

6) Price is pretty much the same. I live in PA and searched around prior also.

7) I can't speak to much about the Yaris, but the frame is the same as the xD. I do believe that the Yaris is only a 1.6 liter engine though. I prefer the xD over the Yaris, personally.

8) I wouldn't know, I did everything myself on my xD.

9) Like others have said, there isn't a ton of aftermarket support for the xD, but there is enough to get you bye on most things you would want to do. Other then that I think they are a decent car for the money. And yeah, I average around 37 mpg still after all my mods so they are definitely a gas saver.

[xd_kidd]

Well the only reason ii would choose the yaris over the d is because the aftermarket support isn't as high as the yaris and reminds me of the corolla sportivo vut yea xd is a very torqy motor. Its very fun to play with

[CXTKRS1]

#1: 3000 RPM with the auto.

#2: IMO no, you can get a better aftermarket NAV system for the money or use the one on your phone for free.

#3: No it does not, TRD sparks sell the OE fogs for a good price though and they are cake to install.

#4: The armrest is fairly sturdy, I do not not personally have one but I'm kinda cheap too. :laughing1:

#5: I think Enkei (sp) makes the TRD wheels, you could maybe find which aftermarket wheels they are sourced from and buy those and then install some TRD center caps. Price difference may not justify the extra work though.

#6: If you're throwing a bunch of post purchase parts on the car some dealers will work with you to sweeten deal. Their is quite bit of markup on buying parts from the dealer so they have some wiggle room on the price.

#7: Chassis is the same but the Yaris does feel cheaper on the inside and comes with the buzz happy 1.5L inline 4. IMO if you like the styling stay with the xD.

#8: Sounds about right if they are including shipping for parts in that time frame.

#9: Look into the Ford Fiesta..if you like the styling it is a much better car IMO.

---------- Post added at 06:14 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:11 AM ----------

BTW you guys really are turning almost 3800 RPM with the manual? I had no idea the gearing was so horrible with the 5 speed..

[Resolve]

Yep that is the manual. RPM range running at about 75 mph is in the 3500 to 3750 range IIRC. The first gen xB runs at 4000 at 80 mph in maunal.

[ThisorThatxD]

1. in my 5spd its more like 3250rpm. i drive that speed all the time but ill have to do it again to make sure im not fibbing lol.
2. aftermarket or just be cheap like me and buy a gps.
3. everyones got this answer.
4. wouldnt know. honestly i think it would do me more harm then good.
5. besides price theres no reason not to really. havent heard anything bad about them.
6. ppl got this down as well.
7. not an expert on the yaris, but i do wish we had the same aftermarket support.
8. bought used so i wouldnt know.
9. its a car you have to love. its definitely has the fun factor when youre driving around. the motor is quite jumpy, and if you do decide to mod it, the custom feel is always a plus. plus, there are hardly any modded xd's around, so we are rare commodities lol.

[JDMJim]

Yaris has way more tunability at the cost of low power ratings.

And yes, the suspensions between both cars are similar, they are NOT the same. Yaris uses a much softer spring combo over the xD. The rear suspension beam is not as beefy on the Yaris. Like everyone else, just get a $100 GPS. They are handy but not worth the money if you know what I mean. I used to sell them.

[cvriv]

Thanks for the info! I will have to do some more research. The only thing that is seriously bothering me right now if the high rpm at 75mph. I do a lot of highway driving at 75mph. What is the redline for the XD? This has me really nervous becaus eI am coming from a 2.5L 4Cyl Tacoma 4x4. That truck would be around 3000 - 3100rpm when doing around 75pmh. The truck redlines at 6000rpm I think. Driving liek that in my truck was harsh. The truck at a lot of gas because of it and in general.

Im driving a loaner car while Toyota processes my buy back check for the Tacoma. The loaner car being a Corrola S. Its a very nice car but holy hell! A 75mph the car is doing 4000rpm!! Thats nuts. I truly think the dealer has the lock locked one gear down to prevent people from speeding in the car. That and the car slowing down a lot faster than it should when letting go of the gas are the signs that the dealer governed the car. I atleast hope they did because that car is annoying to drive. I really hope the XD doesnt drive like this.

When you guys are driving on the highway at around 75 do you feel the like the egine is working really hard to keep the car moving at that speed? What is the redline for the XD's? My mothers focus is awesome on the highway. That car buzzes along easily and gets great mpg. But I hate fords:(

About the fog lights,... I love fog lights:) A vehicle isn't a vehicle without fog lights. When looking back through the rear view at a vehicle with fogs lights,... its just awesome.

Im not looking to upgrade my car with aftermarket stuff. I just want a nice car that great on gas and is a hatch back so I can drive my dogs around with me.

I will research everything to guys mentioned. I have to meet the toyota guy next thursday to get my check and sign the truck over to them. With that money im going to purchase something.

---------- Post added at 08:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:00 PM ----------

Damn wheels are cheaper if you buy aftermarket! Can I get some wheel info from you guys? I checked prices at tirerack.com, is there a better place to shop for wheels and tires? Are the front and rear tires of the same width? What about offset? What should I look for?

[CXTKRS1]

Thanks for the info! I will have to do some more research. The only thing that is seriously bothering me right now if the high rpm at 75mph. I do a lot of highway driving at 75mph. What is the redline for the XD? This has me really nervous becaus eI am coming from a 2.5L 4Cyl Tacoma 4x4. That truck would be around 3000 - 3100rpm when doing around 75pmh. The truck redlines at 6000rpm I think. Driving liek that in my truck was harsh. The truck at a lot of gas because of it and in general.

Im driving a loaner car while Toyota processes my buy back check for the Tacoma. The loaner car being a Corrola S. Its a very nice car but holy hell! A 75mph the car is doing 4000rpm!! Thats nuts. I truly think the dealer has the lock locked one gear down to prevent people from speeding in the car. That and the car slowing down a lot faster than it should when letting go of the gas are the signs that the dealer governed the car. I atleast hope they did because that car is annoying to drive. I really hope the XD doesnt drive like this.

When you guys are driving on the highway at around 75 do you feel the like the egine is working really hard to keep the car moving at that speed? What is the redline for the XD's? My mothers focus is awesome on the highway. That car buzzes along easily and gets great mpg. But I hate fords:(

About the fog lights,... I love fog lights:) A vehicle isn't a vehicle without fog lights. When looking back through the rear view at a vehicle with fogs lights,... its just awesome.

Im not looking to upgrade my car with aftermarket stuff. I just want a nice car that great on gas and is a hatch back so I can drive my dogs around with me.

I will research everything to guys mentioned. I have to meet the toyota guy next thursday to get my check and sign the truck over to them. With that money im going to purchase something.

---------- Post added at 08:10 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:00 PM ----------

Damn wheels are cheaper if you buy aftermarket! Can I get some wheel info from you guys? I checked prices at tirerack.com, is there a better place to shop for wheels and tires? Are the front and rear tires of the same width? What about offset? What should I look for?

I'm going to take a break from my microbiology to do a little education here. Both the Corolla and xD either have a 4 speed auto or 5 speed manual as a transmission option..combine that with some low gearing and that is why you end up turning so many RPM at 75+ MPH. Fuel economy wise you should still knock down around 34 MPG even at those high speeds. While you can tell the engine is spinning quite fast it is by no means under a bind. With the stock exhaust system you should not hear any sort of drone either. Small inline 4's are designed to run around that high RPM for highway use too. I hate to sound anti xD (I mean I own one after all) but I would look into the Fiesta or maybe the Velostar if the RPM thing bugs you. They turn a little less RPM at 75+ MPH thanks to their six speed (both auto and manual) transmissions.

[cvriv]

Well that sucks. I really like the XD. When I was driving the corolla off the highway I was getting great gas mileage. As soon as I took the car onto the highway,... I swear I burned almost if not a half a tank of gas. It just didnt seem right. I guess I will have to get the dealer to take the car up to speed for me to see for myself. What does the car redline at?

[CXTKRS1]

Well that sucks. I really like the XD. When I was driving the corolla off the highway I was getting great gas mileage. As soon as I took the car onto the highway,... I swear I burned almost if not a half a tank of gas. It just didnt seem right. I guess I will have to get the dealer to take the car up to speed for me to see for myself. What does the car redline at?

I think 6K is the red line. As for burning half a tank of gas in the Corolla...well that is in your head is all I can say. That car still pulls easily over 30 MPG at interstate speeds.

[jester4666]

did some highway driving last night in my xD. and yeah, the auto runs around 3000rpm at 75...at 85 only about 3250. ;) no bind on the engine at all, a little push of the gas and off we go. i'm only getting around 32mpg in my daily commute, but i'm pretty satisfied with it.

[CWB211]

I do have to admit that new Velostar is amazing. Drove one at our Hyundai dealer a week ago. That little 1.6 liter engine is awesome.

As far as wheels go there are a lot of sites out there but the two that I would recommend as reputable are tirerack.com and discounttiredirect.com.

You want 5x100 lug pattern, anything wider then 8" usually takes some modification to use nicely. And as far as offsets the number to look for are between 35-42 usually. Just as a rough guideline.

[Resolve]

I too tested the car last night. I have a manual. at 75 MPH you are turning approx 3250. at 80 MPH approx 3500. The red line is approx 6250. As stated you still get roughly 30 mpg +/- a few MPG.

Running at 75mph or even 80mph. the car isnt struggling or sounding like it is over revving. and you can step on it at those speeds and accelerate decently.

---------- Post added at 09:08 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:00 AM ----------

And with these smaller engines they could change the gearing to run lower rpm at higher speed and probably get better gas mileage, but then the engine maybe performing below it's optimal power band and make it sluggish if you need to try to pass someone and so on. Like stated this engines are designed to run at a little higher rpm so they create power as needed. Without testing it the power band for these cars manual tranny wise are roughly 2500 to about 5000/5500 rpm. again that is without testing and just from top of my head from last I checked. So with that being the case running at 3250 to 3500 is inside the engines power band and can provide optimal performance and fuel enconomy

[JDMJim]

Wow, Veloster is a 1.6?! that's alot of weight to be pushing around. Jus tthe hood is ridiculously heavy. Honestly tho, I know we are all in a hurry, But I have been keeping me highway speeds at 70. waaaaaay better highway mileage

as for foglights, I can't do it since I made the left panel into an airvent

[CXTKRS1]

Wow, Veloster is a 1.6?! that's alot of weight to be pushing around. Jus tthe hood is ridiculously heavy. Honestly tho, I know we are all in a hurry, But I have been keeping me highway speeds at 70. waaaaaay better highway mileage

as for foglights, I can't do it since I made the left panel into an airvent

The 1.6 I think produces more power than our 1.8.

[CWB211]

The 1.6 I think produces more power than our 1.8.

Yeah, their 1.6 liter gets 138 hp I think, and better mpg.

[Whack-A-Mole]

The 1.6 I think produces more power than our 1.8.

Hyundai states it does at 138hp, and it has direct injection. I think it looks butt ugly though, and I believe you said before about our power band "it looks like an old V8 truck" referring to how low and flat the power band was. So it's peak power may be more, but I doubt it would be similarly broad.

[JDMJim]

it's a tough call between those cars actually. altho HP rating is higher with teh Hyundai, torque figures are nearly the same for both cars. Weight is almost the same too which could make the Hyundai feel a bit sluggish. I guess it all depends on how the weight is distributed in the chassis for handling.

[cvriv]

Thanks guys but I think im sold on the Veloster! I took it out for a test drive and holy hell that car is nice! fully loaded I can get it for around 24000. I am thinking I like it:D

As for the XD rpm range,... thanks for the info guys. 3250rpm for 75mpg isnt that bad. BUT HOLY HELL THAT VELOSTER IS NICE! LOL. I think im jsut going to go with it. But then again im going to a ford dealer tomorrow to run some numbers. Their new focus hatchback is nice as hell too. But it's running a bit higher in price though.

I heard that next year theres going to be a turbo charger Veloster:) I love turbos but I need something that is going to last a long time. Turbos do last a long time but they tend to fail here and there with all the stresses they endure.

So we'll see what happens:)

---------- Post added at 06:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:27 PM ----------

it's a tough call between those cars actually. altho HP rating is higher with teh Hyundai, torque figures are nearly the same for both cars. Weight is almost the same too which could make the Hyundai feel a bit sluggish. I guess it all depends on how the weight is distributed in the chassis for handling.

The Veloster was hardly sluggish. That little car has some decent pull. Pretty much as quick or maybe quicker than the corolla s im driving now and just about as fast as my mothers Focus. Its an impressive little car.

[CWB211]

While I do love the idea of a turbo engine also, I just don't like having to fuel up with premium gas. I got my xD originally for a good daily driver that won't break the bank, so even if the mpg isn't bad the fact that I have to fuel up with premium kills the economy to me.

But yes... there is just something awesome about driving a turbo, haha.

[cvriv]

While I do love the idea of a turbo engine also, I just don't like having to fuel up with premium gas. I got my xD originally for a good daily driver that won't break the bank, so even if the mpg isn't bad the fact that I have to fuel up with premium kills the economy to me.

But yes... there is just something awesome about driving a turbo, haha.

I totally agree with you. AND if you do go turbo,... you need to seriously go TURBO! LOL. 300hp+ TURBO;)

[Whack-A-Mole]

Congrats on getting a new car, and only buy what you want. Don't get talked into paying for something you don't want. It sounds simple, but people do it all the time.

[cvriv]

Congrats on getting a new car, and only buy what you want. Don't get talked into paying for something you don't want. It sounds simple, but people do it all the time.

Exactly!!! This is why im nervous about going to the Ford dealer tomorrow. He said they dont have what im looking for but there are other vehicles i might like. I know theres a good chance he wont have what I want. I know he's going to do everything in his power to sell me anything. I wont fall for that. I really like the Veloster. This guy will seriously have to impress me for me to even consider buying a ford.

[CXTKRS1]

While I do love the idea of a turbo engine also, I just don't like having to fuel up with premium gas. I got my xD originally for a good daily driver that won't break the bank, so even if the mpg isn't bad the fact that I have to fuel up with premium kills the economy to me.

But yes... there is just something awesome about driving a turbo, haha.

No one knows what kind of the fuel the car will use yet. Kia has 2.0 DI injected turbocharges inline four that makes 270HP while running on 87. HP rumors are around 180 for the 1.6 which is possible on regular gas.

---------- Post added at 03:28 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:20 PM ----------

Exactly!!! This is why im nervous about going to the Ford dealer tomorrow. He said they dont have what im looking for but there are other vehicles i might like. I know theres a good chance he wont have what I want. I know he's going to do everything in his power to sell me anything. I wont fall for that. I really like the Veloster. This guy will seriously have to impress me for me to even consider buying a ford.

You're 33, tells the sales person to piss off and will you call them over when you want to go for a test drive. They give a rats ass which car is actually better for you they just want a sale. Do not relay on them on for any information, heck you're better off searching google for an answer than asking a salesmen.

[cvriv]

So,..... I went to the ford dealer this morning. I set up an appointment to amuse myself. Just to see what they could do for me. I really didnt think anything was going to happen. Well,... I am friggin impressed. First,... I sat inside the new focus hatchback. Its like being inside the cockpit of a spaceship! The first words out of my mouth was,... holy shit. Swear. There was such much coolness there I could barely contain myself. A color LCD between the cool looking tach and speedo. The my touch screen with all the other colorful buttons and shit I have no idea what they all do. It looks damn cool!

Anyways,... this guy found me the very car I wanted. He got me a bangin apr and monthly payment as well. Everything I wanted, no problems. I cant believe it went that well and that easy.

Im getting a black titanium focus,.... with EVERYTHING. Everything. It has so much shit I dont even know all of it off the top of my head. Im as happy as a fat rat. They will have the car on the lot this monday. But toyota wont be giving my check till thursday:( Hopefully by that friday the check will clear my account. Fingers crossed.

[simmons0613]

nice job on the find. Post pics of it later. I might be looking at a new car in the near future.

[cvriv]

Will do. Hopefully friday I can bring it home at the earliest. If not then monday or maybe saturday. I cant wait to bring this car home. I got it for $26500 about. Way more than what I wanted to spend but I got a good apr and they did keep my monthly payment down. $275 a month is what I'll be paying. $9500 down.

[cvriv]

Figured out wht the Corolla S was driving at such high rpms when driving on the highway. I had the car in 3rd the whole time. Im not use to the zig zag automatic shifter. The shifter says 3-D. I though that meant 3 AKA DRIVE. Oh well. At 75mph the car now does 3000rpm. Which is perfect.

[CXTKRS1]

Figured out wht the Corolla S was driving at such high rpms when driving on the highway. I had the car in 3rd the whole time. Im not use to the zig zag automatic shifter. The shifter says 3-D. I though that meant 3 AKA DRIVE. Oh well. At 75mph the car now does 3000rpm. Which is perfect.

:boxed:

[JDMJim]

There was a blue Velsotor cruisin around my area all afternoon yesterday. I see this car like the Eclipse. looks good from certain angles but not as a whole

[cvriv]

This is what I got. A 2012 Focus Titanium. It's has a ton of stuff. Im still trying to figure out what everything is and how to use it. This is the only car that actually had me reading the manual to figure out how to use it. I got it for $26700. I am as happy as a fat rat.

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---------- Post added at 09:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:48 AM ----------

So glad I didnt go the toyota/ scion route. Check this out! I brought back the loaner car the dealer gave me as part of the warranty when toyota gave me the check for my truck. The dealer accused me of damaging their loaner car! There was a pretty bad scrape under the nose of the car on the passenger side. The front spoiler whatever. It was pretty nasty. But it was way under there like someone before me got to close to a curb. Thats exactly what that was. It wasnt me. Then on the back of the car there was this stupid hairline scratch on the top of the back bumper. Im looking at her like are you flippin crazy! Whe I did the walk around when I got that car,... I was loking for dents and shit. I didnt notice some stupid hairline scratch and I didnt notice the scrape/ gouge under the front of the car. I had to pay for that! $300! I paid for someone else F'UP! I know their not going to fix that either. Their going to do it again to the next person who gets that car. Can you believe that! So,.... that, and their sales team sucks,... I bought a Ford. The one chick I was talking to was like your not buying another toyota! Why not?!?!? HA HA HA!!!! Thats why! That dealer blows. Anyways,... I got what I wanted and im happy. End of story.

[CWB211]

I do like what they have done with the Focus for 2012, I can't deny that. They modernized it and made the body lines a lot sharper. The only things that gets me is thats over 10k more then I paid for my xD and... its a Ford. =/

[JDMJim]

I'd black out that teardrop on the taillight. thats the one thing I don't like about the wagon. nice pickup regardless

[simmons0613]

very nice, I love how they changed the body style.

[Whack-A-Mole]

Jesus! I'm not a huge fan of Ford anymore since my 2000 Contour SVT. That Focus does look better than I expected, but the sticker price shook me hard. That's almost 30k for a Focus. For around 30k your car choices are pretty far and wide, and I don't know where the Focus would be on that list for me. (not near the top though)

[cvriv]

Thanks guys. Yea, the sticker price is higher than other cars of it's size/ type. But still it's a nice car and Im still glad I got it. I knew I was paying more than I wanted to but I told the dealer,... if im going to pay more than I was expecting, just make sure I get what I want and keep my payment below 300 and month. the sales guy did just that. The buying process was so easy and smooth. I was really impressed with them. This is why I bought this car. This is why I didnt even haggle this price down. The amount I paid is the sticker price. He did what I told him to do and got me what I wanted so I didnt haggle them. Everyone is happy.

I have to agree that ford got thier s@#$ together when it comes to styling. I told them when I got there,... first words, Im not a fan of Ford. The guy was like "OK. Let me just show you,...". I sat down in a base Focus and was like,.... SOLD! Their very nice. I told him to find me a certain Focus and he ran off and 5 minutes later he had a window sticker. Found my Focus at some Dealer somewhere. He went to get for me without paying anything! No down payment, deposit, no signing anything,... just went and got it for me. He ran all my info and had me approved along with everything taken care of a week before I could buy it. The day I bought it I walk in with a check, signed on the dotted lines and he handed over the keys and said have fun:) It's was an awesome experience.

As for the rear tear drop tail lights being blacked out,.... we'll see. Im still tryign to get my bluetooth audio streaming to work. I think sync has a bug:(

[CXTKRS1]

A cell reaching out for a snack look on the tail lights is a turn off for me, I understand it is a Euro thing but that is almost over board for my taste. The vehicle is priced high IMO as well. Their is a TON of markup in anything Titanium optioned series vehicle. Do you manage to pay close to invoice? If you plan on keeping it for years upon years you will be fine, if you sell it say in three years you will lose your ass on this car.

---------- Post added at 03:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 03:34 AM ----------

Jesus! I'm not a huge fan of Ford anymore since my 2000 Contour SVT. That Focus does look better than I expected, but the sticker price shook me hard. That's almost 30k for a Focus. For around 30k your car choices are pretty far and wide, and I don't know where the Focus would be on that list for me. (not near the top though)

A lot of things change in twelve years.

[cvriv]

Oh I'm going to keep it and drive it into the ground. I'm going to school soon and won't be able to afford another car after this one. I'm going to get my moneys worth out of this car for sure.

[Resolve]

Wow I will agree that I wouldn't pay $30K for a Ford and definitely with other cars in that price range. I want to be clear the $26K is before or after your down payment?

Glad you got a car you like and that is great for you.

Now assuming price being $26K before, I know of at least two cars that would top my list. One being the Mazda Speed3 starting at $24K so would probably run around same maybe a few grand more after all said and done. The other being a VW GTI Which would be about the same as the Mazda.

As for your incident with the loaner car. I always am very detailed before borrowering and renting vehicles for that reason. Every small scratch and scrape I have them notate. Sucks you got hit for it and makes you think Toyota is bad for that, but on the flip side you didn't notice it/report it when getting the car and if they didn't have it marked down then they were not aware of it. So when you bring it back and it does get noticed after you drove it then you are liable for it.

[JDMJim]

$30k will get you a FT86....for now

[randyP]

It is easy to get a great deal on a new car if you know where to go. You can try going to each car dealership and ask, but that is a long task if you live in Atlanta like me. There is actually a site I found, which shows all the prices and lets you compare cars. That is how I found my Scion dealership. With Sandy Springs Scion (http://www.cardealexpert.com/dealer/67599/GA-Atlanta-Sandy-Springs-Scion) you'll receive the best automobile purchasing experience possible.