Fellow Opponauts

"Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow" (chriskf) 05/07/2014 at 15:47 • Filed to: None

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I need to draw upon your experience and expertise!

I am planning on getting a new car this summer. The current debate is between a FiST, FoST, and possibly a Veloster R Spec. However, more importantly, this will be my first time buying a car from a dealer. Of course I have done tons of research, and actually used to work for a marketing firm where all of our clients were dealerships. I've read through the forums on what people are paying for the ST brothers, but, to be perfectly honest, I have trouble keeping all the rebates, plan pricing, and haggling straight. When I go in to get whatever my next ride will be, I want to be the dude who walks in tells them the way it is and drives off in an awesome new car at an awesome deal. So I'd love to get some input from you all about the best way to bargain with dealers, how to get the most out of rebates, a bit of input on FoST vs. FiST is always fun, and any other information you find pertinent.

Some factors to consider.
-I've got good credit.
-I will likely be trading in a 4Runner that I owe about $1000 less than it's worth. However, it was an Arizona car now transplanted in the snowy wonderland of Illinois. So it's RWD, and I'm certain that will have an impact on its trade-in-value. I'm also entertaining the idea of driving back to Arizona to visit friends and family and buying the car while I'm there, since I will likely get better value on it.
-I have plan-x pricing through my job.
-Trying to budget for right around $25k OTD, 60 mo. (Planning to have $2k saved for a down payment when I buy)
-With either the FiST or FoST I honestly only care about getting the Recaros. I couldn't really care less about the other options, although a sunroof might be cool. Thinking Tuxedo Black for the color, because I like the more mature and unassuming nature of it. Bright colors are fun and all, but idk if I want to go quite so boy racer-ish with it.

Any and all helpful input or opinions are appreciated. Let's make me into a car buying pro!

For your time, here is an RS200 throwing some dirt in the air:

multiple wheels for each day of the week > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 15:52

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read up on Edmunds TMV and truecar ... at least you will get an idea of what the costs look like

my 2013 FoST was $23500 + tax so just under $25 out the door . Race red,Recaros, ST2 with the moon roof

also look for Ford deals and incentives.

For Sweden > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 15:52

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Talk to Automatch

Taubitz > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 15:52

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Save longer and get this

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 15:53

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First thing I would recommend is to knock cash off of whatever you think the trade in value you is, no dealer will pay what KBB or NADA say is the trade in. You have to haggle more on your trade in price then the purchase price of the new car from my experience.

I'd seriously consider trading in in Arizona. My reasoning is that the 2 SUV's I've traded in the first things they test is 4x4 to make sure it goes on and off, they can always sell a cheap 4x4. If it's a 2wd they just see it as a gas guzzler they can't sell.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/07/2014 at 16:00

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Pretty much what I assumed. Also the sales tax on cars is .65% lower than that of Illinois. If the market for FoSTs and FiSTs is better in AZ too, it may definitely be worth it. The other reason is that my parents might buy the 4Runner off me, so going to AZ would involve transferring the 4Runner to them and finding the car at the same time.

Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 16:00

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X-Plan will get you a nice discount right off the bat. Any rebates/cash/incentives will combine, so after that you've got the number you can still possibly haggle with. But you may just get most of your money out of the trade in.

After hearing a few horror stories I will always be weary of them trying to sneak money back in through paperwork. So always have those final sale-price and trade-in values in mind.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > For Sweden 05/07/2014 at 16:02

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Yeah, I considered that, but I know that I am perfectly capable of doing this all through free research and my own efforts. I have often played the car shopper role for friends and family, but on used cars. I'd rather put that money towards the down payment honestly.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 16:02

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Makes quite a bit of sense.

The FoST's go cheap over by me because they are literally built in my town. And there is a Ford dealer across the street from the factory (convenient)

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > multiple wheels for each day of the week 05/07/2014 at 16:03

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For sure. I've also heard that USAA can give you really good deals on loans and pricing, but am not sure of the details.

mycarneverruns87 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 16:03

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As a past car salesman I can say the best customers are the most informed customers. Know exactly what you want and have a good idea of what you want to spend. This makes everybody's life easier as there is less run-around and mis-communication.

My second piece of advise (more personal) is to be kind and work with your salesman as he really will try to get you the car you want. Most salesman are not out there to screw you at all and really want to help. It is much easier to work with a pleasant person than a person who thinks you are the scum of the earth.

Don't expect miracles, be reasonable, be informed and everybody should win. Just my 2c.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Yowen - not necessarily not spaghetti and meatballs 05/07/2014 at 16:05

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I know the horror stories all too well. My last job was handling digital media and online reviews for about 25-30 dealerships at a time, and I spent about half my day reading horror stories. I also used to sell a boat load of extended warranties when I worked retail, but will pretty much never purchase one myself. lol

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/07/2014 at 16:06

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Yeah, it's definitely a major consideration for me.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 16:08

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oh and cross the hyundai off your list, it's no where near as cool as the focus ST

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > mycarneverruns87 05/07/2014 at 16:08

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This is pretty much my mentality with all things. I worked in retail sales all through college and through that I have an excellent understanding of the mindset of a salesman. I know they generally aren't out to screw me, and I know its easy enough to spot those type of people and walk away anyways. It's the old saying of "You catch more flies with honey than vinegar."

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/07/2014 at 16:10

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Lol yeah I know. I thought I'd test drive one just to see how it is. Another factor for me is that I do kayak fishing, so I need to be able to fit up to 7' fishing rods in the car and a kayak on top with a roof rack. I know the Focus can do that, and I'm pretty sure the Fiesta shouldn't have much trouble either.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 16:26

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Yeah the focus will handle that no problem at all. Can't speak to the other 2 tho.

I know they have cross bars for the fiesta, but I dunno if they do the kayak J hooks. If they have the cross bars, they have to tho

Roberto G. > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 16:29

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A FiST vs. a FoST?? ...what damn language are you talking??

...and I was not able to find a decent picture of a FoST, what the heck it may be.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/07/2014 at 16:32

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Yeah I've seen Fiesta's with kayaks mounted on top. Was more concerned with fitting the rods inside, but I doubt it will be an issue. I used to fit them running diagonally across the interior of my '00 Corolla haha. Would be interesting to see what happens when you put a 13' kayak on to top of a Fiesta ST and add Chicago winds as a factor. lol

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Roberto G. 05/07/2014 at 16:32

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Lol granted FoST doesn't make as much sense as FiST, but people still use it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 16:33

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HANG GLIDER!

please video tape it's first take off

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/07/2014 at 16:35

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More like its first tip over. lol You know in the opening sequence of The Flinstones when the waitress puts the brontosaurus ribs on their car and it just falls on its side? Yeah, I have a horrifying vision of something like that happening, except on the freeway while driving. haha

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 16:35

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still video tape.

its actually sounding more like the focus fits your needs because of .... stability

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 05/07/2014 at 16:37

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That's what I was kind of thinking. But either way there will be plenty of GoPro footage of whatever car I buy, so if a tip over occurs I will be sure to post it on Oppo. haha

Mosqvich > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 17:03

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I have a standard Fiesta. It is a good car. You will hate Sync - it never works the same way from one day to the next.

Please, please, please take the time to really research the dealer (link to dealer review site). Mine sucks and I've purchased my last Ford.

My car is Tuxedo Black and I love it. It looks terrific. I think you'll like either FiST or FoST. I've driven the Focus ST and it goes. It's a little odd though and it didn't make me love it.

Recaros - I hope you're skinny. They are super uncomfortable. I'd skip them. Read up on them, and not just the car magazines, they actually hurt and are horrible for any kind of distance driving.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Mosqvich 05/07/2014 at 17:14

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I know all about bad dealerships haha Definitely going to do my research there. I am a very skinny guy (5' 8" 110lbs lol), so the Recaros will not be an issue in that regard. I don't do a whole lot of distance driving, my commute to work is 5 miles. Occasionally I will be driving up to Michigan to see family, about 3-6 hours depending on which family I'm going to see, but it won't be frequent enough that I can't deal with it.

Mosqvich > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 05/07/2014 at 20:03

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Skinny is good :-)

As an alternative I test drove this today. I think you'd like it.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Mosqvich 05/07/2014 at 20:39

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Yes, yes I'm sure I would. Now I just need a very substantial raise. lol