Car Buying One Year Later

   I was hell bent on buying a new or prior year (leftover) car almost exactly a year ago this week. I did my research, had financing in hand and went looking. I had narrowed my choice to a 2013 or 2014 Hyundai Elantra GT but hadn't looked at them. I was on the fence on the trade off in value vs. savings and it seemed like a wash. On one hand, you get a brand new car but pay more or less market value.

   When buying a leftover, you can save thousands but your new car is already a year older seeming once you drive it off the lot. Even with no mileage, it loses book value. Although I had a good idea of the specs, there were a ton of difference on each. They changed the engine, trim and accessories as well as changed package options. If I wanted navigation, I had to buy both of the top of the line option packages, That adds over $5k to the price.

  This is a 2014 GT I saw at the Providence Rhode Island RIATA  car show January 2014  I never want a white car but they do look sleek. It looks much like other 2014 models with its wide "mouth".

  I looked at well over a hundred cars and saw many beautiful cars. Of course, the Corvette, Z-28, Mustang, Charger and  Camaro always look great, but the one I thought was the best new look in  a car I would consider was the new Dodge Dart. I'm no longer a fan of the brand, but time will tell if it's a hit or miss with consumers.

  At a local Hyundai dealer, I got the chance to see the 2013 model and make a valid comparison between them . The 2013 model has been reported to be a bit under-powered, so they added 25% more horsepower and 18% more torque. Available LED taillights and hidden rear camera round out a refreshed back end.

  When I looked at the two together, it was obvious that the newer 2014 model was the one I wanted, but all the toys I wanted (Navigation, sunroof, rear view camera, heated leather seats, it was above my upper limit of $25,000. The leftover now lesser model was available for a discount of about 44,000 but lacked the appeal of the '14.

Car Modifying

  Then the salesman managed to ruin my day by overplaying the sales pitch. I made an offer on the new model but he immediately brought out his "manager" who, armed with reams of paper, showed me how they could not possibly meet my price. It was likely a hot model and they knew they didn't have to budge. I dropped my business card and left. Of course they badgered me day after day to come back, but it was for the best that I had a change of heart.

  So I decided to keep my 2007 Elantra Limited, with most of those toys and a much lower payment. The car owes me nothing and runs great.  In four years and almost 80,00 miles, I've only had to replace tires, brake pads and rotors and plugs and wires. It still has the original Autumn 2006 battery is it. Now that I brag about it, sure enough, with Massachusetts winter out in full, it will surely die an inconvenient death.
 Here's hoping. Hello, Advance Auto Parts?