Zoom, zoom

Rico · May 25, 2010, 10:10:03 AM

Sadly, the only Mini dealer is about 80 min. or so away from me in Illinois. But, I might run by the Nissan dealer and try and drive an Altima coupe after work today. Think it's more my style anyway...

Rico · May 26, 2010, 05:01:47 AM

Well, I drove two Nissan Altima coupes yesterday. Basically a base version - 2.5 4 cyl. engine, not many extras, and a loaded 3.5 V6. Both pretty nice, but I'm still not sold. Frankly, every time I test drive a car and then get in my present car to drive home I like it better. Kind of like a nice pair of sneakers that fit you really well. I'm very mixed on what to get right now. I hope to do some more looking at home in Michigan this coming weekend.

billybob476 · May 26, 2010, 05:04:42 AM

Looks like the Chevy Malibu is the closest you'd get to another G6 unfortunately. Personally I've never been a fan of the Malibu.

Rico · May 26, 2010, 09:26:35 AM

Quote from: billybob476 on May 26, 2010, 05:04:42 AM
Looks like the Chevy Malibu is the closest you'd get to another G6 unfortunately. Personally I've never been a fan of the Malibu.

The current Malibu is really a great car. I test drove one a few weeks back. Very nice ride and well built - good MPG, but - I'm not sure I want a 4 door sedan. I really like my 2-door style and look much better. My biggest problem is I want my ride to look cool! I know that sounds kind of silly, but it's important to me. Especially for the money cars cost. I want to love the look and always love driving it. They have some basically new, 2009 Pontiac G6 convertibles still around (under 500 miles or less). I'm still tempted to get one of those.

billybob476 · May 26, 2010, 09:28:53 AM

Is your current car a lease? (You may have already mentioned) Would it be possible/worth it to just buy it out?

Rico · May 26, 2010, 09:43:05 AM

Quote from: billybob476 on May 26, 2010, 09:28:53 AM
Is your current car a lease? (You may have already mentioned) Would it be possible/worth it to just buy it out?

Yeah, it's a lease. Even though I like the car it's really a bit of a rip off to buy it out. If I want the same car I would just buy one of those 2009's I mentioned above. Cost difference is not that much and it will be brand new.

Bryancd · May 26, 2010, 10:43:10 AM

Quote from: Rico on May 26, 2010, 09:43:05 AM
Quote from: billybob476 on May 26, 2010, 09:28:53 AM
Is your current car a lease? (You may have already mentioned) Would it be possible/worth it to just buy it out?

Yeah, it's a lease. Even though I like the car it's really a bit of a rip off to buy it out. If I want the same car I would just buy one of those 2009's I mentioned above. Cost difference is not that much and it will be brand new.

That's why I gave up on leasing a while ago. I don't need a new car every 3 years if I like it, I would just keep it. Leases are great if you can write off the depreciation if you use it for business.

Rico · May 26, 2010, 11:46:37 AM

Yeah - it's the first time (and probably last time) I'll lease. I just was unsure of how well the hard-top convertible would hold up. But it's been awesome. I also like to hang on to things too that I enjoy.

Rico · May 27, 2010, 07:09:25 AM

WOW! How did I miss finding this car so far? The 2011 Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder. Me want! :wub

Feathers · May 27, 2010, 07:26:09 AM

I know what you'll be driving this weekend...

billybob476 · May 27, 2010, 07:34:56 AM

Hmm..if it drives nice then you may have a winner.

Rico · May 27, 2010, 07:42:37 AM

Quote from: billybob476 on May 27, 2010, 07:34:56 AM
Hmm..if it drives nice then you may have a winner.

Going to try and find a place nearby to test one out.

Bryancd · May 27, 2010, 09:17:01 AM

The Eclipse is a nice car, drive the V6, it's a heavy car and the 4 banger is way under powered. And it has all wheel drive for the bad winters!

billybob476 · May 27, 2010, 09:22:46 AM

Quote from: Bryancd on May 27, 2010, 09:17:01 AM
The Eclipse is a nice car, drive the V6, it's a heavy car and the 4 banger is way under powered. And it has all wheel drive for the bad winters!

This.

I always maintain that you will NOT get the best fuel economy by always buying the smallest engine. You have to look at power/weight. A big heavy car with a wee little engine will leave you revving high and burning up fuel just to get the car moving.

Feathers · May 27, 2010, 09:26:14 AM

Quote from: billybob476 on May 27, 2010, 09:22:46 AMI always maintain that you will NOT get the best fuel economy by always buying the smallest engine. You have to look at power/weight. A big heavy car with a wee little engine will leave you revving high and burning up fuel just to get the car moving.

I didn't know the words 'Fuel' and 'Economy' even went together on that side of the pond ;)