Went looking at cars this weekend - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 12:50 AM

So Melissa and I went driving around to dealerships to see what they had for '08's and prices, and OMG, they're practically giving cars away right now. We went to two Dodge dealers, Pontiac, Cadillac, Lincoln, Ford, Saab, and Subaru. I'm going to be looking for a new DD in maybe 4-6 weeks and I can't believe the discounts on new cars right now. The average we found on a lot of cars was 10-16k off sticker.

Next is to test drive everything and narrow the list down lol Also need to see what people have heard/read about a lot of these cars too. I think right now I'm looking at;

Caddy CTS
Caddy CTS-V *used
Pontiac G8 GT
Pontiac G8 truck thing, if it ever comes out
Ford Fusion
Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln Zepher *used
Saab 9-3 Sport Aero
Saab 9-5 Sport Aero
Saab Turbo X
Dodge Magnum R/T
Dodge Charger SRT8
EDIT: Volvo S60-R *used

What do you guys think?

NJ Torque · 10-20-2008, 12:53 AM

where did you go / what was the best price on a g8 gt?

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJ Torque

where did you go / what was the best price on a g8 gt?

We went to the Calleremi place on 46 in Mount Olive, but they didn't have any G8s for some reason, so we weren't able to get any prices on that one. I'll probably go to a Pontiac dealer this week and see what I can come up with.

NastyEllEssWon · 10-20-2008, 01:06 AM

those 9-3 aero verts are sexy

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NastyEllEssWon

those 9-3 aero verts are sexy

hell yea man, and they're extremely comfortable too. The Saab dealer we went to had a ton of 9-3 Aero convertibles too.

maroman88 · 10-20-2008, 02:41 AM

that list deff goes best to worst lol.... cts all the way if thats really an option.... it didnt win car of the year from motor trend for nothing!

NJ346 · 10-20-2008, 05:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maroman88

that list deff goes best to worst lol.... cts all the way if thats really an option.... it didnt win car of the year from motor trend for nothing!

Idk, I've seen a S60-R in person and there's just something about them that looks sexy until you look down and see it's a volvo

NJSPEEDER · 10-20-2008, 05:56 AM

If you are looking at a new G8 call up to Flemington Chevy and ask for Alison O'Neil. She is a member and f-body enthusiast. She does everything she can to get people the best price.

-Tim

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NJNETSFAN

Idk, I've seen a S60-R in person and there's just something about them that looks sexy until you look down and see it's a volvo

S60-R is pretty nice, 2.5L turbo making 300hp in an AWD car. New they were pretty expensive, used they're going for 20-25k.

alamantia · 10-20-2008, 09:13 AM

That CTS with the direct injection 3.6 is hot. The interiors from the 2002-2007 models is cheesy, the 2008 & 2009 interior is sexy. I was looking into one last year, but for 50k for a 2008 I figure I would wait 1-2 years to see some that come off lease and buy a used one thats in good condition for much less $$

BigAls87Z28 · 10-20-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveR

So Melissa and I went driving around to dealerships to see what they had for '08's and prices, and OMG, they're practically giving cars away right now. We went to two Dodge dealers, Pontiac, Cadillac, Lincoln, Ford, Saab, and Subaru. I'm going to be looking for a new DD in maybe 4-6 weeks and I can't believe the discounts on new cars right now. The average we found on a lot of cars was 10-16k off sticker.

Next is to test drive everything and narrow the list down lol Also need to see what people have heard/read about a lot of these cars too. I think right now I'm looking at;

Caddy CTS
Caddy CTS-V *used

A new CTS vs a used CTS-V? IMO...if you can grab a great deal on a DI RWD CTS, you will be more then happy. I would deff go for a new CTS over a last gen CTS-V.

Quote:

Pontiac G8 GT
Pontiac G8 truck thing, if it ever comes out

Get the sedan.

Quote:

Ford Fusion
Lincoln MKZ
Lincoln Zepher *used

MKZ has several nice improvements over the Zepher outside of just a name change. IMO, id rather get a Malibu LTZ. But Im a fanboy, what do I know.
Out of the three, the Milan is the best buy. Better looking then the boring Fusion, and better looking then the old Linc designed MKZ.

Quote:

Saab 9-3 Sport Aero
Saab 9-5 Sport Aero
Saab Turbo X

9-5?? Get the 9-3, the new design looks great. Go balls out and get the new Turbo X model!! 280hp AWD! Very cool car.

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Dodge Magnum R/T
Dodge Charger SRT8

Drive the Charger first, then drive G8 GT. Tell me which one you REALLY want.

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EDIT: Volvo S60-R *used

Not bad at all, very cool car.

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What do you guys think?

Id throw Malibu LTZ on your list.
252 hp, 6spd auto, Onstar free for a year with connections and directions, bluetooth, XM radio with Aux jack for MP3/iPod, two tone leather interior. And if you want something a bit frugal on gas, the LTZ is now standard with teh 2.4 and 6spd auto getting near 33mpg, best in class.

Id also look at maybe a used Caddy STS with the northstar.

Tsar · 10-20-2008, 09:34 AM

CTS > all that other stuff you listed.

mc73nova · 10-20-2008, 09:48 AM

Caddy CTS- The new one yes
Pontiac G8 GT- test drove it and fell in love
Ford Fusion- not a bad car for mid $20's
Saab 9-3 Sport Aero- awd turbo, very nice!
Dodge Charger SRT8- not a mopar man but they have grown on me. nice car
EDIT: Volvo S60-R *used- I have always liked them

Out of the vehicles I would choose, I ranked them for the hell of it.
1-Hands down the G8 GT - style,performance and price for this vehicle new is excellent, imo
2-SRT 8
3-S60-R
4-Saab 9-3
5-CTS
6-Fusion

I know its not on the list and is smaller compared to the others, but the Cobalt SS is a lot of bang for the buck.

BigAls87Z28 · 10-20-2008, 09:53 AM

Cobalt SS is a cool car, and the new turbo model has made it the best compact car on the market. Problem is, the rest of the car. Its design and interior fell behind everyone else real fast.
I cannot wait for the new Cruze to hit US dealers.

G8 GT is by far the best car GM makes currently.
That is untill Oshawa goes Job 1 in 3 months

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alamantia

That CTS with the direct injection 3.6 is hot. The interiors from the 2002-2007 models is cheesy, the 2008 & 2009 interior is sexy. I was looking into one last year, but for 50k for a 2008 I figure I would wait 1-2 years to see some that come off lease and buy a used one thats in good condition for much less $$

The AWD version is between 46-50k but the base model starts around 37.5k or so sticker, not counting discounts. If GM and dealerships are doing the same rebates and discounts on the CTS, I'm hoping to find the base in the mid 20's.

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

A new CTS vs a used CTS-V? IMO...if you can grab a great deal on a DI RWD CTS, you will be more then happy. I would deff go for a new CTS over a last gen CTS-V.

The new CTS has the 6cyl that the new Camaro is getting right? I saw one of the Hot Lava Edition CTSs and really liked it. I looked it up today and they're hard to find. I think a SOM Caddy would be hot

Is there any word on the G8 truck thing? I liked the concept but I haven't heard anything else about it.

I like the MKZ and Zephyr, but haven't driven one yet. I'm guessing some of the design is based off the new Taurus, which is based off the S80.

The Saab's are pretty awesome. The 9-3 is really comfortable, but the 9-5 has a lot more leg room, especially in the back. The Turbo X was nice, and they were giving it away. Sticker was 46k, and they reduced it down to 34. I'm sure if it's still there end of November/early December I can get it close to 30. One '08 9-3 they had was marked down from 39k to 25.

The S60-R is on the list because I've always liked them. You can't beat 300hp in an AWD sedan and with Volvo's safety and reliability record.

The Magnum and Charger I like, but do have their negatives when compared to the other cars. First is gas mileage, second is comfort. One thing I was thinking is that if I can get a new DD cheap, I may get a new truck too. Diesel trucks are not selling at all and dealers are giving them away right now. We found a 2008 Dodge 3500 diesel fully loaded for 16k off sticker. It's almost like buy one get one free. I'm sure if I go into a Dodge dealer and tell them I'll take one Magnum that doesn't sell and one diesel truck that doesn't sell, I'll walk out with one hell of a deal.

NJSPEEDER · 10-20-2008, 10:23 AM

I think having a V6 CTS would be good. I would stay away from the CTS-V because of the temptation to play with that 400hp under the hood, even knowing it is strapped to a rear made of even cheaper glass than a 10bolt.

Going new vs used also gets you in on all of the special financing and great prices that are going around now too.

I would have to take a long hard look at the Saab 9-3 Aero too. They are really really nice cars, have about the lowest insurance of anything in the class, get great mileage, very reliable, and, as Al said, the styling of the new ones is much improved.

-Tim

alamantia · 10-20-2008, 10:26 AM

idunno, when i priced one out I went with the 3.6 direct injection RWD G80 and yes the base was around 38k but I couldnt see buying a cadillac with no options, if im already going to finance the bulk of a loan for 38k why not get what i really want for 50k i just dont want to be stuck with a car payment for something i dont want, thats my mentality, thats why i didnt go for it. I will limp my tahoe around until i can get what i want. I hate to admit it, but my dad brings those Saturn Auras home alot, i likey...

BigAls87Z28 · 10-20-2008, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveR

The new CTS has the 6cyl that the new Camaro is getting right? I saw one of the Hot Lava Edition CTSs and really liked it. I looked it up today and they're hard to find. I think a SOM Caddy would be hot

Yes, the uplevel engine in the CTS, the Direct Injected 304hp 3.6 will be the base engine for Camaro.

Quote:

Is there any word on the G8 truck thing? I liked the concept but I haven't heard anything else about it.

Wasnt a concept, was a production car. G8 ST and GXP picing should be released soon, with sales starting around the same time as Camaro.

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I like the MKZ and Zephyr, but haven't driven one yet. I'm guessing some of the design is based off the new Taurus, which is based off the S80.

MKZ is Zepher upgraded. Zepher/MKZ are built on the Mazda6 platform along side Fusion and Milan. The Fusion tripplets will be getting a redesign very soon.
The Taurus is built of a moddified S80 plaform. Linc just showed off the MKS, the Linc version of the Taurus. The Taurus will be getting a MASSIVE overhaul, said to be the "Superman" Taurus compared to the "Clark Kent" version we have now. Also rumors of the Ecoboost twin turbo V6 making it into a Taurus "SHO" have been boosted with quad-tipped exhaust Tauri running around Ford's proving grounds.
The MKS isnt a bad looking car, carries the new Linc design sceme. The back end is a little Korean looking, but the front end is very bold. Still no Mondeo...

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The Saab's are pretty awesome. The 9-3 is really comfortable, but the 9-5 has a lot more leg room, especially in the back. The Turbo X was nice, and they were giving it away. Sticker was 46k, and they reduced it down to 34. I'm sure if it's still there end of November/early December I can get it close to 30. One '08 9-3 they had was marked down from 39k to 25.

9-5 is sooooo old, its platform is like the Sweedish Wbody, only without the bullietproof 3.8.
9-3 is on an European Epsilon platform, and now with the addition of AWD, is a heck of a car. A new 9-5 will be coming out next year.

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The S60-R is on the list because I've always liked them. You can't beat 300hp in an AWD sedan and with Volvo's safety and reliability record.

Nope, its just that it is a rare car, a rare imported car, and a rare imported AWD expensive 300hp car. Not fun to fix IMO.

Quote:

The Magnum and Charger I like, but do have their negatives when compared to the other cars. First is gas mileage, second is comfort. One thing I was thinking is that if I can get a new DD cheap, I may get a new truck too. Diesel trucks are not selling at all and dealers are giving them away right now. We found a 2008 Dodge 3500 diesel fully loaded for 16k off sticker. It's almost like buy one get one free. I'm sure if I go into a Dodge dealer and tell them I'll take one Magnum that doesn't sell and one diesel truck that doesn't sell, I'll walk out with one hell of a deal.

You could...or you can go to a PBG dealer, get a G8 V6 and a GMC Sierra 2500 dmax for the same deal and be better off all around!

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigAls87Z28

You could...or you can go to a PBG dealer, get a G8 V6 and a GMC Sierra 2500 dmax for the same deal and be better off all around!

Thats a good idea. If I get a G8, it'll be a V8 though. The G6 GXP is also an idea too, but I haven't seen one in person yet. The problem I think is going to be finding a dealership with both that I'm looking for. The truck has to be a bare bones no frills diesel work truck. All it has to be is diesel, 4x4, tow package, block heater. thats it. no bucket seats, no leather, no carpeting. The only place I think I'll find that new will be a dealer that specializes in corporate fleet sales or something. I don't want to spend 40k on a truck I plan on driving in snow and bad weather, put heavy things in, and pull heavy things with. If I can find the truck for say 20-25k, and the car for 20-25k, I'll be happy.

alamantia · 10-20-2008, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveR

Thats a good idea. If I get a G8, it'll be a V8 though. The G6 GXP is also an idea too, but I haven't seen one in person yet. The problem I think is going to be finding a dealership with both that I'm looking for. The truck has to be a bare bones no frills diesel work truck. All it has to be is diesel, 4x4, tow package, block heater. thats it. no bucket seats, no leather, no carpeting. The only place I think I'll find that new will be a dealer that specializes in corporate fleet sales or something. I don't want to spend 40k on a truck I plan on driving in snow and bad weather, put heavy things in, and pull heavy things with. If I can find the truck for say 20-25k, and the car for 20-25k, I'll be happy.

Whats wrong with that fine F250 you found in VT? That would make a good work truck, no?

Slow96LT1 · 10-20-2008, 10:52 AM

i get the cts-v

rscamaro73 · 10-20-2008, 10:54 AM

Stick to a used 'something'.....2 years old...and haggle the SHIZNIT outta them on it....

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alamantia

Whats wrong with that fine F250 you found in VT? That would make a good work truck, no?

It's not a bad truck at all, but it needs work. It needs a trans rebuild, the engine needs to be gone over as it only starts when it feels like it, and a bunch of other things, but I have the parts for all the other stuff. My concern is that it's 21 years old and I'd be driving it all over and the last thing I need is it breaking down in the snow half way between NJ and VA. It would be great for a work truck, but I don't feel comfortable right now driving it 300 miles each way, and with the deals on new trucks right now, I can get something that'll last a long time.

SteveR · 10-20-2008, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rscamaro73

Stick to a used 'something'.....2 years old...and haggle the SHIZNIT outta them on it....

That's what I usually do, but right now you can get a new 2008 for the same price as a used 2006. The deals are that good right now. At Saab, the price for a used 2006 9-3 Aero is 23-24k. It's the same price for a new 2008 9-3 Aero right now.