I can afford it, but I probably shouldn't spend the money right now.
I can afford up to $24,000, have $3,000 to use as down payment and good credit so I can get a decent loan rate from my bank if I can't get a deal on manufacturer financing.
The car I am driving is worth basically nothing as a trade in, ten years old with 115,000 miles. I kind of want to be in something else before 125,000 because it is still running okay, give it to my younger brother and move up.
Right now I am looking at 2008-2010 new and used Fusions, and 2008-2009 used Buick Allures (LaCrosses in the US).
I used to have a 1994 Regal with the 3.8, and I loved the torque of that car. Even with the low RPM and long gearing it would move, and it was so smooth on the highway. A great long distance car, handled like a pig, but it got good mileage, settled into a groove right around 85 mph getting about 22 mpg with the AC on, and even though it was kind of a piece of [censored] by the time I got it, I still liked it size, ride and power wise...the front bench was handy too. The current Allure is the last of the run of Buick W-bodies with a 3.8 and the 4T60 transaxle which might be the most proven combination on the road.
It's a fairly sure bet, although a bit of a grandpas car, and because there are ample rental car buy-backs out there I can get one with 12,000 miles for around $15,000 CDN. New, optioned the same, they run around $28,000.
The other is the Fusion. My folks have a 2006 V6 SEL and it has been a good car, and I am looking at either a used V6 SEL (local dealer has one on the lot loaded with 13,000 miles) or a new SE I-4 automatic.
I can get the 0% but it means two additional years of payments for the new cars, and it's a $4,000 premium to get a used Fusion over the Buick. I'm a Ford guy though, so it's a hard choice. I really like the Fusion and it's a more modern car.
Ford is also desperately trying to move the last few 2009 Fusions, so I might be able to go bargain hunting because I know a couple of dealers have them kicking around. My local dealer will also pick up anything I want from auction if I give them a spec.
What does the almighty BITOG figure? I want something with under 20,000 miles, no older than a 2008, and to spend $24,000 Canadian or less.
I can afford up to $24,000, have $3,000 to use as down payment and good credit so I can get a decent loan rate from my bank if I can't get a deal on manufacturer financing.
The car I am driving is worth basically nothing as a trade in, ten years old with 115,000 miles. I kind of want to be in something else before 125,000 because it is still running okay, give it to my younger brother and move up.
Right now I am looking at 2008-2010 new and used Fusions, and 2008-2009 used Buick Allures (LaCrosses in the US).
I used to have a 1994 Regal with the 3.8, and I loved the torque of that car. Even with the low RPM and long gearing it would move, and it was so smooth on the highway. A great long distance car, handled like a pig, but it got good mileage, settled into a groove right around 85 mph getting about 22 mpg with the AC on, and even though it was kind of a piece of [censored] by the time I got it, I still liked it size, ride and power wise...the front bench was handy too. The current Allure is the last of the run of Buick W-bodies with a 3.8 and the 4T60 transaxle which might be the most proven combination on the road.
It's a fairly sure bet, although a bit of a grandpas car, and because there are ample rental car buy-backs out there I can get one with 12,000 miles for around $15,000 CDN. New, optioned the same, they run around $28,000.
The other is the Fusion. My folks have a 2006 V6 SEL and it has been a good car, and I am looking at either a used V6 SEL (local dealer has one on the lot loaded with 13,000 miles) or a new SE I-4 automatic.
I can get the 0% but it means two additional years of payments for the new cars, and it's a $4,000 premium to get a used Fusion over the Buick. I'm a Ford guy though, so it's a hard choice. I really like the Fusion and it's a more modern car.
Ford is also desperately trying to move the last few 2009 Fusions, so I might be able to go bargain hunting because I know a couple of dealers have them kicking around. My local dealer will also pick up anything I want from auction if I give them a spec.
What does the almighty BITOG figure? I want something with under 20,000 miles, no older than a 2008, and to spend $24,000 Canadian or less.