Saving for first coupe, Suggestions please

So first off my names Theron. I'm 17 turning 18 this summer. I currently drive a 2004 ford focus ztw (wagon). I live in New england so I need something thats gonna be decent in rain or snow.

Budget-
for money I have what ever I get from my ford focus. So probably between 3500-5000. Garage I went to when it got painted said they'd retail value it around 4800. That was about 2 months ago.

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I make 400 a month now and this summer I'll be making around 900-1200 a month.

I want to get the car towards the end of summer. Wish I'd have the money to get it before then but i probably wont.

Shooting for a coupe around the 8,000 price range.


What I've been looking at-

2006 and up Eclipses. Dont like the body prior to 2006.

Hyundai Tiburon 2004 +. Like the earlier models to but I dont want to get something older then what I have.

Also like the 04 area mustangs, mostly the GT but I'd rather have the Eclipse/Tiburon, unless i find a great deal.



So any other suggestions for coupes around that price range?

Eclipse vs Tiburon?

How much should I be looking to pay?


Thanks guys

The Eclipse is gona be far better than the Tiburon, and the mustang wont be worth a damn in the snow, so outta those the Eclipse. You could also look at some of the Subaru's, get an AWD car, make it much better in the snow with little decline in gas mileage.

The Eclipse is a good buy - because they drop like a rock in resale value, you should be able to find one within your budget, although it might be the ES I4 version - the GT V6 tends to command quite a bit more coin. And if you're going to get the I4 ES, you might find more performance value in the 2.7L V6 Tiburon, which would likely be even more affordable. You could find a loaded model with leather, sunroof and V6 for close to the price of a 4-cylinder Eclipse. And don't forget, the Hyundai has a great warranty that may still be valid (depending on the year you buy), and because the Tiburon is a lot lighter than the bloated Eclipse, it would be more fun to drive. I'm not a big fan of the dash/console in the Tiburon but I did love the seats - highly supportive, nice textured leather, better than I expected in this price range.

Another car to think about would be a VW GTI. You could look up a 2004-2006 GTI 1.8T in this price range, which would give you plenty of power, great handling, and good economy. The engine made 180 horses and 180 lb-ft torque, so it was powerful when you wanted it, but efficient when you didn't. Plus, again, the seats are some of the best in the market.

Last suggestion, what about a Mini Cooper?

The Eclipse is a good buy - because they drop like a rock in resale value, you should be able to find one within your budget, although it might be the ES I4 version - the GT V6 tends to command quite a bit more coin. And if you're going to get the I4 ES, you might find more performance value in the 2.7L V6 Tiburon, which would likely be even more affordable. You could find a loaded model with leather, sunroof and V6 for close to the price of a 4-cylinder Eclipse. And don't forget, the Hyundai has a great warranty that may still be valid (depending on the year you buy), and because the Tiburon is a lot lighter than the bloated Eclipse, it would be more fun to drive. I'm not a big fan of the dash/console in the Tiburon but I did love the seats - highly supportive, nice textured leather, better than I expected in this price range.

Another car to think about would be a VW GTI. You could look up a 2004-2006 GTI 1.8T in this price range, which would give you plenty of power, great handling, and good economy. The engine made 180 horses and 180 lb-ft torque, so it was powerful when you wanted it, but efficient when you didn't. Plus, again, the seats are some of the best in the market.

Last suggestion, what about a Mini Cooper?

I'm not really a fan of the mini cooper look. I want something with a really sporty look if you know what i mean. After driving a 2004 ford focus wagon =p. Which was teal for a good time period haha. I can put out a little more then 8,000 as long as i can do it in payments, but I'm not sure how that works when buying a car used off someone. Do you pay all out once usually?

I'm not really a fan of the mini cooper look. I want something with a really sporty look if you know what i mean. After driving a 2004 ford focus wagon =p. Which was teal for a good time period haha. I can put out a little more then 8,000 as long as i can do it in payments, but I'm not sure how that works when buying a car used off someone. Do you pay all out once usually?

Yeah, from what you described I figured the Mini was a longshot - if you get behind the wheel they are a lot of fun, but from the parking lot they aren't most peoples definition of a 'powerful coupe'! ha ha.

As far as payments go, it depends on the amount of cash you have in-hand, and who you are buying from. If you are buying privately, you will need to pay all up front - whether you get a loan from the bank or you have the money already. When buying privately, make sure to have a look at a lot of comparable vehicles so you know if his/her price is fair. If it is fair, there may not be room for much negotiation, but it never hurts to ask 'can you do any better on the price'?

If you are buying from a dealer, you have the option to finance through the dealership. Sometimes because of their credit situation they can offer you a better interest rate than the bank, but beware of variable rates and balloon payments, both can potentially sink you in a lot of debt. Look for low fixed rate interest over a time period you are comfortable with (don't go more than 60 months on a used car - 36-48 is better). And when the negotiations start with the dealer, talk about the total dollar value of the car, not the monthly payments - it's tougher to hide things in an overall sum as opposed to breaking it down into payments.

Lastly, it could be worth talking to your bank even if you are going into a dealer. If you have a good credit rating, you may be able to get a good interest rate on a loan from the bank, then negotiate the dealer with cash payment. Some dealers that are looking to get some liquid assets will be very interested in getting your cash, so they may potentially knock some coin off the purchase price, or at least remove dealer fees.

I would look for an Acura RSX ! I've always loved those cars !

I would look for an Acura RSX ! I've always loved those cars !

Great suggestion Blu! Never thought of that one. A little light on torque but a high-revving screamer. You could also consider the Civic SI Coupe, but the RSX has a little more of a 'grown up' feel, plus the interior is 100 times nicer!