Hello Again and Guide Me!

[xviciousx]

Hey everyone that might remember me (I've been moving repeatedly and going to school in a couple states) and to those who don't, obviously I am Vicious. Sorry to leave you for so long but I believe I'm set where I'm at now, but one never knows.


Anyway I've never actually purchased a car from a dealership, nonetheless a new one. I'm preparing to buy a new 2005 or more likely 2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V and I'm deathly afraid of getting ripped off from a dealer (seeing as I turn 20 in February, they'll see me as young easy prey). I'd appreciate it if you more experienced buyers can give me any advice on how to deal with car salesmen, things to look for in a dealership, or any other tidbits you can help me with.

For those of you who haven't bought a new car on your own you can help me clarify my decision to buy a Spec V instead of a SRT-4, or criticize it.


I'm a man of options.

[XeVeNskyLiNE]

Well I'll discuss the Spec V versus the SRT4.

I like the Spec V's, nice cars, but I'm pretty sure the SRT4 is alot faster. SO kinda depends on what you're looking for because they both arren't too bad. I like those Spec V Altima's though. I think they're pushin around 260hp and don't look too bad.

[roboticgod]

Spec V

[xviciousx]

The SRT-4 has about 40 BHP more and I think 30 ft/lbs of torque more, but it is a Neon. I'm looking at the dependability of the Nissan as well. My buddy had an early 90s Sentra that was just shy of 500k miles on it (he drove to Pittsburgh and back every weekend for awhile to see his family... I live near DC) when he wrecked it and even after the accident (front end) the motor still ran strong.

Also looking in the aftermarket department I trust the Nissan engine and transmission more. I also like the idea of a 6-speed transmission and more power in the lower RPMs.

I just don't see any reason to sacrifice the pros of the Sentra for the Neon. I'm welcome to everyone's ideas though, it really is a big help.

[XeVeNskyLiNE]

Well being a DSM guy I can garauntee in terms of speed the SRT4 would win hands down, aftermarket mods included. What else makes you choose the Spec V besides Nissan's reliability?

If you'd like I'll find the spec sheets on both of the, but I'm pretty sure you've looked all that over.

[L-Spec]

My mommy drives a SE-R! I like the responsiveness of the car, it's definately fun to drive. The looks are so-so, but at least it's better than the SRT-4 IMO. I find that the younger salesmen don't rip you off. I think you should strike a conversation about vehicles, so that he sees you as a shopper that knows his stuff. I went to the local Mitsubishi dealership and test drove a Lancer and the salesman and I just talked about the new Evolution coming to Canada and after that, he gave me all correct information about the car, both good and bad. That's a good salesman. I went to the Honda lot and they tried bullshitting me out of buying an RSX. My cousin owns one, so I know how they drive, but this guy was trying to make it sound like a drag car "Can you hear the V-tec". Bug off.

Anyway.. off topic.. but yeah, I find that if you make good conversation with them and let them know that you're an auto enthusiast, they will backoff and realise that they can't be bullshitted. It also helps to bring a friend along.

[xviciousx]

I try to stay away from bringing my friends because I've gone to dealerships with my friends before, and there's always one who will over-talk me and make me seem desperate to buy the car, which puts me in a bad position. I do best with people on my own... I grew up with all women so I know the power of manipulation...

Thanks for offering to bring up the spec sheets, but yes I have looked over them several times. I know the SRT-4 is faster, I've personally seen one beat my friend's WRX (base model, not the STi) and on the track they run 14s all day.

I honestly trust Nismo more than I trust Mopar for aftermarket parts. I'm not one for 3rd party companies (no offense to anyone who is), I like the idea of using parts designed by companies that make parts for your make only. I also like the fact that the Spec V is a few grand cheaper, but still in the same class. I've test driven both (and the Acura RSX Type S) and the feel of low RPM power is a rarity for the class. Also I see alot of SRT-4s around my area and not many Spec V's.

Really the only true factor that I liked more about the SRT-4 was that it had ultimately NO torque steer, where as in the Spec V you can really feel it in sharp quick turns. I like to do Autocross every year up at Summit so torque steer is something that will affect me, not greatly but in some way.

Many people complain about the look of the Spec V but I honestly like it. It's clean cut (I'm not a big fan of the more modern look of cars and body kits... a body kit should look like it was a stock option IMO) and has a *slight* Skyline resemblance (thus the nickname Son of Skyline).

The only ones near me have the audio package in them and it's not unbelievable bass, but a good amount with clear speakers. I like that over a stock system or spending a ton of money on too much bass. Just a touch of thump works for me.

When I can think of more I'll let you know.

[L-Spec]

I personally like how Nissan has a very strong legacy, and a very good history backing up all their cars, from the Skyline, to the Silvia, the Z and even to the Sentra. Most (if not all) of their vehicles have a history that makes them all special. I'm not saying Dodge doesn't, but in the end, the SRT-4 is a fast car, but still possesses the Neon body.

There was an ad from Nissan.. said "16th Century Armour" then a picture of samurai armour. Then you flipped the page and it said "20th Century Armour" and a picture of a Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V. Ahh shit, off topic again haha.

[Rally Sport]

I would say go with a SRT4, just because they are discountinuing the model after this, and really i'd like to own a badass little car like the SRT4 even if it is just a neon. But seeing as you are more lenient to the Nissan so why the hell are you asking us if we're telling you go with Mopar?

[xviciousx]

Since I haven't bought the car yet I'm still open to changing my mind and taking advice.

[Rally Sport]

Well like I already said.. go with the neon, its leaving..

[indyram]

Being a mopar man I would say take the srt-4. I never have really cared for imports, just me. If you are worried about longevity, and you are buying a new car, that is what the warranty is for. If i'm not mistaken both should have a 10/10 warranty. Plus if it is up your alley, the neon is a natural sleeper.

[xviciousx]

For those who don't know too much about these cars or those who want to see some differences that I've taken note of here they are (from automotive.com):

Engine and Fuel:
Spec V - 2.5L n/a I4, 9.5 comp. ratio, DOHC, 175HP @ 6k RPM 180ft/lbs. torque @ 4k RPM. 87 octane fuel, 13.2 gal. fuel tank, 23 city 29 highway (estimate)

SRT-4 - 2.4L turbocharged I4, 8.1 comp. ratio, DOHC, 230HP @ 5300 RPM 250ft/lbs. torque @ 2200 RPM. 91 octane fuel, 12.4 gal. fuel tank, 22 city 30 highway (estimate).



Handling, Brakes, etc:
Spec V - 4 wheel ABS (with Spec V brake package only, not standard), 4 disc brakes (2 vent), HLSD, strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, beam rear suspension rigid with stabilizer bar and coil springs.

SRT-4 - 4 wheel ABS (standard), 4 disc brakes (2 vent), electronic brake distribution, front LSD, strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs, multi-link rear suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs.



Exterior:
Spec V - drag coefficient .33, fog lights, spoiler

SRT-4 - drag coefficient .35, fog lights, electric folding mirrors, complex surface lens halogen bulb headlights,



Interior:
Spec V - front and back power outlet, in-dash theft protection, AM/FM stereo/single disc cd player (6-disc in-dash changer 8 speakers and subwoofer with Audio Package), cruise control, really spiffy cup holders, computer with average speed, average fuel consumption and range for remaining fuel, driver and passenger air bags, comfy bucket seats, low fuel and washer fluid warnings, front and rear power windows, some weird microfiber for cleaner inside air (not stock, 50 dollars extra... wow)

SRT-4 - front power outlet, peripheral theft protection, AM/FM stereo/single disc cd player (more speakers and subwoofer with Audio Package), no cruise control, low fuel warning, front power windows (not rear)



The SRT-4 is about 5-6k more than the Spec V (at least where I live).

Also let's not forget the main purpose of this thread was to give tips on what to do at a dealership and how to deal with salesmen. Truly I appreciate everyone's input but I've never dealt with a car salesman before.

[mike1224]

Originally Posted by xviciousx

Anyway I've never actually purchased a car from a dealership, nonetheless a new one. I'm preparing to buy a new 2005 or more likely 2006 Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V and I'm deathly afraid of getting ripped off from a dealer (seeing as I turn 20 in February, they'll see me as young easy prey). I'd appreciate it if you more experienced buyers can give me any advice on how to deal with car salesmen, things to look for in a dealership, or any other tidbits you can help me with.

When I went to get my truck, my Mom went with me, because she is a bitch (all a sudden cartman's sang about kyles mom pops into my head). Seriously, take someone with you that is an grade A Asshole. haggle over everything. of course they'll offer lots of useless stuff, and just keep your head straight. The other thing is financing, set-up a checking or savings account at a Credit Union, you'll save lots of $$$. use their financing as a last resort, on my truck i had 21% interest.

[Andydg]

For me it would be the SRT-4 all the way! What the problem if it has the Neon body?! It's got 230hp and most stock ones have dynoed that or close to it at the wheels.