So, I'm passingly interested in trading our aging 2008 Saturn Astra for a 2013 Fiat 500 Abarth. Now, in no way am I being terribly serious in negotiations unless I can manage one for under $15,000, but it's going to be interesting to see how this plays out. My "search" is national, because honestly, it doesn't cost that much to drive a car a good bit if you can't get your local dealer to hook you up.

First dealer emailed, first offer from his side is for $4500 off of MSRP, 3 years free maintenance.

Second dealer emailed. They seem to have a super low price advertised online that you don't get once you actually go to buy the car, but while listed at $15,451, the offer is for $17540.

What makes you want a fiat.

Posted by sleeperspirit What makes you want a fiat.

they are CUTE and I loved the Abarth I drove.

Everyone has new car fever lately... I was looking at a 2014 Buick Verano T-Type.
$29,900 seems a bit steep, but it is a 250hp 2.0L Turbo with a 6speed manual and sport suspension as well as leather seats. Swanky.

It's about time people started buying more new cars because used car prices have risen a lot since the recession in 2008. As for Fiats, there are sport versions, but it looks too cute for my taste. Unlike the Mini, it doesn't have any reputation for sportiness (even if it has decent handling). When I see them on the highway, they're always going slow in the right lane.

I've driven my friend's a couple times and rode in it round trip to Toronto last weekend (2 hours) with 3 other people and our luggage. I liked the thing. The interior was sorta cheap, but the Abarth is probably different.

I am liking the new Minis less and less- especially all of the spin-offs. The next generation will probably be closer to the size of a Suburban than the original Mini.

But that countryman , the bigger one... Is hideous .

It's a joke!

I follow tony hawk on IG, he just got one... blah! I expected him to have better taste.

I haven't sent out another round of emails, but I've now been offered pickup at the nearest airport, and the dealer bringing me the car to test drive 3 hours away (and I did confirm that they'd drive it 3 hours for just a test drive). They must want these things gone.

Basically, our Astra is getting a little long in the tooth. We can afford a car payment, and I'm much happier if my wife is in something that is less likely to break than our Austrian GM (an Italian car made in Mexico wut?). The other car we've looked at, but feels cheaper, is the Sonic RS. Cheap, small, turbo, manual transmission. Don't give a flip about rear seating, because we're buying a minivan as soon as I can find one I like, preferably an AWD first generation Caravan.

If you can't tell, I'm becoming increasingly interested in turbo cars...

Posted by wannabeotaku I haven't sent out another round of emails, but I've now been offered pickup at the nearest airport, and the dealer bringing me the car to test drive 3 hours away (and I did confirm that they'd drive it 3 hours for just a test drive). They must want these things gone. Basically, our Astra is getting a little long in the tooth. We can afford a car payment, and I'm much happier if my wife is in something that is less likely to break than our Austrian GM (an Italian car made in Mexico wut?). The other car we've looked at, but feels cheaper, is the Sonic RS. Cheap, small, turbo, manual transmission. Don't give a flip about rear seating, because we're buying a minivan as soon as I can find one I like, preferably an AWD first generation Caravan. If you can't tell, I'm becoming increasingly interested in turbo cars...

the Sonic RS is a hoot to drive. GM redid the engine management so it's a little spunkier than the same engine in my Cruze. Also, the suspension gives it much better response. I was pretty pissed when I got my Cruze... I didn't know the Sonic RS had been released then.

Yeah, it's on our test drive list.

Of course, if all else fails, I can totally do an SS swap from a Cobalt into the Astra.

Posted by wannabeotaku Yeah, it's on our test drive list. Of course, if all else fails, I can totally do an SS swap from a Cobalt into the Astra.

the Buick Verano, which is a bit out of your price range, comes with a 2.0L Turbo (probably sourced from the old Cobalt SS/TC) hooked to a 6-speed manual... it lists for right around $29k.

Blah, 29k for a Buick ... I think of all the awesome cars I could buy for 30k.... Maybe im just cheap I'll never buy a brand new car no thanks.

Posted by sleeperspirit Blah, 29k for a Buick ... I think of all the awesome cars I could buy for 30k.... Maybe im just cheap I'll never buy a brand new car no thanks.

250hp. 6speed manual. Great suspension. 18" wheels. Leather interior. FULLY equipped. $29k is a bit steep, but the car will hustle. Kind of brings back the old "Go Fast With Class" lines from the GS, GSX and Grand National days.

one of the santa claus hopes in the Cruze community is that GM will offer a Cruze SS with that engine, transmission and suspension.

Yeah, that Buick is a great value for dollar. People keep bitching that cars are so expensive, but they neglect to notice that they are nicer and have more features than my house.

did someone say MINI? I've owned one for the past 5 years. just barely hit 50k miles with it.

For the trim level I'd be looking at (a JCW), I can buy an Abarth and a half, and still be able to blow my load at the strip club on the way home.

I'd rather have a mini .

Posted by sleeperspirit I'd rather have a mini .

That's why they make both.

By the way, the first dealer is up to $5500 off of MSRP on any of them. That gets me down to $19,250. Still not in my dream range.