Hmmmm..........so if you could get a BRAND NEW car @ 0% for the same payment as a 1-2 year old car that has little or no bumper to bumper left; you're a fool???

 

Post #27........from the same memeber:

"I won't buy japanese because of the unfair trade balance. I don't care if they are assembled here, the profits still go to japan"


Holy sideshow freak batman!!! Talk about two faced!!!

 

How is that two faced? Japan and the US has a serious trade deficit in japans favor. We trade more equally with mexico... with china we still have the far better economy per capita. I think you need to get your head out and think a little bit.

 

So teach me oh wise one..........why is it that you're so concerned where the profits go?

How many people are those Chinese companies employing here in the U.S.?


So it's OK to have a trade imbalance if you have a better economy?


I'm all ears.

 

Japan has a big enough economy that they could bury us pretty quickly. They built all the auto factories here and you feel all complacent. If more people had more national pride and bought American vehicles, then the people would be employed for an American company. You couldn't say that 10 years ago, but the quality gap has shrunk big time since then.

 

Not sure where you get your data..........the Allison trans comment, the Dodge V10 comment and now this........................bizzare!!!

 

Not hardly Japan's economy is almost ENTIRELY dependant apoun ours doing well, Not to mention the SKY high labor costs in Japan vs here in the US



Or at least untill those AMERICAN companys figure out that they can make an extra buck or two having MEXICANS as employees

 

I'll throw my point of view in here. My girlfriend needed a new car, and coming from die hard chevy family I was on mission to sell her on a Ford. I gave her a list of all the compact cars by all manufacturers to check out. She's still in college and doesn't work much so price was a major issue. Subaru, Honda, and Mazda were out of her price range (15k or less). Nissan had bad reviews, and I pulled her away from the Korean imports. Toyota looked good, but she didn't like the styling of the base Corolla, liked the S model but price was more than budget, and the salesman was a jerk. That left us with your starting question "Focus or Cobalt", and me in a panic because, I would feel defeated if she got the chevy. She drove both in the 2 door version, and liked the Focus the slightest bit better, then Chevy did 0% financing, and guess what? Yep, she got the damn Cobalt. Between rebates, trade, and 0%, she couldn't go wrong, and has a $135 a month payment ( sure beats $430 for my truck!!!). Anyway I really don't find the Cobalt that bad of a car. The interior is decent, outside is ok. Road noise and exhaust note are louder than most, body line is high and ends up with very useless rear window. My biggest complaint is the stance, I think it sits higher than GM's 4x4 trucks!!!!!!! All in all it's really not a bad car in my mind.................................For a Chevy!

 

PLEASE don't confuse the issue with facts!!!!

 

You sure are! Anybody who buys anything based on the amount of the payment rather than the actual price is a sucker. You may have the same payment but is for a longer time and you're trading a rebate or larger rebate for the 0% interest. I encourage you to continue to do this because it keeps us cheapskates supplied with a 2 or 3 year old vehicle for about half of what you paid. We generally pay about what you still owe on them when you trade them in.

 

Ummmm...............coming from the guy that thinks you're upside down longer with a 0% loan..........I'll pass on your financial wisdom



Case in point, bought an '06 Mustang GT at 0%......gave up the $1,000 rebate but saved probably $6,000 in interest.

Could have bought a one year old GT and paid $5-6,000 less but would have had the same payment OVER THE SAME TERM

The only time it makes sense to buy used when 0% is available for new is if you're paying cash............and paying cash for a depriciating item when free money is available is beyond foolish.

 

PLEASE don't confuse the issue with facts!!!!

what facts? you post a fancy chart that says billions on one side, and the countries. what does the chart represent? it doesn't even say. japans economy does not totally depend on ours. They are a big market in europe too. all over the world for that matter. All I am saying, is if we aren't wise and control some things better, we could get buried. Plus the chart shows a PROJECTION of what it will be (whatever that is) of billions in 2113. Totally meaningless. If anyone could predict the future that well.....

 

I agree witht he other few guys that say go for a honda or toyota. Ford just doesnt make good small cars. Look at the tempo/taurus, or the escort, or even bring it back to the pinto! Ford should stick to what they do best, mustangs and trucks!

 

I guess I don't have any financial wisdom. That's probably why I retired debt free at 55 (now 59),turned around and wrote a check for a new camper and a new truck. Been retired almost 4 years, bought several new toys and have more in the bank than the day I retired. I wish I was the financial genius you are. I just wish it would warm up enough to ride one of my BMWs.

 

... hmm ... and my dad can beat up your dad too


How bout getting this back on track