So I wasn't happy with my 17 ES

[Pryme]

Yeah the Mirage depreciates really fast. Probably a 20% loss the minute you drive it off the Dealers lot and than about $1200 a year depreciation is what I calculate for mine.

And if you trade anything in to the Dealer you are just begging to get taken advantage of.

Why do we ever trade anything in to the Dealer? We all know better than to do that. We should have listened to the lessons our parents taught us.....

2) Dont ever trade in a car to the dealer
3) Dont ever lease a car
4) Say no to the extended warranties and the higher trim levels (bells and whistles like a moon-roof)
5) Say no to rustproofing, dealer prep fee, lojack
6) Say no to "maintenance package" with free oil changes and tire rotations at the dealership

Oh wait......I forgot Rule #1 which makes all the other rules moot

1) Dont ever step foot in a new car Dealership unless you want to get sheared like a sheep

As to your last point, don't walk into any dealership without the deal already being done via email/phone.

The mirage is what it is. A cheap good lil runabout. If you don't have any unrealistic expectations for a 10k brand new car with a 10yr 100k mile warranty, you will be satisfied. I wanted a cheap reliable car with the best mileage I could find and I also like how it's a rare car. I don't like what everyone else has.