Originally Posted by
Canoehead
I decided the Mirage was the best new car for me. The Mirage beat the new Honda Fit in my absurd subjective all-attributes matrix by a few points - mainly for its simplicity/probable reliability (the Fit is a new design from a new plant, uses direct injection, touch screens etc) and efficiency. I decided I could live with a few extra fees, as the Mirage price was still good.
The build/price calculator shows a $1500 rebate on the 2014 SE, plus 0% for 72 months, and a winter tire package on the SE models, and the $500 first auto finance credit. With all this, I calculated that interest saved + interest earned + estimated $600 value for the winter tires/rims the SE should only cost me about $2000 more than the ES. I sent email to the dealership as I figured there is no sense me sitting there while they come up with the price. Per the build/price calculator, the 2015 ES should be $13k and 4.15% interest, and the 2014 ES should be $17.5k with 0%. These prices are all in, except dealer fees to a maximum of $599 and accessories (I only want a block heater).
The email I received back was somewhat detailed and somewhat confusing. It seems (sale price for today) that the 2015 ES would be $17k - $2500 for cash, or $17k with 0% for 72 months. I think that might include the winter tires, which is nice. Not a bad price, but no better than I was offered last time in June ($13,700 cash +2 free oil changes, no winter tires). The SE special 1% above invoice sale price is $20,268 -$1500 for cash or 0% for 72 months. I believe that includes the winter tires as well. As the build/price calculator offered both the rebate and 0% that is quite a bit more so the ES model is out for me. The only ES they had was $160 more for grey as well, or shipping from afar which would be more too.
At the end of the day, the SE is still a better value for my needs, and I still don't like the way all the added fees are tacked on. The total price is probably still fair, but this business model just rubs me the wrong way. I prefer a much more straightforward pricing structure.
Should anyone be interested in what the added fees are - here is an overview:
$200 for an extra theft insurance (above Provincially mandated comprehensive insurance), $600 for block heater, paperwork, washing the car and gas, $500 for PDI (tighten bolts, nitrogen in tires, take off plastic, test drive), $160 to mount free winter tires on free rims with tpms, $100 air conditioning tax (applied to both ES and SE).
I'll be keeping my eyes open for a used one, but may end up just fixing up the old Ford and keeping it forever!