Considering trading my EX for a Veloster Turbo. Am I insane

[jrmotorsports55]

Found a used VT with way more gadgets than my EX for a steal. My payment will go down$100/mo., and I get a 2013 car with a ton of warranty left vs my out of warranty 08. Looks great, and I really like the funky styling. Seriously considering the switch. Am I crazy?

Jason

[nissangirl74]

You need to go drive the Veloster first. One of the biggest complaints of everyone who has driven and written reviews has been the ridiculously small rear window and the blind spots. Plus, you will be downgrading in power, even if it is a turbo. 297 hp vs 201 hp will be noticeable, even with the weight difference.

[XIS]

I thought about it a year or so ago (matte black turbo) and am SO glad I never pulled the trigger.

[jrmotorsports55]

I did drive one yesterday. Really liked it. Not the most powerful thing out there, but has a LOT for the money. Plus it's a turbo, more power if not far away.

Jason

[jrmotorsports55]

I thought about it a year or so ago (matte black turbo) and am SO glad I never pulled the trigger.

Just curious, is there something about the VT that makes you say this, or you just love your EX that much?

Jason

[AWGD8]

Jason,

Have you tried a used Civic Si or a Mazda Miata? Reliability -wise, these two are pretty close to the Infiniti/Nissan cars for less headache when it comes to service issue. Turbo reliability is so so if you keep it in a long run.

Nothing is wrong with the Veloster if it fits your current need, but I would not keep it for more than 3 years or if the bumper to bumper warranty is gone not just mechanical....BTW, the Civc Si clocks in at 6.1 sec 0-60 and 14.6 sec 1/4 mile. So speed -wise you are still at EX35 territory , but better gas mileage.

[jrmotorsports55]

Yep, have a Miata. Love it! Although I am swapping in a V8 to replace the stock drivetrain.

Also love turbo cars. Part of the draw to the veloster. Lots of tech and gadgets (more loaded than my ex), turbo power, great looks, and will save me $100/mo. over my current payment.

[AWGD8]

Yep, have a Miata. Love it! Although I am swapping in a V8 to replace the stock drivetrain.

Also love turbo cars. Part of the draw to the veloster. Lots of tech and gadgets (more loaded than my ex), turbo power, great looks, and will save me $100/mo. over my current payment.

The EX35 consumes a lot of gas (average mixed driving for me is 17-19 MPG)
That is one thing that will force me to use the car less often. No warranty for the EX is the problem in the long run, very expensive to fix vs the Veloster under warranty. You have to consider also that whatever you save on monthly payment on the Veloster, you might not be saving a lot on depreciation on the Veloster vs EX35 value. Infiniti holds value better than Hyundai. Whatever makes you happy and fits in your current need is a win win!

[jrmotorsports55]

Thanks. Yeah, my ex is on par with my 91 mustang gt for mileage. My EX only has 34000 miles, but it is 6 years old, going on 7, and is my winter daily driver. Like new car with warranty is very appealing.

[jrmotorsports55]

On the depreciation, I can see it already, as the Veloster is a year old with18,000 miles, selling for 10,000 less than original price. Although I bought my EX 3 years old, with 22,000 miles for 14,000 off original sticker.

On a side note, my wife has a EX as well (newer than mine), so I'd still have one in the family. I do love the platform, it's just monthly savings and the add of a warranty are big in my eyes, as I have had a big financial change in the last year.

Jason

[AWGD8]

If you are just worried about the EX35 with no warranty, you can always recertify the car through local infiniti dealership for $120 and buy an Infiniti warranty (not 3rd parties) from the known lady in Arizona who works at Infiniti dealership. She is well know throughout Infiniti forum. Do not wait till it hits 35K + miles since the price goes up a bit. I did not buy from her since the other known lady in New Jersey beat her price for another $50, but NJ lady does not work there anymore
I got my extended warranty bumper to bumper for $1600 with $50 deductible. Car was at 34.5K miles when I bought the warranty and it gave me up to 93-96K miles or Sep. 2016. I did use the warranty a couple of times for minor issue (parking sensor and vanity mirror). Also, warranty bumper to bumper is per visit not per item work. If you have 3 issues or more they fix all of it for $50 if under warranty items. I believe you can also do financing with 0% interest. I also forgot to mention, this extended warranty covers loaner car, roadside assistance etc. basically rhe same warranty when you buy the car brand new...

This is just an option. Having 2 EX35 in your garage, makes sense to get a better MPG car....

[jrmotorsports55]

Yeah, the VT has a lot of things that appeal to me as well. Part of what makes this so hard to decide on.

Jason

[XIS]

I thought about it a year or so ago (matte black turbo) and am SO glad I never pulled the trigger.

Just curious, is there something about the VT that makes you say this, or you just love your EX that much?

Jason

Just that I think it was a phase of mine and I know I would miss the power, reliability, luxury and re-sale... Plus, I think the EX is just more upscale/mature and the Hyundai is more geared to the younger kids that haven't driven luxury or something with power yet. If you had a non-turbo version, the turbo would be a huge step up.... It would just be hard to step down.

[jrmotorsports55]

I agree, from the prestige standpoint, it's a step back. It does have a lot more tech than my EX though. I won't argue on the resale comment, reliability is yet to be seen.

Thanks!

[jsk11ex]

It's not a bad car at all. My son works for Hyundai, and I have a Genesis Coupe 2.0 premium. He has the veloster non-turbo, nice car, plenty of room, and he gets 30mpg. With that said, I can go from 23 combined to 18 real quick if I get my foot in my genesis all the time. My ex only gets 1 mpg less than my genesis, same driving, same destinations. My guess is I wouldn't get much more than 4 more mpg with a turbo veloster. Maybe another 3 on top of that with the standard veloster. So it's all style, and options after that, and you can't beat the EX in my mind. If I had to chose between my genesis and ex, i'd keep the ex. and my genesis looks pretty good. I have all the bells and whistles in it, and I think the EX has more tech. Maybe you should go with a newer ex with more options or maybe go with a genesis, its a far better car than the veloster?

As I said, my son works for Hyundai as a tech manager and has a veloster, and he wants a coupe bad.... and no interest at all in the turbo veloster. btw, front wheel drive, who wants that?

[jrmotorsports55]

Thanks for the input. Newer EX is not an option, trying to lower payments, not go up (VT is $100/mo cheaper than my current EX pmt). Still on the edge on which way to go. Tough decision for me. I've had my EX 3 years, and it's been good to me. AWD is very nice. I absolutely love the styling of the VT, they caught my eye when they came out, and I turn my head when I see one on the road. I am also a big fan of turbo cars, so that is drawing me in as well. Add in that the VT has a lot more goodies than my EX, plus a nice long warranty. Can't decide.

On another note, I normally change my DD every 3 or so years, as I get bored. That's another contributing factor.

Jason

[jsk11ex]

Thanks for the input. Newer EX is not an option, trying to lower payments, not go up (VT is $100/mo cheaper than my current EX pmt). Still on the edge on which way to go. Tough decision for me. I've had my EX 3 years, and it's been good to me. AWD is very nice. I absolutely love the styling of the VT, they caught my eye when they came out, and I turn my head when I see one on the road. I am also a big fan of turbo cars, so that is drawing me in as well. Add in that the VT has a lot more goodies than my EX, plus a nice long warranty. Can't decide.

On another note, I normally change my DD every 3 or so years, as I get bored. That's another contributing factor.

Jason

If you like to change, and I do as well, on my 32 car . That's the EX btw. If ya like it, go for it, and enjoy it. Don't look back.

[jrmotorsports55]

Thanks for the input. Newer EX is not an option, trying to lower payments, not go up (VT is $100/mo cheaper than my current EX pmt). Still on the edge on which way to go. Tough decision for me. I've had my EX 3 years, and it's been good to me. AWD is very nice. I absolutely love the styling of the VT, they caught my eye when they came out, and I turn my head when I see one on the road. I am also a big fan of turbo cars, so that is drawing me in as well. Add in that the VT has a lot more goodies than my EX, plus a nice long warranty. Can't decide.

On another note, I normally change my DD every 3 or so years, as I get bored. That's another contributing factor.

Jason

If you like to change, and I do as well, on my 32 car . That's the EX btw. If ya like it, go for it, and enjoy it. Don't look back.

Lol, thanks. This would be number 21 for me.

Jason

[NJGuy]

Based on the first post, I would have said "yes", you are insane , and would have said to keep the EX. And like I may have mentioned at one time or another, I'd be sad to see another member leave the forum.

But with the additional details you brought forward I had to change my tune. My opinions may not have any real influence on your personal decisions, but I'd say: 1) you're not crazy, and 2) go buy the Hyundai.

You still have an EX within the family, so it doesn't look like you'd be leaving us . Also, if your financial situation has changed and you can save some money while at the same time enjoying something new, it makes total sense to me .

If you do follow through with replacing your EX, maybe you can also look into moving some of your mods to your wife's . And make sure you share with us some shots of the interior and exterior of your new ride.

[XIS]

I agree....
* If you are keeping an EX in the family
* If the car has already taken the biggest part of the depreciation hit (huge factor!)
* If you like the way it drives and the visibility

Now - on to other options that might be interesting. I tell you what, I bought my son a 2004 Acura RSX 5 speed with the little 2.0 vtec engine. That thing is FUN to drive. Very quick, very economical and wonderful visibility. A newer Civic SI coupe (it has to be the SI - much much better engine than the other Civics) would be just as fun and fast, if not more....and those puppies hold their value. There is a line of kids and 20-30 year olds that crave those cars. Just wait till they throw the RDX turbo engine into a Civic SI or Civic R. You will be trading that Velociraptor in for one!

[XIS]

interesting comparisons

http://www.9thgencivic.com/forum/9th-ge ... eview.html

http://www.auto123.com/en/news/fr-s-vs- ... rbo/50557/

[jrmotorsports55]

Lol, thanks for all the replies. Still not 100% decided. Going to look at it this weekend.

Jason

[jrmotorsports55]

Lol, thanks for all the replies. Still not 100% decided. Going to look at it this weekend.

Jason

Went and looked at it yesterday, was not as "clean" as I expected. Still an EX owner for now. Have a few other "hot hatches" that I am looking at. We'll see.

Jason

[AWGD8]

Lol, thanks for all the replies. Still not 100% decided. Going to look at it this weekend.

Jason

Went and looked at it yesterday, was not as "clean" as I expected. Still an EX owner for now. Have a few other "hot hatches" that I am looking at. We'll see.

Jason

I would definitely look at the Civic Si sedan. I'd been a Honda guy for a awhile before I went with Toyota ----> Infiniti... Before any legal WRX/Evo hit the U.S. soil, I had this 2000 Integra Type R. The thing I like about Honda cars are the shifter. It is very smooth and precise. For DD, it is a great car. The Type R had only 130 IBs of torque and 195(197?) HP back then. It was just a tiny 1.8 L 4 banger.. I could not imagine the new Si with 2.4 Liters.. It must be fun to drive for DD. BTW, I got bored with the Type R and supercharged it ! I think I spent $10K of mods in it. (I was single that time). That was when the Eclipse Gs-t and GSX were redesign to v6 so my only option was the R or the new eclipse the Evo/Sti came in very late in the scene and I was married with a kid..

Anyway, I could not think of any other cars that would fit your budget of less than what the EX35 monthly is? A used Toyota/subaru BRZ or a used Golf Gti?

[jrmotorsports55]

I'm not a fan of Honda, not on my list. Just a personal preference.

I found another VT that I am going to look at, as well as a used Focus ST. I'd really like a turbo/6 speed hatch, no more than 1-2 years old (warranty). GTI was on the list, but there are too many reliability issues with those, and they are really pricey to fix. Same with Mini. Can't do a RWD car, winters here suck. WRX would be nice, but newer ones are out of price range. VT has the best warranty/most features/best ICE/and in my opinion best styling, for the price.

Jason

[jrmotorsports55]

I did it. Found a clean 13 VT for a great price in a great color. Picked it up.

Thanks everyone.

Jason

[AWGD8]

Congrats! Where is the pic?

[jrmotorsports55]

I'll try to get some. Didn't have time yesterday.

Jason

[jrmotorsports55]

If anyone is looking, my old EX is at Preston Hyundai in Boardman, OH. It's on Autotrader. Listed for 19,995 with 36,000 miles. It's in great shape with no problems that I knew of. I had it for 3 years.

Jason

[jrmotorsports55]

Here's a pic:



Only one I have so far.

Jason