COMPLETELY fed up with cars... convince me why i shouldnt lease a Kia.

[420sx]

Some of you may know the recent car trouble Ive been having... more like a ridiculous, almost unbelievable string of bad luck. I wont go into details, but I just found out that the Volvo, that Ive spent the last 5 months rebuilding, has a bad head gasket. The Volvo is my dads car, and was my last resort at a daily driver after my Neon grenaded on the turnpike. My 240 is halfway thru a motor swap- a motor swap which is funded primarily by hopes and dreams. Im quite literally up sh*ts creek right now, and Im running out of options. I have a 45 minute commute to work each day, so I NEED reliable wheels.

The thought just crossed my mind.. would I be better off just leasing a car? Something stupid cheap, like a Kia Forte or something. I like that it wouldnt be my car, and that I wouldnt have to worry about keeping it running. Downside would be my insurance would be higher. Mind you, Ive done nearly no research on this yet.. but this seems like an ideal solution to me almost, provided the cost per month isnt astounding. Does anyone lease? Can a 22yr old lease a car? Im so done with fixing cars in the dark, in the cold, or in the snow. I JUST WANT A RELIABLE CAR DAMNIT!:mad::mad:

Sorry for ranting. I just dont know what to do.

[FocusDude]

I thought about leasing a vehicle, but... I would hate to worry about to much mileage. You never know what your commute could become in a year or 2. Also they typically nit-pick every damn thing on the car when you bring it back. $100/month sounds cool until they screw you with 3grand in mileage overages and incidentals when you turn it back over.

[DC2.2GSR]

I thought about leasing a vehicle, but... I would hate to worry about to much mileage. You never know what your commute could become in a year or 2. Also they typically nit-pick every damn thing on the car when you bring it back. $100/month sounds cool until they screw you with 3grand in mileage overages and incidentals when you turn it back over.

QFT.

420sx, I can't even begin to explain my situation and mindset when it comes to cars without literally repeating everything in your post. I ended up buying a very clean 95 Civic with fairly low miles (130k) for a 'regular' car. The best part? It's an automatic :mrgreen:. My daily driving has completely changed for the best and I am much happier in relation to cars. I don't have to screw with it or worry about getting to work in the morning (although I only have a 4 mile drive lol). It's 100% stock with squishy suspension and a boring automatic trans. I love it!

I just decided that I obviously don't have the money to do what I want with my project car at the moment and even if I did, my interests have changed and I really want nothing to do with owning a cool/fast/nice car any more. I have other interests and I've chosen to save my money and stop dicking around with cars. Of course you won't find many people on this site like me, but whatever. I was just sick of not having something reliable and 'normal'.

[420sx]

Even if I only used it for 12 or 15k miles, thats all I really drive right now anyway. It'd make modding the 240 so much easier- not having to worry about reliable transportation. Its really gonna come down to how much it costs.. but the more i think about this, the more i like the idea.

[mcperson2k]

If you consider leasing... I am trying to get out of my 09 Civic EX Sedan... I am a little over a year and a half into the lease, and it has less than 6k miles... $235 a month :cool: let me know! 16k buyout, 12.5k buyout at end of lease. (You can have the car for free)

[Sublime1304]

I leased my first car and let me tell you, its like throwing your money in gasoline and lighting it on fire...basically. But if its what you have to do, do it. Be careful with the miles because i went over on mine and they charged me a ridiculous amount. Good luck with whatever you do

[OutToWinPAHC]

Sell me your 240

[Big_Jim]

you have a roughly a 40 mile round trip daily, that puts your yearly mileage at about 11k. Most lease options are for 12.5k a yr, leaving you 1500miles for pleasure driving.

I dont think leasing would be your best bet.

[420sx]

you have a roughly a 40 mile round trip daily, that puts your yearly mileage at about 11k. Most lease options are for 12.5k a yr, leaving you 1500miles for pleasure driving.

I dont think leasing would be your best bet.

Unless I use it ONLY for commuting. Which is basically what i want it for.

Id be leasing something in addition to my 240. This would keep miles off the 240, and would essentially replace the neon as a "daily beater." Granted I could LITERALLY beat on it, but itd be really nice to not have to take the 240 if I dont want to.

Id want to lease something thats as cheap as possible. Id be going into the lease knowing i have zero plans to keep the car. Its just a car rental in my eyes, an A to B car. With that mentality, Id have no problem paying $120-150 a month to never have to worry about reliable transportation.

[FocusDude]

But whats insurance go up?

You sound like you've made up your mind.

[Big_Jim]

so between a car note and insurance, you're going to be spending an additional 350-400 a month just to go back and forth to work. what happens if you get a flat tire in your newly leased car? a rock kicks up and cracks the windshield? curb a wheel? god forbid you get into an accident, you have to cover your deductible and make sure its repaired in a way that wont affect your lease agreement.

basically what i'm trying to say is save up for a little bit, try and unload the broken stuff that you have now, and get something that you dont have a car note on, and dont want to modify.

[1slowteg]

so between a car note and insurance, you're going to be spending an additional 350-400 a month just to go back and forth to work. what happens if you get a flat tire in your newly leased car? a rock kicks up and cracks the windshield? curb a wheel? god forbid you get into an accident, you have to cover your deductible and make sure its repaired in a way that wont affect your lease agreement.

basically what i'm trying to say is save up for a little bit, try and unload the broken stuff that you have now, and get something that you dont have a car note on, and dont want to modify.

This.

[420sx]

so between a car note and insurance, you're going to be spending an additional 350-400 a month just to go back and forth to work. what happens if you get a flat tire in your newly leased car? a rock kicks up and cracks the windshield? curb a wheel? god forbid you get into an accident, you have to cover your deductible and make sure its repaired in a way that wont affect your lease agreement.

basically what i'm trying to say is save up for a little bit, try and unload the broken stuff that you have now, and get something that you dont have a car note on, and dont want to modify.

Well Id most likely be looking at the vehicle that is going to be the absolute cheapest throughout the term of the lease. I dont care if its a friggin daewoo. Id like to find something that, between my raise in insurance and the payment itself, costs about $250/month or less. So Id be looking for a 150/month car.. a compact.. Nissan versa, honda fit, whatever is cheapest.

If I get a flat- Ill be in the exact same position as I am now with a flat. I call AAA, and pay for the cost of a tire. That doesnt strike me as a pro or con in either direction.

A crack in the windsheild - if I got it repaired, itd fall under wear and tear. If it broke, Im still in the exact same position as I would be with my own car.

The benefit of not having to do any maintencance or repair work is seriously alluring. That benefit alone is worth $150 a month to me.

Im not saying ive made up my mind, or even done a fraction of the research that I need to.. Im just saying.. I dont see anything thats a dealbreaker on the matter. I can deal with the mileage limits. I can deal with the insurance raises. If the car gets totalled, its no different from your own car being totalled, except that I'd owe money on the car. Which is what gap insurance is for.

[Big_Jim]

you'll be in the same position you're in now, but you'd by putting a lot more overhead out for your leased vehicle.

Before you even think of anything more, you should call your insurance company and see what your rates are going to be. i'm 27, live in philly, and i'm on my own policy, and my insurance (full coverage) on my 2010 xB was 149 a month through state farm.

I just looked up the kia forte, $159/month, 12k/yr lease, with $.20/mile overage charge.

you will have to do maintenance on the car, just like you would on your other cars.

Also, the money you're putting out for lease and insurance is less that you can drop into your projects.

[420sx]

Also, the money you're putting out for lease and insurance is less that you can drop into your projects.

As opposed to the 60+ hours (minimum) Ive spent in the last month trying to keep my ****boxes running?

I understand what youre saying, and i see your point.. But if $250/month free'd up 60 hours of time... that'd be worth it my book.

$250/60hrs = $4.16/hr

I know my time is more valuable than that.

[FocusDude]

you can get complete coverage on a brand new leased vehicle for 100/month? thats sounds low for a 22 year old, real low unless something is fudged.

[Fujito]

Get an old Toyota Camry or Accord for like $5000.

[420sx]

you can get complete coverage on a brand new leased vehicle for 100/month? thats sounds low for a 22 year old, real low unless something is fudged.

Well I meant 100 more than what Im paying now. For full coverage on the 240.

I dunno. I should probably just fix everything I have and sell it all.

...

[upperguy]

what about taking out a small personal loan and just getting the 240 done?

[renn]

i bought a stock 5spd 95 civic with 122k for 2k out the door, all fees and taxes paid.

still runs well after 8k miles, fun to drive too.

[jesus_ralliart]

the civic is a good idea. many have gone down that road when things went up sh*t creek and enjoyed how reliable their little civics were while they fixed/built their real rides.

do that and im sure u can re-sell it later for what u paid for it.

or keep it... financially, its a good idea to go with the old civic/honda

[92awdtsi]

You could possibly look into a cheap $1500 or under chevy s10 ( must be 4 cyl.) Those things just do not die. I had 3 of them 91, 95, and 98 and you can kick the crap out of them everyday and they just don't break. A 94-01 can be found pretty cheap maybe closer to the $2,000 range, but a very good investment. And you'll also have something to haul parts with.

[BlkWhtTSI]

Go ahead, get a Kia just make sure its the upcoming Forte Coupe Type R seen below:
http://newcarupdate.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/2010-kia-forte-koup-type-r-concept-photo1.jpg

[420sx]

Geez, theyre not even being discreet about it anymore. Civic headlights probably bolt onto that bitch.

[Scapegoat]

Geez, theyre not even being discreet about it anymore. Civic headlights probably bolt onto that bitch.

**** looks 100x better than a civic though...

[renn]

definitely not 100x better... i actually think the 2012+ civic looks cleaner than the forte.

drives better for sure.

[Scapegoat]

ok, more like 1000x better

http://www.autoguide.com/gallery/d/55798-4/2009-honda-civic-si-03.JPG

http://www.autonewscast.com/wp-content/uploads/Kia/fortekoup2010_06.jpg

the forte is just a better looking car. i still wouldnt buy a kia, or lease one... but they clearly ripped off the civic, but did a better job with the design.

i'd still pick the honda over it... but on looks alone, i wish the bodies were swapped like lindsey lohan and jamie lee curtis

[FazdaGt]

A few years ago before I had any money and life was miserable I was in your shoes...

I had no credit, no cosigners, and little money. I went to a local dealership with a first time buyers program and took out a $7k loan on a 2000 Galant es V6. From what I knew from working at a mitsubishi dealership those cars only ever came in for front brakes and oil changes so I figured I could drive it pretty much worry free. The car was great and never gave me a problem.

Once I got established as an adult, I bought a car that I wanted to drive. Sold the galant to my mom who drove it for three more trouble free years until it was totalled and now, I keep one super fun impractical car around, one car to fix up and resell, and one to drive back and forth to work. (And my probe, because i'll never get rid of it)

My advice, go take out a high interest loan on a practical car before you throw money out on a lease. You'll pay a lot in finance charges, but you'll own the car in a few years instead of having to give it back and establish credit as well.

[Sublime1304]

I'd honestly take a civic over the Kia based on the brand alone. Then again I wouldn't want to drive a Honda civic anyways.

Lol those are so close looking in comparison that Honda should be pissed they basically copied them

[Honduh]

I bought a 98 cavalier for 500 bucks when I first started to rip down my integra two years ago. Best thing I've done. Runs great I've only done maintance, insurance is dirt cheap, and I can hit trashcans with it.

Look into a cheap beater before you sign a contract.

[420sx]

I bought a 98 cavalier for 500 bucks when I first started to rip down my integra two years ago. Best thing I've done. Runs great I've only done maintance, insurance is dirt cheap, and I can hit trashcans with it.

Look into a cheap beater before you sign a contract.

That was the idea behind the Neon. Bought it for $300, its an '00. Definitely put all my eggs in that basket, because I TOTALLY expected it to last me the duration of my swap. So I should run the same risk, buy another beater for under $500, and have it **** the bed on me in two months too? Ive already got 4 dead cars in my driveway. Should I just open a junkyard?

[FazdaGt]

is the neon inspected? I'm pretty sure you could sell it as is for enough to get another beater.

[420sx]

Its not. It would pass though- It blew up on a wednesday, I had an appt for inspection for that friday.

[FazdaGt]

Throw it on craigslist, make the title something vague so people click on it just to see what the hell you're selling. Make the price high but be clear that is very negotiable, and be open to trades...someone will see the opportunity to make some money on it.

"Cheap car, great on gas, open to offers"

"Neon."

"Fix me, sell me, profit"

you get the idea...

[420sx]

Thats an excellent idea actually. I will do just that tomorrow morning. I really appreciate all of the help. :)

[FazdaGt]

It's not my first day at the rodeo :-p. Good luck man, something will work out.

[420sx]

So the volvo isnt blowing white smoke, but the block on one side is completely moist with oil from the head down. Compression test resulted in 120-130-130-150. Car runs fairly solid, I think the ignition timing is off, but has very little power. I dont remember the car ever having much power, but this is like "scooter slow." She tops out at 80mph on the highway.

Aluminum head, resurfaced after blown hg. New hg w/ 200 miles on full rebuild. Cast iron block. Just discovered oily/coolant-y block today

Risk driving it to work tomorrow? Gently?

[DPancoast]

How's your credit? Sorry man but under $250 a month with everything even if you do a lease? I'm gonna have to say that's hopes and dreams right there. Especially with no down payment (assumption... forgive me if I'm wrong)

Good luck with whatever you do. I'm in the same boat essentially, but am fortunate enough to have my jeep. But its only a matter of time till I have to do the 100k mole maintainace on it and I have no extra car lol.

I'm not trying to be negative. Nor do I know much about the subject, but leasing is a waste of time unless you get bored of cars. But again as everyone has said, mileage usually becomes an issue real fast. It's not worth it and they will rape you with a fine toothed comb when the car is returned for every little issue unless you get lucky

[FazdaGt]

Aren't most volvos interference motors? if the timing is off you could cause serious problems if that car is interference...


If the car isn't overheating, leaking coolant excessively, and the oil on the dipstick isn't milky I don't see what you could hurt if its not a timing problem.

how hard is it to check the timing? if it's not too much of a pain, take a look...it could be something you can fix this evening and drive to work safely tomorrow.

Leaking stuff never bothers me, as long as its slow enough that i'm not adding fluids every ten minutes i'll do what I have to.

[420sx]

Zero credit.

$250 a month in addition to the $200/month that I already pay for insurance. Total being $450/month for a lease, insurance on the lease, and liability and comprehensive on the 240.

[420sx]

Aren't most volvos interference motors? if the timing is off you could cause serious problems if that car is interference...


If the car isn't overheating, leaking coolant excessively, and the oil on the dipstick isn't milky I don't see what you could hurt if its not a timing problem.

how hard is it to check the timing? if it's not too much of a pain, take a look...it could be something you can fix this evening and drive to work safely tomorrow.

Leaking stuff never bothers me, as long as its slow enough that i'm not adding fluids every ten minutes i'll do what I have to.

I dont mean the timing belt timing.. i mean the distributor adjustment. We had the head milled to have a flat surface, I was told this retards the ignition, and that the distributor needs to be adjusted to compensate for this. The way it idles kind of makes it seem that way at least. Once its given gas, it doesnt react immediately, but revs freely once it does. It sounds healthy when its revving, just lacks power.

I loosened the bolt on the dizzy this afternoon expecting to have some play side to side. From there, Id adjust it til the car idled smoothly or until its at ~20psi of vac at idle (what Ive been instructed to do). But i couldnt get the dizzy to move. So im not really sure what ive got going on. Leaky head gasket, timing off, odd compression numbers.. this is the first motor ive ever rebuilt, so i dont really know what im doing. Ive rebuilt plenty of dirtbikes before, I know how to break a motor in.. idk, it just doesnt feel right, and the conflicting symptoms arent helping.

[DPancoast]

That's what I'm saying tho. For being 23 I have pretty decent established credit. I walked into Honda to check out the fit, and even when I said I'd put up to 2000 down they laughed at me wanting under 300/month for a payment. Again not trying to be negative and it's different for everyone.

But I'm just sayin.

[420sx]

That's what I'm saying tho. For being 23 I have pretty decent established credit. I walked into Honda to check out the fit, and even when I said I'd put up to 2000 down they laughed at me wanting under 300/month for a payment. Again not trying to be negative and it's different for everyone.

But I'm just sayin.

Yeah I didnt take it as negativity- im clueless on the matter. Everything Ive got came from here: http://www.leaseguide.com/articles/cheapest-car-lease.htm

Maybe Im being unrealistic. But hey, that just means Im back to driving beaters. What else is new? :lol:

[DPancoast]

I would say go to your bank and see what kind of small loan options they have. I paid $120/month over 60 months for a $5k loan for the mr2. granted I paid it off early, but you could find a nice early 2000s Honda or something similar for that much if not a little less I bet. Plus you wouldn't need full coverage or any of that crap if you didn't want to since it's not a car purchase specific loan... it's personal. if you get the same kind of loan I did that is... I think it was called an unsecured loan or something like that. I'll have to check.

But yeah I signed the papers, and within a couple days they handed me cash and a payment book lol. The only factor is with no credit they might not work with you. I had almost 4 years of established credit by the time I asked for the loan.

[itwillboost]

Some of you may know the recent car trouble Ive been having... more like a ridiculous, almost unbelievable string of bad luck. I wont go into details, but I just found out that the Volvo, that Ive spent the last 5 months rebuilding, has a bad head gasket. The Volvo is my dads car, and was my last resort at a daily driver after my Neon grenaded on the turnpike. My 240 is halfway thru a motor swap- a motor swap which is funded primarily by hopes and dreams. Im quite literally up sh*ts creek right now, and Im running out of options. I have a 45 minute commute to work each day, so I NEED reliable wheels.

The thought just crossed my mind.. would I be better off just leasing a car? Something stupid cheap, like a Kia Forte or something. I like that it wouldnt be my car, and that I wouldnt have to worry about keeping it running. Downside would be my insurance would be higher. Mind you, Ive done nearly no research on this yet.. but this seems like an ideal solution to me almost, provided the cost per month isnt astounding. Does anyone lease? Can a 22yr old lease a car? Im so done with fixing cars in the dark, in the cold, or in the snow. I JUST WANT A RELIABLE CAR DAMNIT!:mad::mad:

Sorry for ranting. I just dont know what to do.

I spent August like this trying to figure out wtf to do when I had a month before school. If you can afford buy a cheap ass car. It's not going to lose value over the years because it's value is low, and alot of these cars are still fairly decent cars. What I ended up doing is finding a very cheap used car so I got lucky but if not I would have a kia. Goodluck.

[wheresmycar]

I bought a 98 cavalier for 500 bucks when I first started to rip down my integra two years ago. Best thing I've done. Runs great I've only done maintance, insurance is dirt cheap, and I can hit trashcans with it.

Look into a cheap beater before you sign a contract.

Sell neon + 3 dead cars in your driveway.
Buy 2 identical beaters.
What are the odds both will be dead at the same time plus you have a parts car.

[ndubz]

If i were u, id lease something like a kia, or buy a used newer gen civic or accord. and keep the 240 as a side project. Always good to have a reliable DD but as a gearhead u need something cool/fun too. some cars do both, but if thats not possible for u then get 2 cars lol

[Godofelru]

First off, getting a no collateral personal loan you will see well over a 10% interest rate so your 5k loan will cost you almost 12k after 5 years. No thanks. Sure you could pay it off early, but make sure there's no penalty for early termination (Banks want their money). Offering the car as collateral will save you the rate penalty, but you will have to have full coverage on a car covered by note. You'll lose one way or the other.

Having no credit > age 20 is a terrible sign man. You need to get that sorted out quickly. I'm 24 and I have 6 years of credit history over 760. School loans and a car note are the only thing holding me down.

Leasing is commonly misunderstood, especially in the enthusiast circle. It can definitly be a good thing, but you're getting into a lease for the wrong reason. Leasing doesn't really become attractive until you lease a higher end car that will offer great residual value in addition to paid maintenance for what you would pay to "own" a brand new Honda or Toyota. Leasing something like a Kia will probably crush you on depreciation. Not to mention you'd be cutting it incredibly close on your mileage with a 45 minute commute.

My friend had 4 cars in his driveway none of which run and was always fixing his commute car. He's going nowhere in his life fast. You should take my advice and cut your losses where you can focus on what you can handle in a timely manner and don't get overrun by side projects.

I've been a bank supervisor, underwriter, & a college graduate with a BA in Finance (and enrolled for MBA) so I do know a little bit about the subject.

[jpalamar]

This is a bad idea. It is almost never cheaper to lease a car then the fix what you have. Think of it this way if you payment is $200 a month and your insurance goes up $100. Thats $3600 a year in just payment for the new car. Thats a hell of alot of parts for your current beater DD.

I don't ever want to be a debt for a car again. Its the biggest financial mistake I ever made.

[Godofelru]

While leasing generally isn't a good idea (and in my opinion bad idea here too) you can't just mathematically compare the cost he would pay against the parts. There are benefits associated with him having the car that you have to weigh against as well. It's especially difficult to compare intangible benefits of a lease such as confidence knowing he can make it to work. Remember that missing work means losing job; which is bad. The marginal cost difference between the two is up to him to personally figure out, but it surely isn't as severe as just the raw money aspects.

Also debt isn't bad at all. Unreasonable management of debt is.

[blkA4qttr]

vespa..... lol

[accordguy04]

Get the Kia... you wont!

[blkA4qttr]

buy my car lol

[420sx]

buy my car lol

Trade ya a blownthefckup neon and a dirtbike. :mrgreen:

:rofl:

[Elliott18t]

want a GTI? ive been wanting to go get an R32 :P

[blkA4qttr]

Trade ya a blownthefckup neon and a dirtbike. :mrgreen:

:rofl:

hahaha:lol:

[Rapture]

Lease a KIA? Come on man, you know that the second you started that typewriter up after the papers were signed you'd regret it. Think of CK's visceral feeling thread,you know you're an enthusiast and it's this kind of crap that our rides put us through that make it all that much sweeter in the end. It sucks now but just keep at it. If you need a decent DD get rid of some of the crap you're working with now, buy an older Maxima and make the 240 bangin. As for the Neon, well, you did buy a Dodge....

[blkA4qttr]

agree Rapture

[FocusDude]

That's what I'm saying tho. For being 23 I have pretty decent established credit. I walked into Honda to check out the fit, and even when I said I'd put up to 2000 down they laughed at me wanting under 300/month for a payment. Again not trying to be negative and it's different for everyone.

But I'm just sayin.

Wow how times have changed. I got the Focus at 21 with no credit and they practically threw it at me even when I only had $500 to drop down. Fit is a little more then the price of the Focus back then, but only a grand or two.

[DPancoast]

I would say go to your bank and see what kind of small loan options they have. I paid $120/month over 60 months for a $5k loan for the mr2. granted I paid it off early, but you could find a nice early 2000s Honda or something similar for that much if not a little less I bet. Plus you wouldn't need full coverage or any of that crap if you didn't want to since it's not a car purchase specific loan... it's personal. if you get the same kind of loan I did that is... I think it was called an unsecured loan or something like that. I'll have to check.

But yeah I signed the papers, and within a couple days they handed me cash and a payment book lol. The only factor is with no credit they might not work with you. I had almost 4 years of established credit by the time I asked for the loan.

just to follow up on this. the type of loan i have is an Unsecured Signiture Loan

over 60 months I would be paying $7094 on a $5000 loan. Excessive on their part? yeah but thats how it always is... However I will be paying it off in the next few weeks with no penalties. for $120/month, it was def affordable to have my MR2.

Here is an article (http://www.christianet.com/paydayloans/unsecuredsignature.htm) on what the loan is. I feel it does a good job in describing it.

the only problem is, it says very early... the people that get em are people with a good, unblemished credit history, and/or proof of a GOOD ability to pay back.

so I guess you're kinda up ****s creek unless you have been paying rent or something.

[PrideNas]

Just buy a cheap reliable daily. Don't put yourself in more debt with loans and higher insurance premiums. Goto craigslist-> go under cars for sale-> type Honda/Toyota in the search box-> put maximum you have to spend->select by owner (used car dealership stuff is usually plagued from auction cars) and hit search.

I have a 95 honda prelude with an oem h22 in it. The ad asked $1,000.00 it needed a clutch and a windshield.
I offered $600 and explained to the owner that the clutch job and windshield would cost more than what the car was worth.
She took $600, I put a clutch in it for $90 (just the disc) and have a cracked windshield.

$690- 95 prelude with original H22. Great on gas when I don't hit vtec, and starts up everytime. Haven't had one mechanical issue thus far. Have driven approx 6k miles.

Win.

http://cnj.craigslist.org/search/cto?query=honda&srchType=T&minAsk=&maxAsk=2000

Have fun.

[SovXietday]

Dude, you saw my car. $1200 exactly as you saw it, 158K miles. The only problem with it was the exhaust leak. I found it in 15 minutes on Craigslist, bought it 2 days later.

You know just as much as I do that you need to stop driving all of these retarded cars, and just get an old Honda that you know inside and out and can beat the **** out of it without having to worry about it. Go get an EF for $500! Who cares! Just get yourself something like that, because you and I both know that as long as a Honda has oil, it ain't gonna break.

[92dxman]

I think I have to side with everyone and just find a decent beater for $2k or less. There are many options with all the econo boxes and small pickups out there to find something in that price range. Also, I am suprised no one has mentioned anything about the Forte 5 door yet:
http://www.kia.com/#/forte-5-door/explore/

[420sx]

So the more Ive looked into leasing, Ive reluctantly decided that its probably not for me. I REALLY liked the idea of having an a to b car that I didnt have to do **** to, but i kind of assumed that a crappier car would be cheaper to lease, and thats not really the case at all. I assumed since a fit or sentra can be leased for like $160/month, that I could get some ****box even cheaper.

Im gonna go the beater route. Again.

It only needs to last me four months, max. *crosses fingers*