Some thoughts on the purchase of my s GT Hatchback
- Thread starter rvoll
- Start date
npaladin2000
Member
Don't be fooled by pre-printed things on the sales sheet. You can do amazing things with Wite-Out these days. Bring a bottle with you. You'll be amazed how fast those charges disappear when they know you're willing to walk out otherwise. Mine dumped the special Simoniz protection (even though they already applied the first treatment), etching, underbody coating and most of the other garbage extras. Doc fees stayed, but NYS charges for title transfers as well as inspections, so I considered that reasonable.
Wow glad you got your deposit back! I'm a total noob at buying new car, so I brought along a friend with me since he's good at negotiating. Last new car I bought at full MSRP and didn't even haggle plus got high interest rate lol I managed to get my sGT under invoice and very low interest rate with the help of my friend. Only other thing I saw was a $80 document fee and didn't noticed anything fishy.
Anyways, this car is smoother and quieter compared to my previous tin can of a car but it can definitely still need more noise isolation. The stock tires are quite noisy and stiff, I just changed out my stock tires for some Michelin's yesterday and it's a lot better, noise and ride comfort wise. That's one of the easy changes, can probably add some sound deadening materials on the wheel well to see if that helps too.
Anyways, this car is smoother and quieter compared to my previous tin can of a car but it can definitely still need more noise isolation. The stock tires are quite noisy and stiff, I just changed out my stock tires for some Michelin's yesterday and it's a lot better, noise and ride comfort wise. That's one of the easy changes, can probably add some sound deadening materials on the wheel well to see if that helps too.
tobemazdaowner
Member
- :
- 2006 Honda Civic Coupe EX
Hi rvoll - If you don't mind me asking, how much under msrp did you pay (before taxes and registration)?
I'm totally fine with the noise isolation level of this car. My 2012 Focuses were a bit quieter, but noise insulation is heavy. Very heavy. Besides, I prefer the greater level of driving involvement that comes with a bit more sound. By the time I've put on intake, cat-back, etc., the car's a whole lot louder, anyway. My supercharged, water/methanol-injected 2001 Focus ZX3 was SERIOUSLY loud!
Hopefully the Mazdaspeed3 version is on the way!
Having said that, sound insulation is a balancing act. You want enough that the car isn't too loud, but it's heavy, so you don't want to use too much. Weight reduction isn't just for improved acceleration, but also fuel efficiency (and handling, braking, and steering response). I like where the 3 is from the factory just fine as far as isolation and noise control. I frequently felt that my 2012 Focus Titanium was a bit too isolated (at least until the FSWerks intake went on, which was REALLY loud at WOT).
Having said that, sound insulation is a balancing act. You want enough that the car isn't too loud, but it's heavy, so you don't want to use too much. Weight reduction isn't just for improved acceleration, but also fuel efficiency (and handling, braking, and steering response). I like where the 3 is from the factory just fine as far as isolation and noise control. I frequently felt that my 2012 Focus Titanium was a bit too isolated (at least until the FSWerks intake went on, which was REALLY loud at WOT).
