Today, I embarked on a journey to trade in my 2016 Honda Accord for a 2021 CX-5 Signature, but fate had other plans. At Enterprise, I was unexpectedly tempted by a 2022 Nissan Rogue SV with less than 100 miles on it. The deal seemed too good to pass up - only $255 a month with a 60k mile/5-year warranty, and a stress-free, fair experience. Plus, there’s a 7-day, 1000-mile return policy, albeit with a $200 restock fee.

But here’s where it gets tricky. I couldn’t shake off my initial fascination with the CX-5. So, I headed to a Mazda dealership and found a tempting 2022 CX-5 Premium, a lease return in great condition. After an exhausting 6-hour negotiation marathon, I managed to bring them down from a $8k over-list dealer add-on price to a more reasonable $28k. But the deal still included a $698 LoJack fee.

Fast forward, I’m sitting in the finance office, and the deal is set at $315 a month for 72 months, including a warp 100k mile/7-year warranty and a bi-annual oil change package.

In a whirlwind of stress and second-guessing, I signed the papers for the CX-5 but then rushed back to Enterprise to return the Rogue. The Mazda folks weren’t thrilled when I expressed my doubts about the deal and I left Mazda with the Rogue.

So now, Reddit, I’m decompressing and reevaluating. Was the Nissan Rogue the smarter choice for long-term value and reliability, or did the CX-5’s allure and features justify its price? I’m second-guessing my decision and could really use your perspectives.

TLDR: Opted for a new Rogue with a solid warranty at Enterprise, but a visit to Mazda led me to start negotiating a 2022 CX-5 after hours of negotiation. Ended up with the Rogue but wondering if I made the right choice. What do you think?

  • Cajus@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    1 year ago

    Not to sound rude, but is it really that common to finance cars for 72(!) months over there? In germany its basically unheard of and financially irresponsible, the amount of interest paid during those years… 36months is the most common, 48 the upper end on finance lengths. I got taught If you cant afford it with a down payment/trade in and 48mo finance, it’s above your current financial situation.

    • SnowblindAlbino@alien.topBEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      but is it really that common to finance cars for 72(!) months over there?

      “According to information-services company Experian, the average used- and new-car loan spans between 67 and 69 months — somewhere between five and six years — as of July 2023.”

      So yes, it’s so common that the average is now close to 70 months. Though most people I know who finance do 60 month loans. I did for my last new purchase, but that was a 0% rate from Mazda so it cost nothing.