[Heddy]

I love my new Spark and glad I bought it, but I am tired of seeing it listed for 12 or 13K. Nothing on the lots in my area, including base models, was ticketed at less than 14.5. I bought a 1LT auto as is, (well, opted for 1200$ in special exterior coatings) and my final bill came to 18.5 Sure, I understand that 2200$ of this was my choice, (auto and the coatings) but it's a sight past 12K. Most ticket prices on the lot models are 15.5. That might drop a bit with the 2014's coming in, but in my area 3 or of 5 have sold off the lot within 48 hours. And the 2014's are going for a few K more.

That said, I still think it is worth it. I considered a Ford c max, (and a Fiat) and now they have come out in the news as "stretching the truth" about mpg - something I suspected intuitively when I tested drove. This also happened with the Kia Soul...."ooops, we were wroooong..."

The real mileage of the C Max is pretty much spot on with what I am getting with my Spark - slightly over 40 mpg- and my car is cuter, more fun, and at least 10 grand less! Do I care if there are "plastics", as everyone says- used? No, I think the era of big heavy metal crunchy cars is passing - those of us buying these lightweight fuel sipping cars (while admittedly waiting to see how diverse hybrid models and E models really pan out) are vanguards of a brave new world- I hope the good kind!

 

[SRTViperDude]

It is possible to purchase a new Spark for 12-13k, but those are usually base models with the LS package and a manual transmission. Not too many dealers have those, as they don't come with power door locks and only an AM/FM radio with AUX jack. Glad to hear you are enjoying your Spark though...it truly is a fun car and turns heads wherever you go.

 

[AnneK]

Heddy: I purchased my Jalapeno 1LT 2013 Spark for 14.3 (before the optional exterior upgrades and warranty extension) back in November of 2013. I have not seen them listed for a whole lot lower since then. My payments are around $225 a month and I love it. My old payments for my 2005 Beetle were over $350. >_<

 

[SRTViperDude]

AnneK,

That is a very good price for a 1LT. I paid 13.6 for my automatic LS and had the opportunity to purchase a manual one for 12.7 back in March. How do you like the Spark compared to the Beetle?

 

[AnneK]

The engine in my Beetle had more kick to it, but other than that they drive almost exactly the same. I would have kept my Beetle for a lifetime but Volkswagen put a faulty transmission in the early models that apparently dies between 40k to 70k miles, and they are making the customers pay for a new transmission themselves. Mine died at 65k miles.

So instead of paying 5k for a new transmission that would only be guaranteed for a year, I went across the street and bought a Spark. Chevrolet gave me $3500 for my Beetle as is, bad transmission and all for a trade in. That dealership has been treating me awesome ever since. Love my Spark to death!

I gotta admit, having a 4 door vehicle is pretty nice too.

 

[trbizwiz]

I am not trolling and I mean no offense, but if you are considering a Spark EV or any new car, do not buy the dealer applied coatings. They will do nothing that a coat of good protectant form any auto parts store wont do.
You could have your car professionally detailed on the exterior nearly every month and save money. Dealers like to trick us to spend money on stuff we do not need. Don't fall for it.

 

[SRTViperDude]

This is a common one I've been asked when purchasing a car. "Do you want rust-proofing?" "Do you want an exterior coating to protect the paint?" Some of these charges amount to several hundred dollars, when you can literally do them yourself for next to nothing.