Ok so let me say I absolutely adore my G, I wanted one ever since they came out when I bought her it was the best feeling of my life. So fast forward 2 years and, while I still love the car, it's just costing me too damn much every month.

My loan payment is around 410, gas (the real killer) is like 250 to 300, and then insurance is like 80. So this car is costing me close to 800 bucks a month! I just don't know if it's worth it anymore.

I recently saw this deal to lease a 2013 Fiat Pop w/ 5 speed (the base model) for 0 down and 200 a month for 42 months. I mean that's a killer deal, plus it gets like 40mpg. I know it'll never come close to being as awesome as the G but **** I could be saving close to 400bucks a month!

What do you guys think? And how much can I expect to get for my car? I live in Atlanta and it's an 07 5AT coupe w/ 62k mi, ivory pearl with stone interior (black dash and light seats). Also it's got the sport package and performance package, just had the 60k service, new rear brakes, new battery, and I'm about to replace the rear tires. Oh and 15% tints. Otherwise it's completely stock.

Please give me your (constructive) input!

 

I think you know your finances best. $400 bucks a month is a LOT in savings. If you can handle going from a G to a Fiat. Do it! They are both completely different cars and the driver experience is vastly different.

IMO 42 months is a long time to lease a car. I wouldn't do the lease for anything longer then 36 months.

 

I was in the same boat when I was looking in to my finances and trying to save money. In the end I decided I could save myself the MOST over the long term by paying my car off early. I saved every penny I could and paid my car off almost 2 years early. Not only did I save the interest I would have accrued over those 2 years ($1,600) but I no longer have a car payment (Saving $440 a month) and I get to keep the car I love.

Honestly, I would never pay any amount of money for a car that I would be overcharged to keep at the end of the lease term.

 

/\ I agree, but gas is only going up. and it seems OP's issue is gas. $300 a month in gas alone.

 

I'm in the same boat and have looked around at leasing to bust me out of this loan.
I would hope you'd be able to see $15-16K on trade in (yes, they'll kill you) so try selling it on here and see what happens. Assuming you had a 4yr loan, you're in a good position. If you had a 5yr, not as good but still close to owing what it's worth.

Fiat has some cheap leases, but the long terms scared me away also. I know I'd hate the car after 2yrs and would be stuck in an even worse equity situation. Because you could be in a good positon, I'd say look at the VW leases, they're shorter term / low monthly payment / and still fun without having to worry about maintenance b/c of the warranty.
I also noticed Hyundai has some low lease rates - in our region atleast, and I'd much rather drive a Hyundai Elantra vs. the Fiat base model any day - they too will get you 40mpg without much effort.

Private sell I'd think you could ask for $16-17k maybe 18k if it's in great shape.
Trade like I said before - be prepared for nothing more than $15k.

 

It's too bad these cars don't get better mileage. Granted they're pretty highly tuned, but my previous acura got like 26mpg with a V6. I love mine too, but it'd be nice if it was a little more thrifty on gas.

 

YES you are crazy .. read the title ... Interior is poorly made been in 2 before . Save up for a daily

 

TBH you should've bought an older cheap car thats good on gas than buying a car you can't financially afford to keep in the long run. and 2nd i hope you're not a guy if you're gonna buy the Fiat 500..... just saying

 

Are you upside down on your loan? Or do you think you can get some positive equity out of the deal? That would be driving force behind any decision.

0 down and 200 month is a good deal, but what are your mileage restrictions? Also, what sort of fees woukd they charge you when you turn in the vehicle and do not get another Fiat?

Leasing, while lowering your monthly obligation, doesn't necessarily save you money in the long run, especially if your state has high taxes and fees on vehicles (unsure how GA is).

Of course, this isn't a personal finance forum, so up to you to know what you want and can afford.