Turbo Veloster proves yet again: DON’T buy a car in the first model year!
By David Menzies for MSN Autos
Dear reader, please heed the following sure-fire, money-in-the-bank, piece of advice when it comes buying a new car. And if you do heed this warning, you will emerge as happier camper. These words of wisdom are free of charge! (You’re welcome.) Don’t ever buy a new car in its first model year.
That’s what I told my pal Bob two years ago when Hyundai unveiled the Veloster.
Bob had taken a shine to the latest sporty car from South Korea and began to seriously think about buying one. I urged Bob not to. Naturally because it was me giving advice, Bob listened very intently.
And then he proceeded to do the precise opposite.
So it was that Bob visited his friendly neighbourhood Hyundai dealer and faster than you could say “Sonata”, Bob had a bright blue Veloster occupying his driveway.
Right about now, Veloster fans are scoffing, “What do you have against the Veloster?”
But what I do have a bias against is this: buying ANY car in the first year.
Simply put, the auto industry is the master of the slow tease. Year one, a Plain Jane model is unveiled and the automakers gamble there’ll be enough trailblazers out there who absolutely must be among the first to own a snazzy new model and they’ll snap ‘em up in sufficient numbers.
But invariably, the really “good stuff” will follow later. Because what happens next is this: a high-performance “GT” model comes along. And later still, a convertible is unveiled. And then perhaps a high-performance convertible. By this point in time, it’s time for the model’s second-generation to be unveiled. And then the cycle repeats itself yet again.
The point is, regardless of make or model, you do not get the whole she-bang on Day One. Never.
Oh, by the way, don’t even think about getting in touch with an automaker and asking any question pertaining to a model that has yet to be officially unveiled. Spokes-thingys for every automaker say exactly same thing when asked about anything that may be in the pipeline. And it’s this: “We do not discuss future products.” PERIOD. It is as though the future does not exist. Or it’s classified information. Or they secretly hope you’ll buy whatever is available in the here and now if you simply don’t know any better. Seriously, that’s how they think.
Also, even if you are completely happy with the first year offering as is, keep in mind that during the first model year, the manufacturer has no idea how the model is going to stand up to daily driving conditions. The feedback received from owners via dealership servicing will likely lead to some minor tweaks to the car’s mechanical pedigree in time for the next model year.
Back to Bob. Last year, Hyundai introduced a turbocharged version of the Veloster. Bob recently got a chance to drive one. The turbo delivers 201-horsepower; Bob’s Plain Jane Veloster has only 138 ponies. How does that saying go? Once they’ve seen Kansas City how do you keep ’em down on the farm?
My pal’s a bit miserable these days. Hate to say I told you so. OK, I actually love to say I told you so.
Still, I do feel kinda bad for the guy though…
Justin Couture
Mark Atkinson
John LeBlanc
Posted by: Auto Transport Companies | 2013-01-26 6:11:16 AM
I think it is not advisable to buy any car in its first model years because at the time no one can recomend you about the good and bad features of the vehicle except the manufacturer. Moreover, the later on models of the vehcile wil be more advance as compared to the first one.
Posted by: DrVex007 | 2013-01-31 12:40:42 AM
I recommend waiting until the second year as well for many of the reasons you stated PLUS, the financing gets better with age also. A brand new model will never have 0& financing. Typically you get the 4.9% treatment these days. So in the case of the Veloster which i really like, buy the Turbo and you'll love it. The risk from the manufacturers though is losing customers. I remember when the Dodge Caliber first came out I was less then impressed. The exterior was okay, but the interior and the performance was not good. I had a Dodge Neon R?T and I wanted a new vehicle. Then news of the 300hp Caliber SRT4 came out and I immediately went to the dealership to order one. They were not taking orders yet. So I waited, and waited and by the time they released the 265hp version, I had bought another brand of car. The dealerships called, Chrysler called, but I told them, you just took too long. As life cahnges (kids) I suddenly needed a minivan. Who better to se than the brand that sells the most right? In the brochure was the typicaly Caravans, but WAIT there was a new R/T version. So I tried to buy one and they were nowhere to be found. So I bought another brand. Strike two Chrysler. If I ever scratch up enough coin to buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8, you better get me one quick.
Posted by: WayneG | 2013-01-31 4:41:11 PM
Not everyone wants the biggest and the best Dave. Of all the customers that bought the first year, maybe 2% may trade in for the newer, faster mine is better than yours model. I praise your friend for buying what he wanted not what others have opinions of, there should be more stronger buyers like him.
Posted by: Enterprise | 2013-02-04 5:52:57 AM
The same concept applies to phones; I'm glad I waited for the iphone5 instead of the original ones. Subsequent models of any product, whether it be phones or cars are generally improved after consumer feedback. The first models are more likely to have kinks and issues but not in all cases. Then again some buyers don't always the latest and greatest but just the basics.