Tips on Buying Cars: Engine specifications & more?, toyota vitz, nissan micra


Question
            I intend to buy a car, in full payment, not sure whether a new one or not, but probably a new one.  Does paying in full allows me to liaise with the salesperson to get a better price?
            I’m a lady, and really don’t understand much about cars what regards engine and technical  specifications.  That’s why I’d rather opt for a new car.  Also, I’d like to use it for as many years as possible, so hence my choice would rather go for a new car probably.  But I’m not sure whether this makes sense to you.  In my country (Malta-Europe) we have loads of Japan imported used cars, mostly Toyota.  They are still very expensive for new cars, like 12,000 euros for a Toyota Vitz.  A new one would start from 15,000 euros.  So, it seems pretty much worth it nowadays here to buy a new one.  My question is more when I get down to the car’s specifications, to compare between one and another.  I like the Toyota Yaris 2009, also Citroen C3, Mazda 2, and Nissan micra.  A city car basically is what I need for urban driving.  What do you think of those 4 cars?
             I have some questions on the engine specifications:  What’s a displacement (cc)?  What’s bore x stroke (mm X mm)?  Compression ratio?  Maximum output (kW / rpm)?  Maximum torque (Nm/rpm)?  What regards wheels, what’s more advantageous with having alloy wheels instead of steel wheels?  
             I thank you  for your time.  I can see that I asked you too much.


Answer
Hi Rachael

I think your choices are excellent, but as to which car handles best to suit your lifestyle compared to mine, only you can make that decision.

Paying cash for a car will not get you a better deal, read this link on my website   http://www.usedcartips.org/CASH.html

As for your question on engine specifications, here is the best site  http://www.automotiveforums.com/  click on Q & A buying, and enter your question.

Ray