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Ok.
I just got word from a very trust-worthy mechanic that my car is nearing the end of its useful life cycle and I really don't feel like putting any more money into my car than what it's actually worth ($1700).
So, I'm wondering if any of the car-savvy members of TNL could lend me some suggestions as to what car I should buy.
My budget is between $15,000 and $18,000 for a car and I'm also debating "Pre-Owned" vs. Brand New.
Civic Type Ryan.
Get a Geo Metro.
They can be had for between $400, and $3000, and you'll be able to travel twice as far on a gallon of gas than someone in a typical oversized car.
Subaru Impreza, just bought a new one about 6 months ago. Love it.
I thought for sure that was going to say RiceQuote:
Originally Posted by Kidnemo
Or... you can pick up one of these for $1200 and get fifty miles to the gallon!!
http://www.nationalonlinescooters.co...APARAZZI-1.jpg
Just think of the coke party you can have with your remaining $13,000!!!
http://www.workingclasszero.com/images/cocaine.jpg
I got a 2008 Toyota Corolla Sport a few months ago and I love it.
Everyone is just going to tell you to get the same car they got.
Don't buy a new car btw... that shit is just stupid.
Batmobile
A friend of mine has a STI and loves it. Then again, I'm not a fan of paying for premium gas these days - way too expensive.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hot Like Wasabi
LOL... That's where I got my nickname, but I think it's Nissan who has the "Type" classes. I was looking at Civics though.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kidnemo
I'm rolling the dice on this one to see if there's good advice or if I just get sarcasm - either way I'll be informed or entertained.Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
I think I'm leaning towards getting a decent pre-owned car instead of a brand new one, so that should make you happy.
Besides, I'm in the market for a new drum set, so any money I save will go towards that :)
My father owns a 2001 WRX I do not really recommend them. He pays out the ass on premium, and the repair costs are pretty inflated. His suspension system also seemed to die out of nowhere, too, and it was rather expensive to have that taken care of.Quote:
Originally Posted by Type Ryan
Really, it's just not practical. Horribly, horribly fun car and I love it to death but I told him that I didn't want it (he suggested giving it to me once he gets a new car). I'd just end up selling it :-/
I would suggest finding two or three model used cars you want, then shopping at http://autos.yahoo.com , and then following up with www.carfax.com to do a background check.
In Jan 2003, I found a six month old Saturn SL2 thirty miles away with under 7,000 miles for $7,999. At the time, I think they were sold for $14,000 new, $10,000 used.
EDIT: Plus seeing everything on the internets, I showed up at the lot and didn't have to haggle about price or financing.
Scion xB. Great gas mileage and lots of interior room. Don't get the new model ones because they are sexless.
The STi starts at like $33k for a 2008. I've just got the 2.5i, stylish and still fun to drive.
Honda doesn't release the type r badged cars in America, but they do in other places.Quote:
Originally Posted by Type Ryan
As far as being on topic - buy something smaller and useful with good gas mileage that isn't new.
I've bought two new cars in my life, both times because I really "needed" to have certain options/etc. Both were hondas so the resale value was really good, but I don't think I'll buy another new car ever again.
Get a german car.
You're from europe so Ill let you know there are two huuuuuuuge differences between German cars in europe and in the US.Quote:
Originally Posted by dakidski
1) The only inexpensive German cars we get over here are VWs.
2) 95% of the VWs we get here are built in Mexico.
3) Thus, VW's in the united states are horrible pieces of shit I wouldn't inflict on a child molester.
To Ryan: I wouldn't buy new, you loose anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 of your money the second you drive it home.
As for the car, it all depends on what your looking for, Sporty? Functional? 2/4 door? Trunk big enough to hide dead hookers in?
I just got a 2008 Civic EX coupe at the end of October and couldn't be happier. Out of few cars I was deciding between (Scion TC, Civic, Impreza) it easily had the coolest/nicest interior. Gets fantastic gas milage, and felt better driving than either of the other cars (to me at least). It doesn't quite have the pick up of a Scion, and no AWD like the Impreza, but I've enjoyed driving it immensely (and it seems to handle pretty well in the snow too).Quote:
Originally Posted by Type Ryan
Obviously go with whatever car feels the best for you after test driving them. I just figured I would chime in with my impressions since I just recently got one.
Oh, I'm sorry to hear. I didn't know those facts. My german Mercedes is from 1984, and it runs better and better for each year. German craftmanship.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wildkat
Out of curiosity, how does it handle? Does it have any agility?Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
Funny you should mention that since I just looked at one of those on Honda's site. They look pretty good. It pretty much hits some of the things I'm looking for in a car. I'll have to check and see if there are any recent model pre-owned Civics. I'd have to be in love with a car before I buy it brand new.Quote:
Originally Posted by Brand X
if you want a sporty driving compact car you want a mazda 3 (keyword agility), but the civic is ok if you dont mind how weird it looks. maybe you could find a used current gen altima? that would be nice but they arent that old, so i have no idea what used pricing is.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dakidski
Yes, OLD German craftsmanship back when they made cars that ran till apocalypse. New German cars suck balls mechanically speaking.
Best bang for your buck is a Mazda 3 2.3 engine hatch or coupe. Although I'd prefer a used Mustang GT myself.
...Bet you could find a used 2005 GTO with around 50,000 miles for $18k...
If I were buying a cheap new car, I'd go for the Honda Fit, based purely on what I've read. I think they look neat, fun, and useful.
If you're buying used, you can get quite a lot of car for $14-18k. But you need to state your priorities before we can help you narrow it down.
both good suggestions. i like the fit a lot but i'd want a real car as my main ride, but i'm old. look for gtosQuote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
just dont get something boring
Take public transportation.
Not anymore...all current gen Rabbits, GTI's, and Passats come from Germany. :tu:Quote:
Originally Posted by Wildkat
even the german made ones don't do well. maintenance is loltasticly high too. car and driver just finished a long term gti test and maintenace was like 4x higher than the mitsubishi eclipse they had just had.
that said my second choice was a gti. they are sweet
With the way economy is going these days, I'll choose a car that is gas efficient. I'll be in the mark to look for a new/used car to replace my '95 Ford Taurus that my parents handed down to me. I got another $10,000 left in my college loan and I should be done paying it off by March (if things stays that way it is now financially). By 2009-2010, I'll be in the market for a replacement...unless my Fix Or Repair Daily craps out on me.
Nice an' tight, like an 8 year old's anus.Quote:
Originally Posted by Type Ryan
Not if you can afford it. It's more stupid to buy used, unreliable shitheaps.Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
If i was getting a car i wanted, i'd get the Mazda 3 hatchback or 2002-2005 Civic hatchback. If i was suggesting a car, i'd say a Honda fit or Civic.
You know how I feel about hondas. They will last you forever and give you little or no problems. I <3 my civic. One of the girls at my work just bought a new Nissan Altima coupe. It is sick.
Not a Fit, I test drove one and it's a big piece of dog poo.Quote:
Originally Posted by Finch
I currently own a MkV GTI. Awesome car...and no real issues after almost 2 years of ownership. :link:Quote:
Originally Posted by stormy
1971 AMC Gremlin
Even if you can afford it its still kind of crazy. You're paying thousands of dollars extra just so you can be the first person to fart into the seat cushions.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
I bought my last car new (2004 xA) only because it was exactly what I wanted (a car that looked like a tennis shoe) and it was just being released so there was zero used market. I love my car, but I just can't see buying new. Until I get a minivan to drive the kids to soccer or some shit.
No, I'm paying extra for reliability and an extended warranty. Just because a used car is "certified" or whatever bullshit tag the car dealer suckers the public with doesn't mean anything. I know a few shady people who sell used cars and you have no idea the lengths they go to cover up problems just to make a sale.Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
I owned plenty of used cars in my time, and they all gave me problems. I can afford a new cars now, so I buy them.
Plus it IS nice to know that someone else's food and crap isn't ground into the seams of the seats and console.
I bought my car new earlier this year. Partly because I just wanted to buy new at least once, partly because my previous two cars were used and had some owner-induced issues (minor issues, but annoying) I wanted to avoid. I also wanted a bullet-proof warranty so I could have the peace of mind knowing that if something breaks or gets wonky, it gets fixed for free while I'm paying off the car. Plus, with a car like mine it's nice to know that my car wasn't previously abused and that the internals don't have any hidden damage that'll manifest later. It's easy to break shit with 400ft/lbs.
I bought a used 2006 Scion XB back in august and I have enjoyed it so far. It had 13,000miles, and still had 2 years and 23,000 miles left on the factory warranty. I bought it for $13,500, which translates to about $236 a month on a six year loan at 6.5%.
Everything, aside from the pick up and minor handling issues (can feel a little off balance when accelerating off the line), is awesome. Lots of interior space, excellent gas millage, nice look.
Great bang for my buck.
I'm not really recommending it, I'm just stating what I have, how much I pay, etc.
I will say though, if you buy used, try to buy something that still has at least a couple years left on the original factory warranty. Peace of mind is nice to have.
I'm paying $260 a month on a 5 year loan for my brand-new 2008 Corolla Sport. A Scion XB runs about the same price (new, anyway)...it sounds like you fucked bad on your deal.Quote:
Originally Posted by Criticom
Naw, that's about right according to this payment calculator. A five year loan at the same rate would've bumped payments up just $30, and would've saved, in the long run, about $400. He probably did not make a down payment, so he financed the whole $13,500.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
You can buy a 2007 model at mark-down prices.
I highly recommend Toyota. The company I work for uses Toyota Tacoma pickups for service vehicles. They get great gas mileage and have a very reliable service record. We have one truck with over 280,000 miles on it and we've had very few incidences of major repairs. I swear, you'd have to treat a Toyota vehicle like complete dogshit, for it to have any major problems.
That's correct. It was actually a $14000 loan (I used the extra 500 to help with the taxes on the vehicle). Had I put any kind of down payment, I could have brought my payments into the sub $200 range easily. But since I didn't want to sell my previous car, I just financed the whole thing.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
My sister just bought a 2004 Audi A4, and because she put a certain amount down, her payments are roughly equal to mine.
How much did you put down dole? And what's your interest rate?
Ah, okay. I didn't know there wasn't any down payment involved. That's not bad, then.
I'm looking forward to paying off my car, it'll be sweet to not have any more payments.
I paid off my car the day I bought it.
bling bling nigga.
Damn, how much did you sell your TV for?
Corolla really are great cars. my family used to have an 84. no major problems ever and got rid of it maybe 5 years ago. they also still have a 94 that had some wonky electrical problem (light wouldnt turn off) but it somehow fixed itself and aside from some rusting through under the doors still starts like day one.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
i myself bought an '03 grand am gt (brand new in 02) and while i have never had any issues i wish i had bought something with four wheels for the snow. it handles good enough until that heavy, wet snow falls. then it tends to get stuck.
:lol: The best thing about owning a piece of shit is that I paid for it entirely on the spot. It only cost twice as much as my laptop did. Even after the few maintenance issues I've had, shit, it's just fantastic not paying much on it.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumpy
The 30+ mpg helps, too.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hot Like Wasabi
Did you guys know you can own a japanese car and not rice it out? It's truly amazing.
You lying cunt.
I'm sorry, but the floaty suspension, heaps of body roll and feather light steering does not equate to tight handling. I own a last gen Corolla S, my sister in law has a current Corolla S, and I've rode in the next gen 2009 Corolla S and not a whole lot has changed in that area.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
If a handling compact is what TypeRyan wants, then a Mazda3 or a Civic (coupe please... the sedan is fuugly) or a Fit should be up his alley.
But TypeRyan shouldn't just take my word for it... test drive it and see if your conclusion is the same as mine.
I have nothing against Corollas. They're comfortable, smooth, and last freakin forever. But handling is not really its strong suit.
Sooner or later I'm going to need to learn how to fucking drive. Actually, just get my license. I've been practicing driving for three years.
Yeah, that was my main motivation for buying one. My last car was sportier (Dodge Avenger) but turned into a big hassle with shit going wrong after just a few years. I did my homework this time and everything pointed to the Corolla's quality in terms of reliability. Plus, the Sport version looks pretty sharp, imo. The seats are way comfy, too (important for roads trips).Quote:
Originally Posted by Dyne
Also, it's just a very solid, well constructed car with some nice features. The thing even has front and rear side curtain airbags, which is very rare for a car in that price range.
Handles just fine to me.Quote:
Originally Posted by Tsubaki
I drive a Corolla to work every day across the city (Toronto) and the fuel economy makes the decision very easy for me. I'd like to have a second car for sport, but that will come in due time.
That's another thing about the Corolla...I'm saving a fucking fortune in gas.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
QFT. I worked at a dealership doing parts delivery and I witnessed the evils of the used car business. It was a legit GM dealership and they would buy the cheapest parts possible, new or used, to fix a vehicle and get it on the lot for sale. Goodwrench parts had no chance of going on a used vehicle there.
I would have to agree with others about Toyota's reliability. My Uncle has owned several and with proper maintenance they will topple 100k with no major repairs. I bought a 2001 Dodge Dakota quad cab pick up new and it needed transmission work around 60k miles. Major BS, IMO. I replaced the brakes on that truck before it it 20k too. That along with the gas cost led me to get my 2005 Camry.
I know its not the most sporty thing, but I bought it as economical transportation, and I got an amazing deal on it new. This is a good time to buy a new car if you can find an 07.
I'd like to volunteer a hearty "LOL gas mileage," and will probably be joined by Stormy and Wildkat.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hubbitron
Yeah, the more I think about it, I'm either going to get a Civic or some Acura model. Hondas have never let me down. I think I've had my fill of Altimas. I'm looking at this car.
Please not the four door model!Quote:
Originally Posted by Type Ryan
I sold my house for $220,000 (240?) after paying $104,000 for it. The TV I sold for $500.Quote:
Originally Posted by Rumpy
One of these had a lot more to do with buying a car in cash than the other one.
I'm sexy enough as it is. Driving a granny car is the only peace and quiet I get from the constant swooning of nearby women over my chiseled buttox.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
My folks own a BMW though. It's pretty sweet to drive around. You don't feel shit going around corners. Like a space ship or something.
When did you sell it? The housing market is such shit right now down there. It's booming up here right now. You'd be smart to rent for a couple of years depending on how things are in your general area.Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
When I bought my 2004 scion in, wait for it, 2004.
Bought it in 2000, improved the fuck out of it, and then sold it when I went insane and used the money for a silly rock and roll adventure. And a car.
16 MPG city on premium since moving to LA. LOL gas mileage!Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
I get 2x that and I drive like the king of all douchebags.
Same here. Slightly redeemed by 24 MPG highway, completely redeemed by the joy of driving.Quote:
Originally Posted by stormy
QFT. I the 4 door looks like absolute shit. There's plenty of room in the back seat of the coupe that you shouldn't even contemplate getting the 4 door.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
Gas mileage is for women and communists. 13MPG and proud baby!.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
Well, not really. The sad part is my play-around sporty car will likely get better mileage than my "daily driver" pickup.
Having 4 doors makes it easier for me to load/unload my drums and music equipment. If I didn't play music, I'd definitely have a 2-door.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
My friend's brother owns a used car lot. They do all sorts of fucked up shit, like scheduling people to come down on rainy days to pick up a car if it has a lot of dings, since dings are harder to see in the rain. Or if one side of the car is especially dinged up, they park that side so close to another car on the lot that the customer can't get a look.Quote:
Originally Posted by Sinista
Hell, I traded in my old Avenger at the Toyoda dealer and the thing was dying- head gasket was leaking, brakes were gone, you name it. My friend's brother told me that he was 99% sure Toyoda would simply try to roll the Avenger through an auction, sticking some poor sucker with a car that's about to croak.
This is why I have a hatchback.Quote:
Originally Posted by Type Ryan
lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
Indeed, '01 Mustang GT..and I'm driving it the middle of an Illinois winter. A few sandbags and its not a big problem.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wildkat
You can have your gas mileage, I'll take a car with more balls than the celtics locker room. I can't stand all the cookie cutter car's out there today. I'm looking for something new myself and I've been looking at either another Mustang or Charger R/T.
????Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_B
Whoops, did it twice.Quote:
Originally Posted by Josh
I'm with you depending on the definition of cookie-cutter. I was looking at buying a Mustang, but the main reason I didn't is that they're everywhere. The GT is a good car, but it stinks that so many chicks in V6s drive around in cars that look identical.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hubbitron
If it makes you feel better, the president's name is Toyoda.Quote:
Originally Posted by Dolemite
My definition of cookie cutter is just how I generally refer to modern car styles. Most cars made today just look bland. There really isn't much that catches my eye. To sum it up, its mainly that every sedan looks like eggs on wheels, SUV's all look like milk cartons.
I guess, in my weird opinion, auto designers aren't willing to break from the mold and try push boundaries with their designs. Everything looks boring to me very few cars actually catch my eye going down the rode.
And yes the V6 mustang totally kills the mustang image.
Ah, well I really like the body on the new Mustangs. I think it's one of the better looking cars on the road, just unfortunately common.Quote:
Originally Posted by Mr_B
I like them too, with a few body mods. It can really become a sexy beast. The engine start up is to die for. I still get hard remembering it.
Ok. There's three cars on my list and they are:
Impreza 2.5i
Mazda 3 s Sport
Civic Ex Coupe
I'm going for test drives this week. This will be a tough decision.
don't get the lame impreza, the base lancer on the other hand is cool
Don't listen to this man, the new Lancer is hideous!Quote:
Originally Posted by stormy
I was walking on some dealer lots yesterday while my car was serviced and happened to see a new Lancer right next to an Evo IX. Completely cemented my opinion than the old model is a billion times better looking.
idbtn
Click for full size
The GTS is a very good package for $18k, if a little slow
ENGINE: 2.0-liter, 152-horsepower* MIVEC engine
TRANSMISSION: five-speed manual transmission or six-step continuously variable transmission (CVT) with magnesium paddle shifters
INTERIOR: Bluetooth® hands-free phone interface system, sport bucket seats, automatic climate control, power windows/locks/mirrors, tilt adjustable steering column, cruise control, multi-information display, variable intermittent wipers, 12V accessory outlet, 60/40 folding rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, steering wheel-mounted cruise control and audio switches, adjustable rear headrests and a 140-watt Mitsubishi CD/MP3-compatible audio system with six speakers
EXTERIOR: sport-tuned suspension including front strut tower brace, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, front and lower side air-dam extensions, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tip, color-keyed door handles and side-view mirrors, chrome grille accent, auto-off halogen headlights, side turn markers, roof-mounted antenna, high-mount rear brake lamp and remote keyless entry
SAFETY: anti-lock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), tire-pressure monitoring system, anti-theft alarm system and engine immobilizer, daytime running lights, LATCH system for child-safety seats, and seven airbag safety system with advanced dual-stage front airbags†, driver and passenger side-impact airbags†, front and rear curtain airbags† and driver's knee airbag†
BODY: Ugly.
DRIVETRAIN: FWD, unlike the AWD base Impreza.
The base models aren't powerful enough for the drivetrain to matter all that much. I bet the Mazda 3 handles better than the base impreza, Lancer might too. Imprezas generally understeer like a fwd'er anyway, even with AWD.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
But they are RALLY CARS.Quote:
Originally Posted by stormy
Talking performance with these sub-20k cars is kinda pointless, really. I'd base my purchase decision completely on a subjective test-drive and on looks.
(P.S. From what I know, I'd buy the Mazda 3.)
I have a 2007 Nissan Sentra, that I pay about $300 a month for because I didn't put down a great down payment. It runs perfectly fine for me, and it gets awesome gas mileage. At the time I bought it, I was still driving 100 miles a day on city streets delivering pizzas...so gas mileage was a factor in my purchasing decision. Now that I'm teaching though, the school I work at is only 10 minutes from my house. So, I put $40 worth of gas in at the beginning of the month, and I don't have to fill it up again until the next month :)
I also mostly bought the Sentra because my Dad has a 94 Sentra with over 250,000 miles on it...it has caused very few problems over the years...and it still runs like its brand new.
The worst thing about the Mazda 3 is the interior. I'm too tall for it, I feel like I'm sitting on top of it and not in it. The flashing LEDs on the stereo are really juvenile too. The Lancer has the best interior. The Civic's is just wierd.
I was listening to this podcast on the way back home for Christmas and they rip the new Lancer (not the Evo). They start on it around 40:00 in. Enjoy. (Two guys call it the worst car they've driven all year.)
I read some really bad reviews of the Lancer since I posted about it. It was always of the sub-GTS models though. I still haven't seen anything too bad regarding the GTS. I've only seen it at the one auto show, my impressions were good but maybe it sucks. They had the ES in that pod cast. The GTS has a different suspension.
I like reading Edmunds long term test blog. Here is the link to their lancer GTS blog. They mostly like it. http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/c...bishiLancerGTS
The deed has been done. I got a '07 Civic Si.
Not a bad choice. The coupe, I hope >_<Quote:
Originally Posted by Type Ryan
Prepare to be made fun of. The plus side is you're going to love that car.
If you were going to spend that much you could have had a Mazdaspeed3!
lol
i would've gotten the mazda3.
in pics, the base lancer didn't look that nice, but then after seeing it in person, on the road, the car looks pretty good.
i'm bout to put down a deposit for the evo 10.
Mazdaspeed3 is a couple thousand more than a base Si. I'd rather the Speed3, too, but for $21k the Si's not a bad buy.Quote:
Originally Posted by stormy
...The Mugen Civic at $30k, however...
I was offered the 4-door for $19,700 and that was a pretty sweet deal. I could have gotten a 2-door coupe for the same price, but in the EX trim. I figure I got my money's worth.Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
Meh, I really don't give a shit what anyone thinks about the car. Yeah, it's essentially a "teen" car, but I could care less. It's efficient, is fun to drive, and if I really wanted to I could pimp the shit out of that car. Plus, at the price I got it for, I doubt I could have found a better offer.Quote:
Originally Posted by Hubbitron
I test drove the Mazda 3 (wasn't impressed) and the MS3 was out of my price range. Plus, I heard better overall reviews on the CivicQuote:
Originally Posted by stormy
I dunno if I could live with a Civic sedan. But then most people think my car is boring--to each his own. But that's a good price!Quote:
Originally Posted by Type Ryan
I've got subscriptions to three different car mags and they all gush over the Mazdaspeed3 (especially Car and Driver), but it's a good $4-5,000 more than what you paid for your Civic. I've driven a stock Mazda 3 and I think it's a nice car, but I was a little uncomfortable with how light and quick the steering is.Quote:
I test drove the Mazda 3 (wasn't impressed) and the MS3 was out of my price range. Plus, I heard better overall reviews on the Civic
It doesn't look that bad, really. It still handles pretty nice and now I'll have more space for my drums :)Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkRyan
Yeah, I really wasn't even thinking of getting the Si, but for the price that was offered, I figured I'd be insane not to get it. Agreed on the Mazda 3 steering, I like a tight, responsive car. The Mazda 3 felt like a busted-ass pussy, flopping all over the place. The Civic handled a lot tighter in the turns and obviously had better pick-up.Quote:
I've got subscriptions to three different car mags and they all gush over the Mazdaspeed3 (especially Car and Driver), but it's a good $4-5,000 more than what you paid for your Civic. I've driven a stock Mazda 3 and I think it's a nice car, but I was a little uncomfortable with how light and quick the steering is.
Can't argue with the price you got it for. Post some pics or something.