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I have a 1993 Acura Legend sedan that I love, but it is starting to show its age. It has nearly 200k miles on it, it's huge, and it gets lovely gas mileage. Really lovely. Things are starting to break with increasing frequency, and I fear expenses will soon exceed the cars worth. It would not hurt to have something safer! Also, some cock broke into it and sliced up all the leather seats after they failed at stealing my stereo. Seriously. I don't really know anything about modern cars. I hardly know any model names. I don't even know what a late-year Accord or Camry look like. I am simply overwhelmed. I don't know where to start. Some criteria: Good gas mileage Small(ish) An interior of reasonable quality Can I ask for Zippy? Less then 10 years old, preferably a lot less Used, under $15k In the past, I have liked the interiors of Imports over American cars. I travel to Europe a lot and I love all the small cars they have over there, yet I rarely see anything here in the States that seems to compare. Some one point out how wrong I am please, as I don't really pay attention to cars. I am happy to have a hatchback or a small sedan. Two door is ok. I even like wagons, but I imagine they probably get worse gas mileage than their sedan counterparts, and what the gently caress do I need all that cargo room for? I live in a super liberal hippie town so a hybrid would greatly increase my hippie cred, but I doubt that is within my budget and I don't know what that does to maintenance costs. Is diesel a viable option in the States? When I plug these criteria into carmax.com I get the usual Accord/Civic/Camry list, with lots of Korean cars thrown in. Korean cars still suck, right? There are some cool looking VW's, but will those still cost me a lot to fix vs. a Honda? There is also Nissan, which I know nothing about. I've driven a Ford Focus, and it was surprisingly nice. Volvo's are cool, but also way out of my budget unless I get something quite old. A friend has a Honda Fit, and it is the most "Euro" car I have been in here in the US. It is quite nice inside, as in things don't feel cheap and everything doesn't creak. My only complaint is that it doesn't feel as powerful as my Legend, but then I guess most compact cars are not going to give me that. I drove it in the Appalachian mountains recently and there were certainly hills that it struggled to climb. I have no idea where this leaves me. I don't know if I am giving enough information, please ask me to clarify anything you like. Thank you.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 20:38 |
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| # ? Nov 22, 2009 01:48 |
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From the forum rules: " Car recommendation threads From now on, I will gas "Recommend me a car" threads. They did nothing for our forum, were often about the same boring econoboxes, and were usually posted by lazy people who didn't want to do their own research, people who often ignored the advice or never responded. THE ONLY EXCEPIONS: If you have done your research and narrowed your choice down to two or three cars AND you'd like input from people who have direct experience with those cars, you can ask about them. I realize there's nothing evil or illogical about asking the automotive forum for help choosing a car, but due to lazy posters asking the same question over and over I'm afraid we've got to draw the line. The internet is full of car buying resources, and over time we'll add more to our own reources sticky to sum up local knowledge and experience." Maybe you should narrow it down to a couple cars first, then ask us?
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 20:47 |
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Have you thought of a BLUE PORSCHE 356?
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 20:51 |
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OP, you will be perfectly happy with a 2006-2008 Pontiac Vibe GT or Toyota Matrix XR.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 20:54 |
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You could get a Rabbit, those currently include free scheduled maintenance for a while, and are European, hatchbacks, and reasonably zippy. Also cheap.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 21:05 |
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You should get a 2008 Corvette, make sure it was built on a Friday.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 21:07 |
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JnnyThndrs posted:From the forum rules: Jesus, I actually read the rules and completely missed that. Now I feel extra stupid. My only idea right now is to just get a Fit. I know I won't be disappointed, I have driven one for 10 days on a road trip. I mainly wanted to know if there is anything a bit different that I am missing, or something with a bit more zip that isn't some crazy GTI super fancy pants edition that is going to make my insurance triple.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 21:09 |
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When my parents were looking for a new car for my mom, she basically wanted something small with good mileage because she drives it almost exclusively around town. She said the Yaris she tried felt like sitting in a tupperware tin can. She ended up getting a Nissan Versa hatchback, and it's been a great little car so far. IT feels solid, the interior is nice, and it's not fast, but even compared to my Saab 9-3 (not a big car) it feels like a tiny little go-kart.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 21:10 |
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PONTIAC GEE TEE OHH
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 21:12 |
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Aww c'mon you guys. It's clear the OP doesn't know where to start. I'll second the suggestion for PONTIAC VIBE. It's basically a Toyota Matrix, but with lower resale value because it's badged as a Pontiac. If you're willing to give up interior size and pay a more for zippiness, consider a Mini Cooper. Korean cars are no longer poo poo. Hyundai has been making some pretty nice cars lately and they come with a 10 year warranty. Almost all compacts will feel slower than your legend unless you opt for the hopped up enthusiast models. e: quote:Jesus, I actually read the rules and completely missed that. Now I feel extra stupid. Just note that used Fits still have very high resale, so you'll probably be paying close to MSRP for a used one... they're also very much in demand, so you might have to deal with competing offers.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 21:15 |
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Kaluza-Klein posted:My only idea right now is to just get a Fit. I know I won't be disappointed, I have driven one for 10 days on a road trip. I mainly wanted to know if there is anything a bit different that I am missing, or something with a bit more zip I believe Fits have pretty strong resale right now. What year would you buy? The thing with the Vibe is that they don't have good resale so you could buy more car for the money. A GT or a Matrix XR comes with 180hp.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 21:19 |
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Petekill posted:When my parents were looking for a new car for my mom, she basically wanted something small with good mileage because she drives it almost exclusively around town. She said the Yaris she tried felt like sitting in a tupperware tin can. She ended up getting a Nissan Versa hatchback, and it's been a great little car so far. IT feels solid, the interior is nice, and it's not fast, but even compared to my Saab 9-3 (not a big car) it feels like a tiny little go-kart. Ha, I noticed a 2007 Saab 9-3 4D Sedan popped up in my carmax search. That is a pretty car! Probably not cheap to take care of though, eh? And 21/30 mpg could be better. Hog Obituary posted:Aww c'mon you guys. It's clear the OP doesn't know where to start. My shameful secret is that my brother is a designer at Honda's design studio in Tokyo. The Mini is cool, but normally I would want something a little more subtle. Who knows! I suppose I need to go out and drive all these guys. Carmax seems like a good place to test drive things, no? Would there be any reason not to buy something from them?
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 21:37 |
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Das Volk posted:You should get a 2008 Corvette, make sure it was built on a Friday. Have you still got the vin number from yours, I bet it's nice and cheap now
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 22:17 |
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What about a Miata?
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 22:21 |
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 In all seriousness, I suggest you look at some Mazda Miatas.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 23:00 |
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meatpimp posted:What about a Miata? That didn't take long. Seriously though, for 15K, check out the Mazda3. The MZR engine that comes in them is rock solid, in Hatchback form, you do get away from teh standard of "that is kind of a girly car", though some trim models of the sedans are pretty sweet. If you want slightly bigger, the 6 is also a good option, and right now they would be well within your price range, even the 3.0 V6 model (which is what I currently own) and is decked to the nuts with comfy features. It is a little more thirsty for dinos in the city, but freeway cruising, 30+MPG is well within reason. It also meets the "Zippy" factor
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 23:00 |
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This is $15 grand. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2000...=item19b7646471
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 23:04 |
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For 15k, get yourself a nice 2007/2008 Saab 9-3 2.0T Convertible ~30mpg, peppy, and a nice interior. It's the 9-5 that squeaks like hell.
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| # ? Nov 03, 2009 23:23 |
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destructo posted:This is $15 grand. I dunno man, I think this would be zippier. edit: unless you want something with cred. (  automatic)
CornHolio fucked around with this message at Nov 03, 2009 around 23:48 |
| # ? Nov 03, 2009 23:39 |
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A Hyundai Tiburon might be up your alley. It's small, good looking, relatively reliable, and they have great interiors for the money. The fuel economy in the 4-banger is above average, but the DOHC V6 is also rather economical since it's of very small displacement (only 2.7L). It's not very quick but it's just peppy enough to have fun in. You can find a used 2007 model for $10-$15 grand, and it had a facelift, so if you don't like the looks you might like the '05-'06 model more. They are identical cars other than the sheetmetal. The base model has either a 5 speed automatic or 5 speed manual, and if you get the top-line GS model you can get a 6 speed. And Hyundai's are definitely not crap. My mom's Hyundai Tuscon runs like a Swiss watch even though she treats it like crap. If you go used through their dealership you will most likely still be able to use what's left of their nice 10yr/100k mile warranty as well.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 00:31 |
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Buy the first $1000 BMW you find and make a thread about it. Automatic 5s.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 01:11 |
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Kaluza-Klein posted:My shameful secret is that my brother is a designer at Honda's design studio in Tokyo. quote:Carmax seems like a good place to test drive things, no? Would there be any reason not to buy something from them? They're expensive but pretty low stress. You could do better if you had patience to go through several bad examples on Craigslist to find a good one.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 01:42 |
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Used toyota prius. Autotrader will find you many in your price range. 2004's can be had for 10K.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 01:58 |
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Elephanthead posted:Used toyota prius. Autotrader will find you many in your price range. 2004's can be had for 10K. I think the average battery life for a Prius is about 5 years, and is about a $5,000 repair bill.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 02:40 |
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dkj posted:I think the average battery life for a Prius is about 5 years, and is about a $5,000 repair bill. The Prius has a 10 year battery warranty, and the margin of failure outside the warranty is still less than 1%. Even after that, the replacement cost is more like $3000. They may have a bad image but they're not bad cars.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 02:57 |
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Elephanthead posted:Used toyota prius. Autotrader will find you many in your price range. 2004's can be had for 10K. He included the word zippy in his OP.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 03:04 |
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angryhampster posted:He included the word zippy in his OP. he also said hybrids were fashionable, so v  v priorities
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 03:40 |
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Kaluza-Klein posted:Some criteria: I know of a car that meets 5 of your 6 criteria. 
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 03:47 |
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angryhampster posted:He included the word zippy in his OP. 
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 03:47 |
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oxbrain posted:I know of a car that meets 5 of your 6 criteria. Chevy Caviler?
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 04:05 |
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Skip carmax, use this as an excuse to learn a bit about current cars, if you have the time. Just wander manufacturer websites, forums, wikipedia, etc, and come back with specific questions. That way you don't have to make another embarrassing thread in a few years.  nthing the Vibe option if you want a little more for your money. The rear window visibility is tragic, and they aren't exactly cool, but they aren't bad to drive overall, and you could find a slower car. Diesel is viable, but the offerings are relatively limited. Buy 2-3 Merc 300TDs, they'll easily outlive you. Probably leave change from $15k, too. Ninja edit: suggesting 2-3 300TDs because they are awesome, not because he will have to alternate due to one or two being indisposed constantly.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 08:53 |
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Comradephate posted:Skip carmax, use this as an excuse to learn a bit about current cars, if you have the time. Just wander manufacturer websites, forums, wikipedia, etc, and come back with specific questions. That way you don't have to make another embarrassing thread in a few years. hahaha, they're also about the antithesis of "zippy" Hey OP, since you know literally nothing about cars, here's a big goddamn list of everything out there that meets your criteria, just go out and test drive them! Yes, all of them, spend a weekend doing it. Ford Focus Volkswagen Rabbit Hyundai Accent Toyota Corolla/Matrix/Prius Mazda 3/mx-5 Honda Civic/Insight All of these should be decently reliable (Focus/Corolla/Civic more so, the Volkswagen less, everything else in between) somewhat not lovely to drive (MX-5, Mazda 3, and the Rabbit being the most fun) and get good fuel economy. GO! DRIVE! RESEARCH! I'd avoid GM and Chrysler, their small car offerings are pretty lovely, in terms of, well, just about everything.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 09:23 |
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Kaluza-Klein posted:In the past, I have liked the interiors of Imports over American cars. I travel to Europe a lot and I love all the small cars they have over there, yet I rarely see anything here in the States that seems to compare. Some one point out how wrong I am please, as I don't really pay attention to cars. When I was last living in the US, which was less than 10 years ago, VW used to sell Jetta/Golf wagons in diesel (at least where I was). IIRC however, this was a non-turbo diesel for homologation reasons, so whether you'd consider it acceptably quick is another question. You could see if you can track one down online, although consider whether diesel is easily available where you live. You'll get 400-500 miles out of a tank, but you might have to become very knowledgeable about local truckstops. If you want to impress hawt hippie chicks / dudes / middle-aged men with beards, you can also convert them to run on waste vegetable (cooking) oil. Though why you aren't just buying a 10 year old Corolla or Civic is beyond me, since you admit you know nothing about cars, and just want quality, reasonably fuel-efficient transport (see, this is why the mods created that particular forum rule...). Simple and reliable would seem to be pretty important if you're completely reliant on other people to fix your cars when they break down, so why you'd want an overly-complex modern car with lots of expensive poo poo to fix on it is not clear.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 09:32 |
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quote:Though why you aren't just buying a 10 year old Corolla or Civic is beyond me Well, I wouldn't want a 10 year old Civic because the transmissions from that period are garbage and the cars are worthless.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 13:09 |
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CornHolio posted:I dunno man, I think this would be zippier. You could totally find a used SL600 that's under $15000 and 10 years old. What could possibly go wrong?
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 13:10 |
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las nalgas
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For that price range and some zippy, look at the newer Civic Si's.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 14:42 |
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Throatwarbler posted:Well, I wouldn't want a 10 year old Civic because the transmissions from that period are garbage and the cars are worthless.   alert... Why would you assume the OP would buy an automatic if he wants a reliable, "zippy", fuel efficient small car? As far as I know that's where the transmission problems lay...
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 15:12 |
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I heard the new ZR1 is pretty zippy.
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| # ? Nov 04, 2009 16:42 |
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