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rockcity
Jan 16, 2004

quaunaut posted:

Proposed Budget: $600/mo maximum, but this is where I wanna have the conversation. I was hoping to have my price by $17,000 maximum, but if it's a brand new car I can be worked up to $24,000 because of the huge change in reliability.
New or Used: Okay with either.
Body Style: 4 door sedan for sure. I don't drink so I'm probably gonna be coworker/friends' designated driver, and I'm okay with that.
How will you be using the car?: Primarily a 25-45 minute commute during the week, with some average bouncing around on the weekend. However, when I do decide to take trips, I drive every time- I love to drive, especially long distances. So there'll be times I'm taking trips of 1,000+ miles.
What aspects are most important to you? For one, I absolutely won't drive an American car. The reputation, the designs- for my eye, I haven't seen a good looking American car in years. I don't like them. I want a car that can look good- I'd like something sporty yet classy, and if I had to choose between the two, I wouldn't. I want it to be fun to drive, have good reliability, look good, and like I said, nothing American.

You could look into an Infiniti G35 Sedan. I drive an EX35 which is the crossover version of the sedan. The powertrain was used in 3 different vehicles and it's solid. The interior on the later models is also quite nice in terms of fit and finish and the tech packages that go with it are great. You should be able to find one under $17k with reasonably low miles if you dig around.

rockcity fucked around with this message at 03:53 on May 6, 2013

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Spite
Jul 27, 2001

Small chance of that...
Looking to get a car, preferably something in the mid luxury range with good mileage.

Proposed Budget: Somewhere around 50k
New or Used: either
Body Style: 4, prefer sedan
How will you be using the car?: to/from work, trips around CA (SF to LA occasionally)
Do you prefer a luxury vehicle with all the gizmos? Yup
What aspects are most important to you? Good mileage for the class (30 would be nice), good handling.

Spite fucked around with this message at 04:16 on May 6, 2013

nm
Jan 28, 2008

"I saw Minos the Space Judge holding a golden sceptre and passing sentence upon the Martians. There he presided, and around him the noble Space Prosecutors sought the firm justice of space law."

quaunaut posted:

Hi. So, I'm a 25 year old kid who suddenly got his first grown up job, paying grown up money. I'll be making $75,000 a year USD, and as much as I love my 1996 Camry, she's starting to cost me as much money per year as me getting a brand new car would. So, time to upgrade.

I've been dancing all over the place as to what I want. So, here we go.

Proposed Budget: $600/mo maximum, but this is where I wanna have the conversation. I was hoping to have my price by $17,000 maximum, but if it's a brand new car I can be worked up to $24,000 because of the huge change in reliability.
New or Used: Okay with either.
Body Style: 4 door sedan for sure. I don't drink so I'm probably gonna be coworker/friends' designated driver, and I'm okay with that.
How will you be using the car?: Primarily a 25-45 minute commute during the week, with some average bouncing around on the weekend. However, when I do decide to take trips, I drive every time- I love to drive, especially long distances. So there'll be times I'm taking trips of 1,000+ miles.
What aspects are most important to you? For one, I absolutely won't drive an American car. The reputation, the designs- for my eye, I haven't seen a good looking American car in years. I don't like them. I want a car that can look good- I'd like something sporty yet classy, and if I had to choose between the two, I wouldn't. I want it to be fun to drive, have good reliability, look good, and like I said, nothing American.

It should also be noted, I'm 6'4".


I've been primarily looking at a Mazda6 lately- but the major topic on my mind, is that I'd want the technology package(otherwise the basic car misses some of what I want) that goes onto the Touring. I'm trying to leave as much time for me to get my research done, and I want to really make sure I'm not just buying because my heart got stuck on something. I've even subscribed to Consumer Reports just to get access to their testing ratings. Any help you guys could give me would be incredibly appreciated.

This is the BFC, but I make a touch more than you will be making and while paying $600/mo wouldn't kill me, it sure would cramp.
I'm confused at some of your requirements re: american. A Ford Focus is more European than the new (non-wagon)Jetta, for example. Looks a poo poo ton better too. Which is too bad because the car that probably best fits your requirements is a Ford Focus or Fusion.

You noted reliability, so that axes the Germans you can afford (VW and Mini).
Honda Civic sucks these days. The accord is good, but probably too much money.
Mazda 3 might be ok and would be the closest non-American option. I'm 6'4 -- you should fit.
Toyota isn't sporty.
Subaru -- without a turbo, they're not the sport. With a turbo they're not that reliable.

Left over Suzuki Kizashi? (They're actually pretty good).

Also, if one of the best built cars ever made is costing you $600/mo in repairs, you need to learn something about maintenance.
I'd rather get something fairly cheap and reliable then, save up someone money to put a real down payment down on the car you really want.

quaunaut
Sep 15, 2007

WHOOSH

nm posted:

This is the BFC, but I make a touch more than you will be making and while paying $600/mo wouldn't kill me, it sure would cramp.
I'm confused at some of your requirements re: american. A Ford Focus is more European than the new (non-wagon)Jetta, for example. Looks a poo poo ton better too. Which is too bad because the car that probably best fits your requirements is a Ford Focus or Fusion.

You noted reliability, so that axes the Germans you can afford (VW and Mini).
Honda Civic sucks these days. The accord is good, but probably too much money.
Mazda 3 might be ok and would be the closest non-American option. I'm 6'4 -- you should fit.
Toyota isn't sporty.
Subaru -- without a turbo, they're not the sport. With a turbo they're not that reliable.

Left over Suzuki Kizashi? (They're actually pretty good).

Also, if one of the best built cars ever made is costing you $600/mo in repairs, you need to learn something about maintenance.
I'd rather get something fairly cheap and reliable then, save up someone money to put a real down payment down on the car you really want.

I just don't trust American cars. A long history of having to help people who were having trouble with theirs when they were 3-4 years old sealed that deal.

The old Camry isn't costing me $600/mo, but in February, I brought it in to find that my steering pump had gone bad, enough that it damaged the rack and pinion($1000). I get it back, and 3 days later I've got strut/shock issues that cost me $600, and take the precaution to fix my CV axle for $500. I still need to replace the window motor, and having constant issues like this despite this car being incredibly well taken care of, is me just getting everything pounding on me all at once. I can do all the small maintenance I want, but when it's major issue after major issue cropping up, there's not a lot I can do about that.

Saltin
Aug 20, 2003
Don't touch

Spite posted:

Looking to get a car, preferably something in the mid luxury range with good mileage.

Proposed Budget: Somewhere around 50k
New or Used: either
Body Style: 4, prefer sedan
How will you be using the car?: to/from work, trips around CA (SF to LA occasionally)
Do you prefer a luxury vehicle with all the gizmos? Yup
What aspects are most important to you? Good mileage for the class (30 would be nice), good handling.

You are really limiting yourself in the entry luxury 4 door sedan space with the 30mpg requirement. Off the top of my head..

BMW 335d
Mercedes E350 Blue Tec (More than 50k)
BMW 528i

Personally I think these are all "meh" versions of a proper sports sedan. For 50k I would be looking at the BMW 335i or G37 (probably waiting for the new model Q50 this fall). Neither of them is going to wow you when it comes to gas, but they will wow you when it comes to actually driving. That's a personal thing though. "Go Fast" might not matter a single bit to you, in which case the 528i is a nice ride.

nm
Jan 28, 2008

"I saw Minos the Space Judge holding a golden sceptre and passing sentence upon the Martians. There he presided, and around him the noble Space Prosecutors sought the firm justice of space law."

quaunaut posted:

I just don't trust American cars. A long history of having to help people who were having trouble with theirs when they were 3-4 years old sealed that deal.

The old Camry isn't costing me $600/mo, but in February, I brought it in to find that my steering pump had gone bad, enough that it damaged the rack and pinion($1000). I get it back, and 3 days later I've got strut/shock issues that cost me $600, and take the precaution to fix my CV axle for $500. I still need to replace the window motor, and having constant issues like this despite this car being incredibly well taken care of, is me just getting everything pounding on me all at once. I can do all the small maintenance I want, but when it's major issue after major issue cropping up, there's not a lot I can do about that.

American cars have changed a lot in the last few years. I'd check out a ford, they were all designed in europe at this point in your price range.
Otherwise, the only thing left I can see is a mazda 3, so join the AI fan club.

That said, it sounds like you now have a camry with new shocks and a new ps system. I might drive that instead ;)

The Dipshit
Dec 21, 2005

by FactsAreUseless

quaunaut posted:

I just don't trust American cars. A long history of having to help people who were having trouble with theirs when they were 3-4 years old sealed that deal.

The old Camry isn't costing me $600/mo, but in February, I brought it in to find that my steering pump had gone bad, enough that it damaged the rack and pinion($1000). I get it back, and 3 days later I've got strut/shock issues that cost me $600, and take the precaution to fix my CV axle for $500. I still need to replace the window motor, and having constant issues like this despite this car being incredibly well taken care of, is me just getting everything pounding on me all at once. I can do all the small maintenance I want, but when it's major issue after major issue cropping up, there's not a lot I can do about that.

I replaced all of struts and both half axles on my tiny little '96 Ford Escort for sub-600, plus my own labor the day after Thanksgiving. Now I have an irrational attachment to the drat thing and probably won't part with it until it dies beyond what I can fix or life gets in the way with a needed size upgrade, but drat you are paying a heck of a lot of money for that.

quaunaut
Sep 15, 2007

WHOOSH

nm posted:

American cars have changed a lot in the last few years. I'd check out a ford, they were all designed in europe at this point in your price range.
Otherwise, the only thing left I can see is a mazda 3, so join the AI fan club.

That said, it sounds like you now have a camry with new shocks and a new ps system. I might drive that instead ;)

Well, I'm gonna be driving it for at least 2 more months. But if one more thing happens to it, I'm junking her and getting a new car. I love her to bits but $4000 in 2 months is not loving fun(some vandals broke off my mirror in the night because loldrunk).

Claverjoe posted:

I replaced all of struts and both half axles on my tiny little '96 Ford Escort for sub-600, plus my own labor the day after Thanksgiving. Now I have an irrational attachment to the drat thing and probably won't part with it until it dies beyond what I can fix or life gets in the way with a needed size upgrade, but drat you are paying a heck of a lot of money for that.

I'd love to be mechanically inclined, but replacing my brakes was more hell than I was comfortable with. Though, it was 108 out that day in Oklahoma, and I was doing it on sharp gravel...

RisqueBarber
Jul 10, 2005

What do you guys think, an Audi A5, a BMW Z4, or a Chevy Camaro?

edit: I know their all different but all 3 are in my price range (at least a 2008 z4) and I'm looking for someone to tell me something that maybe set one part from the other two. If you had to choose, which one would you get and why? This is my first time ever buying a car so I honestly have no idea. I've been looking at the reviews online but most of the reviews are unhelpful or use terms I don't know.

RisqueBarber fucked around with this message at 20:08 on May 6, 2013

Guinness
Sep 15, 2004

I think those are 3 very, very different cars.

Spite
Jul 27, 2001

Small chance of that...

Saltin posted:

You are really limiting yourself in the entry luxury 4 door sedan space with the 30mpg requirement. Off the top of my head..

BMW 335d
Mercedes E350 Blue Tec (More than 50k)
BMW 528i

Personally I think these are all "meh" versions of a proper sports sedan. For 50k I would be looking at the BMW 335i or G37 (probably waiting for the new model Q50 this fall). Neither of them is going to wow you when it comes to gas, but they will wow you when it comes to actually driving. That's a personal thing though. "Go Fast" might not matter a single bit to you, in which case the 528i is a nice ride.

Is there any reason to buy a hybrid at this point? I feel like they exist more so the ads can say "We have a hybrid version!"

I'm going to test a 335i and the Infiniti Q looks really slick. How is the Jaguar XF?

Leperflesh
May 17, 2007

RisqueBarber posted:

What do you guys think, an Audi A5, a BMW Z4, or a Chevy Camaro?

I'm thinking of getting a new pet. What do you guys think, should I get a falcon, a llama, or a horse?

That's obviously a flippant answer, and so I'm sorry for making fun, but we need a lot more information about what you want in a car. Why these three choices in particular?

RisqueBarber
Jul 10, 2005

Leperflesh posted:

I'm thinking of getting a new pet. What do you guys think, should I get a falcon, a llama, or a horse?

That's obviously a flippant answer, and so I'm sorry for making fun, but we need a lot more information about what you want in a car. Why these three choices in particular?

I know I suck at this...These are models that I thought I would like to drive based on my budget (under $30,000), are manual transmissions, and style that I'm interested in. I want something fast that handles well but also looks good. Those are the three that I came up with. I had no idea they were so different.

Saltin
Aug 20, 2003
Don't touch

Spite posted:

Is there any reason to buy a hybrid at this point? I feel like they exist more so the ads can say "We have a hybrid version!"

I'm going to test a 335i and the Infiniti Q looks really slick. How is the Jaguar XF?

There will be an Infiniti Q hybrid, for what it's worth. The Infiniti M Hybrid was generally well reviewed, and since it has a full gas engine it was still quick. I expect the Q Hybrid to be similar.

The 335i and G37/Q are direct competitors. The 335 is generally acknowledged to be a bit better, but a lot more expensive.

The only thing I know about Jaguar is regarding my Dad's Sovereign, which is constantly having something fixed on it. I'm sure the newer ones are better but I suspect they can't touch the reliability of an Infiniti, for example.

Guinness
Sep 15, 2004

RisqueBarber posted:

I know I suck at this...These are models that I thought I would like to drive based on my budget (under $30,000), are manual transmissions, and style that I'm interested in. I want something fast that handles well but also looks good. Those are the three that I came up with. I had no idea they were so different.

You're comparing a 2-seat convertible roadster, a large domestic muscle car, and a "base" model luxury AWD coupe. They're pretty different and are appealing to 3 very different groups of buyers with different definitions of "fast" and "handles well".

The Z4 (assuming the E85 genration based on price) is going to be by far the sharpest handling of the bunch, but also by far the least practical. The 3.0si is pretty drat fast. The 2.5i isn't. The 3.0i is somewhere in between, and the Z4M is a goddamned rocketship. Also, it's a convertible which tends to be either love it or hate it depending on your preferences. The Z4s are reasonably reliable, but they are still BMWs so will cost quite a bit more than something like a Civic or Corolla - especially if you are not a car guy and take it to a shop for everything (or worse, the dealer). For example, in the past year I've spent about $350 on DIY repairs on my 2004 BMW 330ci that would have run $1000-1500 at my preferred independent shop, and at least $2000 at the dealer. Pray to god nothing ever goes wrong with the electric top.

The A5 is a gorgeous car with a nice interior but a totally underwhelming engine, especially for the price. Audis tend to be nose-heavy with chronic understeering and the A5 is no exception. The AWD adds weight, cost, and complexity but also makes it the most capable in freezing weather conditions. It will still handle better than your average car, but not at all like the Z4. The 2.0T A5 is not a fast car. The older 3.2 V6s are better in that regard, but were only made for a couple years and are still not exactly "fast". The S5, on the other hand, is quite quick but is also out of your price range. This is going to be an expensive car to maintain. Audis have gotten better in recent years, but they're still not winning any reliability awards. They're also a pain in the rear end to work on even for most simple jobs due to the packaging. Like any euro car, prepare to get reamed if you use a shop/dealer for every issue.

The Camaro, assuming it is a V8, is a horsepower monster at the expense of most everything else. Less luxury, less refinement, cheaper materials... but also probably cheaper repair bills. In a straight line it's the fastest of the 3. The current generation of Camaro is the best handling Camaro ever, but is still not exactly a twisty road carving machine. Looks are of course subjective, but it's definitely less "classy" looking than the other 2 options.

Guinness fucked around with this message at 21:19 on May 6, 2013

Throatwarbler
Nov 17, 2008

by vyelkin
Look, he even said at the beginning that he wanted something that looked sporty and wasn't too worried about anything else. There,s nothing wrong with that, don't go and get a fast fuel guzzler just to burnish your AI legitimacy. The camaro isn't slow either, straight line or anything else. We're not using leaf springs any more, it's got sophisticated suspension, big brakes and big tires with a wide track, an Audi isn't going to "handle better" just because its yoorupeen.

That being said because your fist list were all four seater cars I thought at least you would want 4 seats. If a 2 seat roadster can work then I think a Mercedes SLK is a better choice. The styling IMHO is superior to the TT or Z4, the naturally aspirated engine won't have as many problems as the turbo engines in the others- the turbo BMW I6 has had chronic fuel pump issues and the Audi is an Audi, and the whole car in general is pretty well built and actually quite reliable. The one with the smallest engine isn't that fast but I don't think it's that big of a deal. The only issue is that while it technically was available with a manual on the smallest engine I don't think it was ordered with one often and finding one used might be tricky.

Throatwarbler fucked around with this message at 22:48 on May 6, 2013

rockcity
Jan 16, 2004

RisqueBarber posted:

I know I suck at this...These are models that I thought I would like to drive based on my budget (under $30,000), are manual transmissions, and style that I'm interested in. I want something fast that handles well but also looks good. Those are the three that I came up with. I had no idea they were so different.

You could also look at the Infiniti G37 coupe which I think would fit your needs and be easily under your budget. They handle pretty well and it's a reliable and reasonably powerful engine that is used in several vehicles in their lineup.

The Dipshit
Dec 21, 2005

by FactsAreUseless

quaunaut posted:

I'd love to be mechanically inclined, but replacing my brakes was more hell than I was comfortable with. Though, it was 108 out that day in Oklahoma, and I was doing it on sharp gravel...

I feel ya on doing work in the heat. I'm in Dallas. It sucks, but it's doable, I promise.

Spite
Jul 27, 2001

Small chance of that...

Saltin posted:

There will be an Infiniti Q hybrid, for what it's worth. The Infiniti M Hybrid was generally well reviewed, and since it has a full gas engine it was still quick. I expect the Q Hybrid to be similar.

The 335i and G37/Q are direct competitors. The 335 is generally acknowledged to be a bit better, but a lot more expensive.

The only thing I know about Jaguar is regarding my Dad's Sovereign, which is constantly having something fixed on it. I'm sure the newer ones are better but I suspect they can't touch the reliability of an Infiniti, for example.

My previous car was an Acura TSX so I'm looking to move up a bit. I know everyone thinks Lexus is boring, but the the ES hybrid looks to have good tech and isn't super expensive. I'd love the M35h but I dunno if I can justify the price since the options I'd want bring the price up to 60k or so. I'm trying to stay under $800 a month payments.

I'm going to have to go out and test a bunch and see what I like to drive, I think.

Saltin
Aug 20, 2003
Don't touch

Spite posted:

My previous car was an Acura TSX so I'm looking to move up a bit. I know everyone thinks Lexus is boring, but the the ES hybrid looks to have good tech and isn't super expensive. I'd love the M35h but I dunno if I can justify the price since the options I'd want bring the price up to 60k or so. I'm trying to stay under $800 a month payments.

I'm going to have to go out and test a bunch and see what I like to drive, I think.

If you love the M35h you might wait for the Q hybrid this late summer/early fall. It'll be in and around your budget. There is nothing wrong with the ES. Lexus has better interiors than Infiniti, in general, decent reliability and great service, but you won't get the same performance.

Saltin fucked around with this message at 02:04 on May 7, 2013

Feral
Jun 13, 2003

My god, look at this place. It's like a museum of failure!
Starting to research buying a new car. My current one is a 1996 Ford Taurus station wagon that I've been driving since high school. I'm ready for something smaller and less soccer mom-ish.

Proposed Budget: ~$15k
New or Used: Used
Body Style: 4 door sedan
How will you be using the car?: A 10-15 mile commute to work every day with occasional 100-200 mile jaunts on weekends.
Do you prefer a luxury vehicle with all the gizmos? No, but I'd like a rear backup camera and mp3/phone hookup if possible.
What aspects are most important to you? Decent gas mileage (28-30 mpg?). Large rear windshield (or backup camera, failing that). Reliability - I don't plan on buying another car for years so this one has to have some staying power.

I've been looking at the Focus, Fiesta, and Fusion but I'd love other suggestions.

KYOON GRIFFEY JR
Apr 12, 2010



Runner-up, TRP Sack Race 2021/22

Spite posted:

My previous car was an Acura TSX so I'm looking to move up a bit. I know everyone thinks Lexus is boring, but the the ES hybrid looks to have good tech and isn't super expensive. I'd love the M35h but I dunno if I can justify the price since the options I'd want bring the price up to 60k or so. I'm trying to stay under $800 a month payments.

I'm going to have to go out and test a bunch and see what I like to drive, I think.

The ES isn't a great car but if you want the best Buick GM never built, go for it.

Knyteguy
Jul 6, 2005

YES to love
NO to shirts


Toilet Rascal
My wife and I need a 2nd car because I started a new job, and our schedules don't match up well enough for us to keep sharing. Purchase will be probably in August or September. We're just looking for something reliable and good on gas. It will mostly be her car, and our road trip car when we can.

Currently we drive a 2004 4x4 5.4L F150 that I want to keep, because it's really nice having a truck in the mountain desert climate we currently live in: we get a poo poo ton of snow during the winter. Also being able to haul stuff in the bed is really nice

Proposed Budget: $10-20,000
New or Used: Unsure
Body Style: 4-door midsize probably
How will you be using the car?: Daily driver. She might be getting a job in Berkeley/Redwood City though, so there might be a long commute in the near future. Currently she has a short commute.
What aspects are most important to you?: Reliability, MPG, cost of ownership.

She can drive a manual transmission (and even prefers it I think) so that isn't really something to take into consideration.

Knyteguy fucked around with this message at 17:47 on May 7, 2013

KYOON GRIFFEY JR
Apr 12, 2010



Runner-up, TRP Sack Race 2021/22
Prius.

Baron von Bytecode
Jan 2, 2008

Madness... This is all madness.
I currently drive a 2004 Eclipse, but it's been giving me problems lately. I'm looking to get a more recent car.

Proposed Budget: $15-20,000
New or Used: Probably used
Body Style: Hatchback
How will you be using the car?: Daily commute (~40 minutes) and around town driving. I am considering joining my local autocross club.
What aspects are most important to you?: Fun to drive, Reliable, Better turning radius than my 2004 Eclipse.

Guinness
Sep 15, 2004

Subaru Impreza WRX, Mazdaspeed 3, Volkswagen GTI, maybe the Focus ST.

skipdogg
Nov 29, 2004
Resident SRT-4 Expert

RisqueBarber posted:

What do you guys think, an Audi A5, a BMW Z4, or a Chevy Camaro?

edit: I know their all different but all 3 are in my price range (at least a 2008 z4) and I'm looking for someone to tell me something that maybe set one part from the other two. If you had to choose, which one would you get and why? This is my first time ever buying a car so I honestly have no idea. I've been looking at the reviews online but most of the reviews are unhelpful or use terms I don't know.

I don't recommend out of warranty Audi vehicles. Great cars but way too expensive to fix in my opinion.

Spite posted:

Is there any reason to buy a hybrid at this point? I feel like they exist more so the ads can say "We have a hybrid version!"

I'm going to test a 335i and the Infiniti Q looks really slick. How is the Jaguar XF?

Not really unless you want the hippie cred or gas mileage. I ran the numbers between a Normal Ford Fusion and the Fusion Hybrid and and the break even point at $3.50/gal gas was beyond the point I tend to keep vehicles. This didn't include small hybrids like the Prius. I was comparing Hybrid Camry's and Fusions. When the price delta between normal gas sedans and hybrids come down that break even point will shrink, but when the hybrids cost 5 to 7K more (up to even 10K with rebates/incentives/negotiation) the break even point is way way out there.

Knyteguy posted:

My wife and I need a 2nd car because I started a new job, and our schedules don't match up well enough for us to keep sharing. Purchase will be probably in August or September. We're just looking for something reliable and good on gas. It will mostly be her car, and our road trip car when we can.

Currently we drive a 2004 4x4 5.4L F150 that I want to keep, because it's really nice having a truck in the mountain desert climate we currently live in: we get a poo poo ton of snow during the winter. Also being able to haul stuff in the bed is really nice

Proposed Budget: $10-20,000
New or Used: Unsure
Body Style: 4-door midsize probably
How will you be using the car?: Daily driver. She might be getting a job in Berkeley/Redwood City though, so there might be a long commute in the near future. Currently she has a short commute.
What aspects are most important to you?: Reliability, MPG, cost of ownership.

She can drive a manual transmission (and even prefers it I think) so that isn't really something to take into consideration.

It's been mentioned before but the entire midsized sedan market is pretty solid these days. I would stay away from Mitsubishi and Dodge/Chrysler products, and I personally don't care for the Malibu, but everything else is solid. I personally am a big fan of the Hyundai/Kia midsize sedan and the Ford Fusion. Take her out car shopping and see what she likes.

Baldrash
Oct 26, 2005
So rather than the sad little $3000 I thought I was going to have for a new car and posted about last page, it looks like my grandparents are gonna provide some financial assistance. :woop: I might be able to get something that isn't a total shitbox!

That said, I found a 2004 Mazda6 with 99K miles for $5000. I'm planning on taking a ride out to the dealership to look at it on Saturday. My research shows it to be fairly reliable; does anyone have any input on this particular model year/generation? I'm assuming I should ask if its 100K maintenance has been done, and try to get it included if at all possible?

If the Mazda doesn't work out for whatever reason, in my price range ($5000-8000) the same dealership has a 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged, a 2006 Kia Spectra EX, and a 2004 RX-8. The Cobalt and Spectra have ~85-90K on them and have sticks, the RX-8 has 120K on it (and is an automatic, for some god-forsaken reason.). Are any of these even worth my time? I know the Spectra is basically a driving appliance compared to the other things I've mentioned but I figured I would add it to the list of things to possibly test drive since it has relatively low mileage. I know what I read in my research, but I trust the Goon hive mind to steer me in a decent direction.

Also: Between CarFax and Autocheck, is one better than the other? I was trying to decide which one to buy to do a records check on the cars I was looking at.

Baldrash fucked around with this message at 05:27 on May 9, 2013

nm
Jan 28, 2008

"I saw Minos the Space Judge holding a golden sceptre and passing sentence upon the Martians. There he presided, and around him the noble Space Prosecutors sought the firm justice of space law."
Do not buy an automatic RX-8. Far less reliable than a manual RX-8.

skipdogg
Nov 29, 2004
Resident SRT-4 Expert

Baldrash posted:

If the Mazda doesn't work out for whatever reason, in my price range ($5000-8000) the same dealership has a 2006 Chevy Cobalt SS Supercharged, a 2006 Kia Spectra EX, and a 2004 RX-8. The Cobalt and Spectra have ~85-90K on them and have sticks, the RX-8 has 120K on it (and is an automatic, for some god-forsaken reason.). Are any of these even worth my time? I know the Spectra is basically a driving appliance compared to the other things I've mentioned but I figured I would add it to the list of things to possibly test drive since it has relatively low mileage. I know what I read in my research, but I trust the Goon hive mind to steer me in a decent direction.

Also: Between CarFax and Autocheck, is one better than the other? I was trying to decide which one to buy to do a records check on the cars I was looking at.

All three of those alternatives are poor choices. At this stage with your limited funds I would focus on getting the most reliable mode of transportation I can afford thats in the best shape. The RX-8, nor the Cobalt SS fit that bill. The Spectra EX might, but I think you can probably do better in your price range.

This thread is full of folks in similar situations to you. Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla is where you need to be looking. Hell if you tell us your metro area we'll probably do some looking for you.

Baldrash
Oct 26, 2005

skipdogg posted:

All three of those alternatives are poor choices. At this stage with your limited funds I would focus on getting the most reliable mode of transportation I can afford thats in the best shape. The RX-8, nor the Cobalt SS fit that bill. The Spectra EX might, but I think you can probably do better in your price range.

This thread is full of folks in similar situations to you. Ford Focus and Toyota Corolla is where you need to be looking. Hell if you tell us your metro area we'll probably do some looking for you.

That pretty much lined up with my personal research, so I guess I'm on sort of the right track. I was hoping against hope for a diamond in the rough situation. The nearest serious metro area is New York City, but that's about 100 miles away, and I'll be honest, I hate being a passenger in a car down there, much less driving in it, but I might survive it for the right car. Albany, NY, Danbury, CT, and north Jersey, while being smaller, are much more doable in terms of distance and desire to go there, and those are an hour or two away. I want something that's actually decent to drive; obviously a manual would help that.

What about the Mazda 6 I mentioned originally? That seems alright for the most part. Here's a link to it for your perusal.

Baldrash fucked around with this message at 18:55 on May 9, 2013

IOwnCalculus
Apr 2, 2003





nm posted:

Do not buy an automatic RX-8. Far less reliable than a manual RX-8.

Also, less powerful. Everything about the automatic RX-8 screams "do not buy", unless you're planning on swapping something else into it... in which case this is the wrong thread for you anyway.

skipdogg
Nov 29, 2004
Resident SRT-4 Expert

That Mazda 6 seems like it will fit the bill. I'm not familiar with the 6 so I can't speak to any major issues to be on the lookout for.

Mr. Crow
May 22, 2008

Snap City mayor for life
We're looking to upgrade to a roomier car, trading in her Mazda3. I'd like a truck because trucks are nice to have and we just moved across the country and don't know anybody, much less anyone with one that we'd feel comfortable hitting up for help. I found what appears to be an amazing deal on a Ford CPO, F-150 XLT.

2011 FORD F-150 XLT 4x2
$27,430
Mileage 16,609 mi
Engine 3.5L V6 24V GDI DOHC TWIN TURBO (Ecoboost)
Transmission 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Body Style 4 DOOR CREW CAB SHORT BED TRUCK
Navigation
Rear Camera
Folding Toneau Cover

Does this seem like a good deal (I think it's amazing)? Anything I should know about the 2011s? Only negative as far as I can tell is it's a 4x2 but we live in the city and I don't really see us using a 4x4; we do live up north and get snow/ice but it's nothing crazy.

We've also been looking at new F-150s, but the best we can do appears to be about $28k for an XLT 4x4 w/the comfort package or whatever (with the step bars).

Also checking out the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which we can get a base model (which is surprisingly nice) with a tow package for about $28k, wife is 5' nothing so she likes the smaller vehicle better, but I feel the utility and versatility of the truck would be much more useful - and it would be my primary vehicle. Also makes me a little nervous buying a vehicle with little to no reviews on, and the gas mileage is the same as the truck so.... what's the point?

Zyme
Aug 15, 2000

Mr. Crow posted:

We're looking to upgrade to a roomier car, trading in her Mazda3. I'd like a truck because trucks are nice to have and we just moved across the country and don't know anybody, much less anyone with one that we'd feel comfortable hitting up for help. I found what appears to be an amazing deal on a Ford CPO, F-150 XLT.

2011 FORD F-150 XLT 4x2
$27,430
Mileage 16,609 mi
Engine 3.5L V6 24V GDI DOHC TWIN TURBO (Ecoboost)
Transmission 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC
Body Style 4 DOOR CREW CAB SHORT BED TRUCK
Navigation
Rear Camera
Folding Toneau Cover

Does this seem like a good deal (I think it's amazing)? Anything I should know about the 2011s? Only negative as far as I can tell is it's a 4x2 but we live in the city and I don't really see us using a 4x4; we do live up north and get snow/ice but it's nothing crazy.

We've also been looking at new F-150s, but the best we can do appears to be about $28k for an XLT 4x4 w/the comfort package or whatever (with the step bars).

Also checking out the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which we can get a base model (which is surprisingly nice) with a tow package for about $28k, wife is 5' nothing so she likes the smaller vehicle better, but I feel the utility and versatility of the truck would be much more useful - and it would be my primary vehicle. Also makes me a little nervous buying a vehicle with little to no reviews on, and the gas mileage is the same as the truck so.... what's the point?

When I was looking at newish f150s I read a lot of reports about the ecoboost gas mileage going to poo poo after a while for unknown reasons. I don't know for sure if that is a legitimate concern but it might be worth looking into.

KYOON GRIFFEY JR
Apr 12, 2010



Runner-up, TRP Sack Race 2021/22
Crew Cab short bed; why bother? The new Cherokee is a phenomenal car and unless you Absolutely Need a little baby uncovered truck bed, there's no advantage to the F-150.

I'd also look at the regular gas V6 non-ecoboost unless you are planning to do a lot of heavy hauling or live at altitude.

Xguard86
Nov 22, 2004

"You don't understand his pain. Everywhere he goes he sees women working, wearing pants, speaking in gatherings, voting. Surely they will burn in the white hot flames of Hell"
I had a crew cab short bed F-150 for a time and its fairly handy. Plus, fitting four people plus their stuff was more useful to me than more room for stuff but only 1 passenger. Although you could probably accomplish the same thing by folding down/removing an SUV's rear seats.

skipdogg
Nov 29, 2004
Resident SRT-4 Expert

Crew Cab short beds are basically the family vehicle here in Texas. Dealers around here are doing 12 to 14K off sticker on XLT F-150's if you look hard enough.

Freeze
Jan 2, 2006

I've never seen it written so neatly

I'm looking at buying a used car and I came across this: http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-1989-Chrysler-Lebaron-SPORT-Convertible-REDUCED-W0QQAdIdZ477933561

I really, really like this car, and general reviews I've seen on the Internet seem positive. Can anyone give me some reaons not to buy it? I know the MPG won't be as good as a modern car. Would it be more expensive to repair?

Freeze fucked around with this message at 19:47 on May 10, 2013

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Hotbod Handsomeface
Dec 28, 2009
That link doesn't link to a specific car. Perhaps you could post the make/model and we can provide information.

I am 6'8 and I am having some thoughts about replacing my ford ranger, which I fit in. My price range would be around $3000-6000, but probably on the lower end of that. Are there any models(specifically cars) in that price range that I might be able to fit in? I know that I fit in the toyota t100 and I really like those a lot, and I would jump on a 2wd 3.4L manual t100 if I ever find one. I am in America.

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