|
Acura NSX Porsche 911 Porsche Cayman BMW M5
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 04:34
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 23, 2024 20:28 |
|
|
Why not the 6-series? I'd imagine those depreciate way faster than an M3.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 04:52
|
|
|
Phone posted:
Just stop right here. Add an S to the end and you're in business.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 06:23
|
|
|
in my head posted:I'm going to be buying a car in ~6 months, am currently thinking it'll be an E92 M3, but haven't done any test drives yet. I'm open to other suggestions, if you think something else would be a better fit. You're only going to be having 1 passenger in a 911 or Cayman. The M5/6 is going to be a significantly bigger investment in terms of maintenance. I think the M3 is probably the best way to go, especially if you are looking for a manual, but for fun you can check out: 2011+ Lexus IS-F The original version that came out in 2008 was a bit tepid, but 2010 onwards they re tuned the suspension and added a limited slip diff that makes it significantly better and faster than the M3 in C&D's lightning lap. It's pretty reliable by all accounts(the M3 is also quite reliable, so Lexus doesn't really have a big advantage there) as you would expect and gets significantly better fuel economy than the German cars too. Automatic only though, and it's based on the IS which is a tiny car with a tiny back seat. Last Gen CTS-V Basically an American M5, that also comes in coupe and wagon body style. I think they're still a bit too new to be able to get for under $50k though. C63 AMG Faster, less reliable IS-F. Boss 302 It's pretty fast, but it also looks like a very brightly colored Mustang with a bunch of stripes on the hood and side, and wacky aero stuff. May not give people the same impression as an M3 would.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 08:55
|
|
|
Throatwarbler posted:
As opposed to an NSX?  I forgot to recommend the Lotus Evora.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 16:13
|
|
|
Throatwarbler posted:Boss 302 I always thought the Boss 302 was more of a entry-level track car for somebody who really knows what they want. If I remember right, they moved the powerband up and it makes less torque than the normal Mustang GT. Also, the interior is OK, but someone wanting to spend $50k on a used luxury car is going to be a bit disappointing with the Mustang interior, which is pretty much the same as a $22k V6 Premium. Edit: You didn't list low cost of ownership as a priority. Buy a Cayman S and stay up to date on maintenance.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 16:36
|
|
|
Thanks for the help guys. I was also looking at some diesel models but I don't drive nearly enough to realize the savings. I subscribed the CR and the Impreza is their #2 overall wagon, and #1 with AWD. Their #1 overall is the Jetta Wagon. Doesn't have AWD but still worth checking out.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 16:59
|
|
|
Proposed Budget: < $5000 New or Used: Used Body Style: No trucks/SUVs How will you be using the car?: Commuting to work 5x/week, roughly 10-15 miles each way What aspects are most important to you? In order: reliability, MPG, cost of ownership I'm looking to buying a car in the next month or two. I would love to spend $2000-$3000 on this, but in reality I have an upper budget of $5000 because I'm not sure if that's possible. It'd only be for getting to work and back on highway traffic, roughly 10-15 miles each way (bit of a range cause I'm moving soon). I've never bought a car before so this'll be the first time for me. I know I need to check carfax but other than that I'm at a complete lost. I'm only looking to keep the car for 1-2 (lets say higher end of that) years as well before getting a better car. I've asked two friends for advice and they recommend getting "any Japanese car because those'll last." But I was hoping you guys could be more specific, e.g., what years and models, and perhaps some things that are dead giveaways for "run the hell away" to a first time buyer.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 17:29
|
|
|
actionjackson posted:Thanks for the help guys. I was also looking at some diesel models but I don't drive nearly enough to realize the savings. I subscribed the CR and the Impreza is their #2 overall wagon, and #1 with AWD. Their #1 overall is the Jetta Wagon. Doesn't have AWD but still worth checking out. You really ought to do snow tires as mentioned. AWD isn't going to be the huge change you're thinking it will be.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 20:12
|
|
|
Proposed Budget: £5000 GBP New or Used: Used Body Style: medium/family 4/5-door, pref Hatchback How will you be using the car?: weekly supermarket run, wrangling a toddler, occasional visits to relatives (approx 130 mile round trip) What aspects are most important to you? We currently have a 3 door '02 Fiat Punto, now that our son is getting bigger and has moved into an upright seat we really need something with 5 doors to make it a lot easier to get him into and out of the car. Beyond that boot space is a plus - bags for 2 adults, a toddler plus buggy etc don't really fit in a punto. Idiot points of reliability, cheap to run, crash protection etc. etc. etc. If it's got a nice "vroom" to the engine and has good handling that would be a plus. I guess bluetooth, ac and cruise control would be nice to have too but not essential.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 20:22
|
|
|
actionjackson posted:Thanks for the help guys. I was also looking at some diesel models but I don't drive nearly enough to realize the savings. I subscribed the CR and the Impreza is their #2 overall wagon, and #1 with AWD. Their #1 overall is the Jetta Wagon. Doesn't have AWD but still worth checking out. The Caddy CTS Wagon also has AWD. Used would be in your price range.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 20:27
|
|
|
Weinertron posted:I always thought the Boss 302 was more of a entry-level track car for somebody who really knows what they want. If I remember right, they moved the powerband up and it makes less torque than the normal Mustang GT. Boss 302: 444 hp (331 kW) at 7500 rpm, 380 lb·ft (515 N·m) at 4500 rpm S65B40: 309 kW (414 hp) @ 8300 400 N·m (295 lb·ft) @ 3900 No replacement for displacement. 
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 23:01
|
|
|
Throatwarbler posted:Boss 302: 444 hp (331 kW) at 7500 rpm, 380 lb·ft (515 N·m) at 4500 rpm Oh yeah it's definitely more powerful than the M3 in every way, but I was comparing to the non-Boss Mustang, which after checking the numbers is not much different: 420 hp @ 6500, 390 lb*ft at 4250. I remembered the GT having a bit lower torque peak but I guess I was wrong. The Boss has 20 more hp and 10 less lb*ft of torque.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 23:07
|
|
|
I forgot, do all the boss 302s not have back seats or was that just the Laguna seca ? Probably a bit of a stretch anyway.
|
|
#
?
Jan 16, 2014 23:48
|
|
|
I test drove a Golf TDI and GTI tonight. However it looks like the Mark VII Golf will FINALLY come to the US this summer, so I'm going to wait for that one. http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2015-volkswagen-golf-first-drive-review
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 04:46
|
|
|
Gf is looking into getting a used car, thought we might ask the pros here about suggestions. Proposed Budget: $12k CAD New of Used: Used Body Style: Compact or hatchback How Using: City driving, as she lives very close to work. Most driving time would be trying to reach outlying courthouses (30-120 km round trips) or weekend excursions. She's looking for something unassuming (one of the courthouses tends to have cars stolen from out front), reliable, and easy to drive and park. Primary Concern: Reliability Japanese cars generally preferred, but open to suggestions. She did get to 'test' drive a Mazda 3 through a carshare that she liked, so particular years/versions that are recommended would be appreciated, as well as any red flags we should try to avoid.
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 06:12
|
|
|
LeschNyhan posted:Gf is looking into getting a used car, thought we might ask the pros here about suggestions. The Mazda3 has problems with rust on the body due to poor anti-rust coatings. If you're worried about theft you should really avoid all Japanese marques entirely. For $12k you can get a 2010-11 Chevy Impala, which will be large and spacious and cheap to insure. It looks kind of like a cop car and is pretty much the most unassuming car you can buy. A Chrysler 200/Dodge Avenger from the same era is the same way.
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 06:46
|
|
|
Wow, thanks for all the suggestions. You've unexpectedly given me a lot to think about. The Cayman S would interest me if it weren't a two-seater. Same for the 2015 NSX (well, it looks nice, but I'm not so sure about getting a hybrid). The Lexus IS-F and Lotus Evora sound very interesting, however, and will definitely get a test drive. The first car I ever bought myself was a Mustang, and I still love them, so I appreciate the Boss 302 suggestion. I'm just not so sure people would take me seriously in it.
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 08:08
|
|
|
Boris Galerkin posted:Proposed Budget: < $5000 A lot of people in here seem to recommend the ford focus, which you can probably find in your price range. I'd recommend a well maintained high-mile japanese sedan, I bought a '99 toyota avalon with over 150k on it for $3800 and it's silky smooth, comfortable, and nicely appointed (leather, sunroof, decent stereo). MPG isn't very good since it's a V6, but we don't drive it a whole lot so it's not a big deal. If that doesn't suit your fancy, a 4cyl camry with higher miles would be fine too assuming it was well maintained. They sold twenty billion of them, chances are you can find one that has a bunch of life left in it.
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 17:45
|
|
|
Throatwarbler posted:The Mazda3 has problems with rust on the body due to poor anti-rust coatings. If you're worried about theft you should really avoid all Japanese marques entirely. If you're worried about theft, you should carry comprehensive insurance. Cars of all makes and models get stolen.
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 17:47
|
|
|
Mr Darcy posted:Proposed Budget: £5000 GBP Not an expert, but maybe a SEAT Leon? They're pretty civilised, and for that price you can probably pick up one with an Ecomotive engine, which get really good mpg. (In fact you definitely will, but most of them will be ex-company cars with sky high mileage. Shop around and you'll probably find a lower mileage one somewhere though.) The boot's only about 30% bigger than your Punto, so you might still struggle for space a bit, I don't know.
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 21:51
|
|
|
Proposed Budget<$20,000 New or Used: Either or works for me so long as it doesn't have many miles and/or fits in my budget Body Style: (e.g. 2 door? 4 door? Compact/Midsize/Fullsize Sedan? Truck? SUV?) Looking at compacts to midsize. Does not matter if its 4 door or a coup but I'd prefer if it can hold up to four-five people for weekend trips. How will you be using the car?: (Do you tow things? Haul more than 5 people on a regular basis? Have a super long commute? How are you going to use this vehicle? Daily driver. I have a short ~10mi daily commute to work and after that I drive pretty much all around the DC metro area. Occasional weekend excursions and road trips with family / friends is also in the mix. Do you prefer a luxury vehicle with all the gizmos?) I care far more about reliability, MPG, and road handling than internal gizmos. What aspects are most important to you? I need something to replace my 1998 Honda Accord which has had a recent date with a deer, and this would be my third time fixing the hood. I've had this car since I started driving (I'm 28 now) so I feel like the time is right for a change. I very much want to stay within my budget, and am looking at both new and used. Right now I've read good things about the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Mazda 3 in terms of what I'm looking for. Figure I should reach out to goons for additional advice. Thanks guys!
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 22:34
|
|
|
actionjackson posted:I test drove a Golf TDI and GTI tonight. However it looks like the Mark VII Golf will FINALLY come to the US this summer, so I'm going to wait for that one. Do the snow tires, you goober.
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 23:00
|
|
|
Solaris 2.0 posted:Body Style: (e.g. 2 door? 4 door? Compact/Midsize/Fullsize Sedan? Truck? SUV?) Looking at compacts to midsize. Does not matter if its 4 door or a coup but I'd prefer if it can hold up to four-five people for weekend trips. You're not getting 3 people in the back of a Mazda 3 comfortably, and the leg room isn't what you'd call great. But I have the sedan version, maybe the hatch has more room.
|
|
#
?
Jan 17, 2014 23:13
|
|
|
in my head posted:Wow, thanks for all the suggestions. You've unexpectedly given me a lot to think about. The Cayman S would interest me if it weren't a two-seater. Same for the 2015 NSX (well, it looks nice, but I'm not so sure about getting a hybrid). The Lexus IS-F and Lotus Evora sound very interesting, however, and will definitely get a test drive. The first car I ever bought myself was a Mustang, and I still love them, so I appreciate the Boss 302 suggestion. I'm just not so sure people would take me seriously in it. 2015 NSX? More like 1995 or 2005.
|
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 06:33
|
|
|
IRQ posted:You're not getting 3 people in the back of a Mazda 3 comfortably, and the leg room isn't what you'd call great. But I have the sedan version, maybe the hatch has more room. The new 1.8T Passat starts at around $20k, I bet you could probably get below that if you look hard enough. Very roomy backseat and trunk with pretty decent fuel economy.
|
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 07:04
|
|
|
Looking to buy a car in probably 3-5 months. Have a second kid on the way and a Mustang has become even less practical. Proposed Budget: Probably around $16,000. Maybe as high as $20,000. New or Used: Either Body Style: 4 door midsize I am guessing, maybe a small or midsize crossover. Something that would be comfortable lugging 2 kids around in. How will you be using the car?: I have a very long commute. About 110 miles round trip 15 days a month. Other than that just normal localish driving. What aspects are most important to you? I guess the most important things are roomy for when I am towing the kids around, but I also want something that gets decent MPG and is at least somewhat fun to drive. I have a long commute and I want to at least enjoy driving a bit. Something with some kind of phone sync would be nice too. I have a 2006 now which doesn't have it, but I assume most newer models have an aux port at least. Just looking for some ideas at stuff to look into. I have only ever owned a 2006 Mustang and 1996 Acura Legend so not a lot of experience with different types of cars. hitachi fucked around with this message at 09:14 on Jan 18, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 09:08
|
|
|
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I'd say a turbo forester except for that whole fuel economy thing. Millions of Europeans have fit 2 kids in the back of things golf sized for decades. A Mazda 3 skyactiv would be fun. The Mazda 5 is actually way better to drive than people might think. It does look like a minivan (because it is one). in my head posted:The first car I ever bought myself was a Mustang, and I still love them, so I appreciate the Boss 302 suggestion. I'm just not so sure people would take me seriously in it. nm fucked around with this message at 09:23 on Jan 18, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 09:21
|
|
|
in my head posted:The first car I ever bought myself was a Mustang, and I still love them, so I appreciate the Boss 302 suggestion. I'm just not so sure people would take me seriously in it. Don't worry about negative stereotypes about owning a certain type of car, because EVERY car has a negative stereotype. No matter what, someone can look at any car and assume jackass/redneck/Eurotrash/poor/midlife crisis/douchebag/small penis/drug dealer/trophy wife/Jersey Shore/dirty hippy/etc... Just get what you like, because everyone else is going to hate it, but only you have to drive it.
|
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 10:39
|
|
|
Maybe, but seriously the Laguna seca doesn't have back seats. 
|
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 13:34
|
|
|
nm posted:Millions of Europeans have fit 2 kids in the back of things golf sized for decades. A Mazda 3 skyactiv would be fun. Decades ago, kids didn't have the supermassive car seats they have today. A Mazda3 is far better at fitting older kids who are front-facing than younger kids who are rear-facing; even with our daughter's relatively small infant seat, the passenger seat had to be nearly completely forward to clear it. Only reservation on the Mazda5 is that (like the Mazda2) it hasn't been updated with Mazda's Skyactiv engine / other technologies. I'm pretty sure underneath it's still very much the same as the 2004 Mazda3 it was derived from originally. That said, it's not a bad car, I had one for a rental and liked it.
|
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 18:50
|
|
|
IOwnCalculus posted:Decades ago, kids didn't have the supermassive car seats they have today. A Mazda3 is far better at fitting older kids who are front-facing than younger kids who are rear-facing; even with our daughter's relatively small infant seat, the passenger seat had to be nearly completely forward to clear it. The europeans still do it, how can we get their car seats? He's going to be buying a few years used anyhow, so that may be less of an issue.
|
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 21:36
|
|
|
Is it possible to custom order a new car? I know you're restricted to basically whatever is in the inventory when you go to the dealer, but is there any way of getting specifically what you want (in terms of trim + options) without waiting until you get lucky? I'm not in any hurry, I could wait for months if need be.
|
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 22:34
|
|
|
Yes you can typically factory order a car from a dealership; at least from the higher end brands where there are a lot more permutations of options, colors, etc. You may not be able to negotiate quite as good a price as something on the lot, but presumably you're okay with that since you'll be getting exactly what you want. Most of the European brands offer special European Delivery programs where you spec out exactly what you want for your car and you go pick it up from the factory in Germany/Sweden (assuming it is a model manufactured in Europe). The discount you get on the car mostly pays for roundtrip airfare, you get to drive your brand new car around Europe, drop it off at a port, fly home, and wait for them to deliver your car to you back in the USA. But if you're just buying a Civic or whatever other super common car you're probably better off buying off the lot. The options permutations are much more limited and dealers will trade inventory amongst themselves to get you the car with the color/options you want. Guinness fucked around with this message at 22:49 on Jan 18, 2014 |
|
#
?
Jan 18, 2014 22:44
|
|
|
nm posted:The europeans still do it, how can we get their car seats? The way Top Gear put it in that crossover comparo they reluctantly did (yes, I know, not much of a sort) it almost seemed like they're starting to push over more towards our "crossover for everyone" mentality. But yeah, I don't know how they do it. Believe me I would've rather bought another Mazda3 or a Civic or any sort of compact than the CRV, but getting the kid in/out of her car seat (and her car seat in/out of the car) is massively easier in the CRV, and requires far less sacrifice on the front row (i.e. next to none). Guinness posted:But if you're just buying a Civic or whatever other super common car you're probably better off buying off the lot. The options permutations are much more limited and dealers will trade inventory amongst themselves to get you the car with the color/options you want. Seconding this. Honda takes this to an extreme. Again on said CRV - you pick LX, EX, or EX with leather. Then you pick 2WD or AWD. Then you pick an exterior color, and maybe if you have an EX you can pick from two different interior colors. Then if you have an EX with leather you can pick from some upgraded entertainment (NAV / DVD) options. Ultimately this doesn't lead to very many permutations. It's very rare that there wouldn't be a dealer in your area that has the particular combo you want if you're buying a Honda, especially if you're buying one of the most common ones (like a 2WD LX in white).
|
|
#
?
Jan 19, 2014 01:36
|
|
|
Thanks for the suggestions, guys. I've passed them on to her and we'll see where the research ends up taking us.
|
|
#
?
Jan 19, 2014 02:07
|
|
|
Crossposting for more coverage: This isn't really a "What car do I buy" question, but as part of my research I want to ask - Is there anything bad about the Audi A3 TDI (1.9 or 2.0) from around 06/07 that I should know? Something like this or this are what I'm thinking about. Any anecdotes/warnings/things to look out for would be appreciated, thanks!
|
|
#
?
Jan 19, 2014 08:28
|
|
|
Oaks posted:Is it possible to custom order a new car? I know you're restricted to basically whatever is in the inventory when you go to the dealer, but is there any way of getting specifically what you want (in terms of trim + options) without waiting until you get lucky? I'm not in any hurry, I could wait for months if need be. I know BMW will do it, even fly you out to Germany if you want to cough up that much cash. I knew a guy whose parents did it. (It wasn't that nice a car, I don't get it.) As has been said, for more common (although low end BMWs are common as dirt around here) cars there's probably something that matches your qualifications just on a lot not too far away, and dealers will truck stuff around, or in my case just drive you to the other lot.
|
|
#
?
Jan 19, 2014 18:12
|
|
|
IRQ posted:I know BMW will do it, even fly you out to Germany if you want to cough up that much cash. I knew a guy whose parents did it. (It wasn't that nice a car, I don't get it.) Like Guinness said, BMW, and a few other manufacturers, give a substantial discount for direct factory pickup/"European delivery." It's not enough to make the cost of the flight, lodging, meals, and so forth worth it if you're only going to pick up the car, but if you're planning to spend money on a vacation, the total car+trip cost can be pretty attractive. Plus, you get the rich-guy white-glove treatment at the factory, and then you can drive your new German luxury car on the autobahn and take it around the Nürburgring, if that's your thing.
|
|
#
?
Jan 19, 2014 18:50
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 23, 2024 20:28 |
|
|
Is it possible to get a non us option by doing one of those programs?
|
|
#
?
Jan 19, 2014 19:10
|
|