2010 Mazda3

[alfa147x]

$6-8k used car FTW.

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I have a Honda Civic Coupe 2004 great gas millage, taxes are low... I'm waiting till I graduate till I buy something like a used Acura RDX or something.

 

[Throckmorton]

After saving for so long, don't blow the money on a fancy new car. Save it and keep driving the Avalon. You'll have plenty of time to buy cars.

New cars are for people who can afford them, not kids who save for 4 years of high school.

I guarantee you'll regret blowing all that hard earned cash every time you look at the Mazda 3.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

This

After saving for so long, don't blow the money on a fancy new car. Save it and keep driving the Avalon. You'll have plenty of time to buy cars.

and this

save your money for beer and condoms.

 

[PricklyPete]

I agree with all the posters above. A new car in college is a HORRIBLE idea. You want a decent beater...and then all the other money for enjoying the one time in your life that you have almost no responsibility and women throwing themselves at you. This is a horrible decision.

As for the car, I think it is the best car in the class. While no sports car, it is a lot of fun to throw around the corners...especially with a stick. I just test drove an automatic 5 door and a manual 5 door with my wife this past weekend and it was by far the funnest car in its class (with maybe the exception of the GTI...which is much more expensive). It is much "sportier" than the comparable Toyota's, Honda's, Hyundai's, etc.

Again, HORRIBLE idea though. Get a beater manual car (how about a 4-5 year old Mazda 3 manual with the 2.3L) and just enjoy the money on more important things during a very important part of your life. Getting a new car may seem awesome to you right this second...but I GUARANTEE you will regret your decision when you're working extra hours at Wendy's to pay for it while your friend's are chugging crappy whisky and then complaining they couldn't get it up for some girl giving them a blowjob....then you'll realize what a huge mistake you've made.