$30k OTD budget

[jinduy]

Let's scratch 4 runners, vans, etc

i'm looking for a car - preferably a 2 door. scratch out hybrids (don't like how it takes up an entire trunk).

ease of maintenance is high on my list... for example, they made it kind of a pain to change the oil on my civic (you pretty much have to go under the car).

currently driving a 2k2 civic and just want some ideas of what you folks would recommend with a 30k budget. if you know of upcoming new models that are hot within the next 3 years, you can count that.

I'm a bit weary of honda cars due to my experience with the civic... i've had a lot of dinky things that cost me a pretty penny just after i was out of warranty (door lock breaking, power window not working, steering wheel issues, etc).

however, i love the practicality of my civic. the trunk and backseat space is pretty good for a small coupe, imo.

with what little you know about me, what do you recommend?

edit:

- new only. when i buy a car, i plan to drive it for at least 7 years. 10+ years would be great!

 

[ja1484]

I assume you're looking to buy new?

I was going to say Honda Accord. To be honest, if I were in the market for a full-size car, it's the only one I would consider right now, and it's well under your budget. And frankly...it fits your needs. When it comes to reliability, Honda is pretty much unstoppable these days. They aren't the best with ease of maintenance...I would say Toyota balances reliability and maintenance the best, but Hondas are definitely more fun to drive.

Might want to look at some of Ford's newer cars...the Fusion in particular has been well received.

Also, if you're slightly flexible around the $30k mark, you might be able to sneak into the base models of the Acura/Lexus/Infiniti lines, which up the ante significantly in terms of ride quality and fun-to-drive.

And if you think the things you listed were a problem, you should try owning a Big Three vehicle for 5 or so years. You'll wish it was only the door lock having a problem.

Originally posted by: jinduy
ease of maintenance is high on my list... for example, they made it kind of a pain to change the oil on my civic (you pretty much have to go under the car).

I have some bad news for you...it involves an oil pan, what it does, and what has to be done to it during an oil change...

I would recommend you take up car maintenance as a hobby. It gives you something new to learn, an excuse to spend a bunch of money on new toys..er, tools, and it's pretty fun in its own right to "make it yours".

 

[CurseTheSky]

The Altima Coupe was getting good reviews (last I checked), might be worth a look. On the other hand, I bought an '08 Fusion recently and I'm extremely impressed with it. If you look at the 2010s, the sport model should be in that price range if you're looking for more power. The '06 Mazda3 I tested also seemed like a great car.

 

[zerocool84]

I'd look at the Fusion. Great car for the $$$.

 

[krunchykrome]

$30k budget out the door on a new car? And you're not interested in an SUV....

I would look at a Honda Accord V6 or an Acura TSX. You can get a fully loaded Honda Accord (Leather, V-6) for under $30K. The Acura TSX has less power, but it's fun to drive.

In terms of reliability, those are the only two cars that seem worthy of a $30K price tag. I havent driven the new Accords, but they look very nice, inside and out. We have a 2004 TSX that was purchased new; it has 91k miles on it, and we haven't had one problem with it to date.

 

[TraumaRN]

I second the Fusion. I have the hybrid which you didn't want, but look into a SEL or Sport they are in your price range. Or if you want a full size car, the new 2010 Taurus starts around 25K and is a fairly sharp looking car as well.

 

[DVad3r]

G35?

 

[lastig21]

Are you considering used? You have a ton of options in that price range if you consider used.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: DVad3r
G35?

Yeah I was thinking this as well. $30k will buy a ~10k miles G35/G37, you get a proper FR layout, plenty of room (particularly compared to a Civic), reasonable fuel economy if you drive moderately most of the time, and just a really well-mannered classy car.

Brakes and Tires will be pricier for sure, but overall reliability of the model has been quite good over time. The interior is one of the weaker ones in the range (vs. TL, 3-series, Audi A4/S4, and Mercedes C-class), but is still quite decent, and certainly a step up from a Civic.

If you want something larger, perhaps a G8 (if the styling suits you), and if you want something slightly smaller, perhaps a 5G Legacy GT (2009+). I drove an '08 Audi S4 back to back with an '09 Legacy GT, and was shocked at how superior the Subie was to drive, even with a moderate power deficiency. The balance of the Subaru, and the tactile steering feedback were immediately rewarding. The '08 S4 was still on the old B7 platform though, and the new B8-based S4 from '09+ is supposed to be a marked improvement.

 

[KDKPSJ]

For new, TSX or Altima Coupe.

For used, G35/37 or 328i.

Those are what I'd choose right now. Two years ago, when I was spending the same amount of budget, it was E90 325i for me, btw.

 

[thescreensavers]

hyundai genesis coupe 3.8 ?

 

[thedarkwolf]

Sounds like you want a miata
screw practicality

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: thedarkwolf
Sounds like you want a miata
screw practicality

Heh, Miata is pure fun, but ..

"however, i love the practicality of my civic. the trunk and backseat space is pretty good for a small coupe, imo"

^^^

I could never recommend a Miata for the sole DD vehicle

 

[DVad3r]

I wouldn't get an Altima personally. Lots of good reviews on them but my friend got a new one and had crazy problems with it. Don't know the exact specifics but he was constantly complaining. Plus if you are going to get an Altima coupe you might as well get the real/good thing and go for a G35/37.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: DVad3r
I wouldn't get an Altima personally. Lots of good reviews on them but my friend got a new one and had crazy problems with it. Don't know the exact specifics but he was constantly complaining. Plus if you are going to get an Altima coupe you might as well get the real/good thing and go for a G35/37.

Agreed. I'm also shocked at how $$ the Altima coupes are. I drove by one on the local lot (Lewisville Nissan, near Vista Ridge mall for the folks who know DFW), and just peeked at the sticker of an '09 2.5S Coupe. It was over $28k! I literally did a double-take. That's a hair's breath from the ~$30k base 370Z prices. $28k will get you a crapload of a better car than an Altima coupe, be it used or new.

Hold on, lemme see if I can find it ...

Ah, found it : What the fruck?

 

[MikeMike]

get a C6 vette.

 

[thescreensavers]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: DVad3r
I wouldn't get an Altima personally. Lots of good reviews on them but my friend got a new one and had crazy problems with it. Don't know the exact specifics but he was constantly complaining. Plus if you are going to get an Altima coupe you might as well get the real/good thing and go for a G35/37.

Agreed. I'm also shocked at how $$ the Altima coupes are. I drove by one on the local lot (Lewisville Nissan, near Vista Ridge mall for the folks who know DFW), and just peeked at the sticker of an '09 2.5S Coupe. It was over $28k! I literally did a double-take. That's a hair's breath from the ~$30k base 370Z prices. $28k will get you a crapload of a better car than an Altima coupe, be it used or new.

Hold on, lemme see if I can find it ...

Ah, found it : What the fruck?

yup its fully loaded. once you add leather and a sat nav you Have to have all this other junk. I was looking at an Altima 2.5S but with nothing. Thank god I looked for a G35 because I got it at less then I could get any new altima at.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Camaro V6 - 3.6L 306HP

Mustang GT 4.5L - 315HP


Mustang is quite easy to DIY repairs and it has a very spacious trunk. Best bang for the buck car for $30K or under.

ne Camaro is pretty awesome in the styling department and has a powerful V6!

 

[caspur]

Right now, I have an Infiniti G37 (traded in my Camry last week for it), after saying I wouldn't be driving one either. Its a good, solid car....and a sportier choice than the Altima coupe. However, it does cost more than 30k.

I personally dislike Subarus, mainly for what they did to the steering in all their cars, and it covers the new Imprezas, Legacy, Outback and Forester. For people that only experience them during test drives at the dealership, you can't tell, but live with one for a few days and its fairly obvious. I drive them only when its snowing, but I'd never buy a new one.

Pontiac G8 get a thumbs up...but only the GT and up versions. Or perhaps the Hemi Chryslers...Challenger (2 door)/Charger/300C. Don't buy the V6.

Ok, here's the bombshell. Go drive a VW anything...GTI preferably. If you can't tell the difference between it and a Honda/Nissan/Toyota...buy the Japanese cars. Personally, if I had a newish VW Passat/CC show up tomorrow in the fleet, I'd gladly trade the G37 for it.

 

[caspur]

Oh, I had a 2010 Mustang couple of weeks ago....the new one. V6, auto, convertible. Its a girl's car....all show and no go. Still the interior is much improved over the old one. However, it drives about the same and I've never been impressed with Mustangs...except for the GT350s we had to get ready for auction two years ago...orders were at least 8k miles. No tread on the tires by the time I got done with mine. Plus made the neighbors jealous. Good times

 

[evident]

honda accord v6 EX-L , or acura TSX will fit your needs. the accord will be way under your budget and deliver the goods you want

 

[Knavish]

I'm not sure why people keep bringing up the TSX. I heard good things about the pre-2009 model, but reviews of the latest one sound just plain boring. Here's some quotes from edmund's. As I recall, Road & Track had a similar opinion of the car:

Previously a taut sport sedan offering enthusiasts a lively, communicative driving experience along with Acura quality, the Acura TSX has become more of a luxury sedan for 2009 ... Enthusiasts, however, will likely consider it watered down and boring.

We clocked the 0-60-mph sprint at 8.6 seconds, with the quarter-mile run taking 16.3 seconds ... most V6-equipped family sedans would still have no trouble showing their taillights to the TSX, beating it to 60 by 1 or 2 seconds.

At 22.1 mpg, our fuel economy didn't quite match up to EPA estimates of 21 city, 30 highway and 25 combined.

A stopping distance of 133 feet from 60 mph is respectable?for a big SUV.

The next bummer came upon turning the steering wheel, when we wondered "where did the feel go?" ... The suspension does a respectable job of keeping the car composed in the turns, yet it also seems to have lost the taut, athletic nature of the prior system. Whereas the previous car felt small and nimble, the new one feels still capable but every bit its size.

...you might as well get a Buick.

 

[Arkaign]

^^ Yeah I'm not sure what's up with Acura of late. Their interiors and technology are still very very good, but they are becoming somewhat bizarre, from the styling to the lukewarm performance. My extremely modestly modded Focus hits 60 in about 7 seconds, with a 1/4 in 15.2, and of course I consider this Focus to be very slow. 8.6 seconds? Holy crap.

 

[hydroponik]

Originally posted by: thescreensavers
hyundai genesis coupe 3.8 ?

^ this

 

[DVad3r]

I wouldn't touch that Genesis crap, it's going to be another Tiburon lol.