Balancing fun and responsibility with a change of cars

[iSoldier]

So I graduated from college and got myself a new car. I love it, but it is my only current debt. It'll take about 3 years to pay off if I pay extra on it.

I've got a 2nd beater car for bad days.

I'm looking for advice. I'm considering wiping out my debt and going with one <20k decent car. Id drive the beater car until I could buy the decent car with cash then sell the beater too.

Not being debt free makes me stress out, but I want to enjoy driving.

So far what sounds good
Vw gti 6 speed


No
Mazdaspeed3
Mustang

Qualifications
6 speed manual
Under 100k miles
Less than 20k
Used or new
150hp or more
Average maintenance
Good driver year round (midwest winter)
I don't usually have more than 1 passenger

Ill think on it and update with the help of feedback

 

[jlee]

FWIW, I'm happy with my two $7-8k cars.

 

[iSoldier]

I'm not against 7 to 8k suggestions.

 

[Arkaign]

Qualifications
6 speed manual
Under 100k miles
Less than 20k
Used or new
150hp or more
Average maintenance
Good driver year round (midwest winter)
I don't usually have more than 1 passenger

Ill think on it and update with the help of feedback

Current gen WRX

AWD, good power, reliable, good in winter, tons of parts/mods available, faster than GTI, still faster when both are modded, holds value well, roomy in the event that you go on road trip, etc.

 

[Arkaign]

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/181/dsc00540lk4.jpg/sr=1

 

[angry hampster]

Used MazdaSpeed6. Made in '06-07. VERY fun cars with lots of room and creature comforts.

 

[HarryLui]

How's your credit score right now?

Paying off a loan helps build credit. If you have excellent credit, sell your current car and buy whatever. But if your credit score is bad, you might want to reconsider selling it at a later time.

 

[Jumpem]

The new Impreza. AWD + 36mpg.

 

[iSoldier]

Ill have to check my credit score still.

People on the subaru forums don't seem to like vw gtis. Subarus seem to start at 20k for the new impreza and used wrx. Maybe I could lose my debt, the beater, and get a used impreza? Part of the feedback is about car payments. I think maybe a large car payment is bad even if I'm right side up on the loan. Maybe I should be saving/investing early in my career to see cumulative benefits later.

I can just keep the beater a while too and not even know what car I want later. It works ok in winter but slides a lot and I had to dig it out of my driveway last winter.

 

[CraigRT]

4 door Civic SI? Or coupe...
Decent gas mileage, 200HP high revver. 6MT.
Reliable.

 

[vi edit]

Would a 5MT instead of a 6MT be a deal breaker? 6's are a little bit more rare.

New Focus is my vote.

 

[Doppel]

Focus Titanium seems to be the answer for everything so I say that

 

[thedarkwolf]

miata
Yes they are fine in the snow thanks to the 50/50 weight distro. Just put some snows on it.

 

[iSoldier]

6 speed is just a preference as long as the car is geared well. A miata would be fun, which generation are you recommending. I suppose the na cars are probably a bit old for daily.

Prob not getting a focus. Ill look into the honda si.

 

[thedarkwolf]

I don't know I drive a 95 daily so no . Whatever generation you like but if you are stuck on a 6 speed you would have to go NB or newer.