buying a new car in the $25k range

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Maverick2002

Diamond Member
Jul 22, 2000
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In the beginning of next year most likely I will be purchasing a new car. I don't have a far drive to work and I want something that's big enough to seat a few people, but it fast - I drive like a maniac. It has to be a coupe or sedan. Gas mileage is important, but not terribly so, since I typically only do a lot of driving on weekends.

I'm almost set on getting a Charger, probably the SXT. Anyone have any recommendations? This is still up in the air, I'm just brainstorming right now (haven't even test driven anything yet).

Also, is there a "best" time of the year to buy?

Thread merge.

ATOT Moderator ElFenix
 
M

Maverick2002

Diamond Member
Jul 22, 2000
4,694
0
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In the beginning of next year most likely I will be purchasing a new car. I don't have a far drive to work and I want something that's big enough to seat a few people, but it fast - I drive like a maniac. It has to be a coupe or sedan. Gas mileage is important, but not terribly so, since I typically only do a lot of driving on weekends.

I'm almost set on getting a Charger, probably the SXT. Anyone have any recommendations? This is still up in the air, I'm just brainstorming right now (haven't even test driven anything yet).

Also, is there a "best" time of the year to buy?
 
EvilYoda

EvilYoda

Lifer
Apr 1, 2001
21,198
9
81
Somebody else'll say it, so I'll move on to the comments:

If speed/power and gas efficiency are two main points for you, how did you ever settle on the Charger SXT? It doesn't fit either of those criteria.
 
Saga

Saga

Banned
Feb 18, 2005
2,718
1
0
Pretty sure we have the garage for this kind of stuff.

P.S. The charger is a boat.
 
AstroManLuca

AstroManLuca

Lifer
Jun 24, 2004
15,628
5
81
Chrysler products in general suck. And if you think gas mileage is important, why are you even considering a Charger? Those things are huge and thirsty.

If you want a fast car there are better and more economical options than a Charger. Ask the garage for tips on that.
 
Demon-Xanth

Demon-Xanth

Lifer
Feb 15, 2000
20,551
2
81
The Charger isn't a bad car. Just make sure you get at least the 3.5. And be prepared for some anti-american hate here. It is a good car with a large amount of room. If you want it fast, look for a 1 year old R/T. They're not the best handling cars in the world, but are very far from bad.

Approximate 0-60 times:
2.7: 11 seconds
3.5: 8.5 seconds
5.7: 6.5 seconds
6.1: 5.5 seconds
 
K

krunchykrome

Lifer
Dec 28, 2003
13,413
1
0
I agree with the others; there are soo many other better choices IMO than the Charger.

I assume you want a 4-door sporty car.

$25K can get you an Accord V-6, a Legacy GT, Mazda 6, etc etc
 
exdeath

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
$25k for a weekend car and looking at stuff like the Charger...

1) 2003/2004 SVT Cobra

2) 2005+ GTO

3) E46 M3

4) MkIV Supra

5) G35


That's a wide variety there, lots of options for $25k. Closest match to the Charger I'd say the GTO.

Buy lightly used and get twice or three times as much car.

If you go with a charger try to get at least an R/T. They are heavy bricks built with a V8 in mind, a V6 will be a slug in a 4,000+ lb car. But really it's subjective. If the SXT is fast enough for you, go for it.
 
K

KDKPSJ

Diamond Member
Dec 13, 2002
3,288
58
91
I am American-car hater, but I do like Charger somehow. But for 25k New? Meh. Chrager for speed? Meh. (3.5L for 8.5s & 5.7L for 6.5s 0-60? That's one slow turtle)

If you are really interested in Charger, get used one for a lot less and save money.

Otherwise, there are too many choices for 25k, new Accord V6, new Mazda V6, new Altima V6, new Legacy, 1 year old TSX, 2 year old TL, 1 year old G35 (new gen), 2 year old 325i, etc.
 
joutlaw

joutlaw

Golden Member
Feb 18, 2008
1,108
2
81
The charger is a big car, but doesn't fit people in the backseat like one. The middle seat is awful... and there just isn't a lot of room back there due to the roofline.

I'd be looking elsewhere... although I'm sure you could one rebated pretty good by then.
 
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Maverick2002

Diamond Member
Jul 22, 2000
4,694
0
0
Well I'm not set on it. I was hoping to get a new rather than a used. Or is getting slightly used really THAT much better than getting new?
 
exdeath

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
Originally posted by: Maverick2002
Well I'm not set on it. I was hoping to get a new rather than a used. Or is getting slightly used really THAT much better than getting new?
Click to expand...

It is. You can go up a whole trim level with the cost difference in most cases (eg: SXT to R/T or R/T to SRT8)
 
M

Maverick2002

Diamond Member
Jul 22, 2000
4,694
0
0
what kind of "issues" can you expect from a slightly used? I've only had 1 very used and 1 brand new car.

Also, whatever car I get, I'm going to get some form of racing wheels and a body kit - it's something I've always wanted to do - basically get a custom look for the car.
 
Z

zoiks

Lifer
Jan 13, 2000
11,787
3
81
Originally posted by: everydae
I am American-car hater, but I do like Charger somehow. But for 25k New? Meh. Chrager for speed? Meh. (3.5L for 8.5s & 5.7L for 6.5s 0-60? That's one slow turtle)

If you are really interested in Charger, get used one for a lot less and save money.

Otherwise, there are too many choices for 25k, new Accord V6, new Mazda V6, new Altima V6, new Legacy, 1 year old TSX, 2 year old TL, 1 year old G35 (new gen), 2 year old 325i, etc.
Click to expand...

Most asians do hate American cars.
 
exdeath

exdeath

Lifer
Jan 29, 2004
13,679
10
81
Originally posted by: Maverick2002
what kind of "issues" can you expect from a slightly used? I've only had 1 very used and 1 brand new car.

Also, whatever car I get, I'm going to get some form of racing wheels and a body kit - it's something I've always wanted to do - basically get a custom look for the car.
Click to expand...


None whatsoever if you research and make sure you're buying the car from an older adult original owner who took care of it. Not talking a 5 year old beater here, talking about 1-2 years old with 20-30k pampered miles. For any car these days that's just barely broken in.

If you're doing the whole wheels and body kit thing you might as well get a Chrysler 300 like everyone else who does it and pass it off as a Bentley...

I'd say just get a car that is already perfect in your eyes and don't do a thing to it. Find a car that excites you as-is without having to change it all. You'll be happier that way in the long run, and more unique than people who superglue their car to death.
 
Fenixgoon

Fenixgoon

Lifer
Jun 30, 2003
33,285
12,847
136
see what pricing is on a G8 GT. with employee pricing, you may hit the 25k mark for a significantly better car.
 
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