buying a new car, need advice.

Kev

Lifer
Dec 17, 2001
16,367
4
81
i'm trying to find a site somewhere that will let me specify stuff i'm looking for in a car then give me suggestions. i am not a car guy and have no idea wtf to look for...

for example, i could choose options like cd player, digital climate control, non-leather interior, auto transmission, etc, and then it will list things that match the descriiption. because honestly i don't know where to begin, and i usually research the hell out of things before making a choice. picking a video card is much easier than picking a car though.
 

Kev

Lifer
Dec 17, 2001
16,367
4
81
yay, thanks - cool website

any suggestions from the car experts here? looking for something between 15-20k, probably an 04 or 03 model.
 

Mr N8

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
8,793
0
76
Originally posted by: Hoober
Consumer Reports has a site like that, too.

Consumer Reports is ok for showing which cars have your options, and such, but their reviews are nowhere near as good as edmunds.
 

Vortex22

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2000
4,976
1
81
Originally posted by: Kev
yay, thanks - cool website

any suggestions from the car experts here? looking for something between 15-20k, probably an 04 or 03 model.

See the other 9349826493847987492864938473294852394832749328653987 car threads on this topic.
Accord Camry Maxima
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
79,082
456
136
CarBuyingTips + Edmunds + Loss Leader Ads = informed consumer and best possible deal
 

Kev

Lifer
Dec 17, 2001
16,367
4
81
Originally posted by: Vortex22
Originally posted by: Kev
yay, thanks - cool website

any suggestions from the car experts here? looking for something between 15-20k, probably an 04 or 03 model.

See the other 9349826493847987492864938473294852394832749328653987 car threads on this topic.
Accord Camry Maxima

i did, it seems like they all turn into a discussion of which has better torque and who has the best racing car...

i'm kinda liking the nissan SE-R Spec V. should i base my car choice on the one i use in need for speed underground? lol...

just a minor rant - i hate how all these cars don't have digital climate control, i hate fiddling with knobs. aren't we in the future?
 

Kev

Lifer
Dec 17, 2001
16,367
4
81
that mazda 3 looks nice too. what do you think of auto vs manual? is there a big difference? i've never driven stick so i'd have to learn.
 

akiraxtc

Senior member
Feb 1, 2001
405
0
0
I test drove the auto and it has a pretty nice pull for a 160hp car. Just don't expect a racecar acceleration and you should be fine. Ride is rather stiff, but not as harsh as civic. Mazda6 definitely has softer suspensions. It has a very, very short turning distance, which is awesome :)
Back to transmission, the auto is fine, it has the sportmatic that i personally don't like. Shifting on the automatic is smooth. As far as the manual i have not driven one. But my previous MX6 manual shifts really good, if that is any indication of the new mazdas i would be pleased. Should be better than darn nissan transmissions :p
Just go and test drive one.
 

notfred

Lifer
Feb 12, 2001
38,241
4
0
Originally posted by: Kev
yay, thanks - cool website

any suggestions from the car experts here? looking for something between 15-20k, probably an 04 or 03 model.

Mazda3
 

isekii

Lifer
Mar 16, 2001
28,578
3
81
find the car you want.
log onto carsdirect.com or cardirect.com
get their lowest quoted price.
head over to the dealer and negotiate from there.
 

hans007

Lifer
Feb 1, 2000
20,212
18
81
Originally posted by: notfred
Originally posted by: Kev
yay, thanks - cool website

any suggestions from the car experts here? looking for something between 15-20k, probably an 04 or 03 model.

Mazda3




yeah i'd suggest the same. or a nissan altima 2.5 S. oddly the 2005 model came out 2 weeks ago, so there are 2003 2004 and 2005 models on some dealer lots. the 2005 has an all new interior, so you could get a huge discount on 2003 or 2004 models.