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Buying my first newish car

H

Hellotalkie

Golden Member
I have about 20-25k to spend (less is better of course), I've compiled a list of what I like...well i think
Mini cooper s
Mazda 3
Honda Fit
Jeep wrangler
Bmw 330i
Vw GTI, Jetta
Saab 9-3
I will be looking in the summer, as when I figure i'll make the purchase, but I want to research early, and not deal with it later on. What do you guys think, i know my choices don't really relate to each other. Example, would be I want the mini but the practicality comparing to a honda fit, may outweigh the price. Jeep wrangler would be great to have but the gas mileage eats a hole in my pocket. Bmw 330i would be nice, but there are just too many around and plus maintenance seems high in that area. I'm pretty much looking for a coupe or 4 door, but preferably small, gets decent gas mileage and somewhat fun to drive, while getting my moneys worth...and of course standard trasmission, 6 speed?
thanks!
 
I'm sure people are getting tired of me saying this, but have you thought about a WRX or an STi? ought to be able to get a 2006 or 2007 low mileage STi for 25k. Definitely fun to drive, 6MT, bulletproof engine/transmission, great value for the performance. Cheap upkeep (assuming nothing major for a while). Downsides being, insurance would be expensive, tires are expensive, and you have to use premium....But several of the cars on your list require premium. by this summer, you should be able to get a slightly used, fully loaded, 2009 WRX for 22k or so. Or maybe get a deal on a new 2009 when the 10's come in.
 
2005 Lotus Elise should set you back around $25k. Believe it or not, you can get a 2000ish Porsche 911 for about $20-25k. The bottom has dropped out on those in the last year or so. Newer Saab 9-3s are rebadged Chevy Malibus -- avoid. The Saab 9-2x is a rebadged WRX, which makes it a good car. d

Also consider Infinity G35s and Nissan 350Zs. Look for a BMW M5 if you want a sporty sedan.
 
Avoid the GTI/Jetta

Everything else on your list are good cars.

The 2009 Saab 9-3 Aero's offer a Haldex advanced AWD system and 285HP from a turbocharged 2.8L V6 and 6spd manual. System was offered in 2008 and limited to 2000 cars and called the Turbo X.

Aside from the GM stereo & climate control in the 2007+ Saab 9-3's - the car is 100% Saab. The platform the Malibu shares with the Saab was designed/tuned by Saab and is made in Sweden. First year of 9-3 - 2003 - First year of Malibu 2008.

The 2.8L V6 turbo engine also made Wards ten best engines list in 2006.

 
figure out what KIND of vehicle u wnat first... small suv? midsized car? luxury compact? what??

u can't have a 330 + a wrangler on a list together.
 
Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
figure out what KIND of vehicle u wnat first... small suv? midsized car? luxury compact? what??

u can't have a 330 + a wrangler on a list together.
Click to expand...

Yea this guy has no idea. she's just spurting out cars he likes not cars he wants to buy.
 
In other news, you missed the deal on the 2008 Sti (where Subaru got incentives for every sti they sold. ) New 2008 Stis were available for about 27k. Makes the 2006/2007 Sti terrible deals.

Interesting suggestion on the Porshe 911s. They are great deals because they have no resale value. Also applicable to the Mercedes S class, BMW 7 series, and Jaguar XJ. Look at the three year depreciation on those cars. I think they are quite a bargain, provided there are no mechanical issues.

Wrangler are fun cars. Terrible to drive, but I don't think there is another car out there where you can take the doors and roof off and just cruise. And now they have a four door version called the Unlimited.

Saabs are queer. Nothing to do with the owners, its the stuff they do to them at the factory. And the mexicans.

 
Originally posted by: angry hampster
2005 Lotus Elise should set you back around $25k. Believe it or not, you can get a 2000ish Porsche 911 for about $20-25k. The bottom has dropped out on those in the last year or so. Newer Saab 9-3s are rebadged Chevy Malibus -- avoid. The Saab 9-2x is a rebadged WRX, which makes it a good car. d

Also consider Infinity G35s and Nissan 350Zs. Look for a BMW M5 if you want a sporty sedan.
Click to expand...
If we're going to go this route why not an early 90's ferrari? I bet one could be had in this price range. Who cares about maintenance!
u can't have a 330 + a wrangler on a list together.
Click to expand...
I agree, or a honda fit and the 330i.
Interesting suggestion on the Porshe 911s. They are great deals because they have no resale value. Also applicable to the Mercedes S class, BMW 7 series, and Jaguar XJ. Look at the three year depreciation on those cars. I think they are quite a bargain, provided there are no mechanical issues.
Click to expand...
Holy hell, what are you guys talking about? What is he going to do with a 7 series BMW? Do you realize why a porsche may have questionable resale value? Who's going to maintain it? What about a 7 series, has he got the bankroll to pay for repairs? I doubt a guy who's considering a fit is going to want the headache of maintaining a high mile used 7 series, don't you?

 
Originally posted by: angry hampster
2005 Lotus Elise should set you back around $25k. Believe it or not, you can get a 2000ish Porsche 911 for about $20-25k. The bottom has dropped out on those in the last year or so. Newer Saab 9-3s are rebadged Chevy Malibus(1) -- avoid. The Saab 9-2x is a rebadged WRX, which makes it a good car. d

Also consider Infinity G35s and Nissan 350Zs. Look for a BMW M5 if you want a sporty sedan.
Click to expand...

1) No. Same platform, not 're-badged'.

 
Originally posted by: caspur
In other news, you missed the deal on the 2008 Sti (where Subaru got incentives for every sti they sold. ) New 2008 Stis were available for about 27k. Makes the 2006/2007 Sti terrible deals.
Click to expand...

That deal is over? I am shopping for a new subaru, and the thought had crossed my mind. Subaru's website is still showing 0% financing for them.

Any links about it? Was it a Subaru rebate, or people haggling with a particular dealer?
 
My vote is for 06-07 Accords. I got mine - 06 Accord SE (in between LX and EX) manual sedan 2 months ago for $13000 with only 25,000 miles on it - so it was practically a new car and still is 😀

ABS - check
Air Bags all around - check
Decent Looking - check
Still Under Warranty - check
Great Reliability - check
166HP - not great but not bad either. It also has good fuel economy returning an average of around 30mpg in a mixed driving in winter (Michigan). The car is very comfortable and definitely a step up Civic/Mazda3 crowd.

Here is the review

You could definitely pick one up for around $15,000 with low miles. Manual transmission car is difficult to find, but you should see at least 20 of them within 200 mile radius from your zip code over on autotrader.com

Edit: Being from Ohio, you will not have any issues finding a manual Accord. As a matter of fact, you may be able to pick a V6 Accord Sedan with 6-speed manual for well below $20,000...

Autotrader Find #1 - V6 Accord Sedan 06

Accord SE

Accord SE

07 $11900 - 22000 miles in Ohio but suspicious

Bottom line: No need to spend $20,000 to get a nice, fun to drive midsize sedan that is also safe and comfortable...
 
Originally posted by: adlep
My vote is for 06-07 Accords. I got mine - 06 Accord SE (in between LX and EX) manual sedan 2 months ago for $13000 with only 25,000 miles on it - so it was practically a new car and still is 😀

ABS - check
Air Bags all around - check
Decent Looking - check
Still Under Warranty - check
Great Reliability - check
166HP - not great but not bad either. It also has good fuel economy returning an average of around 30mpg in a mixed driving in winter (Michigan). The car is very comfortable and definitely a step up Civic/Mazda3 crowd.

Here is the review

You could definitely pick one up for around $15,000 with low miles. Manual transmission car is difficult to find, but you should see at least 20 of them within 200 mile radius from your zip code over on autotrader.com

Edit: Being from Ohio, you will not have any issues finding a manual Accord. As a matter of fact, you may be able to pick a V6 Accord Sedan with 6-speed manual for well below $20,000...

Autotrader Find #1 - V6 Accord Sedan 06

Accord SE

Accord SE

07 $11900 - 22000 miles in Ohio but suspicious

Bottom line: No need to spend $20,000 to get a nice, fun to drive midsize sedan that is also safe and comfortable...
Click to expand...

And boring as sin
 
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: adlep
My vote is for 06-07 Accords. I got mine - 06 Accord SE (in between LX and EX) manual sedan 2 months ago for $13000 with only 25,000 miles on it - so it was practically a new car and still is 😀

ABS - check
Air Bags all around - check
Decent Looking - check
Still Under Warranty - check
Great Reliability - check
166HP - not great but not bad either. It also has good fuel economy returning an average of around 30mpg in a mixed driving in winter (Michigan). The car is very comfortable and definitely a step up Civic/Mazda3 crowd.

Here is the review

You could definitely pick one up for around $15,000 with low miles. Manual transmission car is difficult to find, but you should see at least 20 of them within 200 mile radius from your zip code over on autotrader.com

Edit: Being from Ohio, you will not have any issues finding a manual Accord. As a matter of fact, you may be able to pick a V6 Accord Sedan with 6-speed manual for well below $20,000...

Autotrader Find #1 - V6 Accord Sedan 06

Accord SE

Accord SE

07 $11900 - 22000 miles in Ohio but suspicious

Bottom line: No need to spend $20,000 to get a nice, fun to drive midsize sedan that is also safe and comfortable...
Click to expand...

And boring as sin
Click to expand...

not with a 5 speed
 
Originally posted by: CRXican
Originally posted by: iamwiz82
Originally posted by: adlep
My vote is for 06-07 Accords. I got mine - 06 Accord SE (in between LX and EX) manual sedan 2 months ago for $13000 with only 25,000 miles on it - so it was practically a new car and still is 😀

ABS - check
Air Bags all around - check
Decent Looking - check
Still Under Warranty - check
Great Reliability - check
166HP - not great but not bad either. It also has good fuel economy returning an average of around 30mpg in a mixed driving in winter (Michigan). The car is very comfortable and definitely a step up Civic/Mazda3 crowd.

Here is the review

You could definitely pick one up for around $15,000 with low miles. Manual transmission car is difficult to find, but you should see at least 20 of them within 200 mile radius from your zip code over on autotrader.com

Edit: Being from Ohio, you will not have any issues finding a manual Accord. As a matter of fact, you may be able to pick a V6 Accord Sedan with 6-speed manual for well below $20,000...

Autotrader Find #1 - V6 Accord Sedan 06

Accord SE

Accord SE

07 $11900 - 22000 miles in Ohio but suspicious

Bottom line: No need to spend $20,000 to get a nice, fun to drive midsize sedan that is also safe and comfortable...
Click to expand...

And boring as sin
Click to expand...

not with a 5 speed
Click to expand...
Agreed
Also,
Accord V6 6speed manual is basically a tad smaller version of Acura TL. Offers a great bang for the buck -> All of that for the price of a new Honda Fit...

Review of the V6 Manual
 
If you're looking at the 9-3 and 330i then I would suggest looking at the G35 [coupe?] and Legacy GT as well. Maybe even an older TL-S
 
Originally posted by: Dman877
Accord in any shape or form = Boring
Click to expand...

not exactly, but if by boring you mean its boring that everyone keeps buying them plus

it was on car n driver's 10 best list for over 10 years
+ top 5 car sales in the US since the 90's (and 80's?)
+ has among the highest reliability of ANY CAR IN THE WORLD
+ has among the highest resale of any car on the market
+ easy and cheap parts if they need to be replaced
+ engines last forever (900k miles on it with original engine) http://hondaswap.com/members-l...nda-testimonies-18006/

 
Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
Originally posted by: Dman877
Accord in any shape or form = Boring
Click to expand...

not exactly, but if by boring you mean its boring that everyone keeps buying them plus

it was on car n driver's 10 best list for over 10 years
+ top 5 car sales in the US since the 90's (and 80's?)
boring
+ has among the highest reliability of ANY CAR IN THE WORLD
boring
+ has among the highest resale of any car on the market
boring
+ easy and cheap parts if they need to be replaced
boring
+ engines last forever (900k miles on it with original engine) http://hondaswap.com/members-l...nda-testimonies-18006/
boring
Click to expand...

It's a boring car. Doesn't mean it's a bad car, just boring.

 
Originally posted by: senseamp
Originally posted by: LOUISSSSS
Originally posted by: Dman877
Accord in any shape or form = Boring
Click to expand...

not exactly, but if by boring you mean its boring that everyone keeps buying them plus

it was on car n driver's 10 best list for over 10 years
+ top 5 car sales in the US since the 90's (and 80's?)
boring
+ has among the highest reliability of ANY CAR IN THE WORLD
boring
+ has among the highest resale of any car on the market
boring
+ easy and cheap parts if they need to be replaced
boring
+ engines last forever (900k miles on it with original engine) http://hondaswap.com/members-l...nda-testimonies-18006/
boring
Click to expand...

It's a boring car. Doesn't mean it's a bad car, just boring.
Click to expand...

mine is actually pretty fun to drive. i dont mind quick (5 min) or long (5+hour) trips in my accord, i accelerate as fast as a BMW 328i/any midsized v6 within the price range, i dont feel shaky making a 90 degree turn going 30 miles an hour, and the car doesn't feel unsure of itself going 100. its no 745, but i've driven many cars that rattle and shake and cry going 100...

combine all of those personalities into a single vehicle and you have one VERY WELL ROUNDED vehicle for $20-25k NEW.
 
Nobody will argue the efficacy of the Accord. It is reliable with good resale and not even boring to drive compared to its compatriots. However, simply from a "that's an accord" perception, yeah, about as boring as staring at paint dry (oil-based paint at that). I thought of one recently and although I found one with an astonishingly low price (turned out to be a typo, in fact), I still could not even consider buying it. It's about on par with a camry for getting one's loins hot, which is about on par with using rosanne barr as a fluffer.
 
Originally posted by: Skoorb
Nobody will argue the efficacy of the Accord. It is reliable with good resale and not even boring to drive compared to its compatriots. However, simply from a "that's an accord" perception, yeah, about as boring as staring at paint dry (oil-based paint at that). I thought of one recently and although I found one with an astonishingly low price (turned out to be a typo, in fact), I still could not even consider buying it. It's about on par with a camry for getting one's loins hot, which is about on par with using rosanne barr as a fluffer.
Click to expand...

Comparing Accord to Camry is a mistake...
Again, Accord V6 with manual is a smaller version o the Acura TL with similar driving characteristics.

And here is a poster for you....

Not to mention the fact that you can actually mod or "rice" the heck out of the Accord -> The aftermarket parts and mods are common.
 
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