I plan on buying a car in the next 1-3 years, depending on how fast we can get my wifes car payed off. In early 2004, we got her a 2002 Mercury Mountaineer V8 AWD. Sticker was ~$37k, we payed $20k out the door after taxes. I realize not all cars depreciate that fast and not all dealers will allow such a low price (book was $24k at the time) but it still confirmed the decision for me that I will probably never buy brand new; it's just not worth it for me.
That being said, I'll be looking for a mid-large size sedan, must be at least somewhat fun to drive, and must be under $22k. Cheaper would be better obviously, but that's about as high as I could/would go. We have a 4 month old son, and plan on having at least 1 more child in the next 3 or 4 years, so unfortunately I can't get an EVO or STI or anything small and fun. Plus I'm a pretty big guy so I'm more comfortable in a larger car anyway.
Here's some of the ideas I have:
2006-> Dodge Charger R/T
I like the look but realize some people don't. 340hp (with even more torque) would be nice! Jury is still out on reliability, and I'm not sure how the rear seat room and trunk space is.
Current gen Infiniti Q45
While I agree that it doesn't compete with the BMW 7 series/MBZ S class/Audi A8, it is also much cheaper on the used market than those, and is still a really nice car. 340hp V8 and lots of room. By the time I'm ready to buy I could probably find one with good miles within my price range.
Last gen BMW 5 series
As in the one that's been around since the late 90s. This is on my list due to its reputation, but the styling seems dated already and the 540s with the V8 are still pretty pricey. I doubt the M5 would ever come down to my price level, too bad.
Honda Accord Hybrid
I really like the latest model of Accords. And the Hybrid is even faster and more powerful than the regular V6.
Mazda 6s
I LOVE the look of this one, and it seems to be the most fun to drive according to every review I've ever seen. A little slower than most, but 220hp is still pretty good. Back seat is small but still usable. Mazdaspeed version is coming out soon but again, probably wont fall into my price range by the time I buy.
Next gen Volkswagon Passat
It's coming out soon, and from what I've seen it looks frickin awesome. This one is a big "what if" because I don't know all the details yet. But we almost bought a 2003 Passat for my wife, so if this new version is even better, I'm sure I would like it. Prices on the last gen seemed to fall pretty quick, as do VWs in general, so this would probably be within my budget. I also might consider the current 1999-2005 gen in the W8 variation, that engine rocks. The only reason we didn't buy a Passat was because of the weak engine.
Current gen Nissan Maxima
Huge car, very comfy. Nice 265hp engine with too much torque steer. Lots of depriciation so I could get a loaded one for cheap.
I'm sure I have left out a bunch of good stuff... Keep in mind though that $22k is the max, and I'd prefer to spend under $20k to keep those payments down. My current car is an aging Nissan 240sx that I'm trying to make last as long as possible. If it dies then I'll just pick up a $7000 Civic or something to get me by for a little while. But I'd rather not.
That being said, I'll be looking for a mid-large size sedan, must be at least somewhat fun to drive, and must be under $22k. Cheaper would be better obviously, but that's about as high as I could/would go. We have a 4 month old son, and plan on having at least 1 more child in the next 3 or 4 years, so unfortunately I can't get an EVO or STI or anything small and fun. Plus I'm a pretty big guy so I'm more comfortable in a larger car anyway.
Here's some of the ideas I have:
2006-> Dodge Charger R/T
I like the look but realize some people don't. 340hp (with even more torque) would be nice! Jury is still out on reliability, and I'm not sure how the rear seat room and trunk space is.
Current gen Infiniti Q45
While I agree that it doesn't compete with the BMW 7 series/MBZ S class/Audi A8, it is also much cheaper on the used market than those, and is still a really nice car. 340hp V8 and lots of room. By the time I'm ready to buy I could probably find one with good miles within my price range.
Last gen BMW 5 series
As in the one that's been around since the late 90s. This is on my list due to its reputation, but the styling seems dated already and the 540s with the V8 are still pretty pricey. I doubt the M5 would ever come down to my price level, too bad.
Honda Accord Hybrid
I really like the latest model of Accords. And the Hybrid is even faster and more powerful than the regular V6.
Mazda 6s
I LOVE the look of this one, and it seems to be the most fun to drive according to every review I've ever seen. A little slower than most, but 220hp is still pretty good. Back seat is small but still usable. Mazdaspeed version is coming out soon but again, probably wont fall into my price range by the time I buy.
Next gen Volkswagon Passat
It's coming out soon, and from what I've seen it looks frickin awesome. This one is a big "what if" because I don't know all the details yet. But we almost bought a 2003 Passat for my wife, so if this new version is even better, I'm sure I would like it. Prices on the last gen seemed to fall pretty quick, as do VWs in general, so this would probably be within my budget. I also might consider the current 1999-2005 gen in the W8 variation, that engine rocks. The only reason we didn't buy a Passat was because of the weak engine.
Current gen Nissan Maxima
Huge car, very comfy. Nice 265hp engine with too much torque steer. Lots of depriciation so I could get a loaded one for cheap.
I'm sure I have left out a bunch of good stuff... Keep in mind though that $22k is the max, and I'd prefer to spend under $20k to keep those payments down. My current car is an aging Nissan 240sx that I'm trying to make last as long as possible. If it dies then I'll just pick up a $7000 Civic or something to get me by for a little while. But I'd rather not.
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