Cars with a professional look at a college price

[roguerower]

I'm a year and half out of college and just got a pretty hefty raise where I'm making on the high side of $50k. That said, I drive a 2001 civic coupe which STILL gets 34 mpg average on my commute. There is no way in hell that I'm buying a new car just to look good. I'll keep that car until it dies (knock on wood) or I get promoted to the point where I get a company vehicle.

That said, I did buy a $10k Triumph for my "me" time. 🙂

 

[soccerballtux]

Btw op might be es 400 not 300.

 

[razor2025]

I'd buy a used Acura TSX (the model before they grew the beak) for 12-18k.

Also, for comparison, we hire our IT college hires in at $50k-55k a year, but they don't get Engineer in their title. :sneaky: Fortune 500 company, Cleveland Ohio.

Still 40k isn't bad to start out, and once you have a couple years experience, you can up that easily if you are willing to change companies.

This is good advice. TSX has the "premium" look and still cheap enough for the budget. You can grab Honda parts to fix it up to avoid going to Acura dealers.

 

[Jeff7]

Pre-degree, I made $32/hour proctoring at a University computer lab and billed $75/hour for web development. I haven't made less than $32/hour. Ever. I was having a similar conversation with my wife tonight over dinner re: average incomes. How can people afford to live on minimum wage? $7.50 x 2080 = ~$15,000. I can't imagine.

High cost of living area, or a high-end university?
Most of the student-level university jobs where I went were about $8/hr.

Now working after college, I don't even get $32/hr if I'm on overtime, though it's close.

 

[Sidekicknichola]

My situation sounds fairly similar...
I've been out of school for 8 months, working at my currect "Grown up" job for 13 months (they gave me my salaried position before I graduated) and am just shy of 60k a year...

My college "beater" was a 2000 civic SI (not riced out)... when I got this new job I really wanted to buy a newer car but capped my budget at 20k... ended up finding a IS350 for 16k, had 60k miles on it and was LOADED... kept the civic for winters (from Wisconsin so FWD w/ snowtires > IS350 rwd)...

In my car shopping list there was the following:
Is250 awd (and have 1 car year round)
cts-v (old body style)
G35 and G35x
350z
A4/A6
.... after test drives and homework the IS3 won hands down.... so much awesome technology in the car, get mechanical reliability, has a great look with minor exterior add ones (little trunk lip spoiler and roof spoiler add a TON of style to this car - break away from "Boring accord" or whatever you called it), I get pretty good gas milage (33+ hwy, 24 city).

I love the car.

 

[ballmode]

you got 33+ highway with premium gas in the IS350?

i've heard 30+ and I've heard they really respond well to intake/exhaust/header/tune

 

[SketchMaster]

I'm not going tell the OP what to do, just what I did.

Last year, I made over 100k since I was overseas for half of 2011. When I got home, I needed a new car and told myself I had to get a fancy car since now I was a ''grown up'' (26) that needed to impress all the other grownups and women with. I test drove an Audi, a Mini, a BMW, looked at a Benz and spent a whole day searching for my dream car.

Drove home in a Ford Focus SE.

I wanted a sports car that got 30mpg, was grown up, and impress everyone; but, I realized that what I needed was a car that got good mileage and would get me to and from work reliably every day. Unless you have to drive clients around at least once a month or more (company should have a car for you to use if that's the case) just buy what you want, never do anything unless it's for your own betterment; trying to keep up with everyone else will leave you falling behind in the end.

 

[heymrdj]

As has been said in this thread, and having a weekend seeing alot of higher ups, I've come to the senses that it should definitely be what you want, regardless of the age bracket. So as of this time that will probably be a Soul, though with how far away a new car is probably in store for me I probably won't want its then current form, so another day I'll see what I like. Still, if money was no object, I'd take one of those Volvo C70 Inscriptions 😛.

 

[Subyman]

I definitely like the new Ford Focus idea. The new ones are great looking cars and very affordable.

If you must have the "regal" look, then a used Genesis sedan, 5 series, or something along those lines can be had for around 20k. An older model LS would be nice as well.

If you are buying new I would look into the following:

Ford Focus Titanium: ~23k

Chevy Cruze: ~21k

The best IMO, would be the Ford Fusion that will come out later this year:

2013 Ford Fusion: ~25k

Remember, at your price range and age it is better to look responsible instead of being a poser. Buying a new, reliable car will look great to the upper management. IMO it would be better to show up with a new Ford Focus than trying to "hang" with the big wigs by pulling up in a 10 year old 5 series.

 

[heymrdj]

I love the new focus and especially the 2013 fusion. But most likely if I buy new they will all be over budget. With gas getting higher I keep using my truck because I'm already in a hole. Trade isn't worth much (like 5.5k tops) and even private market is lucky to see 8k. Anything that does good on mpg seems to be creeping above msrp and their not really struggling to sell them either. I plan to hit smaller dealerships if I can when I'm ready, try to find places that are more willing to haggle. I could barely talk a big Kia dealership down to just 1.5k over MSRP and they still wanted to do finders fee and all that. I flipped them the bird. 25k for a fully loaded ! Soul is just stupid.

 

[Subyman]

I love the new focus and especially the 2013 fusion. But most likely if I buy new they will all be over budget. With gas getting higher I keep using my truck because I'm already in a hole. Trade isn't worth much (like 5.5k tops) and even private market is lucky to see 8k. Anything that does good on mpg seems to be creeping above msrp and their not really struggling to sell them either. I plan to hit smaller dealerships if I can when I'm ready, try to find places that are more willing to haggle. I could barely talk a big Kia dealership down to just 1.5k over MSRP and they still wanted to do finders fee and all that. I flipped them the bird. 25k for a fully loaded ! Soul is just stupid.

The focus starts a lot less than 23K, that is for the highest trim level. I'm not a big fan of the Soul's styling, but Kia is making a lot nicer cars today than they used to.

 

[soccerballtux]

As has been said in this thread, and having a weekend seeing alot of higher ups, I've come to the senses that it should definitely be what you want, regardless of the age bracket. So as of this time that will probably be a Soul, though with how far away a new car is probably in store for me I probably won't want its then current form, so another day I'll see what I like. Still, if money was no object, I'd take one of those Volvo C70 Inscriptions 😛.

see if you can rent one of those. I was pretty unhappy with the one I used as a rental. The tech options (bluetooth audio standard) were cool but after the week was up I hated the look of it, and I used to like the look of it a lot. That said if you like it go for it.

are you sure about buying new? Seeing the prices on those Lexus es300's, they really seem like a steal of a deal considering they've all been well maintained (upper-middle class owned). I don't feel like you'd be trying to keep with the upper management by owning one, either, seeing as the models you're we're looking at are 10 years old and aren't Mercedes or BMW. Lexus and Acura are a step below BMWs and are "luxury" but only barely. Sorry I'm trying to persuade you into that es300 I want one myself personally! just look at this! http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/2849760151.html bit high on price, you could get it for $8500 easy if not this one then another

 

[itisthumper]

Im a long time creeper and decided to make an account to reply to this thread as Im in a similar situation.

I will be graduating in 14 months and people in my major earn an average of $50k right out of college. Several interns are earning $15/hr already.

I currently drive a 96 camry and cant wait to replace it. I was thinking of a brand new BRZ or something but am now considering buying a used TSX/TL/IS at $12-$16k and driving that for a good 5 years. I can buy something really nice later on after I am where I want to be in my career.

 

[heymrdj]

see if you can rent one of those. I was pretty unhappy with the one I used as a rental. The tech options (bluetooth audio standard) were cool but after the week was up I hated the look of it, and I used to like the look of it a lot. That said if you like it go for it.

are you sure about buying new? Seeing the prices on those Lexus es300's, they really seem like a steal of a deal considering they've all been well maintained (upper-middle class owned). I don't feel like you'd be trying to keep with the upper management by owning one, either, seeing as the models you're we're looking at are 10 years old and aren't Mercedes or BMW. Lexus and Acura are a step below BMWs and are "luxury" but only barely. Sorry I'm trying to persuade you into that es300 I want one myself personally! just look at this! http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/ctd/2849760151.html bit high on price, you could get it for $8500 easy if not this one then another

I actually got a Soul + (2010 model) for free for a week from a Kia try before you buy event. They were taking just off lease models and pimping them out to try to get you to buy a new one. I think I made a post on it here in garage a while back..can't remember. Either way, I love the thing personally, excellent fit, it holds me and my fiance an my two trex bikes inside out of the weather easily (yay removable front wheels 😀) and it just has a nice tight feel to it. Interior noise could be better, but I haven't test driven a new 12 yet to see, that was supposedly made remarkably better. On top of that they have that new 2.0L GDI that's supposed to bring the Soul to 30/34mpg with the mated 6 spd, which I also hear is a drastic change for the better compared to the old 4spd that was in the 1.6L + model I drove. The car just seems to get me, though if there are any vehicles that have the interior cavern like the soul while still gettin 30+mpg I'd be glad to look at that 🙂.

My main reason for buying new is the fact I need a warranty, and a good one at that. I rather pay monthly for a car at a flat rate than to have sudden surprises like a 4000$ transmission job or a 5000$ engine swap. I can't do any of the work myself due to living arrangements and lack of tools, so I'm at the mercy of shops/dealerships on repair costs. At this time I simply can't afford many massive cash flows like that 😛. Building cash over the next few years would be better for me than to buy a used car flat out in cash, do the repairs it needs, and then on top of that be prepared for an emergency. I put on about 18k miles a year for my job, lots and lots of cruising ect. With Hyundai doing things like 200k/10year basic warranties that sets me up pretty good with not having to worry about anything other than insurance deductables and maintenance. I've even considered maybe leasing a car this first time around, which keeps the monthly payments for me around 230$ a month for a fully loaded Soul. With that I'd be a little over 2x my gas mileage that I currently get (avg about 12mpg hand calculated), not to mention the cost on those large 13.5" brakes.

So many many decisions to look at, plenty of time to do it 😀

 

[SearchMaster]

My main reason for buying new is the fact I need a warranty, and a good one at that. I rather pay monthly for a car at a flat rate than to have sudden surprises like a 4000$ transmission job or a 5000$ engine swap.

While it certainly can happen, and does happen, these types of failures are a rarity especially for a quality car like the early 00s ES's. I also don't get the mindset that "I can afford a $30K-40K car but can't afford a $5000 repair on a $10K car".

 

[heymrdj]

While it certainly can happen, and does happen, these types of failures are a rarity especially for a quality car like the early 00s ES's. I also don't get the mindset that "I can afford a $30K-40K car but can't afford a $5000 repair on a $10K car".

Wha? I said I budget half that. 15-25k is the range in the future, 30-40k was a dreamboat.

Secondly, why would you want to waste a 5k repair on a 10k car. If it comes up, now you've spent 15k on a car with still no warranty. What I'm saying is in the cash out vs monthly payment scenario, repairs like that slam your liquidity.

And you're right, the problems are a decent rarity (except for the RX300, it's transmission is a bomb waiting to go off). It's just when it does happen on a new to you car it's a crappy situation because you're paying for more than you're getting out of the vehicle.

If there's any used vehicles in a hatch style I'd be interested. But a sedan doesn't fit my lifestyle in terms of what I carry around. It needs that volumous rear end :sneaky:.

 

[exar333]

I'm not going tell the OP what to do, just what I did.

Last year, I made over 100k since I was overseas for half of 2011. When I got home, I needed a new car and told myself I had to get a fancy car since now I was a ''grown up'' (26) that needed to impress all the other grownups and women with. I test drove an Audi, a Mini, a BMW, looked at a Benz and spent a whole day searching for my dream car.

Drove home in a Ford Focus SE.

I wanted a sports car that got 30mpg, was grown up, and impress everyone; but, I realized that what I needed was a car that got good mileage and would get me to and from work reliably every day. Unless you have to drive clients around at least once a month or more (company should have a car for you to use if that's the case) just buy what you want, never do anything unless it's for your own betterment; trying to keep up with everyone else will leave you falling behind in the end.

This. Get something reliable and affordable and save-up cash for a fun car down the road. You can still keep the reliable car, and have something really fun on the side. 🙂

 

[heymrdj]

This. Get something reliable and affordable and save-up cash for a fun car down the road. You can still keep the reliable car, and have something really fun on the side. 🙂

I don't have the money or time for a "fun" side car 😛. I enjoy my cars being an appliance laden with electronics to entertain my long business drives. A car suiting every day of my life in fuel economy, power, and storage space is my fun 🙂. I love a car I can just beat day in and out, I probably leave the house 4-5 different times a day, during the summr I get us to the trails and all that. The Expedition has been a godsend for that, it's just starting to show some age at this point, and the mpg's are getting tough to swallow lol. If anything I'll probably keep the expy, continue modding it, and enjoy that even more fun weekend driver 🙂.

 

[exar333]

I don't have the money or time for a "fun" side car 😛. I enjoy my cars being an appliance laden with electronics to entertain my long business drives. A car suiting every day of my life in fuel economy, power, and storage space is my fun 🙂. I love a car I can just beat day in and out, I probably leave the house 4-5 different times a day, during the summr I get us to the trails and all that. The Expedition has been a godsend for that, it's just starting to show some age at this point, and the mpg's are getting tough to swallow lol. If anything I'll probably keep the expy, continue modding it, and enjoy that even more fun weekend driver 🙂.

Maybe down the road you have the time, or want a fun car. I didn't say right now. 🙂

Get what you like. Seriously. I made a few good friends in executive management because they like cars too. One is a MR2 nut, and the other is a Subaru guy (like me). They both have their boring sedans, but both also like to drive their fun cars to work, and talk cars as well. They like to tinker and play around with their cars too.

Just because you climb the business ladder, doesn't mean you should give-up and get a boring sedan if you really like other vehicles. Be yourself and folks will like that.

My company has a nice company car, but I prefer to drive clients and my management In my car, space permitting. You would be surprised that most folks didn't even know what a Z or WRX were, and they thought all Nissans and Subarus were boring. They bring it up a lot, and actually a few people at my office picked-up WRXs after seeing mine in the lot. Its a great conversation starter when you have a fun car, and not just another 328i BMW.

🙂

 

[disappoint]

Buick Verano with the 2.0T

 

[heymrdj]

Buick Verano with the 2.0T

Nice car, but a base price of 23k...kind of misses the thread a little 😛.

 

[disappoint]

Nice car, but a base price of 23k...kind of misses the thread a little 😛.

Ford Focus Titanium is $23k and the 2013 Ford Fusion is $25k which someone posted earlier.

 

[Doppel]

If your credit is good lease yourself a new camry or altima at ~$200 month with tax/title/fees being the only out of pocket. 12,000 miles/year and just forget it. No repairs, no maintenance other than oil changes. Now is a good time to lease. A lot of people who don't understand the total costs with a car will always say leasing is wrong, but they are not always right.

 

[dbk]

just get a throwback Acura..

 

[heymrdj]

Ford Focus Titanium is $23k and the 2013 Ford Fusion is $25k which someone posted earlier.

Yeah and as I told the poste I love them, but the price range is too high 🙂. But since this thread is a thread of generals that could actually work for someone else.

If your credit is good lease yourself a new camry or altima at ~$200 month with tax/title/fees being the only out of pocket. 12,000 miles/year and just forget it. No repairs, no maintenance other than oil changes. Now is a good time to lease. A lot of people who don't understand the total costs with a car will always say leasing is wrong, but they are not always right.

I have actually looked into it and like what I see. For about 2k in and 235 a month on my credit I can lease a 12 ! Soul fully loaded. That would give me enough time to get my cash up to get an even more awesome car later while letting me reap the benefits of going from 12.5mpg to a little over 30mpg, which at the 3.70/gal that gas is today is very helpful. The savings alone are about 95$ a month just in gas, and that's only work related gas.

just get a throwback Acura..

That comes a bit back to the warranty issue I was talking about.