Cheap New Car

[slackerinabox]

You can get an elantra for close to $10k if you're very good at bargaining.... That is simply the best car you can get for your budget... Scions are nice but will cost more... I would not go the kia route right now - the redesigned (2005 models) are VERY nice and the press say that the build quality bests domestic cars and are up their with Japanese cars.. BUt the last generation kias (sephias and rios) are gambles... Wait for a 2005 kia or get an elantra...

if you were going for a slightly used car there are more options (though not much more)...

 

Maybe it was already mentioned, by why not get a used car? New ones depreciate after you drive off the lot......

 

[Ryan]

Scion

 

[Ogg]

Im cheap Ill admit it.
Also, I still love my Elantra GLS wagon!
No problems yet

 

[rmrf]

Originally posted by: Lawrencetan21
GeoMetro! They still make them?

no longer made.

 

[slackerinabox]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: RossMAN
If you must have a brand new car I would look no further than the Hyundai Elantra GLS which you can get for a little over $10,000 with manual transmission, 5/60 bumper to bumper warranty and 10/100 powertrain coverage with free roadside assistance.

Best post in this entire thread as usual. The Mazda3 starts at over $14,000 and it does not have power windows, locks, or even a/c. If you must buy new, this Hyundai is probably your best bet in terms of features for the price. Despite what many people think, Hyundai's reliability still isn't even close to Japanese or domestic brands. With their warranty, however, the reliability might not even matter to you.

My recommendation is to buy a year or 2 old Mazda Protege or Toyota Corrolla (though the Toyota will cost a touch more) for around $10-11,000.

From what I heard the protege's aren't as good as elantras as far as reliability goes... I have an elantra for nearly 2 years now.. my biggest beef with it is that the interior is very dated and there are slight fit and finish issues... These were taken care of at the dealership but it's worth nothing that you may notice annoying things like the glove compartment sticking a bit... My dad's $40,000 chyrsler has had far worse problems though... Oh yeah, my elantra's not exactly a gas whore but I still think it's not very efficient... It's a peppier engine than most cars in it's class though - my friend owns a base civic and loves driving my elantra...

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
From what I heard the protege's aren't as good as elantras as far as reliability goes... I have an elantra for nearly 2 years now.. my biggest beef with it is that the interior is very dated and there are slight fit and finish issues... These were taken care of at the dealership but it's worth nothing that you may notice annoying things like the glove compartment sticking a bit... My dad's $40,000 chyrsler has had far worse problems though... Oh yeah, my elantra's not exactly a gas whore but I still think it's not very efficient... It's a peppier engine than most cars in it's class though - my friend owns a base civic and loves driving my elantra...

Where exactly did you hear this? Mazda has consistantly been well above the Korean manufacturers in the JD Powers initial and long term reliability studies. Not saying the Protege specifically is higher than all Hyundais, but you are less likely, statistically, to get a lemon Mazda.

Mazda isn't really all that great in terms of reliability, but in my opinion, you would still be better off purchasing a slightly used Japanese vehicle.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Used Civic.

- M4H

 

[RossMAN]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: freedomsbeat212
From what I heard the protege's aren't as good as elantras as far as reliability goes... I have an elantra for nearly 2 years now.. my biggest beef with it is that the interior is very dated and there are slight fit and finish issues... These were taken care of at the dealership but it's worth nothing that you may notice annoying things like the glove compartment sticking a bit... My dad's $40,000 chyrsler has had far worse problems though... Oh yeah, my elantra's not exactly a gas whore but I still think it's not very efficient... It's a peppier engine than most cars in it's class though - my friend owns a base civic and loves driving my elantra...

Where exactly did you hear this? Mazda has consistantly been well above the Korean manufacturers in the JD Powers initial and long term reliability studies. Not saying the Protege specifically is higher than all Hyundais, but you are less likely, statistically, to get a lemon Mazda.

Mazda isn't really all that great in terms of reliability, but in my opinion, you would still be better off purchasing a slightly used Japanese vehicle.

Agreed.

I would buy a used Mazda Protege (properly maintained of course) in a heart beat over a brand new Hyundai Elantra.