Help me decide on first car purchase

[syzygy]

Budget is about 25K, +/-1K (with tax, delivery, etc.)

Strongly prefer new . . . I've been eyeing the Scion tc, Mazda 3
and Chevy Cobalt.

Leaning towards the Tc which i've spec'ed out with performance
brakes, TRD coil-overs, rear sway bar, and ground effect kit -
all under 25K.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[CRXican]

why something new?

 

[Gibson486]

25K? Do Scions and Mazda 3's even hit that price?

 

[chin311]

for around 22k you can get a new mazdaspeed3

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: chin311
for around 22k you can get a new mazdaspeed3

or a cobalt SS

edit: the cobalt SS will trash the scion tC, MS3, VW GTI, etc. (it *is* the fastest car in its class). though it definitely looks ricier, heh. as always, do yourself the favor of driving the cars in which you are interested!

 

[MiataNC]

Mazdaspeed3 @25K (and deals to be found even lower) for a loaded GT.

Of the cars you mentioned nothing even comes close in performance or smiles per mile.

 

[vi edit]

Dealers around here are offering G8 GT's for around $27k. I'd save a few more bucks and go that route if $25k was my budget.

Or I'd buy a lightly used G37/G35. $25k can buy you a lot of car.

 

[KIAman]

Sounds like you want something fast and toss-able. I'd also consider

1. Subaru Impreza WRX
2. Honda Civic SI

 

[Knavish]

Originally posted by: syzygy
Budget is about 25K, +/-1K (with tax, delivery, etc.)

Strongly prefer new . . . I've been eyeing the Scion tc, Mazda 3
and Chevy Cobalt.

Leaning towards the Tc which i've spec'ed out with performance
brakes, TRD coil-overs, rear sway bar, and ground effect kit -
all under 25K.

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

The tC is a toyota, should be reliable, looks pretty good, is available with factory warranted customizations, but ... isn't it slow? I thought even with the $3000+ supercharager option it still couldn't get under a 7sec 0-60.

Mazdaspeed3!
Cobalt SS!
VW GTI? (maybe too expensive?)

 

[ayabe]

Unless you want a track car, the Cobalt is really a POS.

If you absolutely have to go FWD then MS3 is the best overall in that group.

If you want a DSG and a nicer interior, well then go for the VW.

Scion is a joke with or without factory rice, it's just a more expensive joke with than without.

Edit - Even though I don't care for them, the Genesis coupe 2.0T would also be in your price range.

 

[tbike06]

I would definitely look at the Genesis coupe

 

[krunchykrome]

hmm, 25K budget?

Sounds like you don't need an SUV by the car choices you mentioned.

In that case, I'd go with a Subaru WRX or a Honda Accord

 

[Funyuns101]

definitely speed3 or wrx
dealers were offering the lower trim for about $18k a couple months ago~

 

[thomsbrain]

$25K will get you a Honda S2000 with less than 15,000 miles on the odometer.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: tbike06
I would definitely look at the Genesis coupe

totally forgot about the genesis coupe. good mention :thumbsup:

 

[JJ650]

Psssh.
For 25k I would look for a used G8 Gt with about 4k on the odometer (which can be found).
But....that's me.

 

[NaOH]

i would not pay that much for a tC

 

[chin311]

if it was me id probably got the wrx route, just cant see wanting 260hp 280 lb torque going to a FWD car...

or a used G-series like someone else mentioned

 

[syzygy]

thank you so much for the replies.

i was initially torn between the Tc and the Mazda 3.

But now I'm going to have another long look at the Genesis and WRX,
although I think the former is too bulky and the later too dull in looks.

See this story about a JD Power quality rating ranking the Tc 3rd -->Yahoo
and Forbes

Yes, I do want something small, sporty, reliable. I don't have any use for high HP cars.

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: syzygy
thank you so much for the replies.

i was initially torn between the Tc and the Mazda 3.

But now I'm going to have another long look at the Genesis and WRX,
although I think the former is too bulky and the later too dull in looks.

See this story about a JD Power quality rating ranking the Tc 3rd -->Yahoo
and Forbes

Yes, I do want something small, sporty, reliable. I don't have any use for high HP cars.

Yea but you don't want to spend mid 20's on a Tc. That's way too much for any standard/non-special compact car.

 

[Jumpem]

WRX.

 

[amdhunter]

Originally posted by: Jumpem
WRX.

Seconded! The new WRX Sedan is absolutely gorgeous! I saw one at the Subaru dealer and I am fighting the urge to go and pick it up.

I WISH WISH WISH WISH WISH the STi comes out with that body. I guarantee I'd have it the very first day it was out.

Gorgeous

 

[vshah]

obligatory vote for my own car: civic SI

 

[thomsbrain]

Originally posted by: amdhunter

Originally posted by: Jumpem
WRX.

Seconded! The new WRX Sedan is absolutely gorgeous! I saw one at the Subaru dealer and I am fighting the urge to go and pick it up.

I WISH WISH WISH WISH WISH the STi comes out with that body. I guarantee I'd have it the very first day it was out.

Gorgeous

The regular WRX is considered by most magazines to be the superior buy over the STi, thanks to Subraru's latest round of upgrades to the WRX. It's roughly as quick in a straight line despite the paper power disadvantage, it rides much more comfortably without giving up handling, and its way cheaper. It's a no-brainer if you're set on an Imprezza.

 

[zinfamous]

I'm in the speed3 or WRX crowd for that budget.

Though I'm not a fan of the 2010 mazda3, even the speed3 looks a bit fugly.

maybe find a "new" 2007 speed3?