It may be new car time

[shocksyde]

Although I love my '99 Altima with the intensity of 1,000 suns, I believe it's time for it to go.

I've been rummaging around the net looking at all the manufacturer car sites and am having a hard time narrowing my choices down. I'm willing to spend around $20,000. But spending less is always better.

I'm looking for:

- Faster than a 150hp Altima
- Small-ish in size with good handling (I love ripping corners)
- Good looks (I'm picky as hell for some reason)
- Import (I've NEVER liked domestic cars, but see if you can change my mind)
- Automatic transmission

Things I don't really care about:

- Gas mileage (work 1 mile from home)
- Audio system (would most likely upgrade)

Cars already eliminated:

- Nissan Line-up
- German Cars (screw those part prices, my coworker just got an Audi A6 and is already being raped for parts)

The only cars I've really considered so far are a used Lexus IS 250 or 300. It seems I could get a 2004 for ~$20,000. The IS series should give you an idea of the size/horsepower I'm looking for.

Thanks a bunch for any help in advance. And apologies for YAWCSIBT (cookie awarded to whoever guesses the acronym!)

 

[tbike06]

Yet another what car should i buy thread

 

[Chunkee]

whynot another Nissan? seems like yours is doing pretty well for you? want something fun to drive that takes corners in that price range...1 year old 2007 VW GTI...

jC

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: tbike06
Yet another what car should i buy thread

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: Chunkee
whynot another Nissan? seems like yours is doing pretty well for you? want something fun to drive that takes corners in that price range...1 year old 2007 VW GTI...

jC

I don't like the styling path that Nissan has taken recently.

 

[bruceb]

A used 1-2 year old Ponitac GTO would do nice. And you can get it for well
under $20K .. V8, 400HP & a 6 Speed Manual .. Rear Wheel Drive .. Doesn't
look too bad

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: bruceb
A used 1-2 year old Ponitac GTO would do nice. And you can get it for well
under $20K .. V8, 400HP & a 6 Speed Manual .. Rear Wheel Drive .. Doesn't
look too bad

I forgot to mention (now added) in my OP that I need an Automatic Transmission. I know, I know...

 

[bruceb]

You might find some with an auto ... But if it is a short commute,
learn to shift. Much more fun to drive that way.

 

[zanejohnson]

08' Accord Coupe v6

very luxurios, pretty darn fast... 268hp

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: zanejohnson
08' Accord Coupe v6

very luxurios, pretty darn fast... 268hp

You think I'm better off buying a new Honda since I won't save much buying a 1 or 2 year old one (they hold their value well)?

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

What's wrong with the 3.5 Nissan Altima? You could get one used, it has about 270 HP and looks like a great all around car.

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: SoundTheSurrender
What's wrong with the 3.5 Nissan Altima? You could get one used, it has about 270 HP and looks like a great all around car.

I'll consider it, but I really don't like the styling. Nissan's cars seem to be getting bigger and bigger.

Lurking around the Accord Coupe section at Honda's site might get me in trouble. A V6 Accord Coupe might be out of my price range.

 

[SnOop005]

2008 G35 sedan

 

[crosshairs]

Originally posted by: SoundTheSurrender
What's wrong with the 3.5 Nissan Altima? You could get one used, it has about 270 HP and looks like a great all around car.

Thats what I was going to suggest..I'm currently driving a 2001 Altima with 122k on it, when it hits 200K, I'm gonna look for a year or 2 old Altima... 200K for me will be in about 2 years with the amount of driving I do now...

The car is great on gas and very fun to drive with the 5 Speed..Not a sports car by any stretch of the imagination, but just enough to keep me interested.

 

[Jeff7181]

I LOVE my Altima Coupe, but you'll have a hard time getting one for under 20k, even a bare bones 2.5... dealers just don't have to try to sell them it seems.

Another option would be the new Lancer (just the Lancer, not the Evolution X)... the Mitsubishi guys next to where I work look like they have quite a bit of fun whipping around the parking lot and private streets in it. The handling is supposed to be great, in GTS trim anyway.

 

[HannibalX]

You won't buy a domestic car yet your less than ten year old Japanese car is near death?

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: Pale Rider
You won't buy a domestic car yet your less than ten year old Japanese car is near death?

Where did I say it's near death? I've had it for 5 years now, it's just been in an accident, it's got 150k miles on it, and I would like a new car.

And where did I say I wouldn't buy domestic because of questionable reliability?

You do a lot of assuming.

 

[bruceb]

So it has 150K & been in a small accident. Big deal. My 1999 Grand Prix was
rear ended, I was at a full stop, so was Lexus SUV behind me, another car
hit him & then I got it. Trunk Lid, Bumper cap, rebar, some sheet metal inside
the trunk. Insurance paid me $5400 after they knew I just installed a transmission.
They actually totaled it. I fixed it & put all new struts & mounts in for about $4800
total. So I am still ahead. Just waiting now for my rental to be paid $540 & my
deductible back $500 ... and it has 170K on it ..... Rust Free (in New Jersey)

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: bruceb
So it has 150K & been in a small accident. Big deal. My 1999 Grand Prix was
rear ended, I was at a full stop, so was Lexus SUV behind me, another car
hit him & then I got it. Trunk Lid, Bumper cap, rebar, some sheet metal inside
the trunk. Insurance paid me $5400 after they knew I just installed a transmission.
They actually totaled it. I fixed it & put all new struts & mounts in for about $4800
total. So I am still ahead. Just waiting now for my rental to be paid $540 & my
deductible back $500 ... and it has 170K on it ..... Rust Free (in New Jersey)

That's great for you and all, but I've already explained why I'm looking for a new car and don't feel like arguing with people over my personal opinion.

 

[SoundTheSurrender]

I have been in the same position.

Other cars I was considering other then the 3.5 Altima were
MazdaSpeed3 and G35.

 

[LordMorpheus]

Used Lincoln LS V8. Great cars.

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: LordMorpheus
Used Lincoln LS V8. Great cars.

Although I don't doubt it, I'm looking for a smaller car.

 

[sniperruff]

i will sing my praise for my 05' altima SE again. ok interior, decent ride, lots of room, looks great, dirt cheap used, great engine, 18mpg mostly city driving.

 

[shocksyde]

I'm just not a fan of the Altima's look these days. Can't help it.

Right now I'd say it's between a new Accord Coupe and a used IS 250.

 

[HannibalX]

Originally posted by: shocksyde

Originally posted by: Pale Rider
You won't buy a domestic car yet your less than ten year old Japanese car is near death?

Where did I say it's near death? I've had it for 5 years now, it's just been in an accident, it's got 150k miles on it, and I would like a new car.

And where did I say I wouldn't buy domestic because of questionable reliability?

You do a lot of assuming.

Yeah I do. You edited your message to include more info.

Kind of like you assume about domestics eh?

LS8 isn't a large car btw. It's similar in size to your Altima.