Looking at getting a car

[TechBoyJK]

Ok, I'm looking at getting a new car in the next month or so. I'm not in a hurry, but I'd like to get something that will be classy, fun, reliable, etc.

current ride

I was thinking about keeping it trifty and just getting a newer civic, new rims(current ones are "bruised"), new stereo, etc. and just calling it a day. I could get a new one with the features I want for $250 per month with about $3000 invested into upgrades. It was either the civic or maybe the new Chevy cobalt SS(the fast one). I had a cavalier back in 2000 and it was the suck. It was a piece of crap. But I read alot of good things about the cobalt, and I think if I just had it for a year or two, I could get the best out of it and be on to something else before it starts to break down. But then I start thinking about it,..... I'm thinking I should just spend the extra money and get something that I will really enjoy and will be a "trophy" of my recent successes.

I'm 25, and while my driving record isn't perfect, it isn't nearly bad enough to keep me out of a sports car.... insurance wise.......

So, I was thinking I could pick up something like an S2000 or a Z3..... or maybe even an M3...... I need to keep it under $22K......

I was just looking at this and I really like it.... BMW

 

[azazyel]

Originally posted by: TechBoyJK
But then I start thinking about it,..... I'm thinking I should just spend the extra money and get something that I will really enjoy and will be a "trophy" of my recent successes.

a bigger bank account doesn't cut it?

 

[Ns1]

325 is the ultimate yuppie car

s2k will be cool and leave you a couple grand in the bank

 

[dirtboy]

In case someone hasn't told you yet, repair bills on out-of-warranty European cars are going to be high. Parts are 2-3 times more expensive than your typical domestic.

I'm not trying to sway you away from the BMW, but if you don't think it will ever break, you'll be mistaken. When it does, make sure you have lots of money sitting around.

 

[Howard]

Used IS300?

 

[vi edit]

An S2000 or a similar roadster would be next to useless in the midwest if it was your daily driver.

There's about 12 days a year that it's nice enough to have the top down on it, and not have to worry about a thunderstorm rolling in 5 minutes after you go inside and drenching the inside of your car.

They are RWD and would suck in the snow too.

Fun weekend cars. Not a daily driver for the midwest.

You can get away with it in the Southwest...but not here.

 

[TechBoyJK]

Originally posted by: vi_edit
An S2000 or a similar roadster would be next to useless in the midwest if it was your daily driver.

There's about 12 days a year that it's nice enough to have the top down on it, and not have to worry about a thunderstorm rolling in 5 minutes after you go inside and drenching the inside of your car.

They are RWD and would suck in the snow too.

Fun weekend cars. Not a daily driver for the midwest.

You can get away with it in the Southwest...but not here.

good point. I was also thinking about a hybrid ford escape......

 

[Mill]

Don't go 22k for a German car. Either you are getting out of warranty or going barrel scraper (318 or stripped A4) for a slightly used model.

 

[JulesMaximus]

You think Chevy's are bad? Used BMWs are even worse. Whatever breaks will cost you 3 times to repair as it would on an American or Japanese car. Don't get me started on general maintenance items.

BMW & Mercedes don't exactly have the best record in reliability in recent years either.

 

Stick with a car you can afford to maintain.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
You think Chevy's are bad? Used BMWs are even worse. Whatever breaks will cost you 3 times to repair as it would on an American or Japanese car. Don't get me started on general maintenance items.

BMW & Mercedes don't exactly have the best record in reliability in recent years either.

BMW is fine. Mercedes might have a bit more, but their 2005/2006 MY is much better. You cannot forget that the typical BMW/Mercedes owner is a bit more picky than someone with a 560 FICO getting their first Ford Focus...

 

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
You think Chevy's are bad? Used BMWs are even worse. Whatever breaks will cost you 3 times to repair as it would on an American or Japanese car. Don't get me started on general maintenance items.

BMW & Mercedes don't exactly have the best record in reliability in recent years either.

BMW is fine. Mercedes might have a bit more, but their 2005/2006 MY is much better. You cannot forget that the typical BMW/Mercedes owner is a bit more picky than someone with a 560 FICO getting their first Ford Focus...

Picky? I see thousands of cookie cutter BMW and Benzoz driving all over town. I don't think they put much thought into their decision.

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: SampSon

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
You think Chevy's are bad? Used BMWs are even worse. Whatever breaks will cost you 3 times to repair as it would on an American or Japanese car. Don't get me started on general maintenance items.

BMW & Mercedes don't exactly have the best record in reliability in recent years either.

BMW is fine. Mercedes might have a bit more, but their 2005/2006 MY is much better. You cannot forget that the typical BMW/Mercedes owner is a bit more picky than someone with a 560 FICO getting their first Ford Focus...

Picky? I see thousands of cookie cutter BMW and Benzoz driving all over town. I don't think they put much thought into their decision.

So BMW and Mercedes have a model that sells more than the focus in the US? What model are you calling ubiquitous. 325? 330? M3? M5? 540? 740? SLK? CLK? SL?

Which one is cookie-cutter?

Last time I checked, the German makers were third in the US after the US makers and the Japanese makers. Considering there is only three of them, I really doubt that they are "cookie-cutter" by any means. Now, if you are solely speaking of 325's -- but that's painting with a broadbrush.

In fvcking Stuttgart I only saw about 5 new SLKs. Not a common car at all. 98% of the cars in Stuttgart are German -- and there was a healthy mix of different Audis, BMWS, MB, and VW. I'm trying to think of a vehicle as cookie-cutter as teh Civic, F-150, Explorer, Suburban, etc?


So, you don't think someone puts more thought into a car based on the nameplate?

 

[Theguynextdoor]

Get a used Chevy Corvette. Unless you don't like domestics, or need a back seat.

I love mine. Here's why:

Cheap for what you get realistically,

Good gas mileage, 21 around town 28-30 hwy (depending on how fast you're going 73MPH is the best). This is if you get the Auto, the M6 gets better gas.

Reliable, Mechanically anyways, it's so easy to do maintenence on it. The LS1's have been known to run well over 150k but none have died with regular maintnence yet. Not to many vette owners drive their car that much. Parts are cheap for it, however you won't be needing it.

Roomy if you're tall. It can comfortably hold someone up to 6' 5". The passenger side is even taller.

Lots of trunk room if you get the coupe version. Along with the coupe version you get to take off the roof (very easy to do) on nice days. The convertibale and FRC versions however have smaller trunks.

And the best part is, it's an absolute blast to drive.

 

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: SampSon

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
You think Chevy's are bad? Used BMWs are even worse. Whatever breaks will cost you 3 times to repair as it would on an American or Japanese car. Don't get me started on general maintenance items.

BMW & Mercedes don't exactly have the best record in reliability in recent years either.

BMW is fine. Mercedes might have a bit more, but their 2005/2006 MY is much better. You cannot forget that the typical BMW/Mercedes owner is a bit more picky than someone with a 560 FICO getting their first Ford Focus...

Picky? I see thousands of cookie cutter BMW and Benzoz driving all over town. I don't think they put much thought into their decision.

So BMW and Mercedes have a model that sells more than the focus in the US? What model are you calling ubiquitous. 325? 330? M3? M5? 540? 740? SLK? CLK? SL?

Which one is cookie-cutter?

Last time I checked, the German makers were third in the US after the US makers and the Japanese makers. Considering there is only three of them, I really doubt that they are "cookie-cutter" by any means. Now, if you are solely speaking of 325's -- but that's painting with a broadbrush.

In fvcking Stuttgart I only saw about 5 new SLKs. Not a common car at all. 98% of the cars in Stuttgart are German -- and there was a healthy mix of different Audis, BMWS, MB, and VW. I'm trying to think of a vehicle as cookie-cutter as teh Civic, F-150, Explorer, Suburban, etc?

The 3 series as a whole. Minus the m3.

Mercedes isn't as popular as BMW up here. Lot's of C class benzos up here when they are on the road. As well as SL series and SLK.

 

[wasssup]

WRX? I'm not a big fan of used cars and since the rex's are getting ugly for 06+ time's runnin out...

 

[Mill]

Originally posted by: SampSon

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: SampSon

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
You think Chevy's are bad? Used BMWs are even worse. Whatever breaks will cost you 3 times to repair as it would on an American or Japanese car. Don't get me started on general maintenance items.

BMW & Mercedes don't exactly have the best record in reliability in recent years either.

BMW is fine. Mercedes might have a bit more, but their 2005/2006 MY is much better. You cannot forget that the typical BMW/Mercedes owner is a bit more picky than someone with a 560 FICO getting their first Ford Focus...

Picky? I see thousands of cookie cutter BMW and Benzoz driving all over town. I don't think they put much thought into their decision.

So BMW and Mercedes have a model that sells more than the focus in the US? What model are you calling ubiquitous. 325? 330? M3? M5? 540? 740? SLK? CLK? SL?

Which one is cookie-cutter?

Last time I checked, the German makers were third in the US after the US makers and the Japanese makers. Considering there is only three of them, I really doubt that they are "cookie-cutter" by any means. Now, if you are solely speaking of 325's -- but that's painting with a broadbrush.

In fvcking Stuttgart I only saw about 5 new SLKs. Not a common car at all. 98% of the cars in Stuttgart are German -- and there was a healthy mix of different Audis, BMWS, MB, and VW. I'm trying to think of a vehicle as cookie-cutter as teh Civic, F-150, Explorer, Suburban, etc?

The 3 series as a whole. Minus the m3.

Mercedes isn't as popular as BMW up here. Lot's of C class benzos up here when they are on the road. As well as SL series and SLK.

Interesting -- I see tons of 3 series, but MB is much less as well as Audi. I, for sure, have heard much more bitching in the Audi/Porsche waiting room over minute details than in the Ford waiting room.

 

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: SampSon

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: SampSon

Originally posted by: Mill

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus
You think Chevy's are bad? Used BMWs are even worse. Whatever breaks will cost you 3 times to repair as it would on an American or Japanese car. Don't get me started on general maintenance items.

BMW & Mercedes don't exactly have the best record in reliability in recent years either.

BMW is fine. Mercedes might have a bit more, but their 2005/2006 MY is much better. You cannot forget that the typical BMW/Mercedes owner is a bit more picky than someone with a 560 FICO getting their first Ford Focus...

Picky? I see thousands of cookie cutter BMW and Benzoz driving all over town. I don't think they put much thought into their decision.

So BMW and Mercedes have a model that sells more than the focus in the US? What model are you calling ubiquitous. 325? 330? M3? M5? 540? 740? SLK? CLK? SL?

Which one is cookie-cutter?

Last time I checked, the German makers were third in the US after the US makers and the Japanese makers. Considering there is only three of them, I really doubt that they are "cookie-cutter" by any means. Now, if you are solely speaking of 325's -- but that's painting with a broadbrush.

In fvcking Stuttgart I only saw about 5 new SLKs. Not a common car at all. 98% of the cars in Stuttgart are German -- and there was a healthy mix of different Audis, BMWS, MB, and VW. I'm trying to think of a vehicle as cookie-cutter as teh Civic, F-150, Explorer, Suburban, etc?

The 3 series as a whole. Minus the m3.

Mercedes isn't as popular as BMW up here. Lot's of C class benzos up here when they are on the road. As well as SL series and SLK.

Interesting -- I see tons of 3 series, but MB is much less as well as Audi. I, for sure, have heard much more bitching in the Audi/Porsche waiting room over minute details than in the Ford waiting room.

Well I'm saying that we see a lot of 3 series around here. As well as C series. Porsche is also very common from low to top end.
Audi is all over, but the new ones arn't selling very well in my area.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: TechBoyJK
Ok, I'm looking at getting a new car in the next month or so. I'm not in a hurry, but I'd like to get something that will be classy, fun, reliable, etc.

Scion TC

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Theguynextdoor
Get a used Chevy Corvette. Unless you don't like domestics, or need a back seat.

I love mine. Here's why:

Cheap for what you get realistically,

Good gas mileage, 21 around town 28-30 hwy (depending on how fast you're going 73MPH is the best). This is if you get the Auto, the M6 gets better gas.

Reliable, Mechanically anyways, it's so easy to do maintenence on it. The LS1's have been known to run well over 150k but none have died with regular maintnence yet. Not to many vette owners drive their car that much. Parts are cheap for it, however you won't be needing it.

Roomy if you're tall. It can comfortably hold someone up to 6' 5". The passenger side is even taller.

Lots of trunk room if you get the coupe version. Along with the coupe version you get to take off the roof (very easy to do) on nice days. The convertibale and FRC versions however have smaller trunks.

And the best part is, it's an absolute blast to drive.

Agreed. My girl just got a nice 2001 for $25k. less then 30k and very well taken care of.

But if you want new the Cobalt SS in person is really nice. Nicer then i even thought.

 

[Theguynextdoor]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: Theguynextdoor
Get a used Chevy Corvette. Unless you don't like domestics, or need a back seat.

I love mine. Here's why:

Cheap for what you get realistically,

Good gas mileage, 21 around town 28-30 hwy (depending on how fast you're going 73MPH is the best). This is if you get the Auto, the M6 gets better gas.

Reliable, Mechanically anyways, it's so easy to do maintenence on it. The LS1's have been known to run well over 150k but none have died with regular maintnence yet. Not to many vette owners drive their car that much. Parts are cheap for it, however you won't be needing it.

Roomy if you're tall. It can comfortably hold someone up to 6' 5". The passenger side is even taller.

Lots of trunk room if you get the coupe version. Along with the coupe version you get to take off the roof (very easy to do) on nice days. The convertibale and FRC versions however have smaller trunks.

And the best part is, it's an absolute blast to drive.

Agreed. My girl just got a nice 2001 for $25k. less then 30k and very well taken care of.

But if you want new the Cobalt SS in person is really nice. Nicer then i even thought.

Agreed again. Also, the third/fourth largest forum on the internet is actually the Corvette forum. http://corvetteforum.com/

If you have any questions about it, you can expect an answer within SECONDS.

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Theguynextdoor

Originally posted by: Marlin1975

Originally posted by: Theguynextdoor
Get a used Chevy Corvette. Unless you don't like domestics, or need a back seat.

I love mine. Here's why:

Cheap for what you get realistically,

Good gas mileage, 21 around town 28-30 hwy (depending on how fast you're going 73MPH is the best). This is if you get the Auto, the M6 gets better gas.

Reliable, Mechanically anyways, it's so easy to do maintenence on it. The LS1's have been known to run well over 150k but none have died with regular maintnence yet. Not to many vette owners drive their car that much. Parts are cheap for it, however you won't be needing it.

Roomy if you're tall. It can comfortably hold someone up to 6' 5". The passenger side is even taller.

Lots of trunk room if you get the coupe version. Along with the coupe version you get to take off the roof (very easy to do) on nice days. The convertibale and FRC versions however have smaller trunks.

And the best part is, it's an absolute blast to drive.

Agreed. My girl just got a nice 2001 for $25k. less then 30k and very well taken care of.

But if you want new the Cobalt SS in person is really nice. Nicer then i even thought.

Agreed again. Also, the third/fourth largest forum on the internet is actually the Corvette forum. http://corvetteforum.com/

If you have any questions about it, you can expect an answer within SECONDS.

Thats where I found the Vette for my girl. Great site all round.