Looking for a new car, any reccomendations?

[tuffgong]

I modified the post because I am focusing on my next car rather than the sale of my current vehicle.

I currently own a 1993 Toyota Celica ST. It's my first car and I love it. I've been shopping around for a new or used car, ideally in the $10k-$20k range, and I must say there is not much I like.

I would like to stick to Toyota or Nissan. I do like the 350Z, but it's too expensive for me right now. The Altima also looks good, but I'm being a bit of a penny pincher because of my current gig.

I just need something small and reliable with good gas mileage and cheap repair cost. I plan to pass it down to a sibling in a handful or years anyway.

The only Toyotas I'm considering are the Corolla and the Matrix.

Anyone with any experience driving any of the above-mentioned vehicles?

 

[nakedfrog]

$1,500-1,800 on a good day?

 

[tuffgong]

Wow, you're pretty accurate. I'm hoping for $1,800. I already had an offer for $1,500.

 

[alpineranger]

yaris? cheaper, smaller, more fuel efficient than the corolla, and at least as reliable. How about one of the scions? If you are open to other manufacturers outside toyota and nissan and elaborate on your criteria (in order of importance) we can help you better

 

[tuffgong]

Criteria:

1) Reliability
2) Cost
3) MPG
4) Looks (I don't particularly like the way the Yari looks...still better then the Echo)

It's also important for repair costs to be low. I'm willing to go Ford, Toyota, Nissan and maybe Chevrolet.

 

[T2urtle]

10-20k you have to close it down to a bit more.

you mention 350z being too much and then penny pincher. You can really get a used 350z like a 03-04 base model with 50k for about 18.5 that is before haggling. there are so many of them they are probaly struggling to get the older ones out. I like the Z a lot more then the g35 but i want that tiny tiny backseat. I would get the g35 coupe if it was a hatch.

Matrix are nice, you can get a 03-05 g35 sedan/coupe for under 20k in most given markets.

mazda 3 is always a nice car. get a 2.3 hatchback or sedan for about 15k

scion TC brand new nearing 18-19k matches the celica pretty much. would recommend the other scions but its probaly not to your likings.

i think for 20k a brand new accord MIGHT be had. 4 cylinder base models of course. but still should be a nice upgrade to your old car.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

You sound like a Honda Prelude or Accord Coupe kinda guy to me.

 

[tuffgong]

I've only ever driven my Celica. Well, I did drive my uncle's Camry a couple of times, but it's too big for my liking.

I didn't mention that I need an automatic (yes I know, not very sporty of me).

Looking at some used Celicas at the moment, but considering Corolla, Altima, Civic and the Fit.

 

[KDKPSJ]

Well, if Camry is too big for you, Altima is too big for you as well, unless you want those older Altima or Altima Coupe. So, leave that one out.

Why don't you check out tC? It's basically Celica in with Scion brand. Toyota named it tC in order to not conflict with XC from Volvo, but it's also well-known that tC stands for Toyota Celica. They are that similar. It has fairly good mpg, great reliability, fairly cheap, and it looks fine.

 

[evident]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
You sound like a Honda Prelude or Accord Coupe kinda guy to me.

:thumbsup:

has everything you need in that order

 

[CptCrunch]

I have a 2006 toyota corolla, and I like it. Great ride on the interstate, great gas mileage, worst was 27.5ish in the winter, best was 35mpg, average of 32-33mpg(and I dont drive like a grandma), S package is very nice, some more wind noise on the interstate than I'd like, interior a bit bland, only fits 4 adults, truck is a decent size. Any other questions, feel free to PM me. I got mine, 2006 Corolla S for 14.5kOTD back in January 2006. If you can find the same model year you can score some deals, if not, the 2009 looks nice.