Need help with a newer car purchase

NinjaGnome

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2001
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Well its time to get rid of my loud gas guzzling truck since I have no practical use for it any longer and am looking for a good vehicle. I am looking for something with pretty good gas mileage (at least 25mpg highway), is comfortable, and is reliable. I have been looking at all types of vehicles and I would definitely like to stay away from any dodge or chrysler vehicles. This vehicle will need to last me the next 4 years with minimal maintenance costs as well. Oh and I cant stress this enough, I would like a nice quiet ride.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
 

RedArmy

Platinum Member
Mar 1, 2005
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Does it need certain features like sunroof or AWD? Any power requirements (hp, torque)?, Coupe?, Sedan?. What kind of cars have caught your attention? Just some simple questions to try and narrow it down. Also, new or used?
 

xanis

Lifer
Sep 11, 2005
17,571
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Check Edmunds to see what you can get for your budget. A good choice would be an '02 Nissan Maxima GLE with reasonable mileage, which can be had for about $11K.
 

raildogg

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
12,892
572
126
2003-2004 Honda Accord is possible. Great car in every day. Mileage, comfort, ride, fun, reliability and resale value. I also like that styling better than the 2006-2007 models.
 

NinjaGnome

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2001
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76
definitely used, i dont care about power, nice features are always a good thing.

Are civics quiet in the cabin? I want as little noise on the inside as possible.
 

NinjaGnome

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2001
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76
ove been searching through autotrader and looking at edmunds and theres a 2003 Subaru Legacy Sedan that caught my eye. How are they reliability wise? and MPG? Its the 4cyl with AWD
 

Thegonagle

Diamond Member
Jun 8, 2000
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Maybe a Mazda 3 ("i" version), if you step toward the very high end of your price range. I believe the first year was '04.

Or else look around for the newest, lowest mileage, Ford Focus you can find... That hasn't been a rental car! I'd do the Carfax thing. It'll tell you if it was registered as a rental car when it was new.)

Whatever you think about buying, it's best to get it checked out buy a reputable mechanic before you write the check, or buy certified pre-owned from a reputable new-car dealer. Often times, this means you get a "free" extended factory warranty.
 

NinjaGnome

Platinum Member
Jul 21, 2001
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looks like a good car except that the JD power ratings for mechanical qualtiy are low. My wife likes the looks of this car as well.
 

mwtgg

Lifer
Dec 6, 2001
10,491
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Originally posted by: NinjaGnome
ove been searching through autotrader and looking at edmunds and theres a 2003 Subaru Legacy Sedan that caught my eye. How are they reliability wise? and MPG? Its the 4cyl with AWD

I have a 2000 Subaru Outback and I've had no problems with it at all. So I have no problems recommending Subarus, in fact, my next car is going to be a WRX.

Reliability-wise, they're nothing out of the ordinary. I've just had to do scheduled maintenance.
MPG? 20-28 avg.