Need Used Car Suggestions, $10k-12k

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Playmaker

Golden Member
Sep 17, 2000
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I haven't had a car throughout college and I'm about to graduate with a job where I'll need to drive a good amount, so I'm in the market. I'd REALLY like to spend $18k-20k and find a '97-'99 M3 with reasonable miles, but I hope to go to law school after 2 years of working, so I just can't justify it given the fact that I also have loans from UG. Then again, what's $6k when I'll end up with $150k in loans after law school?

BUT, I'd rather be financially responsible and spend more in the $10k-12k range. However, I just can't find anything I remotely like in that area. I'd like a manual, but it seems like in my price range my options consist of Golfs, Jettas, Civics, Accords, etc., but they all feel like go-karts to me. I'd like something with SOME power. Any suggestions?
 
alkemyst

alkemyst

No Lifer
Feb 13, 2001
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what are you planning on paying out of pocket vs financing?

That makes a huge difference in used car recommendations.

If you have 18-20k cash, you should be able to start law school.

 
Captante

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
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Getting a larger car with a manual transmission is tough these days, especially in your price range... if you want the most reliable car, then the used Accord/Camry
route is the way to go & its possible you'll find one with a five speed, also although neither one can really be called powerful, you won't be afraid getting onto a highway.
If you want somthing faster with a five speed, your best bet is going to be a European sport-sedan like a small BMW or Saab but you'll be giving up quite a bit of reliability in the process & for a first car, the most important thing about it is that it starts when you turn the key in the morning.
 
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Playmaker

Golden Member
Sep 17, 2000
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I'll probably put $3k-5k down. Could go as high as $500 on financing, but I'd rather keep it in the $200-300 range over 48-60 months OR go $400-500 and pay it off over the 2 years before law school.

Regarding going law school right now, there's a reason why law has some of the lowest job satisfaction scores of any career. Law schools are full of kids who go straight from UG not sure if law is what they want to do, without even taking a law class. I've taken a few law classes and I'm 99% sure law is what I want to do, but I'd rather take 2 years off to make sure before making the leap. It would be different if I had my parents forking over the cash, but I've been self-financed for UG and will be for LS as well. Plus, I plan to travel here and there over the next 2 years.

Preludes aren't bad, maybe I'll look at them. I used to be the type of person who would never drive a Japanese car (foolishly, I know), but it looks like I'll probably end up following the herd.
 
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Playmaker

Golden Member
Sep 17, 2000
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Question on Honda Accords (easier asking here than looking it up)...Do only the 4cyls come in manual (1999-2002 or so), and what does the VTEC package add?

Thanks.
 
Captante

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
30,353
10,878
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Originally posted by: sniperruff
search for "used" in the forum.

and oh, maxima.
Click to expand...

Nice car & close to Camry & Accord for reliability, but almost impossible to find with a five-speed... good choice if you can live with an auto & one of the best engines around.
 
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pac1085

Diamond Member
Jun 27, 2000
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Get a used 99.5 - 2001.5 A4. They are in that price range, fun and manuals are easy to find. You can get software for the turbo and have plenty of power. Just hope things don't break, it gets expensive. The 1.8t can be made to be fast, the 2.8 is decen't but can't do much to get more power out of it aside from adding a blower.
 
Captante

Captante

Lifer
Oct 20, 2003
30,353
10,878
136
Originally posted by: Playmaker
Question on Honda Accords (easier asking here than looking it up)...Do only the 4cyls come in manual (1999-2002 or so), and what does the VTEC package add?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

AFAIK the 6 cylinder Accords are only automatic & aside from off the line arn't much faster then the base 4 cylinder models, VTEC is a variable valve timing system that Honda pioneered in production cars which allows a 4 cylinder engine to run much more efficiently
& make considerably more power.
 
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