New car ideas

[Doggiedog]

My buddy just had his 96 Altima stolen (which was then found stripped). He needs a new car around the $20K-$25K range. He likes the Volvo S40 but I'm telling him to get either the Jetta 1.8T or new Altima. He thinks the Jetta is a girls car and doesn't want the Altima because he fears it will be stolen again because of it's popularity.

He likes the S40 mainly because it is safe.

Anyone have any ideas? He's not into performance mainly safety, reliability and looks. He's not interested in Camrys or Accords.

 

[toph99]

how about a Taurus? that is, of course, if he doesn't mind the ugly factor 😉

 

[tontod]

2002 Subaru WRX or 2001 Audi A4 1.8T

 

[cyclistca]

As much as I like Volvo's the S40 is actually an old design. It was around in Europe for serveral years before they started to sell it here. It not as ergonomic as some newer cars. It also only comes with a auto.

I have no idea where this Jetta is a girls car thing came from. I have serveral friends with them and none are girls. I guess it's either a regional or American thing.

My choose would be the Jetta. Just hold off for the 2002 version. HP is going from 150 to 170.

 

[prontospyder]

2002 Altima.....looks like they're arriving at dealers this week. 🙂

 

[ShadowHunter]

How about a new Mitsu Eclipse? A decked out Spyder (convertible version) is like $28k. The decked out Eclipse is around $25k. Sporty, sexy looking, and Jap reliability. Doesn't get any better!

However, I guarantee someone will say "no way, Mitsu's suck. They are totally unreliable!" which is a totally retarded generalization. My Mitsu is 11 yrs old with 150,000 miles and is going super-strong.

 

[Rent]

Does it have to be NEW? If so, then I'd look at :

Jetta or Golf VR6 - if hes not going to modify the car, then a 1.8t is just a waste.
RSX-Type S
WRX
Mazda MP3 (I need to test drive one...)
Prelude

or if he can get a used car -

'97-'98 Maxima SE
'99-'00 Contour SVT (my pick!)

 

[natto fire]

i have read that the mp3 is underpowered and by looking at its times it does seem that way. but i hear that it handles well. and you cant argue with an in-dash MP3 player...

 

[Doggiedog]

My friend doesn't need anything sporty. He wants something safe and utilitarian. Fast cars I can advise him on. Average stuff I'm not up to date with.

 

[Rent]

Its a 130hp I believe which is pretty weak. However, the car is small and light (and it'd be even lighter if they took that ricey wing off of it).

Its alot like a Nissan Sentra SE-R(previous gen, not the upcoming). I'm willing to bet Mazda restricted a lot of airflow and has some small piping running thru the car to keep it from hitting 150-160hp.



<< i have read that the mp3 is underpowered and by looking at its times it does seem that way. but i hear that it handles well. and you cant argue with an in-dash MP3 player... >>