New Car!

siyan

Member
Dec 27, 2004
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I feel the need to trade in my trusty 2001 Grand Am for something fresher.

Currently debating vs:
VW Jetta 2.5 (ie: not the turbo version)
Mazda 6 (2.3L)
Subaru Impreza SE (WRX too rich for my blood)

I'm quite confident that all of these cars have enough oomph for my purposes, and I want something that feels solid and safe in the snow and on ice. Fuel economy is also a fairly important concern.

Main purpose is to get me to work. Utility car with a dash of fun. Usually just me in it, sometimes the gf.

I'm torn...there just isn't enough that I'm seeing to really distinguish one car from another (outside of the Impreza AWD of course, but it also loses points for not looking as good imo).

Any opinions appreciated!
 

SketchMaster

Diamond Member
Feb 23, 2005
3,100
149
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Go test drive all three. And then go test drive some other cars just for kicks, the more you touch and feel the more you know what you really want/need.
 

Phlargo

Senior member
Jul 21, 2004
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I might consider the Mazda 3 over the Mazda 6. Especially the cool little hatch with that dark blue color. Nice car.

I like all those cars. The Subaru is the choice if you're in a tough terrain/climate region. With the Jetta falling second.
 

Malak

Lifer
Dec 4, 2004
14,696
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I've heard unsatisfied comments about Jettas, and I don't like the looks of the Impreza, so I'd have to suggest Mazda. I had a Mazda once, great car. Wish I had kept it.
 

fbrdphreak

Lifer
Apr 17, 2004
17,555
1
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Don't get the Jetta.

If you get a four cylinder Mazda, get the 3. The 6 is too large for the I-4 engine.

The Impreza non-WRX will still have higher insurance rates. Look at a Legacy 2.5i, but it is a bit bigger & thus a bit slower. However Subbie's are very reliable, have GREAT safety ratings (the best actually), and AWD is great for inclement weather.
 

brtspears2

Diamond Member
Nov 16, 2000
8,659
1
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When I was looking for a new car, I came to these conculsions:
Impreza is just too small
Jetta - too many bad stories about electrical nightmares, I don't care if it is a new model
Camry - like a sofa
Accord - the best inexpensive midsized car you can get, though a bit tough to get a good price
Mazda 6 - nice handling, $5250 off with dealer, financing, and rebate incentives. Base engine is so-so with automatic transmission.

I bought the Mazda 6 with automatic transmission. Does the job, gets 30 mpg in my heavy traffic driving in LA. Good car, no dash though.
 

SketchMaster

Diamond Member
Feb 23, 2005
3,100
149
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Also are you talking new as in new to you, or new as in still has the stickers on it new?

If you want a new car with AWD I would suggest you to go look at a Suzuki SX4, not as fast as a Subi' but cheaper to buy and insure. I have one and it has been doing great in the snow.
 

siyan

Member
Dec 27, 2004
56
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0
Originally posted by: JBT
Jetta, electrical problems....

I've heard so much about this, but its all be anecdotal. Anybody have some semi-solid facts?

And yes, this will be a new-with-stickers car. Maybe a 2006 clearance/demo model though.
 

JBT

Lifer
Nov 28, 2001
12,094
1
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Originally posted by: siyan
Originally posted by: JBT
Jetta, electrical problems....

I've heard so much about this, but its all be anecdotal. Anybody have some semi-solid facts?

And yes, this will be a new-with-stickers car. Maybe a 2006 clearance/demo model though.

I've had two Jetta's in my life. Both had electrical problems with the radio, heater, dash lights, head lights and starter. Also the accelerator stuck on my 2nd one on number of times on cold days. My brother in law had one and had constant problems and expensive issues with his power windows and starter as well.
This along with all the other stories I've heard make me steer away from VW's in general.
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
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Originally posted by: siyan
Originally posted by: JBT
Jetta, electrical problems....

I've heard so much about this, but its all be anecdotal. Anybody have some semi-solid facts?

And yes, this will be a new-with-stickers car. Maybe a 2006 clearance/demo model though.

I had a 2000 Jetta and it was riddled with electrical problems. The dash lights and headlights went out all the time, problems with the power windows, remote locks, etc...

Not worth the trouble IMO