Quest for a new car

[GasX]

I need a new car has 4 doors is ~$15K and has some "prestige" about it. I have taken a sales position and need to be driving a fairly nice car but want to keep it as economical as possible.

Here's some candidates:

Audi
Bimmer
Saab
Ford

Thoughts?

 

[N8Magic]

Go for the A4 1.8T Quattro.

It has the best combination of prestige, driving manners and mileage. You won't be sorry. (especially when you get some snow in NYC)

 

[The Dancing Peacock]

Audi
Saab
BMW
..
.
.
.
.
.
FORD

In that order. I like the looks of the SAAB. I've never driven an Audi, but my friend loved one he test drove. No matter how nice the Contour is to drive, it doesn't have the cache that one of those others does.

 

[thebestMAX]

Mwilding-

At that price??? Surely a used car!!!

You might be surprised by the Mitsubishi Gallant or the Hyundais but no recommendations from me!

 

[Mill]

Even though I am a Ford fan I gotta say BMW or Audi for the prestige portion. Can't believe I just said that.

 

[CraigRT]

I'd get the SVT Contour. those things are fast.

Saabs need to be fixed all the time, BMW is just plain too expensive, and Audi is just plain scrap.

 

[GasX]

I haven't sat in an Audi, but have always loved their looks and Quattro is a GOOD thing.

One question, how does their cost of upkeep compare to the BMW's?

 

[Spac3d]

I honestly wouldn't support you in buying any of these cars, but if you were, I would say the Audi.

Spac3d

 

[GasX]

what would you support?

 

[flood]

bmw :-]

 

[SuperGroove]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
I haven't sat in an Audi, but have always loved their looks and Quattro is a GOOD thing.

One question, how does their cost of upkeep compare to the BMW's?

1992-1994 Audi S4 or 1995 Audi S6(bit of a stretch). 227HP at 5900RPM, 258lb/t at 1900RPM. Sunroof on the 92, and the 93+ have moonroofs. Heated leather, 8 way memory seats. Keyless entry, automatic climate control(ICE COLD AC), tilt and telescope wheel. As for sound, decent Bose sound system. Did I mention that the car has ample torque It is in 5 speed livery only, but that's the only way to appreciate a turbocharged car.


However, bear in mind that BMWs, Audi's, and any other european import will cost A LOT in terms of repair. S4s need to have oil levels topped off more frequently than NA cars, a lot more electrical items to fail, and the brakes aren't up to the task of hauling down this 3800lb car. But any car that's near 10 years old, as well as ANY used car, demands a Pre purchase inspection.

For the money, the S4 fits the bill and then some. The only other car that I could imagine being better for the price is MAYBE the E34 BMW 540i 6 speed. With newer hondas and toyotas coming with 240HP V6s though(coupled to puny LSD-less FWD platforms), you might want to hold out for a car with a warranty.

 

[N8Magic]

Originally posted by: Mwilding
I haven't sat in an Audi, but have always loved their looks and Quattro is a GOOD thing.

One question, how does their cost of upkeep compare to the BMW's?

The cost of upkeep will be lower than that of the 328. Keep in mind though that the cost will be higher than that of a domestic.

Originally posted by: Yield

Saabs need to be fixed all the time, BMW is just plain too expensive, and Audi is just plain scrap.

You have GOT to be kidding me. A Ford more reliable than an Audi? PLEASE. Remember that the 1.8T is one of the top five engines in the world as voted by automotive journalists.

The 2.5L Duratec/SVT engine is a good engine, but not THAT good.

 

[notfred]

SVT Contour!

 

[Rent]

Originally posted by: notfred
SVT Contour!

Mwilding

Go drive the SVT and see how you like it. Its really not in the same class as the Audi/BMW/Saab, but it definately has its own attitude.

Personally, the SVT comes off as more of a younger drivers car. The others are more for the laid back who want a touch of sport.

 

[GasX]

Adding this BMW Coupe to the list. It isn't a 4 door, but I saw it yesterday and it is a NICE car (and a std transmission )

 

[CraigRT]

I am not kidding you, I never know people with VW/Audi cars to say good things about them, esp. over time.

I have heard alot of good things about the SVT Contour.

 

[UberDave]

i'd go for that BMW

 

[crawford]

Ive told you what I think.... SVT Contour

 

[SuperGroove]

How could I forget the Volvo 850 Turbo?

SUHWEET car if you don't know how to drive a manual transmission car.

So there, I've listed the fastest, most posh 4 door cars. They are a little expensive on the maintenence side, but your grin won't get any larger with any other sub 15K 4 door car.

Also, the SVT Contour would be nice.

 

[The Dancing Peacock]

Keep an open mind about what I've got to say here.

Go check out a Sonata and XG350 by Hyundai. Their reliability is much better than in previous years, and I've seen several on the road and had to look twice before I realize it was a Hyundai. The XG350 is ~20k, the Sonata is closer to your price range. Both have V6, leather is standard on the XG. Go drive them and see how you feel afterwards.

 

[RossMAN]

It's not as "prestigious" but you might be able to score a 2002 Honda Accord LX automatic for around $15,444.

Otherwise go for a used Audi.

 

[GasX]

Originally posted by: The Dancing Peacock
Keep an open mind about what I've got to say here.

Go check out a Sonata and XG350 by Hyundai. Their reliability is much better than in previous years, and I've seen several on the road and had to look twice before I realize it was a Hyundai. The XG350 is ~20k, the Sonata is closer to your price range. Both have V6, leather is standard on the XG. Go drive them and see how you feel afterwards.

Not a chance if fvcking hell...

 

[thebestMAX]

Sorry you feel that way!! The Dancing Peacock and I were just trying to stay in your price range. Why dont you just go look at a Hyandai?? It is a work car after all and since I was in sales I know where you will have to park and the abuse your car will suffer. Thats why I only worked for companys that GAVE me a car!!

A new car warranty will also save you a lot of bucks for the kind of miles you will be putting on. If your position is anything like mine, I put on about 50K a year!

Your personal car is another story and then I would agree with you about a Hyundai.

I drove Oldsmobiles and Chevy Luminas and Pontiac Grand Prixs but I always had a Vette or TA home in the garage!!

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

I posted this in another thread, but...

I'd go for a used 1996 or 1997 'Benz E320. Mercedes has been using the 320 engine for, what, 15 years now? I'm sure it has the quality and reliability some people are looking for. The Benz will last you a long time while still lookng relatively modern. Here are some things you can do to the Benz:

Purchase the latest tail lights from the dealer to make it look like a 2002.
Acquire some nice fake Brabus or AMG wheels/rims.

Come on, you know you want it. Just go for it!

 

[Maverick2002]

Ford = underdeveloped braking system.