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Recommend me a car.

C

Chiropteran

Diamond Member
I liked my GLI, but not it's reliability. Honestly it's been fairly reliable, but minor issues have been annoying. The CD-player had to be replaced, the check engine light has come on several times, occasionally the car didn't start (got the batter replaced, and then a month later it didn't start again for no particular reason).

If I could buy the same car with a guarantee it would be more reliable, that is exactly what I would get. Does Honda make a Jetta clone? It seems like all the super-reliable Japanese cars have one common problem- no torque. I don't need a screaming 300 HP sports car, but I like to have a little low end torque, I don't think I could ever be happy with a regular 4cyl car.

So far, I am just starting to look. The BMW 135 sounds nearly perfect, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much money on a car. Also, it might be too small inside.

Requirements:

MUST be manual transmission, I will not buy an automatic.

MUST have some low end torque and decent performance, my Jetta's VR6 puts out 200HP and almost as much torque, I don't really want to downgrade from this.

MUST be a car. Not looking for an SUV or truck.

MUST be new. I'm not interested in buying a used car.

Everything else is open to debate. I like 4-doors but a coupe is fine too.
 
I would suggest a Ford Fusion (I just bought one myself). Four door sedan with manual 5-speed tranny and a VERY good reliability rating so far.

There is one problem for you, however. To get the torque you crave, I would suggest the V6. Problem is, the manual is only available with the 4 🙁

Try the Mazda 6. I have heard it is the car that the Fusion was based on (they share many common parts) and I believe the one IS available with a manual on the V6.
 
Accord, Malibu, Fusion, Mazda6, Altima, should all be on your test-list, all are decently priced, fairly reliable, and well designed.
 
Originally posted by: ScoobMaster

There is one problem for you, however. To get the torque you crave, I would suggest the V6. Problem is, the manual is only available with the 4 🙁
Click to expand...

I've seen this with so many cars. The nice engine is only available with auto.

I'll look into the Mazda 6.
 
Do you want to stay with a compact or are you ok with moving up to a midsize? I'm curious on price range too. If you're looking at a 135, I'm going to assume you're ok with spending a bit of cash.
 
The 135 is the upper limit of what I'd consider, price-wise. I like being in a smaller car, I'd consider something midsized if it had the features I wanted but my preference is something about the same size as my Jetta.

Looks like the Mazda 6 is yet another car with no manual transmission option for the nice engine.

I am thinking an Acura TSX might be an option, while it has a 4 cyl engine the specs are not bad.


Originally posted by: sdifox
are you looking at used?
Click to expand...


No. I'll update OP.
 
The TSX was actually the first car I thought of given the requirments. But I figured you wouldn't be happy with the 4 cylinder performance. Otherwise, it fits all your other needs.

The Subaru Legacy GT would also be another option.
 
Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
2.0TAudi

I have had it for 20k with no issues...just some recall stuff they went and did.
Click to expand...

He's thinking about dumping a VW b/c of reliability, and you recommend an Audi? 😛
 
MazdaSpeed3 is the best bang for the buck anywhere close to @$25K if you can live with the torque steer when you hammer it.

Personally I have to have RWD and love rotaries so I passed on the MS3 and went with the RX-8.
 
Originally posted by: nkgreen
Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
2.0TAudi

I have had it for 20k with no issues...just some recall stuff they went and did.
Click to expand...

He's thinking about dumping a VW b/c of reliability, and you recommend an Audi? 😛
Click to expand...

I have had fine luck with My VW's and my current Audi...I am sure people who frequent the Garage know I will stand behind VW's....I have had 5 mark4's, and the only issues were negligent previous owners...who didn't maintain the cars.

The audi has had no issues, except recalls, like I said 🙂.

IMO never get a mazda, but that's me ^_^.
 
Originally posted by: Chiropteran
I liked my GLI, but not it's reliability. Honestly it's been fairly reliable, but minor issues have been annoying. The CD-player had to be replaced, the check engine light has come on several times, occasionally the car didn't start (got the batter replaced, and then a month later it didn't start again for no particular reason).

If I could buy the same car with a guarantee it would be more reliable, that is exactly what I would get. Does Honda make a Jetta clone? It seems like all the super-reliable Japanese cars have one common problem- no torgue. I don't need a screaming 300 HP sports car, but I like to have a little low end torque, I don't think I could ever be happy with a regular 4cyl car.

So far, I am just starting to look. The BMW 135 sounds nearly perfect, but I'm not sure I want to spend that much money on a car. Also, it might be too small inside.

Requirements:

MUST be manual transmission, I will not buy an automatic.

MUST have some low end torque and decent performance, my Jetta's VR6 puts out 200HP and almost as much torgue, I don't really want to downgrade from this.

MUST be a car. Not looking for an SUV or truck.

MUST be new. I'm not interested in buying a used car.

Everything else is open to debate. I like 4-doors but a coupe is fine too.
Click to expand...

Get the 135, you won't regret it. You can tune that motor to over 400 lb.ft torque for a few hundred bucks, and $1000 gets you the tune with a warranty.
 
If you still like VW's, they make a CC, which is a sexier reskin of the Passat. The new 3.6 VR6's are close to 300lb-ft torque. If you look at the signout sheet here at work, if its family sedan week the VW's always go first. Followed by the Altima, Accord, Camry, Mazda6/Fusion, Aura/Malibu...in that order. It interesting because when you don't have to pay for repairs, the VW's (and Audis) are almost always the most in demand family cars. Sadly real world sales means we don't have nearly as many VWs in the fleet as all the other generic Japanese crap.

Instead of the 135 originally suggested, go with the 335. Its the same engine plus it has a decent back seat. And once you get to that price range, the Corvette is a bargain if you didn't need the room. Also, a fun choice at a lower price range is the Mini Cooper Clubman, its the larger version of the regular Mini.
 
Wait for the Camaro..it should be out in a couple months.


..or a Nissan 350Z. You should be able to find an '08 model on the lots new still.
 
Cobalt SS? decent milage, stupidly fast, but it is "cheap" and definitely a ricerboy type car (except it actually can go and handle like a mofo)

2008 G8 GT? awesome V8 power, RWD, can be had for $20k (d'oh, only an auto, and GXP's won't get much of a discount)
 
Originally posted by: Alienwho
I've decided my upgrade choice from my jetta 1.8T will the a Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Click to expand...

Excellent choice!
I will get one myself if BMW gives me any trouble about buying out my current leased 335i.

By the
way chiropteran, you no used cars, but I got to bring this to you attention - 07 335i with under 20K miles are for sale for $27-29K - new $50K. I don't like used cars myself, but this is big chunk of money for hardly used car.
How about leasing?
 
Not interested in leasing. My living situation is such that my drive to work is about 3 miles. While I don't want a used car, I don't mind driving an old car. I want to get something that will last longer than 5 years. If my Jetta was running better I'd probably just keep it.

V6 Mustang... I drove a Mustang before, if I was getting another it'd have to be a V8. A Corvette would certainly be fun but it would really be pushing my price limits.

TSX or a Subaru Legacy sound like the best choices right now... I might go looking over the weekend.
 
A set of Corvette ZR1s. One of them to drive on odd days of the week and the other to drive on the even days.
 
You may be able to get 06 or 07 Accord V6 6MT with very low miles for well under 18K. It is basically a poor's man version of the Acura TL/TSX.
Very reliable, great resale value, safe, comfortable, and the 244hp V6 paired with the 6 speed manual should be quite trilling combination...

Review
Edit: Just now noticed that it must be a new vehicle.....

Then, your choice of 200hp+ 4 door sedans/coupes with MT are actually quite slim.

New Mazda 6 does not come with a Manual for V6, nor does the new V6 powered Honda Accord Sedan.
 
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