Suggest a new car under $30,000 or around $300/m

[TangoJuliet]

I just my car back from the auto body shop after my accident and it looks great but it sounds like crap. The body shop said the catalytic converters are bad and something is loose underneath. He said the insurance company is not going to pay for it because its "wear and tear" and wasnt caused by the accident. I explained the car NEVER sounded like that and they didnt want to hear it.

Anyways the converters are going to cost about $1000 to replace. I'm thinking its not going to be worth it and should just get something else.

Now the hard part....the cars I really like/want (new) are really expensive ie 335i coupe, G35/37, IS250 and theres not much out there that I really like aside from the Mazda 6 and Cobalt SS Supercharged, Civic Si but I'm not all that impressed with them.

I also do not want to lease a car because in 3 years I'll be in the same spot. I generally keep my car for about 10 years or so. Not sure if buying something new is the way to go if I'm not happy with the car or should I go with a CPO with something I really like but may have to deal with headaches from the previous owner.

I am coming from a 1999 Ford Mustang Convertible v6. The car is probably worth anywhere from 6000-8000 in a trade. I also would have about 5000-8000 in a down payment. Is there anything out there that you could recommend used/new.

Thanks!

 

[TangoJuliet]

bump

 

[ViviTheMage]

you can get cat converters pretty cheap online and they are relatively easy to do yourself...

but if you want a new car for 30k, id just get two used ones for 15k a pop

so when one breaks you can fix it yourself and drive the other!

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: ViviTheMage
you can get cat converters pretty cheap online and they are relatively easy to do yourself...

but if you want a new car for 30k, id just get two used ones for 15k a pop

so when one breaks you can fix it yourself and drive the other!

and what used $15k car would you recommend?

 

[Jawo]

I would recommend the Mazda6 S Touring. Its a V6, leather interior, for well under your limit ($26k MSRP). I really love it and its so fun to drive. I got 0% financing too! (Good through Labor day).

Word or warning: don't go by payments...they will just extend the length of your loan (and cost you more in interest).

 

[Strk]

How about a Mazdaspeed 3?

 

[woodie1]

Everything I've read about the new Audi A3 has been positive. With the model year end in sight you might find a good deal on one. Check 'em out.

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Jawo
I would recommend the Mazda6 S Touring. Its a V6, leather interior, for well under your limit ($26k MSRP). I really love it and its so fun to drive. I got 0% financing too! (Good through Labor day).

Word or warning: don't go by payments...they will just extend the length of your loan (and cost you more in interest).

I'd sorta second that, except I'd say get a Mazdaspeed 6. It fills all your requirements, it's fairly rare (only 7k/yr in the states for '06, and '07, limited production 2 year run), and it can be had for LESS than a 6S GT loaded.

Mine stickered for almost 33k...I got it for $25k...brand new loaded GT.

The MS6's are also made in Hiroshima Japan while the rest of the "normal" 6's are made at a joint Ford/Mazda plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.

Good luck!

Originally posted by: Strk
How about a Mazdaspeed 3?

The Speed6 is a all around better car, and can be had for about the same $$$ since it's not marked up like crazy at the dealers like the MS3 is. You get more HP, AWD, and no throttle games in 1st and 2nd gear.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Take a look at Saab. They are currently offering a $4,000 rebate and dealer discount will get you another $1-$2K.

4yr warranty and 3yrs scheduled maintenace is included. 250HP and 6spd transmissions with lots of luxury features. I just bought an '06 9-3 Aero and think its a great car. I bought the Saab over a Mazdaspeed6 as I thought the Mazda was loud, tubo lag kinda sucked, and the looks were a bit on the boy racer side.

 

[Fenixgoon]

Audi A4/A3 (used or new), used S4

 

[TangoJuliet]

thanks for the replies guys

i forgot to mention that it has to have a automatic transmission. i know i know thats pretty weak and i should turn in my man card but I really need my wife to be able to drive the car. she cant drive manual and i dont want her to learn on a new car.

 

[Gibson486]

Originally posted by: Insane3D

Originally posted by: Jawo
I would recommend the Mazda6 S Touring. Its a V6, leather interior, for well under your limit ($26k MSRP). I really love it and its so fun to drive. I got 0% financing too! (Good through Labor day).

Word or warning: don't go by payments...they will just extend the length of your loan (and cost you more in interest).

I'd sorta second that, except I'd say get a Mazdaspeed 6. It fills all your requirements, it's fairly rare (only 7k/yr in the states for '06, and '07, limited production 2 year run), and it can be had for LESS than a 6S GT loaded.

Mine stickered for almost 33k...I got it for $25k...brand new loaded GT.

The MS6's are also made in Hiroshima Japan while the rest of the "normal" 6's are made at a joint Ford/Mazda plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.

Good luck!

Originally posted by: Strk
How about a Mazdaspeed 3?

The Speed6 is a all around better car, and can be had for about the same $$$ since it's not marked up like crazy at the dealers like the MS3 is. You get more HP, AWD, and no throttle games in 1st and 2nd gear.

he better get the speed6 fast....they will not be making them for 08.

 

[fitzilee]

I'm a Ford guy myself. Why not another Mustang? You could even get a GT for around 29k.

 

[TangoJuliet]

The wife doesnt want me driving another mustang....she thinks theyre "unsafe".

 

[jlarsson]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK
The wife doesnt want me driving another mustang....she thinks theyre "unsafe".

Mazdaspeed 6's are AWD!

 

[Moemar]

I'm looking at approximately the same price range, so here are my thoughts on some cars I've been looking at:

Audi A3/VW GTI: Practically the same car, just paying for luxury with the Audi. Decent power/handling, but I've have minor concerns about reliability. The DSG transmission is pretty sweet too. I also test drove the 08 R32, and IMHO it's totally not worth it.

Lexus IS250: Sweet car overall. The handling doesn't seem as good as the old body style, but still decent. Comfortable ride, and has a lot of cool high-tech stuff. It's a little over $30, but you can probably get it for under since it's the end of the model year.

Acura TSX: I think it's similar to the Lexus in a lot of ways, but a half-step down in every category. It's cheaper though, and pretty much everything comes standard...the only real option is navigation.

Camry Hybrid: This may be a little out of left field, but could be good if you're tree-huggerish. It's crazy quiet and has some cool features, and it's pretty much the only Camry that's 100% Japanese anymore, though that's probably not a huge deal. I have some concerns about maintenance down the line with hybrid, CVT, etc.

EDIT: I left out the Mazdaspeed 3 because you ruled out manual transmission.

 

[zoiks]

Originally posted by: Insane3D

Originally posted by: Jawo
I would recommend the Mazda6 S Touring. Its a V6, leather interior, for well under your limit ($26k MSRP). I really love it and its so fun to drive. I got 0% financing too! (Good through Labor day).

Word or warning: don't go by payments...they will just extend the length of your loan (and cost you more in interest).

I'd sorta second that, except I'd say get a Mazdaspeed 6. It fills all your requirements, it's fairly rare (only 7k/yr in the states for '06, and '07, limited production 2 year run), and it can be had for LESS than a 6S GT loaded.

Mine stickered for almost 33k...I got it for $25k...brand new loaded GT.

The MS6's are also made in Hiroshima Japan while the rest of the "normal" 6's are made at a joint Ford/Mazda plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.

Good luck!

Originally posted by: Strk
How about a Mazdaspeed 3?

The Speed6 is a all around better car, and can be had for about the same $$$ since it's not marked up like crazy at the dealers like the MS3 is. You get more HP, AWD, and no throttle games in 1st and 2nd gear.

Your car must reek of radiation.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: jlarsson

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK
The wife doesnt want me driving another mustang....she thinks theyre "unsafe".

Mazdaspeed 6's are AWD!

yeah but they are only 6 speed manual

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: Moemar
I'm looking at approximately the same price range, so here are my thoughts on some cars I've been looking at:

Audi A3/VW GTI: Practically the same car, just paying for luxury with the Audi. Decent power/handling, but I've have minor concerns about reliability. The DSG transmission is pretty sweet too. I also test drove the 08 R32, and IMHO it's totally not worth it.

Lexus IS250: Sweet car overall. The handling doesn't seem as good as the old body style, but still decent. Comfortable ride, and has a lot of cool high-tech stuff. It's a little over $30, but you can probably get it for under since it's the end of the model year.

Acura TSX: I think it's similar to the Lexus in a lot of ways, but a half-step down in every category. It's cheaper though, and pretty much everything comes standard...the only real option is navigation.

Camry Hybrid: This may be a little out of left field, but could be good if you're tree-huggerish. It's crazy quiet and has some cool features, and it's pretty much the only Camry that's 100% Japanese anymore, though that's probably not a huge deal. I have some concerns about maintenance down the line with hybrid, CVT, etc.

EDIT: I left out the Mazdaspeed 3 because you ruled out manual transmission.

Thanks for the post...very informative. I love the 335i, G35/37 and IS250s. However they were a little out of my price range. I just did a local search and found this 2006 CPO IS250 AWD. What do you think about it? $27,700 with 47,000 miles or so.

http://www.lcpo.com/cpo_podeta...del=IS%20250&year=2006

 

[Insane3D]

Originally posted by: Fmr12B
Take a look at Saab. They are currently offering a $4,000 rebate and dealer discount will get you another $1-$2K.

4yr warranty and 3yrs scheduled maintenace is included. 250HP and 6spd transmissions with lots of luxury features. I just bought an '06 9-3 Aero and think its a great car. I bought the Saab over a Mazdaspeed6 as I thought the Mazda was loud, tubo lag kinda sucked, and the looks were a bit on the boy racer side.

Are you high? I don't think you ever test drove a MS6. First off...turbo lag??? The direct injection motor with the tiny K04 turbo means you are in boost at like 1800 RPM.

Second...boy racer looks??? You must have been high. Are you thinking of the Speed3??

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK
thanks for the replies guys

i forgot to mention that it has to have a automatic transmission. i know i know thats pretty weak and i should turn in my man card but I really need my wife to be able to drive the car. she cant drive manual and i dont want her to learn on a new car.

Perfect reason to get the Audi A3. It is sporty but practical and has the DSG transmission that is heralded by every reviewer/driver who sits in the car. Your wife can just put the transmission in Drive and will never know she's driving a manual and you can happily snap through the gears. It really is worth checking out...it's just fantastic.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: Gibson486

Originally posted by: Insane3D

Originally posted by: Jawo
I would recommend the Mazda6 S Touring. Its a V6, leather interior, for well under your limit ($26k MSRP). I really love it and its so fun to drive. I got 0% financing too! (Good through Labor day).

Word or warning: don't go by payments...they will just extend the length of your loan (and cost you more in interest).

I'd sorta second that, except I'd say get a Mazdaspeed 6. It fills all your requirements, it's fairly rare (only 7k/yr in the states for '06, and '07, limited production 2 year run), and it can be had for LESS than a 6S GT loaded.

Mine stickered for almost 33k...I got it for $25k...brand new loaded GT.

The MS6's are also made in Hiroshima Japan while the rest of the "normal" 6's are made at a joint Ford/Mazda plant in Flat Rock, Michigan.

Good luck!

Originally posted by: Strk
How about a Mazdaspeed 3?

The Speed6 is a all around better car, and can be had for about the same $$$ since it's not marked up like crazy at the dealers like the MS3 is. You get more HP, AWD, and no throttle games in 1st and 2nd gear.

he better get the speed6 fast....they will not be making them for 08.

Unfortunately they only sell them in manual transmission if I recall correctly...so that leaves that option out...although I agree it is a STEAL of a car right now.

 

[PricklyPete]

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Thanks for the post...very informative. I love the 335i, G35/37 and IS250s. However they were a little out of my price range. I just did a local search and found this 2006 CPO IS250 AWD. What do you think about it? $27,700 with 47,000 miles or so.

http://www.lcpo.com/cpo_podeta...del=IS%20250&year=2006

I couldn't imagine spending almost $28K on a used car with nearly 50K miles on it...even if it is a Lexus...especially when it is a Lexus that you can probably get for around $30K at the dealer new if you shop around. It would probably take you 3 years to put on that many miles...probably more.

 

[GoatMonkey]

How about a Subaru Legacy GT? Pretty fast, available as an automatic, safe.

 

[TangoJuliet]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete

Originally posted by: alkohoLiK

Thanks for the post...very informative. I love the 335i, G35/37 and IS250s. However they were a little out of my price range. I just did a local search and found this 2006 CPO IS250 AWD. What do you think about it? $27,700 with 47,000 miles or so.

http://www.lcpo.com/cpo_podeta...del=IS%20250&year=2006

I couldn't imagine spending almost $28K on a used car with nearly 50K miles on it...even if it is a Lexus...especially when it is a Lexus that you can probably get for around $30K at the dealer new if you shop around. It would probably take you 3 years to put on that many miles...probably more.

I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to find an AWD IS250 for $30k new....but I'll keep looking. I wanted to go to the Infiniti dealership by my house today but I ran out of time.

Also, I pulled up to a Legacy GT today and the guy wanted to race me. It looked and sounded pretty good....I'll have to take a look - thanks for the recommendation.