Time for a New (to me) car.

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Vortex22

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2000
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Ok, so it's time for a new car. My 98 Civic is getting old and I'm beyond bored with it.

I'm looking for something with:
- A decent amount of power (have to make up for years of driving with 106 hp behind the wheel, so no 4 banger unless it's an amazing car)
- 2 or 4 door, but the back seat would ideally be usable by an adult
- automatic :( I do lots of city driving and just don't want to deal with a manual
- not butt ugly
- 20k budget (probably will end up being a 1-3 year old used car)

I have looked at:
Genesis coupe: I liked it a lot, but the backseat is tiny, and I would only want the 3.8, which would put me overbudget.
Altima: I only like the looks of the newer (08+) coupe, the others are ugly imo.
Accord: mehhhh

I'm having trouble finding anything exciting without going significantly above my price range, I need help!

 
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Vortex22

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2000
4,976
1
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Originally posted by: VinylxScratches
G35?
Click to expand...

Considered it. Not a huge fan of the styling. I would have to go all the way back to an 04ish to get them down to 20k according to a cursory search though. I know someone who owns an 08 G35 and I actually liked the Genesis more when I took it for a drive. The Infiniti does have a bigger backseat however.
 
Heller

Heller

Diamond Member
Jul 10, 2006
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friend of mine recently picked up a 2 year old infinity g35s sedan with 25k on the clock for $22.8 otd, beautiful car for the price of a new civic, check into that..
 
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CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
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Ford Fusion. Don't expect it to be anywhere near as sporty as a G35, but they're excellent cars. As long as fuel economy isn't a huge deal, the V6s have plenty of power, and the 6 speed autos aren't bad. Mazda6 is essentially the same drivetrain with different styling. Mazda3s are also nice cars.

Stay away from the Focus, though - they're not bad cars, but underpowered if you're looking for something with decent guts.
 
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Vortex22

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2000
4,976
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I've looked at the Fusion and Mazda 6 (only online though, I've been through just about everything in my price range on auto trader at this point). I'm looking to move away from a compact Mazda3 style car, so I'm not really considering that or a Focus. I was looking for something with a little more guts than ~210 hp, although I guess I can't really judge them too much without a test drive. It looks like there is a more powerful 'sport' Fusion but its 2010 only as far as I can tell. They are both decent looking cars. I might be asking for too much with only 20k to spend huh?
 
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CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
5,401
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It really depends what you're looking to do with the car. 221 HP (2006-2009 Fusion V6) is more than plenty for a FWD car. I have no trouble spinning the tires on dry pavement, and it catches me off guard from time to time when the roads are damp. The best part is, you can get them pretty cheap (used) with a decent feature set. If you're into tech / electronics, make sure to get the Sync package for phone features and USB ports.

Honestly, when you're starting to look at 250-300+ HP, I'd rather have a RWD manual (or at least manually-shifted auto) car. In that case, I'd suggest getting an "entry sports car" like a G35 / 350z / Mustang / etc. if it's in your price range. I've known a couple of people with 2006 / 2007ish Impala and Monte Carlo SS's (303 HP, FWD IIRC) and they got sick of it pretty fast. The fuel economy tends to be much "sportier" too.

I'm not trying to imply that Fusion is the end-all best choice, but I'd definitely suggest deciding whether you want something sporty, or a good family sedan that still has plenty of kick when you need it.
 
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Vortex22

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2000
4,976
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Originally posted by: CurseTheSky
It really depends what you're looking to do with the car. 221 HP (2006-2009 Fusion V6) is more than plenty for a FWD car. I have no trouble spinning the tires on dry pavement, and it catches me off guard from time to time when the roads are damp. The best part is, you can get them pretty cheap (used) with a decent feature set. If you're into tech / electronics, make sure to get the Sync package for phone features and USB ports.

Honestly, when you're starting to look at 250-300+ HP, I'd rather have a RWD manual (or at least manually-shifted auto) car. In that case, I'd suggest getting an "entry sports car" like a G35 / 350z / Mustang / etc. if it's in your price range. I've known a couple of people with 2006 / 2007ish Impala and Monte Carlo SS's (303 HP, FWD IIRC) and they got sick of it pretty fast. The fuel economy tends to be much "sportier" too.

I'm not trying to imply that Fusion is the end-all best choice, but I'd definitely suggest deciding whether you want something sporty, or a good family sedan that still has plenty of kick when you need it.
Click to expand...

I'm leaning towards sporty. I should get it out of my system now while I'm young and don't have a family. Heh

I'll take a better look at the Fusion though... maybe I'll test drive one this week. I would prefer to have a RWD car, but the pickings are slim in that category (and price range). I'm sort of disappointed that the Genesis is a new 2010 model because I would be all over that, small back seat and all, if it had a couple years of depreciation on it.
 
thescreensavers

thescreensavers

Diamond Member
Aug 3, 2005
9,916
2
81
Originally posted by: Vortex22
Originally posted by: VinylxScratches
G35?
Click to expand...

Considered it. Not a huge fan of the styling. I would have to go all the way back to an 04ish to get them down to 20k according to a cursory search though. I know someone who owns an 08 G35 and I actually liked the Genesis more when I took it for a drive. The Infiniti does have a bigger backseat however.
Click to expand...

You might not be a fan of the styling but I got my 05 with 32k on the clock from a dealer for 18.6 listed price was 21k. I saw many prices of 16.8 before negotiating at used car dealers. A 06-03 g35 Sedan is is right in your price point and it can get 0-60 in high 5s. This car is about perfect for what you ask for, that's why your getting so many people saying G35.

You can also look at a Maxima 3.5 but its FWD. I belive it has the same V6 as a G35 but automatic is all CVT I think. and its probably cheaper
 
Chunkee

Chunkee

Lifer
Jul 28, 2002
10,391
1
81
I just got an 2007 G35...fully decked out, Nav, Tech, Prem, Sport Wheels, Wood Trim for 25880. It has 22k miles...what a great car....I cannot believe you do not like the looks...and of course what a friggin fun car to drive. woohoo!!!

to each their own though...good luck...

How about an IS350?

JC
 
Fenixgoon

Fenixgoon

Lifer
Jun 30, 2003
32,886
12,165
136
base camaro? might be able to get $20k after trade in/cash for clunkers?

also, mustangs. plenty around.
 
SearchMaster

SearchMaster

Diamond Member
Jun 6, 2002
7,791
114
106
Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
base camaro? might be able to get $20k after trade in/cash for clunkers?

also, mustangs. plenty around.
Click to expand...

I doubt cash for clunkers will help him trading a Civic for a Camaro.
 
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CurseTheSky

Diamond Member
Oct 21, 2006
5,401
2
0
A G35, Mustang, or 05-06 GTO is probably your best bet, depending on what's available in your area. Out of those, Mustang would be my last choice unless I found a really sweet deal on one. Everyone and their dog has one (though it's getting that way with G35s as well).

The G35 will have the most luxury out of the pack, but it's hard to beat the feel of a roaring V8 under the hood.
 
Funyuns101

Funyuns101

Platinum Member
Jun 15, 2002
2,849
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it'll be tough for you to find a newer g35 or is350 for under $20k.
how about a used TSX? i know you said no 4-cyl but might be worth a test drive.
 
zerocool84

zerocool84

Lifer
Nov 11, 2004
36,041
472
126
Originally posted by: Funyuns101
it'll be tough for you to find a newer g35 or is350 for under $20k.
how about a used TSX? i know you said no 4-cyl but might be worth a test drive.
Click to expand...

TSX is gutless at low speeds. OP said he wants some power.
 
Arkaign

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,379
126
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syzygy

Diamond Member
Feb 5, 2001
3,038
0
76
how about a scion tc ? brand new under 20, post-tax/delivered.


or a mazda 3 ? also under 20. same.
 
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Vortex22

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2000
4,976
1
81
Originally posted by: syzygy
how about a scion tc ? brand new under 20, post-tax/delivered.


or a mazda 3 ? also under 20. same.
Click to expand...

Sibling has a tC, I have to be different haha.

Thanks for all the suggestions, I'll ponder a bit more. I didn't consider a Lexus IS either, I'll have to look in to those.
 
V

Vortex22

Diamond Member
Sep 6, 2000
4,976
1
81
Originally posted by: Arkaign
Originally posted by: zerocool84
Originally posted by: Funyuns101
it'll be tough for you to find a newer g35 or is350 for under $20k.
how about a used TSX? i know you said no 4-cyl but might be worth a test drive.
Click to expand...

TSX is gutless at low speeds. OP said he wants some power.
Click to expand...

'03 Black on Black Vette $17,9k, Auto, C5, Loaded

3200lbs, 350HP/360TQ

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/...st=1531&standard=false
Click to expand...

Oh man don't tempt me.
 
Arkaign

Arkaign

Lifer
Oct 27, 2006
20,736
1,379
126
Originally posted by: Vortex22
Damn I wish I would have caught this one earlier. http://orlando.craigslist.org/ctd/1243851600.html
Click to expand...

I'm not a huge fan of the IS, but the 3.5L is the only way to get one of those, and that was a pretty solid deal :)

Have you driven a Vette? They give good fuel economy, and there's really nothing like it in the price range. Taken care of, the value of it won't crater either, as almost all cars do eventually. It will bottom out for about a decade, then start climbing steadily.

Originally posted by: Mermaidman
2005 Bonneville GXP in your area, $14,980. 275 HP
Click to expand...

Ick. They're not bad cars, and the 3800 is a tank of a motor, but FF layout + heavy + Pontiac 'styling' = not a great combo. And that car will probably be worth half that in a year or two. G8's are dropping into the $20k range, and it's a world of a better vehicle.

 
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