Ugh...What kind of vehicle should I get?

[Stojakapimp]

So since my '91 Honda Accord is finally falling apart, I figure it's time for me to buy a new vehicle. Problem is, I have no idea what kind of vehicle I even want. For the most part my car is used to get me to and from work, which is probably a 15 mile drive, mostly on the freeway. I don't normally have many people in my car, but every once in a while I'll have 3 or more. I also like to do things like scuba diving, skiing, and camping, but those aren't too common, especially the skiing and camping.

So what should I get? I kind of want something sporty and fun to drive, especially since now I have a steady job and making semi-good money, but I thought it might also be good to get a truck or SUV for the scuba, ski, and camping stuff. My price range is probably anywhere up to $25000, and I don't mind buying a used car from like '03 or later as long as it's nice.

Any suggestions on what type of vehicle I should get. I know that's a tough question for somebody else to answer, but I have no experience in buying a new car and wanted to see what other people thought.

 

[Vetterin]

2005/06 Subaru Legacy wagon. If you want sporty try to find a GT with the manual trans.

 

[nakedfrog]

A station wagon.

 

[NaOH]

I'm in the same situation as yourself and I've brought it down to two cars. A WRX wagon (not the 08 models) or an S2000. For you, I'd suggest the WRX or Legacy wagon, especially if you get the ECU flashed. Then you'll have GO and function.


I just wanted the S2000 because I'll never be able to own roadster in my lifetime (until i have kids and they leave for college...)

 

[Kelvrick]

Originally posted by: nakedfrog
A station wagon.

Or a hatchback (although I consider anything with that kind of tail and 4 doors a wagon).

I love my 06 legacy wagon. The mazda6's are also pretty nice.

 

[Arkaign]

Get two vehicles Bonus is that you'll have the convenience of having a spare vehicle in case something goes wrong with either. Drawback : you'll need an extra parking space, and misc. extra fees (taxes, registration, inspection, general maintenance.)

A cash truck, like an '80s 4WD Cherokee in good shape. That way you can have something really nice for road trips, camping, skiiing, moving, whatever. You can add liability to your coverage for next to nothing (1 full-coverage new vehicle + 1 liability-only old vehicle is about the same $$ as just insuring one full-coverage new vehicle)

For your car, you could snag a lightly used G35 Coupe, Acura TL, BMW 330Ci, or any number of other nice goodies. Honestly though, it might make more sense to grab something like this :

http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/413878433.html

Plenty of power, only 50k miles, plenty of luxury, comfort, and performance. Good fuel economy, and practical with the 4 doors.

I think you're in for a treat Well keep us posted.

 

[Arkaign]

A nice Cherokee

http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/427018652.html

 

[chris7b]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A nice Cherokee

http://dallas.craigslist.org/car/427018652.html

yeah...plus he's willing to BARGON!

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A cash truck, like an '80s 4WD Cherokee in good shape. That way you can have something really nice for road trips, camping, skiiing, moving, whatever. You can add liability to your coverage for next to nothing (1 full-coverage new vehicle + 1 liability-only old vehicle is about the same $$ as just insuring one full-coverage new vehicle)

:thumbsdown: Those were horribly unreliable. I'd steer clear of any Jeep made up to the late 90s.

Personally, I wouldn't buy any Jeep or Chrysler product but especially not one from the 80s or 90s.

 

[Funyuns101]

I second the vote for the Subaru WRX. Personally I'm looking at the non-super version of it: Impreza, which doesn't require premium fuel.
As for skiing, you should be fine with a hatchback - seats fold down, or you can just get a roof rack. That way you don't NEED to get an SUV just fit your skis.
AWD is always good to have, though you'll probably sacrifice a good amount of MPG from your old Accord.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A cash truck, like an '80s 4WD Cherokee in good shape. That way you can have something really nice for road trips, camping, skiiing, moving, whatever. You can add liability to your coverage for next to nothing (1 full-coverage new vehicle + 1 liability-only old vehicle is about the same $$ as just insuring one full-coverage new vehicle)

:thumbsdown: Those were horribly unreliable. I'd steer clear of any Jeep made up to the late 90s.

Personally, I wouldn't buy any Jeep or Chrysler product but especially not one from the 80s or 90s.

Hmm, my friend James has a '92 Wrangler Sahara with the 4.2, and it's still strong @ 280k miles. I still see lots of old Cherokees around as well, did you have a bad experience with one?

EDIT: I also see that you're 'President of the Anti-SUV brigade', so I'm sure that makes you an objective critic

Seriously, I haven't heard much bad about Cherokees, and I've helped friends work on them before, they're very simple. Putting a crate motor in is child's play, and for a weekender/camping truck, it's hard to find something better for cheap.

I wouldn't ever recommend an SUV for a daily driver, but that's just me.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Arkaign
A cash truck, like an '80s 4WD Cherokee in good shape. That way you can have something really nice for road trips, camping, skiiing, moving, whatever. You can add liability to your coverage for next to nothing (1 full-coverage new vehicle + 1 liability-only old vehicle is about the same $$ as just insuring one full-coverage new vehicle)

:thumbsdown: Those were horribly unreliable. I'd steer clear of any Jeep made up to the late 90s.

Personally, I wouldn't buy any Jeep or Chrysler product but especially not one from the 80s or 90s.

Hmm, my friend James has a '92 Wrangler Sahara with the 4.2, and it's still strong @ 280k miles. I still see lots of old Cherokees around as well, did you have a bad experience with one?

EDIT: I also see that you're 'President of the Anti-SUV brigade', so I'm sure that makes you an objective critic

Seriously, I haven't heard much bad about Cherokees, and I've helped friends work on them before, they're very simple. Putting a crate motor in is child's play, and for a weekender/camping truck, it's hard to find something better for cheap.

I wouldn't ever recommend an SUV for a daily driver, but that's just me.

I used to work in the replacement rental car industry and we catered to a Jeep dealer. I'd constantly see the same people in there for warranty repairs. The Cherokees and the Wagoneers/Grand Wagoneers were the worst. They gave us a lot of business though.

My boss had a Cherokee for a while. Electronics on that thing sucked. Power windows worked about half the time, the transfer case needed to be replaced along with a number of other problems he had with it.

I can give honest objective opinions on SUVs and I have in other threads. My duties as President of the Anti-SUV Brigade are very light and I don't take them too seriously.

 

[fbrdphreak]

Another vote fo 05 Legacy GT wagon. 250HP turbo, AWD, 5-speed auto or manual. Easily do-able for $20K or less

 

[desy]

OK
Take a breath, you're not getting married to it, you can sell it usually for what you bought it for if you did some smart used shopping. I just sold a trailer for $25 more than I paid for it 7 years ago.
If you want it perfect, go test driving, all the dealers have new and used lots for just that purpose.

 

[imported_Shivetya]

Wagon or hatchback.

Volvo recently the "small car" market, think its the 30 series. Nice looking cars and not horribly over priced.

The key to your dilemma, DRIVE THEM. If you have to rent one from a rental place to finalize your decision do so. I have a friend who rented a 300C before deciding to pass on it. He figured that a rental would bring out the worst experience you can find for a car, realized over the weekend it wasn't the car for him....

but take rides in friend's cars that are similar if you can't get good rides in demos

 

[Stojakapimp]

Thanks for the great responses so far guys. Hopefully soon I can find some time to test drive some vehicles, which should clear up any concerns for me. Originally I kind of wanted to steer clear of wagons or hatchbacks, as I personally don't prefer that style of car. But I've never driven one, so who knows, I might end up loving it. And I like Arkaign's advice about getting a nice car that I like then just some old cheap truck that I can use for the time I need it. So I'll mull it over, but I appreciate the advice

 

[Pliablemoose]

Originally posted by: Stojakapimp
Thanks for the great responses so far guys. Hopefully soon I can find some time to test drive some vehicles, which should clear up any concerns for me. Originally I kind of wanted to steer clear of wagons or hatchbacks, as I personally don't prefer that style of car. But I've never driven one, so who knows, I might end up loving it. And I like Arkaign's advice about getting a nice car that I like then just some old cheap truck that I can use for the time I need it. So I'll mull it over, but I appreciate the advice

Meh, buy something you like, rent the truck when you need one or buy a trailer for the car...

 

[mrblotto]

'71 Vista Cruiser FTW!