What can of car should I buy?

[busmaster11]

People like Civics for a reason. They're easily the most reliable and fuel efficient small car out there, and among the highest in quality. Its what Hondas are known for. I'd say if you got a couple more K to spend then get a Jetta, its feels very HQ and sturdy, and a little luxurious even for a small car. Almost like a BMW 3 series, IMO...

You also can't go wrong with a Corolla, Focus, or Altima. Hyundai's up and coming, and I've heard mostly good things about them in the last couple years, but you may still get laughed at.

 

[Hyudra]

If you wanna follow what other people buy, get a civic, any hyundai, kia, or daewoo. What makes me sick these days is people buying these lowly cars. I mean seriously, for a little more you can get something so much better.

 

[gmrickards]

Well, besides the Honda's, I really like my car. A 99 Pontiac Grand Am GT. I love it. Test drive one. Good luck Also look at consumer reports.

 

[busmaster11]

If you're in college, a Civic is the ideal car.

alright, I'll bite. What do you recommend, Hyudra?

 

[Hyudra]

Prelude, Impreza, Integra, RSX, Accord (alright I like hondas). Reasonable pricing, you can always layoff the 52 inch TVs and MASSIVE computer upgrades, or yes civics are alright, and yes you can have money for those other wonderful goodies too.

EDIT: I own an impreza, but I could just imagine how many computer upgrades I could do and nice home equipment if I got something cheaper.

 

[rufruf44]

Hyudra,
The prelude is discontinued and you can get as much performance as an integra in a si.
I've nothing against Subaru, but they do have limited presence here in the US. There's not too many Subaru dealer out there to buy and service your car.
And getting an Accord at such a young age does bring the unwated perception of driving a family car

 

[MichaelD]

Yep, and not a single person has brought up the thing that's going to cost him more than the car....INSURANCE. This is your first new car, you live at home, so I'm assuming you are 18? 20? No offense, just stating facts. Unless Mom and Dad are gonna put you under their insurance, you are gonna pay a whole lotta money for insurance. My advice to you is get something reliable that gets good gas mileage and the payment won't be a lot. I'm assuming you are making the payments, correct?

A 15k car w/TTL comes out to around 16,500 or so. Subtract 6k downpayment and you're financin 9,500. At about 10% (if you're lucky) your payments will be around $275/mo. Figure at least $150/mo insurance if you're on your own. Do the math. I want an IS300. I can't afford an IS300. We all make do.

A nice Civic/Protege/Kia will get you from points a-->b just dandy. Good luck.

 

[Hyudra]

it's all about the body kits

No way in heck can a Si beat a prelude, I don't think unless the Si has the H22A in it.

Well, I recommended what I like, but anyways there's so many cars these days, I rather not get something everyone has, so thats why I got the impreza. I see a bunch of subaru wagons around, but not many sedans, so I like that.

 

[busmaster11]

Nothing against your taste there, Hyudra, but you're recommending some sporty cars there... It doesn't bode well for car insurance rates.

 

[Hyudra]

Hey, just get the WRX wagon, and say hey it's a WAGON, it's not sporty at all.

What does this guy want anyways? a sporty car or luxury or what?

 

[MichaelD]

He wants "The best sport-luxury-wagon-convertible coupe for the cheapest price." Sorry, couldn't help myself.

He has driven used cars B4, so this isn't his first car, it's his first new one. Car payments suck, but there's a lot to be said for a 3-year or longer warranty. NEthing goes wrong, bring it back, no charge for repair.

Insurance killed me until i hit 25. THat was um....awhile ago. You must think WHOLE PICTURE <<wax on....wax off....>>

 

[rufruf44]

Gosh, just get the Neon RT. Its a compact, its fast, and its a Dodge, meaning after you graduate in 3-4 years, you definitely have to get another car!

 

[loup garou]

<< Gosh, just get the Neon RT. Its a compact, its fast, and its a Dodge, meaning after you graduate in 3-4 years, you definitely have to get another car! >>



LOL! So true.

 

[BooneRebel]

As you've stated, you don't really care about the specific model and you aren't going to keep it past two years.

So, don't buy a new one. The depreciation will kill you. If you go to sell it in two years you'll be upside down (owing more than it's worth), I just about guarantee it.

$6000 will get you a nice used car, just about any one of the models mentioned here would be good. Shoot for 2-4 years old and you'll get a ride that someone else has already taken the depreciation hit on, but should still be in good enough shape to keep you out of the shop.

(But if you still want a can, take a look at the Kia Rio. Be sure to bring an opener with you to get out of the sucker!)

 

[gmrickards]

good advice

 

[busmaster11]

I've always liked the Acura MDX...

 

[jlind23]

Ever considered the Honda Insight or the Toyota Pryus? I like the looks of the Insight better it is sportier and neither are really all over the roads right now. Neither one is gonna put you in the staring role of the Fast and the Furious, however your bound to get some attention and filling up once a month wouldn't be bad either. I am guessing the insurance isn't too bad and living in CA I am sure the law leading land over there will have some discounts for its fuel efficiency.

However, I have to say I've gone the Civic route and after a 3 year lease I hated to give that car up although they weren't running around as much as they are right now when I had mine. But then again there aren't too many cars under a 100K that I don't see all the time anymore with everyone driving new cars. (ie - Porche Boxster, Audi TT, Corvette's, etc..there every where now)

Currently between the Civic, Celica, MP3, Sentra, Eclipse, WRX, Tiburon -- I would have to go with the MP3. But if I were you I would test drive as many as you can, do that and you'll know the one when you get in it and pop the gears.

 

[BigSmooth]

Mmmmm... delicious can of car...

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Its the M3 Soupe! *cough*

Edit: *mumbles* play on &quot;coupe&quot;

 

[b0mbrman]

This is your first new car, you live at home, so I'm assuming you are 18? 20? No offense, just stating facts.

21, don't live at home. Plan to pay for everything (the mom and dad thing is just because I don't want any drama trying to get a loan)

 

[KCjeeper]

Can't go wrong with a Jeep Cherokeee. There are a few still left at the dealers and they are offering a great interest rate.

 

[b0mbrman]

So, don't buy a new one. The depreciation will kill you. If you go to sell it in two years you'll be upside down (owing more than it's worth), I just about guarantee it.

Well, any used car I get will most likely depreciate in the two years when I decide to sell it because it will almost definitely be sold to my little sister.


Ha ha. Nice work Bigsmooth

 

[LAUST]

What is your definition of REASONABLE payments b0mbrman?

That way the Overpriced stuff can get wiped off the list.

 

[b0mbrman]

I've made $20,000 my weakly enforced upper limit.

I wouldn't mind not spending all of it if I can get a very decent car for less than 20. And on the other hand, if something's just above 20 but it's leaps and bounds ahead of the sub-20 cars, I'll get that.

 

[LAUST]

<< I've made $20,000 my weakly enforced upper limit.

I wouldn't mind not spending all of it if I can get a very decent car for less than 20. And on the other hand, if something's just above 20 but it's leaps and bounds ahead of the sub-20 cars, I'll get that. >>



Cool, that should filter out all these Get a Lexus get an Audi blah blah blah crap.