What car should HaVoC get? (new or used)

[HaVoC]

Okay, I'm taking ALL suggestions for my first car. I'd like to spend around $18,000-$25,000. Here are my criteria:

• New Or Used! Looking at "BANG FOR BUCK"

• I prefer sporty or sport sedans. Open to import or domestic. No SUVs.

• MUST have a V6 or better! I like POWER, BTW.

• Can't be too expensive on insurance. I am 23 years old with a clean driving record.

• I definitely have inclination towards luxury cars but at my price range I understand it would have to be used.

• Must be FUN to drive. I enjoy good handling and acceleration in a car so this is a pretty big factor.

So there you go. I'm taking suggestions, especially from those of you experienced with buying cars.

 

[tweekah]

Third Gen RX7 Twin Turbo. Hands down. Insurance might cost a bit but you're buying used....So you won't have to fork out 25k. Save some for insurance...

 

[HaVoC]

Good start but the reliability of the turbos AND the apex seals on the rotary give me reason for apprehension. Would actually prefer a usable rear seat as well.

 

[raptor13]

Get an Audi. You could pick up a used A4 or even an A6 for that kind of money. In fact, you could even squeeze a new A4 in for just under $25,000. If that's a little too rich for your blood, you could get a VW Passat, which is based off the same frame. Definately something to consider.


Also, you say you want a six-pack but I'd bet you could settle for a turboed four. The Passat 1.8T is a very nice drive.

 

[HaVoC]

<< Get an Audi. You could pick up a used A4 or even an A6 for that kind of money. In fact, you could even squeeze a new A4 in for just under $25,000. If that's a little too rich for your blood, you could get a VW Passat, which is based off the same frame. Definately something to consider. >>


Good suggestion, raptor13. I'll have to look into a used A6. I still can't get over the idea of driving a 4-banger. I currently &quot;drive&quot; my brother's Saturn. I know, not the same class as an A4, but still.

If the Audis depreciate fast then it is to my benefit.

 

[weinir]

maybe an eclipse? those things got some power. a kid i know got a ticket for going 120(he was racing some guy) in an eclipse

 

[Imported]

Was going to suggest the 3rd gen RX-7 also. How about a used late model BMW 3-series? Heard you can find some good prices on some.

 

[The Stigenator]

BMW 325 = what I got.. got it for 22 grand used (96 model - full everything 33K)

otherwise - Mercury Cougar new one
Nissan 300ZX = pricy but cool
Nissan Maxima = good engine
Toyota Corolla - if you like no looks

My friends have all a year or two old Buicks, Olds, Pontiac and Chevy cars. Got them for under 14G. All with power everything and cruise.

 

[OS]

<< (new or used) >>



assuming that you are paying enough to get a new car, you generally shouldn't buy used. Unless of course, parts are cheap, you know how to work on cars inside out and don't mind doing so. New cars generally have the advantage of having that nice full warranty and new car reliability.



<< &quot;BANG FOR BUCK&quot; >>



I think F-body is really the only way to go here?



<< Can't be too expensive on insurance. >>





<< I like POWER >>



argh, those two are like direct contradictions. I supposed you could get a volvo 850 turbo sedan or something weird like that.

 

[arcain]

2002 Subaru Impreza WRX. If you're willing to wait a couple of months.

Bang for buck? - check
Sport sedan? - check
V6.. err.. it's got power though. It has a 227hp turbocharged 4 cylinder.
Luxery.. err.. it seats four? has A/C? comes fully loaded for $24k? OK.. maybe not..
Fun to drive? - check
Good handling? - check
Acceleration? - check

5.5 points out of 7 isn't too bad..

http://www.imprezawrx.com/wrx.htm
http://www.grassrootsmotorsports.com./subaruwrxtest.html
http://www.edmunds.com/edweb/cook/wrx/02.subaru.imprezawrx.fd.html?id=hprdt02imprezawrxA

Those headlights? They grow on you.. maybe.. some of us anyways (at least you won't see them when you're driving).

 

[sparkle]

My vote i on the BMW 323 or 325, they are what I am looking at, used of course

 

[Gorgonzola]

i agree with arcain, get a rex. but then again, im only saying that because i want one

i cant stand the look of the new one though, i'd go with the current model.

 

[tinneric]

Go for a a new Mustang GT, should be able to get one under $25K. Any other choice and you would have wished you had a V-8.

 

[lupin]

you can get a '95 BMW M3 for $25,000 or less.

 

[Gunbuster]

Mazda Protege.
Very fun to drive, and got more horsepower for 2001.

You can pick one up new for around 20k

It's hard to beat for the money

 

[vi edit]

Good luck finding an A6 in that price range w/ less than 50,000 miles. A4's are very, very nice cars, but they don't exactly have breathtaking excelleration.

My suggestion - look for a used 2000 Contour SVT. Here's an article comparing the SVT to an A4 and an Infiniti G20. The Contour was not only the cheapest, but it was also the most praised.

You could easily find a used 2000 SVT w/ under 20,000 miles for around $16,000 or so.

It's got a very usuable back seat, cheap to replace parts, and a lot of aftermarket parts availble for a bargain.

Check it out.

 

[vi edit]

Oh, and insurance is pretty cheap on the SVT as well due to it's 4 doors, saftey features, and misleadingly low displacement (2.5L).

 

[Ornery]

Cars And Classics has some good ideas for you. Some old muscle cars hold their value, so you won't lose much over time. They're easy to work on and parts are readily available for fair prices. Fast, comfortable and relatively safe because of their size. Handling? Uh, not great, but do you have a lot of pylons to maneuver around or what?

This one's cool: 1970 Chevy Chevelle SS 454, 52,000miles, $16,950.00 obo.

Bang for the buck = used. No way around that. I bought my '77 Town Car in '82 for $4,800. Still driving it and it's only required tires, exhaust, batteries and the like. Beat that for bang for the buck!

 

[Gunbuster]

For new cars check out the message boards at edmunds.com

 

[HaVoC]

Great suggestions, guys. My comments:

I want to stay away from older muscle cars. Though the idea of big American iron appeals to me immensely, the reliability factor scares me. I don't want my ride stalling on the way to work.

The Subarus are intriguing, I must admit. After checking out the website, I see the front end appeals to me. It looks aggressive anti-econobox. I just wish it wasn't a Subaru...ahahha. Also, it's a bit small for my tastes. Turbo Four is much better than plain 4 but still not a Six in my book. But will keep this on my shortlist.

Used Bimmer is a good bet, but replacement parts are expensive. Will keep at the end of my shortlist.

Was thinking about a new 'Stang. The V8s really competitive, price-wise. Unfortunately, everyone and their mother has one. I like Fords, though. Will keep this on my shortlist.

 

[StageLeft]

Get a Maxima...

Or an Audi!

 

[vi edit]

Arg! I need to be awake the next time I post excelleration

Here's the link that I was attempting to post SVT vs A4 vs Infinit

 

[HaVoC]

Maxima is near the top of my short list. I have a friend who had one. Real powerful car and nice leather interior. Too bad he wrecked it! I hear the new ones will have a 260 pony V6 lurking under the hood. Will have to investigate this.

 

[StageLeft]

havoc

We had a '95 maxima GXE until my father totalled it on a slick highway going too fast (many rolls). I was 17 at the time...and I drove it very fast. It really was a bad influence on my driving habits but its a damn fast car for it's size and price. The '95'99 will get 7.1 0-60 if you have a 5-spd transmission. The new ones (2000 and newer) with 222 horsepower are doing 6.7 with the 5-spd.

You can get into a new or only very slightly used SE with leather interior for the price you want to spend I think. They look sharp and are fast! And large...

Haven't heard of the 260 horsepower...I would think that since this generation will be here from '00-03 that the '04 could have an engine overhaul but I doubt they'll have one before then...

 

[Ornery]

Achhh! Reliability! Old muscle doesn't have any computers, no smog junk, no wimpy FWD... DAMN! If you drove a beefy muscle car like these mamby pamby FWD go-karts, it would last forever! Gads, I'd put a 1970 small block up against Detroit's new cheap junk. As long as you don't put a hairy cam or blower on it, you'll be fine. Keep it at original specs and the performance will be plenty respectable without the buzzy high RPMs needed by the newer weenie mobiles.