I'm sure most of you have seen the several threads I have had about used cars lately. Hopefully this will be my last one. First I should say I have not yet figured out my budget. I know that?s the first thing you should do and I will definitely have it before I start actually shopping for cars. Right now I figure my maximum budget is about 7,000.00, that?s on the high end though. I would much prefer to spend closer to 5000.00.
Well after having another domestic break on me (not really the cars fault, more the mechanics fault that worked on it, and its being fixed for free) I have finally seen the light and decided to look more closely at the foreign auto makers.
What I am looking for in a car:
Auto tranny is preferable-I know the most of you would want a manual, but if my fiancé has to drive the car I just don't want her having another thing to concentrate on while driving, not that she is a bad driver, just would prefer all she has to do is drive the car. I realize the manual is more fun, but I will live without it.
I have been considering, but not limited to Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Acura and the likes.
I have no preference on number of doors. 2 usually look nicer, but 4 are more economical for a family.
Something that won't costs insane amounts for insurance. I will be financing and will have to get full coverage and that has to stay within my monthly budget. I was considering an Integra and still am, but hear these are expensive to insure.
Looks are somewhat important to me, I don't want a rice mobile, nor do I want a theft magnet. I basically just want a nice looking car not something that?s just plain vanilla. Alloys are nice, I am thinking I would be most happy with a black car (until it gets dirty, LOL). I usually like a simple spoiler on most cars, but if it has a nice line without it that?s fine too. Basically in between rice/bling and vanilla.
Economical is good, good gas mileage, not to expensive to fix/maintain.
Fun to drive would be nice, but if that requires a big engine which will cost me more in insurance then forget it. As long as it has more then enough to get me around town and maneuver in and out of traffic at 65+ on the freeways.
I think I would prefer front wheel drive, since we get a lot of snow and ice in Ohio. I won't be racing this car, so RWD and a huge engine isn't that important to me.
Interior should be of nice quality and functional, leather would be nice since I have the kids, its easier to clean, and nicer feel.
Can't really think of anything else although I am sure I am leaving out some stuff, maybe it will come to me later or after you start responding.
Cars I have been considering/looking at are:mainly mid 90's
Nissan 200SX SE-R/maybe even consider the SE version
Nissan Sentra SE, but these are late 90's and maybe out of my price range.
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima-great engine, but prolly more power then I need and what do they cost to insure?
Acura Integra
Haven't really been looking at Hondas since they all seem plain or riced, but maybe if I saw some nice looking ones I would change my mind.
Same thing for the Toyotas really, it seems like these tend to be more refined with less flash. But again I haven't looked at them very hard.
Mazda's-looked at a few, MX6, protégé, my ideal car right now would a Mazda6 hatchback, but they are not out quite yet, I also like the Mazda3 sedan, but with decent options these are way out of my price range.
Again I am sure there are others I am forgetting, but I figured I would tap into the ATOT user?s car knowledge. I feel confident that you guys can recommend cars I never even though of, but who knows. Plus you all just know more about them and which are good and which are bad. Any help you can give me is appreciated. Thanks.
Well after having another domestic break on me (not really the cars fault, more the mechanics fault that worked on it, and its being fixed for free) I have finally seen the light and decided to look more closely at the foreign auto makers.
What I am looking for in a car:
Auto tranny is preferable-I know the most of you would want a manual, but if my fiancé has to drive the car I just don't want her having another thing to concentrate on while driving, not that she is a bad driver, just would prefer all she has to do is drive the car. I realize the manual is more fun, but I will live without it.
I have been considering, but not limited to Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Acura and the likes.
I have no preference on number of doors. 2 usually look nicer, but 4 are more economical for a family.
Something that won't costs insane amounts for insurance. I will be financing and will have to get full coverage and that has to stay within my monthly budget. I was considering an Integra and still am, but hear these are expensive to insure.
Looks are somewhat important to me, I don't want a rice mobile, nor do I want a theft magnet. I basically just want a nice looking car not something that?s just plain vanilla. Alloys are nice, I am thinking I would be most happy with a black car (until it gets dirty, LOL). I usually like a simple spoiler on most cars, but if it has a nice line without it that?s fine too. Basically in between rice/bling and vanilla.
Economical is good, good gas mileage, not to expensive to fix/maintain.
Fun to drive would be nice, but if that requires a big engine which will cost me more in insurance then forget it. As long as it has more then enough to get me around town and maneuver in and out of traffic at 65+ on the freeways.
I think I would prefer front wheel drive, since we get a lot of snow and ice in Ohio. I won't be racing this car, so RWD and a huge engine isn't that important to me.
Interior should be of nice quality and functional, leather would be nice since I have the kids, its easier to clean, and nicer feel.
Can't really think of anything else although I am sure I am leaving out some stuff, maybe it will come to me later or after you start responding.
Cars I have been considering/looking at are:mainly mid 90's
Nissan 200SX SE-R/maybe even consider the SE version
Nissan Sentra SE, but these are late 90's and maybe out of my price range.
Nissan Altima
Nissan Maxima-great engine, but prolly more power then I need and what do they cost to insure?
Acura Integra
Haven't really been looking at Hondas since they all seem plain or riced, but maybe if I saw some nice looking ones I would change my mind.
Same thing for the Toyotas really, it seems like these tend to be more refined with less flash. But again I haven't looked at them very hard.
Mazda's-looked at a few, MX6, protégé, my ideal car right now would a Mazda6 hatchback, but they are not out quite yet, I also like the Mazda3 sedan, but with decent options these are way out of my price range.
Again I am sure there are others I am forgetting, but I figured I would tap into the ATOT user?s car knowledge. I feel confident that you guys can recommend cars I never even though of, but who knows. Plus you all just know more about them and which are good and which are bad. Any help you can give me is appreciated. Thanks.
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