New Car Time

[Ineffable]

Alright so with the passing of my baby (my 97 cavalier) which has been with me for many years and was there for me before and after my Altima Coupe was totaled I am in need of a new ride. Within the next week I will find out about a research position I am applying for at UNT (U of North Texas) so I could be moving back to Dallas. If this happens then I going to use my bike as sole transportation for the next month or so while I decide and see how X-Mas treats my new car fund. I am taking recommendations, I can't spend above around 35k (talked my parents into matching what I can put down since I am going back to grad school) I have am really liking the new Cameros but they are a bit much for what I really need. I would really like to get into an Audi 4 door or a C-Class but I am open. I am looking for something 4 doors and a little upscale as I will be driving it for quite some time. But once again I am open to just about anything if I like it and it gets decent gas mileage. So what does everyone here drive and what are your thoughts on it?

P.S. If anyone suggests a Prius I will gouge out your eyeballs with a dull pencil.

[CasterTroy]

I've become a HUGE fan of the MazdaSpeed3

It's not at ALL what I'm use too. I have a BMW 5 sedan and an exploder, and I'm very happy with them. Especially the 5 series. Perfect size and friggin rails. But with everything shrinking in the cities and parking getting so tight you need a shoehorn to get in and out of the car in parking decks I would like to have a car with a smaller footprint that can haul 4 people and haul ass

The speed3 does that VERY well without killing your kidneys like a Scubby STI

[Cutty72]

http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/

Decent mileage and you can haul your bike.

[Ineffable]

http://www.fordvehicles.com/transitconnect/

Decent mileage and you can haul your bike.

I could also fill it with candy and make a cameo on To Catch a Predator

[Cutty72]

I've become a HUGE fan of the MazdaSpeed3

It's not at ALL what I'm use too. I have a BMW 5 sedan and an exploder, and I'm very happy with them. Especially the 5 series. Perfect size and friggin rails. But with everything shrinking in the cities and parking getting so tight you need a shoehorn to get in and out of the car in parking decks I would like to have a car with a smaller footprint that can haul 4 people and haul ass

The speed3 does that VERY well without killing your kidneys like a Scubby STI

I loved the speed3 when I worked at a mazda dealer, virtually no issues with it, and fast as HELL!
IIRC it was the fastest stock FWD vehicle in 2008.
Didn't get full power till 3rd gear, cause you were buring the tires till then anyway, even with TC.

[Cutty72]

I could also fill it with candy and make a cameo on To Catch a Predator

true story.

[neebelung]

I've become a HUGE fan of the MazdaSpeed3

It's not at ALL what I'm use too. I have a BMW 5 sedan and an exploder, and I'm very happy with them. Especially the 5 series. Perfect size and friggin rails. But with everything shrinking in the cities and parking getting so tight you need a shoehorn to get in and out of the car in parking decks I would like to have a car with a smaller footprint that can haul 4 people and haul ass

The speed3 does that VERY well without killing your kidneys like a Scubby STI

When we car shopped back over the summer, the contenders were:

MazdaSpeed3
Civic SI (4 door)
WRX's & STi's (we opted for WRX cus we really wanted the Hawkeye Wagon)

All 4 were a blast to drive, and had we not found the deal on the wagon that we got, the '08 Mazdaspeed3 was in a close second place. SHIT TON fun to drive, comfortable, decent mileage, though not a hell of a lot of cargo room, but the rear seats do fold down, and oh yeah, fun to drive. The WRX was just MORE fun to drive, plain and simple. But it was a close race between the two.

As for killin kidneys, I've heard people say that about both the WRX and the STi, but I have yet to drive/ride in one that shook my guts like people claim they do. :shrug: (we've had passengers in ours who said it's plenty comfy in the back seat, too).

And while I pick on Civics, the '08 Si was a respectable little car. I was surprised at how nicely the interior finish was especially. It just FELT much more solid and refined than I would have expected.

Any of the three (the regular Mazdaspeed wasn't quite as fun) would be a great choice.

[karl_1052]

I've become a HUGE fan of the MazdaSpeed3

It's not at ALL what I'm use too. I have a BMW 5 sedan and an exploder, and I'm very happy with them. Especially the 5 series. Perfect size and friggin rails. But with everything shrinking in the cities and parking getting so tight you need a shoehorn to get in and out of the car in parking decks I would like to have a car with a smaller footprint that can haul 4 people and haul ass

The speed3 does that VERY well without killing your kidneys like a Scubby STI

Fook the STI

Legacy GT wagon(or sedan, if you are so inclined).
AWD, 2.5 turbo, tons of room for anything, and a very nice looking car IMO.
http://www.dragtimes.com/images/6910-2005-Subaru-Legacy.jpg

[Ineffable]

Anyone know anything about the Honda Accords? Never owned a Honda and always had the perception they were PoS due to all the crappy civics I see on the road but that probably has more to do with my general hate for the idiots who think if they slap on a $100 bodykit they are speedracer

[neebelung]

Fook the STI

Legacy GT wagon(or sedan, if you are so inclined).
AWD, 2.5 turbo, tons of room for anything, and a very nice looking car IMO.
http://www.dragtimes.com/images/6910-2005-Subaru-Legacy.jpg

That's pretty slick lookin... but I wonder how the power compares - the WRX is much smaller, with the same 2.5 turbo and AWD...

[Cutty72]

Any of the three (the regular Mazdaspeed wasn't quite as fun) would be a great choice.

What do you call the "regular" mazda speed?

They have variations of 3 different vehicles

MazdaSpeed3 07-08-(09?)
MazdaSpeed6 06-07
MazdaSpeedRX-8 05

[RACER X]

Anyone know anything about the Honda Accords? Never owned a Honda and always had the perception they were PoS due to all the crappy civics I see on the road but that probably has more to do with my general hate for the idiots who think if they slap on a $100 bodykit they are speedracer

we have an '08 accord EX-L w/ Navi 4cyl

1) don't get nav. it sucks
2) decent car, road noise is kinda high, but we think it's in the tires.
3) no probs in 23k
4) a few squeaks
5) 4cyl is sufficient power
6) avg mpg in town is about 23-24, 29-30on hwy

[HokieDNA01]

I have a 2003 Accord 4-door EX (V6). About 130,000miles and still running great. Gets about 30mpg on interstate and is quite capable of hauling a small trailer. HUGE trunk. Best think about them is they run forever and have a high resell if you do decide to sell.

[neebelung]

What do you call the "regular" mazda speed?

They have variations of 3 different vehicles

MazdaSpeed3 07-08-(09?)
MazdaSpeed6 06-07
MazdaSpeedRX-8 05

Sorry, I meant regular Mazda 3. Work + forum posting = fail. :lol:

[Cutty72]

Sorry, I meant regular Mazda 3. Work + forum posting = fail. :lol:

Standard 3 is pretty peppy too, as long as you have the 2.3L. The 2L is a big dogish off the line.

BUT, the 2.3L can be built to Speed specs later if you want...

[101lifts2]

If you are going to grad school and need mommy to "match" your down payment, why do you need a 35k car?

Get a new Aveo for 11 grand OTD and buy a better car once you get a real job.

[Particle Man]

Fook the STI

Legacy GT wagon(or sedan, if you are so inclined).
AWD, 2.5 turbo, tons of room for anything, and a very nice looking car IMO.
http://www.dragtimes.com/images/6910-2005-Subaru-Legacy.jpg

agreed. We have the sedan version and it's a GREAT car

[neebelung]

Standard 3 is pretty peppy too, as long as you have the 2.3L. The 2L is a big dogish off the line.

BUT, the 2.3L can be built to Speed specs later if you want...

Oh I've got nothing against it; we drove it back to back with the Mazdaspeed version, so it just wasn't AS fun.

[goof2]

I wouldn't want a car payment while in school, but that is just me.

With your budget I would be looking at an Infiniti G37 sedan with a manual. If you don't load it up with options the price should be about right and will cost $10k+ less than a comparable 335 BMW.

[zlicius]

you can't get a camaro if you can't spell it properly. :P

i'll sell you my accord for cheap. mama needs more seats!!

[Ineffable]

If you are going to grad school and need mommy to "match" your down payment, why do you need a 35k car?

Get a new Aveo for 11 grand OTD and buy a better car once you get a real job.

Not so much that I NEED mommy to match a down payment it is just how it worked out due to the fact of how little financial support I have ever burdened her with (About $1,000 spread over the last 6 years). I paid for my undergrad degree, and already saved enough to pay for the rest of grad school. I want to get a new car because I am the type of person who drives a car until it dies. If I end up spending my entire budget and pay off the car then I will sell my RC8 and trade down to a 600 or something that is more 'comfortable' to ride and put the difference in savings. If I get the research position I want then I will be pretty well off as it will knock 2/3s off my tuition and generate income which I don't really need as my housing and living expenses will be paid for through student loans which are autodebited from my savings to build credit.

[neebelung]

Not so much that I NEED mommy to match a down payment it is just how it worked out due to the fact of how little financial support I have ever burdened her with (About $1,000 spread over the last 6 years). I paid for my undergrad degree, and already saved enough to pay for the rest of grad school. I want to get a new car because I am the type of person who drives a car until it dies. If I end up spending my entire budget and pay off the car then I will sell my RC8 and trade down to a 600 or something that is more 'comfortable' to ride and put the difference in savings. If I get the research position I want then I will be pretty well off as it will knock 2/3s off my tuition and generate income which I don't really need as my housing and living expenses will be paid for through student loans which are autodebited from my savings to build credit.

I gotta give you credit man; sounds like you've got a pretty solid plan. :dthumb:

[RACER X]

which I don't really need as my housing and living expenses will be paid for through student loans which are autodebited from my savings to build credit.

i would recommend buying a cheap car and staying away from student loans.

[karl_1052]

That's pretty slick lookin... but I wonder how the power compares - the WRX is much smaller, with the same 2.5 turbo and AWD...

It comes with 250hp and taller gears than the STI.
It is more of a luxury sport car(like Audi) than a sport compact(wrx/Mazda 3)

What do you call the "regular" mazda speed?

They have variations of 3 different vehicles

MazdaSpeed3 07-08-(09?)
MazdaSpeed6 06-07
MazdaSpeedRX-8 05

MazdaSpeed miata ;)

[Ineffable]

I gotta give you credit man; sounds like you've got a pretty solid plan. :dthumb:

It comes from frugal living. I spend $25 a week on groceries by clipping coupons, rent a basement apartment because it is cheap and utilities are included, use a prepay phone because I never talk on the phone, never live alone so I have someone to split rent with and treat my savings like it's not my money.

[zlicius]

Student loans are da debil. TRUST ME. If I had no student loans I could have a muuuuuuuuuuuch bigger house or fancier car.

[neebelung]

It comes with 250hp and taller gears than the STI.
It is more of a luxury sport car(like Audi) than a sport compact(wrx/Mazda 3)



Nice!!

We have friends with an STi and an Explorer, but she's planning on trading her Explorer in on a Leggy (sedan) soon. I'm curious to check it out... looks pretty sweet.

I think when it's time for us to get something bigger or trade in the truck, we might go Forrester. Now that we HAVE a Subie I'm completely and 100% sold on them.

[Ineffable]

Student loans are da debil. TRUST ME. If I had no student loans I could have a muuuuuuuuuuuch bigger house or fancier car.

Depends on the situation. Mine are ok because I don't let the balance get above 10k, I am still in school so no interest accrues and the payments come auto out of savings so I never have to think about it. Plus over the last couple years my credit has been rising thanks to them. However I did learn the hard way that Sallie Mae is the devil.

[Homeslice]

I personally am done with high-powered FWD cars.......They all claim to have torque-steer under control, but they don't. So for me it's either RWD or AWD from now on. I personally would look for a used 3-series.

[goof2]

If you are considering used cars as well you could get a low mile (under 30k) mid 2000s M3 coupe or convertible. You better make sure you can do the maintenance yourself though (including valve adjustments) or you are looking at $2k+ every 25k miles. You could also look for a lower mile previous generation M5.

For Audis you could look for a mid 2000s low mile S4.

One brand I really like is Jaguar. It can be viewed as an old man's car and isn't available with a manual, but an 04 or 05 XJR (400hp supercharged V8) with under 40k miles is doable, possibly with money to spare. Even the occasional low mile Super V8 (extended length XJR, even better leather, carpet, etc.) falls in to that price range.

[Ineffable]

Most likely what will happen is once I find the car I want I will sit around at the auctions and try to find a good deal on it.

[101lifts2]

.... I paid for my undergrad degree, and already saved enough to pay for the rest of grad school....

...which I don't really need as my housing and living expenses will be paid for through student loans which are autodebited from my savings to build credit.

So if everything is paid, then why are you taking out student loans?

I don't mean to be a dick, but when you're in school, don't buy an expensive car because you do not know what the job market is going to be when you get out. R and D isn't the most lucrative career in an slumping economy.

[101lifts2]

Student loans are da debil. TRUST ME. If I had no student loans I could have a muuuuuuuuuuuch bigger house or fancier car.


LOL...as if ur house isn't big enough. FACKER!!!!:lol

[Captain Morgan]

we have an '08 accord EX-L w/ Navi 4cyl
...5) 4cyl is sufficient power
6) avg mpg in town is about 23-24, 29-30on hwy

An '08 4cyl should get much better mileage. I get similar, if not better, with my '97 Camry w/ over 200k miles on it.

If you are going to grad school and need mommy to "match" your down payment, why do you need a 35k car?

Get a new Aveo for 11 grand OTD and buy a better car once you get a real job.

Better yet, get a 6 year old Toyota or Honda and drive it till the wheels fall off. You'll save a ton by letting someone else take the depreciation and it'll last for a long time. Why spend 35k on a new car when you're going to grad school?

i would recommend buying a cheap car and staying away from student loans.

So if everything is paid, then why are you taking out student loans?

I don't mean to be a dick, but when you're in school, don't buy an expensive car because you do not know what the job market is going to be when you get out. R and D isn't the most lucrative career in an slumping economy.

Agree with the above. If you've been able to be frugal and save money, keep at it until you've locked in a good, steady job. And then mix in some fun and spending with your frugality. Can't be a miser for life, but don't want to blow it all, either.

[racedoll]

Fook the STI

Legacy GT wagon(or sedan, if you are so inclined).
AWD, 2.5 turbo, tons of room for anything, and a very nice looking car IMO.


If you want something new, they no longer make the Legacy Wagon just the sedan. And they new 2010's suck, IMO. I have the 2009 Legacy GT and it rocks :rockwoot: Hubby has a 2008 Outback 2.5i (no turbo) and we use it to pull the bikes. Plus he gets better gas mileage and can run 87 octane.

That's pretty slick lookin... but I wonder how the power compares - the WRX is much smaller, with the same 2.5 turbo and AWD...

My experience when test driving was that the WRX hit the turbo harder and at a lower rpm. The Legacy GT is a more refined car. It still gets into the turbo good (throw you back in the seat) but it is more linear.

What do you call the "regular" mazda speed?

They have variations of 3 different vehicles

MazdaSpeed3 07-08-(09?)
MazdaSpeed6 06-07
MazdaSpeedRX-8 05

I was going to test drive an 06 MazdaSpeed6 when searching for a car but the rearend was out... so I nixed it off my list completely. Since they were made just for 2 years, chances are they didn't fix any of the problems that they had. My $0.02.

Better yet, get a 6 year old Toyota or Honda and drive it till the wheels fall off. You'll save a ton by letting someone else take the depreciation and it'll last for a long time. Why spend 35k on a new car when you're going to grad school?

Toyota and Honda are good, but Subaru's are too. They last just as long as the other two brands but tend to be forgotten about.

I'm a Subaru fan since I own one as does hubby. They are just really nice cars for the money. But you get what you like. Go test drive some stuff, then decide for yourself what you want.

[zlicius]

An '08 4cyl should get much better mileage.

I agree, it should. And I don't hotrod it either. I've complained to honda about it because my good friend has an 07 that gets tons better and they said "well your model is the new one and it's heavier" (basically blowing me off). And i've complained about the nav blowing monkey ballz and they blew me off about that too.

The 2007 4 cyl gets much better, like 31 mpg according to my friend, so i'd go w/ that year. Plus, they had LED brake lights, but now the 08+ don't. Weird huh? I like my car, but honda really let me down w/ it as I really liked my 05 odyssey more actually.

[LeeNetworX]

If you are going to grad school and need mommy to "match" your down payment, why do you need a 35k car?

Get a new Aveo for 11 grand OTD and buy a better car once you get a real job.

I was wondering the same thing. Get something that's on the cheaper end but dependable and fuel efficient. Make it through grad school, get a decent job, and then upgrade to something you can afford, if you still want to. I don't get why you want a $30-35K car when you need your parents to help you out.

[karl_1052]

Most likely what will happen is once I find the car I want I will sit around at the auctions and try to find a good deal on it.

You better have cash then. Loans for used cars are not cheap, whereas, you buy new, and you will still get low to no interest financing.

If I were you, I would find another chitbox and drive it until you graduate, then buy a house.
Cars can come later. House equity will make you better off.

[MILK]

Acura TL

[Rider]

G35 coupe or a Audi S4, both used of course. Of course for under 35K you can find a mint condition 1996 911. :rockwoot:

[RACER X]

job, and then upgrade to something you can afford, if you still want to. I don't get why you want a $30-35K car when you need your parents to help you out.

driving a nice car and living it a hobbit hole eatin like an etheopian kid.........lol

[LeeNetworX]

driving a nice car and living it a hobbit hole eatin like an etheopian kid.........lol

*shrug* To each his own, I guess.

[RACER X]

right, oh and riding a nice bike ta boot!


kinda reminds of a class of people we make fun of that have nicer cars then their homes...........hmmm

[pauldun170]

You young people and your "ideas".

Things certainly have changed a lot since my day.

[101lifts2]

....I'm a Subaru fan since I own one as does hubby. They are just really nice cars for the money. But you get what you like. Go test drive some stuff, then decide for yourself what you want.

Agree 100%. Also, Subaru uses better interior materials than the other two OEMs mentioned.

Servicing Subarus for maintence is a piece of cake as well.
Oil and Filter right up in the front
Transmission has a drain plug with no filter.
Fuel filter is under the hood.
Differential fluid has a drain plug as with the rear end fluid.
Plugs are easy as hell.

Motors are dead reliable as with their manual transmissions.

[Kaneman]

I had a C-350 Sport and it was one of the nicest cars I've ever ridden in or driven. Loved everything about it, especially its ability to do donuts. The Comand System was definitely worth it as well. I miss that car!

[Amber Lamps]

driving a nice car and living it a hobbit hole eatin like an etheopian kid.........lol

Sounds like me!!! Priorities... I have a Tempurpedic bed, $20,000 in home electronics, assorted other crap and live in a small apt and eat Romen at least 5 meals a week! Food doesn't matter to me, a fancy car doesn't matter to me, a big house doesn't matter to me, etc.

This guy has a very expensive bike, wants to buy a premium car, and lives in a basement with ROOMATES!!! At least I have the place to myself....

[RACER X]

you're 40somethin? he's 20somethin lol

[Cutty72]

MazdaSpeed miata ;)

I knew I was forgetting one, just couldn't think of it.
I know one year on that it was pretty much just suspension and bodywork. :lol:


I was going to test drive an 06 MazdaSpeed6 when searching for a car but the rearend was out... so I nixed it off my list completely. Since they were made just for 2 years, chances are they didn't fix any of the problems that they had. My $0.02.


2 years is the most they make ANY MazdaSpeed vehicle. It's a "specialty" vehicle and it rotates through the lineup. There was even talk at one time of a 2010 MazdaSpeed CX-7... we all laughed.
The Speed6 did have a lot of tranny/driveline issues though, especially when power adders came into play.

[Amber Lamps]

you're 40somethin? he's 20somethin lol

Oh yea that's true... To be honest, I think that he has a decent plan if that's what he wants. Everyone is always pushing the house thing but what if you're going to move a lot for work? What if you're single without children? What if you don't feel like fucking around out in the yard the one day you get off a week? I know lots of guys that are very "house poor". They're lucky if they can buy something off the dollar menu at Mc Donald's every once in a while. Yea sure in 30 years, they'll have something but what's the end result? How many people under 40 have paid for homes? Don't most people die making house payments? Everyone is always talking about "equity" but what good is it if you're not going to buy anything?

[Kaneman]

you're 40somethin? he's 20somethin lol

Actually Tigger is looking forward to his upcoming 96th birthday.

[Amber Lamps]

Actually Tigger is looking forward to his upcoming 96th birthday.

and I plan on dying a loser!