Help me pick a new car

[g6civcx]

I'm in the market for a new car. I was hoping to keep it under $20k, but I've seen everything under the sun and I've been really disappointed by the driving impressions of all the manufacturers.

Right now my top pick would be the Subaru Impreza 2.5i sedan. If you know of something better for the money, please let me know. It just has to be new and under $20k, otherwise I'd get an Evolution if I wanted to spend more.

[Brian]

Honda Fit.

Or Toyota Yaris.

I want one.

[ramblux]

Yaris + Vitz aftermarket = fun

[WilloW]

If if have about $20K right now I would get myself an IS300 or GS300 and call it a day.

Edit: Are you talking about used cars that are newer or brand new cars? If it is the later then ignore my comment.

[drifter808]

im looking for a new car too. Im thinking of the Honda Fit or even a Scion TC.

[HyperTek]

03 350z can be had under 20k

[exitspeed]

What do you want out of the car? Is it gonna be a DD? A track whore? Do you want mad fuel effeciency?

The new Civics are great bang for the buck if your looking for a new DD. If your looking for something that's got some balls or you wanna beat on, IS300, 350z, even a WRX.

[g6civcx]

I want new. I don't like buying used cars. Right now I want a car I daily and keep completely stock. No time and effort to mod anything.

Yaris and Fit. I've already seen them. Don't like them. I like Toyota quality, but the TC doesn't drive well enough for me.

I drove a 350Z for a long time. Don't like it. No WRX because I don't want a turbo. The IS is nice but expensive. Same with the GS.

I owned a lot of cars. Right now I live 1 mile from work so I don't really need a car. Just something to drive in case I need to go somewhere.


Right now the 2.5i is still the top choice unless you have something else to recommend. The new model drives much better than the old one. I was really surprised when I drove it.

[Replicant_S14]

I haven't really looked at one but for under 20k that 2.5i subie looks pretty sweet. I'd have to drive one to be sure, but at least on paper, it seems like it'd be a good replacement for my old worn out 240.

I've got it in my head that I want a honda element so that'll probably be my next car (unless some of you beat some sense into me first).

[Cloud9]

Soltaice, sky, miata all about 20g's and still fun!

[exitspeed]

I want new. I don't like buying used cars. Right now I want a car I daily and keep completely stock. No time and effort to mod anything.

Yaris and Fit. I've already seen them. Don't like them. I like Toyota quality, but the TC doesn't drive well enough for me.

I drove a 350Z for a long time. Don't like it. No WRX because I don't want a turbo. The IS is nice but expensive. Same with the GS.

I owned a lot of cars. Right now I live 1 mile from work so I don't really need a car. Just something to drive in case I need to go somewhere.


Right now the 2.5i is still the top choice unless you have something else to recommend. The new model drives much better than the old one. I was really surprised when I drove it.

I say Corrolla or Civic 4 door if your looking for something like that. Much much better built quality then that Subby. There's really no comparison. I'd even get a Mazda 3 over that Subby.

[Flybert]

Lancer Ralliart is a pretty fun car. The suspension is pretty stiff, the motor is torquey, shifter is nice, interior is really nice, interior is roomy, and I think you can get it for under 20k.

[Kouki_2.4]

Impreza 2.5i is a good choice. Have you considered the Sentra SE-R Spec V or civic SI? What type of drivetrain are you looking for? Front wheel? rear wheel? all wheel? no pref?

[ThatGuy]

Z Z
0 or R
6 1

The best of the C4 and C5 line of 'Vettes. Fun cars.

[Yuri]

wait for the Mazda Kabura.;)

[txrxs]

Mazdaspeed 6, wait 2 months and you'll be able to pick one up for less then 20K. They are already throwing out crazy rebates on these cars, i've seen them go for 21K. I mean whats not to like about a brand new awd 280hp 30K + sedan for 20K.

[monkey7]

This is what I'm looking into, a prius then hacking it to get up to a hundred miles per gallon. A new one will be a bit more than 20k.

http://news.com.com/2100-11389_3-6074671.html

[exitspeed]

wait for the Mazda Kabura.;)

I wouldn't hold my breath on that one...Nice car though.
I want to hump the front fenders.

[VROOOM]

have you guys seen the new mazdaspeed 3??? 5 door hatchback with 263 hp 280ft/lbs torque. http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=upcomingMS3 it looks like it could be lots of fun. if only it was RWD or AWD

[Kouki_2.4]

have you guys seen the new mazdaspeed 3??? 5 door hatchback with 263 hp 280ft/lbs torque. http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=upcomingMS3 it looks like it could be lots of fun. if only it was RWD or AWD

Man, 263 hp/ 280tq from a 2.3 liter is nice. Yes, too bad it wasnt AWD or RWD. BUt nonetheless still running 0- 60 mph in sub 6 seconds!

[j00ni3]

hyundai tiburon v6? ... cheap ...
mustang? ... good bang for the money?

i know i know these aren't as good as you guys think but i was out shopping for cars last year... and i drove the tib... it's pretty nice.. handles well, seemed balanced, and had a 6 speed.

the mustang i drove, it was an auto , but for a daily i think it was ok, good power, nice looks, and cheap.

just my .o2 please don't bash too hard on me ~

yea btw... with the help of my parents... i got a mazda rx8 but my sister broke it =( deemed totalled ( it was too )

[S13SilviaGirl]

I will never own a subaru ever again!

[g6civcx]

Going top down from people's responses.

I borrow the Element when I move stuff. It's a really useful car. Looks like ass, but if you remove the rear seats it's huge. You can move a full size fridge with the hatch closed. I did :) You can even get it for under $20k. Not something I want to drive every day though.

Solstice and Sky have a waitlist around here. I can't find one on the lot within 300 miles. Dealer wouldn't budge on the Miata. Plus I want something more substantial.

I know all about the Corolla and Civic. I have a lot of experience with them. Drives well enough and lasts forever, but quite frankly I'm sick of driving them. I don't like the new 3. I liked the MP3/5 much better. If they were still selling the MP5 I would definitely get that.

You can get a RalliArt for under $20k here, but I don't want to deal with Mitsubishi any more. Too much drama for crappy cars.

I already saw the C5 Z06. I'm not in the market for a used car, but I saw it any way. Just seems like a car that screams for attention. I want something less high strung and requires lower maintenance.

I'll pass on the C4. Horrible chassis.

What's a Kabura?

I don't want a turbo so no go on the 6.

Prius have a $3-5k markup here, and people actually buy them. Bump that.

I'll pass on the 3 as well. Mad powahz to the front wheels yo.

Already saw the Tib. Not impressed. Likewise with the Mustang. It has all the awkwardness of the GT and none of the power. RX8 would be nice, but they're a little more expensive. If I wanted to spend that much I would just get another Evolution.

I will never own a subaru ever again!

If you thought Nissans were hard, they are the worst cars to swap engines on.


Just for background, I had an Evolution, STi, 350Z, Mustang GT for a while. I want something cheaper and requires less maintenance since I'm building my S13 for track use. If I had to have only one car, I would keep the Evolution and use it for both. But it has its problems and I don't regret letting it go.

But if I'm spending close to $30k, I would just get another Evolution. The new ones are a little better than what I had.


So right now the top pick is still the Impreza 2.5i. I have 2 weeks until the year end sale runs out. If nobody can come up with anything better that's what I'm going with.

Again, please no used car. I've had enough of people's stupidity :)

[viscid240]

have you considered a bike? like an R1 or R6....Unless you are still wanting cargo area(passengers,etc.

[lucky7]

I've got it in my head that I want a honda element so that'll probably be my next car (unless some of you beat some sense into me first).


im with you. i like the element. even the way it looks. i can take the bitch camping, with all my shit in the back. plastic floor + neoprene seats = garden hose to clean it out. not to mention awd would be nice in the snow, and relatively good gas mileage. you can also get it in a 5spd. ;)

[PITCH]

Camry? Or Maxima?

[alwazsidwaz]

Be different, everyone and their mom is getting an Impreza. Get a Forrester with 5speed and a moonroof, then you can be just like everyones mom...lol. The sunroof on these opens up like 36" or something like that and if you throw a lowered GC suspension on, it doesn't look half bad either. I'm selling my 25RS and that's what I'm looking to get, but used. GL I hate new car hunting.

[Cash]

I know you said you don't like buying new cars, but since most new cars depreciate so much right when you drive them off the lot, why don't you consider buying a certified preowned car that's maybe just under a year old with less than 10,000 miles on it?

[RiversideS13]

toyota matrix gets 30-35mpg

mazda3 rated well in magazines

i like mazda5 because it is a cool cross vehicle can ride 7 people

i also heared new civic is quite nice

XB or XA is a popular daily drive but it only has 105hp

impreza is going to have new design by next year

[alwazsidwaz]

http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h258/alwazsidwaz/at_forester_2.jpg


And you don't have to borrow a truck to move shit in.

[g6civcx]

Again, going down from the top.

Got a 2003 YZF-R6. 'nuff said. I'm looking for a car though.

I love mopping the inside of the Element. They say you can spray it, but I wouldn't want water collecting under the trim panels.

The Camry would last 1,000,000 miles, but I'll go insane driving it and crash it on purpose just so I can get another car :) The Maxima is too expensive. I don't think I can get one under $20k. That's Altima range. No more Nissan though :)

At this point I don't care if I become your mom. If it works well and it's cheap and reliable and I can tolerate it, then it's game.

I'll consider the certified pre-owned. Toyota even leases them. Too bad I don't like how the new Toyotas drive.

Pass on the Matrix. We already talked about the 3 above. I don't like the 5 either. We were shopping for Civics for my friend for a month. It's good for some people, but for the money the 2.5i is still a better deal for me. xA or xB would work, but it doesn't have enough passing power. People drive crazy around here! The Impreza has been redesigned a lot lately. I'm starting to like it more and more as they change it.

Where is Crocodile Dundee? :)

[dizastaman]

my wife just purchased a 2.5i last month. its ok i guess. i was expecting i little more. interior and exterior styling is nice. interior feels a little cheap and seats are hard. handles nice. oh and whatever you do dont get the auto. everytime i drive it i find myself saying man, this car would be sooo much more fun if it was 5sp. overall decent vehicle though for the money. BTW she payed 17k out the door for hers.

[PBucch]

VW Rabbit.

What is this not liking to buy used cars business???? You like losing 4 grand as soon as you sign a paper?

[MOUNTAINGARAGE]

I bought a 5 speed 05 Legacy GT last November. It is an awesome car. I even got 27.5mpg on the highway(no stopping) I bought it as a demo with 4400 miles on it. the sticker was 29,800 I paid 26500 otd(with tax,ttl, fees) Pretty good deal I thought. payment was 413/month no down payment. My reason to buy this car was that I was getting married, lived in an apartment and did not have a place to work on any projects. My wifes VW had a list of fix me's...I sold my s13, and only had a Jeep that got 12mpg. So, we were actually looking at the car you are talking about buying, cheap, awd, 4dr....then the LGT was sitting right behind it. My wife loved it. I got a good price on it so, we bought it.

5 months later...I took a finance class. Learned alot. Sold the LGT. Had to pay 2200 to get out of it....it was the best $2200 I ever spent(sort of)

There is no reason to buy a new car unless you can pay cash outright.

F*CK THAT! I WILL NEVER BE OWNED BY A CAR EVER AGAIN!

0% apr, Employee pricing, Tent sale, after working at a Nissan dealer for a year it does not matter what anyone tells me, it is B.S

good luck, but I would try to find a used one and pay cash.

[OptionZero]

Get an Ariel Atom, sell the bike =P

[raz0rbladez909]

Yaris Ftw i know you said you saw it and didn't like it, i thought the same thing at first but i've had mine for a little over a week now and i love the thing to death. I guess its all the amenities that my past 240's never had but for 13k with tax and license i don't think you can beat it. Especially with toyota quality and great gas mileage, plus room for as tall a person as you want. Just some food for thought

[viscid240]

have you tested out the murcury milan? or even the pontiac g5 not g6....

Unless it's strictly import/foriegn.

[yokotas13]

Be different, everyone and their mom is getting an Impreza. Get a Forrester with 5speed and a moonroof, then you can be just like everyones mom...lol. The sunroof on these opens up like 36" or something like that and if you throw a lowered GC suspension on, it doesn't look half bad either. I'm selling my 25RS and that's what I'm looking to get, but used. GL I hate new car hunting.
im with you^

Forester ftw

[Gnnr]

Here's pretty much the list of new cars.

http://www.cars.com/go/crp/buyingGuides/Section.jsp;jsessionid=Y2R3RTSYR3GLNLAYIE2E2UY?sec tion=Passenger&subject=Passenger&year=New&story=index&aff=national

Chevrolet Aveo/Aveo5 (2006) $9,350 - $13,050
Chevrolet Cobalt (2006) $12,400 - $19,900
Chevrolet HHR (2006) $15,325 - $16,325
Chevrolet Malibu (2006) $16,365 - $23,065
Chrysler PT Cruiser (2006) $14,485 - $29,060
Chrysler Sebring (2007) $18,320 - $19,520
Dodge Caliber (2007) $13,575 - $19,475
Ford Fusion (2006) $17,145 - $21,710
Ford Focus (2006) $13,750 - $17,495
Mercury Milan (2006) $18,345 - $22,845
Pontiac G5 (2007) $14,380 - $17,180
Pontiac G6 (2006) $16,365 - $29,365
Pontiac Vibe (2006) $16,430 - $19,430
Saturn Aura (2007) $19,945 - $23,495
Saturn Ion (2006) $11,925 - $19,425


Hyundai Accent (2006) $12,455 - $13,305
Hyundai Elantra (2006) $13,865 - $15,715
Kia Rio/Rio5 (2006) $10,770 - $12,645
Kia Optima (2006) $16,355 - $20,400
Kia Spectra/Sepctra5 (2006) $12,895 - $15,900

Honda Accord (2006) $18,225 - $27,400
Honda Civic (2006) $14,560 - $22,240
Honda Fit (2007) $13,850 - $15,170
Honda Insight (2006) $19,330 - $21,530
Mazda Mazda3 (2006) $13,710 - $19,165
Mazda Mazda6 (2007) $18,930 - $27,800
Mitsubishi Galant (2006) $19,399 - $26,999
Mitsubishi Lancer (2006) $14,599 - $18,999
Nissan Altima (2006) $17,750 - $29,650
Nissan Sentra (2006) $13,200 - $18,300
Nissan Versa (2007) $12,550 - $14,500
Scion xA (2006) $12,780
Scion xB (2006) $13,575 - $19,475
Scion tC (2006) $16,300
Subaru Impreza (2006) $18,295 - $28,495
Subaru Legacy (2007) $21,695 - $33,995
Subaru Outback Sport (2006) $19,195 - $20,495
Suzuki Aerio (2006) $14,099 - $17,099
Suzuki Forenza (2006) $13,799 - $15,799
Suzuki Reno (2006) $13,299 - $15,399
Toyota Camry (2006) $18,445 - $25,805
Toyota Camry Solara (2006) $19,530 - $30,210
Toyota Corolla (2006) $14,105 - $17,880
Toyota Matrix (2006) $15,260 - $19,250
Toyota Yaris (2007) $11,050 - $14,150


Audi A3 (2006)
Mini Cooper (2006) $17,450 - $21,950
Volkswagen Golf (2006) $16,030 - $19,580
Volkswagen Jetta (2006) $17,900 - $23,790
Volkswagen New Beetle (2006) $17,180 - $22,120
Volkswagen Rabbit (2006) $14,990 - $16,990


Don't know what to suggest since you turned down most choices already. Did anyone mention the Mini?

[speedstar01]

rabbits are cool! they hump and have cute little multicolored rabbit babies!

[txrxs]

rabbits are cool! they hump and have cute little multicolored rabbit babies!
They are called Harlequin Rabbit's.

VW produced a few of them in 1996:
http://vortex3.rely.net/gallery/albums//Features/Feature%20Cars/Golf%20Harlequin%20VR6/015.jpg

They are also considering releasing them again:
http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2006/08/204580996_c41671a5f6.jpg

[VROOOM]

I see one of those harlequin golfs on 2nd street in LB all the time.

[trsilvias13]

You mean those multicolor vw are stock? Man, I thought people just like the style and swap other ownere car parts. It does indeed bring attention.

If i was choosing a car, I look at the altima, a tacoma pick-up, a mini cooper, yaris, fit, impreza, xa and xb. Or I would sell all my stuff and buy a lotus elise.

Only if the Cube was an option huh?

[1998 240sx]

what about a vw passat?

[HalveBlue]

VW Rabbit
Chevy Cobalt

[Ninjabread]

the new GTI starts at 22k... i'd be all over that car, even though you said you dont want turbo.

[P4rD0nM3]

Save up for a lotus! Hehehe. It'l take a while...hehehe.

[Omarius Maximus]

I second the rabbit. Base price is uber cheap and the only options to be had are wheels, thats it. Its also fully loaded and a bit more grown up then the yaris, vitz etc. Also, ALL hot college girls drive VW Jettas, and you having a Rabbit would make for a nice conversation starter.

[RiversideS13]

I second the rabbit. Base price is uber cheap and the only options to be had are wheels, thats it. Its also fully loaded and a bit more grown up then the yaris, vitz etc. Also, ALL hot college girls drive VW Jettas, and you having a Rabbit would make for a nice conversation starter.

I disagree with you, a fully loaded rabbit costs about $20k (i think the aero kit $1675 is a must have!), there are more optoins than wheels.

in addition, i also think it is a bad idea to try to hit up girls with cars topics....

[Omarius Maximus]

The only other option is esp which is a 450 dollar option and thats it. The mud flaps or body kits or whatever can be added later from drivegear and don't really qualify as factory options. You can try to build it yourself, the only options are aesthetic aside from ESP. Sure a rabbit would cost 20gs with every option, but thats a 4 door with all the superfluous floor mat, mud guard, crap options(which shouldn't be called options, more like accessories-same goes for the body kit).

I agree with it being a bad idea hitting girls with car topics, but really its just a matter of approach....

[txrxs]

Nice cars, but the driving position is ftl. My girl has a 06 jetta which has the same basic set up as the rabbit/gti. It has the amazing ability to make you feel like you're sitting on top of the car and are totally disconnected, i've driven it enough to know that that something is not right with the ergonomics.

[g6civcx]

Thanks to all those who responded.

[zenki-217]

Buy mine in my sig.

[Gnnr]

Thanks to all those who responded.

so what'd ya pick? :)

[g6civcx]

It'll be a surprise 'til I pick it up :D

[Ninjabread]

^^Bastard!:P make sure to post pics!

[g6civcx]

Moot in view of new post below

[g6civcx]

I picked up an '07 Mazda3 i with no options other than A/C, ABS, and side airbags. All manual equipment otherwise. See pix for details.

Thanks to all those who responded.

[DreamDriveDrift]

When did you get it? Man I remember reading through this thread four score and seven years ago!

[sTalnOut]

i would get the subu.. but if you got xtra money ill take the new EVO cause that car is serious lolz

[ranisron]

^^ as long as the 3 is a 5 speed. The shit box doesn't get the car anywhere.

good pick overall.

[imperialdrift]

how about a 240sx??

[Rayne]

Ever thought about getting one of the newly re-introduced VW Rabbit? From what I understand and have heard the old Rabbit had a following back when they were still in production.

[chicken_power]

I would pick a Honda S2K

[Farzam]

HE GOT A CARRRRRR ALREADY.

Nice pick on the 3. Not the route I would go but that's why I don't live your life. Enjoy it!

I personally am excited for when I feel comfortable getting a new car. Being able to keep track of a car, have all the receipts from the true day 1...I find that cool.

[g6civcx]

When did you get it? Man I remember reading through this thread four score and seven years ago!

I drove it off the lot 3 days ago. I was taking my time and looking through all my options.

^^ as long as the 3 is a 5 speed. The shit box doesn't get the car anywhere.

good pick overall.

Yes, it's a 5-speed.


The reason I got a new car because I'm leasing it. Other companies like Lexus lets you lease a used car, but I didn't really care and the 3 is the cheapest car I could lease that still drives well. Otherwise I would have gotten a Hyundai, which sucks azz at handling.

The 3 actually handles really really well. Holding the line in the turn is no big deal.

[topsecretgold]

a brand new '07 240sx is the best choice for sure....

[g6civcx]

a brand new '07 240sx is the best choice for sure....

I wish you could still get them.