A new one, to be precise. My father is trying to get me to buy a Yaris, but I don't want it. As my knowledge of cars is nill, my interests are strictly cosmetic, and thus, a car that looks stupid is a no go.
I've saved up $7,000 as my down payment, so that my monthly payments will be relatively low. So I guess the optimum price would be $14,000 or lower, though I suppose if the payments aren't so bad, I could get something more expensive.
I make this thread asking only what type of car to get. Here's what I want to hear and see:
-Pictures of the car in question you suggest
-MPG, both on and off the freeway
-Relative Cost
-Brand make
-Reasons why said car brand is good (explain it in simple terms)
What I don't want to hear is:
-A single car name with nothing else attatched
-Technical jargan that means nothing to me
-Suggestions on getting a used car. Believe me, it's not up to me, and I don't want to hear it.
So please, internet, give me some good choices. Remember, they have to look at least half way decent, or my idiot mind won't like them.
Saturn Ion*2 Sedan
[IMG]http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c458564a.jpg[/IMG]
MPG-24city and 32-34 highway
Has a good warrenty 36months/36000miles and the National Highway Safety Association gave it 5 star Driver and Passenger crash rating.
Good reliability rating
Overall MSN rating of 9.4
Price-14K
Chevrolet Cobalt
[IMG]http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c455944a.jpg[/IMG]
MPG-24/32
Has 60 month/100Kmile powertrain warrenty
Overall Rating from MSN is 8.2
No reliability date
Price-12K
Nissan Sentra
[IMG]http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/gallery/c451446a.jpg[/IMG]
MPG-28/34
60month/60000K mile powertrain warrenty. Recieved 4 starts from NHSTA
Overall MSN rating of 8.2
Recieved good Reliablity
Price-13K
Ford Focus(Probably to cute for you though)
[IMG]http://fp.images.autos.msn.com/merismus/evox/stills/gallery/3204_46.jpg[/IMG]
MPG-26/32
60month/60K mile warrenty
NHSTA 4 start rating
MSN Rating of 9.4
No reliability rating
Sorry for the double post but those are cars at or under 14k base. So if you want option it will be over 14K. But if you get a 06 Model they will be offering incentives to get them off the lot so they can have room for the 07's.
Oh yes, I should mention that I want a car, not a truck or any other sort of vehicle.
For the love of ***, HAGGLE THEM DOWN TO THE BONE! If you go in there and buy it at the MSRP, well, you'd make that one happy car salesmen.
This car looks nice. About 14,000 something too!
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayPage.action?pageParameter=modelsSpecs&vehicleCode=M3S
you're going to have to beFAR more specific about what you want to get out of this car for me to offer an decent advice. Do you want something that gets decent gas mileage? Are you more concerned with cargo capacity, passenger space, etc? How flexible is your price range? Are you planning on using this for anything sporting? We need FAR more details to be of any real help.
Go with the Yaris. Pretty **** fun little car.
Or what Ant said, since my friend has that and seems pretty cool.
It will be.
If you're willing to spring a couple K more (about $20k total), you could have what I think is one of the sharpest looking cars you can get for the money:
Motor: 155bhp or 201bhp 2.0L DOHC w/VTC (translation: economic, but good power output)
Tranny: 5 speed manual w/overdrive (automatic is an option)
Fuel Economy: 27mpg city, 34mpg hwy (fairly good)
0-60: 6.2seconds if you opt for the S model (very quick)
Warranty: 4 year, 50,000 miles (don't let this discourage you; the motor is designed so well that the first scheduled tune-up doesn't occur until 110,000 miles, which is phenomenal)
Price: $20,000ish, less if you badger the dealer.
Go for the yaris. It starts at like 14k, is pretty much bullet proof, and gets great gas mileage.
Since you've already got 7k for a down payment, you'll be getting rid of HALF of the cost of the car upfront. This is very good, since interest rates on car loans tend to rape you in the ***, especially at 19 (chances are the best terms you're going to get are ****ty at best). Its the best thing for what you've described, plus, its got neat lines to boot (i.e. it doesnt look too bad). the Mazda 3s are also considered to be very fun cars to drive, but are a few thousand dollars more (and the mada speed 3, which is out of your consideration, is considered VERY fun to drive).
Just keep in mind that there are WORLDS of sports cars that could be had used for $14000 or less. Hell, $14k could get you an early 90s mustang that would run around 11 or 12 in a quarter mile, if you wanted to do something like that. Just throwing that out there.
I think an eco car would be the best for a fist time drive, not a SPORTS car. Trust me I've been there and done that. Im lucky I didn't die or have serious speeding tickets. I think for the Judge just needs a nice eco-box. I suggest a Corolla but it was way out his range.
If you just want an eco car, get what I have, a Hyundai Elantra. It costs the same as a Toyota Corolla or Chevy Colbalt, but it has lots more stuff as standard features, and isn't quite as boring to be in. Also, the 2.0l Beta motor, which is DOHC w/CVVT is quite good because it's roots can be traced back to Mitsubishi's Lancer engines.
Engine: 138bhp 2.0l DOHC w/CVVT (economic)
Tranny: 5spd manual or 4spd auto
Fuel economy: 27city, 34hwy
0-60mph: 7.9seconds, I think
Warranty: 10 years, 100,000 miles
Price: $14,000, you can haggle it down significantly if you try
Also, Consumer Reports says it is a "Best Bet" or something because it is very reliable and doesn't have any particularly unpleasant surprises. I've found it to be very durable in all of my abusive driving (powertrain actually seems to enjoy my driving). The Hyundai dealers are very good about honoring the warranty. I've had no problems in that respect. If you're getting something of this size, and don't car about performance, I don't see why you'd get anything else. It's no worse looking than a Cobalt or Sentra, and you get so much more for your money. And the warranty is very real; they honor it like their lives depend on it. You also have more space than a Yaris and it's not terrible on the highway (it gets up to 90mph pretty easily, and well past 120 ((I've done this)) and past 130ish if you're insane). In daily driving, it is the easiest car on earth to drive, park, etc, and it's very easy to live with too (low insurance).
Like I said, given what you've told me, I don't see why you'd pick anything else unless you absolutely hate Korean cars.
As someone who drives an LOL HUEG LANDYACHT truck, trust me when i say that having a smaller car is more usefull more of the time. Go with the yaris.
Yeah I had a small car once...for about 9 months before some ***** decided to turn out in front of me. O how I miss getting 28mpg on the freeway compaired to my 16 now ><. ****in driving a *** **** house on wheels!
The only problem with the Yaris is, like the name, it is absolutely hideous. I mean, practical it may be, but I could never ever rationalize it because, well, just look at it:
If you want something that small, get a Hyundai Accent. It is a 110bhp 1.6l DOHC to the Yaris's 106bhp 1.5l, but the economy suffers a bit, the Accent getting 32/35. the Yaris getting 35/40. On the other hand, the Accent has lots of standard stuff, including power locks, etc, and EIGHT cupholders. Perfect for a roadtrip with friends.
It's also a grand cheaper (12K for the four door Accent, 13K for the four door Yaris), the warrantly is almost three times as long (that excellent Hyundai 10year/100,000mile warranty to Toyota's stingy 3 year, 36,000mi).
Finally, in the looks department, the Accent is a bit more pleasing on the eyes:
I'm not really a Hyundai fangirl, but I just don't see how anything really stands up to a Hyundai in terms of a plainish daily driver. But, Judge, just pay the extra $2K, and get the Elantra if you decide to get a Hyundai. It's still very practical, but the extra 40hp is worth every penny, and it looks a bit nicer. If you want the cheapest car ever, the Accent is the one, and it has a superb warranty, especially compared with the Yaris's.
See, to me the yaris looks bo0ld whereas the hyundai just looks bland as ****. Also, almost everyone I know who has owned a hyundai has had a myriad of problems with them, whereas Toyotas (as well as hondas) are generally regarded as bullet proof if properly maintained.
To me, the Toyota looks gimpy and deformed, and I've only seen the most horrible of social oucasts driving them (believe me, they are not cool at all) as with the Hyundai, it is bland but at least you won't look like a retard when driving it. As for problems, I haven't had any real issues with my car at all, and it was second hand, too. The previous owner wasn't the nicest to it and it still runs like new. The Toyota may be very reliable if you maintain it well, but, lest something go wrong after three years, you're on your own. Hyundai however, is committed for 10 years and they really do honor that warranty, no questions asked. Hell, they'll look at the car for free while it's under warranty for basically any reason - I've had this done twice. Anyways, for the cost, there is nothing better than a Hyundai if you don't car about the performance or brand name. But, Hyundai tied Honda for reliability last year for 3rd place, so really, the newer ones may be inexpensive but they're really quite good. That would probably be because of Hyundai's former relations with Mitsubishi, which also makes very good cars.
So, Judge, this is where it falls, sorta:
Hyundai Accent
Price: $12,000
Economy: 32city, 35hwy
Warranty: 10 years, 100,000mi
And: It's got 8 cupholders, which is awesome when you wanna have a bunch of friends in the car
Toyota Yaris
Price: $13,000
Economy: 35city, 40hwy
Warranty: 3 years, 36,000mi
And: It is hideous in my opinion. Rather be bland than stand out like a freak.
But why bother with either of these when you can get the Elantra for a grand more, unless you REALLY care about a few extra mpg. Honestly, if you think you'll be driving on the freeways at all, and/or if you're fairly tall (likeme, 6' even) you'll really thank yourself for getting the slightly larger, more powerful Elantra. And because of it's Mitsubishi heritage, it's very reliable (Consumer Reports Best Bet, Yaris and Accent aren't) and quite durable (I speak from experience - I drive it like Hell, and no problems yet).
HyundaiElantra
Price: $14,000
Economy: 27city, 34hwy
Warranty: 10 years, 100,000mi
And: It's got a best bet from Consumer Reports. Not to mention, Hyundai is completely restyling the Elantra from 2007 so you might be able to get a really good deal on a 2006 because they'll be trying to get rid of them pretty soon here. Also, I own one of these, so I know it's a fairly good little car and I haven't had any problems with it so far. You also will thank yourself for the extra space and power, especially on California's interstates.
Another thing to keep in mind is resale value. Its sometimes more practical to buy a slightly more expensive car, knowing that in 5 years you can resell it and buy something new.
A friend of mine (rich bastard) recently bough a brand new mini cooper S with several expensive options, total price was around 27grand. BUT, in 5 years, he'll be able to turn around and resell it for about 20k, thanks to the fact that minis hold their value VERY well. So essentially he'll have a wicked fast bmw for 5 or 6 years for only 7k., and then have 20k to **** away on a new car.
The Yaris sedan is the best looking of all of the cars in this thread. Unless you're going to spring for the Honda Civic ([url]www.honda.com[/url], look it up, too lazy to post the stats, find em your own **** self) or Honda Fit (ditto), go with the Yaris.
Or go with the manly hatchback: http://www.dodge.com/en/caliber/index.html The Dodge Caliber.
If I recall correctly, though, hasnt the yaris been out for a while in Japan, whereas the Caliber is new? If thats teh case, its alwasy better to go with something thats had the kinks ironed out, so to speak.
The caliber does look pretty cool though, for what it is. Too bad the srt version wont be AWD.
I found the Chevy HHR to be a nice car. My parents bought one. Standard look nice, but you can also 'trick it out' too. I've seen some nice ones whilst surfing around the net.
My fave color is the copper colour.[IMG]http://media.truckblog.com/chevrolet-hhr.jpg[/IMG]
But my parents bought the Amethyst one.
[IMG]http://images.autobytel.com/cyber/157215/i16525_1.jpg[/IMG]
They are good cars with good city and highway mileage. I suggest it.
Also the new line up of Cavaliers look promising. They are nice cars, again with good fuel compsumption(spelling?). Also, if you wanted to get into your car more, you could really again 'trick it out'. The Cavalier is a very nice car when people put some work into making it look nice.
[IMG]http://images.tcmautonation.com/2005/CHEVROLET/CAVALIER/1G1JC52F057151549_4.jpg[/IMG]
The Chevy Cavalier is no longer in production and he has to buy a new car per his fathers orders. The HHR is based at 16K which would be way over when you consider taxes and what not and mark ups.
Get a slug bug!! :D:D:D
1)Buy go kart and GSX-R motor (motorcycle engine)
2)combine
3)?????
4)PROFIT!!
5)firey death
You could take that $7,000 and start on your journey to riches: http://jongasm.com/car-buying-guide.html
If you insist on getting a new car, or if you are being forced to, I would still recommend a Toyota. I actually like the look of the Yaris, but a Corolla is a better choice.
Please do not buy a Chevrolet Cobalt or Aveo. Gah.
Mazda is also a good choice. Hyundai has gotten much more reliable than they used to be, so that's another good option.
Honda or Toyota is still preferable to me though. And see this: http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/used-cars/used-cars-best-and-worst-406/index.htm
Hey, I don't even have a car, or a driver's license. I carpool, even though I could afford a car if I was willing to put the effort into it...LOL...
Life is a highway, and I'm going to hitch a ride as far as I can go, I guess...
Hmm. His dad doesn't understand that the average millionaire buys used cars.
Is your dad gonna give you money to help with the car? :)
The only real reason I can think of to buy new is to get a good factory warranty. Otherwise, used is usually a good choice.
[img]http://images.consumerguide.com/autoreview/400x266/2006-Volvo-V70-06904081990003.JPG[/img]
It's Swedish.
It's Fast.
And it awesome.
OH!
Swede police uses it, too.
The only thing that is fast to ever come out of Sweden is the Konigsegg CCX. But it doesn't really count because it's built in Italy and powered by a Ford (in the earlier versions, anyway).
But it is awesome, and fairly affordable depending on your income.
I've seen turbo'd volvo 740s do single digit 1/4 miles. They're also a pretty popular drift platform in europe.:/
But they also weigh about 170 tonnes and they tend to be underpowered. You'd really have to mod the Hell out of one for it to be fast. I can totally see the drifting though. The high intertia probably helps it out there.
All things are possible with enough ZOMG: BRUUUUUM PHSEW
You hardly ever see a Ford in Sweden, and when you do, you laugh.
The sad thing is tho, Volvo isn't really Swedish anymore, neither's Saab. :(
BUT!
Sweden's both their orgin.
AND!
Saab makes Jas gripen engines!
Tell me that's not awesome. :cool:
:D
Also Swedish btw. :o
[quote=The Judge]my interests are strictly cosmetic
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/cmsdalilsht/Rabbit.jpg[/IMG]
Volkswagen Rabbit 2-Door
$15k
Engine - 2.5L, 150HP
MPG - 22city, 30hwy
[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/cmsdalilsht/CivicCoupe.jpg[/IMG]
Honda Civic Coupe DX
$15k
Engine - 1.8L, 140HP
MPG - 30city, 40hwy
Toyota Corolla CE
$14k
Engine - 1.8L, 126HP
MPG - 32city, 41hwy
The VW Rabbit? Who the hell named that car? Either way - it looks pretty sweet.
Suzuki Samurai
It might not be a "car" but it's diesel, THUS ECONOMIC!
AND!
If the whole world would get muddy, you'd still be able to drive!
And the name, I mean, you can't go wrong. :D
JonMB: The rabbit is the original Golf GTi from WAY back in the day. Its supposed to be a sporty car that uses a very light body to over come a smallish motor, similar to an Elise. Its a throwback car, essentially.
Exo: Diesel is almost nonexistant in California. Cali has such extreme air emmisions regulations that its almost impossible to drive one there, not to mention that the fuel is rare and expensive.
Wha--?
Our diesel is both more environmentally friendly, and cheaper.
But then again, Sweden's gas price up to $1.6 Litre.
While the diesel's price is about $1.3 Litre.
So it's not rare at all, nor expensive.
(Expensive's just driving in Sweden tho.)
So I guess Judge, you'll just have to become a Swede.
Moondollars, etc.
It's not really the CO2 emissions that they care about, it's the smog, and diesel contributes to smog like a mother****er.
In europe most governments are more concerned with CO2 emmisions whereas in america other particulate matter is considered more important. While deisel has gotten a lot cleaner in recent years, its still slightly more "dirty" to burn than gas. Also, your gas prices are more exensive than deisel because most euro governments have placed HUGE taxes on the fuel in order to encourage the use of mass transportation or deisel. In america, there is no such costs tacked on, so gas is cheaper.
I'm going to change my recommendation to the Rabbit, though. Its fairly roomy, is from a solid manufacturer, and will let you have a little bit of fun without making you spin into a fireball of death.
edit: curse you mis0
Oh snap. Yeah, I think the Volkwagen is a pretty sauve car myself, but I'd go for the Civic Coupe because it's the sister car to that Acura RSX I love, and you should love, so much. I guess the only real problem is the fact that it's a Civic, and we'd make VTEC jokes about you all the time, though, Judge. It's supposed to have a pretty neat digital display isntead of analogue dials, and being a Civic, it's a durable car.
Plus, with the VW, when someone asks you what you drive, you have the following conversation:
"So, what do you drive?"
"A rabbit."
"Oh, cool, you got the new VW?"
"What? no, idiot. I drive a giant mechanical hopping device, which I nicknamed the "rabbit". ***, you're retarded."
"...>:0"
worth a lol or two.
I've heard that VW's have had mechanical issues and aren't the most reliable car out there. Toyota and Hondas with an Auto option base over 15K. The 14K are with the manuals which The Judge does want. Saturns are Americans answer to Japan. Mazdas are good, but they are a Ford, so that counts them out with me.
VW's of yore were considered tanks. There were old bugs running around with like hundreds of thousands of miles on teh clock. Hell, they still made the thing for sale in mexico until a few years ago. Granted, that doesnt mean that the new ones are up to snuff, but I've never heard anything bad about them.
I loved going to mexico and seeing the old style bugs. To bad they don't make them anymore. One bad thing about CA is that you can't get TDI motors!
WHAT?! NO TDI?
******* hippies.
I've been hearing lots of good things about this new model from AMC called the Gremlin.
How's that car coming along Judge?
[QUOTE=Captain Cleanoff]I'm talking about new cars that he can afford, gimpy. The RSX is way out of his price range.
It's not like he couldn't affort one, he just isn't willing to sacrifice the bare essentials to have it. ;) He should get it's good looking sister, the Civic, to be realistic.
front wheel drive? more like WRONG WHEEL DRIVE