Suggest me a car to buy!

[Noodles]

What's up old friends?

Well, I've had the 2000 Camaro SS as my daily driver and roadtripper for 4 years now.

Now I'm using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to send my ass to school, and I could use an AFFORDABLE second car.

Here's 2 scenarios.

One is I trade in my car for something 2008+. (<25k)

Another is I keep my car and get another daily driver. (<12k)

(maybe scenario 3 I lease something?)

Please suggest a few cars!
They need to reflect the lifestyle of a 22 year old! (One that roadtrips often to NJ, Florida, Texas, and California - so think reliability and space for luggage). I love to travel as much as I love to drive fast. But at this point in my life travel is more important. I love the old Volkswagen vans, and despite my military service i'm kind of a long haired hippy.

Just some background on me to help ur suggestions!

[maroman88]

grand am or grand prix gtp, gm Wbody's make great daily's, are awesome in snow and any weather, and a relatively easy to fix if they ever break... my familys has had since i was little, monte carlos, luminas, grand prixs... my moms current 94 grand prix coupe has over 130k miles and is pretty much perfect!

[Tru2Chevy]

VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI :)

- Justin

[madness410]

i hear good things about cobalts

[Noodles]

Yeah I was thinking about the monte carlo's, actually, but don't know much about those engines. Thanks for the 1st suggestion.

[Noodles]

Cobalt is a bit too small for me but thanks for the suggestion.

Tru2 - Is that a legitimate suggestion? You know I was thinking more the Lancer Sportback. But, I like Volkswagen's new line up and I was eyeing the CC. But I'll look into the Sportwagen if you've heard/experienced good things?

Would have to get used to that delightful diesel smell, tho, LOL

[Tru2Chevy]

That was half serious, based on you talking about the vans. I have been looking at them a bit because a friend just bought a Golf TDI. The Jetta sportwagen didn't get the bland interior and body refresh that the rest of the Jetta lineup go this year, so it still looks nice.

And the TDI is great with all the highway cruising you'll be doing. Easy 45+ mpg on the highway.

- Justin

[Noodles]

Yeah I got that half-serious hint, haha. That's why I made you double back! I wish the car was a bit more edgey, its a tad bit feminine. But that diesel mileage is indeed lovely.

And the Volkswagen/Porsche Brown is my favorite car color. (My SS is Pewter, I love the metallic beiges)

If you can think of any similar cars, mention em. I actually like it A LOT in theory, lol. The interior is nice, the dash is boring but i could live with it with an aftermarket unit.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

Tru2 - Is that a legitimate suggestion? You know I was thinking more the Lancer Sportback. But I'll look into the Sportwagen if you've heard/experienced good things?

Dane - Masonite on here just picked up a Lancer sportback, you might want to PM him and ask how he likes his

[Noodles]

Thanks a lot Nick! I'll throw him a message, now. I'll ask him to respond here so everyone gets the knowledge.

[Noodles]

i imagine the lancer sportback has a MUCH better 0-60 and power response than any TDI ever could, haha.

[WiMiMc]

a G8!!

[MyFirstZ]

if you plan on road tripping alot though a lease won't really be the beset idea since you have to pay for the mileage if you go over your plan.

[Masonite]

Hey Noodles,

I'm definitely LOVING my Lancer Sportback. Mine is the GTS model (mid-range model... boasts a bigger, naturally aspirated motor), and there's nothing I don't like about it. It's got decent gas mileage, a nice aggressive look, a clean non-rice sound for a 4-cylinder motor (you can hear it when you stomp on it), and unexpectedly great handling and pickup when you need it. It's no 10-second car, but it doesn't disappoint when trying to merge onto a busy highway.

The only thing I would recommend changing is the front tires... the lancers come with mediocre dunlop tires that are functional, but could definitely do better. I was able to get up every hill in the snow, but not as easily as it could be. They also break loose too easily in 1st gear.

Anyway, I'm rambling a bit. I've been lurking on projectlancer.net and there is a ton of information on them there.

I test drove quite a few different makes and models of cars before jumping into it, and I don't regret one bit my decision on my purchase.

[Masonite]

i imagine the lancer sportback has a MUCH better 0-60 and power response than any TDI ever could, haha.

There is a significant difference between the DE/ES, GTS, and RA (RalliArt) editions in 0-60 speed. Whatever model, though, if you can drive a manual transmission, DO IT with this vehicle. The "CVT" automatic has much slower times than any manual-transmission equivalent.

[Masonite]

What's up old friends?

Well, I've had the 2000 Camaro SS as my daily driver and roadtripper for 4 years now.

Now I'm using the Post 9/11 GI Bill to send my ass to school, and I could use an AFFORDABLE second car.

Here's 2 scenarios.

One is I trade in my car for something 2008+. (<25k)

Another is I keep my car and get another daily driver. (<12k)

(maybe scenario 3 I lease something?)

Please suggest a few cars!
They need to reflect the lifestyle of a 22 year old! (One that roadtrips often to NJ, Florida, Texas, and California - so think reliability and space for luggage). I love to travel as much as I love to drive fast. But at this point in my life travel is more important. I love the old Volkswagen vans, and despite my military service i'm kind of a long haired hippy.

Just some background on me to help ur suggestions!

I fit right about the same scenario as you. I've got college loans and I'm 23, so affordability was definitely a factor in my decision.

I'm going to post a video soon of all the features with luggage space in the Lancer Sportback... there's so much innovation packed into this car!

[Noodles]

hahaha idk how practical the g8 is. i'd be worried about it getting scratched on campus by some inconsiderate freshman.

[Noodles]

if you plan on road tripping alot though a lease won't really be the beset idea since you have to pay for the mileage if you go over your plan.

Yeah, better to have my car fit around my life, rather than my life work around my car.

Thanks for the reminder.

[Masonite]

Yeah, better to have my car fit around my life, rather than my life work around my car.

Thanks for the reminder.

Keep in mind that there are various options in mileage when leasing a car. You can sometimes opt to choose a mileage plan in the beginning and pay then (but can really get stuck with fees if you go over), or just pay mileage fees at the end. Consider all options, and ASK about EVERYTHING before leasing.

I was considering leasing at first, but I decided I didn't like the idea of "renting" a car for 2 years.

[greenformula92]

ive heard good things about the hyundai genisis coupe....its cheap, RWD, and if you opt for the turbo its pretty quick

[Noodles]

Thanks a ton Masonite. Merging into traffic is one of the things that always crosses my mind when purchasing a car. One of the reasons I was happy to get rid of my 4.0 Jeep, was that I had to wait for such gigantic spaces before I could switch lanes. I imagine with a turbodiesel I'd have similar unhappiness in the early phases of hopping on the highway, haha. If I got the sportback I'd definitely go for the GTS, as well. I'll check out the link you suggested.

I'll keep my eyes peeled on your video!

[Stevoone]

If your interested in a G8 let me know. We have a 2008 at our shop with 300 miles. It's been in the showroom since it was new, my boss put some miles on it just to keep it from sitting too long. Still has 32 months left on the factory warranty.

I can get more info if you want

[Vinnie Madrox]

i'd say a 2005 Grand Prix GTP Comp G. you can get them dirt cheap now a days {if you can find one}, they get decent gas milage, don't look too shabby {i prefer 97-03, but that's just me, seemed like you where looking newer}, they are very reliable, and those SC 3.8 will run forever if maintained. ther's plenty grand prixs/regals on ClubGP WELL over 200,000 miles

[HeadlessNorseman]

Speaking from experience, buying a beater car that is anything other than a 4 cylinder is kinda pointless. My beater car is 70hp and i have a little trouble merging onto the highway but you really dont need much more power than that. Anything extra is just opinion. And mileage is half how you drive and half the car so dont go just based on that

[misterjuice]

hyundai sonata

[maroman88]

as for the monte's engines... the 00-03 had the 3.8 v6 as the top motor, 04 they dropped the supercharged 3.8 in the top model ss's, for 06 they re styled the front end and added a 5.3 v8 for the top engine, also had a 3.9 v6 i believe

[88WS-6]

Don't forget that buying a daily means another car on your insurance policy. You can also get much better deals and interest rates on a new car.

[Noodles]

The Mini Cooper S was suggested on another forum. Thought that might have been a good suggestion? Another proponent of the Grand Prix/Ams I see.

I'm not worried about insurance or anything like that. I'd only be using 1 car 80% of the year.

Stevoone, I no longer live in NJ, but thank you very much for the heads up on that G8.

[foff667]

They need to reflect the lifestyle of a 22 year old!

2009/2010 Cobalt SS/TC

[Noodles]

Well I'm leaning more and more towards a new car... 2008-11.

So if anyone has more New car suggestions, please send em through!

So far I like Jetta, Mini Cooper S, Lancer Sportback, A3 (not sure if in price range).

I'd love to have an american car on the list... but uhh... cruze/cobalt? i realy just dk

[Masonite]

Well I'm leaning more and more towards a new car... 2008-11.

So if anyone has more New car suggestions, please send em through!

So far I like Jetta, Mini Cooper S, Lancer Sportback, A3 (not sure if in price range).

I'd love to have an american car on the list... but uhh... cruze/cobalt? i realy just dk


Maybe it's just my personal experience, but Mini drivers seem to be the "little pricks of the road"--always zigzagging around traffic, but never getting anywhere. Also, last I checked one out, there was little to no leg room for anyone in the back seats, so don't plan road trips with more than one other person.

The Cruze was one of the cars I test drove before I got my Lancer. Sorry if anyone on here owns one, but all I can say is, "what a piece of trash!" The tiny motor was screaming to move anywhere, and its 6-speed gearbox couldn't make up its mind even at steady speeds. There's also a LOT of road noise... it felt like a tinfoil box on wheels. The Cobalt was a MUCH better car, again, in my opinion.

A Jetta would be a good choice--between price, performance, and reliability, they're pretty spot-on.

Audi A3's start at around $27k, so keep that in mind. If you can afford it, it would probably be a great buy.


Make sure you physically go and test drive each one of these cars, but keep a very open mind about it. A lot of people get really attached to the thought of buying a new car, that they skip the details.

[BullittSVT]

Subaru WRX?

[BigAls87Z28]

Wow, the comments on the Cruze is totally different than the one I had. Quiet inside, and trans was fine. I hear some people are having transmission shifting issues, and it seems its a software issue.

[Noodles]

If I go for an A3 @ Masonite, it's going to be an 08/09 for sure. Probably not Quattro either unless I can find one under 50k mi. with the right pricetag

[WildBillyT]

If I go for an A3 @ Masonite, it's going to be an 08/09 for sure. Probably not Quattro either unless I can find one under 50k mi. with the right pricetag

If I were you and I was looking for an affordable daily driver I would not pick something that would have higher maintenance costs like a luxury brand.

JMO

[qwikz28]

2009/2010 Cobalt SS/TC

This. What a great car.

[Noodles]

^ its sooooooooooooo small.. soooooooooo fricken small. :cry:

well the A3 is just perfect. its obviously my fav of all of them. hatchback. nice and long. good motor. 200 hp.

the jetta has 170, but the sportback that has more space and the hatch costs more, plus i'd have to get 2011 and its slow as a damn log.

looks/size/style/speed - a3 is perfect. price is the only issue with that car IN MY OPINION

and if anyone says 4 door golf, take a hike. that car is gross!

[qwikz28]

^ its sooooooooooooo small.. soooooooooo fricken small. :cry:

well the A3 is just perfect. its obviously my fav of all of them. hatchback. nice and long. good motor. 200 hp.

the jetta has 170, but the sportback that has more space and the hatch costs more, plus i'd have to get 2011 and its slow as a damn log.

looks/size/style/speed - a3 is perfect. price is the only issue with that car IN MY OPINION

and if anyone says 4 door golf, take a hike. that car is gross!

A3? My mom has an Audi. In 2011 alone:

Front Brake pads at 24k - $300
Water pump at 25k - Covered under warranty, but car was down for a week.

Have fun with that. And if you say she has a dud, two cars before that was another Audi, timing belt tensioner at about 80k, top end of engine was 7k.

[69RSZ]

impala or malibu, 30 mpg and a nice ride

[maroman88]

dont i recall u saying sumthin about the car having to look like sumthin a 22yo would own? i dont know many 22yo's ridin around in Audi's, and im 24 lol

[qwikz28]

dont i recall u saying sumthin about the car having to look like sumthin a 22yo would own? i dont know many 22yo's ridin around in Audi's, and im 24 lol

When I was young, cool cars went fast and looked flashy. Nowadays, cool is luxury.

I'm 24 by the way.

[maroman88]

When I was young, cool cars went fast and looked flashy. Nowadays, cool is luxury.

I'm 24 by the way.

lol in high school all the rich kids had audi's beemers and benz's that their parents bought them

[1QWIKBIRD]

^ its sooooooooooooo small.. soooooooooo fricken small. :cry:

well the A3 is just perfect. its obviously my fav of all of them. hatchback. nice and long. good motor. 200 hp.

the jetta has 170, but the sportback that has more space and the hatch costs more, plus i'd have to get 2011 and its slow as a damn log.

looks/size/style/speed - a3 is perfect. price is the only issue with that car IN MY OPINION

and if anyone says 4 door golf, take a hike. that car is gross!

Have your cake and eat it too. Get the A3 with TDI power......

[qwikz28]

save up and get this: http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/showthread.php?t=42586

[Noodles]

lol.... yep ^

[sweetbmxrider]

Why not get a smaller suv like a crv or an equinox? Lots of room for your stuff on road trips, better road visibility which is good for highway driving, small motors that sip gas, and optional awd that you will love when you hit some snow or bad weather.

[V]

gmc terrain?

[BigAls87Z28]

Agreed on a small CUV. Nox, Terrain, CRV, Escape.

[qwikz28]

Agreed on a small CUV. Nox, Terrain, CRV, Escape.

Having been a college student with a small CUV, I will respectfully disagree on four reasons:

1. Fuel economy penalty. (smaller hatch will get similar utility while cheaper at the pump)
2. Price penalty. (usually, the CUV will be more expensive)
3. Poor handling (equivalent car will handle better, although most CUVs turn pretty well nowadays)
4. You will always be the one driving among your friends (probably the biggest factor. Don't think your friends will throw in for gas either. It rarely happens)

If I were in the market right now, I would be looking seriously at the B-segment. You can't go wrong with any of the heavy hitters in that segment; Cruze, Focus, Elantra, 3, or Golf TDI if you do lots of highway)

[Noodles]

Gotta agree to disagree on the crossover. I think a crossover is a complete waste of money. Gas mileage is much worse, handling is much worse, and I don't need the height or care for the safety. Come on... i've driven a camaro for 4 years, haha.

It's like having all the cons of an SUV in the convenient size of a car.


2012 focus is definitely in the running for me. looks great, but optioned up its so damn pricey...

[Z28 Heritage]

P71

About $6K

http://i51.tinypic.com/6r2hoi.jpg

[BigAls87Z28]

Focus is really nice, but gets in the high 20's really fast.
Elantra gets better mpg, same options, several thousands of dollars cheaper, and a HELL OF A LOT NICER LOOKING.


And a P71 for 6 grand? Maybe 2 of them. Anyone that pays more then 4 grand for ANY former police vehicle is a serial killer.

[Noodles]

I dont think I could bring myself to buy a hyundai Al!!! And I can't say I agree about the looks, because remember I'm looking at the HATCHES. And the elantra sedan looks better for sure, but the hatch looks like poop on ice!

my goodness its a lot cheaper though

[BigAls87Z28]

There is no Elantra hatch right now.

Im talking about this Elantra

http://www.egmcartech.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/2011_hyundai_elantra_images_main.jpg

[Noodles]

2011 Elantra Touring

http://www.hyundaiusa.com/images/HyundaiUSA/Vehicles/Elantra_Touring/2011/overview_1.jpg

[BigAls87Z28]

Totally different car, inside and out.

[FlyingDutchman]

I love the old Volkswagen vans, and despite my military service i'm kind of a long haired hippy.

Hippy? VW? Road trips? 3-person front bench? copious space?
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20110301/capt.b461740ff86848699e4bcde2b6146747-b461740ff86848699e4bcde2b6146747-0.jpg?x=400&y=265&q=85&sig=TaoF6ag_xe6hN1Cm6.VlPg--
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20110301/capt.b8353eb569f843a58465b8ad9353264a-b8353eb569f843a58465b8ad9353264a-0.jpg?x=400&y=276&q=85&sig=J.M0IjeqkT.bERhLRtDU2Q--
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20110301/capt.848e652128d94ff9b59635342c125849-848e652128d94ff9b59635342c125849-0.jpg?x=400&y=260&q=85&sig=Ze29P_FyvbfQ7dIM4EO6iQ--
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20110301/capt.237e7a1bac184e48916d3dffbe692824-237e7a1bac184e48916d3dffbe692824-0.jpg?x=400&y=256&q=85&sig=5kOG_w14QxUJHc4tdWZTng--
http://d.yimg.com/a/p/ap/20110301/capt.f50af828a7254b97a7d80bbb1f7734ac-f50af828a7254b97a7d80bbb1f7734ac-0.jpg?x=400&y=258&q=85&sig=OynCrkgDbTSJ3s57fBLVYA--

As per the article it is only a concept but can go 87mph and do 186.4 miles per charge.

[Z28 Heritage]

Focus is really nice, but gets in the high 20's really fast.
Elantra gets better mpg, same options, several thousands of dollars cheaper, and a HELL OF A LOT NICER LOOKING.


And a P71 for 6 grand? Maybe 2 of them. Anyone that pays more then 4 grand for ANY former police vehicle is a serial killer.Anything above 2005 for a P71 are a lot of money.


http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005-05-POLICE-Patrol-CHP-P71-V8-New-Paint-Calif-Car-/270711125539?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item3f07a3f623

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/BLACK-P71-CRUISE-PW-PL-MRRS-STS-RBR-FLR-62K-NEW-TIRES-/110654420795?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item19c384773b

[Noodles]

If that were in production 97camaro (and had more range, or perhaps had a diesel/gas option) my search would have ended... Haha... But who knows when that concept will see the light of day, and if they will extend the range.

Then again, by time it comes out, we might have EV charging stations around the map, making roadtrips with an electric vehicle more possible.

Still, having to charge every 180 miles would be a huge problem for my 1000+ mile trip.

But yeah, I love it. Thanks for posting!