Suggest me a car to buy!
 

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!

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!

VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI :)

- Justin

i hear good things about cobalts

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

a G8!!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

hyundai sonata