Need another car- anyone have suggestions?
#1
Need another car- anyone have suggestions?
We need another car- but because we're buying a new house, and bought the 8 six months ago, we need to keep it under $20k (most likely used). My husband will be driving it, so it can't be girly. But it also can't be something vanilla, like a Civic, because he'd go insane driving something like that.
So far, he's thinking used Mini Cooper S, RSX type S, or something like that. We're also going to test drive a (don't have a heart attack, please) used 350Z ( a bit over 20k, but we could swing it if he's in love).
Can you guys give us any more suggestions? He's said no to the WRX, the Wrangler, and the Volvo S40, so stuff like that is not going to fly. He's giving up his beloved 1993 325i, and insists he doesn't want another BMW. And no RX-8s. I already tried that, and he apparently doesn't want matching cars.
So far, he's thinking used Mini Cooper S, RSX type S, or something like that. We're also going to test drive a (don't have a heart attack, please) used 350Z ( a bit over 20k, but we could swing it if he's in love).
Can you guys give us any more suggestions? He's said no to the WRX, the Wrangler, and the Volvo S40, so stuff like that is not going to fly. He's giving up his beloved 1993 325i, and insists he doesn't want another BMW. And no RX-8s. I already tried that, and he apparently doesn't want matching cars.
#2
He's as bad as Can
How about a New PT Cruiser?
Before the Rx-8 I had a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Great car with the 5-speed. Put on 66,000 with zero problems. I just got tired of it after 3 years. It fits your budget and looks better than a Civic
Before the Rx-8 I had a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. Great car with the 5-speed. Put on 66,000 with zero problems. I just got tired of it after 3 years. It fits your budget and looks better than a Civic
Last edited by expo1; 04-08-2004 at 09:01 PM.
#3
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Get the Z - it will impress the heck out of your new neighbors (because you will have the Z and the 8) and keep a smile on your husbands face.
I hope it will be a color that matches Nordic green.
I hope it will be a color that matches Nordic green.
#5
Originally posted by silvercloud
Get the Z - it will impress the heck out of your new neighbors (because you will have the Z and the 8) and keep a smile on your husbands face.
I hope it will be a color that matches Nordic green.
Get the Z - it will impress the heck out of your new neighbors (because you will have the Z and the 8) and keep a smile on your husbands face.
I hope it will be a color that matches Nordic green.
And jtimbck2- he likes the 3 too- especially since it comes in the orange too...
This shouldn't be hard- but he's picky, and doesn't know what he wants.
#6
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A Scion Tc and $4k of personalization options?
Actually the Mini Cooper S sounds great - I would take one at around the $20k mark. That or a loaded Mazda 3. Could you get a used IS300 in that ballpark as well?
Actually the Mini Cooper S sounds great - I would take one at around the $20k mark. That or a loaded Mazda 3. Could you get a used IS300 in that ballpark as well?
Last edited by pelucidor; 04-08-2004 at 10:05 PM.
#7
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I don't know if you'd be able to find a Cooper S for around 20k... Keep in mind they are having lots of reliability problems with the Minis and he did say he doesn't want another BMW :p However, they are a total blast to drive.
A used A4 1.8T would be another to consider, or maybe a GTI. I think you could get close to that 20k price for a used S2K as well.
I'm actually thinking of looking at one in my area that a dealer has for 25k with only 15k on the odometer, so I'm guessing one with more miles could be had for around 20k.
A used A4 1.8T would be another to consider, or maybe a GTI. I think you could get close to that 20k price for a used S2K as well.
I'm actually thinking of looking at one in my area that a dealer has for 25k with only 15k on the odometer, so I'm guessing one with more miles could be had for around 20k.
#8
You can get a Mazda 6 V6 stick for less than $20K. Check edmunds.com. There is $1,500K dealer cashback on it.
According to Edmunds, the average selling price with no options is $19,600 in my area.
Do not get the 3! Why bother when you can get the V6 6 for the same price.
According to Edmunds, the average selling price with no options is $19,600 in my area.
Do not get the 3! Why bother when you can get the V6 6 for the same price.
#10
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the NEW Volvo S40... i have a volvo and they are sweet... the new S40 is fun as heck to drive and powerful ( i read over 5 reviews which they all loved the car)... 450 Watts stereo... awesome ride... and there reliable and good gas mileg... this volvo is so sweet...
#11
Another car to consider is the Ford Focus SVT. There is a $2.5K rebate and you can get one for $16K with no options. These cars have been assembled for over two years and are fairly reliable at this point. It is probably more reliable than the Mazda 3, which is in its first year of production. Also the Ford you can buy close to invoice BEFORE the $2.5K rebate. The 3 on the other hand you will probably have to pay close to MSRP for. Depreciation on the Ford is a non-issue. The car can be bought for so much less than MSRP that it will probably hold value. Besides, how much money can you lose on a $16K car?
I saw a loaded SVT with leather and everything (which can be had for less than $20K) and the build quality on that particular model was really good.
Edmunds.com has a comparison between the SVT and Mini Cooper. Really, it is as good as all the cars you are considering or close(Mini Cooper, 3, RSX, etc.) but so much cheaper. If I wanted a pocket rocket, that is the way I would go.
I saw a loaded SVT with leather and everything (which can be had for less than $20K) and the build quality on that particular model was really good.
Edmunds.com has a comparison between the SVT and Mini Cooper. Really, it is as good as all the cars you are considering or close(Mini Cooper, 3, RSX, etc.) but so much cheaper. If I wanted a pocket rocket, that is the way I would go.
#16
Miatas (and s2k) definitely on the list- if we had a miata AND an 8 we'd be fighting over who got to drive what every morning! The volvo, lexus, and Mazda6 are all on there.
Thanks for all the suggestions- still have no idea what he'll decide (so keep them coming!), but having suggestions gives me a list of things to drag him to test drive. Nothing worse than a man who doesn't know what he wants...:D
Thanks for all the suggestions- still have no idea what he'll decide (so keep them coming!), but having suggestions gives me a list of things to drag him to test drive. Nothing worse than a man who doesn't know what he wants...:D
#19
Well your list has a ton of different type of cars on it so im not sure exactly what you guys are looking for.
But here are a few cars that you can get for under 20K.
99 and before BMW M3
00 Audi S4
FD RX7 (is this going to be a daily driver? if so this might not be good for him)
300ZXTT
MazdaSpeedProtege
But here are a few cars that you can get for under 20K.
99 and before BMW M3
00 Audi S4
FD RX7 (is this going to be a daily driver? if so this might not be good for him)
300ZXTT
MazdaSpeedProtege
#20
Originally posted by Lawerence
Well your list has a ton of different type of cars on it so im not sure exactly what you guys are looking for.
Well your list has a ton of different type of cars on it so im not sure exactly what you guys are looking for.
#23
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Baller's suggestion would probably put a smile on your face, if not your bank accounts.
I say keep it in the family, buy either a new, optionfilled 3, or a year old 6 with the sporty options (v6 especially) or the Miata (maybe a year or two old). The 3 or 6 would especially fit the bill.
Save your pennies and nickels and pick up an FD as weekender. They are a tad bit of fun.
I say keep it in the family, buy either a new, optionfilled 3, or a year old 6 with the sporty options (v6 especially) or the Miata (maybe a year or two old). The 3 or 6 would especially fit the bill.
Save your pennies and nickels and pick up an FD as weekender. They are a tad bit of fun.
#24
FYI, my fran owns an Audi A4 1.8T 03" and its having some engine problem already... and the reliability of Audi isnt that good from what i know.
here are my suggestions:
350Z (yeah, its a good one)
S2k(most prefered)
Mazda 3(but the creash test results are disappointing)
Subaru WRX (pretty fast or something like this:
Miata ( cheap and can spend the rest of $ on modding)
toyota Matrix?(lol)
mini S is also good, but too much problems...and a cute looking car for a man?
RX7 (!)
RSX (looks good too)
Mazda 6 (reliable and safe, got good ratings at the crash tests)
Scion (the new one)
etc... lots of choices!
here are my suggestions:
350Z (yeah, its a good one)
S2k(most prefered)
Mazda 3(but the creash test results are disappointing)
Subaru WRX (pretty fast or something like this:
Miata ( cheap and can spend the rest of $ on modding)
toyota Matrix?(lol)
mini S is also good, but too much problems...and a cute looking car for a man?
RX7 (!)
RSX (looks good too)
Mazda 6 (reliable and safe, got good ratings at the crash tests)
Scion (the new one)
etc... lots of choices!