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Please help me decide between...
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'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I will have to take a look at it. Any other suggestions???
I am trying to get a few opinions, hopefully based off ownership, so that I can do a comparison, before I go do test drives.
Bill
If I expand to include AWD, I'd suggest the WRX.
Otherwise, I think we're talking slightly used; like a G35.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I thought of the 128 too as the logical option, since it is basically exactly what the psoter described.
If you can live with FWD, a Mazda 3 hatchback would be a nice choice.
I would probably have a deposit down already on a 128i if BMW had been smart enough to bring over the 5 door version. No way I can live with a small 2 door coupe until the kids are out of the mix!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Audi TT,BMW 128(already mentioned),Corvette(bare bones maybe $45k),Chrysler Crossfire\Mercedes SLK, Ford Mustang GT,Nissan 350z,Volkswagen R32.
Throw in convertibles and you add cars like the Miata,Solstice\Sky and Mustang Convertible.
If you are waiting until 2009 the new Camaro may be out by the end of '09 or early '10
Like you said, Corvette too expensive. Likewise for TT and SLK (crossfire is dead, ain't it? although you can find new ones sitting on lots with big discounts). R32 ain't RWD. The Mustang is a decent suggestion, but mileage will not be good. Likewise with the 350z (although I used to get 25 mpg combined in mine, which I don't think is bad).
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I think new coupes are about $10K-$12K off MSRP.. You can get a fairly loaded coupe for between $25K-$29K....
I would assume that resale will be crap, and replacing those 18"/19" tires will eat you alive.. But, maintenance at a Chrsyler dealership won't be too bad, considering it has mostly Mercedes parts..
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My local Chrysler dealer still has 2 new '07 Crossfires, go in make them a stupid offer. I am sure they will at least listen to it.
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And unless you buy a real enthusiasts' car, you will have a heck of a time selling a MT if you don't like it....up here in Dallas even the BMW dealers will heavily discount the MTs (unless it's an M :shades: ).
When it comes to RWD and Coupe design, those are more of a preference than a necessity. FWD is not bad for me, again, because it will be more of a daily driver. I guess the reason I was looking at the RWD/AWD was to try something different and to allow me to have some fun because there is a track that has a free race day 1 Saturday a month literally 5 to 10 miles from where I am going to college. Some times the track is setup for drag, sometimes an oval, and sometimes, in a twisting/cornering course.
After doing some more looking over the last few days, I found that I like the following vehicles over the others in the price range.
1) Nissan Altima Coupe
2) Nissan 350Z
2) Honda S2000
3) Mitsubishi Lancer RA or Evo GSR
4) Dodge Challenger (the V6 base version that should be coming out)
5) Mazda MX-5 Miata
(was considering the RX-8, but it eats gas like a hog)
As for the reason I want a MT instead of a AT is because I want to learn and become good at driving MT. I know that living in Houston means I will sooner than later get caught in traffic, however, I am only going to be in Houston for another year to year and a half and then I will be living at College in a much smaller college town, so traffic won't be as big of an issue.
What are yall thoughts about the 5 vehicles I have listed? The Dodge Challenger with the V6 should bring better gas mileage and use reg octane which makes it favorable assuming the handling is ok.
Bill
A brand new one with no options can be bought for the low $40,000 range.
Drop back to a 2007 or 2006 and one with few options should be found at $35,000.
What I am really curious on is how people who may own these or have owned these vehicles liked them, how reliable they were, how were they on gas, etc. I am looking for real world experience with them, not just the numbers on paper so I can try to steer clear of problems as well as know what to expect if I choose one over the others.
Bill
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'Broke college student'
'Tuning (headers, exhaust, intake)'
'Reliable'
What a convoluted, contradictary mess.
Tuning - money absolutely thrown down a drain because of zero resale value and most with questionable performance value. This stuff usually conflicts strongly with reliability. And, if you are willing to 'use' any added performance capability, you sure are not worring about reliability.
My opinion - If you want to go fast, buy fast. I especially love the Ford Ranger forums where the kids inquire "Who makes performance things for my 4 cylinder Ranger?"
What you need - that used Civic you don't want to consider.
What you want - buy any car you 'want', but do not mod it at all. Save all that money for repairs, because any used car is going to break, and you are going to be spending money on it.
Bill
I was expecting a ball of flame.
Buy a 2005 Corvette at $30,000 that appears to be well cared for. If you can afford the insurance. Checking eBay's completed auctions, there were 6 Sold 2005 Corvettes at $35,000 or less in the last 2 weeks. Not that I am actually recommending you buy an auto off eBay. There are some scary potential problems there.
You will not need to do any performance mods. 400hp is plenty.
Start saving up toward repairs. You are going to have them on any used car.
Anywho, I see your thought, but let me throw something else at you Bolivar. What if I were to wait for the 09 Dodge Challenger? Supposedly (and this is to be confirmed at the New York Auto Show in mid March) the 09 will include lesser versions. The SRT is a bit much engine/price wise, but there should be a lesser V8 (R/T) and a base V6 trim as well. I was thinking about maybe the V6 base model that should, in logical estimation, end up pricing somewhere in the $20Ks to be competitive with the Ford Mustang and 09 Camaro coming out. What are your thoughts on that?
Bill
Just thinking, could you get a new Mustang, V8, with low options for well under $30,000?
This gives you a new car warranty, with nothing to repair for 3/30,000....
Now THERE is a key point. A young male definitely needs an insurance quote before he puts money down on any hi performance ride. Make that any car period. Insurance pricing can be incredibly capricious.
Your insurance bill on a Corvette would probably make those maintenance charges on the Jetta seem like small-change.
As a practical-minded individual, my recommendation would be a nice low-mileage, used Miata. There are a ton of them available, great mpg, bullet-proof reliability, no resale penalty for manual shift, great track car. The only major down-side is they are not great for long distance commutes and have (very) limited hauling capacity.
james :shades:
Bill
Bill
1) '04 330i sedan.. Manual tranny, Performance package, Xenons, Cold weather pkg.. all the toys.. White w/black Alcantara (synthetic suede) interior.. 26K miles.. Includes set of winter tires/wheels, and extension of BMW maintenance until July, 2010.. Under warranty until July, 2008.. Asking price $25,500
2) '04 X3 3.0 litre.. Manual tranny, Premium package, big moonroof, Black w/TerraCotta leather, all the toys, except NO xenons.. No Sport (not a big deal on an X3). 38K miles.. No warranty..
Asking price $23,500
Both from private sellers..
Whaddaya think?
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The 330 is probably a lot of fun though.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I might be able to make this a little tougher on you.... Both of the vehicles are located closer to you, than me..
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Not that I need one. Actully, might be able to get a real good buy on it, since an X3 stick must be a tough sell. I can see why, since I do think that anything "trucky" or trying to be an SUV makes more sense with an AT. It would also serve duty as the family primary transport, so more of the family could deal with it, and it would spend more time in situations where the manual wouldn't be of much use.
I'm getting lazy in my old age I guess!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The only thing that worries me about the ZHP... possible boy racer type might own it.. plus, not wild about alcantara interior... it starts looking fuzzy and worn pretty quickly..
Big plus for the X3? I love that Terra Cotta leather!!
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
hmmm... yeah ... that would give me pause, too. I'd have to check it out in person to look for any other telltale signs.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
That alone, scares me... :surprise:
Anyway, that one is sold... it was in Hagerstown..
The X3 is in West Chester...
Can't link it.. it's on another forum... I'm a stickler for the rules, you know..
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2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I'm in the process of looking to replace my '97 2 door GrandAm with almost 125,000 miles on it. I've been looking seriously at the Saturn Aura, Saturn VUE and the Chevrolet Malibu. Anyone have any pros and/or cons of each of these?
We also have a 2003 TrailBlazer that I LOVE. So I do already have a SUV so not sure I really need another one even though the VUE is smaller & more fuel efficient. I've also been struggling to determine the differences between the Aura & the Malibu. I will admit to liking the sales approach at the Saturn dealership better than our local Chevrolet dealership. BUT I can use GM card earnings on a Chevrolet & I can't on the Saturn.
Any thoughts? Thanks!
The Vue is going to suck more gas, and if you don't need another SUV I wouldn't bother.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
1) Use 15k to buyout the current VW. The trade-in value for a similar car is not much different from the buyout value so I am not gaining much from this transaction. I will own this vehicle with no more payments but I will own an older car (6 year old in 2011) with possible maintenance hassles.
2) Lease a new car. Say $3k for a down payment and invest the rest. I will have monthly payments andI will not own the car in 2011.
3) Buy a new car. Use 15k for a down payment and finance the rest. I will have a higher mothly payment than what I am used to but I'd rather keep my monthly payments at a similar range ($400).
4) Buy a reliable used car. I personally think I can purchase a more reliable used car than VW. Say toyota or honda. 2007 Lexus Rx goes for $36k so I can use 15k for down paymt and finance the rest. My monthly payment will be similar to the current amount.
It would help to know what you want in a vehicle. A Camry and RX are quite far apart on the spectrum.
Anyway, since you seem to be adverse to owning a 6-year-old vehicle, it seems to me that leasing is really your cup of tea, so that's where I would focus my attention.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
1) You'd have no monthly payments;
2) You'd be "buying" the car for cheaper than you could buy one on the open market:
3) You'd be "buying" one whose use, service, and maintenance history is known; and
4) You're already through the big depreciation hit.
However, it sounds as though you want something new. The deals on '08 Pilots give them tremendous bang for the buck.
6) less registration
7) better credit
8) not having to pay sales tax.
Buy 08 Acura TL. You can get the base model at invoice or below of $31706 and it comes with .9% APR, or, you can squeeze the dealer for the $2500 marketing support and finance it yourself. In addition, you can get factory warranty for 8 years 120K miles for about $1300 (unless you live in FL). The warranty will help you keep this car for 8 years, and then you will be able to sell it for 6-8k. However, to make financial sense, you have to keep this car for 8 years.
I have two issues that loom larger than all others:
1) Driving in ice and snow. I want to get a vehicle that can resist skids even on steep slopes and in bad conditions.
2) I like to be able to SEE. Blind spots are my enemy.
Those are the top priorities. Of course, other issues matter. I can't drive a stick shift. I will be doing all of the driving and will seldom have passengers, so I don't need anything big but don't rule it out either if it is the best way to get the top priorities. I want to buy it new. I am willing to think about going over $30K but if I can get what I am looking for for less, that is all to the good.
Ideas? And thank you.
Adam