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United States24799 Posts
In 2008 I wrote several blogs about my efforts to buy a new car for the first time. TL was helpful in helping me talk through what type of car I wanted and evaluate the various options. The results of that research are here:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/R4pVK5V.jpg) ![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/bVq4vWI.jpg)
My car looked very similar to these stock photos
I wanted a car with several features: versatility, speed, and top reviews on consumer reports for reliability, comfort, features, etc. The 2008 Mazdaspeed 3 is what I went with. Some people didn't agree with my choice of a hatch, but I've grown fond of sporty hatchbacks.
Now the car is nearing 9 years old and I'm resuming my car research with the intention to trade in and replace the car (fortunately it's still in pretty good shape and the mileage is fairly low so I expect to get a fair amount of $$$). Generally speaking, my needs have not changed, although I'm able to spend more money this time if needed. Last time the car was ~25k USD and that was the absolute top of what I was willing to spend. Also, my knowledge of cars is generally much better than it was last time, so I come to this blog having completed most of my research rather than just starting out.
Here are the general requirements for the car:
- Under 40k USD (roughly, no specific basis for this figure but I don't think I should need to spend more than that)
- Actually a car (not a crossover, SUV, truck, motorcycle, or skates)
- Can seat four or more people including the driver (back seat doesn't need to be comfortable but it still has to be at least minimally usable)
- Has some cargo capacity, e.g., can carry a set of golf clubs and a folded push-cart (see below). More capacity is generally better but I'll draw the line at a trip to the golf course as the minimum requirement!
- At least ~3000 pounds curb weight
- Sporty (if my current car can smoke it at the track I'm less likely to go for it
 )
- Considered good by Consumer Reports, preferably including predicted reliability
Here is a compact folding push cart (mine is a tiny bit larger when folded but I could always replace it if needed):
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/dllRxgm.jpg)
One thing I like about my current car is the combination of quality features, versatility, and that it's a sleeper. Someone who is not a car person would think it's a slightly nicer looking version of a prius (in my opinion). I also have taken advantage of the large cargo capacity of my hatchback on numerous occasions, so ideally as someone with only room for one car I'd prefer something similar. The only "hot-hatch" options on the market seem to be the Ford Focus or Fiesta, Hyundai Veloster, or VW GTI/R. I rejected the Audi A3 (not worth it) and Honda Civic Hatchback (don't have any quick models right now).
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/JfvflZx.jpg)
The Ford Focus RS is a monster that wasn't available in the USA back in 2008. It's very similar to my current car (a plus) with three key differences: extra performance makes it more expensive, all wheel drive, and right now the Ford Focus lineup is having some significant reliability issues. Still, if I'm willing to pay the hefty price tag and deal with the possible maintenance issues down the road, I consider it a very good choice. Ford also has the Focus ST (more tame) and Fiesta ST (too small/light).
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/5IWXhBA.jpg)
The Hyundai Veloster Turbo is an odd looking hatchback with one door on the driver's side and two on the passenger side. Other than that, it's basically a less fancy VW GTI. If I'm looking to save money but still want a hatch with a bit of pep, this is probably the way to go. Consumer Reports recommends the model overall.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/nrHwTk5.jpg)
I've never been a big fan of Volkswagen or of the Volkswagen GTI. It seems like I'd be paying for glamor (and maintenance) more than performance. Like the Veloster, the GTI would get smoked by my Mazdaspeed 3 and is not currently recommended by Consumer Reports. The Golf R is more expensive than the Focus RS and would look pretty in the Ford's rear view mirror.
That's it for hatchback ideas (small market). What about sedans and coupes? Based on the functional requirements I laid out above, you should see I don't want a convertible (heck I never even put the windows down in my car). Ruling out 2 seaters, tiny cars, or no-versatility vehicles eliminates a few otherwise good options: Mazda Miata, Nissan Z, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86 which are all sporty cars recommended by Consumer Reports. The American muscle options which have a back seat (although not good ones) which folds to provide passable versatility are:
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/KFoZcoe.jpg)
Camaro Coupe. The car starts at about 25k and 35k for the V6 and V8 respectively. The car is recommended by Consumer Reports but has some significant outward visibility issues. One good way to help those issues is to put the top down, but as I said I'm not currently seeking a convertible.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/3wUVAuD.jpg)
The Ford Mustang is not recommended by Consumer Reports for reliability and other reasons, but it's still a nice car. Upgrading from the V6 to the V8 is a little less pricey than on the Camaro but sacrifices some performance.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/1zds6UX.jpg)
I'm not sure what to think about the Dodge Challenger. It is not recommended by Consumer Reports, but I think even they will acknowledge if you really like the classic muscle car look you should get the car anyway. Like the Mustang, you can upgrade to a V8 without paying too much extra.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/8Qz5x5f.jpg)
You can get a V6 Dodge Charger in all wheel drive, but not the V8. Consumer Reports does not seem to recommend any Dodge car at the moment. You should be able to negotiate a good price on the V6 or V8 for this car, like you probably can on the Challenger.
That leaves Japanese and/or German cars. The entry level coupes/sedans of Acura, Infinity, or Lexus seem to just barely stay within my price ceiling, but I'm not one for luxury cars and they don't offer much of what I do like in a car (as you can probably tell if you've read through this blog so far). The BMW 2 series is a top-rated car right now, but upgrading the 2L engine to a 3 liter inline 6-cylinder prices me out for the most part. The entry-level Mercedes and Audi don't work well for me either. Cadillac is the car of my late grandfather. I'll never get over the historical image of Buick, even though they have some nice entry-level luxury sedans now. The entry level Jaguar might make sense in its cheapest trim if I was a Jaguar fanboy, but I'm really not. The Lincoln MKZ looks nice but is honestly really boring to me. Same with the entry-level Volvo.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/Du71Tft.jpg)
Finally, the Subary WRX and STI are nice cars which unfortunately don't come in hatch. They seem to have hit a snag and Consumer Reports is not hot on them right now due to livability completely making way to performance (as compared to previous model years which had a better balance). I think the WRX is a car you love or hate. In a world where LanEvo killers are no longer going to be needed, I'm not sure what Subaru's performance sedan's role is going to be.
The above sums up where I stand right now. Between the Consumer Reports car buying features, the USAA car buying service I have access to, and the eventual military bonus cash I am offered by most of the above manufacturers, I expect to be able to drop down the price a fair bit on most models (especially the ones that Consumer Reports didn't highly recommend). I would like to trade in my Speed3, throw some cash down, and finance the rest. New car interest rates are much better than what I paid in 2008-12 (4.99%) and I might even catch a 0% apr promotion.
Please weigh in on the cars I discussed or on the car market in general. As a separate question, if I had another 10-25k to spend, are there any cars you would seriously recommend to me that I couldn't look at seriously today due to budget restrictions?
 
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United States24799 Posts
On March 06 2017 01:37 QuanticHawk wrote:are you married to getting a brand new car? Subaru discontinued the WRX hatchback in 2015, so the 2014s should all be under CPO http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/certified-pre-owned.htmlthat's probably going to be your best buy for sportiness, cargo room, and reliability.
That's a good question. In principle I'm ok with getting a slightly preowned car, but for the types of cars we are talking about here (all sporty), I'd much rather go new. Let's say down the road I'm going to have two cars: a daily commuter and a weekend fun car.... I'll probably buy the daily commuter slightly used.
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yeah for that reason I wouldn't want something that wasn't a CPO. But even as CPO you're right that should be something to be weary of
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The Doge Challenger looks ugly af
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Canada16217 Posts
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Canada16217 Posts
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toyota is super reliable. if u r forgetful about proper maintenance and generally run your car into the ground a toyota is the way to go.
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United States24799 Posts
On March 06 2017 03:17 ninazerg wrote:
The Doge Challenger looks ugly af
Out of curiosity, what do you think of the Charger from Burn Notice? ![[image loading]](https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/68/9b/33/689b33fe8565bdba3d0b4fe0aa20179f.jpg)
+ Show Spoiler +On March 06 2017 01:25 micronesia wrote:
Ruling out 2 seaters, tiny cars, or no-versatility vehicles eliminates a few otherwise good options: Mazda Miata, Nissan Z, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86 which are all sporty cars recommended by Consumer Reports.
On March 06 2017 07:40 JimmyJRaynor wrote:
toyota is super reliable. if u r forgetful about proper maintenance and generally run your car into the ground a toyota is the way to go.
I take good car of my car and keep up with maintenance. Also, I don't believe Toyota has any cars that do what I want right now.
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Canada16217 Posts
On March 06 2017 07:45 micronesia wrote:Out of curiosity, what do you think of the Charger from Burn Notice? + Show Spoiler +On March 06 2017 01:25 micronesia wrote:
Ruling out 2 seaters, tiny cars, or no-versatility vehicles eliminates a few otherwise good options: Mazda Miata, Nissan Z, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86 which are all sporty cars recommended by Consumer Reports.
Show nested quote +On March 06 2017 07:40 JimmyJRaynor wrote:
toyota is super reliable. if u r forgetful about proper maintenance and generally run your car into the ground a toyota is the way to go. I take good car of my car and keep up with maintenance. Also, I don't believe Toyota has any cars that do what I want right now.
sorry can't read ^^
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the challenge is easily my favorite classic remake. it's so perfect. The Mustang is ok depending on the color scheme
if you're gonna go that route you need v8 and its 8mpg!
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IDK about cars but I hate Mustangs cause everyone I see driving them is either a red neck who cant afford it or a really, really, really old lady who has put flame decals all over them.
The Camaro has the best look imo.
Ford Focus is the best looking non-sports-car.
My opinion is worthless, good luck on your search for nice vehicles. :D
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Also did you check on Mercedes ? Dunno the availability of those for you US bois, and also I dont know the price, but the new A class with an AMG preparation could fit your needs.
I am also absolutely fond of the design, but, yknow, tastes and all...
Edit : Nevermind Just checked on Mercedes us website You cant but a A class. And shipping it from eu would be pricey af. So nvm me ^^
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United States24799 Posts
On March 06 2017 11:50 Zambrah wrote:
IDK about cars but I hate Mustangs cause everyone I see driving them is either a red neck who cant afford it or a really, really, really old lady who has put flame decals all over them. Neither of those seem to be the case here
The Camaro has the best look imo. I agree it looks really good.
Ford Focus is the best looking non-sports-car. I agree, although I checked and these seem to be selling at well over retail price...
On March 06 2017 23:48 Pandemona wrote:Dodge Hellcat <3 or Mustang is all i would get if i had the access to fuel prices and price in general on American cars :D Don't people in America get looked at weirdly if they are driving a Golf if you chose that. Focus RS is alright and its very nice but its a focus which in UK is extremely common. As where the Mustang for you is extremely common but for me it is isnt  http://www.drivesrt.com/2015/challenger-srt-hellcat/Mmm hellcat :D
Hahaha I don't think I need a hellcat. I mean, a V8, sure, but a supercharged v8 at 707 horsepower? And no I don't think Golfs get you looked at weirdly. Would you prefer a mustang or a less crazy v8 challenger/charger?
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On March 06 2017 07:45 micronesia wrote:Out of curiosity, what do you think of the Charger from Burn Notice?
fugly
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Do you have to deal with snow? You might want to avoid some cars in your list if you need to drive in snow condition (for example, the Veloster).
Toyota is probably the most reliable car you could get. I know they don't usually look sporty, but you could take a look at Lexus. It is the luxurious version of Toyota. The IS 250 might answer all your criterias and it looks very sporty.
![[image loading]](http://www.cstatic-images.com/stock/900x600/1412110950642.jpg)
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a whopping 1.5 inches of snow this year.
sorry to speak for micro but i had just read this earlier, so fells good to share. some potential for snow this wknd tho. even though it actually touched 80 degrees on the first.
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United States24799 Posts
On March 08 2017 13:37 Poly_Optimize wrote:Do you have to deal with snow? You might want to avoid some cars in your list if you need to drive in snow condition (for example, the Veloster). Toyota is probably the most reliable car you could get. I know they don't usually look sporty, but you could take a look at Lexus. It is the luxurious version of Toyota. The IS 250 might answer all your criterias and it looks very sporty.
Lexus builds the IS sports sedan to challenge the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. But we'll cut to the chase: Forget it; the IS doesn't even come close to the German pair's ride and handling prowess, fun to drive character, technology features, or luxury appeal. Add in the IS's cramped interior and mediocre fuel economy, and it's clear that Lexus phoned this one in.
Think I'll pass.
Also, Brian is right that there was almost no snow this year haha... I'm not too worried about snow in DC. Can get a blizzard but it's kinda rare and if it happens I have the option not to drive most of the time (assuming I have a rear wheel drive car).
Another couple of thoughts I had were waiting for the Honda Civic Type R, or perhaps getting the Fusion Sport. The only problem with that seems to be the lack of a manual transmission... but I guess paddle shifters are better than nothing
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United States24799 Posts
On March 06 2017 23:48 Pandemona wrote:Dodge Hellcat <3 or Mustang is all i would get if i had the access to fuel prices and price in general on American cars :D Don't people in America get looked at weirdly if they are driving a Golf if you chose that. Focus RS is alright and its very nice but its a focus which in UK is extremely common. As where the Mustang for you is extremely common but for me it is isnt http://www.drivesrt.com/2015/challenger-srt-hellcat/Mmm hellcat :D
So Dodge has a deal on Chargers right now, including 600 per month with 3000 down for the hellcat. Between a military discount and trading in my car I could knock that monthly payment down 100 or 200 easily. I even called my insurance company to check, and my monthly rate would go up only ~25 dollars if I switched to the hellcat. The SRT 392 is one level down from the hellcat and is a hundred bucks per month less. The R/T Scat pack has the same engine as the 392 and is yet another hundred bucks less. I'm giving it some thought lol.
The Camaro is really fun to drive, but I think I will stick to a car with a realistic back seat, which rules out Camaro and to a lesser extent, mustang. That leaves Charger (challenger doesn't offer much over charger in terms of versatility, access, and visibility, and I'm not a huge sucker for the classic look), WRX/STI, Fusion Sport (great engine, handling, and overall interior, but boring-looking as hell on the outside), and Focus RS (really hard to get this right now).
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EPT
