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United States4991 Posts
<b>Don't recommend cars which are only available in manual transmission, I'm not going to buy a manual car  </b>
Hi guys!
I need to buy a car! I haven't owned a car since I was in high school (I'm turning 23 soon), but I need to get one now. I know fuck all about cars, so I'm hoping some car fanatics on TL will be able to help me out by recommending some good cars. Here are the parameters I'm working under:
<ul><li>Cost is not specifically an issue, but I'd rather minimize the cost rather than going for the "coolest" car I can afford. I have ~$10000 I'm willing to put down as a down payment. I could go higher, but I'd rather not.
<li>I'm looking for a car, not a truck or SUV
<li>Although I'm not specifically opposed to the extended rear (like in Subaru station wagons or whatever), I'm definitely leaning towards a standard car back.
<li>4 wheel drive is a plus since I live in an area which can get snow/ice + (depending where I go, although not for work) can be hilly.
<li>Seats 5 (2 in the front, bench in the back)
<li>4 door, none of that "push the front seat forward then climb over it into the back" crap
<li>Any non-crazy color is fine
<li>Need adequate headroom--I'm quite tall
<li>Hybrid not necessary (and may be a negative, I don't know shit about hybrids -.-)
<li>Automatic (this is pretty much a given since I live in the USA though)
<li>Expensive sound system not necessary, just some standard shit
<li>Video player and stuff a negative, as I don't see much use for that and it's basically wasted money!
<li>???
</ul>
That's really all I can think of right now! New or used is not a big issue to me. If I do buy a used one, I'll be buying it from a reputable dealer with some kind of guarantee for some time, not some craigslist scammer fuck. I probably lean towards new though!
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16990 Posts
I think you'd best be served by getting a well-rounded car known for its dependability and life, one that can serve you for years before you decide to get an upgraded vehicle. You might be able to get nicely equipped good condition used staples such as a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc., depending on where you look.
EDIT: Oh, for driving in snow/ice you might actually want to learn how to drive a stick 
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get a used subaru impreza! or legacy those are nicer
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United States4991 Posts
On July 15 2009 12:52 Empyrean wrote:I think you'd best be served by getting a well-rounded car known for its dependability and life, one that can serve you for years before you decide to get an upgraded vehicle. You might be able to get nicely equipped good condition used staples such as a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc., depending on where you look. EDIT: Oh, for driving in snow/ice you might actually want to learn how to drive a stick
We don't get heavy snow/ice, and there's 0% chance of me buying a stick ^^
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16990 Posts
On July 15 2009 13:00 HnR)Insane wrote:Show nested quote +On July 15 2009 12:52 Empyrean wrote:I think you'd best be served by getting a well-rounded car known for its dependability and life, one that can serve you for years before you decide to get an upgraded vehicle. You might be able to get nicely equipped good condition used staples such as a Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, etc., depending on where you look. EDIT: Oh, for driving in snow/ice you might actually want to learn how to drive a stick We don't get heavy snow/ice, and there's 0% chance of me buying a stick ^^
Still, Accords and Camries are wonderful, quality cars that you may be able to find a great deal on.
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I don't think there are actually any cars that have 4WD that aren't SUVs/trucks, except maybe the forrester (which is kind of like an SUV).
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On July 15 2009 13:06 gchan wrote:
I don't think there are actually any cars that have 4WD that aren't SUVs/trucks, except maybe the forrester (which is kind of like an SUV).
wat
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United States24691 Posts
On July 15 2009 13:06 gchan wrote:
I don't think there are actually any cars that have 4WD that aren't SUVs/trucks, except maybe the forrester (which is kind of like an SUV).
This is definitely not true lol.
Insane, where approximately are you living so I can get an idea of the weather? When I got my car a year ago I purposefully avoided rear wheel drive for a similar reason, but I haven't had a problem with front wheel drive so it depends on how severe the weather is by you if it's worth going for the all wheel drive. Keep in mind, all wheel drive typically reduces gas mileage, is more expensive, and greatly narrows your car choices.
edit: also any preferences on size, country, or even car company?
I have an online consumer reports account so I can look up any car you have an interest in to give you the scoop.
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United States24691 Posts
I did a quick lookup of sedans and small cars with all wheel drive for under 30k dollars (just picked that out of a hat)
The highest overall rated cars were the Subaru Impreza WRX, Ford Fusion V6, Mercury Milan V6, Ford Taurus, and Mercury Sable (highest first)
When I increase the price roof to 40k:
Infinity G RWD, Subaru Impreza WRX STi, Acura TL, Cadillac CTS V6, Lexis IS 250, Mitsubishi LanEvo, Audi A4, Volkswagen CC (again highest first)
edit: the lookup tool I used was probably not exhaustive, and I only pulled the top 8 or so rated cars, I have access to the whole database
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oh 10k down payment.
get a new impreza/legacy :D or lancer
or matrix
a lot of luxury vehicles also have awd options
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Subaru WRX impreza + Show Spoiler +
or
Hyundai Genesis Coupe + Show Spoiler +
If you have the money.
If you dont have the money, I would go for
Scion Tc
Toyota Corolla LE
Honda Accord/Civic
All reliable and cheap cars
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United States4991 Posts
On July 15 2009 13:12 micronesia wrote:Show nested quote +On July 15 2009 13:06 gchan wrote:
I don't think there are actually any cars that have 4WD that aren't SUVs/trucks, except maybe the forrester (which is kind of like an SUV). This is definitely not true lol. Insane, where approximately are you living so I can get an idea of the weather? When I got my car a year ago I purposefully avoided rear wheel drive for a similar reason, but I haven't had a problem with front wheel drive so it depends on how severe the weather is by you if it's worth going for the all wheel drive. Keep in mind, all wheel drive typically reduces gas mileage, is more expensive, and greatly narrows your car choices. edit: also any preferences on size, country, or even car company? I have an online consumer reports account so I can look up any car you have an interest in to give you the scoop.
I live in Redmond, Washington. It's quite near Seattle, weather is pretty similar.
I'm not wedded to all wheel drive, it was just recommended to me is all.
Size, I prefer something of what one would consider a standard car size. I previously rented an Impala--something of that size is good.
I forgot to mention something which I absolutely love having in a car and would greatly increase my liking of: an arm rest for the right side of the driver.
I care absolutely nothing about country and car company
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I'm not a car guy either, but I've driven both V4 and V6 versions of the new Camry as a rental. IMO the car is quite underpowered with a V4; it just feels like its too big for the engine. So if that's a direction you're looking at I'd suggest paying up for the V6.
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United States4991 Posts
WRX is not an option, it seems it has only manual and I don't want manual transmission.
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Subaru Legacy and Ford Fusion v6 are the closest match to your constraints. Both around $24k.
Might also want to look into something cheaper (Hyundai Elantra is a decent choice but has no AWD). Could save you 10-15k, which is nice, especially since you don't sound like a car enthusiast!
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Get a toyota corolla they are nice and exactly what you're looking for. I have one, its the best "cars a car" car you can get. Its in your price range, good gas mileage, lasts a long time, and I cant think of anything negative about a corolla. I know my brother's is only 3 years old and its value actually has increased. Mine is about 8 years old, and the only problem I have had was someone broke a window to get in and realized I didn't have anything worth taking after they fucked with my radio and left.
Im not a car guy though, I just feel the same about cars as you do and I feel 105% happy with the corolla. Not sure what the latest versions have or whatever, but its a good "brand."
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My dad has a Toyota Picnic. It's a completely normal standard reasonable useful car with lots of space, nothing fancy. It's reliable as hell, ours has over 200000km and causes no problems at all. It has no AWD, so better bring snowchains if you have serious winters. It works reasonably well on light snow without chains too. I have no idea if they built an automatic version for you lazy Americans Automatic transmission sucks hydralisk ass in winter anyway.
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United States3824 Posts
I really like the Mark V Volkswagens right now. The Jetta TDI gets something like 40 miles to the gallon (diesel btw) and set some record in emmissions tests. Also pretty fast when you need it.
21,000$ new I think.
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Go for the subaru legacy.
Nothing else can compare to it at it's price. Personally going to be getting a wrx, but since you don't want manual, i suggested the legacy.
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Last month I got me my first car, a nine years old Audi A6 2.5l diesel V6, 5-gear tiptronic, FWD but there are 4x4 variants of that same car. I got it for just $6000 too, so I know I won't regret it even if it only lasts till the end of the year. So far it looks good like it will last forever though :p
For me buying new was just too expensive. But prices in the USA seem to be a lot lower - that Subaru Legacy for example seems like a good deal at $24000, it actually starts from $43000 in Bulgaria, and that's for a 2.0 liters engine 
I wonder if there is such a huge difference in used car prices as well.
Oh, BTW 4x4 would burn more fuel and I'd guess a normal two-wheel drive with some differential locking system would be enough for you anyway.
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On July 15 2009 15:40 Medzo wrote:
Get a toyota corolla they are nice and exactly what you're looking for. I have one, its the best "cars a car" car you can get. Its in your price range, good gas mileage, lasts a long time, and I cant think of anything negative about a corolla. I know my brother's is only 3 years old and its value actually has increased. Mine is about 8 years old, and the only problem I have had was someone broke a window to get in and realized I didn't have anything worth taking after they fucked with my radio and left.
Im not a car guy though, I just feel the same about cars as you do and I feel 105% happy with the corolla. Not sure what the latest versions have or whatever, but its a good "brand."
You're talking about Toyota Altis Corolla right?
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I dont see a point of buying a Mutsibishi or Subaru if you dont want manual transmission.
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Croatia9508 Posts
On July 15 2009 12:50 HnR)Insane wrote:
I'm not going to buy a manual car
Ahh, now that explains a lot about you.
Man up. 
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You must not be interested in the normal civic/accord eh Peter? Cause I know you must know about em and you probably wouldn't make a thread about this if you were, since they're like super reliable, easy, cheap, etc. Oh, I have nothing to contribute, I know fuck all about cars
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How does this thread not have any pics?
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United States24691 Posts
On July 15 2009 21:01 2Pacalypse- wrote:Ahh, now that explains a lot about you. Man up.
It's not fair to make fun of Americans who want to get Automatic cars because even if they wanted to 'man up' they really couldn't because most don't have access to standards to practice on. I was lucky my dad drove a stick and he taught me.
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On July 15 2009 14:07 HnR)Insane wrote:
WRX is not an option, it seems it has only manual and I don't want manual transmission.
There are automatic WRX's (older models) too and only STi's are manual. You can always buy the newer gen Civics since they looks really nice/cool, gas saver, and a good all-around car imo.
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On July 15 2009 21:01 2Pacalypse- wrote:Ahh, now that explains a lot about you. Man up.
Just means he sees driving as a means to an end to get from point a to point b and doesn't take it as a job or entertainment or some sort.
It's not like he needs extra high performance... no one really needs to unless they race or need the extra bit of power for pulling things, also personal experience in California having to operate manual where the traffic speed varies quite a bit from mile to mile is more work then i like when driving. Really i see manual transmission as a dieing breed at least in America were when automatic can perform nearly just as good in reasonable ie non commercial situations.
Driving stick isn't really taught except by friends or family in the US at least i only know from a friends dad.
imo what's wrong with an impala that has plenty of get up as is a very roomy car.
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/car-ratings/
http://www.jdpower.com/articles#Buying-Guides
http://www.jdpower.com/autos/articles/2009-Midsize-Cars-Buyer's-Guide
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United States24691 Posts
On July 16 2009 05:11 Saddened Izzy wrote:
imo what's wrong with an impala
Wind noise, frequent ride motions, body lean, ESC is not standard on base models, fuel economy not great, brakes have long stopping distance (especially in wet), lights produce large amounts of glare, driver comfort is not great, rear visibility is poor, flat leather seats allow too much lateral movement while turning, rear head/leg room are surprisingly low for such a big car, entry through car door is uncomfortable (high sill, sloping roof), temperature controls are hard to adjust, limited dash/console storage, reliability is predicted to be average, predicted depreciation is large.
It's an okay car but there are better alternatives.
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Get a 2007/2008 Pontiac Vibe? I have a 2007 and it meets all your requirements. I'm not 100% sure on the head room but I'm 6'0 tall and it's big enough for me but I figure you'd test drive it first anyway.
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United States24691 Posts
On July 16 2009 05:49 Jonoman92 wrote:
Get a 2007/2008 Pontiac Vibe? I have a 2007 and it meets all your requirements. I'm not 100% sure on the head room but I'm 6'0 tall and it's big enough for me but I figure you'd test drive it first anyway.
He wants a sedan although if he's willing to get a hatch then it's ok.
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On July 15 2009 21:01 2Pacalypse- wrote:Ahh, now that explains a lot about you. Man up.
I drive a manual and there is nothing good about it.
Good commuter cars, like people keep saying: Corolla, Civic. Cheap, efficient, reliable.
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On July 16 2009 05:59 micronesia wrote:Show nested quote +On July 16 2009 05:49 Jonoman92 wrote:
Get a 2007/2008 Pontiac Vibe? I have a 2007 and it meets all your requirements. I'm not 100% sure on the head room but I'm 6'0 tall and it's big enough for me but I figure you'd test drive it first anyway. He wants a sedan although if he's willing to get a hatch then it's ok.
vibe is basically a toyota matrix with a pontiac badge on it. the matrix probably has better resale value though. world's a funny place.
also i know the new matrix has an awd option not sure if the vibe does
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I'd go with Civic by Honda , they make hybrids too.
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Valhalla18444 Posts
On July 15 2009 21:41 Liquid`Nazgul wrote:
How does this thread not have any pics?
he's looking for a cheapo dork car because they're good on gas and reliable
what necessity is there for pictures of cheapo dork cars they basically all look the same
they say 'hello, i am sensible and do not cost very much'
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vs " Hello i am made and chosen based on illogical premises such as power i will not need and superficial qualities which will make my peers jealous"?
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EPT![[image loading]](http://www.fastcoolcars.com/images/wallpaper7/subaru_impreza_wrx.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://patrickhyundai.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/hyundai-genesis-coupe.jpg)
