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[New Car Advice] Entry Level Car

Discussion in 'BBS Hangout' started by Space Ghost, Apr 9, 2012.

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  1. Space Ghost

    Space Ghost Member

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    Its that time for me to do my due diligence on looking for a new car. I have had a 96 Saturn that I have relied upon for years. Its been good, but it has reached the end of its life. I have a truck that is now being used for my primary, but the MPG is awful and I need something that will get me around cheaply and reliable. Unfortunately, I have not been able to find anyone to give me some solid advise on where to go and where to start.

    Just a footnote: I am pretty hard on my vehicles so I have no interest on a higher end vehicle only for me to wear it out in 3-4 years and lose most of its value.

    This is primarily what im looking for:

    16k-20k (after all the upgrades and transfer fees...maybe a little more if needed)
    High MPG - upper 30's -40 MPG highway
    A decent looking trim

    I plan to drop about 8k cash up front. I was originally looking for used, but I think I am leaning towards new as I will still have the original warranty and no wear and tear.

    I have looked at the KIA Rio/Forte/Optimas. I really like the Optimas, but they are out of my price range and the MPG are a bit low for what Im looking for. Im not that fond of the Rio and Forte.

    So far I have liked the Hyundai Elantra but comparing them with other makes, I am not sure if this is the best deal.

    I have eyed the Honda Civic and its looking appealing.

    Unfortunately, I live pretty far out from dealerships, so I don't have a lot of time to drive out 45 mins to and hour to test drive.

    Any suggestions for comparisons? I am not opposed to buying used if its really worth it, but it seems to be a better deal just to drop the extra couple thousand for new.
     
    #1 Space Ghost, Apr 9, 2012
  2. rockbox

    rockbox Around before clutchcity.com

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    Ford Focus. 40MPG and ~160hp
     
    #2 rockbox, Apr 9, 2012
  3. DFWRocket

    DFWRocket Member

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    this is precisely why you SHOULD buy a 2yr old car. Many 2yr old cars still have some warranty left on them.
    Good luck.
     
    #3 DFWRocket, Apr 9, 2012
  4. SwoLy-D

    SwoLy-D Member

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    mechanophiliac?? :confused:
     
    #4 SwoLy-D, Apr 9, 2012
  5. No Worries

    No Worries Member

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    <iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/h5sOCEUpGZI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
     
    #5 No Worries, Apr 9, 2012
  6. BrieflySpeaking

    BrieflySpeaking Member

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    take care of your damn vehicle and don't drive it like a jackass.
     
    #6 BrieflySpeaking, Apr 9, 2012
  7. Invisible Fan

    Invisible Fan Member

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    If you're into new cars, the latest Mazda 3 w/ skyactiv looks awesome. Near 40 mpg with equal to greater performance.
     
    #7 Invisible Fan, Apr 9, 2012
  8. Bandwagoner

    Bandwagoner Member

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    the obvious answer for an entry level car is a Stanley Steamer
     
    #8 Bandwagoner, Apr 9, 2012
  9. MoonDogg

    MoonDogg Member

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    This car has "decent looking trim".....

    [​IMG]
     
    #9 MoonDogg, Apr 9, 2012
  10. shutkip

    shutkip Member

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    If you still want warranty on a used car - you can look into certified pre-owned cars too. They are no more than 2-3 years old and come with a decent warranty from the dealership. Cheaper than a new car...
     
    #10 shutkip, Apr 9, 2012
  11. bobmarley

    bobmarley Member

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    hyundai elantra or sonata
     
    #11 bobmarley, Apr 9, 2012
  12. The Captain

    The Captain ...and I'm all out of bubblegum

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    This is a pretty good work car for your situation, SG. Or maybe even a Festiva.

    I would buy a car that is around 6 months old, with carfax. You get the warranty, it's in good shape and someone else is absorbing the loss of driving off the lot.
     
    #12 The Captain, Apr 9, 2012
  13. moonsh0t

    moonsh0t Member

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    VW Jettas are cheap, good MPG, and you get that prized German engineering.
     
    #13 moonsh0t, Apr 9, 2012
  14. DaDakota

    DaDakota Fight Facism
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    Chevy Volt.

    DD
     
    #14 DaDakota, Apr 9, 2012
  15. Haymitch

    Haymitch Custom Title

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    I was looking for a similar vehicle a short while ago. Back then I was making $11/hour so I had to just get what I could, ie used 2009 Focus.

    But the new cars I looked at were the Hyundai Elantra, Mazda 3, VW Jetta, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, Honda Fit.

    I liked all of these. But obviously I had to be picky. The 3 is the funnest to drive. I'm not sold on the 2012 Focus - too much plastic. The Corolla was great, of course, but kind of... boring (yes, that is a stupid criticism, but I am a stupid man). I also test drove a Forte but was shocked at how plain it was for the cost. The Fit felt like a miniature minivan. I never got to test drive a Jetta, but I've heard only good things about them.

    If I had been able to afford it, I would have gone with the Elantra or the Mazda 3. Unfortunately, I think Elantras are in short supply so there isn't much room for haggling. And find the right color and model would be hard to do.

    So, if I had the money, I probably would have gone with a Mazda 3. The 4-door and the 5-door just look awesome to me.
     
    #15 Haymitch, Apr 9, 2012
  16. kevC

    kevC Member

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    The new Camaro V6.
     
    #16 kevC, Apr 9, 2012
  17. The Captain

    The Captain ...and I'm all out of bubblegum

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    Entry level for rich folks. $40k.
     
    #17 The Captain, Apr 9, 2012
  18. TreeRollins

    TreeRollins Member

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    Some of us are at work. Spoiler that
     
    #18 TreeRollins, Apr 9, 2012
  19. BMoney

    BMoney Member

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    Not the most reliable cars in the world, though.
     
    #19 BMoney, Apr 9, 2012
  20. DaDakota

    DaDakota Fight Facism
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    Is that how much they are? No wonder they are not selling well.

    DD
     
    #20 DaDakota, Apr 9, 2012
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