Not to take away attention from the other discussions, but...I NEED A CAR! I'll get to the point. If I were to buy NEW... My budget: well, not really putting a dollar amount on it, but probably in the $17-$23K range. What I've looked at (haven't test-driven yet) are: Honda: Civic, Civic SI, CR-V <--- the only SUV I'm looking at Nissan: Altima Ford: Mustang, Mustang GT <---outside of my 'budget' and don't get me started on the Shelby Toyota: Camry As to what I'm looking for in a car...nothing in particular. Obviously I would like something safe and reliable; not something I want to take in the shop every 5 minutes. Gas mileage would be a plus. I'm leaning Mustang because it's a nice looking car and relatively cheap (good and bad). Also it goes in line (God's Will? ) with a 'family tradition' (my dad has a '67 'stang...no it's not powerful; yes I've worked on it, but it would be too much hassle to get it safe and solid driving conditions). What are your thoughts? Any suggestions besides these? How about used? Also, I'd get automatic, unless I were to get the SI or GT. I don't have a lot of time to reserach outside of ConsumerReports and test-driving as I'll be out of the state and country starting Saturday until mid-August.
Family? Get a camry. Alone? Get a mustang or civic si Best thing to do is test drive them all and see which one you like best.
Good point...it should be noted I am a college student and not going into a mid-life crisis, yet. I figure Mustang/Civic/anything sporty (someone suggested at used Lexus) would last me at least 5-10 years as long as I don't **** it up.
i have a 99 mustang and i've had only ONE problem with the power stearing about a year back and that's it. i'm not sure if anyone else has had this situation as well, but i find the mustang to be a solid, reliable car that gets pretty good gas mileage.
My buddy just got a new SI. He cant stop raving about it. You should go test drive one, the interior is really plain and simple yet clean and the Vtec sounds like an F1 car at high RPM. I can't believe I just said that
I'm picking my new one up on Saturday. It's an SUV that handles like a car. And it's a Honda, which means it will run forever (hopefully). All for less than 20K.
If you're a college student (and I assume a guy), then stay away from these vehicles you listed: 1) Camry - why do you need a large sedan if you won't have more than 2 people in your vehicle at any given time? 2) CRV - definitely stay away from this one..are you crazy? It's THE biggest 'chick' SUV around. If you insist on a small SUV, get the Liberty (it has good warranty, good interior, and the Limited trim would give you everything you want in a vehicle and remain within your price range). 3) Accord - just generally boring. I would recommend either a pre-used Lexus/Acura/BMW sport sedan/coupe OR a brand new 'Stang / Civic SI.
I've got a six-speed Accord and it's a blast, though the turning radius isn't so great. Anyway, why would you pick a Civic over an Accord--other than price?
I SAW IT! I saw the car I WANT earlier tonight. Sort of like this: Just imagine it minus the stripe and in the charcoal color. I was getting back from the gym when I saw it and literally stood there staring for 10 minutes. But it has to be expensive. Damnit. Maybe I'll just cut my losses, steal the mother's minivan and rice it out. I'll cut a hole in the hood and put a supercharger in it. I mean I'll make it out of cardboard, it don't matter. As long as it looks faster, you know? And then I'll add some speed holes and then I'll sharpie some accent marxxxxxxxxx
The nice thing about my Altima when I owned it was that I didn't put any miles or other wear-and-tear on it when it sat in the shop for four months waiting for parts.
You too? Mine had to get towed because the starter died 4 months after I bought it. Also had to get the clutch replaced at 14,000 miles. And I could never get over the ultra cheap interior.
