This morning, a friend of mine hit me up for some car buying advice. He loves his Acura MDX, but gas prices are making him dizzy. So, he wanted to know which Hybrid to get. I sent him over to the Honda Civic site so he could see that while the base Civic sedan stickers for $15,010, the hybrid version lists for $22,600. I then told him to figure out just how much driving it would take to recoup a $7,590 premium, ever with today's shocking prices. My pal was surprised — but thankful — and is now on the lookout for a used Civic, since all he wants to do is save money. Our brief encounter left me thinking: one day I'll need a new car. What on earth am I going to buy? The red blooded 12-year-old in me is seriously considering the Pontiac G8, especially if they stick a manny-tranny inside. More seriously, I have a hankering for the Caminoized version of said G8. But, we're talking 6.0-liter V8s and oil hit $115 a barrel today. I had seriously considered the BMW 135i, but after Justin's review, I've seriously unconsidered it. Another WRX? No, they're pretty spazztastic these days. Oooh, what about the STI? Oh right, that's now a $40K car. And I think the car I want most is a GT-R. So, I really have no idea. You?
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I’ve got my performance vehicle, my trusty Rubicon, but I’d like a Legacy variant for my daily driver. Hmmm… extra cash for the turbo and premium gas it has a taste for, or be sensible and go without the hood scoop? Decisions, decisions…
I’m going to jump out here to pre-empt all the posts that will say “something more frugal” and state that I would like a GMT-800 half-ton for my next truck or a 94-96 Fleetwood for my next car.
Unless one of the automakers comes out with a RWD full-size car that isn’t “boy-racer” at which time I may consider buying new.
Since I’m reimbursed by my clients for mileage and I can write off my remaining vehicle expenses, gas prices aren’t a priority for me. I’ve only had my GTI for a year and a half I’m not looking to buy soon, but I would say a used RS4. After all it was your review of it that made me track down the one guy I know with one to try it out. Actually, make that a certified used RS4.
In no order:
Audi A4
Honda Accord
Any VW except Passat with the turbo.
More realistically replace my C43 with a new C63
Still want an E39 M5. The RS4 would be
my second choice because it’s got
so little back seat room.
Probably a hot Audi also, as Mercedes service departments are so hard to deal with today.
To replace my current two, I would chose a Wrangler Unlimited and a Volvo V50.
It’ll be used. I’ll probably never buy a new car.
When I graduate college, the Diamante is being replaced by my mom’s 2001 Aurora V8. Even at 7 years old, it only has 47,000 miles (she had two cars until a few months ago and never drove the Aurora in inclement weather – gotta love older people). I plan on getting a 100,000+ mile 2002+ Infiniti Q45 as a daily car and trying to keep the Aurora as a memento (long story, but the second the 2001 second-gen Aurora hit the auto shows it became my dream car… I don’t plan on letting the public wreck this one, especially since my mom’s the only owner). Another option is getting a sub-50,000 mile 2006-07 Galant RalliArt and keeping it Mitsubishi.
An early 80’s VW Rabbit diesel; I’ve got my eye on an old man in my neighborhood who has a very clean one…hope he kicks the bucket ‘fore gas hits $4/gallon.
If I had to buy right now, maybe a Suzuki SX4 sport – it’s cheap, it’s not unreliable, and it’s got AWD, which is good when half the year has my roads covered in snow, and the other half covered in mud.
As for what my next car actually will be in several years (hopefully,) maybe a Hyundai Azera. BMW 5 series comfort, power, and better looks, for a fraction of the price, plus great reliability.
Gas prices aren’t as big of a concern for me now, since I have moved and walk to work (a full tank lasts me a month).
I have always entertained the thought of finding a GENTLY-used Mitsu EVO IX as a weekend car.
The IS-F intrigues me a great deal, first mod would be getting rid of those horrible exhaust tips though.
Probably a Pontiac Bonneville GXP. They aren’t easy to find though.
Although I do want to see where the Solstice coupe stickers, even though I’ve never bought a new car.
A junker daily driver.. 5sp manual with air no other option + a used 2006 30MPG Corvette garage queen.
Either an Austin A40 Somerset or a Ford Cortina MkII. The Cortina needs less work but the A40 is simplier.
None of the cars that I’m interested in exist right now.
I’m waiting for the Diesel Legacy. If they would make the Impreza with a smaller and more frugal gas engine (>30mpg) I might bite.
I would also consider a Jeep Wrangler with the 3L Mercedes diesel if they would offer it in the US.
Nothing. I am more than happy with both of our late-model Fords and am not gonna look at anything until our economy starts to sizzle again… If it does.
lol, JL sounds a lot like the Hitler video that TTAC was berating earlier today.
Just get another Beetle..
An ’08 Sierra Denali until they actually put a nice sized diesel in the half tons.
Probably a Volvo XC70 to replace the wife’s van. I’d love their diesel in that as well.
Cars right now suck, plain and simple.
My choices right now are:
– some Miata variant.. really anything 94+, 04-05 Mazdaspeed MX-5 ideally. Then I’d take my Protege5 and cut the power down about 70whp and make it a more comfortable daily driver, with the Miata as track/weekend car.
– a Mazdaspeed 6. They’re still available new (2007 model) at some dealerships who bought way too many thinking that Mazda might actually advertise such an awesome car. I wouldn’t mind one lightly used with very low mileage though. Then I’d just give my Protege5 forged internals and up the boost to give it a solid 200whp (dyno dynamics 200whp, not dynojet) and some coilovers and such. Use the Mazdaspeed6 as the daily driver comfortable car.
– an RX-8, and keep the Protege5 just because it’s so utilitarian. I’d take off the turbo if I got an RX-8, though I know the RX-8 would probably get some forced induction loving.
so yes any car in my present state and in my future plans has a 2.3 litre engine or smaller.
Driving is too fun to waste it driving big heavy cars. The Mazdaspeed6 does a great job of masking it’s size, but I’d get the MX-5 or RX-8 long before the MS6 just for reason of weight.
There’s a good quote from Jeremy Clarkson (well his writers I’m sure) about weight and what it does to cars. Something about killing the fun, killing the acceleration, killing the fuel economy, killing the handling, just killing EVERYTHING. I totally agree :)
If I’m rational, probably a Mazda3 like my wife drives. If I’m irrational (and can get one from the U.S.) a Mazda MX-5. If I win the lottery (unlikely since I don’t enter), a Boxster.
The Audi/VW 2.0T FSI is a good compromise between performance and fuel economy. It’s available in the Audi A3 and A4, as well as the VW GTI, Jetta, and Passat.
I have had two Accords but the current generation is getting so huge. Maybe a TSX, if the new one didn’t look so strange.
The sad thing is, none of the above choices is a RWD, which is really what I want since I live in SoCal. Too bad the BMW 335i is so $$$.
Possibly a used Suburban to replace both a GMC Yukon and a Ford Windstar. I’m finding that the slightly better fuel mileage of a minivan really isn’t enough to offset its higher maintenance and repair costs compared to the Yukon. However the Yukon doesn’t have as many seats as I would like (only five vs the Windstar’s seven).
THE next car will have to be diesel.
I spend most time on the highway and above 45 MPH.
So…hybs do not help.
So….diesel its is.
But WHAT diesel?
The Mercedes has horrible MPG…
The BMW won’t tell us the official numbers.
The Japanese won’t be here for another year.
I guess that leaves me with Volkswagen and they look good.
50 plus MPG HWY and turbo as well for around 23K.
And the wagon looks hot!
I’m waiting to see what new small cars show up in the next few years. I’m happy with my ’08 xB as a family hauler, but I wouldn’t mind trading out my 4cyl frontier for a different car for commuting. I’m hoping we get a better variety to choose from.
I’m thinking a ’62 MGA 1600 MK II
Got two boring, but paid for, drivers and expect to be car payment free for the next several years. Seems like the perfect opportunity to seak a little automotive whimsy past the Worthy Keeper of the Exchequer.
In 2009 I will buy ether a MY04-06 Sti or take the plunge and roll in a 996.
I want to do it now before fuel is $10 a gallon and I have to drive a 1 liter turbo diesel w/ 50 hp… Joy.
In a few years perhaps a used Fit Sport (manual).
Fun N’ Frugal.
The previous additions of the Civic SI and xB would be options also.
Basic requirements, haul two adults and two kids, get excellent mileage and handle and shift well.
Sunroof would be nice. Excellent reliability record a must.
If their reliability keeps improving a Cooper Clubman is not out of the question.
Bunter
In order or preference:
Used GT-R
Camaro SS or Z28
BMW 135
Used S5
I’ll probably have to replace my Thunderbird within a year. I really want a G8, but I know I can’t afford one.
If I buy new, probably a Civic. Maybe a Mazda3. I’ll kick the tires on a Focus but I’m not likely to buy one.
If I decide that I need a truck enough to suffer the fuel penalty, I’ll buy a Ranger.
If I end up on the used market – very likely – there’s no telling what I’ll buy. There are still some relatively low mileage 89-97 Thunderbirds out there. An Olds Alero caught my eye the other day, and the coupe version would be nice – but the 3.4-liter motor tends to eat head gaskets. A Shortstar-powered Intrigue might be better. Or maybe a Holden Monaro/Pontiac GTO…
Bugatti Veyron, without a doubt! I just have to win the Super7 first though!
Failing that I dunno, nothing from GM, Ford or Chrysler, it would be crazy to buy a new car from a bankrupt car company.
MazdaSpeed 3 or 6 if I can still find one.
Need 4 doors, and the gas milage isn’t too shabby.
It depends on how I’m doing financially but I’ll either:
1)Keep my Vette for the next 5-7 years and save up for a Lambo (12 year finance terms are great!)
2) If I don’t have any more money than I do now, it will be either a lateral move to another Vette or a Porsche Boxster or Cayman
3) Buy a Viper if I decide that a 12 year finance term on a Lambo is too much if I want to ever own a house
Somewhere in there I would like to get a used, relatively cheap British luxury car (probably an old Jag XJ) or a used Caddy
For me – first generation Miata – I’ve had a few and I simply can’t find another car that puts as big a smile on my face everyday.
For the family – Volvo V70 – gotta love a built booster seat right?
BMW M3. A couple of reasons. I fortunate that my company pays for my gas. That’s a good reason. #2 is my dad was a SCCA racer (jag XK140) and I am in a position, now, to really learn how to drive and do track days. I can’t think of a better car that I can daily drive and track. Yeah, tires.
I’ve found that I carry too many people too much of the time to be able to get by with a 2-seat anything… Budget-minded options for a sporty sedan come down to the following:
’04/’05 Audi S4
1st Gen G35 (possibly an AWD “x”)
Volvo S60R
All come in decently under $25k, all boast substantial power, come in manual and AWD, seat 5 comfortably, and demonstrate an impressive ability to skirt the line between comfortable cruiser and sporty whip. Anyone have additions or recommendations against?
Small and Frugal and used, manual, small 4 cyl, with a good set of summer & winter tires.
Honda Fit (cheap, practical, fun to drive)
Mini Cooper (not as cheap or practical, more fun to drive.)
Mazda MX-5 (not cheap, even less practical, most fun to drive.)
We’ll see where the finances and priorities are by then, it’s at least 3 years away.
…nothing from GM, Ford or Chrysler, it would be crazy to buy a new car from a bankrupt car company.
I’ll add a four-door or four-place coupe: Cadillac STS-V or upcoming CTC-V coupe. Also need an open-bed light utility vehicle. A G8 Camino is a contender for the fleet. XLR-V stays. However, if GM came up with a small pickup powered by the 2.0L Ecotech Turbo, I’d snap one up. Hey Ford, why don’t you box-frame that Ranger, spruce up the interior and give me a 6 speed manny bolted to a turbo four?
Phil
Yeah, until the manufacturers give up the HP race for an MPG race, I’m sticking with my 24-year-old, 35mpg, mid-sized Diesel wagon.
Nothing built today can compare.
lprocter1982 :
April 17th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
If I had to buy right now, maybe a Suzuki SX4 sport – it’s cheap, it’s not unreliable, and it’s got AWD, which is good when half the year has my roads covered in snow, and the other half covered in mud.
As for what my next car actually will be in several years (hopefully,) maybe a Hyundai Azera. BMW 5 series comfort, power, and better looks, for a fraction of the price, plus great reliability.
Not sure if it’s a big deal, but the SX4 Sport is the sedan variant which only comes in FWD. The 5-door hatch (SX4, sans Sport) is the one with AWD, and it only comes with AWD.
Both are practical, reliable cars and are good value, especially used with Suzuki’s low resale.
In order of likelihood:
Pontiac Solstice Turbo Targa
Hoooooooooondai
The RWD coupe that Toyota is Frankenstein-ing out of Subaru parts
The Hoondai weighs as much as my G35 Sedan, which is ridiculous when my old 240SX managed to weigh 600 pounds less, and I think the Toyota will probably be a mess, so the Pontiac has a damn good shot, especially since it should be cheaper than the drop-top version unless Pontiac pulls a Cayman.
On the other hand, I now finally have a two car garage, so I may keep the G35 and pick up a used MR2 Spyder.
I need a frugal car with good seats. Needs to be a hatchback, needs to handle well.
I have narrowed down the list to these three:
BMW 118d
Alfa Romeo 147 Quadrifoglio Verde
Mazda 3 2.0 MZR-CD
Currently owning a GTO, it seemed the next logical step for me would be a G8. That was until I drove a 135 earlier this week. Despite the poor review here and its questionable looks, I found it fun to drive. If I can find a used one in 2 years at a fair price, I might go that route.
Man, it’ll be a few years till I’m buying a car (which will definitely a year or two used; I’m NEVER going to buy a new car unless I absolutely need to), but here is what I’m thinking I might go for based on what’s available now or will be in a few years:
Practical: Subaru Forrester with turbo boxer four or some hot station wagon
Fun: Mazda Miata, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, or, if I’ve really made it, a Corvette.
I really like the G8, but I also like offroading.
Considerations:
G8 GT
G8 GXP
3 Series
Rubicon Unlimited
FJ Cruiser
H3
Tacoma 4X4
So many choices…
The G8 intrigues me, as it will fit the wife and kids. I’ve yet to test-drive one or even see one for that matter, so a lot will depend on how I actually fit in it.
Hyundai Genesis, maybe, depending on what the final price point is for the V8; 32-33K I’m there; 40K no way.
Possibly a Malibu once they pile the incentives on.
I’m too scared to buy a Chrysler since I think they’re going down to BR or at least going Chinese/Indian.
MKZ possibly, for some reason I like the looks of that car, illogical, but I like what I like . . .
Probably a Prius. However, the idea of the Lexus’ implementation of a hybrid small car might be tempting, if and when it arrivs. In conventional drivetrains, I’d really like a Lexus IS-250.
Currently, we have a 2002 Maxima SE. Married couple, one child, so a sedan is fine for us, and it has enough horsepower to have a little fun with, with the beautiful VQ 3.5 engine. Nice interior too. Not exactly easy on the fuel, though, and my wife would not mind a slightly smaller vehicle. Also, it has big rims so the replacement tires are a bit pricey.
So…we have #1 on our list…a Kia Rondo. Tossing aside the fact that it’s several rungs down on coolness and power, it has a lot of things going for it. Flexible storage, decent interior, great warranty, good initial price. Being in Canada, though, I’m really going to miss the Maxima’s heated steering wheel. :(
B-Rad :
I’ve seen 2005 Vettes going for high $20ks/low $30ks. About the same price as some other cars on your list. And they’re cheaper to insure/maintain than you might think
Next vehicle will be:
for the wife:
Fit/Yaris/diesel hybrid under $15k in 3 years after our neon reaches 180-200k miles.
For me:
200-250cc dual sport bike that should get 70+mpg.
a sub $4k msrp with warranty is easy to justify instead of driving the 16mpg city STi during the summer…
$3.70/gal regular @ 70mpg
$3.90/gal premium @ 16mpg
even only lightly driving (500 miles/mo), 6 months/year would be ~ 188 gallons vs 42 galons would be $600, assuming I don’t drive it in winter.
After a few year I’m paid off. Considering I was already thinking of getting a KLR650 anyhow, it might be better to just get the 200 & replace the STi in the summer.
A used bike for sub $2k might be an option as well. Pretty easy to justify.
For the wife, either a Fit or Mazda 5 depending on how busy we get with making babies.
For myself, a GTI 4 door with 18″ shoes and DSG to replace my 10 year old Impreza RS. Problem is, the Impreza just will not die. It will probably outlive me and drive away from the cemetery laughing with a new owner…
my wife’s next car will be a CTS, mine maybe the CTS wagon in 2 or 3 years.
My next car will probably be a ’78-’87 Malibu or Cutlass. We’ll replace the Suburban with a newer one shortly after that, and I’ll get a 2010 Camaro in about a year and a half.
Totally speculative for me. I’m not planning on making a car purchase anytime soon, but if I were…
Paradigm Shift’s used 2.5RS that just won’t die sounds great!
A used MR2 Spider. Cheap, mid-engine. Sold.
A motorcycle. Probably dual sport.
The Toyobaru.
I had seriously considered the BMW 135i, but after Justin’s review, I’ve seriously unconsidered it.
Really? Gee I would take TTAC reviews as valuable input but I would still want to drive any candidate cars myself.
A wheelchair. By the time I wear out the Infiniti G37S I bought last fall, that’s all I will be fit to drive.
Pete: I have the added pleasure/burden of being able to discuss the reviews with Justin. In depth.
Well, I’m probably not buying until early 2010 or so, but…
Price, fuel and insurance little object Iie – no Astons or Ferraris)? Likely an IS-F, M3 or Shelby GT500.
When the realities of the world set in, likely a Fiesta or Fit.
What a question. It only occupies 75% of my waking thoughts. Of course I’m years away from such a purchase provided my M3 keeps running.
If the M3 keeps on keeping on I think I’ll pick up a Cayman S or a 335i or a N54 powered Z4 replacement for my next car.
If not, I’ll probably get something more practical like an E39 M5 or a 335xid touring or the new M3 sedan.
KixStart, you think a lot like my wife and I do. She’d buy a prius today to replace our 06 xB (which we love) but I think I have her convinced to wait and see what the new models the come out with are like. I too will be interested to see the Lexus version if there is one, and would also look at a slightly smaller one of that rumor comes true and there’s a mpg benefit.
Unless they totally hose the next gens up we are looking at a Prius of some sort. Oh, and she loves the IS, was cross shopping the xB against it which probably breaks some sort of law.
My next car is a mountain bike. Since I live 6 miles from work, it just makes sense to ride a bike most of the time. I tried it this past weekend – havn’t been on a bike for years – and it took 53 minutes to get there. (I was disheartened to realize that it would also take another 53 minutes to get back home). Once I get in shape and get used to riding, I can probably get this down to 40 minutes, maybe even a half hour. I figure I can ride 6 months out of the year – at least.
The plan had been to keep the ’98 Ranger another 5 years, but by putting it in the garage and using the bike, I can probably keep it another 8 years. After that, my son should be itching to sell his ’89 Civic, so that will probably be the next car after the mountain bike.
I had the same feeling about the G8 that Jonny did. It sounds fantastic, until you think about fuel. I was also leaning toward the BMW 128, except it’s remarkably close to 3-series money. Just feels like it’s not worth it to me.
The lease on my C280 runs out in December, so this is a pressing question for me. In no particular order, these are my choices:
* A new C Class. Yeah, yeah, we hate Daimler products on this board, but I like them.
* The G8. I’m still going to look at it, bad fuel economy and all.
* Subaru Forester. I almost got one of these early this year to replace my wife’s car. I just wish the interior wasn’t so, well, cheap.
* Mini Cooper Clubman. My wife will never go for it (too impractical), but I may have to give it a shot.
* Infiniti G35x. Probably a 2-year-old gently used one. This is actually the most likely candidate.
* Smart fortwo. This was actually my wife’s suggestion (this isn’t impractical?), but I’ve priced it out and it’s a lot of cash for not much car. Still, I’m curious enough to take a look.
Must be:
1. Fuel miser (hybrid or diesel)
2. Hatchback or wagon or small truck (as long as #1 also present)
Nice to have:
3. Last 10 years (I don’t change cars often)
4. Decent styling
5. Comfortable for tall driver
Transmission not important as long as #1 is present. Color and other cosmetic issues are between secondary and irrelevant.
Either a Civic or a City Golf.
Or, a black paint job and 4.6 performance enhancements for my just-breaking-in Crown Vic with 190,000km. Good seats, supercharger, chip, etc. That would be a new car, wouldn’t it?
Another Grand Marquis – whatever the final model year that may be.
Other than that, pretty much everything else in the $20,000 range are just copies of each other.
Hey, Taxman, Bro.
People just don’t know how good Panthers are, do they?
Right now I drive my mom’s car, but in May/June I’m going to get one (start looking for one)! Since it has to be around 20k and Japanese and my mom doesn’t trust used cars I’m getting either: a silver Camry or a silver Civic sedan.
I think both are ugly and boring, but she thinks exciting cars are the devil because they make us vain and arrogant.
Cadillac CTS with the DI engine, manual
I too wouldn’t mind a Panther (Marauder)…
but with an M5 in the stable I will go with a Corvette. Make mine a 3LT six speed with the f55 suspension please…
Our brief encounter left me thinking: one day I’ll need a new car. What on earth am I going to buy?
Doubt I’ll ever NEED a new car. No flaming intended. I’ve somehow managed to live 53 years without needing one.
But if I did need one, and wanted to throw multiple thousands of dollars into an expletive-deleted-hole, why I’d be in the market for a ‘Vette.
Not a Chevette. Already had one of those.
I just bought my next car–a 2001 BMW 740i Sport.
My next next cars that I am seriously considering are the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited or a used Mercedes-Benz G500 (pre-2002).
And if I were to win the lottery, then it would have to be a 2005 Porsche Carrera GT.
Timely question of the day. I’m going tomorrow to check out a 2000 M Coupe.
The only proper replacement for my 2000 Boxster S. If the M Coupe doesn’t work out then I’ll look in the direction of the Mazda speed3.
My next car is a mountain bike. Since I live 6 miles from work, it just makes sense to ride a bike most of the time. I tried it this past weekend – havn’t been on a bike for years – and it took 53 minutes to get there. (I was disheartened to realize that it would also take another 53 minutes to get back home). Once I get in shape and get used to riding, I can probably get this down to 40 minutes, maybe even a half hour. I figure I can ride 6 months out of the year – at least.
Hey Dynamic88. I’m on the same page. I added an Electric Motor to my MTB. Average 19 mph with Hills. You’ll cover your commute under 20 mins. If you want a work out then you can cut that further.
If I were to get a car. It might be a low-mileage used GTI with manual tranny.
I am probably set for the decade with my pair of ’88 528es. I would love to sell/ scrap my Grand Wagoneer and replace it with a 50s Willys Overland wagon or pickup
Really, you test drive the 135i and not rely on others opinions about the car.
My next car will be Lexus IS350 regardless of fuel prices.
All of you considering the Fit, at least test drive a Scion xD (or a used xA) for comparison’s sake. I have a 2006 xA, and I love it. The main complaint I have with it (could use just a little more power) is fixed in the xD, with no loss in fuel economy.
Regardless of yesterday’s lukewarm review, probably an ’09 Subaru Forester (to replace my ’98 Forester). The fact it’s still available with a manual transmission, has a few worthwhile improvements, hasn’t gone up in price substantially in the last 10 years, and that the new design isn’t excessively cute or ugly certainly doesn’t hurt.
Considering I was almost interested in a Patriot, more for budget reasons than anything else, I’m glad I waited. I suspect milking ten years out of it would have been an exercise in futility.
A bicycle or moped. Peak Oil and the resultant ruinous fuel prices will make driving a luxury few can afford.
Depending on the money available:
Honda Fit
Mazda3
VW GTI
Audi A3
Or, since I may move to Europe, and cars are expensive there, a good used Renault (got a cousin in a dealership), or Fiat or Skoda.
2 years ago I bought a very lightly used (2200 miles) 2005 BMW 330i with the performance package. I will not want another car for many many years, as this one still makes me grin every time I get in it and turn the key. If it were destroyed, I might be forced to find another one.
I would get a Lexus GS460, it has the looks, style and performance all into one.
I forgot to add Lotus Elise if I can really afford a toy.
I’m already playing with the idea of buying a pre-owned Lotus Elise next year when my Evo VIII is paid off.
I plan to keep the Evo.
I’m really surprised that gas mileage is so high on most peoples’ lists
I’m not really surprised that gas mileage is important to people, just more surprised that people who like cars enough to come to this site, register and post their thoughts think about gas mileage before things like power, handling, styling, etc.
I honestly have ZERO interest in any car offered today. Mind you, there are some Euro-only machines I’d buy in a heartbeat if they were available here:
Alfa Romeo Sprider (equipped with the JTDM engine)
I have one of these as my desktop wallpaper on my powerbook. Gorgeous car, mid-40to mid50s MPG. Open topped.
Audi TT TDI, convertible of course
I rarely have fits of all out lust for anything German, but this one does it for me.
So until something of this sort arrives on our shores, I’ll flog the Jetta TDI until it crumbles. 120,000 miles on the clock so far; I imagine I can squeeze another 80,000-100,000 more.
–chuck
http://chuck.goolsbee.org
I have been thinking about this a lot and am still really undecided. As I think about all the things I care about: safety, status, convenience for service, fuel economy, turning radius, looks, comfort, gadgets (I like toys) and of course price here are the cars on my mind:
2009 Acura TSX
2009 MB C300 4Matic
Infiniti G35x
2009 Acura TL
Lexus GS350
I now drive a 2001 MB E-Class that I would like to replace before my extended warranty expires in September. Repair costs without a warranty frighten me and I am ready for something new. I want to spend less than what a new E-class would cost and don’t want the current E which is near the end of the product cycle.
I have never been so undecided. My values are changing as I age and as oil prices continue to climb.
As of this point my next car needs to have the following things:
1) A manual transmission
2) A convertible top
3) Able to seat 4
Ideally I’d like a 3 series convertible, but if I had to buy now I would only be able to afford a VW EOS.
thetopdog:
Oh, sweet! I’ve always wanted to own a Corvette, so I guess that may be more likely than I thought. But I haven’t really looked at prices of new ones really at all because I know it will be at least 4 or 5 years before I can afford a $30k car as I’m heading to college next fall. But after college, I’ll be in the Navy, so as long as I manage to stay single I should have no reason not to buy a two seat sports car.
Meh…. was all set to buy a used LR3; but now I’m reconsidering and just sticking with our aging LR Freelander for an SUV. My wife and I both drive smallish 2 door coupes (BMW/Mini) and we each like our vehicles, and both have been fantastically reliable (where’s that peice of wood?). There are some days that I just don’t drive at all, so I’ve been thinking about just upgrading my rollerblades…
Since a new company car Scion xD is going to be welcomed to my garage in a couple of months, things like trunk space and back seat comfort suddenly drop in priority. The dream car that a lot of saved money will get me is my beloved Lotus Elise, although if I don’t want to drive 110 miles to the closest dealer and service center, I’ll be more than happy with a new or slightly used Honda S2000, or take a new MX-5 and save the rest of the money.
I’m still looking for an automobile import/export company that sells cars with the steering wheel on “the other side” for export to Australia. Reality kicked in – something slightly used pays fewer bucks in duty and import taxes and I’d love to have the ability to practice driving Oz-style here before heading over there. So, my next car is hopefully going to help in that area.
Matthew Sullivan – an Evo and Elise is a dream garage on this end! Go for it…especially if the slightly “dialed down” new model doesn’t have the same hard edge that you might want compared to yours. I’d have to keep a garage full of new tires to replace the nuked ones every month or so!
B-Rad:
I graduated in 2006. Buying a 2006 Corvette Coupe while I’m still young and able to fully enjoy it has been one of the best things I’ve done in my life
My next car will be a car sharing service
Philly Car share has lots of cars, I can have another one every day for months.
http://www.phillycarshare.org/
I am sick of owning just one car. I want them all!
Wife’s going for a Mini Clubman. I’m probably going for a new WRX hatch. However, I’m not totally decided. MazdaSpeed 3 is nice, but I’m not that thrilled about front drive.
On my side of the business it works the opposite way. What car do you want to keep?
The most worthwhile ‘keeper’ car I’ve had this year was a 1998 VW Jetta TDI. 5-speed, sunroof, 109k, everything worked and was well maintained. Bought it for $2870 late January at a Carmax sale and put about $150 into it.
That car would have been absolutely perfect as a ‘keeper’. I could get low to mid 40’s just going up and down the hills and rarely did I ever have to rev it past 2250 rpm’s. Great powerband, amazing mileage, it even had an upgraded stereo and CD player with a 250 watt stereo system installed. 8 speakers in all, and every one of them was perfect.
I sold it for $4000 and a trade-in (02 Kia Spectra) that later netted me an additional $3000. So a $4000 profit overall. The fellow came five hours away from Western Alabama and I hope he keeps it for another 20 years.
Chevrolet HHR SS. Speed, room, bang for buck, and I actually like how it looks.
What I’d like is a G8 Coupe. The standard G8 is a marvelous car, but as a solo driver, such a large vehicle seems like a waste.
Other options:
Evo X. This car is tied with the GTR for the best AWD system in existence. Things I like: styling, size, handling, stick. Things I don’t: turbo lag, clipped back end, spoiler, price, poor interior quality, poor ride.
Volvo S40. I rented one of these. Very nice car. Perfectly sized, pleasant interior, good dynamics. Problems include the fact that it’s FWD, the horrible throttle lag, and that I can’t get the T5 with a stick.
BMW 135i. Marvelous powertrain, excellent handling. Overpriced. That I can deal with. What I can’t deal with is that no angle or color makes it any less ugly. Seriously, I’d buy one now if I could look at it without making excuses in my head.
BMW M3 E46. The dream car. The best powertrain, the best handling, the best styling. Problems: I’m afraid of the maintenance and I suspect the ride may be a touch more harsh than I’m used to. I’ve got a watchful eye on the Edmunds long-term test car.
Ford Mustang GT. Great engine, pretty decent handling, sounds great, inexpensive. A friend has the V6 model and it’s barrels of fun to drive. Problems: Rear visibility is terrible, rear overhang is too long, and the solid rear axle is bloody obvious. I’d never driven a Mustang before and I literally hadn’t even left the parking lot before I could tell the rear wasn’t IRS.
Infinity G37. Doesn’t stand out anywhere. Hard suspension. Effeminate styling. Not really a “luxury” car, despite the price. Still, a good value, so it’s on the list.
I also looked at the Audi A4, but like a lot of these cars, it falls down on comparison with the G8 GT. Why do I want 180 HP when I can have literally double for the same price, and better looks, and more space, and equivalent handling?
ideally, a Cayman
Or maybe a Miata
Or maybe a WRX or a 3 series
If I need to be more practical, a Civic.
with a stick.
Or maybe, just maybe a Peugeot 404. Wagon.
A motorcycle. Probably dual sport.
Before you do that, look into head and spinal injury stats for m’cycles.
I personally like muscle cars and despite fuel prices will probably always own them. I don’t find 16-19mpg city per tank too objectionable or unaffordable considering I only fill up once a week or every ten days.
The enjoyment I also get out of muscle car ownership is worth the money to me over owning a vanilla appliance car to just get me from A to B, I’d be miserable.
Currently I have a 2006 GTO manual. It’s a fantastic car and I’m considering replacing it with one of the following.
G8 GXP (hoping for more vivid color choices inside and out that the Aussies enjoy)
Challenger R/T or SRT8 manual (waiting to hear more about a more power added past 2009, 500hp+ is rumored)
Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 or SS (I know some people within GM and the final product sounds phenomenal, but still waiting to see for myself)
And like Johnny here, I find the G8 ST very strangely practical and appealing. If they make a G8 ST GXP I might run out and get one.
My next car will be an E36 3-series. My goal was a small, RWD car with decent handling and power that was inexpensive, the last part being the most important one. So, that narrowed my field considerably. The E36 is smart-looking, not bloated like all new cars are, RWD and light. What more could one ask? Reliability? hmm.. it’s not too bad on that front but I’m not expecting any miracles on that front as far as parts prices.
And, bonus, the 2.5l 6-cylinder will actually get the same or better gas mileage (19-26mpg) as my AWD 2.2l subaru! (~22mpg).
I know, it’s not new, but I would never get a new car because it’s such an atrocious waste of money. I can get much more car for the dollar because I know how to work on cars, and I’m willing to do it, too.
That ‘new car’ scent has the distinct smell of greenbacks to me, specifically, greenbacks I don’t have to spend. And that, I just cannot tolerate.
Mr Holzman> I think you should give up on classic cars. Modern cars are so much safer. Or you might just want to stick with a full sized 16 wheeler.
Hey! What a cowinkidink! I wanted a GT-R, too!
But I got a used Sonata instead…wait hear me out! 2007, 13k miles, 238hp V6, sunroof, 17″ alloys; $14.4k out the door. You can’t even get similarly optioned 4-cyl Accord or Mazda 6 of the same vintage, mileage and options for that price. I had to take advantage of Hyundai’s cliff-faced depreciation.
Top it off Geico has no idea what kind of sleeper this thing is. My insurance for this was hundreds of dollars less than the Mazda 6 I was looking at.
I looked at buying a used Civic too. That is unitl I found out they cost the same as a new Civic.
N85523 :
April 17th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I’ve got my performance vehicle, my trusty Rubicon, but I’d like a Legacy variant for my daily driver. Hmmm… extra cash for the turbo and premium gas it has a taste for, or be sensible and go without the hood scoop? Decisions, decisions…
Ah yes, the Legacy GT. Nothing tops the look on people’s faces when they get blown off at the stoplight by a Camry with a hood scoop.
To replace my aging Elantra I’m getting a MazdaSpeed3. Good amount of utility with a dose of performance and decent MPG.
thetopdog:
Oh, nice! I don’t think I’ll be able to afford a brand new Corvette right out of college but maybe something in the 20s to low 30s. But who knows? Maybe I’ll strike gold this afternoon. I’ll let you know if I do.
My current trusty (and paid for) Hyundai Accent still has years to go, but if I had to replace it tomorrow I’d get a Fit. I like small, efficient hatchbacks.
My real next car is one I already own — my 59 Austin Healey Sprite. It’s currently scattered around the country in refurbish mode, and has been for some time. It will feel like getting a new car (and cost something similar) once it’s back on the road.
My Fit has made me a happy, happy boy. If the next one is all that the reviews make it out to be (fixes all the niggling things while gaining almost no weight), I am so there.
Hopefully my Mazdaspeed6 keeps going for a long time since it’s a good all-weather daily driver. I see about 20-22 mpg but I drive it as it was meant to. I’m hoping for a used C6 or possibly the new Z or RX -7(?) model down the road.
Don’t drive a 335i. The sedan has enough room for yourself and three friends; it is reasonably quiet and luxurious. And that motor… BMW has wrought some magic here. Couple that with a superb six speed manual and it creates a smile every time you drive it. And it will give you 20 mpg around town and 25 on the highway when you don’t lean too hard on the loud pedal. On occasion, you can pump up the tires a little and take it to the track, then drive your sedan back home to resume life as a daily driver.
Yes the interior is spare compared to the IS350, which has 8/10’s rear seating. Yes, you’ll pay $45k for a car the size of a Civic. And yes, it will probably not be the reliable old car that a Lexus, or Civic will surely become. But BMW hits the driver’s target better than almost anyone else.
But don’t drive one if you don’t want to get roped in.
Looking at a used Wrangler. Do a ton of camping, and I live along the Southeastern coast, where we rarely get cold. Okay, so summers can be brutal and many Wranglers don’t come with AC, but I wonder if I really need it? Something about being able to remove the top and side windows just appeals to me. Gas mileage isn’t great, but I only drive 20 miles to and from work, so I fill once a week. There are more practical cars, to be sure…but my son is graduating in a year and practicality be damned! I’ve been jonesing for a Wrangler since I tested a new one almost 8 years ago. Problem is, even the used ones command a decent selling price, and I’m dead-set against making car payments. Soooo…what I want and what I’ll actually be able to get may differ wildly…
I just traded my winter beater A4 for a 944 Turbo, so now I need another winter beater.
Looking at a 3000GT VR-4 or 964 Carrera 4.
What is everybody talking about!?
No wonder they never bring diesels here!
Nobody wants one…reading the replies.
What gives?
MPG no problem for anyone????
In Europe 50 percent or more cars sold are diesels…but not here.
PLEASE bring them, at least for me. I would LOVE a car that is just breaking in at 80K and giving me MPG AND turbo fun.
Jetta…looking forward to your TDI!
I wanted a diesel until the fuel started making premium look cheap.
As soon as Alfa Romeo returns to the U.S. I plan on buying a new Alfa 159. I’m planning on buying new this time because I don’t want to wait for a used one and based on my previous Alfa experience I want as much factory warranty as possible.
My wife still needs a minivan so that will probably be a used Honda Odyssey.
Pre-Owned Porsche Boxster or Porsche 928.
Any experience with either appreciated. A clean, well-maintained, mechanically-sound example for sale at a reasonable price, appreciated more!
2009 or 2010 (Next Gen) Toyota Prius. Note to the person who would get a Passat except for turbo — our 2003 Passat 1.8T GLS has been reliable, fun and economical (26-28 real-world mpg). We’ve had three recalls all for problems that we didn’t experience personally.
I’m several years out from a new car (whether used or “new”).
My wife thinks I should buy a ‘toy’, like a gently used GTO, with which I would usually agree, but I think with fuel prices headed to $4.00/gal., maybe something smaller with similar performance but better fuel economy would be a good idea.
If I could pull the trigger right now, something with a turbo Ecotec appeals to me. Cobalt or HHR SS, or Solstice GXP Coupe.
Ya, the Solstice GXP Coupe in a perfect world. Probably the Coby SS, just without the stupid wing, would be more likely. It would endure the outrageous slings and arrows of downtown traffic and parking much better than the Solstice.
Domestic Hearse,
Marc Feinstein, the owner of German Performance, a repair shop in Cambridge MA which is highly regarded, tells me that Boxster engines are iffy until the 2001 model year. He also tells me the S models are more reliable.
JerseyDevil:
Philly Car share has lots of cars, I can have another one every day for months.
http://www.phillycarshare.org/
I am sick of owning just one car. I want them all!
Neat! I’m tempted to join even though I live in Boston. It would be fun next time I’m in Philly to spend a few hours in something different.
But even if they had one of these in Boston, I’d feel bereft without my own car.
I need something functional, no more 4 door cars. Need to fit my active lifestyle this time. The other day tried to fit my bike in the trunk of a Jetta with seats folded, and couldn’t. Waste of an hour getting ready, ugh. Spare wheel on the back or big room inside like many new current SUV’s & Crossovers. That Ford Flex is looking good everyday. LOL
I doubt we’ll see the Legacy diesel here, too bad. Then again, diesel was $4.59 here in Connecticut this morning.
My commute is about 30 miles each way…all Interstate, and I still don’t think it’d be worth it.
I’m torn, and I’ll probably be buying something in the next year. I kinda want a hatch or a wagon, but I think I’d really like a TSX, too.
-Matt
serpico: Hatchback is the way to go. Much more practical than a sedan (or coupe, which is even less practical).
That is, I’ll bet you any amount of money your bike would fit inside a, um, Fit (or a Scion xA, xB (old or new), or xD).
serpico, Unless you have other reasons for wanting to ditch a car, get a hitch and a hitch-mounted bike rack. Save a ton of money.
A sub $5000 compact truck, a sub $3000 one would be even better
My next car is likely to be the Mazda6 Hatchback. You can get this car load (ie, Grand Touring S) with everything except NAV for $2k less than invoice (about $23K). Hard to beat that the level of versatility and all the amenities of the Grand Touring S for that price.
Now if price were not a concern, the TT-S might be the call. But I suspect it will be priced more like a Porsche instead of a replacement for the TT 3.2