So I'm shopping for a new ride...

[Jihforce]

Had a list of 12 cars, nothing in any particular class. Just anything that fits my budget. So it came down to the following.

Civic EX (cuz its cheap, good quality and saves gas)
GTI (cuz its fun for a little car)
RX8 (cuz I dig the looks)
TSX (cuz they got decent deals for it right now and it fairly lux)
Camry V6 SE (heard its pretty quick, being a 4-door makes it practical)
CX7 (cuz its big and gets decent mileage for its size)
Mustang GT (300hp, loads of rebates)

I'm leaning toward the Mustang right now...but it IS a FORD after all so it does make me hesitate a bit. So my only option is to lease it in case it ends up being a crappy car.

Your thoughts?

[Jeffbx]

What's your price range? Looking a new or used?

[Jihforce]

25 and under. New, so I have the option to buy or lease.

[Jeffbx]

I'd recommend the Saturn Aura XR (http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/overview.aspx?year=2007&make=Saturn&model=Aura)

[Showtime]

You can get a TSX for 25k? If so, grab that cuz you will be happy with it 4 or 5 years down the road.

[thresher]

I am driving a camry right now (truck in shop) with only 88 miles on it. NICE. It's like a little Lexus. Only thing is - very boring. And I already lost it in the Whole Foods parking lot. :) I have driven the GTi's and they're a blast, but like the Mustang they can be a little trouble in the reliability department. It can come down to which dealer is closest and has the best reputation for service. The TSX is a blast to drive, but is thief and vandal bait down here. If it were me and I had to buy a car (not truck) I would go GTi, but we have a great VW dealership and lots of hills. ;)

[Jihforce]

LOL Boring Camry, are they ever...I did hear the V6 SE can run a pretty mean 0-60 tho. But yeah, it is a Camry, I haven't driven it, so I am not sure how high it runs in the "fun to drive" dept.

So far I've driven the GTI and the RX8 on the list. I like them both. But RX8's engine recalls scare be a bit. GTI's is like a go-kart and DSG is insanely smooth and fast shifting. I have driven the TSX back in 03, its nice, but its very uninspiring, and its a tad higher in price than i'd like. But the financing is 1.9% right now so it makes it more affordable. Tough decisions...

[pd123]

Have you considered the newly designed Nissan Altima? If you want a V6, theirs has 270hp and it's under $25k. I have the Hybrid version with leather, sunroof, spoiler, great radio and lots more.

[bachviet]

Unless you are 50+, don't get the Camry. J/K

I would go for the TSX even though it is lack of low-end torque. Camry is a nice car but the design but I never like the design.

[gear02]

I say go for the Civic. It's a great car with tons of features. I think it's a great deal. You don't have a lot of horsepower, but I personally think it's a fun car to drive.

[tupacboy]

my vote is for the TSX... i grabbed the TL-S this weekend and LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!

[Jihforce]

So I test drove the Mustang GT and V6 convertible. GT is fast, but felt heavier than expected. Still corners well enough. the V6 was surprisingly quick, definitely no slouch. Interior was so-so, but definitely better than expected. Still, some things felt cheap (glove box, vanity mirrors, radio & ac controls) At 300hp, I was sort of expecting it to push me against my seat when accelerating and give me an adrenaline rush, it didn't. (but my wife manage to give me a rush when she accelerated between two truck and was tailgating a minivan. she said she was testing the breaks) That said, I asked if they would sell the GT for invoice + rebates (approx 4000-4500 off msrp), and they said definitely, but only the GT.
Not sure how I feel about the car right now, part of me likes it, part of me isn't sure. We'll see.

As for the Altima, I am waiting on the coupe. I think the new sedan is improved from the previous generation, but I don't like the tail lights still. Anyone know when the coupe comes out?

I hear ya on the Camry, I sort of dropped it in the list cuz its got decent engine and its roomy. But camry are know to drive like boats, so am not even sure I want to test drive it.

Civic I haven't driven, but I want to try it, I like the new looks and the improved interior.

[Jihforce]

my vote is for the TSX... i grabbed the TL-S this weekend and LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT!!!

CONGRATS!!! TL-S is a sweet ride, I'd get it, but I really don't want to play that much. hahaha. Did you get it loaded?

[cheapie]

i dearly hope you're only looking at the manual trans 'stang!

[Jihforce]

i dearly hope you're only looking at the manual trans 'stang!

LOL, unfortunately, wife wants to drive it and refuses to get a manual. so i have to go auto if i want a mustang. its not a such a big deal after seeing the car in person, the auto revs pretty high, so plenty of power there. Plus the stupid cup holders are placed in a horrible spot that gets in the way of the gears if it were a manual. Also, been hearing horror stories about shifting noise on the manual. So I don't feel too bad about it.

[cheapie]

if you get a 6-cyl automatic mustang you might as well get a vanity plate that says "chick car"

[ray]

1) Where do you live?
2) How long is your commute?
3) Don't buy a Ford...Ever.

[tupacboy]

CONGRATS!!! TL-S is a sweet ride, I'd get it, but I really don't want to play that much. hahaha. Did you get it loaded?


Fully loaded!!! with high performance tires... grinded them down to 34,500 (b4 tax and licensce) here in CA... :)... go with acura!!

[Jihforce]

1) Where do you live?
2) How long is your commute?
3) Don't buy a Ford...Ever.

1)Long Beach
2)18 miles mostly freeway
3)I wouldn't be buying it, probably lease it. Cuz after all, it IS a Ford. Hahaha. My A4 has had its share of issues, my 3-series before it was in the shop every 3 months for something. So as long as its under warranty. Doesn't matter.

[ray]

1)Long Beach
2)18 miles mostly freeway
3)I wouldn't be buying it, probably lease it. Cuz after all, it IS a Ford. Hahaha. My A4 has had its share of issues, my 3-series before it was in the shop every 3 months for something. So as long as its under warranty. Doesn't matter.

Sounds like reliability has been an issue in the past, so I would throw out my suggestions of any Toyota, Honda, Acura, Infiniti or Lexus vehicle.

[gear02]

Fully loaded!!! with high performance tires... grinded them down to 34,500 (b4 tax and licensce) here in CA... :)... go with acura!!

Nav included? I might be in your shoes in a couple of months.

[tupacboy]

Nav included? I might be in your shoes in a couple of months.


yes sir :) all type-s come with it i think... :)...

i had a hard time deciding between the g35 sport fully loaded... but in the end... the TL was about 3 grand cheaper... and i got 1.9% financing while the G35 was about 6%-7%... not to mention that my trade in (beat up 2000 passat)... I got 3600 from acura while infiniti only offered me 2500... in the end i could not justify the difference financial difference... even though i was leaning toward the g35... the resale of tl is better and overall it cost me about 6000 less to get the fully loaded tl...

[gear02]

How hard was it to get them down to 34500?

[Jihforce]

Sounds like reliability has been an issue in the past, so I would throw out my suggestions of any Toyota, Honda, Acura, Infiniti or Lexus vehicle.

Yeah I was thinking about that, which is why I threw in the Honda and Toyota in the list. But I'm not 100% sold on their reliability, i mean little things will happen, I've had folks with Honda Accords complain about how much their car breaks down, then my friend's TL was taken to the shop because of excessive rattling on the backseat, only had 3500 miles on it. Then I have my cousin putting 75000 miles on his passat before major problems occured, and the main reason that happened was due to not maintaining the car like he should have. (only changed oil, nothing else). I guess I pretty much consider any car breakable, specially nowadays when most features are computer controlled and electronic.

[tupacboy]

How hard was it to get them down to 34500?

we started @ 36000 so it wasn't too bad...

but prices vary per state i think...

if you have time check out www.acurazine.com

go to the 3rd generation TL and there is a sign up and everyone puts their location, color, type, add ons, and what they paid b4 tax + licensce

when do you think you will be picking one up?

[gear02]

we started @ 36000 so it wasn't too bad...

but prices vary per state i think...

if you have time check out www.acurazine.com

go to the 3rd generation TL and there is a sign up and everyone puts their location, color, type, add ons, and what they paid b4 tax + licensce

when do you think you will be picking one up?

After I buy a townhouse. I was thinking of waiting for the G37 and see what they price it at.

[ray]

snippet

I totally agree that cars these days are more faulty than they were a decade ago, partly because a lot of gauges and most of the dashboard is electronic. However, even with those advances in technology, the bottom line is most japanese cars still leave the production line with far less problems in the first couple years than automobiles from other manufacturers (ie: german, american). I'm not saying they are fail proof, but every year the trends continue to favor the japanese cars more than the rest of the competition.

Additionally, because you live in Long Beach I am going to go out on a limb and say you will probably get much better service from a Honda or Toyota because their corporate headquarters are based in Torrance. While geographic location doesn't guarantee better service, it's much easier for you to complain to the corporation itself (rather than the dealership) to get your car fixed if it escalates that high.

I have a 2002 Toyota Camry and have had my fair share of problems (in-dash cd player died the first week i had the car, transmission was borked by service technicians at Toyota of North Hollywood 2 years ago). Despite the problems I have had, the service I received from the dealership service departments has been amazing. My in-dash cd player was fixed once the new player arrived and my transmission was replaced for free and I was given a loaner vehicle for the duration of that service.

[Jeffbx]

...the bottom line is most japanese cars still leave the production line with far less problems in the first couple years than automobiles from other manufacturers (ie: german, american). I'm not saying they are fail proof, but every year the trends continue to favor the japanese cars more than the rest of the competition.

Actually the opposite is true. American brands are steadily catching up with & overtaking Japanese brands. I don't want to come across as the 'Buy American!' guy, but heck, given my location I have to speak out.

Have a look at my post over here (http://www.gotapex.com/1161270-post19.html) for details. For 2006, 3 US brands (Mercury, Buick & Cadillac) beat out every Japanese brand with the exception of Lexus in terms of vehicle dependability.

[tupacboy]

After I buy a townhouse. I was thinking of waiting for the G37 and see what they price it at.


Have you seen the G37 yet? I didn't like it, but it may grow on me...

Worst case it will at least make the G35 way cheaper :)

Also, the Type-s is limited, so keep that in mind...

:)

[Jihforce]

Actually the opposite is true. American brands are steadily catching up with & overtaking Japanese brands. I don't want to come across as the 'Buy American!' guy, but heck, given my location I have to speak out.

Have a look at my post over here (http://www.gotapex.com/1161270-post19.html) for details. For 2006, 3 US brands (Mercury, Buick & Cadillac) beat out every Japanese brand with the exception of Lexus in terms of vehicle dependability.

Yeah I have to agree with that report. GM for example has taken great strides in terms of quality in most of their lineups. However, most people stick to the "American = Poor Quality" mentality. I tend to give most automakers their fair shake, trying to focus on the vehicle design, performance, price, warranty, built quality & materials. I try my best to shy away from the sigmas as much as possible. With the exception of a few brands I still feel a bit unsure about (Kia, Hyundai, Saturn and to an extent, Saab and Mitsubishi). But I probably wouldn't write them off completely, I would still consider certain models if they meet certain criterias.

[gear02]

Have you seen the G37 yet? I didn't like it, but it may grow on me...

Worst case it will at least make the G35 way cheaper :)

Also, the Type-s is limited, so keep that in mind...

:)

What do you mean limited?

[Napoleon54]

I totally agree that cars these days are more faulty than they were a decade ago, partly because a lot of gauges and most of the dashboard is electronic.

:stupid: I think it's because cars are so much more complex than they were even 10 years ago... more features, more options, etc --> more stuff that can break throughout the whole car.

[Jeffbx]

With the exception of a few brands I still feel a bit unsure about (Kia, Hyundai, Saturn and to an extent, Saab and Mitsubishi). But I probably wouldn't write them off completely, I would still consider certain models if they meet certain criterias.

Don't write off Saturn just yet... Have a look at their new lineup, esp. the Aura XR that I recommended at the beginning of the thread. They just may have done it right this time, despite the monumental crappiness that exudes from the Ion.

Take a look at the STANDARD equipment:

252HP V6 (0-60 mph: 6.2 sec)
(also nice that it runs on regular, NOT premium gas)
6-speed auto trans w/manual shift paddles
Front & side curtain airbags
Traction control
Vehicle Stability control system
Remote keyless entry AND remote start
Heated seats
18" wheels
6-disc changer
Anti-theft system
Tire pressure monitor

All of that for $25k - try finding a car with the same equipment that's even in the general vicinity of that price. I was seriously considering the G35 until I stumbled across this one for $10k less & decided to give Saturn one more chance.

Jury's still out on reliability reports since it's a new model, but I'm hoping for the best.

[Jihforce]

Don't write off Saturn just yet... Have a look at their new lineup, esp. the Aura XR that I recommended at the beginning of the thread. They just may have done it right this time, despite the monumental crappiness that exudes from the Ion.

Funny you mention that because I saw it last month, I was really considering it. I didn't it put on the list because I know its a fairly new model (2006?) so I like to wait and see if GM will find some problems with it and fix them. Kind of how I probably won't be upgrading to Windows Vista for at least a year or two. Haha.

[Jeffbx]

Funny you mention that because I saw it last month, I was really considering it. I didn't it put on the list because I know its a fairly new model (2006?) so I like to wait and see if GM will find some problems with it and fix them.

It's an '07 for Saturn, but it's based on the GM Epsilon platform, which has been around for a while in the Opel Vectra, Pontiac G6 and Saab 9-3. The engine is from the Cadillac CTS, the paddle shifters are from the Corvette, etc.

So even though it's a new model, lots of the guts are pretty well field tested by now. Crossing my fingers that the assembly was good!

[Showtime]

If you just want something sporty and practical, you might want to look at the Mazda 3. It gets kick ass reviews, but the reliability is so so. If you are leasing, it shouldn't be that big a problem. It's faster than all your current choices and is a hatchback for storing crap.

[Jihforce]

We already have a Mazda3, its a fun ride, but that's the wife's car. She wouldn't take the A4 cuz she said it was too slow. HAHA, I don't blame her.

[Sir_Froggy]

Wait for the BMW 1 Series which is suppose to ship to America in the fall :P

[Jihforce]

So I picked up my new ride last night....

07 Acura TSX no navi. (red on black) Will post pics after I return from my trip in a few weeks. So far, its a solid ride. powerful yet smooth, but nothing mind blowing of course. Overall, great value.

[Showtime]

Congrats on taking my great advice. :)

How much did it end up costing you OTD?

[Jihforce]

I ended up leasing it. 750 down, 334 a month, but i rolled in some of my old car into it so it bumped the monthly up by 28 bucks.
Other than that, i got the sale price down to 26,200. Which is about 250 below invoice. I couldn't get a deal on the Mustang cuz they wouldn't honor some of the rebates on a lease (plus they had a lot of hidden costs, like advertising). And the GTI started to get expensive (1400 down, 384 a month). So the TSX became the winner.