First car in 2 years- what to save for?

[YSSMAN]

Perhaps [SARCASM] tags would have been required, but nevertheless, when a rumor continues to permeate through the import community in a case such as this there must me some level of truth to it, correct?

I can easily say that my experience owning Volkswagens in the past were enjoyable, and there are others who are here who would agree with me. We would even be able to claim that yes, they are "reliable" just like anyone else can. But when it boils down to it, a single experience, or maybe a small handfull, does not accurately describe the reliability of the cars in general. For that matter, when you yourself are essentially admitting that you are a fan of the cars (overall), in much the same way that I am a fan of Volkswagens (despite now owning a Toyota)... We can both be blinded by the perceived awesomeness of our vehicles.

Now, there is no arguement from me that a well kept DSM can be a very good car. As a matter of fact, if anyone can find one and continue that streak, they can be very enjoyable cars to drive on a daily basis. Personally, I'm very fond of the originals, in particular the "hidden" domestic-branded ones... The Laser, Talon, etc. I'm reminded of a good friend from high school who had a '91 Eclipse, just a basic model. It was a very well-kept car, and it was nice to see one around. Then I think of my other friend who had the late-model Talon... What a funny little car. Smoked terribly every time it ran, and he never was all that interested in fixing it.

But, for now... ST204 > DSM. Its a downhill slope for me on this one... Ask Azure.

 

[430Scud.]

How about an old four-pot Audi A4 Quattro?
Old=cheap
4cyl.=economical
sporty? yes.
safe? not worse than a WRX I suppose?

 

[emad]

I say get a VW. A rabbit or golf should wind its way into your price range in about 2 years time. They're quick for 4-cylinder cars and they feel a heck of a lot better than most Japanese cars. At speed, there's almost zero engine vibration. The wheels are planted to the road and there's no wobble at stupid speeds. The cars were built for the autobahn and they drive like it.

Go for the TDI if you want access to TONS of aftermarket toys if that's your goal.

Just drive safe and keep the speeding to a track (:

 

[Patrik]

The Volvo V70 R could perhaps be something? 250HP, 4WD, 5 cylinder = great sound, very safe (it's a Volvo for god sake) and you can land a Jumbo Jet in the back. I don't know about the prizes in the states, they might be a little expensive maybe.

 

[Jim Prower]

The Volvo V70 R could perhaps be something? 250HP, 4WD, 5 cylinder = great sound, very safe (it's a Volvo for god sake) and you can land a Jumbo Jet in the back. I don't know about the prizes in the states, they might be a little expensive maybe.

Yeah, They didn't sell many over here (they only sold the previous Generation V70 as an R) and I doubt you'll find one for much less than $20K,

EDIT: Check on Edmunds confirms that.

 

[Philly]

Go for the TDI if you want access to TONS of aftermarket toys if that's your goal.

With gas prices the way they are, I don't think you'll be seeing the Jetta TDIs drop much in value or pop up for sale too often.

 

[Adamgp]

I didn't read all posts, just the original.

Too bad you say no Grand Prix's, especially the '97-03's

-Their built like tanks, (safe) to keep mom happy.
-Great gas mileage, I get 35 highway in my GTP
-Sporty, but low key. (cops don't notice you)
-Great in the snow
-Very reliable
-Parts are cheap
-Large aftermarket for modding
-2 door or 4
-Cheap insurance (especially the '97 GTP's that were insurance cheater cars)

 

[T-Squared]

2004-2005 Subaru Impreza WRX as my most logical choice.

I wasn't very bright as a 14 year old, was I? For some reason I remembered that I made this thread today, so I thought I'd follow up on what happened. Just under a year ago when I turned 16, I did end up getting a Subaru, a Newport Blue Pearl 2007 Subaru Impreza 2.5i with 16k on the clock. It now has 21.5K trouble free miles on it.

 

[mustangGT90210]

Missed out on that manual haha but congrats! Especially for gtting exactly what you wanted

 

[The Vanishing Boy]

-> Nice! Welcome to the world of Boxer-4's!