Our new car(post 54)! Super Sweet, now with pics (60)

[Philly]

Recently, my pops has expressed interest in getting a "new" car. For the last week or so, we have been eyeing a 2002 IS 300 at a local used lot and have taken it out for a drive. They want about $15K for it. Also, up the street a 1997 A4 (cool pearly color) should be going on sale for about $10K. A civic is also in the mix, but we have not found one or seriously conidered it. Other cars that we have thought of include a late '90s to early 2000s 3 series, the Mazda 3, a Volvo s60 and probably a few others that I have trown out there.

Here are the criteria:
1) It has to be relatively safe
2) It has to be sporty
3) Can't be super-expensive to maintain
4) Has to seat 4 tall people with minimal discomfort
5) It should be less than $15K
6) My mom hates impractical cars (Especially BMWs)
7) Should have a good turning radius
8) Must be well built with good quality (Dad can find anything wrong very fast)
9) Please, no SUVs
10) Gas mileage above 20MPG is a must, above 25 is ideal.
11) The size of a 3 series BMW would be best
12) Manual is best, but not essential (I need to learn how to drive one...)

Some of these might be hard to meet, so we can live without a few of these. Right now we have an '88 VW camper and a volvo XC70. Me may be selling the camper, but I don't know.

What do you think?

 

[JCE]

The Mazda3 is probably the one to go with IF you can get a new one for less than $17k. Otherwise grab a gently used '05 or '06 model. That's just my choice from the ones you listed. I'd recommend this: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.j...ors=&transmission=&max_price=15000&cardist=12

Its in your area and its below your $15k price--and since its a Volvo you know its comfy and fun to drive.

 

[Philly]

Hey! That's just down the street! I guess we should look at it.

 

[1X83Z]

96-01 Audi A4

Game, set, match. Fits all twelve criteria.

 

[Philly]

I have been pushing for that a little. They are really popular in my part of town. The only worry I have is electric problems. It would be cool, the feel of a genuine German sports sedan, without costing the same as a genuine German.

 

[JCE]

96-01 Audi A4

Game, set, match. Fits all twelve criteria.

As long as they don't get the 4cyl turbo model--its HIDEOUSLY slow. The V6 A4 is the way to go. And actually in that generation you can get the A6 for the same price usually. Much more car for about the same money.

 

[1X83Z]

The only worry I have is electric problems.

I wouldn't have any worries with a 1996-2001 A4. They're really quite reliable, and running costs aren't particularly high. I think $15k might even be able to buy an '01 1.8T, which is the best version since power was hiked to 170 that year and that year only. Granted, the 2.8 always had 190 horsepower, but the turbo is the sporty version of the two vehicles and 170 horsepower (versus the standard 150) was exactly what it needed to be perfect.

 

[Philly]

How much power does the A6 2.7T have. I saw somewhere 250 hp, but that seems a lot more than the other enignes of that time. My complaint with the A6 is that it is a lot more car. We already have a 2 ton beast, something lighter would be more fun to drive.

On the A4, I am seeing a lot of them, 2.8 and 1.8T, going for around ten. Are these as good, or should I stay away from those? I think the A4 is a truely beautiful car and would love to have one.

Age is also an issue. The A6 would be a year or two older. If I look, I can also get a 2002 A4 3.0. WOuld that be a good buy?

 

[1X83Z]

How much power does the A6 2.7T have. I saw somewhere 250 hp, but that seems a lot more than the other enignes of that time. My complaint with the A6 is that it is a lot more car. We already have a 2 ton beast, something lighter would be more fun to drive.

To answer your question, the vehicles put out 250 horsepower until their final year, 2004, in which they were re-badged as the 2.7T S-Line and were rated at 265 horsepower instead of 250. However, the only 2.7T A6s you'll be able to afford are 2000 models - all else are too pricey. You can afford the A6 2.8, which was the only model offered in 1998 and 1999, and you can afford the mundane A6 3.0, released in 2000, but I've always maintained that those engines are underpowered for the A6.

On the A4, I am seeing a lot of them, 2.8 and 1.8T, going for around ten. Are these as good, or should I stay away from those? I think the A4 is a truely beautiful car and would love to have one.

Agreed. Get one. Are you in a snowy climate?

EDIT: Seattle. Do you need AWD? I'd look for one without it. Fuel economy is improved and the vehicle accelerates better because weight is lower. Non-AWD A4s are all over the southeast, although you might have to look around to find one in the Pacific Northwest.

Age is also an issue. The A6 would be a year or two older. If I look, I can also get a 2002 A4 3.0. WOuld that be a good buy?

Yeah. I'm surprised how much they've depreciated. Those are great cars - consider it, if you can find one, however the average price for an '02 3.0 is still north of $17,500, so $15k is going to be a stretch.

 

[Philly]

Both of the 3.0s I see are AWD. One is at 75,000 miles and the other is north of 80K. Our Volvo is a 2001 and is at like 65 ish, but we got it two or three years ago at 20,000, just to show you how much we drive around. There are a lot of autos out there with a tiptronic; I have yet to find one with a stick.

 

[1X83Z]

Both of the 3.0s I see are AWD. One is at 75,000 miles and the other is north of 80K. Our Volvo is a 2001 and is at like 65 ish, but we got it two or three years ago at 20,000, just to show you how much we drive around. There are a lot of autos out there with a tiptronic; I have yet to find one with a stick.

Manual was a lot more common on 1996-2001 A4s than on 2002-2004 A4s, indeed. 80k miles on an '02 is tough. That's why I suggest an '01. You'll see a huge price jump because the vehicle was all-new for 2002.

 

[Philly]

How many miles would such a car be good for?

Also, how does an A4 compare to a newer IS? I'm sure the IS has more power or is it lacking something? I hear its engine was rated as the best I6 on the market.

 

[1X83Z]

How many miles would such a car be good for?

Think 10k-15k a year.

Also, how does an A4 compare to a newer IS? I'm sure the IS has more power or is it lacking something? I hear its engine was rated as the best I6 on the market.

Favorably. The IS was automatic only until 2003, remember, and didn't even come out until 2001. Furthermore, IS300s are considerably more expensive than competition due to Lexus's inflated resale values - the only one in your price range is probably a 2001.

 

[Philly]

Cool. Time to talk to the parents. Any other suggestions would be cool too. My guess is that it will be a little while before a new car rolls down our driveway.

 

[YSSMAN]

Okay, time to bring up the ol' question of VW versus Audi once again, but someone has to say it; Why not skip the A4 in favor for the cheaper, and arguably better-looking B5.5 (2001-2005) Passat? You should be able to find a nicely equipped model in the 2003-2004 range with the 1.8T for $10K, give or take a grand or so. The car is quite comfortable both inside and out, built exceptionally well, shouldn't cost a whole lot to insure and maintain (depends...), and should meet every one of your standards there.

 

[JCE]

And on the Lexus IS issue do not forget the IS has such a high insurance premium that it will bankrupt you.

 

[1X83Z]

Okay, time to bring up the ol' question of VW versus Audi once again, but someone has to say it; Why not skip the A4 in favor for the cheaper, and arguably better-looking B5.5 (2001-2005) Passat? You should be able to find a nicely equipped model in the 2003-2004 range with the 1.8T for $10K, give or take a grand or so. The car is quite comfortable both inside and out, built exceptionally well, shouldn't cost a whole lot to insure and maintain (depends...), and should meet every one of your standards there.

A4 > Passat

The A4 is so much more sporty that sometimes I wonder how they share the same DNA.

 

[Philly]

I have always comsidered VW as the "generic brand" of Germany. In a competition between a VW and another German, I will almost always pick the other.

On the IS, both of my parents have a spotless driving record (as far as I know). The only insurance issue would be a 16 and 18 year old driver, the older of which happens to be male (me).

I just convinced Dad to go and look at the A4 up the street. We'll see how that turns out!

 

[Kylehnat]

They'll buy something boring; parents always do

"Look at the deal we got on this Camry!"

 

[Philly]

They'll buy something boring; parents always do

"Look at the deal we got on this Camry!"

That's what I'm scared of. I'm thinking my dad won't do that to me. After renting one in Indy, the only thought was "this is a pretty cool car." I'm pretty sure I'm safe.

 

[1X83Z]

They'll buy something boring; parents always do

"Look at the deal we got on this Camry!"

I convinced my parents to get me a 1996 Volvo 850 Turbo, even though they already had a 1996 Ford Explorer Sport that was perfectly up for the task of carting me around.

Unfortunately that's come back to bite me in the ass, since I've graduated from high school sold the Volvo, and now am inheriting a family SUV.

Oh well. Mercedes when I graduate college.

 

[Kylehnat]

Oh well. Mercedes when I graduate college.

I remember having hopes and dreams when I started college, as well.

 

[Philly]

HORRIBLE NEWS!! You were right Kyle.

They'll buy something boring; parents always do

"Look at the deal we got on this Camry!"

Dad just called from Denver and said that he wants to get a subaru. How on earth am I to get out of this one?

I remember having hopes and dreams when I started college, as well.

Coming from mister "look at me in my new Mazda 3."

 

[Speedster502]

I was going to say if you lived in the UK a Ford Mondeo STDCI or ST220. Both are really quick and the diesel (STDCI) does more than enough MPG they are all sporty and practical. They are also fairly cheap in the UK you can pick on up 2nd hand for about 12-15'000 pounds. But you dont live in the UK so I laugh in your face (Not meaning to be offensive to any one)

 

[1X83Z]

I remember having hopes and dreams when I started college, as well.

Based on the average starting salary of my major, I should be able to afford my dream Mercedes. Granted it will require a substantial bank loan and a pre-owned car, but it will happen.

How on earth am I to get out of this one?

Why would you want to get out of it?

 

[Philly]

I personally like the the A4, 3 series, IS ect. better than that. If we do get a scooby, I will scream if it is not an STi or a WRX hatch.

 

[1X83Z]

I personally like the the A4, 3 series, IS ect. better than that.

Same, but take what you can get. The WRX is an extremely capable car.

 

[JCE]

Even the regular Subaru models aren't boring to say the least. They are great fun cars to drive that you can beat the hell out of and it will always get you home. Just keep petrol and good oil in it and it will last forever.

 

[Philly]

Same, but take what you can get. The WRX is an extremely capable car.

Might as well fight for something better. I've got nothing to lose.

 

[1X83Z]

Might as well fight for something better. I've got nothing to lose.

Indeed. If your fallback is an Impreza Turbo, you're in good shape!