Wanna buy a new car - need ideas

[Jedi2016]

First off, no, I'm not going to base my car-buying decision on an internet forum.. hehe.

I just got a new job that pays fairly well, and in a couple of months, I'll be looking to finally get rid of my Crappy Car™ and get a new one. All I'm looking for is ideas, cars that I may not have thought of in the "list" I'm putting together in my head of possible cars to buy.

The hunt pretty much started when I saw the Top Gear review of the Mark V Golf GTI. That's pretty much the kind of car I'm looking for... something that I can drive to work on a daily basis, take to the grocery store, etc... but have fun doing it. Something that has more get-up-and-go than my current '92 Ford Tempo.

I mean, this is a GT forum, after all... here of all places should be people that understand why a person should enjoy driving.

I'd like to spend somewhere in the neighborhood of $20,000, give or take (lower is always good, of course).

Obviously, the Golf GTI itself would be an ideal choice for this type of car, but are there others that fit into that same category? (especially seeing as how the Mark V Golf isn't even available in the U.S. yet, and I've no clue when they're going to start selling them). I'd prefer foreign cars, since American cars usually don't have much in the way of power unless you buy an all-out sports car.

I'd prefer new cars... if I go into the realm of used cars or those Certified Pre-Owned Vehicles, I'll probably go more for the sports-car category (Firebird, etc). I'd like something with a fair amount of power and something that's fun. And it has to have manual transmission, I'm sick of automatics.

So, any ideas? Is there anything in that "category" of car that you guys might recommend I look at? Or would the Golf be the best bet if I wait for them to start selling here?

 

[skip0110]

Off the top of my head:

- RSX
- WRX or a used WRX STi
- SRT-4 (well, this may or may not qualify as daily driver depending on how long your commute is)
- new V6 Mustang (they are actually pretty fast)
- RX-8

 

[Joey D]

The MKV Golf should be in the United States next summer, and it will be a great buy. I plan on getting one once they get here in the states. The MKV GTi's will be faster and have better handeling then the previous versions. Check out www.vwvortex.com for more information on the new Golf.

However you can pick up a new GTi on a VW lot right now pretty cheap, and even cheaper if its an unsold 2005 model. But get the 1.8T because the VR6 is slower then the 1.8T, plus you can get a turbo with the 1.8T.

Other sporty compacts are there but I would suggest them, the SRT-4 is uncomfortable and loud as hell. It gets annoying quick. The Cobalt SS supercharged is decent, but they are tiny inside, the same goes for a Redline Ion. The Focus SVT just sucks, stay away from it.

You could get a new Civic Si, but they aren't out just yet and they are ugly as sin. I guess maybe an Acura RSX type-S but thats a little pricey. Mazda's aren't great cars, I wouldn't suggerst them, the Sentra SE-R I know nothing about, the Celica sucks, and that pretty much does it for that market.

I would say GTi because it's will be a decent car with some power and it isn't un godly little...if you get a MKV, the MKIV is small inside.

 

[Carl.]

If you can wait for it, the upcoming Mazda 3 MPS should be very interesting, especially if it has awd as the 6 MPS does (they'll be sharing the same engine).

 

[Wolfe]

The A5 GTI is going to be an excellent car. The current, A4 GTI is a pig. I think Sniffpetrol.com put it best:

If you can stand having a VW Corolla, the latest, A5 Jetta is already here, and I think we're getting the GLI really soon.

I think Audi already has the A3 over here, which is basically a "luxury" Golf. A3's are more in the mid $20,000's, though...

BMW's Mini is nice, definitely fun, but not the most practical (passenger/luggage room).

The Toyota Corolla is just about the only fun thing Toyota's got left, in the states, but it's quite fun, and very practical. The latest Celicas are very fun, very capable cars, but you might not find one at a dealer, as they aren't being sold anymore.

The Nissan Sentra is pretty good; same goes with the Mazda 3 or 6.

...my personal recommendation? Wait for the next GTI.

 

[JCE]

The Cobalt SS supercharged is decent, but they are tiny inside, the same goes for a Redline Ion. The Focus SVT just sucks, stay away from it.

You're definately my favorite member here...but you just irked me with the Focus comment. I own a Focus and helping my brother make payments on his and they are fantastic cars...and quite quick even stock--I've surprised alot of people around here with my 4dr hatchback at some redlights. And working for GM you should know the Cobalt and Ion share the same platform. And I like the Cobalt, GM did a fantasic job on it I think. The Cobalt would be a great first car for a teenager...the Focus too for that matter. 👍

 

[Joey D]

The Focus in general is a decent car, but the SVT is just a sad excuse for a sport compact. Ford should have...err could have done so much more. I wouldn't mind the Roush Focus though...much better. But I think Ford should sell the Focus RS in the States, it would do well.

The Cobalt is much better...I mean a million times better then the Caviler. I like the non supercharged SS with the 2.4L high output engine. You get 170hp on 87 octane.

The Ion Redling/Cobalt SS Supercharged as sorta decent, I guess I could say. My buddy has a Redline and we've had it up to 140mph on the freeway and I was mighty impressed. He's getting the Stage III kit for it too...so by the Spring the car will have 325hp.

Stock these cars are great, but the preformance versions are sorta lacking with the other options on the market.

**And hey I'm glad you like me...seems like most people dispise me here.

 

[JCE]

If you can stand having a VW Corolla, the latest, A5 Jetta is already here, and I think we're getting the GLI really soon.

I think Audi already has the A3 over here, which is basically a "luxury" Golf. A3's are more in the mid $20,000's, though...

BMW's Mini is nice, definitely fun, but not the most practical (passenger/luggage room).

The Toyota Corolla is just about the only fun thing Toyota's got left, in the states, but it's quite fun, and very practical. The latest Celicas are very fun, very capable cars, but you might not find one at a dealer, as they aren't being sold anymore.

The Nissan Sentra is pretty good; same goes with the Mazda 3 or 6.

...my personal recommendation? Wait for the next GTI.

Agreed on the new BMW Mini being a great little car...but as far as passengers if I'm able to have the legroom that it gives me that's saying alot--I was blown away at the front seat legroom when I sat down in it and I'm not a small guy. BACKSEAT passenger space is rubbish i admit however. Also agreed on the Toyota comment...that is until the new "Lexus" IS comes out...it looks fantastic! The ONLY Sentra worth getting is the SE-R in my opinon as a former SE-R owner. Not quite as fast as an SRT4 but for a trade off it's more comfortable for a daily commute and frankly looks a tad bit better...and I really like how the SRT4 looks. the SE-R Sentra has a good power band and can easily give a stock '99-04 Mustang GT a run for it's money. The A3 is a decent car...just a bit too costly because it's German...but it's a good car either way. A fully loaded Mazda3 sedan or hatch is a good choice also, it's quick, comfortable, easy to drive, decent build quality in my opinion, and frankly looks brilliant. But $20k...if you could just increase your buying power to $25k you've just opened up a HUGE pot full of cars to choose from that includes a Subaru WRX sedan among others. An Altima SE-R is in that price range, a used G35 Sedan, a used TSX, used R32 Golf, and maybe a used A4 6cyl Quattro, the list just goes on. Good luck with the car shopping. 👍

 

[JCE]

The Focus in general is a decent car, but the SVT is just a sad excuse for a sport compact. Ford should have...err could have done so much more. I wouldn't mind the Roush Focus though...much better. But I think Ford should sell the Focus RS in the States, it would do well.

The Cobalt is much better...I mean a million times better then the Caviler. I like the non supercharged SS with the 2.4L high output engine. You get 170hp on 87 octane.

The Ion Redling/Cobalt SS Supercharged as sorta decent, I guess I could say. My buddy has a Redline and we've had it up to 140mph on the freeway and I was mighty impressed. He's getting the Stage III kit for it too...so by the Spring the car will have 325hp.

Stock these cars are great, but the preformance versions are sorta lacking with the other options on the market.

**And hey I'm glad you like me...seems like most people dispise me here.

Oh, yea by that means yes I agree on the Focus...the Focus RS spec in the UK is FAR SUPERIOR to any Focus that the US has put out. I am starting to wish I got the 3dr hatch to convert to an RS...good thing I didn't. I would be my own worse enemy by doing that...since that would be what every white male teenager would do...I'm too old for that. You know what disappoints me, GM settling for FI (forced induction) as a cheap way to give bhp to the Cobalt/Ion Redline. If GM put more NA tuning on it alot and I mean alot of would-be tuners would pick one up.

 

[Joey D]

The A5 GTI is going to be an excellent car. The current, A4 GTI is a pig. I think Sniffpetrol.com put it best:

If you can stand having a VW Corolla, the latest, A5 Jetta is already here, and I think we're getting the GLI really soon.

I think Audi already has the A3 over here, which is basically a "luxury" Golf. A3's are more in the mid $20,000's, though...

BMW's Mini is nice, definitely fun, but not the most practical (passenger/luggage room).

The Toyota Corolla is just about the only fun thing Toyota's got left, in the states, but it's quite fun, and very practical. The latest Celicas are very fun, very capable cars, but you might not find one at a dealer, as they aren't being sold anymore.

The Nissan Sentra is pretty good; same goes with the Mazda 3 or 6.

...my personal recommendation? Wait for the next GTI.

The MKIV Golf is fine, it's not a pig by any means.

The new Jetta is surprisingly good, in fact it feels just like a Passat just smaller. Only down fall in the price and the lack of sporty looks.

The Audi A3 is way outta his price range, and frankly I don't think it's really worth the money. I would rather get a Saab or a Volvo over the A3.

 

[a6m5]

Congratulations, Jedi!

If you are looking for a sporty car and don't mind going over budget, I'd recommend:

Mustang GT - around $25,000(affordable V-8, sweet design)
WRX - $23,000 - $25,000(my brother has one, it hauls!)

What I'd get around $20,000:
Civic Si - the new one. looks sweet, but no power.
Civic EX - Expensive, but I'm betting it's worth every penny. 30-38MPG, side airbags, sunroof.
Mazda 3 wagon - good looks(especially lowered with rims), extra room, for around "20", you should be able to negotiate them to give you HID, DVD-Navigation.

Looks like you like VWs? I think the new Jettas and Golfs looks sweet as well.

Good luck and remember, any car you'll choose will be an upgrade. j/k

 

[Joey D]

Oh, yea by that means yes I agree on the Focus...the Focus RS spec in the UK is FAR SUPERIOR to any Focus that the US has put out. I am starting to wish I got the 3dr hatch to convert to an RS...good thing I didn't. I would be my own worse enemy by doing that...since that would be what every white male teenager would do...I'm too old for that. You know what disappoints me, GM settling for FI (forced induction) as a cheap way to give bhp to the Cobalt/Ion Redline. If GM put more NA tuning on it alot and I mean alot of would-be tuners would pick one up.

Well like I said they have the 2.4L high output non superchraged SS Cobalt which is a blast to drive. With a 170hp you can have some fun, and I think it will do quite well. However FI was really a marketing ploy by GM, people buy things with FI, they say hey it's supercharged/turboed it must be fast.

I've seriously thought about getting the SS non superchaged Cobalt because I can get a fully loaded one for about 16 grand with my discount and what not.

 

[JCE]

Well like I said they have the 2.4L high output non superchraged SS Cobalt which is a blast to drive. With a 170hp you can have some fun, and I think it will do quite well. However FI was really a marketing ploy by GM, people buy things with FI, they say hey it's supercharged/turboed it must be fast.

I've seriously thought about getting the SS non superchaged Cobalt because I can get a fully loaded one for about 16 grand with my discount and what not.

Buying cars with employee discounts rock. My step dad is a sales manager at a local Ford dealer and I know first hand (twice) about buying a car with a discount. Bought my fully loaded '05 Focus with 75,000mi bumper-to-bumper warranty for $12,980, and a used '04 Focus (for my brother who needed a car) with 9,200miles on the clock with more bumper-to-bumper warranty for $8,900. I love discounts.

If you get a Cobalt SS please get the blue or the yellow. The blue looks the best I think with bling rims.

 

[a6m5]

Buying cars with employee discounts rock. My step dad is a sales manager at a local Ford dealer and I know first hand (twice) about buying a car with a discount. Bought my fully loaded '05 Focus with 75,000mi bumper-to-bumper warranty for $12,980, and a used '04 Focus (for my brother who needed a car) with 9,200miles on the clock with more bumper-to-bumper warranty for $8,900. I love discounts.

If you get a Cobalt SS please get the blue or the yellow. The blue looks the best I think with bling rims.

Ford D-Plan is pretty good on certain vehicles. A lot of times, they give huge discounts on F150s, Foci and Rangers. $12,980 for loaded Focus is a great deal. 👍

 

[skip0110]

Everyone is suggesting an older Mustang GT...but contrary to what you would expect a '05 V6 Mustang is almost as quick as the old V8, and is much stiffer and more civilized and usable...

Old V8 GT: 6.3 sec to 60, 15.1 @ 93 in the 1/4
New V6: 6.9 sec to 60, 15.3 @ 91 in the 1/4

That's almost negligible. And when it's so much nicer inside and out, why would you want the old one? It starts just under $20K, too

 

[JCE]

why would you want the old one?

Because the 99-04 GT looks better in my opinion. The '05 has a real good side profile and front end...but the interior and rear of the car turns me off...it looks hideous. I'm just not a fan of retro cars. But to each thier own, at least the new V6 gets better MPG which is important. 👍

 

[a6m5]

Everyone is suggesting an older Mustang GT...but contrary to what you would expect a '05 V6 Mustang is almost as quick as the old V8, and is much stiffer and more civilized and usable...

Old V8 GT: 6.3 sec to 60, 15.1 @ 93 in the 1/4
New V6: 6.9 sec to 60, 15.3 @ 91 in the 1/4

That's almost negligible. And when it's so much nicer inside and out, why would you want the old one? It starts just under $20K, too

I actually agree with you, so don't take this the wrong way. Most "guys" sees the V6 Stangs as the official chick car of the America. If you don't care what other people think, then go for it. If you do, do not get the V6. Don't tell anybody this, but I'd rather have the V6 than the V8. As you've suggested, 0-60 in under 7 seconds. Makes sense, but just be prepared to have "guys" laugh at you behind your back.

 

[Joey D]

Buying cars with employee discounts rock. My step dad is a sales manager at a local Ford dealer and I know first hand (twice) about buying a car with a discount. Bought my fully loaded '05 Focus with 75,000mi bumper-to-bumper warranty for $12,980, and a used '04 Focus (for my brother who needed a car) with 9,200miles on the clock with more bumper-to-bumper warranty for $8,900. I love discounts.

If you get a Cobalt SS please get the blue or the yellow. The blue looks the best I think with bling rims.

Oh ya, my grandpa retired from General Motors so I used to get it from him, but now that I'm a GM employee I get it. So its all good.

If I get a Cobalt I think I would get the copper color.

 

[194GVan]

Scion TC, get the supercharger installed at the dealership and you're still under 20K. Plus its a Toyota so you know its reliable.

Even if you dont go with the supercharger, youre looking at mid $16K and you still have more power than a Celica GT-S. Ill go out on a limb and say you can't find a better equipped brand new car for the same price.

 

[Pebb]

The MKV Golf should be in the United States next summer, and it will be a great buy. I plan on getting one once they get here in the states. The MKV GTi's will be faster and have better handeling then the previous versions. Check out www.vwvortex.com for more information on the new Golf.

However you can pick up a new GTi on a VW lot right now pretty cheap, and even cheaper if its an unsold 2005 model. But get the 1.8T because the VR6 is slower then the 1.8T, plus you can get a turbo with the 1.8T.

Other sporty compacts are there but I would suggest them, the SRT-4 is uncomfortable and loud as hell. It gets annoying quick. The Cobalt SS supercharged is decent, but they are tiny inside, the same goes for a Redline Ion. The Focus SVT just sucks, stay away from it.

You could get a new Civic Si, but they aren't out just yet and they are ugly as sin. I guess maybe an Acura RSX type-S but thats a little pricey. Mazda's aren't great cars, I wouldn't suggerst them, the Sentra SE-R I know nothing about, the Celica sucks, and that pretty much does it for that market.

I would say GTi because it's will be a decent car with some power and it isn't un godly little...if you get a MKV, the MKIV is small inside.

Also the new Golf is one of the safest in its Golf history.

 

[Young_Warrior]

The mustang is no beauty. Do you get seat leons because if you do get a cupra R. Same engine and platform as a golf GTI for less and looks alot better. Wider land lowr stance with moe agressive styling. Other than the mk4 golf I cant think of any other car I could suggest that havent been mentioned as sadly you guys dont even get a quarter of the hot hatches that we do.

 

[Joey D]

Seats are not sold in the US, thank God.

Hot Hatches are not really that big in the US, so they wouldn't sell. However the Golf is by far the best one we get, because the only other hatchbacks I can think of are the Civic 3 door, the PT Cuiser, and the Mazda (3 maybe?).

 

[Young_Warrior]

Seats are not sold in the US, thank God.

Hot Hatches are not really that big in the US, so they wouldn't sell. However the Golf is by far the best one we get, because the only other hatchbacks I can think of are the Civic 3 door, the PT Cuiser, and the Mazda (3 maybe?).

Why thank god a seat cupra R would run rings around a neon srt4 round a track. They sell the rsx and civi but they are uninteresting unless its the Type R version. They also sold the celica.

 

[Joey D]

Every picture of a Seat I've even seen is the ugliest damn thing. They might be a great car but I can't get past the looks.

The SRT-4 sucks, I hate that car and I hate 95% of the people who drive them. Get over it, its still a Neon and other things can beat it.

The Civic 3 Door SI looks like a mini van, but I've never driven one, I can't say how it is.
The RSX Type S is a sweet little car, that I wouldn't mind putting in my driveway.
The Celcia has sucked for a long time, and I think its discontined.

Yes I agree there needs to be Type R's in the States so someone can shut SRT-4 owners up.

 

[MagpieRacer]

Meh, Seats suck.

How about a Mitsubishi Eclipse GT 06. They are out in the states soon and they look awsome. Starting at around $17k i think.

 

[Young_Warrior]

get a E46 320ci.

 

[Joey D]

New Eclipses start at just under 20 grand...you would get one crappy Eclipse since it would be a 4 cylinder with no extras.

YW he said he wanted a new car, the newest 325i starts at 30k.

 

[Young_Warrior]

Dont buy brand new cause then you will have to bear the depreciation that comes with first owernship. Get a e46 bimma with around 10000 miles or less ont it from a dealer or get it brand new with big discounts as BMW will be looking to get rid off all their last gen stock before the new 3 series coupe arrives.

 

[Joey D]

New cars are fine, they come with warrenties and the satisfaction you own a new car. Plus the insurence on a BMW will be a lot higher then one on a Golf.

 

[Young_Warrior]

Yeah but its relatively cheap anyway in the states isnt it?