[Qfactor]

Guys, I need help from fellow riders on what to pick out for my next car.

-I commute on the bike from March to November, unless serious rain.

-I need to be able to seat 4 people semi-comfortably.

- has to be manual trans.

- mid $20K or less.

other than those I am very much undecided and there no cars (that i can afford the insurance for) that really excites me.

So far:

- Mazda6 "S" V6 5spd -$22,700
- Subaru Impreza WRX -$22,000 (insurance would increase +$1200/year)


So far those are the only cars that I can think of. I would like to buy new because of the warranty and low miles for me is a must.

what do you guys drive and feel like it's the perfect vehicle for a rider?

thanks

[bump909]

wow, are new wrx's that cheap?

[Ecooke21]

Does it have to be new?

Preowned :

lexus IS300

Audi S4

BMW m3

CLK 320/430

[stoinkythepig]

Get a basic Corolla or Civic, never even think about the car again, and get another bike.

edited to add: I don't mean replace your bike, I mean add to your collection of bikes....

[slaps76]

Out of those two, I'd go with the WRX. More performance(?), AWD, and Subarus are pretty reliable.

However, if you're open to other cars, I second going the used route. You can find something a year or two old, still under warranty, but already took it's initial depreciation hit.

If you'd consider used, check out the Altima 3.5, or Maximas also. Or maybe they're in that price range new.

[R-S-V]

If you just want a car to get around can't go wrong with a Honda/Toyota (I think you can get a decent Accord for less than 20K). But that's boring!

If you still want a little more "go" I think the Madza 6 or WRX are both nice (specially the WRX AWD in the winter). There's the new GTI as well in the low 20's, although the hatchback style and VW image is not for everyone.

[reiobard]

I'm a big Nissan fan and if you are looking for a bigger car try the altima SE-R and if you want a smaller car check out the sentra SE-R or Spec-V, I have an 02' SE-R and it get close to 30mpg and has better get up and go than a lot of 6 cyl cars, thos got for around $18k. The Altima SE-R is the sport version of the altima with better suspension, upgraded body kit, 3.5l 6-speed manual only thing is that trim level is $30k but so , www.nissanusa.com

[chr|s sedition]

the best car for an avid rider is one that will allow him or her to spend more money on bikes. thus, get a cheap Honda. you'll never have to do any serious maintence on it, and they are pretty inexpensive.

[slaps76]

Just thought of this car...a used Pontiac GTO. Has the last generation Corvette engine in it, comes in stick, and is based on some European car(forget which one), the interior is much nicer than a typical GM. They fly, and have a backseat, too. You can find low mileage ones for under $25k.

[mycirus]

Check out the Scion TC. I had one and really liked it. Its well built and the price is 16,465 for a 5 speed. They come with all the options you want and there isnt any haggling. The price they are is what you pay. And its made by Toyota so reliablity is there.

Bruce

[ChR1s]

I much enjoyed our WRX, but I wouldn't buy one used.

[number9]

Originally posted by slaps76
Just thought of this car...a used Pontiac GTO. Has the last generation Corvette engine in it, comes in stick, and is based on some European car(forget which one), the interior is much nicer than a typical GM. They fly, and have a backseat, too. You can find low mileage ones for under $25k.

It's essentially Australian Holden Monaro, which is in turn based on a European Vauxhall somethingsomething.

[stoinkythepig]

Originally posted by number9
It's essentially Australian Holden Monaro, which is in turn based on a European Vauxhall somethingsomething.

which is just a rebadged Opel...

[SWEET_Z]

The WRX is a blast, real fun to drive. The only minus is a lot of turbo lag.

I say look for a 2y/o car as well. Let someone else take the new car hit in value.

[richw]

Seems cheap for a real turbo wrx I thought they started at
28

Plus awd costs 3 MPG

[sahd03]

do you "need" the awd of the WRX? if not, i'd say to stick to front-wheel only because it's less "stuff" to break, it's a little cheaper and awd does lose a little on gas.

what about a mini cooper? they are fun to drive and great on gas - and easy to fit into a parking spot. You can't seat 4 AND have much cargo, though. Along the same size lines, the redesigned VW GTI coming out is supposed to be awesome. There's also the Audi A3, which is starting at $25k.

[Qfactor]

funny when you say $18K-$20K there are still suggestions for $25K cars.

the wrx is available for $22K new with minimum bargaining.

The SRT-4 right now, I can get a new black @ $18,600 OTD, brand new left over 05.

The Mazda3 is in the lead right now @16,500 for a grand touring 5spd w/ navigation. and also the cheapest insurance rates.

Mini and new gti are too small.

I don't NEED awd, but it makes winter morning just as good as summer. I already owned a subarus.

Q

[SVRACER01]

whats wrong with a crew cab pickup? do you already have a pickup? the Tacomas will seat 4 comforatably as will the Frontiers. both V6s and decent on gas and the Nissan comes with a supercharger

[sahd03]

actually, a friend of mine has a mazda3 and with four studs, it goes awesome. hte other option you should really look at is the 4-door VW golf, which IS in the $18-20k range and you can get a spunky engine. I had an 02 and it was great fun to drive. With four studs, it got through lots of nasty winter weather... and got me home every night.... up a very long, very steep, very twisty dirt road. THere was plenty of legroom in the rear for adults and that rear hatch can hold a ton. I got four adults, with 2-weeks of ski gear (and a Thule pod) into mine and got us from Mt Snow to Hartford with no problem.

[Qfactor]

dealers don't have many 4 door golfs anymore. even less 5spd and even less gls trim.

I have never been a fan of trucks, especially w/ price of gas nowadays and the fact that I do 30-35K mi a year, even when i commute on the bike in the summer.

Q

[sahd03]

if you can wait until model year 2007.5, the redeisgned Golf should be - will look identical to the new GTI, but less pocket-rocket factor.

whatever you get - GOOD LUCK! sounds like you're having fun... or maybe it's just a headache...

[Qfactor]

So far it's been fun

test drove everything from:
toyota Corolla to latest 330i and everything in between.


Now the headache of picking the correct one begins.

Good thing the riding season started...> Instant Therapy on the way to work this am.....priceless.

[richw]

Toyota Corolla real 30+ MPG
or Toyota Matrix much room

Change the oil with synthetic and should get you upper
hundreds of thousands of miles with almost no
bullshit