You have $30K, what car do you buy?

[Bumjubeo]

So, if you had a budget of $30K and you needed to buy something new, what would you primarily be looking at?

There are not many prerequisites, just brand new and $30K and under.

My list so far contains the following:

2010 Hyundai Genesis
2010 VW Golf GTI(If I'm lucky)
2010 Civic Si

Anyone have any other suggestions? My budget almost seems to measly for anything worthwhile brand new......I would prefer to keep it Japanese, or German if anything....

Ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions?

Anything would be awesome! Thanks!

[pf0sh0]

mazdaspeed3 2010?

[ShermanEF9]

a crazy ballin si

[Bumjubeo]

Of course! I always forget Mazda for some reason.

[dj_honda]

Civic Si and buy the upgraded suspension package.

I would try to get a CSX-S though if you can up the budget a bit or get them to move on price. MSRP is 29 990...

[Mibz]

I know you've made it clear that it has to be new, but why?

[JustinGTP]

^^ yeah, there are a lot of nice cars available for 30k that are used.

Maybe he wants a new car warranty.

[Mibz]

There are plenty of pre-owned cars with warranty as well. Even buying a 1 year old pre-owned car is going to save you a bunch and broaden the pool of cars you can choose from. I think it's silly to only look at brand new cars but that's why I'm asking, he might have a reason I haven't thought of.

[gpomp]

under $30k OTD i would pick between a civic si or golf tdi

there's no way you can get a gti for under $30k OTD.

mazda is like $33k + freight/pdi + tax. might as well buy a gti if you're spending that much.

genesis :barf:

[Travel_Dude]

CSX type s

[2EFNFAST]

I wouldn't - can't stand loosing on depreciation on a new vehicle.

[Bizzareo]

I would buy a hot rod/muscle car/summer car and a winter beater or DD, something like a yaris (saw one for 9k on here) or small truck.

But you could honestly get an s2000 and a DD/Winter car for under 30k



Or for a import fan..

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-classic-cars-1964-Honda-S600-Convertible-W0QQAdIdZ201177698

and

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-1999-BMW-323i-Price-Dropped-W0QQAdIdZ201508971

But if I had 30k to drop on a car, 10k would go to a DD, and the other 20k would go into making my current car a sleeper.

[Ashers]

Try the Ford Fusion SEL AWD V6. Alot of fun... and I'm a German car guy.
If not, Jetta or Golf TDI, the diesel has some fun kick to it. Mazda 3 I've heard good reviews, I have the Mazda 2.5 in my Escape and it hauls its' 5000 Lbs around pretty well.

[jonny_q13]

Import an Evo 8 or 9 from the states, or look at a used STI locally. Either one u could rock year round.

[banned3x]

Base 2010 wrx?

[ShermanEF9]

MUGEN SI

[btimbit]

GTI for sure, but you'll be looking at around $33k for that.

Like others have said, even buying just last years model can save you a ton of money. Why does it have to be brand new?

[Vanner]

If I had that $30k - I would go find myself a classic muscle or sport car. Like a '60s Mustang V8 all in original, or something like that. They made a good investment and have fun in the same time ... only IF you know how to do that properly with good homework researched in there.

I wouldn't buy ANY new car like a regular Madza sport car or Honda Si car - they aren't collectible, will depress the value fast after 5-10 years in use. Even used cars like 1,2 or 3 years old might work but only if to be used like regular daily commuter to get your money's worth.

If I were to think that "X" new car will become collectible later ... I'll need another $10-20k extra then! :rolleyes:

[Aleks]

Originally posted by Bumjubeo
So, if you had a budget of $30K and you needed to buy something new, what would you primarily be looking at?

There are not many prerequisites, just brand new and $30K and under.

My list so far contains the following:

2010 Hyundai Genesis
2010 VW Golf GTI(If I'm lucky)
2010 Civic Si

Anyone have any other suggestions? My budget almost seems to measly for anything worthwhile brand new......I would prefer to keep it Japanese, or German if anything....

Ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions?

Anything would be awesome! Thanks!

From the list you have here:

GTI if you have the extra money (well worth it)
Si if you're on a budget

These two cars are pretty much polar opposites of each other. An extended test drive should make it clear which one you prefer.

Instead of Genesis take look at V6 Mustang for about the same price as a 2.0T genesis and 100 more hp, better handling, etc.

[atgilchrist]

When I got my GTI at Northland last month, they had a few brand new 2009 Jetta Wolfsburg's (the GLI), that they were willing to take thousands off. Nice car, and the only way you might get a 2.0T OTD for under $30k.

[davesparky6]

Do what I did.....
$15,400 got me into a 350Z
$4500 for a '97 crv
For a total of $19,900
which would leave you with $10,100 for hookers and blow:poosie:
used cars FTW

[Bumjubeo]

Originally posted by Mibz
I know you've made it clear that it has to be new, but why?

Unfortunately that is the stipulation of having the budget, the wife only wants us to get a new car...

I wholly agree used FTW, but in this case instead of causing a ruckus, I'm just caving :)

[beyond_ban]

J's Racing CSX Type-S

:devil:

[ercchry]

i was in the same situation a couple months ago.... found it extremely hard to keep it under 30 though (ended up at 34 out the door)

i was looking at everything under the sun, and for me it came down to brand new since i was financing, and since i was financing for such a low rate it made sense to make my monthly payments as low as possible... which lead me to... chrysler... well... jeep

yup went from being an import car type of guy to owning a jeep wrangler rubicon :nut: but i am loving it so far, lots of fun, just in a different way.

my final two choices came down to that or the kia koupe, just because you can get the koupe fully loaded for under 24k, so really it seems like a deal (i never even made it to the dealership to test drive though)

but for the new vs used... for a payment of $100 more per month and 3% more interest i could have got a 3 year old almost out of warranty truck with over 70k kms worth $10k less then what i ended up with brand new. im sure this would have been different if i had a heloc... but i do not... and it would be hard to get one without owning a house :rofl:

so for me, brand new was a better choice.

[HiTempguy1]

Originally posted by ercchry

yup went from being an import car type of guy to owning a jeep wrangler rubicon :nut: but i am loving it so far, lots of fun, just in a different way.

I hope you at least do something offroad with it. Otherwise (IMO) a Subaru type of wagon would have been faster, hauled more, and been able to go anywhere the rubicon could.

Of course, I would love to buy a stock jeep and screw around with it off road. But just to prove my point, this is what people are like when they buy Jeeps and don't use them properly:

http://imgboot.com/images/bkburger123/7927zoolander.gif

[ercchry]

oh its going off-road, that is what the different kind of fun part of the sentence is about :poosie: ...there is a reason i went with the rubicon

[Tomaz]

Lancer Ralliart (?)
Lancer
Mazda 3
Cobalt
Base WRX
Mazda 2!! (So freakin awesome IMO)
Golf
Golf GTI
Focus
Fusion
Mustang (I would really look into this one)
Avenger
Genesis
Elantra
Sonata
Volvo C30
Civic
Base Accord (?)
Impala

Those are all the ones I have driven (minus the Mazda2). I would really only consider the Mazda 3, Mustang, Genesis, Impala, Civic.

If i may make a suggestion, I would buy the top model of the lower-class cars. They are full of features and options that will make the purchase that much more sweet. Running around in my fully loaded Mazda 3 feels better than driving a base WRX with no options IMO.

[ercchry]

Originally posted by Tomaz


Those are all the ones I have driven (minus the Mazda2). I would really only consider the Mazda 3, Mustang, Genesis, Impala, Civic.

If i may make a suggestion, I would buy the top model of the lower-class cars. They are full of features and options that will make the purchase that much more sweet. Running around in my fully loaded Mazda 3 feels better than driving a base WRX with no options IMO.

i tried building a genesis 2.0T... and i could not keep it under 30k, GT package puts it over

[Tomaz]

Originally posted by ercchry


i tried building a genesis 2.0T... and i could not keep it under 30k, GT package puts it over

My point exactly. If you cant get the top model, you will always be wishing you did. The base model did start at $22K if I remember, hence why I put it on the list.

Alright OP, you can scratch the Genesis off your list. unless you can settle for a base...

[jwslam]

Originally posted by davesparky6
Do what I did.....
$15,400 got me into a 350Z
$4500 for a '97 crv
For a total of $19,900
which would leave you with $10,100 for hookers and blow:poosie:
used cars FTW
reminds me of that (trojan?) commercial
"got myself an sti, and i'm never gonna get rid of it!"

[Vr4Whore]

buy an evo 8-9 for 20k. 350zs seem to be dropping in price crazy

[2EFNFAST]

Originally posted by Bumjubeo


Unfortunately that is the stipulation of having the budget, the wife only wants us to get a new car...

I wholly agree used FTW, but in this case instead of causing a ruckus, I'm just caving :)

Rather than caving illustrate the depreciation and other factors (e.g., show how many new cars have recalls, and argue that with a 2-3yr old car chances are the majority of flaws have been exposed already).

I know it's hard to argue logic and finance vs emotion (ooooh, but I want a new new new car!), but it is worth it

[Graham_A_M]

Originally posted by Bumjubeo
Of course! I always forget Mazda for some reason.
Keep on forgetting them. ;)

[max_boost]

WRX!

[bspot]

Not really sure on the used market these days, but could you not be looking at:

C5 Vette
E46 M3 (easily an E36)
B6 S4 (*cough* *cough*)
Pretty new BMW 330i
Pontiac G8 GT?
Mustang GT
Subby STi
G35
350Z

Basically there are a lot of cars that would kick the ass of those you mentioned and if you get one in good condition it will feel like new.

[beyond_ban]

^^

You mention STi, you must also mention EVO VIII and IX.

[troi.oi]

if u had 30g cash bring it to the dealer and get the vw that u want, money talks, im sure it will be under 30 if u showed up with the cash??

for me i would buy a sti 05/06 white :)

[Graham_A_M]

I'd get a Pontiac G8 or GT0, perhaps a used vette, as the $$ VS. Performance ratio of any of those cars are hard to beat.

With just bolt ons you can get some pretty nutty performance figures, and still have a perfectly reliable car thats not bad on gas.

[r3ccOs]

30gs? Probably wanting low intrest rate as part of budgetary concerns

Hard one... I'd probably say try to swing a 4cyl mazda 6 for a good size practicle economic car

Otherwise... I'd go GTI for new @ 30K
Its got loads of options, quality and a strong motor even base

[banned3x]

I keep hearing gti? Why? Isn't the wrx wayyy better? If they are both the same price?

[Aleks]

Originally posted by banned3x
I keep hearing gti? Why? Isn't the wrx wayyy better? If they are both the same price?

GTI is a way better car overall. WRX is much faster and has better traction in bad conditions. Everything else the GTI does much better.

I've had both.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by Mibz
There are plenty of pre-owned cars with warranty as well. Even buying a 1 year old pre-owned car is going to save you a bunch and broaden the pool of cars you can choose from. I think it's silly to only look at brand new cars but that's why I'm asking, he might have a reason I haven't thought of.

This. Unless you have money to waste, I think buying a car one or two years old makes a lot of sense.

[Jim Rome99]

You should be able to get a brand new Accord for about 30k, no?

[gqmw]

Originally posted by Jim Rome99
You should be able to get a brand new Accord for about 30k, no?

Yep, last I heard they were knocking off huge on 09 models left.

But yeah OP...unless you have a real big reason for buying new I don't see why you don't buy one that's 1-2 yrs old. Widen ranges for much nicer cars and protects against the large depreciation when it first steps on the ground.

[wes_v]

Everybody keeps mentioning wrx... a base 4 door is starting at 32,495 and add 900 for a 5 door.

[nonlinear]

genesis for sure... although others have mentioned that the GT package will put over 30k, you're still going to get FAR better value with the hyundai than you are with anything else under that price.

[Shlade]

This is going to turn into another fan boy Subaru shit show.

Get the RSX, Looks good, Good on gas and has the pick up and go.

[max_boost]

Originally posted by wes_v
Everybody keeps mentioning wrx... a base 4 door is starting at 32,495 and add 900 for a 5 door.

You can get it for $30K+tax for a base 4 door if you are a ruthless negotiator haha

Really. Of course it's going to turn into a WRX FTMFW thread because that's what it is. WRX rules. Add another $150 for a custom tune and the car is going to blow the doors off even more cars. :rofl: :burnout:

[ercchry]

Originally posted by Shlade
This is going to turn into another fan boy Subaru shit show.

Get the RSX, Looks good, Good on gas and has the pick up and go.

and they no longer make it :facepalm:

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Personally if I had $30000, I would be buying a E39 M5, and saving the rest for gas/maintenance and insurance. Doubt I would ever buy a brand new car unless I was very rich.

[3drian]

I would get the lancer Ralliart... id much rather and EVO X but you wont find one brand new under 30.. so ya brand new ralliart is fast, looks aggressive and comes with a 10 yr warranty

[MGCM]

Remember ppl, the OP is probably driving this vehicle all year round, RWD is not optimal for Alberta driving conditions all year round.........with a good driver yea RWD is fine for Alberta all year round but it sounds like the OP will not be the only person driving the vehicle which has me leaning towards FWD or AWD as a suggestion. As well, Mazda has a 0% financing sale going on still, can't go wrong with 0% IMHO. And as others have stated it looks like the OP wants brand new with warranty, depreciation sucks but so can replacing any part of the drivetrain without any warranty to cover it.

[Aleks]

Originally posted by nonlinear
genesis for sure... although others have mentioned that the GT package will put over 30k, you're still going to get FAR better value with the hyundai than you are with anything else under that price.

I think the Mustang could be a better value than Genesis and it's cheaper.

MT test results for 2011 V6 Mustang

0-60 5.1 sec
Quarter mile 13.7 sec @ 102.0 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 104 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.96 g (avg)
MT figure eight 25.8 sec @ 0.71 g (avg)
EPA city/hwy econ 19/29 mpg

2010 Genesis 2.0T

0-60 mph 6.8 sec
Quarter mile 15.2 sec @ 90.3 mph
Braking, 60-0 mph 113 ft
Lateral acceleration 0.91 g (avg)
MT figure eight 26.8 sec @ 0.64 g (avg)
EPA city/hwy econ 21 / 30 mpg

[MGCM]

The genesis coupe is only worth getting if you grab a V6 with track package. That being said I"d have to agree with the others, the V6 mustang is a much better deal than the 2.0T genesis.

[911fever]

Get the 2011 V6 Mustang.. The 2011 Genesis 2.0T is weak and lame compared to the Mustang.
Why buy new? I'd rather get an 04 BMW M3 from the US anyday or a WRX STI ... or an 06 530i... so much better cars for slightly preowned than any new car. New cars are a waste of money.

[wes_v]

Originally posted by max_boost


You can get it for $30K+tax for a base 4 door if you are a ruthless negotiator haha

Really. Of course it's going to turn into a WRX FTMFW thread because that's what it is. WRX rules. Add another $150 for a custom tune and the car is going to blow the doors off even more cars. :rofl: :burnout:
If you pay in a duffle bag full of cash yes lol, thats negociating.

[Bumjubeo]

Awesome, well thanks for all the advice....looks like i'm going to take a few days and test drive everything that looks good. I will see if I can do some convincing, at my budget so many more cars are available that are completely out of my class brand new.

Let you guys know what ends up happening :)

Thanks so much!

[CHICHARITZHI]

30k?
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-2006-Lexus-IS-350-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ201761361

[tehwegz]

a used Subaru WRX or a used Acura RSX for around $15k. Remaining money is put in to savings.

[94boosted]

Originally posted by Bumjubeo
So, if you had a budget of $30K and you needed to buy something new, what would you primarily be looking at?

There are not many prerequisites, just brand new and $30K and under.

My list so far contains the following:

2010 Hyundai Genesis
2010 VW Golf GTI(If I'm lucky)
2010 Civic Si

Anyone have any other suggestions? My budget almost seems to measly for anything worthwhile brand new......I would prefer to keep it Japanese, or German if anything....

Ideas? Thoughts? Suggestions?

Anything would be awesome! Thanks!

How about a car that spanks all of those both in a straight line and around a track. 2010 Cobalt SS-Turbo I think there are still a few of them left at dealerships. :D

Or like has been said a V6 Mustang

[z3124442]

2010 Civic Si...haha I think you can got it