Another "Help me choose my next car" thread

[Vagabond142]

:D :poosie:

So... I'm looking at purchasing myself a "nice" car (keep in mind, my history so far has included a 1986 Chevy Caprice Classic estate, 1990 Honda Civic DX Sedan, and currently a 1994 Mazda 626 DX sedan) now that I have a decent job and a steady income.

My budget for this purchase is a maximum of $10k

I would like to get into something a little sportier, but still decent for Calgary weather, so no NSX's... yet :P

My thoughts are:

-Subaru Impreza 2.5RS
-Acura RSX Premium/Type S
-Mazda 3/6
-Hyundai Tiburon GT/SE
-Dodge SX2.0 Regular / R/T

Along those lines.

I am comfortable buying either private sector or second hand dealership/primary dealership used lots.

While $10k is my maximum, naturally, the more "bang for the buck" I can get from any vehicle purchase, the better.

I would appreciate suggestions for a "Fun, but not ridiculous" vehicle made this century :)

EDIT: I should mention, I am looking for manual transmission preferred

[Unknown303]

Dodge Omni

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Unknown303
Dodge Omni

t(- - t) :D

[Unknown303]

ಠ_ಠ

[Vagabond142]

Unknown303, please see:


Originally posted by Vagabond142
I would appreciate suggestions for a "Fun, but not ridiculous" vehicle made this century :)




:thumbsup:

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

How about a V6 Accord?

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
How about a V6 Accord?


Hrmm... good thought. Reliable, good power and torque, and comes both as sedan and coupe. And I have a bit of a soft spot for Hondas >_> Added to the research list :thumbsup:

[eglove]

Acura tsx

[SkiBum5.0]

e46 330 coupe or sedan?

Maintanence will be more than a japanese car but you get RWD, great chassis etc. Just find a real clean, full service records type.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Ford Focus?

[SkiBum5.0]

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/3%20Series/CALGARY/Alberta/19_6505560_/?showcpo=ShowCPO

This one would be perfect if it was a manual but gives you an idea

[Unknown303]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo
Ford Focus?

ಠ_ರೃ

That was going to be my real suggestion. You can get fairly new ones for under 10k easily.

[M.alex]

OP, r u willing to increase your budget to $150k?

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by M.alex
OP, r u willing to increase your budget to $150k?

If you gift me the $140k, sure :D

[colinxx235]

Vagabond,


you see a lot of 08 or sometimes 09 s/c'd cobalts for sale right around that price depending on kms

it would be the quickest of all those cars on your list too, decent sound system and simple car

[Xtrema]

Ballin

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/5%20Series/CALGARY/Alberta/5_15771389_20080409111449516/?showcpo=ShowCPO

[Disoblige]

Vagabond,

I PM'd you something quick just a moment ago. Just wanted to see if that was something you could be interested in. I have way more positive things to say about it if I know you are interested. Just didn't want to make it a long message.

Also, I think something you should consider is upkeep (and even gas mileage). I wouldn't recommend getting a 10+year old, high mileage BMW or something similar.

I'd look for something that needs nothing, great shape with lots of life left, and if it comes with extras (like wheels, bumpers, extra OEM equipment), all the better. I think that fits into your "best bang for the buck" part.

[max_boost]

Just buy another Civic and call it a day. It's right up your alley.

[flipstah]

Acura TL is very nice and can be found for <$10k:

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2006-Acura-TL-W0QQAdIdZ450711908 (high 'highway' miles though)

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2004-Acura-TL-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ450624343 (If you're good at bargaining, you can work your way down to $10-10.5k)

[bjstare]

This guy wants bang for his buck and good reliability (which he'll be used to from his last two cars) and you goofs come in and tell him to get a 10 year old BMW :rofl: :rofl:

PM'd you OP

[Xtrema]

ok, a bit less ballin and shit load of torque steer

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Nissan/Altima/CALGARY/Alberta/5_15667441_20100929100746110/?showcpo=ShowCPO

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Xtrema
ok, a bit less ballin and shit load of torque steer

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Nissan/Altima/CALGARY/Alberta/5_15667441_20100929100746110/?showcpo=ShowCPO

Seems like a solid choice right there!

[Xtrema]

Seems low....

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Acura/TSX/CALGARY/Alberta/19_6074585_/?showcpo=ShowCPO

Dress up Camry

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Lexus/ES/CALGARY/Alberta/11_12331664_/?ursrc=pl&showcpo=ShowCPO

RWD fun, solid VQ35

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Infiniti/G/COCHRANE/Alberta/19_6295228_/?showcpo=ShowCPO

Comes in AWD too

http://www.autotrader.ca/a/Infiniti/G/CALGARY/Alberta/5_16091605_20090402123246967/?showcpo=ShowCPO

[Sugarphreak]

...

[Skidro]

From your list I wouldn't get a Hyundai tiburon - it has around 170 hp for a 2.7L V6 engine, but if you like that car you can look at newer mitsubishi eclipses.
The base model has almost as much horsepower at 162 and the v6 has 263 hp!!!

[zieg]

Well, you CAN get an RX8 for 10k.. Test drove a few of those while I was looking. Amazing handling and winding it out to 9000 RPM is kind of fun. Torque sensing LSD shouldn't be toooooo bad in the winter either. Comfy interior and decent features.

But you can never go wrong with a subaru IMO. Reliable, easy to work on, cheap parts, AWD. Enough said. Quick kijiji search shows you can easily grab an 06/07 impreza (the last years of the GD bodystyle) for under 10: http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2006-Subaru-Impreza-2-5i-Sedan-W0QQAdIdZ450061819

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak
05' Saab 92x: $8500

Manual, AWD, subie engine and drivetrain w/ saab comfy and upscale interior. 75K on the ODO.

http://alberta.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2005-Saab-9-2X-Linear-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ427962876

Just say no to SAABs, nobody wants to work on these anymore and a lot of the tech isnt kept around anymore.

[SkiBum5.0]

Originally posted by cjblair
This guy wants bang for his buck and good reliability (which he'll be used to from his last two cars) and you goofs come in and tell him to get a 10 year old BMW :rofl: :rofl:

PM'd you OP

And you are the goof who contributes nothing to this forum.

I'll take a 10 year old BMW over a Honda civic or another econobox any day of the week as long as it has --> service history.

The OP says he wants to upgrade and why not a fully depreciated, solidly built car. The e46 is reliable and there are numerous mechanics in calgary who specialize in these cars that charge the same hourly rate as a Honda or VW tech.

Go back to hiding under your bridge.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


Just say no to SAABs, nobody wants to work on these anymore and a lot of the tech isnt kept around anymore.

After my roommates experience with a SAAB.... including wanting to launch it into orbit.... I will avoid SAABs like the plague XD

[Sugarphreak]

...

[flipstah]

From what I've read, those Wankel's aren't reliable through time. Or is it a certain MY for the RX8's?

[funkedelic2]

Wrx

[desto2para]

.

[black13]

lol some of the worst suggestions I've read on a car forum. BMW/Saab/Subies/RX8 lolz I hope your all having a laugh at least. He'd need another $5k per year min to maintain those vehicles.

Accord V6/4 cyl is your best option. Bonus if you find a LE with all the extra stuff. Best bang for buck and can be pretty sporty stock. Holds their value unlike anything else almost.

Acura TL/TSX is good as well but a little more costly. Try get a manual though as Acura auto Tranny's aren't all that good.

2004+ Maxima are fairly good as well.

[zieg]

Originally posted by flipstah
From what I've read, those Wankel's aren't reliable through time. Or is it a certain MY for the RX8's?

The Renesis found in the RX8 is leaps and bounds ahead of the 13b in many ways. Different port configuration to help reduce carbon buildup, for one. They had a problem with the 04 model (first year) where it wasn't injecting enough oil into the combustion chamber. A recall was preformed where all cars were reflashed to use more oil. The worst engines were the 04/05, after that they changed a few things including a faster spinning starter, and that made things a bunch better.

If you find one that's been owned by someone who actually knows how to maintain a rotary, they are pretty solid. Keep the oil level topped up, DONT use synthetic because it leaves deposits behind when it burns in the combustion chamber, make sure you redline it a couple times a week to clear the carbon out, etc. Do these things and you've got yourself a pretty reliable engine. And if you do pop it, rebuilds are super cheap, because, again, there's hardly anything to it. 3 moving parts...



edit: Also, I heard that kind of thing a lot when I was looking for one. "dont buy a rotary man I heard they are unreliable" Oh yeah, heard where? What did you hear? "uh, I heard they blow up a lot or something" only if you dont know how to take care of them. But then that goes for any motor, doesn't it?

IMO the reliability problems are greatly exaggerated, fueled by so many stories of people wrecking them when they dont know what they're doing. I should stop ranting in this guy's thread though, sorry OP..

[bjstare]

Originally posted by SkiBum5.0


And you are the goof who contributes nothing to this forum.

I'll take a 10 year old BMW over a Honda civic or another econobox any day of the week as long as it has --&gt; service history.

The OP says he wants to upgrade and why not a fully depreciated, solidly built car. The e46 is reliable and there are numerous mechanics in calgary who specialize in these cars that charge the same hourly rate as a Honda or VW tech.

Go back to hiding under your bridge.

You have a post count of 38... total. Just thought I'd point that out when you say I don't contribute.

A BMW is nicer than any civic, no question. Having said that, service history or not, any person that would argue a BMW will cost even remotely the same as a civic to maintain once it passes 150K/10years is foolish. Say, for arguments sake you can find a tech that charges the same as a honda tech. How much is the BMW owner going to pay for parts in comparison? What about the fact that BMWs have more complicated systems, thus more parts that are prone to failure? i.e. the VANOS issues with the BMW i6 engines.

Nice to see there's a couple other people on here who suggested sensible, reliable cars, that are also quite a step up from OP's last couple cars (i.e. accord, tsx, tl).

[flipstah]

I still stick with my Acura TL recommendation.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Sugarphreak


It is as much Saab as a Vibe is a Pontiac, it is a luxury Subaru Impreza, no crazy proprietary Saab stuff

It may seem that way but SAAB seems to throw in lots of little quirks and annoying things, we hate seeing them come in anymore and usually turn them away.

The Vibe was actually a pretty good car, the AWD ones were pretty sweet!

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by black13
Acura TL/TSX is good as well but a little more costly. Try get a manual though as Acura auto Tranny's aren't all that good.

Bad auto trannies only applies to V6 engines and car built in North America.

TSX should be solid. But really if you want reliability, just go back to Civic/Accord I4/Corolla. Most of those are tanks.

[SkiBum5.0]

Originally posted by black13
lol some of the worst suggestions I've read on a car forum. BMW/Saab/Subies/RX8 lolz I hope your all having a laugh at least. He'd need another $5k per year min to maintain those vehicles.

Accord V6/4 cyl is your best option. Bonus if you find a LE with all the extra stuff. Best bang for buck and can be pretty sporty stock. Holds their value unlike anything else almost.

Acura TL/TSX is good as well but a little more costly. Try get a manual though as Acura auto Tranny's aren't all that good.

2004+ Maxima are fairly good as well.

5k per year? Maybe a M3. 330 would probably be around $1500-$2500.

It won't be as low as a Honda but that is the trade off. Accord 4cyl with a manual is a great pick with one of the best shift feeling of any car I've driven

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by SkiBum5.0


5k per year? Maybe a M3. 330 would probably be around $1500-$2500.

It won't be as low as a Honda but that is the trade off. Accord 4cyl with a manual is a great pick with one of the best shift feeling of any car I've driven

I spend close to $3000 a year on maintenance and upkeep on my 135i and its not even past 50000km yet, my dad did a 75000km service on his Z4M last year and it cost him close to $3000 in parts inlcuding brakes, and he just spent another $1900 on parts to bring the suspension back up to speed after 85000KM, an older high mile BMW is going to be $3000-5000 a year easy to keep it running and maintained right if you can't do absolutley everything yourself.

[SkiBum5.0]

Originally posted by cjblair


You have a post count of 38... total. Just thought I'd point that out when you say I don't contribute.

A BMW is nicer than any civic, no question. Having said that, service history or not, any person that would argue a BMW will cost even remotely the same as a civic to maintain once it passes 150K/10years is foolish. Say, for arguments sake you can find a tech that charges the same as a honda tech. How much is the BMW owner going to pay for parts in comparison? What about the fact that BMWs have more complicated systems, thus more parts that are prone to failure? i.e. the VANOS issues with the BMW i6 engines.

Nice to see there's a couple other people on here who suggested sensible, reliable cars, that are also quite a step up from OP's last couple cars (i.e. accord, tsx, tl).

Quality over quantity. Have you owned any of the cars we are discussing? Because I've owned a Honda (loved it but I put $3000 in one year of ownership bc I didn't check service history), a BMW (fiancé had an e46 for two years while I was dating her - guess who serviced it) and a pre-gm Saab (OP, stay far away).

I'm not here to argue this so OP, PM me if you are looking for BMW service stuff. Cjblair does make a quality point about checking for prior Vanos service.

[cam_wmh]

2003 Mustang V6

[SkiBum5.0]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


I spend close to $3000 a year on maintenance and upkeep on my 135i and its not even past 50000km yet, my dad did a 75000km service on his Z4M last year and it cost him close to $3000 in parts inlcuding brakes, and he just spent another $1900 on parts to bring the suspension back up to speed after 85000KM, an older high mile BMW is going to be $3000-5000 a year easy to keep it running and maintained right if you can't do absolutley everything yourself.

Is this at a dealer? Because all bets are off at the stealership. Your dad's car is an M product. See earlier post about M3.

Edit: you're also talking about some pretty heavy service items (brakes and suspension). Just for reference can someone with an accord or tsx comment on how much these items would be for their car?

Pads and rotors - ?
Shocks/struts - ?

That will give the OP an idea of what may be in store for.

[SkiBum5.0]

Never mind.

OEM Honda Parts (US) (http://www.hondapartsonline.net/parts/2003/HONDA/ACCORD/EX/?siteid=215743&vehicleid=1415629&section=BRAKES&group=&subgroup=&component=&searchText=&startRow=11&maxRow=10)

2003 accord lx 2.4l.

$125 for pads
$420 for rotors
Say 4 hours labour @ $125/ hour = $500

$330 for front strut assemblies
$300 for rear
6 hours @ $125 = $750

I'm not a tech so my hour estimate might be off.

This is Merican so add 15% for us.

[Vagabond142]

On a 2006 or earlier vehicle that is outside of warranty and such, and is not a premium brand (ie Infinity, BMW), I would probably either do the work myself or do a beer payment and an afternoon with a mechanic friend (plus a big steak on the bbq), so labor costs are able to be mitigated :D

I have also, honestly, started to look at buying lightly used or new from a dealership, however, there have been excellent suggestions in this thread and I am exploring all avenues before making my decision. I expect to be buying next month or, if I need to stretch it that long, until April. Those that know me know I am all about value for money, hence why I research the nuts off everything XD

So far, the best options are a Subaru 2.5RS Impreza, Accord V6 (read up on those, fucking bulletproof engines), and an older Mazda 3/6 (for the sub $10k options).

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by SkiBum5.0


Is this at a dealer? Because all bets are off at the stealership. Your dad's car is an M product. See earlier post about M3.

Edit: you're also talking about some pretty heavy service items (brakes and suspension). Just for reference can someone with an accord or tsx comment on how much these items would be for their car?

Pads and rotors - ?
Shocks/struts - ?

That will give the OP an idea of what may be in store for.

That's not at a dealer we order all our parts online and search for the cheapest prices including shipping and duties, we don't service any vehicles at the dealer unless its warranty, we do the work ourselves.

My dad had a 2000 323ci before his Z4M and it was around 70% of the cost for parts and maintenance, it was extremely well cared for and maintained and he sold it with 160000km on it.

[gram]

Depending on age..

Mitsubishi Lancer in some of the up trims are semi fun/reliable and cheap to buy. They really suffer in the resale department for some reason but they are very reliable/good bang for the buck. Not really sure if it is a "step" up or not though.

[SkiBum5.0]

How about the G35 coupe currently for sale in the marketplace? 2003, lower km's, new brakes and winter tires. Worth a look?

[amear]

have you looked into the 2006+ civic si? there pretty quick cars and can be had for about 9 grand.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by amear
have you looked into the 2006+ civic si? there pretty quick cars and can be had for about 9 grand.

I have an eye out for them, but not going to jump for joy right away. Mostly because Civic SI's are bought so that you can scream down a street then yell "VTEC just kicked in, yo!" :nut:

If I can find one that has been treated well and still has a good strong engine, maybe.

[bjstare]

Originally posted by SkiBum5.0


5k per year? Maybe a M3. 330 would probably be around $1500-$2500.

It won't be as low as a Honda but that is the trade off. Accord 4cyl with a manual is a great pick with one of the best shift feeling of any car I've driven

This is all I was trying to point out. We're comparing apples and oranges here (Honda -> BMW). My wife drives a '97 Integra that we've owned for 5 years now, and we have spent (cumulatively over 6 years) well under $2500. This is on routine maintenance - brakes done once, and timing belt/water pump done once. Both at shops, didn't do them myself. I've also owned other Hondas and it has been the same story - no maintenance outside of brakes, oil changes, and timing belt.

The exception to this would be the auto tranny on pretty well any v6 Honda/Acura. I would stay well away from those.

Having said all that, there's many people that would be happy to spend $2500/yr on maintenance so they can have the perks of driving a BMW. Options, RWD, etc. No question, there is value in that; you just have to decide what its worth to you.

[darthVWader]

Golf TDI
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2004-Volkswagen-Golf-TDI-W0QQAdIdZ405265704

2009 Golf

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2009-Volkswagen-Golf-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ445524100

Another Golf TDI

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2005-VW-Golf-tdi-4door-excellent-car-W0QQAdIdZ447729335

[flipstah]

Originally posted by darthVWader
Golf TDI
http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2004-Volkswagen-Golf-TDI-W0QQAdIdZ405265704

2009 Golf

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2009-Volkswagen-Golf-Hatchback-W0QQAdIdZ445524100

Another Golf TDI

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehicles-cars-trucks-2005-VW-Golf-tdi-4door-excellent-car-W0QQAdIdZ447729335

I hate it when they say 'lady/female-driven' in car ads like it's a selling point.

It doesn't matter nor does it make it more better than other cars.

:banghead:

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


I spend close to $3000 a year on maintenance and upkeep on my 135i and its not even past 50000km yet, my dad did a 75000km service on his Z4M last year and it cost him close to $3000 in parts inlcuding brakes, and he just spent another $1900 on parts to bring the suspension back up to speed after 85000KM, an older high mile BMW is going to be $3000-5000 a year easy to keep it running and maintained right if you can't do absolutley everything yourself.

NVM. Just read the reply.

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by flipstah


I hate it when they say 'lady/female-driven' in car ads like it's a selling point.

It doesn't matter nor does it make it more better than other cars.

:banghead:

Lady Driven = Stay Away usually :werd:

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Xtrema


Only if you keep going to dealer for these services after warranty is over.

Even more if you take it to the dealer, to actually repair things and keep it running right we budget $5000 a year for the M and $3000 a year for the non Ms to do the work ourselves.

[Kloubek]

Originally posted by ZiG-87
And if you do pop it, rebuilds are super cheap, because, again, there's hardly anything to it. 3 moving parts...


I agree with (or at least, cannot dispute) the rest of your post, but I disagree with this statement. True, there are not many moving parts. However, since almost all shops have an inability to work on these engines, those who can jack up the price.

[CapnCrunch]

Originally posted by flipstah


I hate it when they say 'lady/female-driven' in car ads like it's a selling point.

It doesn't matter nor does it make it more better than other cars.

:banghead:

To me it means "What do you mean I'm not supposed to drive with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake?"

[Disoblige]

Hahaha, agreed. When someone puts lady driven, it's actually a negative for me.

Plus I find that a lot of "lady driven" cars have scratches all over the driver side trim because of nails. Ugh.

[Vagabond142]

After a few horror incidents over the weekend when I went looking at cars (ie "Lady driven Impreza 2.5RS Sport Wagon" that had an odd squealing sound from the center diff.... "What is that?" "Oh, that's been doing that for years, it's nothing." o_O!) coupled with the fact that my budget can easily support the payments for a decent compact, I have decided to purchase new instead of used. Better value, warranty, the fact that it's a "new car," etc, lead to this decision.

I'm still nailing down the exact car I will get.

I just wanted to say thanks for all the great suggestions, and I do appreciate the input that people have given me in PM's and the thread :thumbsup:

[Twin_Cam_Turbo]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
After a few horror incidents over the weekend when I went looking at cars (ie &quot;Lady driven Impreza 2.5RS Sport Wagon&quot; that had an odd squealing sound from the center diff.... &quot;What is that?&quot; &quot;Oh, that's been doing that for years, it's nothing.&quot; o_O!) coupled with the fact that my budget can easily support the payments for a decent compact, I have decided to purchase new instead of used. Better value, warranty, the fact that it's a &quot;new car,&quot; etc, lead to this decision.

I'm still nailing down the exact car I will get.

I just wanted to say thanks for all the great suggestions, and I do appreciate the input that people have given me in PM's and the thread :thumbsup:

What kind if compact car are you thinking? You can get a manual turbo Cruze and there's probably some great deals on 2012s still.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Twin_Cam_Turbo


What kind if compact car are you thinking? You can get a manual turbo Cruze and there's probably some great deals on 2012s still.

The front runner for me right now is a Forte Koup SX. $23.5k, loaded to the tits, nice power, and reliable as my roomy had one for two years with nary a glitch.

[flipstah]

Turbo Cruze doesn't look too bad and has a decent interior.

As long as you don't get that boxy KIA one.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by flipstah
Turbo Cruze doesn't look too bad and has a decent interior.

As long as you don't get that boxy KIA one.

TBH, I don't a) like the look of the Cruze and b) the seats are horrendous. Felt like I was sitting on a couple of milk crates :banghead:

[flipstah]

Originally posted by Vagabond142


TBH, I don't a) like the look of the Cruze and b) the seats are horrendous. Felt like I was sitting on a couple of milk crates :banghead:

Weird. The seats felt firm when I tested it on the Auto Show. Very nice for long hauls. :dunno:

[msommers]

2010 Ford Focus

[flipstah]

Originally posted by msommers
2013 Ford Focus ST

Fixed.

[msommers]

For $10-12K? Sign me up!

[gpomp]

miata or elise

[flipstah]

Originally posted by msommers
For $10-12K? Sign me up!

Downpayment? YEAH! :thumbsup:

Can you even get a new car for $10k? :confused:

[Vagabond142]

There seems to be some confusion. I would not MAKE a downpayment of $10k. $10k was my previous budget CEILING, and I was going to borrow up TO that amount XD

The Focus is the runner up to the Koup right now. It is an extraordinarily nice place to sit, but to get equivalent value to the Koup SX, you're looking at speccing up a Focus Titanium without the nav, with the leather interior pack, and the winter pack, and that's already pushing $27-$28k all said.

Honestly, the best value-for-money I can see is the Koup SX... plus, I love the looks of the Koup. I also love the look of the Focus.... and the Elantra Coupe (despite the fact it has no guts, and hence is in third)....

[flipstah]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
There seems to be some confusion. I would not MAKE a downpayment of $10k. $10k was my previous budget CEILING, and I was going to borrow up TO that amount XD

The Focus is the runner up to the Koup right now. It is an extraordinarily nice place to sit, but to get equivalent value to the Koup SX, you're looking at speccing up a Focus Titanium without the nav, with the leather interior pack, and the winter pack, and that's already pushing $27-$28k all said.

Honestly, the best value-for-money I can see is the Koup SX... plus, I love the looks of the Koup. I also love the look of the Focus.... and the Elantra Coupe (despite the fact it has no guts, and hence is in third)....

The Titanium is the equivalent of the SX Luxury, which is ~$26-27k. Still cheap.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by flipstah


The Titanium is the equivalent of the SX Luxury, which is ~$26-27k. Still cheap.

But... I don't need a nav system (as I actually have a sense of direction and a smartphone in cases of needing GPS), and there are a couple of other things that don't really justify the price of an SX Luxury (to me at least).

I'm not flat out rejecting a Focus. It's just second in my considerations and I will be making an informed, educated decision next month when my downpayment is in hand

[flipstah]

Originally posted by Vagabond142


But... I don't need a nav system (as I actually have a sense of direction and a smartphone in cases of needing GPS), and there are a couple of other things that don't really justify the price of an SX Luxury (to me at least).

Well, you built the Focus Titanium so I thought you wanted the top-of-the-line.

Otherwise, the SE is more than enough.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by flipstah


Well, you built the Focus Titanium so I thought you wanted the top-of-the-line.

Otherwise, the SE is more than enough.

SE is pretty bare unless you start speccing it up. Plus it has a full 24 months less warranty.

Still, I have a month to decide. This is not a "must choose now" thing

[Darkane]

Lady driven.

I fucking hate that.

[msommers]

Originally posted by flipstah


Downpayment? YEAH! :thumbsup:

Can you even get a new car for $10k? :confused:

Man I don't think so. Now I'm curious and going to have to check haha. Maybe a Kia or Scion of some sort?

I got the impression he wanted to spend 10K max so that's why I said 2010. I checked on Kijiji and there are some for 10-12k. Plus he would get some sort of factory warranty which is a nice bonus.


Originally posted by Darkane
Lady driven.


Ie: Poorly maintained, hard braking, probably dented somewhere on the back.

[Vagabond142]

Well bugger.... I went to go test a Koup to reaffirm my order of choices.... "oh, we can't order those in anymore"

o_O :dunno:

So... a Focus it might be :eek: . I kinda need a new car before the engine drops out from under me on the 626 (and it's getting there, no matter what we do to maintain it)

EDIT: Priced out a Focus SE Hatch, focusing on what I really wanted... $25.3k, not bad

[heavyD]

Originally posted by Vagabond142


But... I don't need a nav system (as I actually have a sense of direction and a smartphone in cases of needing GPS), and there are a couple of other things that don't really justify the price of an SX Luxury (to me at least).

I'm not flat out rejecting a Focus. It's just second in my considerations and I will be making an informed, educated decision next month when my downpayment is in hand

The NAV system is optional and you still get the big Sony LCD just without NAV. It's actually a nice interface for ipod, satellite radio, mp3, phone, etc.

[msommers]

So is your budget 10K or 25K, Simon?

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by msommers
So is your budget 10K or 25K?

~$25k +/- 3k

$375/mth max for 5 or more years finance (after reasonable downpayment, 2-3k), although I am happy in the $290-$340/mth range (ie Forte, Focus, Elantra Coupe, cheaper Dart, etc).

The 10K was related to what I was willing to borrow for a private used sale. However, after some pretty awful cars (great cars, horrendous maintenance :barf: ), I decided to buy new

[Xtrema]

So now it's $28K and new?

Base FR-S?

[mboldt]

That's right around the FRS price point.

Or if you want cheap to maintain, cheap to begin with, cheap on gas, get a Scion IQ. =P

[flipstah]

Originally posted by Xtrema
So now it's $28K and new?

Base FR-S?

BRZFTW.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by mboldt


Or if you want cheap to maintain, cheap to begin with, cheap on gas, get a Scion IQ. =P

I would rather have a car that, you know, actually HAS an engine XD (and guts >_>)

[Vagabond142]

After research, test driving, playing around with online speccing, etc, and due to the fact that my #1 choice is no longer being made :/, I have come to a decision:

I will be purchasing a 2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback 5MT :thumbsup:

I expect to purchase/order in the next 6-8 weeks :burnout: :burnout:

Thanks for all the suggestions throughout the thread, if the mods want to close/delete it, that's fine, otherwise it will simply slip back into the shadows whence it came :P

[Vagabond142]

Well bugger me sidesways.... just read a couple of reviews for the new Forte and Forte5 coming out (not the Koup, aka the 2014 Forte3). Takes the Focus and beats it around the head some with features, has a more powerful engine, better road manners (according to reviews) and a price point a few thousand less than the Focus.... and Kia has better financing....

:dunno:

I guess this thread is reopened... Focus, 2014 Forte/Forte5, or...?

[Disoblige]

Wtf lol.. Did the Kia just blatantly copy the Focus?

http://stwot.motortrend.com/files/2012/08/2014-Kia-Forte-with-Ford-Focus-spy-shot-rear-view-1024x640.jpg

[spikerS]

^^^:rofl: :rofl:

I guess Koreans can copy the Chinese business model. :rofl:

[Vagabond142]

Well, the fronts are a different story :rofl:

Still, 173 hp and 154 ft-lbs of torque in the Forte EX (and it's lighter than a Focus), with every bell and whistle except nav, for ~$20k-$22k? Sign me up! Only downside is that it's automatically an automatic in the EX versions. Then again, having driven my roomy's 2012 Optima turbo, the paddleshift 6 speed automatics aren't half bad, ie I could live with one...

[Disoblige]

The Kia doesn't look like it ages well. It looks out of date already. Focus hatch looks much better.

2013 Ford Focus SE Hatchback 5MT ftw, fuck the Kia.

[Vagabond142]

I dunno, I'm liking the old-school Civic hatch vibe...

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/42868076+w760+h474+cr1+ar0/2014-Kia-Forte-5-door-front-left-side-view.jpg


The Focus really is bang up to date and there is a 201 hp turbocharged Fiesta ST coming that will probably tickle at $25k.... but Kia fires back with a HUGE warranty (60 month/100k KM general is nothing to sneeze at when Ford offers only 36 month/60k KM), better financing rates, and more standard equipment including lots of winter niceties (heated seats, heated mirrors, heated steering wheel as standard on the EX top end model).

It's a real toss up.

[Disoblige]

^^ That looks a lot better than the ugly black grill they had for the sedan.

[Vagabond142]

Originally posted by Disoblige
^^ That looks a lot better than the ugly black grill they had for the sedan.

I guess I should mention, I definitely want a hatch, except if it's a coupe (Genesis, Koup, Elantra Coupe, etc)

EDIT: looks like I was wrong, there is an SX version of the Forte/Forte5 coming with a 200 hp, 180 ft-lbs torque 1.6 turbo engine from the Veloster Turbo. If they can keep that under or at $24k, hell-ooooo Kia....

[flipstah]

Originally posted by Vagabond142
I dunno, I'm liking the old-school Civic hatch vibe...

http://image.automobilemag.com/f/42868076+w760+h474+cr1+ar0/2014-Kia-Forte-5-door-front-left-side-view.jpg


The Focus really is bang up to date and there is a 201 hp turbocharged Fiesta ST coming that will probably tickle at $25k.... but Kia fires back with a HUGE warranty (60 month/100k KM general is nothing to sneeze at when Ford offers only 36 month/60k KM), better financing rates, and more standard equipment including lots of winter niceties (heated seats, heated mirrors, heated steering wheel as standard on the EX top end model).

It's a real toss up.

Well, which one of the three is the most livable?

Ta-da! :clap: