buying a new car

monopolowamonopolowa Join Date: 2004-05-23 Member: 28839Members
<div class="IPBDescription">under 20k</div>So my '98 Ford Escort died on Tuesday, and looks to be not worth fixing. I've mostly decided on what my next car will be, but I thought I'd see what kind of input the NS2 crowd could provide, as it's a big purchase and I don't want to overlook anything. I'm interested in a new 4 door sedan costing up to 20k.

Things I'm look for:
economy
safety
reliability/longevity (would like to keep it for as long as possible)
sporty (I don't need a WRX, but a bit of pep is nice)

Number one on my list right now is a 2012 Mazda3 i Touring w/ 6 speed manual transmission. It gets 27-39 MPG, and has a 155 hp engine with 148 ft-lb of torque @4100 rpm. MSRP is $18,700 but I got a quote from the dealer for $17,075.

Any reasons why I should not get this car? Any other cars I should be looking into?
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Comments

  • LV426-ColonistLV426-Colonist Space Jockey Join Date: 2011-08-05 Member: 114269Members, Constellation
    edited March 2012
    Screw mini coopers.
  • DrfuzzyDrfuzzy FEW... MORE.... INCHES... Join Date: 2003-09-21 Member: 21094Members
    I got a 03 Celica GT-S 6-speed manual and a 05 Corolla S 5-speed manual. The Corolla has been pretty damn amazing, gets about 34-38mpg and its almost at 140k miles without any parts replaced yet, I'm about to start some tuning on it to see if I can push the MPG up any higher. The Celica is a little worse on gas but is pretty damn fast for a N/A FWD and its crazy good through turns. Unfortunately its annoying for a daily driver.

    I'd really recommend a Corolla though, the XR-S model comes with the Celica GT-S engine if you want something faster. TRD also makes a supercharger for it if that is not enough. Everything under the hood is easily accessible and parts are easy to find since there are so many Corollas produced. I've taken mine on road trips plenty of times and I never get fatigued driving for long periods of time. Civics are always a good choice too, you can easily push over 45mpg with the right mods and tuning.

    I'd avoid late model Mazdas like the plauge. Parts are stupidly expensive.
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    edited March 2012
    Subaru Impreza's are definitely within your budget (17.5k starting price for the base model), plus it's all-wheel drive and is top rated for safety... They've got whiplash protection on the front seats, side-curtain airbags, knee airbags, etc...

    <a href="http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza/static/compare.html" target="_blank">http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza/static/compare.html</a>

    I'm probably going to go all out for the 2.0i Sport Limited 2012 Impreza myself.
  • douchebagatrondouchebagatron Custom member title Join Date: 2003-12-20 Member: 24581Members, Constellation, Reinforced - Shadow
    I got a Jeep Wrangler, brand new right at 20 for the base model. Best decision I've ever made. Screw economy and safety, get something you love to drive.


    But if you refuse my advice, I liked the Nissan Versa. base model is 17 and it gets 30-36 mpg, and looks pretty nice too. Nissans have always treated me well.
  • Konohas Perverted HermitKonohas Perverted Hermit Join Date: 2008-09-26 Member: 65075Members
    edited March 2012
    You can get a 2000-2002 Lincoln Continental/Town Car for relatively cheap used with low miles. Around $5,000-$6,000 and despite the kinda low gas mileage they are safe as well as roomy (which is what I look for). Not to mention they have some get up and go for a 2 ton car.

    <!--quoteo(post=1909795:date=Mar 4 2012, 01:40 AM:name=LV426-Colonist)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (LV426-Colonist @ Mar 4 2012, 01:40 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1909795"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Get yourself a truck.

    Screw mini coopers.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Gotta agree, trucks are the funnest.
  • SopsSops Join Date: 2003-07-03 Member: 17894Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1910035:date=Mar 4 2012, 08:35 PM:name=Konohas Perverted Hermit)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Konohas Perverted Hermit @ Mar 4 2012, 08:35 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910035"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->You can get a 2000-2002 Lincoln Continental/Town Car for relatively cheap used with low miles.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    For extra fun pull up to an airport curbside pick and see who hopes into the back of your car.
  • LV426-ColonistLV426-Colonist Space Jockey Join Date: 2011-08-05 Member: 114269Members, Constellation
    edited March 2012
    Two major concerns:

    Looking cool and a large back seat.
  • RanemanRaneman Join Date: 2010-01-07 Member: 69962Members
    <a href="http://www.theonion.com/video/ford-unveils-new-car-for-cashstrapped-buyers-the-1,14381/" target="_blank">This might help</a>
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    Only thing I can say is go for mileage. Hoping for falling gas prices is denying reality.
  • TalesinTalesin Our own little well of hate Join Date: 2002-11-08 Member: 7710NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators
    I'd actually recommend taking a look at a (manual) Toyota Yaris. A friend has one, and they have a track record for reliability, good mileage, and stable handling. Additionally, they have a LOT of aftermarket parts available and a thriving community; even if the motor on most US models is a bit dinky, they're also pretty much bulletproof. He'll take it out to autocross days and turn in respectable times just because it handles so well and can be flung around quite easily and reproducibly.

    For under 20K <b>new</b>, it's also one of the few options available that isn't a tissue box with wheels (eg: Smart car).

    If you had a bit of time and didn't *need* a four-door, I'd recommend a Toyota FT-86. They're due to come out soon enough (in Toyota/Subaru/Scion trims), and are apparently getting rave reviews from professional drivers about just how incredibly _fun_ they are to drive; some supposedly made offers to buy the test car outright then and there after their time on the track. What I'm looking at for my own next car.
  • sherpasherpa stopcommandermode Join Date: 2006-11-04 Member: 58338Members
    edited March 2012
    I had a Subaru Impreza WRX and it was an absolute joy to drive. The 50 minute drive to work became fun. Unfortunately said 50 minute drive emptied my wallet so I had to sell it.

    I don't know U.S. petrol prices but it's 135-140 pence per litre in the UK right now. :(
  • DrfuzzyDrfuzzy FEW... MORE.... INCHES... Join Date: 2003-09-21 Member: 21094Members
    Guys AWD/4WD add more moving parts making less reliability and less gas mileage, though it may be ideal if you live in a snowy/unpaved region :p

    That new FT-86 is looking pretty damn awesome, but it would probably go along with the lines of my Celica being small. It would be a good investment though, I see it keeping its value somewhat since its one of the rare drift cars that only come around ever so often.
  • TemphageTemphage Join Date: 2009-10-28 Member: 69158Members
    I wonder how low I could get away with paying for a $20k car if I walked in with cash.
  • That_Annoying_KidThat_Annoying_Kid Sire of Titles Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14175Members, Constellation
    edited March 2012
    get a 6 cylinder Camaro for like 23,000

    step your game up


    or walk in cash in hand and wheel and deal


    [edit]
    I was also going to say get the toyota skittle small dealy, Talesin said it as well
    I'd actually recommend taking a look at a (manual) Toyota Yaris. <-- get one from a fleet dealer so it's bare bones manual with crank windows etc dirt cheap excellent etc etc


    automobile hecklers who suggested first idear also say put that 20k in a CD for 6 years and then buy the new NSX when it comes out
    [/edit]
  • Konohas Perverted HermitKonohas Perverted Hermit Join Date: 2008-09-26 Member: 65075Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1910049:date=Mar 4 2012, 07:18 PM:name=Raneman)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Raneman @ Mar 4 2012, 07:18 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910049"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec--><a href="http://www.theonion.com/video/ford-unveils-new-car-for-cashstrapped-buyers-the-1,14381/" target="_blank">This might help</a><!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    "We can live in it year round."

    Lol...

    <!--quoteo(post=1910085:date=Mar 4 2012, 10:37 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lolfighter @ Mar 4 2012, 10:37 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910085"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Only thing I can say is go for mileage. Hoping for falling gas prices is denying reality.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Yah but cars with high miles per gallon look fugly.

    <!--quoteo(post=1910183:date=Mar 5 2012, 09:47 AM:name=sherpa)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (sherpa @ Mar 5 2012, 09:47 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910183"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I had a Subaru Impreza WRX and it was an absolute joy to drive. The 50 minute drive to work became fun. Unfortunately said 50 minute drive emptied my wallet so I had to sell it.

    I don't know U.S. petrol prices but it's 135-140 pence per litre in the UK right now. :(<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    It is only $3.10 per Gallon mere.
  • monopolowamonopolowa Join Date: 2004-05-23 Member: 28839Members
    edited March 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1910183:date=Mar 5 2012, 10:47 AM:name=sherpa)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (sherpa @ Mar 5 2012, 10:47 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910183"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I had a Subaru Impreza WRX and it was an absolute joy to drive. The 50 minute drive to work became fun. Unfortunately said 50 minute drive emptied my wallet so I had to sell it.

    I don't know U.S. petrol prices but it's 135-140 pence per litre in the UK right now. :(<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    Oh hah I just realized what you meant...thought you were saying you sold your wallet for the longest time

    Gas is around $3.60/gallon around here right now

    dollar/gallon = 140(pence/liter)/63(pence/dollar)*3.785(liter/gallon) = $8.41 /gallon - that's crazy expensive compared to here

    or our prices in pence:
    $3.60/gal * 63 (pence/dollar)/3.785 (liter/gal) = 59.9 pence/liter

    Konoha's Perverted Hermit pays 51.6 pence/liter
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    edited March 2012
    Keep in mind, MPG is not a linear scale. If you want an actual comparison, you need to flip it and do like... Gallons per 100 miles.

    MPG GP100M
    10 10
    15 6.666666667
    20 5
    25 4
    30 3.333333333
    35 2.857142857
    40 2.5

    Notice the difference between 25-35 MPG is actually way less than 10-20.
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    Wait a second... isolating a few values from that.

    <!--quoteo(post=1910593:date=Mar 6 2012, 08:25 PM:name=Psyke)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Psyke @ Mar 6 2012, 08:25 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910593"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->MPG GP100M
    10 10
    20 5
    40 2.5<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    10 miles per gallon gives you ten gallons per 100 miles. Twice as many miles per gallon (20) results in half as many gallons per 100 miles (5). Four times as many miles per gallon (40) results in 1/4th as many gallons per 100 miles.

    I dunno, that seems rather linear to me.
  • TalesinTalesin Our own little well of hate Join Date: 2002-11-08 Member: 7710NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators
    <!--quoteo(post=1910692:date=Mar 6 2012, 04:51 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lolfighter @ Mar 6 2012, 04:51 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910692"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->I dunno, that seems rather linear to me.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    It is; the point he was trying to make was the same hashed-over 'Green' argument that getting people with 10mpg SUVs to buy a 20mpg car would save far more fuel than going from a 20mpg car to a 40mpg hybrid. It just got mangled as it's a diminishing returns for financial outlay between the two segments. 10->20 saves 5g/100mi, while 20->40 (twice the 'mileage' increase) only saves 2.5g/100mi, half as much actual fuel.


    Also, as far as the Yaris goes, you can order them direct from the dealer with crank windows/no power door locks/no power anything. Toyota are good like that. What that same buddy did in fact, and saved a HUGE amount of weight, and cut out the stupid stuff that could break in favor of KISS mechanisms that will likely outlast the rest of the car. Also, the TRD racing clutch only costs $10 over the stock unit if/when it finally goes out, and is a MAJOR improvement.
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    The hell are KISS mechanisms? All I got out of google and wikipedia was something about neurology, and I doubt that's what you're talking about.
  • ScytheScythe Join Date: 2002-01-25 Member: 46NS1 Playtester, Forum Moderators, Constellation, Reinforced - Silver
    <!--quoteo(post=1911267:date=Mar 9 2012, 12:26 AM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lolfighter @ Mar 9 2012, 12:26 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1911267"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->The hell are KISS mechanisms? All I got out of google and wikipedia was something about neurology, and I doubt that's what you're talking about.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    "Keep It Simple, Stupid", stupid.

    --Scythe--
  • That_Annoying_KidThat_Annoying_Kid Sire of Titles Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14175Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1911247:date=Mar 8 2012, 04:36 AM:name=Talesin)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Talesin @ Mar 8 2012, 04:36 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1911247"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Also, as far as the Yaris goes, you can order them direct from the dealer with crank windows/no power door locks/no power anything. Toyota are good like that. What that same buddy did in fact, and saved a HUGE amount of weight, and cut out the stupid stuff that could break in favor of KISS mechanisms that will likely outlast the rest of the car. Also, the TRD racing clutch only costs $10 over the stock unit if/when it finally goes out, and is a MAJOR improvement.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    Seriously, your best best is a Manual Yaris with said gearbox, crank windows etc etc it will be reliable, last forever, get sweet mileage, and have enough pep to keep you contained
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1911366:date=Mar 8 2012, 11:48 PM:name=Scythe)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Scythe @ Mar 8 2012, 11:48 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1911366"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->"Keep It Simple, Stupid", stupid.

    --Scythe--<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    No need to be a jackass about it.
  • sherpasherpa stopcommandermode Join Date: 2006-11-04 Member: 58338Members
    <!--quoteo(post=1910529:date=Mar 6 2012, 05:01 PM:name=monopolowa)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (monopolowa @ Mar 6 2012, 05:01 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910529"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Oh hah I just realized what you meant...thought you were saying you sold your wallet for the longest time

    Gas is around $3.60/gallon around here right now

    dollar/gallon = 140(pence/liter)/63(pence/dollar)*3.785(liter/gallon) = $8.41 /gallon - that's crazy expensive compared to here

    or our prices in pence:
    $3.60/gal * 63 (pence/dollar)/3.785 (liter/gal) = 59.9 pence/liter

    Konoha's Perverted Hermit pays 51.6 pence/liter<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    WTF

    At that price no wonder Americans can still drive powerful cars :(

    So jealous!!!
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    Always look on the bright side: At least we're USED to high gas prices. Gas prices will likely never go down, and they already think they're paying way too much. Wait until they reach the levels we're currently at.
  • remiremi remedy [blu.knight] Join Date: 2003-11-18 Member: 23112Members, Super Administrators, Forum Admins, NS2 Developer, NS2 Playtester
    edited March 2012
    <!--quoteo(post=1910692:date=Mar 6 2012, 01:51 PM:name=lolfighter)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (lolfighter @ Mar 6 2012, 01:51 PM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1910692"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Wait a second... isolating a few values from that.


    10 miles per gallon gives you ten gallons per 100 miles. Twice as many miles per gallon (20) results in half as many gallons per 100 miles (5). Four times as many miles per gallon (40) results in 1/4th as many gallons per 100 miles.

    I dunno, that seems rather linear to me.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->

    As you go up by 10 MPG, the GP100M decreases at a diminishing rate.
    10->20 is a savings of 5g/100mi, but
    20->30 is a savings of 2.67g/100mi...
    30->40 is 0.89g/100mi

    That is not linear (linear functions have a constant slope). Check it out visually: <a href="http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=100%2FX" target="_blank">http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=100%2FX</a> (where X=MPG, Y=GP100M)
  • lolfighterlolfighter Snark, Dire Join Date: 2003-04-20 Member: 15693Members
    So what you're saying is that 20 is twice as much as 10, but 30 isn't twice as much as 20, and 40 isn't twice as much as 30. I don't see what the huge revelation is supposed to be.
  • SopsSops Join Date: 2003-07-03 Member: 17894Members, Constellation
    <!--quoteo(post=1911247:date=Mar 8 2012, 06:36 AM:name=Talesin)--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Talesin @ Mar 8 2012, 06:36 AM) <a href="index.php?act=findpost&pid=1911247"><{POST_SNAPBACK}></a></div><div class='quotemain'><!--quotec-->Also, as far as the Yaris goes, you can order them direct from the dealer with crank windows/no power door locks/no power anything.<!--QuoteEnd--></div><!--QuoteEEnd-->
    But then you have to have hand crank windows.

    It wouldn't be worth it to me to get a POS car to save a bit of gas. My company owns a few Ford Escape hybrids and we have gotten as low as 8 mpg, mean while our V8 Chevy Suburbans average around 6 mpg. It makes a much bigger difference how you drive then what you drive.
    Of course these mileage figures are on the extreme low end, it is just an example of how the vehicle is used will have a huge impact on fuel usage.
  • That_Annoying_KidThat_Annoying_Kid Sire of Titles Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14175Members, Constellation
    hand crank windows aren't all bad

    it's one less motor that will need fixing



    Seriously, A bare yaris S will still scoot and get fantastic mileage while keeping your cost low (Total Cost of Ownership, and Initial Investment) etc
  • That_Annoying_KidThat_Annoying_Kid Sire of Titles Join Date: 2003-03-01 Member: 14175Members, Constellation
    and if you really want performance you can get all TRD and it's still under warranty


    A supercharger with a factory warranty? Why not...
    etc etc

    at least the TRD clutch is a great idear
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