What to get for a car?

[Baden]

Looking for a new to me car. Never owned a car and do not really know what I want to get for practical purposes. My daily commute is between 30-40 miles round trip. My major problem is head room at 6' you would not really think much about it, but I realize that cars can be less forgiving sometimes. Im looking for a sedan that gets average mpg in the 20's. Mpg is not a huge factor, but better than what either one of my pickups gets.

I figured coming here would be a good start since most people here are die hard pickup guys and would have an idea if they owned a car as well. Any suggestions would be great.

Now that I look at where I posted this it should of went elsewhere, I apologize. I was browsing and had a bright idea in the wrong area.

[SolMan98]

Didn't mention how much you were looking to spend.

[Chriscon7]

The newer Style Honda Civics allow for taller people I believe. You might try and test drive one of them. Maybe a recent model Malibu or Fusion? or are you looking for more of a sporty car?

[Koots]

I recently picked up a 95 Chevy Corsica for $100, so far I've spent about $600 upgrading and replacing parts. It's getting low 30's MPG so far, but i've got the 2.2, which is a rough, but tough 4-cylinder. The V6 models are much more powerful, but would still be able to get high 20's in MPG. They are easy to find, dirt cheap to fix and purchase, in my experience. The 2DR equivalent is the Beretta, which is a nice car as well, it was always the stepchild of the GM FWD car line.

I'd also look into a Caprice/Impala, more specifically from 91-96 (especially 96!). The 80's box Caprice's were able to get mid 20's highway MPG with carb engines and OD, the "bubble" cars are even more aerodynamic and efficient. Plus, the C4 Vette's LT1 350 was available in the later years, for a very quick and satisfying sedan.

There are lots of options, but those are 2 that I thought of right away.

[Chriscon7]

Yeah we need a price range, cause we're all over the board here haha

[Baden]

The newer Style Honda Civics allow for taller people I believe. You might try and test drive one of them. Maybe a recent model Malibu or Fusion? or are you looking for more of a sporty car?

Forgot the important part, up to 15,000. My girlfriend has a 2003 Honda Accord that has the 3.0 VTEC that is a rocket, which I really don't think having two of them would be necessary, but its not out of the question. My mom had a 2003 impala which I really liked, so that was an option to go with your malibu idea, I prefer the size of the impala over the malibu (except for the newer ones are almost identical).

I guess I am going for the sporty sedan, kind of an oxy moron, but you guys know what I mean. I test drove two cars and was on the fence about both, but I was getting ideas.

2004 Audi A4; too small inside
2006 300c hemi; its a boat where my pickup is a tank and almost preferred driving my pickup.

I still have a few I was looking to drive today, a 2007 Saab 9-3, 2006 subaru legacy 2.5, and possible a 2008 impala ss.

[Baden]

I recently picked up a 95 Chevy Corsica for $100, so far I've spent about $600 upgrading and replacing parts. It's getting low 30's MPG so far, but i've got the 2.2, which is a rough, but tough 4-cylinder. The V6 models are much more powerful, but would still be able to get high 20's in MPG. They are easy to find, dirt cheap to fix and purchase, in my experience. The 2DR equivalent is the Beretta, which is a nice car as well, it was always the stepchild of the GM FWD car line.

I'd also look into a Caprice/Impala, more specifically from 91-96 (especially 96!). The 80's box Caprice's were able to get mid 20's highway MPG with carb engines and OD, the "bubble" cars are even more aerodynamic and efficient. Plus, the C4 Vette's LT1 350 was available in the later years, for a very quick and satisfying sedan.

There are lots of options, but those are 2 that I thought of right away.

My buddy's dad has a 1996 impala with the lt1 he is trying to sell, he said I should buy it. I am trying to stick to 2000 and newer but, an older reliable vehicle is always an option.

[SolMan98]

My buddy's dad has a 1996 impala with the lt1 he is trying to sell, he said I should buy it. I am trying to stick to 2000 and newer but, an older reliable vehicle is always an option.

If this price is right, you might have a winner here....

[Chriscon7]

My friend has a 99 Saab 9-3 turbo. Fast little car, but not the most reliable thing in the world, but Saab may have changed since then cause i think they are owned by someone else.
A fun car to have would be an Accord with the 3.5L V-tec with a 6 speed manual trans.

Atleast your looking at somewhat exciting cars that can pack a bit of a punch when ya need it! :biggrin:

[masterhacker]

I say get a older body style grand Prix with a 3.8L, I've owned 2 a 97 and a 02, 97 ran for like 380,000 miles 02 had 130,000 when i traded it to my sister. plus they can be picked up super cheap. Avoid the supercharged ones most of those were beat to ****

[ToyHauler]

plus the sc ones get 20mpg or less same with the 08 impala ss. ive always dug monte carlos, and im six foot. my 07 3500 flex engine has 224hp, gets real world 30mpg local and 34 hwy and has the most room for a bigger person of any gm ive tried. i also had a 3400 03 monte put a ton of miles on that same or better mileage just not as much power but still pretty quick. i had a neon before, a few other small things but not worth giving up what you get in space/ trunk/ room to work on the engine reliability that either the 3400 or 3500 monte's have when you are getting the same mileage.

[Chriscon7]

1996 Impala with an LT1....sounds good, BUT its ugly as sh!t

[Baden]

My friend has a 99 Saab 9-3 turbo. Fast little car, but not the most reliable thing in the world, but Saab may have changed since then cause i think they are owned by someone else.
A fun car to have would be an Accord with the 3.5L V-tec with a 6 speed manual trans.

Atleast your looking at somewhat exciting cars that can pack a bit of a punch when ya need it! :biggrin:

See, exactly what I was going for. I have never had anything less than a 5.7; ive always had a FSC. But in the sense of a car, I still want power. I don't want to have to get a mile run at everything if I go to pass and when I wana go, I want it to be now.

From what I have seen so far, all of you guys are on about the same page I am when it comes to getting a good idea of what car to get. All of my friends are car owners and don't really understand why I am still looking for power in a car, but you guys do.

[nick613]

What about a CTS? or even better a CTS V, probably what I'd be rocking if I didn't need a truck.

[Baden]

What about a CTS? or even better a CTS V, probably what I'd be rocking if I didn't need a truck.

Well, I am keeping the pickup, Just tired of commuting with it. It has a brand new engine in it as well, so it will be around for a while. I have looked into a few cts' but I cannot really find one I like. I did find a cts-v at 18k which is over my price range, but definitely work looking at.

The car(s) I have always wanted are a Lancer Evo 7 or 8 and a 2005 GTO, LS2 with a 6 speed. But you can't find either one of them around here for a decent price that haven't had the crap driven out of them.

[TheBigMortboski]

I see GTOs all over the place around the Everett/Seattle area for about that money. The thing with those is that they were owned by older people, who don't rod on them as much as, say, I would. Take the drive over, you'll be glad you did.

The other cars you have described will kill you on insurance and maintenance costs.

[Baden]

I see GTOs all over the place around the Everett/Seattle area for about that money. The thing with those is that they were owned by older people, who don't rod on them as much as, say, I would. Take the drive over, you'll be glad you did.

The other cars you have described will kill you on insurance and maintenance costs.

SeaTac is the area I have found the majority of them. Getting over there is a hassle sometimes with work, but I have been debating the option of getting over there and buying one. But, I would want to make sure I fit in one prior to going over; so I would find one here to test drive.

A note if no one knew, Saab was "GM" owned from 2002ish to 2010ish.

[TheBigMortboski]

I'm 6'3", so maybe I'll test drive one for you. For, ahem, research.

[SUBURBIAN]

I say get a older body style grand Prix with a 3.8L, I've owned 2 a 97 and a 02, 97 ran for like 380,000 miles 02 had 130,000 when i traded it to my sister. plus they can be picked up super cheap. Avoid the supercharged ones most of those were beat to ****

This. These cars are great. The Buicks, the Pontiacs, and even the chevys with 3800 engines. Great cars. I've had a couple of Bonnevilles, a Grand Prix, a Century, a LeSabre, even a Delta 88. I guess there's something wrong with me, I'm proud of my GM vehicles.

[Baden]

This. These cars are great. The Buicks, the Pontiacs, and even the chevys with 3800 engines. Great cars. I've had a couple of Bonnevilles, a Grand Prix, a Century, a LeSabre, even a Delta 88. I guess there's something wrong with me, I'm proud of my GM vehicles.

Nothing wrong with that. All of which are good suggestions.

[Chriscon7]

See, exactly what I was going for. I have never had anything less than a 5.7; ive always had a FSC. But in the sense of a car, I still want power. I don't want to have to get a mile run at everything if I go to pass and when I wana go, I want it to be now.

From what I have seen so far, all of you guys are on about the same page I am when it comes to getting a good idea of what car to get. All of my friends are car owners and don't really understand why I am still looking for power in a car, but you guys do.
My first car was an saturn 4 banger with an auto, great little car, but you drive it one time in any area with a hill and you'll never want a N/A 4 cylinder, I guarantee it. I definitely understand your want of some decent power.

[ToyHauler]

This. These cars are great. The Buicks, the Pontiacs, and even the chevys with 3800 engines. Great cars. I've had a couple of Bonnevilles, a Grand Prix, a Century, a LeSabre, even a Delta 88. I guess there's something wrong with me, I'm proud of my GM vehicles.

the 3800 is as reliable as a 350 if taken care of but i get 28 with my sse and 34 with my monte and the monte is faster

[masterhacker]

avoid Saturn I've worked on quite a few, 70% suck, and the other 30% are indestructible. Also avoid Kia and hyundai 99% suck 1% are decent. Unless you plan on getting a new car every 3 years they are complete and utter crap, Most barley make it past 100,000 miles, plus you cant get parts for them unless you go to the dealer. every kia/hyundai ive ever worked on had sever front end problems, normally bad cv joints, ball joints and tierod ends, wheel bearings and they eat brakes like nothing ive ever seen before (the minivans need brakes like every 15,000 miles, and that's with wagners on there), also im pretty sure that the sub frames come out of whack from the factory because most have alignment issues. also i forgot to mention the horrible wiring that they use. OOoh and finally trannys suck, They are so bad that the manuals dont even last very long Ive seen them go out at 35,000 miles, I expect at least 200,000 out of a manual tranny, maybe 95-120K out of a clutch

[Wilson_F]

I suggest Ford car from Ford Focus Spokane (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tb4emAkNOg). I bought my teen a used Ford vehicle (www.cardealexpert.com/dealer/80570/WA-Spokane-Gus-Johnson-Ford) because I did not want to share mine. I ended up going to a great car dealership in Spokane I came across at a website online. The website showed me all the dealerships in my area. I got an excellent used car that was still in good condition for a cheap price.

[97bowty]

the cobalts truly arent that bad for tall people. ive driven 3 and fit just fine and im 6ft 1. they are pretty reliable and get great gas, especially the manuals. and the ss versions are quicker than you might think. just my suggestion. :cool:

[19trax95]

I would look into a Subaru. I'm 6'7" and I fit snugly (but not uncomfortable) into my friends impreza. I believe he gets great MPG and that thing is fast. He's got the wrx, but that shouldn't change the size of the inside. (Except for different seats)

[burt]

This. These cars are great. The Buicks, the Pontiacs, and even the chevys with 3800 engines. Great cars. I've had a couple of Bonnevilles, a Grand Prix, a Century, a LeSabre, even a Delta 88. I guess there's something wrong with me, I'm proud of my GM vehicles.

^this 3.8s are indestructible they regularly go till near 300,000 miles, and they're fast to boot

[Chriscon7]

Ehh, the 3.8's are ok for power/fast.

[Baden]

Ill rock the LS1 in my goat until, well, I dont know when. Does what I need, gets decent mileage, and pulls like a 14 year old with a playboy....I couldnt really ask for more.

[subydude]

I would look into a Subaru. I'm 6'7" and I fit snugly (but not uncomfortable) into my friends impreza. I believe he gets great MPG and that thing is fast. He's got the wrx, but that shouldn't change the size of the inside. (Except for different seats)

+100 for subarus. i own a wrx. safe, fun and fast! great awd and ill prolly always own one. im 6 foot and fit easily in the car very comfortably

[ToyHauler]

+100 for subarus. i own a wrx. safe, fun and fast! great awd and ill prolly always own one. im 6 foot and fit easily in the car very comfortably


what kind of real world mileage do they get? i really like them, i drove them the last two times i was looking for a dd. but i got a monte both times, the 03 3.4 and the 3500 i got now do 0-60 in 7.5 and get over 30 in normal rural driving and over 34 in hwy. the big deal is they both are about 25k new but the monte you could get for 15k a year old and none of the subaru's had any kind of deals

[ToyHauler]

+100 for subarus. i own a wrx. safe, fun and fast! great awd and ill prolly always own one. im 6 foot and fit easily in the car very comfortably


what kind of real world mileage do they get? i really like them, i drove them the last two times i was looking for a dd. but i got a monte both times, the 03 3.4 and the 3500 i got now do 0-60 in 7.5 and get over 30 in normal rural driving and over 34 in hwy. the big deal is they both are about 25k new but the monte you could get for 15k a year old and none of the subaru's had any kind of deals

[subydude]

they are a little pricey new and hard to find unbeaten used but the mileage is not bad. i get around mid to high twenties but thats with several long hard pulls on each tank. if i baby it it can reach 30 with no problem.

[subydude]

also the six speed sti would give better mileage. on the highway i cruise at about 3 grand at 70 -80 mph with the 5 speed in the wrx

[masterhacker]

also the six speed sti would give better mileage. on the highway i cruise at about 3 grand at 70 -80 mph with the 5 speed in the wrx

My brother in law had a impreeza wrx sti, they get crap gas milage, plus you have to run premium. babying his he was lucky to get 24 highway, and i mean babying it to the point that traffic got pissed. he traded it straight up for a non turbo one like 2 months later from the same dealer he bought it from,. He made $6800/month from investments and a trust fund he got when his grandpa died, he also had access to large amount of cash in some bank accounts he inherated-put it this way he paid for the sti in cash, also bought my sister a G6 GXP with cash

[ToyHauler]

it would be cool if you only wanted one car as a toy and dd but ive learned they should be separate because you mess with stuff then it breaks and if its your ride to work its a big problem. so the wrx is too expensive for a toy my firebird is faster with a third of the cost and doesnt get enough gas mileage for a dd

[subydude]

^ good point keeping toys and dd's separate. it can get expensive quick. but even a NA impreza is still very reliable and safe with the same awd system. sorry guys but ithink you can tell i love these cars haha

[masterhacker]

it would be cool if you only wanted one car as a toy and dd but ive learned they should be separate because you mess with stuff then it breaks and if its your ride to work its a big problem. so the wrx is too expensive for a toy my firebird is faster with a third of the cost and doesnt get enough gas mileage for a dd

is your firebird modified? I think a stock firebird would have trouble keeping up with a impreza wrx sti, I know lancer Evo X's can take corvettes off the line, I imagine that a imprezas should too, you can defiantly make them faster for 1/3 the price

[ToyHauler]

stock firebird like mine had a hard time keeping up to the neon i had. the engine is a 400hp crate engine that i did some more work to, the trans is a th400 i had custom made with a custom tq from a racing trans shop, the suspension and rear axle have been changed out too. ive also put it on an incredible diet, nothing left that isnt involved in making the car go fast. i dont know anything about evo's. i wouldnt be afraid of corvettes, ive beaten a bunch. they are hard to drive fast, they should be able to keep up to me on paper but most cant. all that being said the wrx's i was looking at were over 30k minimum and i probably have 10 into my car

[Stratosman]

You can get 1 million different used cars for under $15,000. If you are going to spend all $15,000, get a Honda as they hold their value better than any other cars. If you want to spend less, look at other brands too. There isn't anything I'd tell you to stay away from other than Chrysler products. Most all newer cars are very reliable. Honda doesn't have a fleet program so their numbers are way lower, so they're worth more. Plus they are made better IMHO. I'm a Chevy truck guy and a Honda car guy.

You can even get into a lot of Acuras (Hondas) for $15,000. Most other brands are very good, Chevy included, but a $15,000 other brand is worth $1200 when it's worn out (Toyotas a little better), but a worn out Honda in good shape is always worth $2500.

You can even get a nice CTS-V for $15,000.

The possibilities are limitless really.

[subydude]

stock firebird like mine had a hard time keeping up to the neon i had. the engine is a 400hp crate engine that i did some more work to, the trans is a th400 i had custom made with a custom tq from a racing trans shop, the suspension and rear axle have been changed out too. ive also put it on an incredible diet, nothing left that isnt involved in making the car go fast. i dont know anything about evo's. i wouldnt be afraid of corvettes, ive beaten a bunch. they are hard to drive fast, they should be able to keep up to me on paper but most cant. all that being said the wrx's i was looking at were over 30k minimum and i probably have 10 into my car

i kno of a few low 10 second subies around that would love to have that firebird behind them on a 1/4 mile. oh, with half the cylinders too

[Chevy53]

Buddy of mine has a 400hp subi thing is quick love riding in it


-Ziggy-

[2quik6]

i kno of a few low 10 second subies around that would love to have that firebird behind them on a 1/4 mile. oh, with half the cylinders too
Boost is an addictive thing :) He needs a supercharger on that firebird to rock all over those light boosted cars :D

[masterhacker]

If i was to go pick up a car right this moment i would get a mazda speed 6, or maybe a nissan sentra spec V my buddy had one and we had alot of fun with that car

[ToyHauler]

its all about how much money you have, if i were to spend the same amount on my car to make up the difference in cost, mine would be way faster. i could do a twin turbo ls for 20k

and my car isnt any heavier than those things at this point

[masterhacker]

I say you install big ol supercharger on your firebird they are fun as ****. my buddy had a Thunderbird super-coupe he installed a aftermarket supercharger on and that thing moved like stink, he also did head work, cam, headers, injectors, tuning etc

[ToyHauler]

im accepting donations and sponsorship ill let you know where to send it, lol

[subydude]

i think we are a little off topic here. in reality if i were to buy a new car not for fun right now i would prolly go with a Hyundai just because they have the best warranty out there. or to stick with the chevys possibly a volt. the thought of getting gas once or twice a month is awesome. a used car i would go with a toyota. cant kill those damn things

[Baden]

Haha, it was entertaining to read it all.

I ended up with a 2004 GTO.

[ToyHauler]

those are nice, the gas would kill me though i have a long commute. and during the winter if i have to drive the yukon its up to about 20/day in gas so i need a fwd thats good on gas. you dont see gto's or camaros and that around here during the winter

[Baden]

those are nice, the gas would kill me though i have a long commute. and during the winter if i have to drive the yukon its up to about 20/day in gas so i need a fwd thats good on gas. you dont see gto's or camaros and that around here during the winter

The mileage isn't bad, low to mid 20s. It will go away for the winter and I will start driving my pickup again, I just have to piece it back together from when it was stolen.

[masterhacker]

i think we are a little off topic here. in reality if i were to buy a new car not for fun right now i would prolly go with a Hyundai just because they have the best warranty out there. or to stick with the chevys possibly a volt. the thought of getting gas once or twice a month is awesome. a used car i would go with a toyota. cant kill those damn things

NONONONONOONONOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, hyundais/kias are by no stretch of the imagination a good car, if you buy one put 50K on it then sell it or trade it in they are amazing cars, if you are buying one for the long haul that is a foolish move, I've worked on probably 30 of them and at 100-120K they are usually shot, trannys, brakes, engines, interior. Plus their warrenty isnt that great, my buddy bought a kia that developed a horrible tick and the oil light comes on, 5 kia dealerships refused to work on it unless he gives them $1700 as a diagnosis fee to pull it out and disasemble it. Belive me if you buy one youl regret it, like I said they are good if you trade them in every couple of years, the people who love them and praise them do that. You want another example of how bad they are, my other bought a santefe, and that is on engine #3, each time they have charged him that ridiculous diognosis fee before they would put the engine in, and he takes amazing care of his stuff, they are just turds of cars, ask any mechanich, or someone froma parts house

[Stratosman]

NONONONONOONONOOOOOOOOOOOOOO, hyundais/kias are by no stretch of the imagination a good car, if you buy one put 50K on it then sell it or trade it in they are amazing cars,

not even then, they depreciate more than any car other than Cadillacs/Buicks (due to the demographic of the buyer in those cases, old people are more easy to take advantage of at trade-in time)


OP-good call on the GTO, though it's not a sedan :aniteef:

[Baden]

not even then, they depreciate more than any car other than Cadillacs/Buicks (due to the demographic of the buyer in those cases, old people are more easy to take advantage of at trade-in time)


OP-good call on the GTO, though it's not a sedan :aniteef:

Yeah, I was waiting for someone to say something to me about it, oh well. I don't have kids and not married, so no need for a sedan yet. We were sitting fine since the GF had a 2003 honda accord, but someone ran a stop sign and totaled it 3 weeks after I got my car....so yeah. When the time comes I will probably just nut up and trade towards a G8. :) And If I dont wana trade it, just another reason to finally buy a CCSB I have wanted forever. I still have my ECSB that will do the trick, but wouldn't mind a CCSB.

[Brucekoukalaka]

My wife and I own 5 vehicles, The 83 Sierra, '53 International, '04 Crapolier, and an '01 Exploder. We're giving my daughter the little chevy (2.2) and I might have to break down and pick up a newer truck for myself. The '83 is very rough, 'Binder is nowhere near finished, and the Ford is hers. I swear we'll never own another small p***pot of a car again! Just bought a 1953 R160 'Binder yesterday woohoo!!