Buying new car (non-BMW) Your thoughts.

[Optimus Prime]

Hello all,

My Wife's P.O.S. car has finally pissed me off for the last time. We'd hoped to wait on a new car for her until we had baught a house, but I can't wait any longer. It's been averaging $2000 in repairs every 6 months or so. Bad thing is, we still owe a couple grand more than we can get on trade in (domestic cars suck :thumbdwn: ) We're gonna sell the car (private party) for what we owe and buy her a new one. I'm not considering a BMW for her because, well, I'm a tightwad. Actually, I think buying a BMW now would really hurt our chance of getting a house in the next year. Anyways, we've narrowed it down to 2 cars that we like.

2004.5 Jetta GLI
Likes: Price, German Made, 6-speed, huge trunk, styling
Dislikes: Reliability conerns, FWD

2004.5 GLI includes:
1.8T, 6 speed, Recaro sport seats, 18" BBS wheels, Upgraded Audi TT brakes, Factory Body kit, lowered sport suspension, Brushed aluminum interior trim, moonroof, Powertrain warranty = 5yrs/60,000 miles.

Consumer Reports has the Jetta listed as a very unreliabile car, reading some VW forums for the past month reveals that they do have a fair number of issuses. However, these issues seemed to mainly be in the first two years of production. With this being almost the 4th year of production, there is a good chance all the kinks are finally worked out. I've been quoted at $23, 500 before TT&L


2004 Lexus IS300
Likes: Reliability, engine, RWD w/LSD, quality interior (IMHO), handling, HID lights.
Dislikes: Gas Milage, little more $$ than I wanted to spend

Includes:
3.0 inline six, 5 speed, leather, moonroof, 8-way power/heated driver and passenger seats, Torsen LSD, HID lights, Powertrain Warranty = 6yrs/70,000 miles.

Reliability, Reliability, Reliability. I've heard nothing but raves concerning Lexus's reliabiltiy, and at this point that is very, very important to me. I love the inline 6 and torsen LSD RWD. Driving at 8/10ths it felt very comparable to the BMW 3 series. We rarely if ever drive at anything more than 7/10ths, so I don't think we need to bring up that a 3 series whoops the IS300 at anything over 8/10s driving :) I was quoted $29,008 before TT&L.

Let me hear what you think.

[hockeynut]

Check out the Maxima, Accord V6, Acura TL.

Agreed on the Jetta...not sure why they have so many quality issues.

[Optimus Prime]

Check out the Maxima, Accord V6, Acura TL.

Agreed on the Jetta...not sure why they have so many quality issues.

Maxima, wife didn't like it.

Accord V6, fellow Engineer here at work bought one a year agao and has had nothing but problems. He's already looking to unload it. I've heard Honda's quality has started to slip, not gonna take my chances.

Acura TL, that car would be perfect if it was RWD. I'm not going spend that much $$$ on a FWD, and the closest dealer is 100+ miles away.

[LmtdSlip]

Do you have to buy new?

At those prices your options really open up if you look at cars that are two years old.

You could probably fairly easily get into a 2001 325i for those prices.

[Optimus Prime]

Do you have to buy new?

At those prices your options really open up if you look at cars that are two years old.

You could probably fairly easily get into a 2001 325i for those prices.

I'd really like to stay away from used. The last two used cars we got (including the one she has now) have been junk. I just don't trust that the car has been taken care of if it was traded in so quick. I want the piece of mind knowing that no one else has abused the car.

[Guest84]

Just my 2 cents. Both of you should focus on driving beater cars until you get a house if thats what your goal is. A house gains value, while a new car loses value.

[Optimus Prime]

Just my 2 cents. Both of you should focus on driving beater cars until you get a house if thats what your goal is. A house gains value, while a new car loses value.

That was the plan, but her car has become a liability with all the repair $$$. She needs a reliable car to get her to/from home/work/school. We actually would have had the car paid off by now if it wasn't for the $4k in yearly repairs. I'm afraid if we get a house and still have this car, we won't have the money to keep it running.

[LeucX3]

How about leasing a new Volvo S40. They new model looks sweet.

[P-Funk]

Maxima, wife didn't like it.

Accord V6, fellow Engineer here at work bought one a year agao and has had nothing but problems. He's already looking to unload it. I've heard Honda's quality has started to slip, not gonna take my chances.

Acura TL, that car would be perfect if it was RWD. I'm not going spend that much $$$ on a FWD, and the closest dealer is 100+ miles away.

We have an '03 accord V6 6spd with the navi. Its a great car and we've had no problems so far (9 months).

[Nick325xiT 5spd]

What about leasing a 325i? $300 a month is pretty damned attractive...

[The Roadstergal]

Mazda 6.

[Bill325Ci]

Ford F-150. Practical and reliable, although the mpg sucks. It's my second vehicle.

[Optimus Prime]

How about leasing a new Volvo S40. They new model looks sweet.

We took it out for a test drive, didn't like it at all. Drove the T5 (Slushbox :thumbdwn: )
Ride was harsh, power felt so-so, windshield felt like it was closing in on you, trunk had one of the worst openings EVER. Overall it got a big :thumbdwn: from both of us.

The Accord may be alright, but I really don't like FWD. I really can't stand that the Jetta is FWD, but I can get over it because the price if fairly good and it's such a nice looking German car.

I'm thinking about just selling the current car, and letting the wife drive my truck. I'll ride the motorcycle everywhere until the winter. I dunno. The only thing with riding the bike is that it takes longer to put all the gear on and what not than it does to actually get to work, especially when it's sub 70 degree weather. Once it gets warmer and I don't have to worry about the heavy jacket and pants, maybe it'll be a little easier.

[PhilH]

Here's another vote for the Mazda 6. We're actually replacing our '98 Passat wagon with a Mazda 6 wagon as soon as we're comfortable in our new house later this year. It's more sporty and unique than your basic Accord/Camry, but not as expensive as a Lexus.

My personal experience has been that VW quality sucks.

[AK]

If you're looking to save a few bux, I'd even vote for a Mazda3. Get the 5-door version. It's a helluva car for the money. I drove one and I was pretty shocked at how good it was. Doesn't feel cheap at all (even though it is, you can get one with ABS, xenons and even leather for a hair under $20K).

[AF]

I'd highly recommend 3 cars not on your list

The Mazda 6 which is a beautiful car both in & out and very reliable, has a great 6 Cylinder engine, excellent manual trasmission and did I say this car looks good :D

The Honda Accord EX - another winner and Honda's have a driver's flare though i don't think you can get a Manual with the 6 cylinder so you'd have to stick withthe 4 if you want a stick


The Acura TSX - for $27k this car looks damn good also but since the dealer is so far away from you, it might not be a consideration.

As far as the Jetta, isn't that getting a redesign very soon ? Also the IS300 is a great car but it is on the small side and for less money I'd go with the Mazda 6 or the Acura TSX.

[AJAX]

Acura TL, that car would be perfect if it was RWD. I'm not going spend that much $$$ on a FWD, and the closest dealer is 100+ miles away.


Agree that FWD sucks, but it isn't that bad. As far as the other, you'll hardly ever have to go back!

[racerdave]

G35?

FWIW, I didn't think much of the IS300. I thought it was overpriced for what it was. Some people think it's a competitor to a 325, but I actually think the 325 is a better value. To me, the IS should be a 25k car, max.

A G35 6mt can be had for probably about 28.5 with no options... but that "no option" version has leather, 6-disc changer, power seats, etc. And a boat load of power.

I'd choose it over an IS300... FWIW.

[gojira-san]

What about a Camry or Corolla? Yeah I know plain vanilla but they just run. My wife has owned 5 Toyotas in the 25 or so years I've known her (2 Corolla, 3 Camry), and they have all been very good. You can get one for much cheaper than a Lexus and save some $$ for the house. My 0.02.

--pete

[LmtdSlip]

If money is that tight than I wouldnt be considering an ~ $30K car.

[Optimus Prime]

G35?

FWIW, I didn't think much of the IS300. I thought it was overpriced for what it was. Some people think it's a competitor to a 325, but I actually think the 325 is a better value. To me, the IS should be a 25k car, max.

A G35 6mt can be had for probably about 28.5 with no options... but that "no option" version has leather, 6-disc changer, power seats, etc. And a boat load of power.

I'd choose it over an IS300... FWIW.

I'd love the G35, but like Acura the nearest dealer is 100+ miles away.

[racerdave]

I think you meant Infiniti? ;)

[bavarian19]

If money is that tight than I wouldnt be considering an ~ $30K car.

:stupid:


I dont know if some of these 30k cars are something you should be looking at. I would have to agree with anything Toyota if you are going for reliability.

[bavarian19]

I think you meant Infiniti? ;)

No, he previously stated that the acura dealership is 100miles away... the infiniti dealership is probably around the same area :dunno:

[Optimus Prime]

If you're looking to save a few bux, I'd even vote for a Mazda3. Get the 5-door version. It's a helluva car for the money. I drove one and I was pretty shocked at how good it was. Doesn't feel cheap at all (even though it is, you can get one with ABS, xenons and even leather for a hair under $20K).

I took everyones advice on the Mazda 3 and 6. Went to the dealer at lunch. Only had time to drive the 3. The one I drove was a fully loaded 5-door with a manual. I was impressed. I get the X-plan, so I should be able to get a fully loaded model for a real good price. I couldn't believe all the options that were included in that price, and it drove well and had plenty of room (for a sub $20k car)

I feel a lot better about the Mazda than the other cars. I really wasn't looking forward to financing $30k+, but I was really drawn towards the reliability of Lexus. I'll be taking the wife to the dealer after work. If she likes it, we may have found ourselves a winner.

Thanks guys.

[AF]

What about a Camry or Corolla? Yeah I know plain vanilla but they just run. My wife has owned 5 Toyotas in the 25 or so years I've known her (2 Corolla, 3 Camry), and they have all been very good. You can get one for much cheaper than a Lexus and save some $$ for the house. My 0.02.

--pete
Pete,

How do you like the drive of the Camry . . . the Accord though it might not be a sports sedan is definiately a driver's car. If I remember the last time I drove a camry I remember it being more towards the neutrel side rather then being on the driver's type side ... what's your opinion of it ?

Alan

[AF]

I took everyones advice on the Mazda 3 and 6. Went to the dealer at lunch. Only had time to drive the 3. The one I drove was a fully loaded 5-door with a manual. I was impressed. I get the X-plan, so I should be able to get a fully loaded model for a real good price. I couldn't believe all the options that were included in that price, and it drove well and had plenty of room (for a sub $20k car)

I feel a lot better about the Mazda than the other cars. I really wasn't looking forward to financing $30k+, but I was really drawn towards the reliability of Lexus. I'll be taking the wife to the dealer after work. If she likes it, we may have found ourselves a winner.

Thanks guys.
Mazda's are very reliable, I had a 97 Millenia 'S' for 18 months and it didn't have a even one problem :yikes: . . . in fact I only went to the dealer for oil changes.

My RX8 has been trouble free though it's only about 3 months old.

Also I picked up a 99 Mazda 626 and besides for normal maintenance items the car with 68,000 miles on it drives beautifully and everything works perfectly. I highly recommend Mazda !!!

[Optimus Prime]

Mazda's are very reliable, I had a 97 Millenia 'S' for 18 months and it didn't have a even one problem :yikes: . . . in fact I only went to the dealer for oil changes.

My RX8 has been trouble free though it's only about 3 months old.

Also I picked up a 99 Mazda 626 and besides for normal maintenance items the car with 68,000 miles on it drives beautifully and everything works perfectly. I highly recommend Mazda !!!

That's real good to hear. Reliability is very important to me at this point. I was very impressed with the 3. The manual was one of the best I've driven. I just priced out the car we would want through the "S-plan" (ford X-plan) $18,368 before TT&L (this includes a $500 college grad incentive)

Includes:
5-door "S" version with the more powerful 4 banger, ABS, Side Curtian air bag, side impact air bag, Brake force distribution, Xenon Headlamps, Moonroof, 6-disc indash CD changer, Leather seats.

That's one heck of a deal in my book. Throw in the fact that the dealer will give you a loaner if you need service work and I'm pretty much sold. Just need the Wifes approval.

[Hercules]

That's real good to hear. Reliability is very important to me at this point. I was very impressed with the 3. The manual was one of the best I've driven. I just priced out the car we would want through the "S-plan" (ford X-plan) $18,368 before TT&L (this includes a $500 college grad incentive)

Includes:
5-door "S" version with the more powerful 4 banger, ABS, Side Curtian air bag, side impact air bag, Brake force distribution, Xenon Headlamps, Moonroof, 6-disc indash CD changer, Leather seats.

That's one heck of a deal in my book. Throw in the fact that the dealer will give you a loaner if you need service work and I'm pretty much sold. Just need the Wifes approval. Then you can start to use my site and get all the details on the 3 :)

Additionally, I should point out.. I think Mazda has been pretty reliable as compared to any Japo car, except for the regular Millenia (non-S), as it had tranny problems.

Aside from that though... pretty reliable through and through. Glad to see more people getting Mazdas and actually liking them OVER Honda :)

Great cars from lots of different companies nowadays.

[gojira-san]

How do you like the drive of the Camry . . . the Accord though it might not be a sports sedan is definiately a driver's car. If I remember the last time I drove a camry I remember it being more towards the neutrel side rather then being on the driver's type side ... what's your opinion of it ?
AlanFirst off my wife buys what she likes and I buy what I like. We don't go car shopping together. That might cause :violent: Our tastes are... different :rofl:

OK, on to the car... I also mentioned this car in this thread since you can get a competent car at a reasonable price. Bottom line though, it is a neutral, competent car but not a driver's car.

My wife has had 3 of the 4 last body styles: an 88, a 96 and now an 02. She does not buy the high-end models, either the low end or middle. The 88 and 96 were 4 cyl and the 02 is a 6 cyl. All of them have been automatics.

The '02 is probably the best handling of these 3. However, the steering is too light for my taste and hard to feel on center. The car will do what you need it to do in emergencies though. It is quiet on the highway and the suspension works pretty well. It is not an extraordinarily flingable car, but it won't do anything stupid if you try to drive it like a sports car. The brakes are better than the 96 for sure but still a bit hard to modulate, again not dangerous but just not a sporty car. This car does have ABS (it is an option)

Power with the V6 (192hp) is good; the car is resonably quick off the line even with the family in it but if you really stomp on it you'll feel some torque steering. (Still no match for my 330 though; darn I was trying to keep the bias out of this! :) ) Passing speeds on the highway are reasonable. You just have to make sure the auto drops a gear and it will scoot.

The seat bottom is very flat so there is no lateral support and my thighs get sore driving it for a long time. It has a little more headroom than the '96 but I still have to sort of bend down a bit because of the rake of the windscreen (I am 6' but long in the torso). The trunk is big and her car does have fold-down seats (don't know if that is an option). Controls are all simple and easy to use; Toyota's wiper/lamp/cruise controls are pretty much the same across the model lines. They finally redesigned the trunk hinges too so they don't hang down into the trunk.

Her older 4cyl models got around 30 to 32 mpg on the highway. I think this car gets around 25-28 mpg. If I am driving the mileage is usually lower though. :rofl:

Of course, the Toyota reliability comes into play. I don't think she has done anything major on any of the cars she has owned, just the std. maintenance. The last two cars were traded in with mileage around 100,000 (I think 120,000 on the '88 and the '96 at around 98,000)

A little long but hope it answers the questions!

--pete

[The Roadstergal]

That's real good to hear. Reliability is very important to me at this point. I was very impressed with the 3. The manual was one of the best I've driven. I just priced out the car we would want through the "S-plan" (ford X-plan) $18,368 before TT&L (this includes a $500 college grad incentive)

I have had two Miatae, a friend has had two, my sister and another friend have Proteges... they've all been very reliable, inexpensive cars, and they have an element of driving <i>fun</I> to them that doesn't show up on paper but that Mazda does well. My brother is impressed with the 6 and thinking of it to complement his E34.

[Optimus Prime]

I have had two Miatae, a friend has had two, my sister and another friend have Proteges... they've all been very reliable, inexpensive cars, and they have an element of driving <i>fun</I> to them that doesn't show up on paper but that Mazda does well. My brother is impressed with the 6 and thinking of it to complement his E34.
:banana: :beerchug:

[Clarke]

, I had a 97 Millenia 'S' for 18 months
!!!Is that a record for you?;)

[AF]

Is that a record for you?;)
lol . . . I think it might have been :D :p

[Optimus Prime]

Just spent the evening at the dealer. Wife really liked the Mazda3, but I think we may be getting a Mazda6. We took a loaded Mazda6 out for a test drive and walked away fairly impressed, but for $26k we weren't sure it was a better value than the Mazda3.

Then we find out that there are $2500 in incentives ($1500 for the Mazda6, $500 college grad, $500 for something else that I can't remember) Add this to the S-plan (which is usually $12 under invoice) and we're looking at $21k for a car that stickers at $26. They have a car we like on the lot (Pepple Ash with the Biege leather interior), and I don't see any reason we don't go sign the papers tomorrow.

If it wasn't for you guys I would have completely overlooked the Mazda6. My deepest thanks.

[PhilH]

Cool.

It's unusual for a guy to ask for new car advice on an internet board, get a fresh idea, and actually take action on it. :yikes:

I'm looking forward to getting our Mazda 6 wagon ASAP (or at least as soon as finances allow after we empty our wallets on our new house).

[PhilH]

Here's a good comparison test with the Mazda 6...

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/comparison/articles/101056/page017.html

The Bottom Line: Not the biggest or the most practical of today's family sedans, but by far the most entertaining. Our top choice for driving-enthusiasts-turned-parents.

[bmw325]

I'm also quite impressed w/ the Mazda 3 and 6. I haven't driven them yet, but I looked at them very closely at the NY auto show. Overall, I think the 6 was one of my favorite sedans-- especially factoring in the whole package-- looks, reliability, features, price, etc.. The 3 is also very impressive-- its the same platform as the Volvo s40 btw. If I had to get a new car right now, I think it might be a Mazda 6.

[AF]

Congrats ... you made an excellent choice . . . that 6 is one good looking car !!
Plus I am sure it drives great !! I don't know if your financing it or not but if you go to Mazda's websdite they are promoting 0% financing for 36 months, 1.9% for 48 months, etc. I don't know if this is a choice between this rate or the rebates you are mentioning but it sounds like a great deal.

I hope you post pictures of it in this thread when you get it . . .

[Optimus Prime]

Congrats ... you made an excellent choice . . . that 6 is one good looking car !!
Plus I am sure it drives great !! I don't know if your financing it or not but if you go to Mazda's websdite they are promoting 0% financing for 36 months, 1.9% for 48 months, etc. I don't know if this is a choice between this rate or the rebates you are mentioning but it sounds like a great deal.

I hope you post pictures of it in this thread when you get it . . .

We only get rebate or the APR, since normal rates are still relatively low and we plan to pay it off within 14 months, the rebates are worth more than the APR would be.

I'm really glad you guys mentioned the Mazda's, for some reason they had flown right under my car radar. The 3 is a heck of a deal normally, but with $5k in savings the 6 is a great car at a price I really can't pass up. On top of all that, I finally convinced the wife the she needs a manual :thumbup: :bigpimp:

[racerdave]

The 6 is a nice car. I also think it's cool -- and a testament to the folks here -- that everyone on this board gave an unbiased 0.02 and didn't get snively when it wasn't a BMW being considered. :thumbup:

The only 6 I drove was at the Mazda Rev It Up, and I was pleasantly surprised. Not a bad car at all. I'm not in the market for FWD, but that indeed does seem like a good deal.

Good luck :)

[Optimus Prime]

The 6 is a nice car. I also think it's cool -- and a testament to the folks here -- that everyone on this board gave an unbiased 0.02 and didn't get snively when it wasn't a BMW being considered. :thumbup:


I have been rather impressed with the quality of posters here. I frequent other MB's that don't have a fraction of the class and intelligence most posters here have. It was for this reason I asked for advice here and no where else.

I'm very glad I did. :thumbup: to everyone

[beewang]

Another vote for the Mazda 3

We're looking to replacing wife's "commuter car" we were dead set on Toyota Corolla "S" loaded up. But on AK and a few other friends insistance, we checked out the Mazda 3 just for the heck of it.

Well... That really screwed us up, as the car is VERY IMPRESSIVE. That car is nimble as the bimmer. For the money and for what they give you, there is no way I can get the Toyota. I checked Consumer Report trying to determine the reliability of the Mazda, although too new for their opinion, but based on the historical inference of the mazda 6 and the protoge'3 , i feel VERY comfortable w/ the Mazda 3 predicted reliability :thumbup: .

Also, checked the IIHS.org for crash test result. Although they have not tested the Mazda 3, I decided to cross reference the Volvo S40 (they share the same platform). The S40 did quite well on iihs crash tests, so I am now VERY comfortable w/ the Mazda 3.

Spoke to my local dealer at Medford and after a short phone conversation, she agreed to sell it at her invoice cost. I called a few other dealers and they all told me to "go jump into crater lake" :confused: at the suggestion of invoice.

So I think we'll go w/ it. We will get a "owner loyalty rebate" due to my brother's pownership of his 12 years old Mazda B2000 truck :p

Now i need to find someone who attented Mazda Rev it up for the $250 Rev-it-up Coupon.
or buy one on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6755&item=2479184223&sspagename=rvi%3A1%3A3)

cheers,

beewang :bigpimp:

[Optimus Prime]

Another vote for the Mazda 3

We're looking to replacing wife's "commuter car" we were dead set on Toyota Corolla "S" loaded up. But on AK and a few other friends insistance, we checked out the Mazda 3 just for the heck of it.

Well... That really screwed us up, as the car is VERY IMPRESSIVE. That car is nimble as the bimmer. For the money and for what they give you, there is no way I can get the Toyota. I checked Consumer Report trying to determine the reliability of the Mazda, although too new for their opinion, but based on the historical inference of the mazda 6 and the protoge'3 , i feel VERY comfortable w/ the Mazda 3 predicted reliability :thumbup: .

Also, checked the IIHS.org for crash test result. Although they have not tested the Mazda 3, I decided to cross reference the Volvo S40 (they share the same platform). The S40 did quite well on iihs crash tests, so I am now VERY comfortable w/ the Mazda 3.

Spoke to my local dealer at Medford and after a short phone conversation, she agreed to sell it at her invoice cost. I called a few other dealers and they all told me to "go jump into crater lake" :confused: at the suggestion of invoice.

So I think we'll go w/ it. We will get a "owner loyalty rebate" due to my brother's pownership of his 12 years old Mazda B2000 truck :p

Now i need to find someone who attented Mazda Rev it up for the $250 Rev-it-up Coupon.
or buy one on ebay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6755&item=2479184223&sspagename=rvi%3A1%3A3)

cheers,

beewang :bigpimp:


I was very impressed with the 3. The value is amazing. Good engine, good driving dynamics, xenons, side curtain airbags, 6 disc CD, etc. If we hadn't gotten such a good deal on a fully loaded 6, we would have gotten the 3.