What car to get?

[oceania]

I think by next year I'll need to buy another car, my current one feels like it'll die on me soon (but I hope I'm wrong) so I'd like to keep my eyes open for good deals.

My preferences:

used car
$10-12k, max $15k
prefer Japanese or German
want to get manual stick, not automatic
environmentally friendly/fuel efficient


Any ideas what kind of car to consider - please include year, model and blue book price.

Thanks for any help.

[SkylineR34X]

2002-2004 BMW 3 series
Get the RWD if you wanna have fun, or get the AWD if you want more traction in the winter.

[afretes]

2003 or 2004 A4 1.8t quattro. Easy to mod and lots of fun in the snow!!!

[oceania]

I don't know what you guys mean "fun". I don't drive to have fun, just to get from point A to point B.

I don't want anything fancy or all the bells and whistle. All I hope it's a solid car that gives me the least amount of headaches and costs.

I'd also like to get a car that's newer than 2005

[fooit]

Toyota Yaris or Corolla, Honda Fit or Civic, VW Golf or Rabbit, Smart, just to name a few...

[c_snapper]

I don't know what you guys mean "fun". I don't drive to have fun, just to get from point A to point B.

I don't want anything fancy or all the bells and whistle. All I hope it's a solid car that gives me the least amount of headaches and costs.

I'd also like to get a car that's newer than 2005

based on these additional requirements, get a civic.

what 2005+ used german do you think you can get with 15k?

[KevC]

Hyundai Sonata

Oh wait .. you wanted manual. Hm. Civic or Corolla .. can't go wrong. Since you don't really want/need any creature comforts/styling ... you can also look at less popular brands to save a bit of money. Sentra, Protege, Lancer. Should be just as reliable if taken care of well.

[Quiggie]

what 2005+ used german do you think you can get with 15k?
Only a Golf or a Jetta.

[Piro21]

Buy an Astra. They're European, they're decent cars with good fuel efficiency, and the massive depreciation they suffer means you can almost get one brand new for 15k.

[afretes]

If you don't have fun while driving, it's because you never drove the right car. Do you really think you can find an '05 or newer German car for under $15k? Good luck!

I don't know what you guys mean "fun". I don't drive to have fun, just to get from point A to point B.

I don't want anything fancy or all the bells and whistle. All I hope it's a solid car that gives me the least amount of headaches and costs.

I'd also like to get a car that's newer than 2005

[boyoflondon]

2002-2004 BMW 3 series
Get the RWD if you wanna have fun, or get the AWD if you want more traction in the winter.

2003 or 2004 A4 1.8t quattro. Easy to mod and lots of fun in the snow!!!

OP never said he had thousands to spend on servicing the newly purchased car, so your suggestions would go out the window :lol:


If you don't have fun while driving, it's because you never drove the right car. Do you really think you can find an '05 or newer German car for under $15k? Good luck!

Out of all the people, I thought you would've known better ... CLICK (http://www.autotrader.ca/result/result.aspx?searchtype=adv&kw=&dp=&age=&kfr=1&kto=2000000&category=4000&mk=AUDI&md=A4&yfr=2005&yto=2010&pfr=0&pto=15000&postal=&distance=&city=&pro=ON&region=&type=&dm=7&mph=&rentalOnly=false&pricedOnly=&pl=true&dl=true&coao=&amvoq=&isparts=false&searchStatus=used&videoonly=false&view=list) :D

[oceania]

Thanks to everyone - Toyota, Honda and VV are all reputable car makers so I should be "safe" getting one of those.

My main concern is having something reliable that isn't known to break-down often. I have Nissan right now and I've generally been happy with it but it has some really weird problems that doesn't really affect the driving but it's a pain nonetheless.

Jetta, Civic or Yaris is what I was thinking of as well...

[UrbanPoet]

Thanks to everyone - Toyota, Honda and VV are all reputable car makers so I should be "safe" getting one of those.

My main concern is having something reliable that isn't known to break-down often. I have Nissan right now and I've generally been happy with it but it has some really weird problems that doesn't really affect the driving but it's a pain nonetheless.

Jetta, Civic or Yaris is what I was thinking of as well...

how about hyundai elantra ? for just under $15k you could get one thats practically new. In fact.... theres a deal i saw in the paper.. $11,995 for a Hyundai Elantra. Its most likely the bare bones model with manual... Out the door it'll probably be $15k.
It'll be brand spanking new, so you'll avoid a lot of head aches. They usually have a 5 year warranty, so that'll definately save you tons of headaches and give you piece of mind.

[onecoolloser]

If you don't have fun while driving, it's because you never drove the right car. Do you really think you can find an '05 or newer German car for under $15k? Good luck!


Out of all the people, I thought you would've known better ... CLICK (http://www.autotrader.ca/result/result.aspx?searchtype=adv&kw=&dp=&age=&kfr=1&kto=2000000&category=4000&mk=AUDI&md=A4&yfr=2005&yto=2010&pfr=0&pto=15000&postal=&distance=&city=&pro=ON&region=&type=&dm=7&mph=&rentalOnly=false&pricedOnly=&pl=true&dl=true&coao=&amvoq=&isparts=false&searchStatus=used&videoonly=false&view=list) :D

Haha he's too used to those ridiculous dealer markups :lol:

VWs are generally known for their reliability, but Jettas/Golfs are a better drive than a base civic or corolla. However, if you want reliability and no headaches, Civic or Corolla seems to fit your needs best.

[oceania]

Out of curiosity, year model/year of Acura could I get for under $15k? I've always wanted an Acura but they're probably out of my budget.

I'd also like my new car to last long as possible.

My Nissan is 11 years old, I've had it for 9. It has 300k (I bought it with 100k on) and it's given me minimal problems/cost but it's bad on gas, bunch of things don't work and looks like **** (still love it as it's my first car). I'm hoping I can get another year out of it, or at least the winter.

[oceania]

VWs are generally known for their reliability, but Jettas/Golfs are a better drive than a base civic or corolla. However, if you want reliability and no headaches, Civic or Corolla seems to fit your needs best.

What problems to VV give?

Another question, because most people drive automatic, is it more costly to get a manual repaired?

[boyoflondon]

Another question, because most people drive automatic, is it more costly to get a manual repaired?


With manual, you should not have issues unless you drive like a moron/or the person before you did as you would most likely have to replace the clutch. I had to do it on my old Accord as the previous owner did something ******** that I dont want to get into now ... replacement cost of the clutch was <$1000

[m4gician]

2004 Cadillac CTS :)

[win-star]

2003 - 2008 Toyota Corolla or Matrix or Camry
2000ish BMW 540i
Late 90s BMW 7 series

[SkylineR34X]

What problems to VV give?

Another question, because most people drive automatic, is it more costly to get a manual repaired?

By the responses, I can tell you are very clueless on cars.

VW are known for problems. This can partially be contributed to where they are assembled (Brazil and Mexico). Reason why I am saying this is because the same models that are built in Germany, and sold in Europe actually score alot better in quality surveys.

If you are inclining towards German, but restricted to your budget, you can look into a 2005+ VW Rabbit NOT Jetta. Again, Rabbits are assembled in Germany while Jetta is from Mexico. The Rabbits are fairly good on gas, and it is relatively reliable.

[Quiggie]

Why are cars assembled in Mexico of lower quality? VW's assembly plants still have to adhere to the same quality control standards defined by VW engineers regardless of where they are located, do they not?

[KawaiiTentacleBeast]

VW are known for problems. This can partially be contributed to where they are assembled (Brazil and Mexico). Reason why I am saying this is because the same models that are built in Germany, and sold in Europe actually score alot better in quality surveys.


Show me one example of a widespread VW defect that can be attributed to the final assembly in Mexico.

[PMREdmonton]

Some cars with good reliability that should be in your price range:

2006 Ford Fusion
2006 Hyundai Sonata
2006 Kia Magentis
2007 Hyundai Elantra
2006 Honda Civic
2006 Toyota Corolla

[oceania]

By the responses, I can tell you are very clueless on cars.



And your point in highlighting this is....?

[Quiggie]

Fight! Fight! Fight! :razz:

[mrfascination]

2006 Fusion is a great car...
German cars are great, but very $$ if anything goes wrong.. parts, etc.
However I am a VW fan..

Japanese are over priced and quality over-rated. Espically Toyota.

[oceania]

Fight! Fight! Fight! :razz:

Nope...I genuinely would like to know what the point is...sorry to disappoint you :lol:

mrfascination, that's good to know ...thanks!

[DaVibe]

My preferences:

prefer Japanese or German



Haha, racist. You're asking for opinions are you not? Just remember, they're opinions, not facts.

[ChaoZ]

An Acura TSX is a good pick, but I don't know if you could get a good one with that budget.

Mazda 3 is a nice pick. Practical, cheap to run, and relatively sporty compared to other cars in its class.

[ctrueman82]

2006 civic (new design) can be had for that cash, probably a 2007 if you look hard enough.

[zyphere]

Mazda 3 is a nice pick. Practical, cheap to run, and relatively sporty compared to other cars in its class.

I love the Mazda3 as a car. You can get an '07 for around 14K probably. Their resale value is not as high as Civics/Corollas so you can get a newer one for the same price. However, I would NOT recommend a used Mazda3 if you intend to keep it for 5+ years as they are notorious for rusting prematurely.

[Billa-786]

I love the Mazda3 as a car. You can get an '07 for around 14K probably. Their resale value is not as high as Civics/Corollas so you can get a newer one for the same price. However, I would NOT recommend a used Mazda3 if you intend to keep it for 5+ years as they are notorious for rusting prematurely.

mazda 6??? That is a pretty fun and relatively cheap car.....and the later years were more reliable. I think in the used car market they are close in price to used mazda 3's

[oceania]

As I mentioned that I would like to get a manual transmission car but I actually don't have much experience driving one (someone taught me for a couple of hours but that years ago). But I always said I want my next car to manual so I could learn. Just wondering if it's better to get a older/cheaper car and learn on there first before investing more money on a newer car.

I've also always wanted to get an Acura (I don't know why but I just do) but they generally cost more money than I want to spend.

So in order to fulfill both wants, I was thinking I could get a 1998-2002 Acura and learn on there (I have plenty of people to teach me as well). I was thinking under $5000 range.

Is this a good idea/plan?

[ChaoZ]

I'm guessing you mean an Integra? Sure, not a bad plan really, although you really have to watch for abused ones, especially at your price range. Hondas/Acuras are known to be good cars to learn stick on. Insurance will be high I think, though.

For a bit more, you can probably get yourself into a 3.2 CL. More power, and possibly cheaper insurance because it's not a street racer's choice car.

[lucretius]

[QUOTE=boyoflondon;9128837]OP never said he had thousands to spend on servicing the newly purchased car, so your suggestions would go out the window :lol:

LOL! So true!

[patron]

OP, im in 100% same boat as you. Looking for similar car, not sure if maybe to instead get a first cheaper car as well. I was looking at Acura 1.7ELs but not sure if ito go for that or maybe otherwise go for civic version of it. 2006/7 civics in our price range is a tough find