New car time is coming soon...

[wood_e]

I'm getting rid of the SHO in the next few months.

Couple of options i have:

1996 A4 Quattro 2.8, manual (90k)
- Full service History
- Was my friend's parents' car, hasn't been beaten on (original owners)
- Timing belt not done yet
- Good shape

This is probably my #1 option right now. They've been good friends on imne for over a decade, and they tried to sell it previously and no one bought it. They'll probably cut me a nice deal (probably 5750). The only problem I forsee is maintenance costs, but I like to do all work myself so I don't think it'd be a big deal... keyword: think

Finance/Lease (new or off lease)
Mazda 3
VW Golf/Jetta

I would try a BMW but all the BMWs around Iowa are beaten on by rich kids or are overpriced.

Anyone have any other suggestions for a new/newish car?

Wants:
Something other than FWD
Good driving experience

Needs:
Manual trans

 

[Tom]

The Mazda 3 would be a nice choice or you can wait until Fall and get the MazdaSpeed 3.

IMO: Golf/Jetta are a bit overpriced.

 

[wood_e]

Yeah, a MazdaSpeed 3 would be really fun!

 

[hosagod]

does a Scion Tc come in manual? Those are the hottest cars under $20k...

 

[bmw046series]

How about a Mini? Get a second hand one, and you will have GREAT resale value, really a good car.

 

[Big Daddy]

How about a Mini? Get a second hand one, and you will have GREAT resale value, really a good car.

Good point, used Minis are getting quite abundant around here at least.

 

[wood_e]

Yeah a tC is s nice looking car with toyota quality. A mini would be sweet, but I do like the useable size of my Taurus, so a Mini might be out. I'll have to drive one and if i fall in love... well... I might snap one up

 

[jrt67ss350]

I'm sure you are aware, but replacing the timing belt on those V6 Audis is a royal pain in the ass - a VERY big job due to the complete lack of room in the engine bay. We're talking removing the front bumper and underlying panels and stuff to get access. Probably why it hasn't been done yet.

Jettas are way overpriced for what they are and to get one equipped the right way, especially since the redesign.

I know a girl who has a Mazda 3, and I was pleasantly surprised by the car. It's a nicer car than I expected. However, it's still a FWD Mazda, and I'd definitely have trouble seeing myself driving one.

I also think the Mini is something to consider.

 

[epj3]

Who cares who drives BMW's out there. FWD = boring, AWD = cool but heavier and more shit to go wrong. BMW's I6's are insanely easy to work on in the e36. I'd say get a 325i or something. If you want AWD, screw the expensive to maintain audi's. Get a Subaru Impreza 2.5.

 

[mclarensmps]

My friend has a Mazda 3 and its a great car, but has near nil handling capabilities. Im not a big fan of Jetta's, a golf maybe...

Mini is a great option i think and if that were one of my options i would snap it up in a jiffy. If handling really does play a substantial part in your decision then def go for something with AWD (not all necessarily will handle well) or RWD. Bimmers may be hard to find, but if you get a good deal it will be worth it. Or Look for a Manual 190E... Rare, but they are around heh.

 

[jrt67ss350]

Or Look for a Manual 190E... Rare, but they are around heh.

There was a 5 speed manual 190E for sale down the street from me several months ago. They wanted $2000 for it, and it looked pretty nice. That's the only manual 190E I've ever seen.

 

[Pete K]

My first choice would still be a 328i. If you're patient I'm sure you can find a nice one.

My girlfriend just bought a Scion tC. It's a lot of car for the money. Put together well and performance is decent too.

I'd stay away from Audi/VW products. Lots of problems. There's a site out there called myvwlemon.com or something like it. Check out all the horror stories.

Some other ideas in your price range: Acura Integra GSR, Mitsu Eclipse with the V6, Maxima, Prelude, used WRX, or you could get one of the last Camaro Z28s. Here's an off the wall idea: an older Benz 400E. Those cars were rock solid. I think they only had slushboxes though.

Happy hunting.

 

[BMWdude]

I'd say try to look for an e36, if you have some time. I was in the same position as you a few weeks back. Was looking for a car and really wanted a Bimmer, but in my area they were no nice e36s. So I even started at looking at Japanese options such as the Integra and even the Honda Prelude SH, then one day while surfing on trader.ca I found my bimmer, '97 328i, went to check it out and bought it the next day! So what I'm saying is, hold off buying just any new car as long as you possibly can and if you don't find that right bimmer than get the A4.

 

[wood_e]

I'll have to search around more. A 328i would e nice, even a 325i. I just have to find the right one... that i can afford.

 

[epj3]

I'll have to search around more. A 328i would e nice, even a 325i. I just have to find the right one... that i can afford.

Well I can't speak for him but it sounds like dan might be looking for a new car, and I'm pretty sure his 328is is in good shape.

 

[Militant-Grunt]

Id consider the new GTi. That car is nothing but praise, on handling and performance and quality.. One of my friends just bought a 06 miata, decked out, for 25k. That car is a blast, we took a 20mph turn at nearly 65mph with the car being flat and level. But its a two seater convertible. His father has a mazda 3, fun little car, but as said before, its not big on handling.

 

[MrElussive]

It is hard to find a new inexpensive car that isn't FWD....are you willing to consider FWD?

 

[andreyiv]

Have you considred the Nissan 240SX? It is rather small though, not sure if that would be a downfall for you or not.

 

[wood_e]

I've been researching BMWs and found my insurance would increase by about $50 per 6 months. A 240SX would be a $13 increase. A GTI would decrease by $90. I asked my insurance co about my buddy's A4 and they said it would DECREASE by $130 per 6 months.

Since I'm paying that bill... the A4 would be the way to go. Then again, These are dependent on the year and other stuff.

As far as FWD goes... I mean, I can live with it, but why when I can probably get sometihng AWD/RWD for a ittle more? I don't enjoy FWD and I'm going to want a car I can enjoy every day.

 

[Pete K]

If you definitely want RWD with a manual trans. your choices are very limited. All I can think of are BMWs, Mustangs and Camaros. There are some nice RWD cars out there but they all have autos. There are some nice manual trans. sports cars/coupes out there but they're all FWD. I still think an E36 M3 in nice shape is the way to go. RWD, stick, sweet inline 6, great handling...what else could you ask for?