Support NeoGAF

[Laws00]

My car I loved, A 93 Chystler Concorde. I adopted from my mom in house circa 2003 finally became to expensive to fix.

Yesterday I went to dealerships to test drive a few cars. The one I wanted to drive the Toyotas/Scions no one came out to help me and my mother. The only person to help was a lady who I asked for the direction of the water fountain gave me a bottle of water from her lunch. Lol

Every other place I went to the Honda, auto lenders, Subaru were helpful.

I only test drove an Impreza. (I think my mom liked it more then me).I liked it but disappointed they they didn't have any (automatic) BRZs which I really wanted to drive.

I'm at the Chevy dealership with my mom getting her car fixed as we speak which is right next to all these other dealerships so I'm going to test drive hopefully some more cars.

I haven't driven many modern cars besides my moms Impala, my dads 200m and my sisters Jetta. I drive trucks all day and that's about the most modern vehicles I've driven.

I wasn't planning on driving the Subaru but I'm glad I did.

I'm leaning towards....

Scion: TC. I'm going to test drive a fr-s hopefully in less then an hour

Toyota: Camry SE, Corolla.

Honda: accord, civic
I don't have real interest in them besides reliability

I know I've seen post about you guys talking about Mazdas and how great they car and how car and driver likes them but they don't really interest me. My sister had a MX-3 was okay it just over heated a lot and mom had an MPV back in the day.

Tldr
What do you think of choices? What would you suggest.
I think I'm going to get a truck as a 2nd car...lol

 

[The_Dama]

Get a Honda accord or civic because it seems to me you don't change your car often. A Honda will last you forever if you take care of it.

 

[CharlieDigital]

Current Mazdas are very good.

You're setting yourself up for fail if you don't at least test drive the 2016 3.

Hyundai/Kia products have also come a long way; don't judge the badge. They are good cars that give you a lot of value for the money. Elantra/Forte, Sonata/Optima are all worth a test drive.

 

[Laws00]

Get a Honda accord or civic because it seems to me you don't change your car often. A Honda will last you forever if you take care of it.

I should test driven some. Told the guy on the list of my top choices it was in the middle to bottom.
The guy's name was Michael Myers no lie lol

 

[Laws00]

Current Mazdas are very good.

You're setting yourself up for fail if you don't at least test drive the 2016 3.

Hyundai/Kia products have also come a long way; don't judge the badge. They are good cars that give you a lot of value for the money. Elantra/Forte, Sonata/Optima are all worth a test drive.

I remember seeing a thread where you guys were talking about the 6 a lot. I'll give a 3 a go.

I've seen. Kias seem more hip for younger demo now. Hyundais I see like every other car on the road

 

[CharlieDigital]

Hyundais I see like every other car on the road

Kind of like Accords, Camry's, and Civics? ;-)

I've seen. Kias seem more hip for younger demo now.

Optima is a very "mature" car. I test drove the 2.0T and loved it (too impractical for my needs). Great engine and nice interior for the price.

 

[Ultima_5]

i have a '08 scion xb and absolutely love it. it drives well, gets decent milage (23'ish) and has a fuckton of room for storage. they're pretty reasonable too. I haven't had any problems with it and i've had it for like... 5 years? my dad had it for a few years before that aswell.

 

[Laws00]

Kind of like Accords, Camry's, and Civics? ;-)



Optima is a very "mature" car. I test drove the 2.0T and loved it (too impractical for my needs). Great engine and nice interior for the price.

I'm used to them lol

I think I fit that young youth who just hit 30 this year demo.
I don't think there is Kia place in the area I'm at.

 

[BigDug13]

If you're looking at FR-S/BRZ, a Scion TC will be an utter disappointment in comparison.

 

[thesoapster]

Mazda 3 is a great choice, so check those out. I do like a number of VW's offerings, and they seem to be dependable enough these days. I'm sure, however, that someone will come in here with a story about how a VW ruined their life.

 

[Laws00]

i have a '08 scion xb and absolutely love it. it drives well, gets decent milage (23'ish) and has a fuckton of room for storage. they're pretty reasonable too. I haven't had any problems with it and i've had it for like... 5 years? my dad had it for a few years before that aswell.

Did he get it used or new?
Want to know if he beat on it or not.

I think my sister beat on my car for the 1 month I didn't drive it and that's why I'm having all these problems which is leading me in the market for one now

 

[AlphaDump]

Mazda 3 is a great choice, so check those out. I do like a number of VW's offerings, and they seem to be dependable enough these days. I'm sure, however, that someone will come in here with a story about how a VW ruined their life.

2nd this.

I am actually getting a new mazda3 this weekend. been rocking the metro for a few years but had one before and it was awesome. the sport version is incredibly quick and responsive.

great car.

 

[The Lamonster]

Don't buy American. I recommend Honda.

You can't go wrong with Accord or Civic. The features included in the recent models really make them feel like luxury cars, and they'll last a lifetime if you take care of them.

But don't take my word for it. Do some research at KBB, Edmunds, Consumer Reports etc.

 

[Dishwalla]

Get a Mustang, they rule.

 

[Laws00]

Mazda 3 is a great choice, so check those out. I do like a number of VW's offerings, and they seem to be dependable enough these days. I'm sure, however, that someone will come in here with a story about how a VW ruined their life.

My sister would tell other wise lol

If you're looking at FR-S/BRZ, a Scion TC will be an utter disappointment in comparison.

I just want to try them lol

Like I said haven't really driven a modern car. Most is a 07 impala, sisters 07 Jetta (when it snows to move it) and my dads "12 200 only twice.

 

[chifanpoe]

You can always buy a used car at Carmax and get the amazing bump to bump warranty they offer on any car. What is your budget? There are some amazing Audi/BMW/MB/Porsche on carmax that you could buy worry free with the Carmax Warranty.

 

[Prototype-03]

I remember seeing a thread where you guys were talking about the 6 a lot. I'll give a 3 a go.

I've seen. Kias seem more hip for younger demo now. Hyundais I see like every other car on the road

The 3 Hatchback. I prefer it over the 4 door.

 

[Laws00]

Don't buy American. I recommend Honda.

You can't go wrong with Accord or Civic. The features included in the recent models really make them feel like luxury cars, and they'll last a lifetime if you take care of them.

But don't take my word for it. Do some research at KBB, Edmunds, Consumer Reports etc.

I hadn't planned on it. I know there is a perceived notion of reliability and quality with Japanese cars but it's one I think I can trust.
After my dad buying these Impalas because they're big cats because he's a big guy (6'3) I'm staying away from the stuff unless. He basically got something he could fit in. Didn't research about mantience stuff, come to find out that all the cars he bought besides the 200 were rated poorly in test and reliability

 

[thesoapster]

My sister would tell other wise lol

VW had lots of electronics issues this past decade, but I've known a number of owners of 08+ models that have had virtually zero problems (family members included). I much prefer the way VWs drive to pretty much all the newer Japanese and Korean cars, but the Mazda3 is one very notable exception. Great car to drive.

 

[Ultima_5]

Did he get it used or new?
Want to know if he beat on it or not.

I think my sister beat on my car for the 1 month I didn't drive it and that's why I'm having all these problems which is leading me in the market for one now

he got it new and drove it very smoothly. i feel like i treat it a bit rougher than he did, but i've yet to have any problems with it. other than some tire issues which were all on me.

Spoiler

i hit a curb and had to get two of the wheelsreplaced.

No other issues. Next car will totally be a scion or toyota

 

[Laws00]

You can always buy a used car at Carmax and get the amazing bump to bump warranty they offer on any car. What is your budget? There are some amazing Audi/BMW/MB/Porsche on carmax that you could buy worry free with the Carmax Warranty.

I want to buy a new car. I know I know. Everyone keeps telling me it's not worth it. I just want 1 new car and the rest will be used for me. I talked to my friend and he said I'm crazy but I'm looking to spend less then 30k that's with all the fees and and other charges. I'm not going over 30k for anything. If that's the case I'd go the luxury route which I don't think for me worth it

 

[KHarvey16]

I wouldn't just automatically forsake American cars. Ford for instance has some pretty competitive offerings.

 

[Laws00]

he got it new and drove it very smoothly. i feel like i treat it a bit rougher than he did, but i've yet to have any problems with it. other than some tire issues which were all on me.

Spoiler

i hit a curb and had to get two of the wheelsreplaced.

No other issues. Next car will totally be a scion or toyota

Oh I hit curbs all the time lol

I've read stories about the engine oil having to constantly feed it in the mid to late 00s where you would forget to do it and you would basically destroy your engine. Not sure if those problems were solved

 

[Laws00]

I wouldn't just automatically forsake American cars. Ford for instance has some pretty competitive offerings.

Heard nothing but good things about ford fiestas

 

[andycapps]

Current Mazdas are very good.

You're setting yourself up for fail if you don't at least test drive the 2016 3.

Hyundai/Kia products have also come a long way; don't judge the badge. They are good cars that give you a lot of value for the money. Elantra/Forte, Sonata/Optima are all worth a test drive.

This is all good advice. I'd go for a Kia/Hyundai or Mazda at this point. Hondas and Toyotas are fine, they're just boring to drive.

After having American cars for years I wouldn't touch them anymore. Transmissions and engines are really sketchy in long-term performance.

 

[chifanpoe]

I want to buy a new car. I know I know. Everyone keeps telling me it's not worth it. I just want 1 new car and the rest will be used for me. I talked to my friend and he said I'm crazy but I'm looking to spend less then 30k that's with all the fees and and other charges. I'm not going over 30k for anything. If that's the case I'd go the luxury route which I don't think for me worth it

2015 228i with an auto. Pretty much "new", it will have a factory warranty and you can get ext carmax one as well. Good MPG and a fun RWD car to boot. All and all walks all over all the cars you have listed in pretty much all areas as well as falls into the under 30k mark.

If you get a car in the 3-4 years old area many will be lease returns where the 1st owner paid off the major depreciation hits for you already. Keep that in mind before buying new.

 

[chifanpoe]

I wouldn't just automatically forsake American cars. Ford for instance has some pretty competitive offerings.

Yes they do. The Ford Fiesta ST is an amazing car and arguably the best cars Ford makes.

 

[Mohonky]

I wouldn't just automatically forsake American cars. Ford for instance has some pretty competitive offerings.

None of the ones worth owning are American.

 

[Mitch]

If you're near a Hyundai dealership, try out the Genesis coupe. They got rid of their 2.0T model, but the base 3.8 is killer.

 

[m_shortpants]

What's your budget? Do you care more for reliability, driving feel, performance, or just wheels for transportation?

 

[Laws00]

This is all good advice. I'd go for a Kia/Hyundai or Mazda at this point. Hondas and Toyotas are fine, they're just boring to drive.

After having American cars for years I wouldn't touch them anymore. Transmissions and engines are really sketchy in long-term performance.

They maybe boring cars but as person who's only driven a 1970 something celica gt and 1989 Corolla . I don't know what boring is. I've just driven a 93 Concorde for 11 years lol

 

[Crimson_Fate]

Scion TC..... excellent car ... Bought one of the first ones in 2004 while I was on assignment in Memphis.

Still driving it, never had an issue , runs like a dream... best purchase I ever made... Tons of room, the hatch comes in handy for transporting just about anything if you need .

 

[Goro Majima]

I have a '13 fully loaded 2 door accord with the V6 and it's a wonderful car. It's pretty luxurious considering it can be had for under $30k and it'll last forever.

Edit: I should also say that it has plenty of power for most people without the sports car maintenance prices.

 

[Laws00]

What's your budget? Do you care more for reliability, driving feel, performance, or just wheels for transportation?

I say no more 30k for everything.
I'd say realistically just a wheels for transportation but I don't want to be stuck with something I don't like.

Only car I've driven so far is a 2015 maybe 2016 not sure Impreza.

If you're near a Hyundai dealership, try out the Genesis coupe. They got rid of their 2.0T model, but the base 3.8 is killer.

Oh I'm near one and there is one in my area.

 

[Oxn]

I am also in the market for a compact car

Next weekend inam going to try and test drive a 2010 ford focus SEL

I heard very good things about it

 

[Laws00]

Scion TC..... excellent car ... Bought one of the first ones in 2004 while I was on assignment in Memphis.

Still driving it, never had an issue , runs like a dream... best purchase I ever made... Tons of room, the hatch comes in handy for transporting just about anything if you need .

No engine oil (drinking) problems like I've been hearing about?

 

[KHarvey16]

If you're looking to spend around $30k and Subaru is on the list don't forget the WRX.

 

[Qwell]

I think it really depends on what you are looking for in a car and your driving habits. I noticed you mention that you hit curbs all the time, and if you were serious I would recommend like a compact SUV, CX3 or CX5. Toyota Rav4 or something where you have some rubber to meet the curb before the wheel hits. Not to mention they will be comfortable to drive.

If you enjoy driving as in taking the twisties, maybe a little pep then lean towards something a little more aggressive, that is where the Mazda talk has been, I know I love my Tribute even being an SUV. Helps that its manual so I can still feel like a race driver shifting through my little inline 4

Me, I'm all utility, I don't really care about looks, when I was looking for my car I wanted something I could take up to Mt Hood for snowboarding, load up some camping gear, and fit me comfortably being a 6'3" big dude. At first I bought a Nissan Sentra Spec V because it had 6 gears and that was a whole other gear I got to shift into... then I realized it fit non of my needs. Luckily I was able to exercise the 3 day right of return and thats when I got the Tribute and I love it.

My wife on the other hand, she loves the look more than anything, so even though I keep telling her an xB would be perfect for us to replace her Civic, its too ugly so its a no go.

 

[Crimson_Fate]

No engine oil (drinking) problems like I've been hearing about?

Not in mine...

Not sure if the later models had any issues but I am still getting 27 MPG HWY and don't add a drop of oil between changes.


Are you interested in small trucks ? They are supposedly releasing a new Tacoma this summer.

 

[Laws00]

I think it really depends on what you are looking for in a car and your driving habits. I noticed you mention that you hit curbs all the time, and if you were serious I would recommend like a compact SUV, CX3 or CX5. Toyota Rav4 or something where you have some rubber to meet the curb before the wheel hits. Not to mention they will be comfortable to drive.

If you enjoy driving as in taking the twisties, maybe a little pep then lean towards something a little more aggressive, that is where the Mazda talk has been, I know I love my Tribute even being an SUV. Helps that its manual so I can still feel like a race driver shifting through my little inline 4

Me, I'm all utility, I don't really care about looks, when I was looking for my car I wanted something I could take up to Mt Hood for snowboarding, load up some camping gear, and fit me comfortably being a 6'3" big dude. At first I bought a Nissan Sentra Spec V because it had 6 gears and that was a whole other gear I got to shift into... then I realized it fit non of my needs. Luckily I was able to exercise the 3 day right of return and thats when I got the Tribute and I love it.

My wife on the other hand, she loves the look more than anything, so even though I keep telling her an xB would be perfect for us to replace her Civic, its too ugly so its a no go.

I don't hit the curb a lot but it is infrequent lol.

My sister got a used 2005 ford SUV,can't think of the name. Besides some of the problems it has she enjoys it. But she puts it in the driveway so there is no curb hitting for her.

I was slightly leaning on SUVs but I think a truck with a cab would be more my alley for where I'm at.

 

[CharlieDigital]

I think it really depends on what you are looking for in a car and your driving habits. I noticed you mention that you hit curbs all the time...

That might be related to the fact that OP is driving a land boat with the maneuverability of an oil tanker.

 

[Laws00]

Not in mine...

Not sure if the later models had any issues but I am still getting 27 MPG HWY and don't add a drop of oil between changes.


Are you interested in small trucks ? They are supposedly releasing a new Tacoma this summer.

maybe a used truck in the future as a 2nd vehicle

 

[m_shortpants]

I say no more 30k for everything.
I'd say realistically just a wheels for transportation but I don't want to be stuck with something I don't like.

Only car I've driven so far is a 2015 maybe 2016 not sure Impreza.


Oh I'm near one and there is one in my area.

OK then definitely consider the Mazda 3. For well under 30k you could get a fully loaded one. They're excellent cars. Driving dynamics are really good and the interior is better than anything else in the range IMO. I know you said you didn't like them in the past but I'd urge you to check them out with an open mind. I think you'll be surprised.

If you just want reliability then the Civics or Accords are great as well. I really like the Accords particularly.

Toyotas are basically indestructible but personally I find them a bit boring.

The Subaru WRX might stretch your budget, but it's also a great car if you want a bit more performance. Subaru also has some crossover SUVs that are great as well like the crosstrek and Forrester/outback.

 

[RukusProvider]

Mazda all the way for your budget.

 

[Laws00]

That might be related to the fact that OP is driving a land boat with the maneuverability of an oil tanker.

People have said they thought it was too big for me lol I'm barely 5"11

Can't be as bad as my dads 200 I tried turning that thing and it didn't even feel like I was turning the wheels on the car

 

[DrGonzo615]

You can always buy a used car at Carmax and get the amazing bump to bump warranty they offer on any car. What is your budget? There are some amazing Audi/BMW/MB/Porsche on carmax that you could buy worry free with the Carmax Warranty.

Sweet Jesus, dont do this.

Cars still break after their warranty, especially those brands. Plus your car will be in a constant freefall of depreciation.

 

[Vanillalite]

Boring but reliable - Toyota or Honda

Better than they use to be - Hyundai & Mazda

If you want domestic (and live in US) - Ford only

Of the choices I got a 2014 Corolla in March 2014. Toyota dealer was more willing to deal with me than the Honda dealer, and the Corolla redesign made it a bigger car than the Civic. I use to own a Volkswagen, and that thing was a POS coupled with expensive to get parts for.

The new Mazda is a tad sportier than the equivalent Toyota or Honda if that matters to you.

I drive a Toyota and my SO drives a Honda. For the money I would really drive anything else except maybe the Mazda. That being said Subaru makes good cars, but the price tag is usually a tad higher than going with a Japanese make for an equivalent size. You tend to get more features and fit and finish though.

Also I personally saw little reason to go up to a higher LE model for most cars as most of the shit you'd want is just standard on the most bare bones model. They all have back up cameras now (mandated by the government). They all have Bluetooth. Shit like that is just there.

I also found little reason to go for the Prius as standard gas mileage has improved to the point that IMO it isn't worth the extra cost a Prius brings over just getting a regular Honda or Toyota sedan. Even the regular Prius (ie not C) is barely as big inside as a Corolla, but they want a price more towards a Camry. *shrugs*

PS: I got my Corolla for 16,500 out the door brand new.

 

[Desi]

The only large mid-priced sedans I like visually: Mazda 6, Kia Optima, and the Chrysler 200. Sad because the only one I sell from that list is Kia.

So buy one of those.

 

[Laws00]

Boring but reliable - Toyota or Honda

Better than they use to be - Hyundai & Mazda

If you want domestic (and live in US) - Ford only

Of the choices I got a 2014 Corolla in March 2014. Toyota dealer was more willing to deal with me than the Honda dealer, and the Corolla redesign made it a bigger car than the Civic. I use to own a Volkswagen, and that thing was a POS coupled with expensive to get parts for.

The new Mazda is a tad sportier than the equivalent Toyota or Honda if that matters to you.

I drive a Toyota and my SO drives a Honda. For the money I would really drive anything else except maybe the Mazda. That being said Subaru makes good cars, but the price tag is usually a tad higher than going with a Japanese make for an equivalent size. You tend to get more features and fit and finish though.

Also I personally saw little reason to go up to a higher LE model for most cars as most of the shit you'd want is just standard on the most bare bones model. They all have back up cameras now (mandated by the government). They all have Bluetooth. Shit like that is just there.

I also found little reason to go for the Prius as standard gas mileage has improved to the point that IMO it isn't worth the extra cost a Prius brings over just getting a regular Honda or Toyota sedan. Even the regular Prius (ie not C) is barely as big inside as a Corolla, but they want a price more towards a Camry. *shrugs*

PS: I got my Corolla for 16,500 out the door brand new.

You must have some good as bargaining/negotiating skills
I live in NJ and a 2014 would set me back 18k for a 14 Corolla even today right now.

I will take that info up for consideration.

 

[chifanpoe]

Sweet Jesus, dont do this.

Cars still break after their warranty, especially those brands. Plus your car will be in a constant freefall of depreciation.

That is why you get the Carmax warranty then sell them when it ends. Pickup a C63 AMG with 45k miles on it for under $40k drive it for 50k miles worry free then sell it. After the first 3 years they don't depreciate nearly as much especially the performance models.

My DD is an 2008 E90 335i. I picked it up for $24k almost 3 years ago with 29k miles on it. I have only had to replace the water pump $260 for the part and 2 hours of my own time to replace it. It is now getting close to 60K miles. I could sell it for 19-18k right now. If you buy the right type of car with certain options depreciation is not a huge deal.

I guess it all depends on what the individuals see as acceptable loss. I personally do not problem losing $3-4k in depreciation every 3-4 years to drive fun cars that I can take to the track.