The quest for a car. Did you end up with what you wanted?

"ThatWillBuffOut" (ThatWillBuffOut) 09/26/2013 at 15:03 • Filed to: None

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A year and a half ago, I was looking for a car. I had 4 main criteria. First, it had to have a manual transmission. Second, it had to average 30mpg. And third, it had to have 4 doors. Finally, reliability. I was going to keep this car till it dies. I had a budget of a maximum of $13,000. Which, if you calculate all the fees involved in getting a car is about $11,000 for the car itself. What I ended up getting was a 2012 Nissan Versa sedan.

Now, for me, it matches my criteria. Manual, 31-35AVERAGEmpgs, 4 doors, and we'll see how reliability goes. But now my question for you, did you end up with what you wanted? I'm not talking about looking for your dream car. The Versa is not my dream car. What I mean is, for your current circumstances, is it what you want or need? Or why did you end up with the car you bought or acquired otherwise?

DasWauto > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:11

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Yup. Hatchback, manual, fun to drive, reliable, decent on gas. Mazda3 hatch. Have had it for 4.5 years now and am quite pleased. Average 30-33 mpg, works for me.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:11

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You bought a Versa? We're now enemies.

ThatWillBuffOut > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/26/2013 at 15:21

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That seems to be the general response. Haha. It's not my favorite car, but I needed to get a economy car. What is it that you hate about this car?

CKeffer > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:21

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I wanted a fun, quick, manual hatchback that was fun to drive. I wound up with a 2010 Mini Cooper S.....yeah I'd say I got what I wanted.

ThatWillBuffOut > DasWauto 09/26/2013 at 15:28

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I was looking for one of these, but couldn't find a decent one near me. I probably could have if I didn't have a time limit.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:31

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Search through my rants and you'll find out, enemy.

Milky > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:31

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Under 10k, unique, RWD, fun, coupe ... yupp I'm happy with it.

GRIVLET - Proud of Cobalt > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:31

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Same timeframeish though my carniversary will be in mid october. I had a budget of 13k.

Needs:
snow worthy
Manual
Fast
HANDLING
30ish mpg average
Reliable
Cheap to insure

I couldnt be more pleased. Got the car for 13,500 and traded a 96 regal for 1500 leaving only 12k financed with room to spare. 84/mo for insurance. 260hp/260lbft with a lsd. Brembo brakes and the distinction of being the fastest fwd car to lap the nurburgring until 2011. Average 28 mpg in mixed driving and 33+ on hwy trips. Have had no issues and it carries a warranty until next year or 100k! Bluetooth, ipod connectivity, pioneer sound, cruise and excellent seats were all a nice surprise as well. Basically I'm in love. With a cobalt. FML.

Curt Styler > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:34

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I wanted a fast sporty, unusual coupe and I got it.

2004 G35. Its funny, the one thing I said I wanted...a manual...is the one thing I didn't get. I found my car with half the miles of every other one I was looking at but it was an Auto. I went with it anyway and it was a great decision. Sure I don't have a stick shift, but I love seeing only 65k on the clock after 2 years of ownership instead of over 100k.

fhrblig > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:35

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I got what I needed the last time I bought a vehicle. I don't know that I can say that it was what I wanted.
Back in 2009 I was driving a Dodge Caravan with an injured transmission. I was upside down on the loan, so my only option was to get a car that had a big rebate. It came down to 2 vehicles, the 09 Kia Spectra with a $4k rebate or an 09 Ford Ranger 2WD with $4500 on the hood. Since the Kia dealer treated us like shit, I ended up with a mostly base Ranger with a manual transmission, a/c, upgraded cloth seats instead of vinyl, and an aux port. Pretty good deal, actually. It's been very reliable and gets mostly 28 mpg. Not my dream car, but I like it.

Chech > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:36

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I set out looking at NA MX5s. Wanted something small, light, fun.

Ended up buying a 1990 Toyota SW20 MR2. Not as light, about the same size, so much more room without the engine at the front of the car, and about a million times cooler.

I didn't end up with the car I thought I wanted, but I did end up with the car I fell in love with.

Pearson Hurst > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:46

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I recently found myself in need of a car as well, and had the same general criteria and price range as you. I ended up with a Toyota Matrix. Does it fit my criteria? Yes. Is it what I "wanted"? Hell no. It's economical, reliable, comfortable and practical, but it's soooooo boring. It is what it is though. I've owned less practical, more interesting/fun to drive cars in the past, and I will again in the future, this just happens to be a very beige stepping stone on the road of life.

48 Spoons > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:54

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Yup. Was looking for something that I found fun to drive and had a stick last june. Test drove everything I could think of and was available at the time. Ended up getting an FR-S and couldn't be happier.

Bengal55 > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 15:54

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I wanted something fun, that still has some practicality to it. I wanted it to be a coupe, cheap, peppy (fast optional), be good looking, and be somewhat rare in my area. I had an Explorer already, that was my people hauler, may things hauler, and my snow queen. For some unknown reason I fell in love with the last generation Cougar, I researched it, joined the forums, and started my hunt for one. It was different, it looked good and for the mid model life refresh, was mostly reliable and cheap to maintain. So.. that was 2008, I still have it, daily drive it and enjoy the hell out of it.

Now all I want is an XKR to put right next to it. Heh.

(This one is mine, Photo credit to JDB Photography)

Honuracer > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 16:01

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With nearly identical criteria, I went looking for a suitable car in the spring of this year. I ended up purchasing a low miles 2012 Kia Soul in Alien green (see avatar). The 5 speed manual was necessary, as this car would be my daily driver and a replacement for my sports car/ second car. I am quite pleased with my choice. The car is loads of fun to drive, gets some appreciative nods from other motorists and does great stretching out a tank of gas.

dogisbadob > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 16:02

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Why not just get a used car? :p

I bought my car for $700, so anything that runs good in that price range is a good deal. Anything in better condition would cost more than I could afford.

ThatWillBuffOut > Pearson Hurst 09/26/2013 at 16:12

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I look at this car as a stepping stone as well. Once this car is paid for, I plan on replacing my beater car, '03 Tracker, with a good offroader.

ThatWillBuffOut > dogisbadob 09/26/2013 at 16:15

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Yea... I won't buy a new car again. Live and learn, right? haha.

dogisbadob > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 09/26/2013 at 16:18

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I wish Nissan used the Tiida name over here. Much cooler.

ThatWillBuffOut > Honuracer 09/26/2013 at 16:21

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A friend of mine got one of these. Not a bad choice, it's pretty roomy.

GreenN_Gold > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 16:32

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I wanted something new that fast, around $25k, and could haul around my dad, his wheelchair, and all of his groceries. The WRX hatch seemed like an easy choice, although the wheelchair won't fit with both rear seats up, so a trunk may have been more practical. I passed on the GTI and Speed3 basically because AWD versus FWD

ThatWillBuffOut > GRIVLET - Proud of Cobalt 09/26/2013 at 17:47

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It's ok... I understand. Haha. At least you didn't get a Slobalt, you can leave many cars behind.

ThatWillBuffOut > Bengal55 09/26/2013 at 17:48

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Nice pictures. "peppy (fast optional)" is a good thing to look for.

GRIVLET - Proud of Cobalt > ThatWillBuffOut 09/26/2013 at 17:57

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I really do love it though. Hate the crowd they attract (especially the supercharged cars) but o welll

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Honuracer 09/26/2013 at 23:25

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Are you in Europe? All NA and Asian market Souls got the 6 speed - manual and auto - for '12. Or is yours an '11?
Are your taillights clear and red or red and amber?

Honuracer > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 09/30/2013 at 11:26

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I'm a stateside Soulster. A six speed would be awesome, but I have no complaints with the 5. I know it's not the base model, since it's got the alloy wheels and MP3/Bluetooth. You'd think I'd be clearer on what year car I have, but perhaps it really is a 2011. Getting old, I guess. All I know is it's much fun to drive. Thanks.