"Makoyouidiot" (makaan12)
03/05/2014 at 00:04 • Filed to: carhunt
0
43|
"Makoyouidiot" (makaan12)
03/05/2014 at 00:04 • Filed to: carhunt | 0
| 43 |
Yep, I'm at it again, because I cannot stop myself from planning what I'd like. I set my budget at 12k, and paged through 2300 Autotrader listings...of which I have 15 lovelies set aside that meet my criteria. Some of these you will hate. Some you will want. All are within easy driving distance of me. "Sulu voice" Oh my.
(Also I just noticed the ratio of Mazdas to anything else in the list. Lol I am becoming a fanboy, I reckon.)
In no particular order...
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
'10 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!
Biased Plies
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 00:17 |
|
Based purely on the pictures and price range (the links aren't working for me), the TL and Si are probably the best picks of the bunch.
No Honda fanboyism here, I just don't think I'd touch an e46 M3 at that price (I'd look higher), the Audis, Hyundai, Saturn, 5er and Nissan don't appeal to me, the 6 wagon is alright but I don't think either of the MazdaSpeeds are good buys at these prices/ages, the Mitsu is shit and I don't fit in a Miata.
Oh, the Legacy GT is alright too.
JasonStern911
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 00:19 |
|
$12k? I know it's not on your list, but I vote S2000 and recommend keeping it stock and well maintained. I have a feeling they are going to be cult cars 20 years from now, and in the meantime, it would be a cheap, reliable, and fun daily driver.
I would probably avoid the 545i. If you get the base model 5 series, you get the cost benefits of sharing the motor with the 3 series. If you get the M5, then you get a beast of a car. But if you get the V8 variants, then you're kind of in the middle - higher repair costs due to the extra cylinders and limited production of the motor while still missing out on the sheer madness that is the BMW S63 motor.
But ultimately, it's all personal preference.
Axial
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 00:31 |
|
I've had a tab open for two weeks now concerning a particular Corvette on AutoTrader that I really, really want and I'm not even going to post the link for fear of somebody buying it before my scheming bears fruit. It is that good of a deal.
Arben72
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 00:36 |
|
For 12k I'd stay away from anything German unless you have a much higher repair budget. You can get a 04 sti for that much off of the forums, or even better a bugeye with a swapped drivetrain...
Milky
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 00:55 |
|
Every car makes a solid case for itself (esp. the genesis, I had no idea they were that cheap yet). Except for the eclipse, no idea why anyone would consider one. Also the M3 would scare the crap out of me when it comes time to repair.
Singhjr96
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 01:03 |
|
I've heard bad things about the mazda 3's. Well the only bad thing i've heard is they start burning oil around the three year mark. My friends who own 3's said not to buy one for that reason. But they are awesome cars nonetheless.
puddler
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 01:16 |
|
nope.
thedevilinside
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 01:29 |
|
Astra XR looks like a good one. I think they look really sharp. Unsure of maintenance with the brand being dead and all.
Battery Tender Unnecessary
> Biased Plies
03/05/2014 at 01:34 |
|
True, a E46 M3 for $12k is probably going to cost more, long-term, than a more expensive, nicer example.
HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 01:42 |
|
these are some VERY different cars here. I guess we have the same problem where you like a lot of cars to much to fall in love with just one, until you get behind the wheel and just feel like "this going to be my car, I'm gonna make it MINE!"
I think I'd go with the Genesis, or Miata I've been wanting to switch to RWD for a while. And I can't imagine the maintenance cost on the M3.
BrownMiataDieselWagon
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 06:39 |
|
To my knowledge, A3's in 2006 only had quattro AWD on the VR6 models. That being said, the FWD ones are still very good cars.
|
Makoyouidiot
> BrownMiataDieselWagon
03/05/2014 at 08:23 |
|
You are correct. I typed without thinking.
|
Makoyouidiot
> HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles
03/05/2014 at 08:27 |
|
I also am pretty good with the Genesis...and the 5 Series. And also that Legacy. Blargh.
|
Makoyouidiot
> thedevilinside
03/05/2014 at 08:28 |
|
I agree. Also it's a good candidate for a Cobalt/HHR SS engine swap!
|
Makoyouidiot
> puddler
03/05/2014 at 08:29 |
|
Nope? To what? I is confuzzled.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Singhjr96
03/05/2014 at 08:30 |
|
Hmm, I haven't heard that myself. Will have to look into it.
awe46m3zcp
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 08:41 |
|
If you haven't driven a 3rd gen TL go test drive one. What a fantastic car! My wife had a 2004, one of my favorite cars ever. I still miss it. We made several 8+ hr road trips in it, and never felt uncomfortable once.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Milky
03/05/2014 at 09:21 |
|
Yeah, the Genesis surprised me. And I've always liked the Eclipse in that bodystyle, dynamics aside. Also large repair bills are somewhat offset by my occupation. I get parts cheap.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Arben72
03/05/2014 at 09:25 |
|
I do tend to keep some in reserve
|
Makoyouidiot
> Axial
03/05/2014 at 09:26 |
|
Dooooiiiit
|
Makoyouidiot
> JasonStern911
03/05/2014 at 09:36 |
|
Tbh I have never been really into the s2k. Also a 2 seat honestly wouldn't fly with the wife...the only reason the miata is still on the list is because if it wasn't, 30 fanboys would spam me with it. And also I like the color.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Biased Plies
03/05/2014 at 09:38 |
|
Ahh, but I like to live dangerously. And also I get cheap parts.
|
Makoyouidiot
> awe46m3zcp
03/05/2014 at 09:46 |
|
Nice! I already love the looks, willhave to drive one for sure
|
Milky
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 10:47 |
|
I just can't like the eclipse because they took away the turbo & AWD. But huh if you get parts cheap I'd like to d a 180 on my opinion and go say for the bimmer.
mrazekan
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 11:21 |
|
When my girlfriend was looking for her first car, I got to test drive three of the cars on your list.
I scared the piss out of a salesperson in the Nissan. It was quick. Of the three, it was by far the sportiest. The suspension was really tight. A bit harsh on the bumps actually. But it was a hoot to drive. She didn't like the styling as much, it smelled like a tobacco shop after a fire, and it was a bit too aggressive for her as a DD.
I drove the 3 not the speed3. She really liked the car. The features and how much room it had was ideal for her. To me it was a fun DD. It also was the least expensive. I could only imagine what it would be like with a turbo! Unfortunately, the 5 speed 3's in our area all had blown an engine with the crank replaced. Under warranty of course but she wasn't interested.
She comes from a Honda family so guess which one she ended up with. 2007Si. She liked the styling the most. It is plenty quick. It rides incredibly well. For $1,500 more than the non Si civics we looked at, you got 4 wheel discs, better wheels, rubber, interior finish, seats, and an extra 40HP. It didn't take me long to convince her it was worth it.
Things to lookout for on the Si. Make sure third gear goes in smoothly. When shifting into third, bias the shifter towards the drivers side. You may feel it stick and not engage when you let the clutch out. If you complained hard enough, they changed out the synchros. On black civics, the paint can bubble and peel on the roof. There is a voluntary recall to respray the roof. Finally, this applies to all Si civics, don't expect your standard 30 to 35 MPG. With premium, 24 to 26 is average. With the engine control tech available at the time, Honda really failed on this one.
Textured Soy Protein
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 13:59 |
|
Personally I would be going for something with lower mileage and cheap repair/maintenance costs. I searched for manual transmission, under 100k miles, under $12k, and within 200 miles of you. Here are a bunch of cars not on your list. I put the ones I kinda like in bold.
2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster Touring - 78k miles, $11,995
2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP - 69k miles, $11,995
2007 Mazda Miata Touring - 56k miles, $11,995
2006 Mazda Miata Grand Touring - 76k miles, $11,991
2006 Acura RSX-S - 96k miles, $11,977
2007 Honda Civic Si coupe - 72k miles, $10,999 (has dorky aftermarket headlights)
2005 Audi TT quattro 1.8T 225 hp - 94k miles, $10,995 (ok this one might not be so reliable)
2004 Nissan 350Z Roadster - 99k miles, $10,985 - (has dorky aftermarket headlights and taillights)
2004 Infiniti G35 Coupe - 88k miles, $10,500
2005 Honda Civic Si hatch - 99k miles, $8,995
|
Axial
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 15:07 |
|
Teasers:
|
Makoyouidiot
> mrazekan
03/05/2014 at 18:22 |
|
Good info, I'll keep it in mind!
|
Makoyouidiot
> Textured Soy Protein
03/05/2014 at 18:24 |
|
Some awesome rides there...but most of them are non starters (as is the Miata in my original list) because I need a backseat. Per my wife, I am not allowed a two seater until my son reaches driving age himself...so...15 years to go! :(
That being said, the RXS and the G35 can go in...does a TT have back seats? I have no clue on that one.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Axial
03/05/2014 at 18:25 |
|
I dig it. Especially the wheels.
|
Axial
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 18:50 |
|
It actually comes with two sets of wheels, the other being the originals.
|
Singhjr96
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 18:56 |
|
It's the only thing that kept me from getting a 2014 Mazda speed 3. They look amazing, but the new ones aren't as great looking in my opinion, maybe I just need to see it in person.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Singhjr96
03/05/2014 at 19:04 |
|
We looked at the new bodystyle '14s, but couldn't make one work in our budget given that we were trading in a car less than a year old that we still owed money on ('13 Dart), but the incentives to move the old bodied but still new '13s were such that we could afford one. My wife drives it erryday. Although I wanted the 14 much more, it was so prettyyyyyy
|
Singhjr96
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 19:05 |
|
That do lose value quite quickly. I wonder why. Maybe it's because of the oil burning thing.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Singhjr96
03/05/2014 at 19:13 |
|
No clue. Every review I've seen seems to out them as being on Honda or Toyota levels of reliability, at least for the regular non speed versions.
|
Singhjr96
> Makoyouidiot
03/05/2014 at 23:37 |
|
I've heard the same thing about both the speed and the regular though. Besides the 3 burning oil, i've always heard that they are really reliable. I did get a Honda instead, which was better looking and more reliable. Look at a newish civic. You might be able to get a 2012ish one for around the same price of a 2012 Mazda, since they both are around the same price point new. The civic si is around the same price as a mazdaspeed 3, but the regular civic is about 1000 more than a new mazda sedan and the same price as a mazda 5 door. Maybe it's not that big of a problem, and you just have to pay for extra an quart more of oil every few thousand miles. It's natural for an engine to burn oil, it just depends on the engine, and it seems that this one burn a little more. But other than that one bit, really love the car. I was really close to getting one too. Like we went down to the dealership and looked at some too.
|
JasonStern911
> Makoyouidiot
03/06/2014 at 01:00 |
|
when the S2000 first was confirmed for production, I remember thinking that it was the end for the Miata. and, then, for some reason, the MSRP was $10-12k more. maybe it's worth it, maybe it's not. but for what it is - a four cylinder soft top convertible that's impractical as a daily driver for someone with kids, a price tag that took it out of the weekend fun vehicle for most seriously limited production.
so, yeah. limited production plus a tuner obsession means that the car could have a cult following like the Supra in the long-term future. is it worth hording one? maybe if you have the cash, the space, and the means. but if not, then there are much better cars and, for sure, much better investments.
|
Textured Soy Protein
> Makoyouidiot
03/06/2014 at 08:30 |
|
Yeah the TT does have a back seat but it's not very big. Same with the RSX or G35, although they're probably a little more usable.
Does your wife simply require that you drive something that technically has a back seat even if that back seat is useless, or do you need a back seat that actual people can fit in?
|
Makoyouidiot
> Textured Soy Protein
03/06/2014 at 08:43 |
|
It just has to fit a forward facing car seat and later on a booster seat, and if I have it long enough a tiny human version of me sans booster.
|
Textured Soy Protein
> Makoyouidiot
03/06/2014 at 11:39 |
|
In that case I'd say TT is definitely out, G35 coupe is probably out, and RSX-S will maybe just barely cut it.
Really I would look at the Civic Si hatchback. It's basically a taller base model RSX. 160 hp. The boxier more upright shape will be way better for actually using the back seat.
Of the cars you posted, I like that MS3 based on mileage (well under 100k miles), price and kid-hauling ability. The Si hatch you found has that ugly stripe added to the VTEC decals which ehh I'm not a fan so I like the newer, lower mileage one I found that's still cheap.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Textured Soy Protein
03/06/2014 at 12:36 |
|
I'd kinda lean towards the MS6 over the 3, if only because it's a little more grown up. My wife definitely wouldn't mind me growing at least a little bit out of my boy racer stage. It's a bit old, but going from what we have now most things will be old unless I buy new again, and I have no intention of buying new again if I can avoid it.
|
Textured Soy Protein
> Makoyouidiot
03/06/2014 at 14:01 |
|
I actually had an MS6 for almost 5 years, got rid of it last summer because I live in Wisconsin and mine was developing rust problems. Probably not as much of an issue for you in TX.
Compared to the MS3, it's like 200-300 pounds heavier, more willing to rotate in turns because you have power going to the rear wheels, and a bit roomier. It's longer and wider but the 3 is actually a bit taller.
Not sure how much it matters for having a kid, but it might matter, the back seat doesn't flip down. Mazda decided it was better to have a stiffening brace behind the back seat rather than a flip-down seat.
|
Makoyouidiot
> Textured Soy Protein
03/06/2014 at 14:27 |
|
Yeah, rust is less of an issue for Mazdaspeeds here than nuked transmissions from improper hooning. That was the downfall of my Mazdaspeed Protege. :(