The 11K Decision That Will Change My Life

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
07/17/2014 at 15:42 • Filed to: car buying

Buying a new car. Its a 4 word sentence that can make us go wild in excitement, and is the instant signal for all of us to go to the internet researching like an adolescent who's iPhones screen has frozen up of the possible cars we may end up calling ours. Even if you are not a car enthusiast, buying a car (New or Used) is a wonderful experience, and one that shouldn't be passed without its deserved attention. And, very happily, I am currently in this situation, since I have decided that I don't want my current car anymore. I cant keep mending all the things that go wrong with it, and frankly I'm seriously sad about seeing it go. But car searching has brought happiness to me, and hope that my next car will be one that I will be happy to have bought after years and years.

That is why I'm making this post, and sharing my experience. Because buying a car is as serious to us as the 64 Crayola Pack is to a Kindergardener. I made a decision I didn't thought through 100% in my last car purchase (No owners manual, no second key, non working door locks etc.), but this time I am double-checking everything, and making sure I make the right buy. But enough of motivational speeches and scolding at myself for the enthusiastic buy. Lets get to what really matters!

Budget

This is the most important aspect of any car buying decision. When I bought my car back in January, I had a budget of around 4,600-5,000 Dollars. I had never been given as much to spend on a car nor my father would buy me a new one until a couple of years. I found what I thought was the best car for the price, and one that made my father agree. Now though, he has been really supportive due to all that I lived through with Oliver, and has raised the budget to $10,000 Dollars. Even better, my mother (Who is an amazing woman) has told me she would give me another Thousand because she feels I deserve it. And, as any buy, there is a possibility of straying from the budget if the car is just perfect. So there it is, $11k, a juicy number from which a huge number of options can be bought. I am seriously excited.

What do I Really Want?

This is the next most important decision you have when buying a car, and what will define what you end up with. What do I want? This is fairly simple, as I don't stray from what most of us want from a car.

-Fun to drive, or at least interesting

-Manual Transmission Highly preferred

-Special/Unique

-In Budget

-Better reliability than my older car. Which is to say, pretty much anything I choose will.

Space? Fuel Economy? Insurance? Safety? Yes, they all count, but I don't have an issue with any of them being to high or too low. If they are better than my older car, then its just a special bonus bundled up in the whole package.

Where will I buy it?

This is just a special case of my situation. I live in a city called Tampico which is in a state called Tamaulipas. This city has around 300,000 habitants which means it isn't so big that I have a plethora of choices. Interesting cars appear from nowhere and disappear quickly. Not much is there in the lots so I have to research everyday wherever I can, internet and newspapers. But once again, my parents gave me the opportunity of something much better. Since my sister is going to the city of Monterrey for collage, we are going in a few weeks to set her up, and they told me to find a car there that I liked and we could drive home in it. This opens up the choices VASTLY, as Monterrey has around 2,000 used cars, and my city, around 100. I have a lot of research to do both here, and in the northern state.

The Candidates:

This is what you really want to know, what cars am I considering to put in my driveway. I have a very big tolerance for now, and am pretty open to a lot of options. I have the obvious preferences of any Opponaut such as RWD, Manual, Lightweight etc. But as you will see from the list, I could end up with anything. Here are the general categories of cars I am considering with their possible candidates:

1. FWD Hatchback/Sedan. Manual Transmission. Preference for VAG.

Anything from a Jetta, Golf, Seat, or an Audi A3.

2. RWD V8 Sedan

Here is where the Dodge Charger or Chrysler 300 could make an appearance. Why am I interested in such a different product? I also would like to experience every kind of car and am open to change. These have to have the V8 mandatorily, as it represents the best of their breed.

3. Coupe/Convertible. Manual Transmission.

A coupe is very good option as it still looks valuable and has street cred but isn't super expensive. They can also deliver the best driving dynamics. Options could range from an Audi TT, to a 350Z, to a Stick-shift Mustang. If its a muscle car, no V6s, as they are horrid in the generations I can afford.

4. Luxury Sedan

This is also a very big market. Audi A4s A6s, BMW 3 or 5 Series, Mercedes C-Classes and E-Classes, you name it. These though will be almost impossible to find with a stick and probably a little older. Also, I have a little fear of maintenance, as there is only a BMW dealer in my city.

The Choices Currently Available:

2009 Seat Ibiza SportCoupe; 2.0L 4 Cil. Engine (2 Point Slow) 5 Speed Manual

Location: Monterrey

Likes: Looks amazing, Xenon Lights, Color, Sporty Driving Dynamics, Good on Fuel, In Budget, Not too many KMs. (31,000 Miles), VAG.

Dislikes: I am not that excited to have another car with the same engine, but the all-around car may be worth. The Sunroof doesn't open.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

$123,000 Pesos. 9,517 Dollars.

2. 2001 Audi TT Quattro; 1.8L Turbo 4 cil.; 6 Speed Manual

Location: Monterrey

Likes: Looks very cool, Driving dynamics, VAG, in budget, a lot of equipment, Excellent condition. My father is most convinced by this, and I have to admit I am as well.

Dislikes: Not too keen on the color, a little high mileage at 80,000, same year as my car, nervous of reliability.

$132,000 Pesos. $10,200 Dollars

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

3. 2007 BMW 120i Series Dynamic; 2.0L 4cil.; 6 Speed Manual

Location: Monterrey

Likes: RWD Manual BMW. Newish year, Nicely equipped.

Dislikes: A bit high mileage at 74,000. Grey color. Nervous of reliability.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

$129,000 Pesos. $9,977 Dollars

4. 2006 Chrysler 300C; 5.7L V8; 5 Speed Auto

Location:Monterrey

Likes: RWD, Badass, V8, Luxury, Sinister, In budget, Reliable

Dislikes: Auto. A bit high milleage at 67,000, Auto, Gas mileage, Auto. Auto.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

$140,000 Pesos. $10,828 Dollars

5. 2007 Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG; 2.0L Trubo 4 cil; 6 Speed DSG

Location: Monterrey

Likes: Driving dynamics, Quality, low mileage, Cool looking, in budget, VAG.

Dislikes: DSG (Though I could live with it), nervous of reliability.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

$129,500 Pesos= $10,016 Dollars

6. 2010 Volkswagen Jetta GLI; 1.8 Turbo 4 Cil; 5 Speed Manual

Location: Tampico (Local)

Likes: Driving dynamics, aftermarket, easy to find parts, very low mileage, cool, easy on gas. VAG.

Dislikes: A bit off budget at $12K, nervous of reliability.

This Jetta is the MK4 they kept selling in Mexico, they introduced the GLI edition with the 1.8 Turbo in 2010 until 2012.

$155,000 Pesos= $12,000 Dollars.

So there you have it. These are the options that are currently available, although more may rise and could be the one I choose. I am always open for other choices you may come up with, and will take them into consideration. The future will see what I end up with!

DISCUSSION (56)

Jedidiah > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 15:51

I like the Chrysler.

Vicente Esteve > Jedidiah
07/17/2014 at 16:04

I like th badassness of it. Though Im not sure about the Bentley grille.

Jedidiah > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:07

That should be a fairly easy swap back to the factory one—or you could just remove the badging and have a custom grill.

Inspect any car that looks even remotely modified thoroughly before buying it.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:08

I found a couple cars you might be interested in.

2010 Nissan Sentra SE-R -much more reliable than any VAG, quick & fun, low-profile, efficient, likely a manual.

2004 Chrysler Crossfire - Looks like a high-end sports car, RWD, probably fairly fun to drive, shares a lot of bits with the Mercedes SLK.

2012 Ford Mustang V6 - It's a manual, the V6 in this generation 'Stang is actually really good, and plenty fast for a teen.

2008 Lexus IS250 - A more reliable 3-Series.

2004 Nissan Maxima -Way faster and nicer than you would expect, reliable.

Good luck with your search!

Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:08

As someone who will probably never be able to own that awesome Chrysler, DO IT.

If you don't like that, take the TT, but only if you are 'stylish' :

Vicente Esteve > Jedidiah
07/17/2014 at 16:10

Oh absolutely. I am not buying a modified car in any way but the tires or decals. I have had a bad experience with one already with only an aftermarket alarm.

Eyaare > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:11

Okay, of all the cars where you mention reliability, the 300 is the only one where you think it will be reliable.

I don't actually know how reliable 300s specifically are. I just think it's funny you somehow have a Chrysler as your reliable choice, because that's not a brand typically associated with that.

Vicente Esteve > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
07/17/2014 at 16:11

Thanks a lot!

The Nissan doesnt really do anything for me, though they are quite rare here.

The Crossfire is very possible, but the choices are limited. Like, only 1.

2012 Mustang is too expensive here, as well as the Lexus.

The Maxima could be possible.

Vicente Esteve > Pabuuu, JDM car enthusiast & Italian parts hoarder
07/17/2014 at 16:12

Haha that Chrysler. I am a bit scared of the seller.

Oh, I have 5 colored loafers, I think I can pull the TT look.

The man in the iron mask > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:14

Check what these car lots have in stock.

http://www.autossanpedro.org/index.php?op=4…

http://autosbarraza.com/home_page/inve…

Also, no love for a Mustang? ?

Vicente Esteve > Eyaare
07/17/2014 at 16:14

Well, compared to the other options, I think reliability can be better.

Vicente Esteve > The man in the iron mask
07/17/2014 at 16:16

Oh yes! I have seen that place, its a great dealership.

And I also saw that Mustang, though its a V6. And I dont want that V6 of that gen.

Party-vi > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:19

SEAT!!!!!!!!!!

But if that doesn't float your boat, you could always gamble on the reliability (ha) of a 2001 Audi or BMW 1 series (expensive maintenance unless you do it yourself). The MKV GTI has proven more reliable than earlier offerings from what I've read.

Vicente Esteve > Party-vi
07/17/2014 at 16:21

A Seat is very very possible. I love them! Though they are beaten to hell by the juveniles that buy them.

The Audi has impeccable maintenance at the dealership, so I am not too scared. I only know it will need a timing belt chain change if it hasnt been done.

The 1 series may be more expensive, but there is my local BMW dealer and I think its easier to maintain.

Party-vi > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:25

You should check with your BMW dealer what they charge per hour for labor on maintenance. Surf some Audi forums for some good buying advice on the TT - VAG had a lot of gremlins back then. If you're on a limited budget I would not get a sort-of "dream car" or luxury car until you can purchase and maintain on yourself.

Vicente Esteve > Party-vi
07/17/2014 at 16:29

Thats a great idea.

Also, on the Audi, I am searching on all sorts of forums and there seem to be 2 prevaling issues that mostly the factory recalled or can do them as regular maintenance. I will make sure they are adressed by the seller or by myself. Also, I have around 2 grand to spend if anything does break down. Though I wont use the car much, or abuse it, nor go on trips with it.

Party-vi > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:32

I purchased a 2002 330Ci and immediately spent $2k on preventative maintenance - water pump, fuel filter, plugs, etc.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 16:41

I wouldnt recommend you that seat. ive had one. heres the negatives.
Old engine
Not so good brakes
Very cramped inside. Im a big guy.
you cant hand brake slide it without taking out a fuse that turnss off the tcs.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 17:13

You could look into a 2000-2003 SE-R, I had one in a gorgeous teal blue that I loved, it has a veagly goofy sinisterness about it, and it's a twitchy beast on the limit, but 180 ft lbs of torque and 170hp (185 and 175 in the spec v version I had) feel mighty nice.

Kinja'd!!!

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 17:41

You make me sad because I realize I have very little money compared to you and everyone.

I would get an Audi TT maybe not that one but get a TT.

Vicente Esteve > Party-vi
07/17/2014 at 22:38

Thats exactly the plan! If I get it...

Vicente Esteve > OkCars- 22k Crossroads
07/17/2014 at 22:39

I love Seats, and the 2.0 Engine IS a downside. The only other engines available are too expensive. I dont plan on tracking it, so brakes may be enough for me. I am not too tal and skinny, so I fit nicely. Is the TCS the same as in GTIs where it isnt really off?

Vicente Esteve > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again.
07/17/2014 at 22:40

Oh yes, those are quite the sleepers. I am not keen on Nissans though.

Vicente Esteve > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
07/17/2014 at 22:41

Dont be sad. I cant have Miatas!

Still, I think this is the only TT I can afford that is in that city.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 22:43

I don't like Miatas. By me we have TTs for $8000.

Vicente Esteve > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
07/17/2014 at 22:57

This is the only one in my budget. Yes, I would LOVE the baseball glove leather, but I am adoring the futuristic look of this one.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 23:04

Or you could get a Stang.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/17/2014 at 23:55

I really think you'd like the 3oo or 120i the most.

The Chrysler's badass and has a powerful V8 that's pretty reliable. (My dad's friend's had his for 120,000 trouble-free miles)

The BMW will handle like it's on rails, be economical, and is pretty practical. Plus manual.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/18/2014 at 00:14

Also, the BMW has cloth seats ,which are waaaay more rare! I like the Chrysler as well, though I only find good examples in white. And no, that car will only be bought in black.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 00:17

Cloth seats just sold me on the BMW. I wish they sold their cars up here with cloth instead of sensatec or whatever.

How much power does the 120i make? 180 horsepower like the 320i?

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/18/2014 at 00:35

Nope, it makes about 150, Which I think is enough to make it interesting.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 00:37

That sounds like the perfect amount for a car that size. It has to be more than your 2.0 made.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 01:51

I dont know about the GTI.
But it works like this, first of, the button says ESP- If you deactivate it, you can make wheel spin, but if you pull the handbrake on a turn, the car stability control will activate and will brake some wheels to straighten the car. The way i deactivated it completely, was removing the ESP fuse, but you had to put it back on with the keys turned once, and then all TCS was completely turned off. But every time you turn off the car. You would have to do that again.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 02:24

Get the seat. Modern, newish, quick, and the only one of it's kind on oppo!

I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 07:47

Are you going to get your potential car inspected before buying? I feel like that would make you feel a lot more confident in your purchase. But congrats on the car search! I just bought my first car this week soI know how it feels!

kincai28 > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 09:12

What about an SUV? Something like a Wrangler could be really fun or something like a Grand Cherokee can be luxurious and fun. I bought my 05' GC with the 5.7L Hemi for $12k in 09'. Gas mileage is pretty bad in town but it has cylinder deactivation for when you're cruising. I can get 24 mpg with the cruise set at 60.

Vicente Esteve > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
07/18/2014 at 10:46

It is pretty perfect. And way more than what im used to. Thinking about it, any car will feel quicker than my Cabrio

Vicente Esteve > OkCars- 22k Crossroads
07/18/2014 at 10:48

Seems annoying, and I don't plan on much hoonering.

Vicente Esteve > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
07/18/2014 at 10:49

Seats are Very tempting, though they are mostly bought and abused by youths! I need to find a well cared for one.

Vicente Esteve > I Do It For Miatas, NC Owner
07/18/2014 at 10:51

Absolutely. I learned the lesson with the last car I owned. And its one of the best feelings Ever!

Vicente Esteve > kincai28
07/18/2014 at 10:52

Ironically, I live near a beach but don't like the Wranglers. I don't really want one. But they are good choices, thanks

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 15:58

yeah, I guess that's an issue... Then get the GLi! It'll be an awesome choice, and it might prompt me to get a new one for myself! ;)

Vicente Esteve > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
07/18/2014 at 16:06

Peter! Just today I got an email from a seller of a GLI Fahrenheit! I am so excited, though it is a DSG. I LOVE special editions though, and would live with it due to rarity (Only DSGs in Mexico). If you get a Fahrenheit GLI or GTI we will be the Fahrenheit Fathers.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 16:24

ahh... i'd love to, but Mark 5's a re a bit too old for me...
Check my huge ass post I just made!
I'd get a mark6, and we can be the GLI guys! that still works, right? :D
The Fahrenheit GLI's are amazing though. the yellow is perfect!

Vicente Esteve > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
07/18/2014 at 16:31

Imola Yellow. God its great.

Haha we would be the only ones with GLI's!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 16:35

heck yeah! Take a peek at the one i'm praying doesn't sell for another 3 weeks, until I get home from Europe!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 16:39

Also, gotta add, if we do both wind up getting GLI's, we're going to need to meet up somewhere sometime. I'd be willing to drive to San Diego from Seattle, so that would be an awesome thing to do at some point (if we both get the right car, that is :D)

Vicente Esteve > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
07/18/2014 at 16:46

DO IT! Oh man I hope everyone is scared of the stick.

Vicente Esteve > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
07/18/2014 at 16:47

YES! Imagine the red GLI and the yellow Fahrenheit, it would be epic. I think in some years I could just road trip somewhere around where you are! Its about 5 days of driving to get to California where im from, but worth it!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 16:49

so do I!!! It's what i'm hoping for, so I can snatch it up and take it home!!!
also, regarding the other comment, yes the yellow GLI Fahrenheit (or the GLI Hot, for short) and that red one would look epic! imagine them, with a nice, bright California sunset behind them!

Vicente Esteve > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
07/18/2014 at 17:28

I just got word from the seller. Says it is barely used and has around 60,000 Miles. So much want!

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 17:35

go for it! don't be me! don't get stranded! get it! I approve of this 100%!

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/18/2014 at 19:36

Nice selection! I'd still stick with either the Seat or the TT. But what's a sunroof if it doesn't open?

67,000 is honestly pretty low for the year of the 300 though, plus it appears to have some Homie-G mods done to it.

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/18/2014 at 23:25

Thanks! Unfortunately the TT has been taken off the list because I am too scared of maintenance. Also, there isnt an Audi dealer in my town. Oh, and on the right side of the car there isnt an indicator maker, which I am guessing its because of an accident. And, in the rear bumper, there is a bigger gap under the headlight on the left side than on the right side, so I am a bit worried.

I LOVE Seats, but the 2 point slow is. Well, disappointing.

The 300 is just cool Haha, with all its Macho and Homie and Rapper stuff. Its the business.

But, I have found a new candidate I am just in love with and is the highest possibility yet.

Sneak Peek:

Kinja'd!!!

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 09:04

Yeah, low mileage and several dents and missing bits kind of sucks. VW Golf/Jetta Fahrenheit? Love those, hard to find them with manual though.

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/19/2014 at 10:00

This. Has to be DSG... Though I am prepared since there are only 200 in all of Mexico.

Special Editions are my weakness!