Car Shopping!

"Vintage1982Benz" (vintage1982benz)
03/23/2015 at 17:54 • Filed to: None

So last week I sold my car and I now find myself without a vehicle for the first time in years. The primary reason for doing this was I now work from home and the car just sat there most days each week. My long time girlfriend has a commute each day, but she refused to learn how to drive a manual transmission (lame - otherwise she is the best). By getting rid of the car I eliminated about $500/month between the payment, insurance and parking. We are looking to save up and purchase some property next year so this change in income will be beneficial.

The upside - I now get to look for the best used vehicle I can find under $20K! I want to poll all of you, Opponauts, and see what your suggestions are. City car for a couple, no children, no dogs to haul, has to be an automatic, fuel economy is nice but not one of the top things we are searching for. Living in Chicago a little extra ground clearance or AWD would be nice in the snow but is not necessary - can just put some snow tires on and be good to go.

I have a couple of vehicles in mind that I have looked at already, but wanted to see if I am overlooking anything. CPO or some sort of warranty is also a plus. In my mind we get this vehicle, get a house in next 12-18 months and then in 2-3 years I can get myself something light weight with a manual to drive around and have fun.

DISCUSSION (25)

bob and john > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 17:57

a motorcycle. :D

Vintage1982Benz > bob and john
03/23/2015 at 17:58

I like the way you think. That may actually be my fun purchase for weekend rides in a year or two.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > bob and john
03/23/2015 at 17:59

Honda Fit. My fiancee had one before she bought her current car. They run forever (she gave hers to her parents, and it's still running strong with 230k miles on the clock), great to drive in the city, and they can haul a lot more gear than you'd think in such a small package. We've helped multiple people move in it, and they all scratched their heads wondering how we fit so much in it!

Coty > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 17:59

Sell the girlfriend and the budget probably goes up to ~$25,000 and you get the manual option.

Vintage1982Benz > Coty
03/23/2015 at 18:00

I've been playing with my stick solo for long enough, she is a keeper.

Coty > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:01

My girlfriend has two Beetles and a Bus. I think I'll hold onto this one.

MrDakka > Coty
03/23/2015 at 18:02

I laughed more than I should have.

nermal > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:02

What about leasing an EV? Check out the post on the front page. I'm in a similar boat, working from home and don't really drive much, so looking to get rid of my car. Haven't been able to pull the trigger yet tho.

That said, if you're looking used under $20k and used, look for a 2012+ GTI Autobahn. Current prices are well under $20k (I know, it's what I'm trying to get rid of), and they're great cars. Interior looks like an Audi, exterior looks like a Golf with nice wheels. Super fun to drive.

bob and john > Where have all the lightweights gone?
03/23/2015 at 18:03

replyed to the wrong person XD

MrDakka > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:08

Get a bimmer

http://www.carmax.com/search?ANa=429… page

twochevrons > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:09

My wife and I bought a CPO 2011 VW Golf a year or so back, and we've been really impressed. We're also just two people, and the Golf fits the bill perfectly. It's decently compact, but there's enough room in the back for two adults at a pinch, and with the back seat folded down, there's a reasonable amount of cargo room. The interior really is as nice as everybody says it is, and feels fairly hardwearing.

It's really quite a pleasant car to drive, too. It's fairly civilised, handles nicely, and even though it doesn't feel 'sporty,' the 2.5 engine has some serious go, and sounds great, to boot. The transmission is just a plain six-speed automatic (only the diesels and GTI get the dual-clutch one), but it's really quite good.

I know that everybody gripes about VW unreliability, but aside from a blown tail light bulb, we haven't had a single problem with ours. Lacking the fancy electromechanical gizmos of the DSG, and with the 2.5 being a pretty simple engine by modern standards, I think that the basic Golf ends up escaping many of the common failure points that people complain about.

Vintage1982Benz > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:11

To give you an idea of my own tastes - if it were me solo there is a Mazdaspeed Three in black at a local Carmax. WRX Impreza hatch at a local Subaru dealer (OK budget is flexible).

Cars with lady stamp of approval -

Kinja'd!!!

Volvo c30 - http://www.volvooakpark.com/certified/Volv…

THERE ARE SO MANY OPTIONS!!!

Vintage1982Benz > nermal
03/23/2015 at 18:12

I just sold my 2013 GLI Autobahn!

I love the idea of an EV, but garage space is nonexistent as of right now. A used Golf TDI is on the list of serious contenders.

Textured Soy Protein > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:13

Acura RDX Turbo (although the automatic on these is kinda lazy)
Honda Crosstour (yes they're ugly but nice to drive)
Infiniti EX35
Infiniti FX35
Kia Sportage SX (turbo)
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-7 (if you want a turbo and slightly questionable reliability)
Subaru Forester XT
Subaru Outback XT

Insert assorted Audis, BMWs, MBs and Volvos if you want European.

Vintage1982Benz > MrDakka
03/23/2015 at 18:14

I've looked over that page - a used 3 series is tempting to me but she does not seem that in to it.

Vintage1982Benz > Textured Soy Protein
03/23/2015 at 18:15

I'm a fan of the styling on the CX-5...

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:15

Mazda 3?

Kinja'd!!!

Vintage1982Benz > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
03/23/2015 at 18:17

A used Mazda 3 touring is high on the list. Surprisingly the lady loves this idea but not the CX-5 which is fine by me...

Textured Soy Protein > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:18

There's also the CX-7. It has the same basic motor as the Mazdaspeed 3 & 6, just tuned for more low-end torque. But that motor isn't without its issues. They put in the 2.5 non-turbo from the previous-gen 3 & 6 at some point but I believe it was only fwd.

Steve in Manhattan > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:20

http://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Ki…

Or the Sorrento - Kia style and reliability have been pretty solid.

And if you want a challenge - Saab wagon or AWD. That's what I'd do.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 18:23

My girlfriend likes the Mazda 3 too, she was enthusiastically showing me a lease deal on one the other day. I have no money for such things though.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Where have all the lightweights gone?
03/23/2015 at 20:15

Yes I did. Whoops!

Luke Murphy > Vintage1982Benz
03/23/2015 at 20:22

I think a Forester 2.5 XT would be a great idea. AWD, space, still small for the city and the turbos are quick. Also very reliable and just a great car all around.

Vintage1982Benz > twochevrons
03/23/2015 at 22:05

I've owned three Golfs and a Jetta in my life time...you're preaching to the choir! Glad you have had a good experience, VW gets a bum rap in terms of reliability.

Vintage1982Benz > Where have all the lightweights gone?
03/23/2015 at 22:13

This is actually number one on my list. If it were me personally buying, I would get a Fiesta ST for a fun little car that I can haul things with when rear is folded down, and still enjoy driving. Manual only unfortunately eliminates that.

I'm toying with the idea of a Fiesta Platinum (or Focus) but the more I see the Fit around town the more I dig it as a city car - a breeze to park, nice hatchback looks, good fuel economy, and as you noted - really surprising amount of usable space. Really good bang for your buck vehicle.