So... I guess I'm in the market for a new car.

"njp1589" (njp1589) 09/14/2016 at 10:51 • Filed to: None

1

69

So I crashed my Kia Soul over Labor day weekend. 2/10, would not recommend. It performed flawlessly though; no damage to the cage (even on what I’d describe as a 1/3 overlap) and I walked out with some bad bruises and a broken foot. Car is totaled, so I’m expecting to begin the process of negotiating it’s replacement value with insurance soon.

What would you buy right now, used or new, around $20k as a commuter or daily driver?

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 10:54

1

An E39 540i Touring.

CalzoneGolem > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 10:54

1

The Soul did really really well in crash tests.

I’d buy a Forester ... and I did.

Nibby > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 10:58

9

Buy about a dozen Ford Aspires.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:00

3

I second CalzoneGrolem. Go check out a Subaru. They’re very safe, a good value for the money, and fantastic in all weather conditions!

Glad to hear your ok. My first car was a 2012 soul. I got hit from behind by an Xterra doing 45 who didn't brake when I stopped for a school bus. It certainly was a durable car, but after being tossed around like that, I needed something heavier.

victor > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:02

0

Get the minimum forester with eyesight

CalzoneGolem > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 09/14/2016 at 11:02

0

TIL Grolem is French for Golem.

fintail > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:03

0

I think you can get a W220 S65 AMG for about that money now.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:05

2

Glad you’re (kind of) OK, small overlap crashes are the worst.

would not recommend

At least your humor is intact.

As for the replacement, I don’t know the american car market very well, but I’d generally go with a 4-5 year old, a bit more upmarket car rather than a new entry level car. Or as Tavarish would say:
“Why buy a Jetta when you can have this G27 instead?”

PatBateman > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:05

0

I'm sorry, but after viewing the comments, I am happy to report that Miata is NOT the answer here.

Arrivederci > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:05

0

You can get a one or two year old Mazda 6 Touring or GT for that money, great cars.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > PatBateman 09/14/2016 at 11:08

2

Miata is the too obvious answer

DynamicWeight > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:09

0

A lot of Forester being recommended here. We drove the Forester and CX-5 back to back and the Mazdas are so much nicer. Like... SO MUCH. Subaru has better AWD but if you don’t need that, like, all the time, I would go with Mazda. They also have AWD if you think you need that but it get’s pricier.

If the CX-5 is too rich for your blood, check out the 3 hatch. The 3 is surprisingly good for the money. I’d stay away from the stick though. The six speed requires SO MUCH SHIFTING for economy. It gets tiresome (from someone who loves driving stick).

Captain of the Enterprise > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:10

0

Impreza or Corolla you might be able to get an XV crosstrek for that.

The Lurktastic Opponaught > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:11

1

Elantra GT. 6 speed, front wheel drive because snow, and 173 naturally aspirated HP. It’s a good all purpose car that’s reasonably fun to drive.

nerd_racing > Nibby 09/14/2016 at 11:14

0

A dozen? Try two dozen if you don’t care about rust or dents!

random001 > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:14

0

Dude, I’m glad you are ok! Sorry about the foot, I hope there’s no lasting issues.

As for what car to buy, what are you looking for?

nerd_racing > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:14

1

Volvo C30 R Design. You could probably get a decent one way under budget.

random001 > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:15

0

CPO Outback? I loved my brief time with the Outback.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > The Lurktastic Opponaught 09/14/2016 at 11:15

0

Front wheel drive because snow?

Why?

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:15

2

A lot of recommendations for Foresters, which is certainly a good suggestion.

However, I’d say look at a new Mazda3 5door or a used FiST or FoST. All easily attainable at that price range, plenty practical, fairly efficient, and lots of fun.

Used FR-Ss and BRZs are also very affordable now, and it’s really not a bad car for daily driving and commuting. I’ve been doing it for over two years now, and have put about 50k on the clock. That being said, if it was totally and I had to get a different car, I’d probably go for a FiST. Or I’d just get another 4th gen 4Runner.

Svart Smart, traded in his Smart > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:16

1

2013 Honda Fit Sport?

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:17

1

Mazda3 S GT hatch - about 20k for a 14 model

Renegade Sport (4x4 if you’re in a snowy area)

Accord Sport 6m (about 18-20k for a CPO 13-15)

14-16 Kia Soul+ if your dealers are not shitbags like they are around here

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:18

1

Get an eight year old (or so) XC90. Reliable, luxurious, versatile, comfortable, practical, and actually rather pretty. Plus, it will pass the small overlap test with flying colours.

After knowing several people who have lived with them long-term, and even been hit in one, I can really see why Jeremy Clarkson has had four of them since the first generation launched. They do everything rather well.

valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/14/2016 at 11:19

1

Pretty nice to see someone recommend an Infiniti which a very solid choice many people forget or overlook. AWD and quite powerful, really nice inside and then you get the Nissan reliability. I’m at nearly 200k km on my G35x and aside from wear-and-tear items I’ve had no problems, just plenty of smiles.

Future ND Owner > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:20

1

Ford Focus ST. I love mine, and a quick autotrader search says you can get used ones with <20k miles for <$20k.

Only negative issue is that city MPGs are bad, I only get 18 or so even though I am pretty easy on it in town. I can get 28 MPG highway as long as there isn’t much traffic though.

The Lurktastic Opponaught > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 09/14/2016 at 11:20

0

Why do I like front wheel drive in the snow? Do I really need to explain it?

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:20

0

you could buy a first gen CTSV, they seem to be going for under $15k

4 doors, V8, manual, RWD what’s not to like

http://rockford.craigslist.org/cto/5743986966…

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > The Lurktastic Opponaught 09/14/2016 at 11:21

0

RWD is way more fun.

Steve in Manhattan > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:23

1

The answer is always Suzuki Kizashi.

Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction > valsidalv, reminding you that infiniti is an option 09/14/2016 at 11:23

0

A Q50 is the only car I considered buying new, but the only diesel / manual option is a 2.2T which struggles with the cars weight and is too loud for a car in this price range. I was in love until the test drive.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:25

1

What would I buy or what should you get? I’m dumb, and easily swayed by emotion so 996 carrera 4 start right around $20k I think(maybe negotiate down enough to free up money for a IMS service). More logical and practical choices in this price point are:

Golf TSI

Mazda 3 hatchback

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 09/14/2016 at 11:26

0

P.s. Glad you're okay for the most part!

The Lurktastic Opponaught > BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. 09/14/2016 at 11:26

0

I totally agree with you. I just can’t take the stress of a year round 80 mile commute in the snow in a rwd car. My commute is already hell, and I wanted a stable fwd manual (and naturally aspirated) appliance. The GT does the trick while maintaining a modest level of driving enjoyment.

BmanUltima's car still hasn't been fixed yet, he'll get on it tomorrow, honest. > The Lurktastic Opponaught 09/14/2016 at 11:28

1

Ok, your choice I guess.

njp1589 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 09/14/2016 at 11:30

0

Yeah, I’m happy with how well the car protected me... Killed In Accident as an acronym appears to no longer apply.

Subies are sooo expensive down here. You get what you pay for though, and an Impreza is certainly on my list.

njp1589 > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle 09/14/2016 at 11:30

1

My boss is pushing the Golf pretty hard. DSG wouldn’t be a terrible thing either.

OPPOsaurus WRX > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:30

0

WRX... once the foot heals

njp1589 > PatBateman 09/14/2016 at 11:31

1

I had one for years. I loved it to death, but it doesn’t work for me as a primary vehicle.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > CalzoneGolem 09/14/2016 at 11:31

0

Sorry for getting it wrong!

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:32

0

If you're looking for used maybe give a 14ish legacy a look. One could probably be had in your price range.

Nibbles > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:33

1

Slightly-used Volvo S60s are right in your price range. You can get a 3-year-old T5 for less than 20 large.

njp1589 > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/14/2016 at 11:33

1

Love the new Mazda3. FoST would probably be my choice as I’d prefer something a little larger (traffic around here is all about road presence).

njp1589 > nerd_racing 09/14/2016 at 11:34

1

YES

Even the non R-Design ones are pretty. Definitely on my list.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:35

0

I’d definitely go FoST over pretty much every other option then.

njp1589 > Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection 09/14/2016 at 11:35

0

Gonna shy away from the Renegade since I’ve had bad experiences with Chrysler products in the past. Like the Accord though. Will definitely look at that.

njp1589 > Arrivederci 09/14/2016 at 11:36

0

There’s a handful with less than 10k miles near me with clean Carfax that fit the bill. Plus Mazda, which is nice.

njp1589 > CalzoneGolem 09/14/2016 at 11:37

0

Forester is the right size for what I was looking at, unfortunately all the east coasters down here have really driven up the costs on them.

njp1589 > Nibbles 09/14/2016 at 11:37

0

Oh wow. Hadn’t even thought of that. That would be a really nice car.

njp1589 > random001 09/14/2016 at 11:39

0

Should heal up in 3-4 more weeks. Which thankfully gives me a lot of time to decide what I want.

Looking for something relatively efficient and reliable (describes most modern cars) but due to traffic around here I also want to be visible. So if it’s a little bigger or rides a little higher, that’s a plus. My initial thoughts were a small SUV (CX-5, Forester, Escape) or a midsize (Mazda6, Accord).

njp1589 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 09/14/2016 at 11:40

0

They get decent fuel economy too from what I remember (the mid 20's?), so that might be an excellent choice.

njp1589 > Rustholes-Are-Weight-Reduction 09/14/2016 at 11:41

0

This is a definite thought of mine. There’s a lot of CPO or used luxury cars here due to all the money in the area, so it might be the perfect opportunity to go upmarket.

Nibbles > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:41

1

Seriously good buy. They may not be as sporty as the S40/C30 but honestly they’re the better car all-around. Still good power (T5 and above) and much better use of space compared to the S40/C30.

I love my S40 but would get an S60 in a heartbeat just for the usable trunk ;)

njp1589 > The Lurktastic Opponaught 09/14/2016 at 11:43

0

Good warranty and looks nice as well.

I know this is blasphemy, but as much as I love a manual I might not get one for the new car. With a lot of stop and go on the daily commute, it kinda gets to be a lot of work.

Plus it’s hard to find them around here with decent trim.

CalzoneGolem > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:44

0

I’m not sure what the prices are where you are but in the woods of Maine I got a nice 2008 Forester with only 100k for less than half your budget.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/tag/forest

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:49

0

I also support the Golf idea, but would opt for the GTI.

MY boss has a Jetta GLI with the DSG and really likes it. Not a bad option either.

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > Steve in Manhattan 09/14/2016 at 11:50

0

Co-worker has a Kizashi, it’s awesome.

nerd_racing > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:57

0

When I’m on the right side of the Equity curve with my 1 series I’m probably going this route.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 11:58

1

Also, I don’t know if you get newer cars dealer-serviced, but Volvo has a lifetime warranty on most parts and labor across Canada and the US. Plus, free dealer diagnostics if a light dares to come on. Just reassuring things to think of.

njp1589 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 09/14/2016 at 12:06

0

That honestly makes a huge difference to me. Volvo was barely on my Radar before, but this definitely moves them way up. Even an S60 or V60 would be great.

shop-teacher > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 12:07

0

You can get a new FoST if you get the base trim level for not much over $20k.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 12:07

1

I haven’t looked in a while, but I think for the DSG you need to spring for a GTI. I’ve driven the A3(GTI clone) a couple of times and it’s very fun and pretty spacious and yes, the DSG is fun. I just plopped a search into autotrader saw a 2015 GTI with 16k miles for about $20k so you'd have a good bit of warranty left on something like that.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 12:14

0

Plus, if your car needs to be serviced and you really need to get somewhere, a lot of dealers will arrange a loaner or a rental or something. Plus, free software updates, free car wash with every service (and a damn good one at that), and one of the friendliest owner’s bases you will ever meet.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 12:15

0

You’ve already mentioned the Forester in other comments and that would be my first answer. I’m fairly certain one will replace my Cruze one day. I also like the Mazda CX-3/5 SUVs if you’re looking for a small crossover.

I like the new Malibu’s, I had one as a rental and it was suprisingly good, though it’s probably at the top of your budget. My brother-in-law has a Honda Accord Sport that is really nice. I’d also consider the Mazda 6, and that would probably round out my midsize sedan list.

Milky > The Lurktastic Opponaught 09/14/2016 at 12:32

0

My commute is 64 miles (there and back) with RWD. Last winter I had a co-worker compliment my drifting skills. Whats the issue here?

Traction control and snow tires = no problem. Want some fun? Traction control off and give it some throttle. Commuting sucks, getting sideways is how you have some fun.

random001 > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 12:37

1

Well, visibility is not the strong point of the CX5 or Escape, in my experience, by the Fozzy has great visibility.

If you like big comfy sedans, check out a CPO Genesis, though the mpg ratings aren’t super. The price can not be beat, though. I got my R-Spec for $19k, the 3.8 V6 is cheaper.

Milky > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 12:41

0

Unless I missed a comment, no one has mentioned the ATS. For $20k you can get a low mileage 2.0T or a 3.6 Luxury with about 45k miles. Both have the option for AWD too.

mazda616 > njp1589 09/14/2016 at 13:19

1

We have had a 2013 CX-5 since December 2012 and my wife and I both still really like it. No problems aside from needing a TCM update done, and it has returned as high as 37 MPG before.

I have a 2016 6 that I also love.

We’re a Mazda family.

As for non-Mazdas, I’d look at an Accord. If I hadn't been a Mazda fanboy, I'd have bought an Accord for sure.

Steve in Manhattan > Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow 09/14/2016 at 15:47

1

I’ll say it again - those cars are well built and very reasonably priced. They should have sold more in US America.

The Lurktastic Opponaught > Milky 09/14/2016 at 18:50

0

Good advice. I do appreciate the difference good snows make. I run Hakka r2s in the winter, and I’ve pushed a bow wave of snow during a storm, but I never stopped moving. How’s the winter RWD learning curve for someone who’s always driven fwd stick?