If You Had To Buy A Brand New Car Today...

"Tripper" (tripe46) 09/15/2017 at 11:10 • Filed to: None

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Zoidberg indirectly got me thinking about this question. It’s a tough one to answer these days. I can think of tons of used cars that I would like to have, but very few new ones that I would both like to own and can actually afford. So Oppo, if you had to buy a brand new car today, what would you buy?

Assume your dd was wrecked or stolen and you are unharmed. The insurance payout was enough to put 3k in your pocket. From there it’s your personal budget/what you would be willing to spend. You can finance if you’d like but 72 months max. Also this is the internet so if you have to fudge it a little bit...I ain’t care. You have to be in a new car today, so no ordering/saving up etc...

For me it would be a WRX STi limited. I’m a homeowner and thus need at least some money laying around in case something happens. So I would put the 3k down and finance the rest. I’d be fine with a standard STi too, but I much prefer the lip spoiler. Mine would be white black or grey which is the opposite of colors that I would normally choose. The reason being that the STi (particularly with the wing) has wild lines, so I prefer a toned down color.

So Oppo, what vehicle are you buying in this scenario?

Also happy Friday!

benjrblant > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:12

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6-Spd Crosstrek maybe? Good for all of the unplowed roads here.

Tripper > benjrblant 09/15/2017 at 11:13

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What color?

Funktheduck > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:14

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Because my DD is also my vehicle for work I’d probably rebuy what I already have: Mazda3 hatch with a manual. I might consider going up to the 2.5 from the 2.0 but that’s a mild want and not a need.

Azrek > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:15

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Porsche Macan GTS

Or an M2

I am not sure if I want a heavy SUV as I believe in the design of lightweight, but I like camping and road trips, so I need something with clearance and my E92 M3 has like a millimeter.

Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:16

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The STI is such a bland looking car without the wing. Just as I like it.

benjrblant > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:17

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2.0i Premium, 6spd in the “Cool Gray Khaki” which looks more blue than either of those two names suggest.

interstate366, now In The Industry > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:17

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Realistically, a Civic Si coupe. As much as I want a Type R, it ain’t gonna happen anytime soon.

Tripper > Azrek 09/15/2017 at 11:17

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I’d be in the M2 there, but I also like camping and one of my good friends has a Macan S and it’s plenty fun to drive. Tough call

Azrek > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:18

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I am not sure if I want to say goodbye to el Manuel either.

Party-vi > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:19

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Honda Accord Sport 2.0T. I’d get a Mazda 6 but they don’t have real engines yet.

Tripper > Azrek 09/15/2017 at 11:22

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Agree, my dd is an Audi S3 and the flappy paddles are fun and it was fine for a while. Recently though it has done a lot of sitting around. I’m in the M3 or the Ranger because I much prefer to row my own.

Tripper > Party-vi 09/15/2017 at 11:23

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Color?

promoted by the color red > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:23

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4Runner TRD OffRoad with KDSS.

I live where automakers send cars to die and I can’t afford a LC, so I’ll get a 4Runner.

Tripper > promoted by the color red 09/15/2017 at 11:23

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This would be my answer if the question was “What would you buy if you had to buy a brand new SUV today?”

Arrivederci > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:25

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I might move up to a B9 S4 or 8V RS3, depending on what I could get a better deal on.

Wrong Wheel Drive (41%) > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:25

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If it had to brand new, I would definitely be stuck deciding between a Toyota 86:

And a Ford Focus ST (maybe a Fiesta ST):

Yeah they arent really in the same class AT ALL but I would be stuck deciding if I want a direct replacement for the Miata or just a solid daily driver and then go pick up another cheap Miata.

The thing is the FOST is actually probably cheaper so that would make the case to just go that route. I dont really want a FIST because thats more of a direct Miata replacement but its not the same so its stuck in a weird limbo for me.

ToyotaFamily > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:26

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Took me 3 seconds to come up with my answer. ‘17 GTI Sport with DSG in Reflex silver.

Tripper > Arrivederci 09/15/2017 at 11:27

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I’m supposed to be getting a drive in an RS3 in a week or two. The sales guy keeps giving me the run around.

How are you liking the S3?

Nibbles > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:27

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Probably an ATS 2.0T 6MT coupe. Something about it says I would enjoy that car

bhtooefr > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:31

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I’d replace my DD with the one/two year newer version of itself, really - so, my 2016 Prius Three would be replaced with a 2017/2018 Prius Three.

If the Prime had a smaller or better-packaged battery (seriously, Toyota, WTF is with that packaging?), and if it had the solar panel option in the US, I’d go for that instead (180 watts over a summer day could offset almost all of my engine usage, I believe), but it doesn’t, so...

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:32

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I would WANT a Duramax Colorado. Reality is I’m not willing to drop $50k+ in one shot and I hate payments.

...I think I’d buy a base model manual Sonic and a junkyard 2.0T.

Or maybe, if the insurance company tried to offer me $3k for my truck I’d just burn their building to the ground and then not need a vehicle for a long time.

punkgoose17 > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:32

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I did a local search I will stretch the extra $500 to get a KIA Rio LX

Otherwise I would have to get this... ...at least it is purple:

Party-vi > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:36

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No idea. I would guess a dark blue or red. I’m done with Silver cars for the time being.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:37

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I don’t know for certain, probably I’d look at the civic hatchback, golf tsi, and fiesta st if I could find one.

Tripper > Party-vi 09/15/2017 at 11:41

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Dark blue was the color I pictured. I had a good long run with sliver too. 3 in a row.

CaptDale - is secretly British > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:42

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A BRZ since that would be the top of how much I would want to spend. I would like black or yellow, but the yellow is a “special” edition. With all the fun colors Subaru makes I don’t understand why the BRZ doesn’t get any of them.

CB > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:46

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Looks like I’m taking the bus.

Azrek > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:48

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I want the option the car ONLY works with flappy paddles. So I am forced to use it and not be lazy.

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:50

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Considering what I owe and what average market value on a used WRX is I’d probably get $10-13,000 in my pocket. (But honestly I don’t know how insurance payouts work and I hope to never have to learn firsthand, but if anyone wants, please feel free to educate me on why I’m wrong, I’m interested to know). So, if the above that was the case I’d turn around and immediately put it down on a used STi Limited. Pretty much this. I’d want all the bells and whistles, so used would be the way to go.

Jarrett - [BRZ Boi] > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:50

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I could probably swing payments for a new Miata. I basically daily my current one, so I know I can handle the compromises, especially after renting one in Maui.

E90M3 > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:50

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Easy, M2.

diplodicus > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:52

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I’d probably end up with a RAM Express with the 5.7 4x4 w/3.55 diff + lsd.

I don’t like most new cars I’d be able to buy. The electronic locker in the chevys is nice but I think the cab greenhouse is to short for the overall height of the truck. You can get a locker in the F150 but it would be a few grand more compared to the express.

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:52

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It would be a slight stretch on my current budget, but it would be a Chevy SS in Orange Blast Metallic for 2 reasons: 1) Dat LS3 noise and 2) That color pops in sunlight.

Hopefully with some luck there will be some new ones hanging around on lots when I have enough saved for a down payment.

Textured Soy Protein > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:52

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I would have all kinds of arbitrary criteria where I would build a long list of cars that don’t fit all the criteria, and just thinking about that revs up my OCD, but I’m not going to indulge it in this little exercise.

But if I simplify it to something that is awd, reasonably practical, somewhat comfy, vaguely performance-y, and could be had for something in the ballpark of $37k, two choices come to mind: Ford Fusion Sport, and Hyundai Santa Fe Sport 2.0T Ultimate.

not for canada - australian in disguise > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:54

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Runner-ups: Forte5 SX-T, Cruze hatch, Corolla iM

Tripper > DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back 09/15/2017 at 11:55

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Used is almost always the way to go, but you have to buy brand new in this scenario. Same answer?

promoted by the color red > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 11:58

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Ugh, fine I guess the answer in that case would be BRZ with the Performance Pack. As much as I love the Miata, I’d also like to try the ToyoBaru experience.

DAWRX - The Herb Strikes Back > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 12:06

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Hmm..I missed that. Sorry.

40k for the limited new puts it a out of my price range. I’d probably go new Limited WRX or the Premium WRX with the Performance Package. I’d just have to judge if the Recaros are worth giving up the LED headlights on the Limited. The normal halogen projectors suuuuuuck.

I’d love to throw some of my cash on top and get a Civic Type R, but lack of availability makes that unrealistic.

Also, how stupid is it that Subaru is smoking by making the performance package available ONLY ON THE PREMIUM TRIM? So if you want a Limited, no Recaros for you, enjoy your headlights.

Jayhawk Jake > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 12:19

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I’d replace my Mustang with another Mustang. That being said, as this is my first used car and I got it for a hell of a price, I don’t see myself buying new again until I have disgusting amounts of disposable income OR if I’m buy a car that isn’t much cheaper used.

DasWauto > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 12:25

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Tough question. First thought is to just go right back and buy another WRX, probably in world rally blue again. I would like a nicer interior though so the Golf R, S3, A4 2.0T and 228ix (all stick) would get test drives and configator-ing to check out pricing.

Alternatively, I’d buy a truck or truck based SUV and get a sports car of some sort, if I want to move away from the one-car-to-do-it-all thing.

Bryan doesn't drive a 1M > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 12:35

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Whoa, except for the imaginary insurance payout, I just did this. I ended up with a base STi in dark gray metallic... with a wing. It’s the oldest new car you can buy. Hydraulic steering, EJ25, minimal sound deadening, turbo lag, etc.

If you’re serious about this purchase and don’t care about leather or a sunroof, it’s pretty easy to find people willing to trunk swap to get the wing and you could save a few thousand.

For my answer to the hypothetical, I’ll go with a 328i M-Sport in Estoril Blue with a manual and no other options.

AfromanGTO > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 12:38

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Another Chevy SS.

WRXforScience > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 13:07

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I’d look for a new but old 2017 BRZ, they don’t sell too fast so you could probably still find one on the lot. They also make pretty good deals around this time of year and there weren’t any changes for 2018. You could get around $5k off MSRP and be out the door for around $25k on the fanciest version.

A BRZ is all the car you’d ever need (just cram the kids in the back “seats” until they are old enough to drive, if you start early enough it should keep them from every growing too big to fit).

Arrivederci > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 13:58

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Love it so far! Great car. Biggest gripes are the all-season tires and the lack of fun noises. Going to remedy the tires with a second set of wheels (BBS CH-R, hopefully) and grippy rubber like PS4S. I think I’ll bolt in one of those OEM resonator deletes to get rid of the suitcase underneath.

Are you thinking of upgrading?

Tripper > Arrivederci 09/15/2017 at 14:46

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Not really, which is probably why the sales guy is wishy washy about a TD. However, it wouldn’t be the first time that I was “just looking” and left with a new car. I hate mine with the winter tires, the summers that it came with from the factory are pretty nice on the other hand.

Interested to see how you like the resonator delete. It’s my understanding that at least one side has to be cut even with the OEM pipe. So I held off, that and it is silly expensive for what it is.

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > Tripper 09/15/2017 at 15:00

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Probably a new pair of boots, to be honest.

My citroen won't start > Tripper 09/18/2017 at 17:55

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Do people actually take 72 month loans on cars?

I’ve seen 48 but that’s about it.

Tripper > My citroen won't start 09/19/2017 at 07:37

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Hah, yes. 60 months is common. You should see financing on boats...12 years and more sometimes!

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > Tripper 09/27/2017 at 16:13

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If it’s one brand new car to do it all, Giulia QV.