HELP! looking for a car, need suggestions.

Kinja'd!!! "Singhjr96" (singhjr96)
12/23/2013 at 05:20 • Filed to: None

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SOOOOOO.... here's the story. I've been handed that little piece of plastic that grants you the freedom from your parents about a year and a half ago. We all remember that day; for some of us that was decades ago, for some of us it was mere months. Either way, i'm finally at the point where I can get myself a car; and of course, where better to come for suggestions than oppolock?

Here's the requirements;

-7-15k available to spend, used, and not to costly to maintain. So Audi's and post 2000 BMW's are out.

-Newer than 2000. willing to consider pre 2000 if it's something jalop worthy. e.g:bmw e30, nissan 240, etc.

-Under a 100,000 miles

-don't need to worry about car insurance.

-don't need to worry about gas, but I would like it to have at least 19mpg in the city.

-for the love of god do not shoot me for saying this, but has to be an automatic.(i'll look for a second cheap car to hoon around in when I get a little extra money)

-Black, Grey, White, or some similar color. nothing bright, trying to avoid getting pulled over.

-hatchback, coupe, or wagon, willing to consider a sedan. Must seat 4 or 5 people.

-must be in the Seattle area, or a car that can be found in the Seattle area.

-I've already looked at some cars (and something to help you weigh your suggestions): Mazda 3 hatchback, Infiniti G35, G37, Subaru Impreza hatchback.

Thanks for any suggestions and taking the time to look up cars in advance if you do. Much appreciated.


DISCUSSION (22)


Kinja'd!!! Goshen, formerly Darkcode > Singhjr96
12/23/2013 at 06:25

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GTO ?


Kinja'd!!! BJ > Singhjr96
12/23/2013 at 07:18

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A quick look through the Seattle CL found these ideas, all easily within your generous budget.

1. Subaru Forester

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2. Low-mileage Jetta

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3. Mazda 6 Sport wagon

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4. Nissan Xterra

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5. Acura TL

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Kinja'd!!! Party-vi > Singhjr96
12/23/2013 at 08:25

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Service costs on an Infiniti are worthy of German prices. My parents can't leave the dealer without dropping $1,000 or more for service. I'm not sure how they hold up without regular service, but you should also look at your insurance premium too if you're interested in more luxurious cars.


Kinja'd!!! BarryDanger > Goshen, formerly Darkcode
12/23/2013 at 09:19

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I was going to suggest this but I'm assuming he is under 25 y.o. Trust me, insurance is going to HURT.


Kinja'd!!! Goshen, formerly Darkcode > BarryDanger
12/23/2013 at 09:20

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Even in the US?


Kinja'd!!! thedevilinside > Goshen, formerly Darkcode
12/23/2013 at 09:24

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Be prepared to spend the rest of the 15k in repairs if you can find someone to do the work.


Kinja'd!!! BarryDanger > Goshen, formerly Darkcode
12/23/2013 at 09:24

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Trust me, im 23.

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said no one ever.


Kinja'd!!! thedevilinside > BJ
12/23/2013 at 09:25

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I want some of those! This is a solid list. I can't bring myself to search for autos, but that 6 wagon is sweet.


Kinja'd!!! liquid_popcorn > Singhjr96
12/23/2013 at 10:26

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I had a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 5speed. Straight six power, easy and cheap to maintain, and with a small lift and proper tires they are a ton of fun. The only real downside is fuel economy, which isn't great, but it's worth it. The only reason I sold mine was that I purchased a 2013 GTI, and my wife needed an automatic so the Jeep had to go. :(

Other suggestions:

Used GTI

WRX hatchback

Jetta Sportwagen

Subaru Forester

I'll find some more with links later.


Kinja'd!!! trynthink > Singhjr96
12/23/2013 at 12:35

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It sounds like this car is for commuting if an auto is so important, but is gas mileage a priority for you?

The Mazda 3 is a good start, as is the Impreza.

Seattleites love them some Volvos – since you want an auto, newer Volvos would work. You could get a C30 (in Portland, but that's not too far) or a V50 . Also there's the always the GTI or Golf TDI as options. Someone else recommended the Acura TL, which is a sweet ride. You could also look around for an Acura RSX.


Kinja'd!!! twinturbobmw > Singhjr96
12/23/2013 at 13:04

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How about an Acura TL Type S? I'm not sure how much they are, but I'm sure they're under 15k.


Kinja'd!!! KingKai > Singhjr96
12/23/2013 at 13:20

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Volvo V50 2.4i/T5(much better)/T5 AWD/T5 R-Design

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Cheapest insurance imaginable for a young driver. I'm 19 and drive an S40, so I'd know. This car is smaller than it looks in pictures and it's quite roomy on the inside.


Kinja'd!!! Singhjr96 > KingKai
12/23/2013 at 16:25

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Love it! I'll add it to my list of cars to look for. Thanks man.


Kinja'd!!! Singhjr96 > Goshen, formerly Darkcode
12/23/2013 at 16:30

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The way it'll work for me is it's a flat rate for me now matter what car I own or what I drive. it's still a little higher than normal, but not by much. the company I'm with charges by the number of cars I have. So luckily insurance isn't too big of a factor.


Kinja'd!!! Singhjr96 > Party-vi
12/23/2013 at 16:35

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Yeah I have a cousin who has one. Things a gas guzzler too. But I love the car enough that I'm willing to take it even if it means higher expenses later.


Kinja'd!!! Singhjr96 > liquid_popcorn
12/23/2013 at 16:38

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I'm liking the Jetta sport wagon. They don't really look good in the normal colors, but the ones i've seen in red look amazing. Not really the under the radar car I was looking for, but it might just be worth it having one red one.


Kinja'd!!! Singhjr96 > twinturbobmw
12/23/2013 at 16:40

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A model around 2003 to 2005 is about $7000 to $10000. Anything from 2007 and up i'm finding prices for $20,000 or more.


Kinja'd!!! Singhjr96 > trynthink
12/23/2013 at 18:21

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I like Volvos, but i don't like the back of the C30. I am looking for at the V50 though.


Kinja'd!!! TwoFortified > Singhjr96
12/23/2013 at 19:01

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Although I appreciate the reference to the 240SX, and AT 240 doesn't seem like it would be much fun, and the KA24DE engine isn't exactly a head turner either (without dropping some serious benjamins to bring it up to snuff, which is a daunting task to say the least). I've never heard of an AT SR20DET for sale...And Engine swapped cars are as reliable as the swapper knows what he's doing.

As much as I'd love to recommend an S13, I can't in good conscience. If we didn't live in a goddamned police state, I'd recommend an R32 or R33 GTS, but thanks to Daimler, no such fun.


Kinja'd!!! liquid_popcorn > Singhjr96
12/24/2013 at 08:52

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Haha, I'm actually going to be purchasing one myself - MK7 Sportwagen TDI 4motion, loaded, black/black. I'm fourth in line of the guys at my dealership to order. They're fantastic cars, in my admittedly biased opinion.


Kinja'd!!! Singhjr96 > liquid_popcorn
12/24/2013 at 23:37

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The only reason I can conceive of not getting one is a small engine. I could get something with a little more oomph for the same price as what i'm seeing for used. 170 hp is actually less than my moms Camry. lol.


Kinja'd!!! liquid_popcorn > Singhjr96
12/25/2013 at 08:35

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But dat torque! And fuel economy...haha.