HALP!

"Kailand09" (kailand09) 10/20/2014 at 22:14 • Filed to: None

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I've asked before, but the circumstances have changed some. My car is dying... TL:DR at the bottom.

OK, here's the run down. I drive an '04 dodge intrepid SXT 3.5L V6. It has had its share of minor the moderate issues, and is currently at 110k+ or so on the clock. I now have a broken bushing, a cam position sensor problem, an O2 sensor issue, an evap leak (supposedly from the intake manifold gasket), and the purge solenoid is damaged.

Now, from quotes this adds up to ~$1000 in repairs on a car not worth all that much. It still does run well otherwise, but I can't just leave problems to persist forever. Some of these I feel I could likely repair for much cheaper, but that is difficult as I don't have much of a place right now to do work on my car coming into winter.

It is always cheaper to repair a car and keep it for as long as possible, and I hear both sides of the story: stop investing in a beater that will continue to break down / newer cars will mean payments which means more money leaving the pocket. I also hear that Chrysler products just fall apart and are a ticking time bomb after 100k+.

I personally have a good professional job right now, not far out of college, but I'm pretty well set and stable. I'm still paying off loans at a rapid rate, and saving at the same time for my wedding (which should end up only costing a couple grand all said and done).

If I were to get a new/newish car I would want something newer, 2012+. I don't want to get rid of an old car with problems just to inherit others given my financial situation that can afford a better vehicle. Preferably, as an enthusiast, something sporty and fun.

I do drive up to 500 miles a week, so decent fuel mileage is a pretty big factor, so a used dodge charger R/T may have to be out (and others like it). I also would prefer 4 doors.

This brings me to the WRX, GTI, MS3, Civic SI, FoST. I may be missing some.

At this point, I'd be leaning towards the GTI. It has the nicest interior in my opinion, and can easily be tuned up by APR at an affordable price should I want more power. WRX worries me on reliability, MS3 seems kinda not so nice inside and heavier than I'd like (MPG's). FoST is nice, not as nice inside as GTI, but maybe it drives better? My mind can be swayed, and there are LOTS of other options out there.

Here's the other wrench thrown in now... My family is trying to convince to go brand new, despite my philosophy always being "buy lightly used". They are saying I will get a lower interest rate on a new car, and that inflation will beat that rate. And they claim the interest rates may not last this low for all that long, and being November is around the corner, it may be the best time of the year to buy right now.

If I had to, I could possibly swing the higher price tag for a brand new hot hatch.

TL:DR My 04 intrepid has more problems, I can afford a decent car, should I buy one? 4 doors, sporty, decent fuel mileage, fairly new (2012+?). Manual or Auto. HALP.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:20

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The WRX should be fine until you start getting higher up in mileage. I also think they have gotten better recently. As a Subaru guy I say get the WRX 6MT if you can afford it. World Rally BLue of course. Also it's AWD so I don't know if that'd be better based off where you live.

Kailand09 > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 10/20/2014 at 22:22

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I'm in the northern climate, so AWD is very nice.

Also that is true, but higher mileage may be somewhere I'd want to take a newer car given my yearly miles I put on.

Though the WRX is a pretty damn fine car.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:23

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Late 128i M-sport 6MT with some luxury packages. Revvy and ultra reliable NA I6, +30 MPG highway, relatively light weight and good handling combined with comfort. Basically as fun as an old car to drive while being really nice to use and dependable.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:24

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We have a 2012 Impreza with around 53,100 on it and we haven't had any issues with it. It does burn oil though. About 1 quart in 7,500 miles. And that AWD really helps in the NY winters. Snow, snow EVERYWHERE.

Kailand09 > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 10/20/2014 at 22:26

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Yeah snow kinda sucks for driving hahaha. I have driven AWD cars though and it does help in some situations.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:26

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1. Buy a cheap, reliable beater for DDing and winter duties. Old Legacy, Regal, S10, etc.

2. Buy a kick ass Corvette for hooning/cruising/occasional DDing.

3. Enjoy the best of both worlds.

4. ?

5. Profit.

El-Verde > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:26

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I wouldn't worry about the WRX in terms of reliability. They are simple to work on, parts are cheap, and ultimately you won't have reliability issues, unless the car was abusively modded by the previous driver. The interior is a joke in these, however.

I'd say, out of all of these, you have the best chance of finding a GTI that hasn't been abused. It also has the nicest interior and is the most "professional" looking, if that matters to you.

Don't worry about the new vs. used interest rates. That is stupid logic that people often use to justify home purchases as well. If interest rates were to significantly rise, affordability would drop for purchasers, and you would likely see used car prices fall as well. As long as you have good credit, we may be talking all of a 1-2% spread in rates here, which will hardly matter at this price point.

Find the one that you like the best and is the "deal" that makes you feel good about it, new or used.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:27

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If I drove 500 miles a week I'd buy a 1.0l Fiesta SE. no questions. i mean even with my 01 Civic EX that's 16 or 17 gallons. eeeck!

"As a result, Ford says the car's good for 32 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. Even at full thrash, the number never sank below 40."~ Road and Track

http://www.roadandtrack.com/car-reviews/ro…

Kailand09 > JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 10/20/2014 at 22:27

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This is a good idea, though the whole four doors thing doesn't work much with that :(

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:30

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Yeah, especially when your family goes from a Camry Hybrid to a Subaru. We went from a Ford 500 AWD to the Camry for 1 winter and was sick of it and went back to AWD and we've have the Subaru for a year. It's much better.

cazzyodo > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:30

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I'll tell you right now that my FoST with winter tires destroyed all the things last year. Not such once and i was going through untouched streets for fun. I really like my interior but it's not the base. Big difference there.

Kailand09 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 10/20/2014 at 22:31

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Ehh, I think Fiesta is too small for my liking. And while the MPG's are tempting, I don't know that there's enough fun and power factor there for my driving style. I'm not insane, but I just don't know that such little power can properly push me through some of the passing I have to do on the backroads here.

Though the FoSt fits the bill. And I do like the idea of a Ford nowadays, and everyone raves about it.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:31

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Ah, I see. One of those moments where Europe gets the good stuff. I drove an ILX 2.4. Basically a boring looking SI with a nice interior. It was lots of fun, shifting was amazing. Not the fastest or most tunable, but that honda four is still a screamer that wants to be wound out and snicketied (new word!) into ever gear. Most magazines say that it is the most fun despite being far from the fastest. That shifter...

Kailand09 > cazzyodo 10/20/2014 at 22:34

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Yeah. I don't know that I could afford the nicer interior brand new. Any issues so far? Have you driven a GTI to compare?

CB > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:34

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Four doors? Good fuel economy? Newer than 2012? Do I have the car for you!

Kailand09 > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 10/20/2014 at 22:34

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Yeah, also way better because Camry. lol

Kailand09 > CB 10/20/2014 at 22:35

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I just puked in my mouth a little bit. I think you missed the sporty part.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:36

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FiST-idy FiST FiST, go get FiSTed

CB > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:36

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It's better to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow?

Kailand09 > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/20/2014 at 22:39

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Too small, though the older brother may be my go-to. Is that yours?

Also why Ford over the GTI?

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:39

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Haha, well yeah! It wasn't too bad for point a to point b but the Subaru is overall the better car IMO.

Kailand09 > CB 10/20/2014 at 22:39

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Possibly, but why not drive a fast car fast?

cazzyodo > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:39

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I graduated a few years ago and got the car last year. No issues whatsoever. Only have about 13k miles on it cuz of a short commute and motorcycle supplementing it.

I didn't take a gti out. I went to a couple dealers and was ignored completely. I enjoy some cues from it but found the FoST to have more personality. I almost bought a wrx but changed my mind before signing papers because the FoST was a better value overall considering the mpg difference.

CB > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:40

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Because The Man keeps us down.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:43

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That is not mine but I do drive an Oxford White FiST like that one.

For me the GTI was just out of my price range, and I've always kinda been Ford guy.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 10/20/2014 at 22:47

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The thing with the WRX's is not it's actual reliability, it's the owners.

Kailand09 > Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish 10/20/2014 at 22:48

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Makes sense, respectable. I have a feeling I will end up between the two. Very difficult choice...

ihm96 > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:48

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I would assume you probably could afford it because isnt the ford a lot cheaper than the GTI?

Kailand09 > CB 10/20/2014 at 22:48

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We have some 55+ windy roads near where I live, so it is relatively quick!

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 10/20/2014 at 22:49

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Yeah, of course if you buy new that's not an issue. Yeah, it's nice to find ones that aren't stanced though.

Mr. FiSTer of Team FiST Fetish > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 22:50

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You can't really go wrong with either one.

Kailand09 > cazzyodo 10/20/2014 at 22:51

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Yeah, the MPG's really bring me mostly between the GTI and the FoST. Super tough choice. The only thing is a comparable FoST is a bit more expensive than the GTI.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback 10/20/2014 at 22:53

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I don't think OP was looking at brand new though.

Kailand09 > ihm96 10/20/2014 at 22:54

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Brand new, yes. Used, the FoST as a newer vehicle is retaining a bit more value but not that much, except it's more expensive with the nicer interior.

norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 10/20/2014 at 22:56

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You can still get some good ones for 2012 or newer that aren't fucked too bad.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:12

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Why not a Golf TDI for your high mileage driving? It's torquey, fun, and a good value.

Dsscats > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:13

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Get the 2010+ WRX or 2009+ GTI. Subaru reliability shouldn't be much of a problem. And absolutely buy used. And get a PPI

AM3R > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:17

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get a 2011 328i. I have an E90 328i, think of it as a slighly less sporty 128i with 2 more doors. Same engine. It's very reliable.

Kailand09 > AM3R 10/20/2014 at 23:21

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Not bad. Only thing is when repairs do come, more expensive. I wonder how insurance would be on that too...

Kailand09 > Dsscats 10/20/2014 at 23:21

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PPI?

Also, if anything I was looking at 2012's. Anything older just doesn't seem much newer than my current car, which is 10 years old.

Kailand09 > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 10/20/2014 at 23:22

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I've heard this a few times. IDK, I prefer petrol and want the more sporty GTI with all the better performance bits it gets.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:23

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I guess to me it just doesn't seem like it's not much power. mean it's more power and less weight than my current Civic, plus it's a hatchback instead of a stupid coupe.

Dsscats > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:24

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Pre purchase inspection. And with cars that were the same over certain years, that's just silly.

Kailand09 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 10/20/2014 at 23:28

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As light weight as it is, 120hp has its limits. I do have times when I require passing a long semi on a twisty road and need some hefty power sometimes. In fact, today I noticed my car is a bit slower than I'd prefer.

It is a great car, just not for my particular tastes and driving. Though the FiST may be closer to my needs, while being a bit smaller than I prefer.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/20/2014 at 23:30

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Haha, yeah the problem is finding a beater that is truly that reliable. I also have trouble justifying paying for a car similar to what I currently have :(

The corvette is a huge desire though... that's a big factor in why I kinda want to drive my car into the ground, which is happening sooner than I've been hoping.

ihm96 > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:32

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I would say buy a new FoST

shop-teacher > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:37

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Food for additional thought: If you buy new, you'll be covered by the lemon law. If you buy slightly used, you won't.

Kailand09 > shop-teacher 10/20/2014 at 23:38

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good point, didn't even cross my mind

Kailand09 > ihm96 10/20/2014 at 23:39

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it does look better on the outside and more power.

Interior and cargo are slightly lesser, but it's also cheaper to repair. I may go this route if I enjoy the test drive

shop-teacher > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:41

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I personally have not had good luck with lightly used cars. The piece of mind is worth the expense, in my opinion. Especially at current low interest rates.

FromCanadaWithLove > Kailand09 10/20/2014 at 23:47

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Something like this is what I'd suggest.

2011 BMW 335i xDrive, manual, with warranty. $30k Canadian, only 64k kms. http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/BMW/3+Series…

Kailand09 > shop-teacher 10/20/2014 at 23:47

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this is a good point. The low interest rates are what my family is trying to get me to go on. It's tough to say if it will stay so low and to take advantage of it now

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 00:23

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hm. Than I'd probly end up going GTI. If it's more space you need. The GTI isn't much more money than a FoST and if you spending that much time in a car, and that much cash on it you might as well be comfy. Maybe a GLI even for the leather seats.

WhiskeyGolf > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 00:25

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I'm firmly in the "GTIs for all!" camp, so I'm going to recommend that. I hope to move into one shortly. I like the hatchback layout, driving dynamics, comfort and grownupness. It's a classy ride and you'll see people of all ages and career positions driving them. If you can't afford a new one, there should be a lot of reasonably low mileage Mk6 examples coming off lease as people move into the Mk7 so you can probably snag a pretty sweet deal. If you get CPO, go for the extended coverage but put a little aside for repairs once the warranty is done. That's my plan!

Kailand09 > HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles 10/21/2014 at 06:16

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I forgot about the GLI. I'll give that a test drive. I'm definitely interested to see how the driving compares.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 08:06

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Yeah, good point. Maybe spend a bit more on a car to DD? Get an older Regal or Grand Prix. 3800 Series II is plenty reliable, you will have 4 doors, and it will get decent gas mileage.

If you want it, go for it. Depending on what generation you want, you can find a very decent example of a C4 for as low as $6k. It is nearly the same witj a C3. If you want a C5, you can find nice examples for around $13k-$14k.

cazzyodo > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 09:06

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You can get a good deal out of it.

I do most of my driving local and get about 25mpg. On the highway I can cruise and get the 32 promised highway mpg but I rarely cruise at a speed that allows for that. I mean, Massachusetts.

You really can't do any wrong when it comes down to it so it's all in the test drives.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 11:00

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Well, since you don't like to buy new anyway, there's always the 2010-2014 Golf TDI which gets the GTI suspension. Plus the torque makes it a lot of fun to drive.

Kailand09 > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 10/21/2014 at 17:24

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Didn't know about the suspension bits! thanks!

Kailand09 > cazzyodo 10/21/2014 at 18:18

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So what is cruising speed to get 32?

Also, yeah I may be going that route. I hear Ford has good incentives.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/21/2014 at 18:20

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I totally want to pull the Matt Farrah and build a similar C5... The thing is I have recently started trying to adapt to my situation and I'm going through a 100% custom car build that will cost me less than a C5 for now, and have to wait until the future to buy the 'vette... To make room for a reliable and newer car that maybe the fiance will inherit. I'd like us to have at least 1 newish car to live off of, since right now transportation is a huge part of my livelihood.

cazzyodo > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 20:42

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Cruising for me is like 65 no passing. Did that for about 20 miles and got to 33.6mpg on that stretch. Haven't really been able to replicate it though. I've been driving a bit more highway than usual and never really break 29 on any stretch. I always end up with a trip average when I fill up of beween 23.5 and 24.7mpg.

Kailand09 > cazzyodo 10/21/2014 at 20:51

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good numbers to hear! My car currently gets 22-24 100% highway at 75, and passing. Getting up a good amount would be nice.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 21:59

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Ah, I gotcha. Out of your choices, I'd also probably choose the GTI. You probably have a lot of people telling you to get the FiST. Personally, I prefer the GTI, but I haven't driven either. The GTI just seems like the better car all around.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/21/2014 at 22:03

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FiST is too small for sure, the GTI is actually more cargo than a FoST. The FoST looks SO much better exterior IMO than the GTI, but the interior is where I'll spend most of my time... I look at pictures online and just can't stop thinking how cheap the interior looks (esp dash) on the FoST.

That and a used FoST is harder to find and only goes back to 2013, so it will be more expensive.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 22:14

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Lol typo, I meant to put FoST. And really? I don't hate the FoST, but I think the GTI looks better. Add in what you stated about the interior, cargo, and availability, and it seems like a winning bet to me.

Kailand09 > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 10/21/2014 at 22:30

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Oh lol makes sense. A few have suggested FiST. And yeah, the GTI still looks great, just a bit bland. That can be a good thing though.

And APR stage I.... there's that. lol

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > Kailand09 10/21/2014 at 23:49

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No worries! Let me know if you have any other questions.

cazzyodo > Kailand09 10/22/2014 at 08:58

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The funny thing is that I tend to do well in traffic when most people complain. Leaving it in second and I can idle along the entire time and actually get better than the rated city efficiency. It caught me off-guard the first time that happened. Went 40 miles through Boston once and hit stop and go traffic then opened up the rest of the way...got a combined 31mpg. 100% highway. Very surprising.

Results may vary, though. And I never really cruise because 1) Massachusetts and 2) it doesn't make you want to.

Kailand09 > cazzyodo 10/22/2014 at 17:18

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LOL yeah I don't blame you

n54 & s38 > Kailand09 10/23/2014 at 15:11

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I don't think that the WRX will be too bad, reliability-wise but I'd avoid buying the first year of a brand new model, a mistake I made when I bought my 2008 WRX. Don't look at the FoST without checking out the FiST too. Cheaper, and in my opinion, more fun.

Kailand09 > n54 & s38 10/23/2014 at 17:25

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My only issue with the FiST is size. It's just too small for my liking.

n54 & s38 > Kailand09 10/23/2014 at 17:42

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Agreed. I'm a larger dude and it feels a bit snug to me as well. The FoST is a much more usable size although that actually felt tight to me as well. But it was much more fun to drive than the FoST. I thought anyway after driving both.