Mazda6, Eclipse GT, or Neither?? FINAL Update

"AJ Feldman (alecmets2011)" (alecmets2011) 05/25/2015 at 23:05 • Filed to: None

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So I’m helping a friend choose his next car after his Pontiac Aztek, which is currently not looking so hot (it never did anyway)

So a few things:

Budget: $5500

Musts: Be sporty, but not overly (no miatas, etc.), manual, preferably coupe but hatches and sedans are still fine

Must nots: Cannot be a BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Acura, Lincoln, basically anything luxury except for Lexus, Infiniti, or Cadillac . No Saabs either (sorry Oppos, but we need something reliable)

After about a month or so of looking, these are the two frontrunners:

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It’s perfect. Literally everything but the price. It would need some good haggling.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Decent shape. Clean under the hood for it’s age. No ricer bullshit. Great price

Any more reccomendations???

Our info: South Jersey Craigslist , 08034 ZIP (not exactly ours obviously, but close)

!!! UNKNOWN HEADER TYPE (MULTI-LINE BREAK?) !!!

Okay so after reading some comments, there are some things I should definitely add

This reason for none of the luxury makers I listed above is insurance, reliability, and the fact that the money is coming from his parents. After borrowing their car for 1+ year, they’re getting him his own as a graduation present. This also means NO SPORTS CARS (miatas, mustangs, etc.)

No Acuras or Hondas due to a very poor (putting it lightly) family history we have with them. I just can’t reccommend one.

No craiglist anymore or private sellers. The car must come from a dealer so they have the opportunity to haggle for some sort of short term (30 day) warranty (which I’ve told them many times TO GET IN WRITING, thank you Steve Lehto)

Budget has also increased to a firm $6000

It can be a fun car (Mazdaspeed, SVT Focus, Golf), just not a sports car.

So here are the current two frontrunners. Yes I know they’re boring economy cars to most of you, but they’re miles better than a Camry, Corolla, Civic, Accord, etc.

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I know it’s not the most reliable thing in the world, nor is it even a 1.8T. But it’s stick shift.

http://www.cherryhilltriplex.com/bargain/Ford/2…

Base. Automatic. Yawn. But at least it’s a Ford. It’s also not pull-me-over red

Thanks Oppo

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

Okay, Oppo

We dodged a bullet today when his parents fell in love with a Mitsubishi Galant. A Dodge Avenger was also in the running. Neither were bought

They have decided to allow luxury now, which gives us a few more options. But still no Saabs

The Golf and the Focus are still being considered, but I have a few more options:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Jaguar. Low miles. Decent price. But reliability is a concern.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Manual. Lower miles. 1 owner, non-molested/riced.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

E46. Lower miles. Decent price. But automatic. Concerns about long term reliability.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Decent price. Low miles. Turbo. But unreliable

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Newer than others here. Great price. Low miles. But very base

Thanks again Oppo, have this riced Civic for your time

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

Dat paint job yo...

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

Well. Against my wishes, and all of yours, he has decided to go the anti-sporty route.

The winner was the 2005 Ford Focus

http://www.cherryhilltriplex.com/bargain/Ford/2…

Not a bad car. Unfortunately it’s an automatic. And has hubcaps. But he was able to knock a couple thousand off the price, so I can’t really argue.

It’s reliable. It’s economic. It’s boring as sh1t. At least it’s not beige.

Thanks for the help everyone. I have a new project starting tuesday for my uncle. Coupe/convertible around $70k

Should be interesting...

JR1 > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 22:42

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So why not a Mustang? Is that too sporty?

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > JR1 05/21/2015 at 22:43

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Not overly sporty for insurance reasons, so that would be a yes

Textured Soy Protein > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 22:45

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That “no luxury” list makes no sense but at least add Acura to the permissible brands.

I had an ‘06 Mazdaspeed 6. It was very good at having an extremely rattly interior and rusting prematurely.

That generation Eclipse just kinda sucks.

SlickMcRick > Textured Soy Protein 05/21/2015 at 22:49

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That’s what I was thinking as well. Acura has to be included in this group.

JR1 > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 22:51

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http://newjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/5027374814…

I know you said preferably coupe but this CTS is clean. And I know it isn’t a manual but again so so clean

AthomSfere > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 22:52

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Why not Acura?

I mean:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

And in a year with another 12000 miles, it will still be worth that.

Of course, the Type-S in low miles is still close to $20k despite being about that new...

Jedidiah > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 22:52

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Here’s all the cool stuff on your Craigslist in the last 2 weeks. Don’t bother looking if you don’t like these

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5024187630…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5020864162…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5017028378…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5027338806…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/ctd/5028111565…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5032572066…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5033317497…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5035169932…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5026341766…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/5027462888…

https://southjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4998729369…

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > JR1 05/21/2015 at 22:55

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Nice mileage

Stef Schrader > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 22:57

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Of the two? Mazda6.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > AthomSfere 05/21/2015 at 22:57

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Bad Honda history in my family. I don’t even want to start.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > SlickMcRick 05/21/2015 at 22:58

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We’ve had a bad family history with Honda/Acura

I just can’t reccommend one

blacktruck18 > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 23:00

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1993 5.0 Mustang

Checks all the boxes, it’s old so insurance will be low. Negotiate a little bit off the price, buy some new wheels and have some money left over for maintenance and upkeep.

END THREAD

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > blacktruck18 05/21/2015 at 23:05

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Newer would be preferable, and it’s on its second engine

It’ll be considered

blacktruck18 > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 23:13

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I SAID “END THREAD”

and it’s on its second engine

What’s wrong with that? It’s a new engine with 3,600 miles.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > blacktruck18 05/21/2015 at 23:27

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Who did the work? Was it done correctly?

If something should go wrong, who does he take it to? An independent? Rent a car while parts have to be shipped to fix it?

We’re looking for something simple. Buy it, drive it, if something goes wrong take it to the dealer

I love Foxbody’s. I love Mustangs. I own one. This just doesn’t quite fit what he’s lookng for. He can’t even change oil. A foxbody at this point is for someone who knows more mechanically about cars. Do you get what I’m saying?

Bytemite > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 23:28

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Why is he only looking FWD economy cars?

For that budget he can afford so many better cars. Tell him to get a real sporty car. At least RWD, with a real diff.

AthomSfere > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 23:29

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Aw, so you are the family with bad Honda experiences...

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > Bytemite 05/21/2015 at 23:34

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Insurance

Reliability

Simple

WE ARE NOT LOOKING AT MIATAS

trust me i begged him to look at a real sports car. wouldn’t budge

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > AthomSfere 05/21/2015 at 23:47

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93 Accord Wagon: 2 ENGINES, both before 75k miles

02 Accord: 1 transmisson at 50k miles, the next one at 60k, the next one at 105k

07 Civic: Electrical issues

09 Accord: You’d figure the family knew better by now. So many problems it had to be certified a lemon. Has been replaced by a Camry. I hate that epitome of “beige” but at least it doesn’t strand you in the middle of the Poconos

We also had an 02 Satun Vue with many Honda components including the engine: ATE TRANNYS FOR BREAKFAST. FOUR!!! ALL before 130k miles

Bytemite > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/21/2015 at 23:47

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Well it doesnt even have to be a Miata.

Just because a car is driving the rear wheels doesn’t make it unreliable. Plus, would an insurance company even know the difference...

For example, you can compare that crappy Eclipse to a similarly priced 300zx, MR2, lexus IS, or something else along the lines of real sportiness.

A Mazda6? What, does he have a family?

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > Bytemite 05/21/2015 at 23:49

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Friends, Girlfriend

Room to put stuff on trips to college and back

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > AthomSfere 05/21/2015 at 23:57

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Wait. I forgot sbout the step-cousins

11 Accord bought as a college graduation present: On it’s third battery in 16 months

blacktruck18 > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/22/2015 at 00:13

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Who did the work? Was it done correctly?

Ask for receipts if the seller can’t provide them walk. Get a vehicle inspection.

If something should go wrong, who does he take it to? An independent? Rent a car while parts have to be shipped to fix it?

Take it to a Ford dealership if he want’s, if stuff breaks but it back to stock if, that’s what he wants. A good one is probably preferable to a dealership especially in this case, there are plenty of specialty shops for Mustangs. Waiting for parts is a possibility for any vehicle, I just had to wait almost a week for the Dodge dealer to get a headlight switch for a year old truck.

We’re looking for something simple. Buy it, drive it, if something goes wrong take it to the dealer

I can understand that but you are assuming that Mazda and Mitsubishi which are much smaller manufacturers will have the parts when and if he needs them. I would venture a guess that Ford would have a higher chance of having the parts if something breaks. Again, along the lines of what I stated above about Mustang specialty shops when I had my C4 Corvette, I called every dealer and parts store within 50 miles of my house looking for front wheel bearings, no one had one. I called a local Corvette specialist and they had 4 sitting on the shelf ready to go. I had them in my hands and installed in less then 4 hours.

I love Foxbody’s. I love Mustangs. I own one. This just doesn’t quite fit what he’s lookng for. He can’t even change oil. A foxbody at this point is for someone who knows more mechanically about cars.

You probably could have responded to that in your post first post and that would have ended the discussion.

But instead you want to throw out.

It’ll be considered

Which comes off as extremely snarky and arrogant. If you had made your first post a little clearer on his needs and wants I would have searched for something more in that area.

Do you get what I’m saying?

Again snarky and arrogant, but I get it you are asking for advice and then when someone offers it you want to shit on what they said. Instead of explaining why their suggestion won’t work you just continue to be shitty. I think I get what you are saying.

Sam > blacktruck18 05/22/2015 at 01:43

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Remember, people don’t want advice, they want you to affirm their own decision.

Sam > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/22/2015 at 01:45

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Buy the Mazda 6. Or The Eclipse. It really doesn’t matter, they’re both boring. My only constructive input is that Mitsubishi will probably go out of business before Mazda.

RyanFrew > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/22/2015 at 01:55

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r53 Mini Cooper S?

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > RyanFrew 05/22/2015 at 07:19

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Looking for one

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > blacktruck18 05/22/2015 at 07:27

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Didn’t mean to come off as arrogant

I just didn’t know if you’d understand what i’m trying to get at. He’s only sort of a car person, not a full out opponaut like most of us are. We need turn key simple, especially with his budget where money is tight.

I should’ve clarified that fox bodies are still in consideration, just not that particular one

jkm7680 > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/22/2015 at 07:57

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Neither, the Mazda is horribly overrated, just keep that in mind. The Eclipse is a bit of a boy racer mobile, even when it’s completely stock.

AthomSfere > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/22/2015 at 08:02

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Geez-us! Man, how!

LOL, I think my personal honda quota is something like 8, most were 200k+ and issue free, and that’s normal. So yeah, you no buy Hondas.

pip bip - choose Corrour > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 06:02

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Mitsubishi?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 19:43

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Lexus LS400. Fast, reliable, and it out S-Classed the S-Class of it’s day.

I own dead car brands only > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 19:51

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I have had Saabs for basically all of my adult life and the biggest trouble was a corroded battery cable from a leaking battery. That is from 200,000 combined miles spread across three Saabs. I encourage you to encourage your friend to reconsider Saabs

Confused Miata > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 19:55

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It’s not close but does a Scion tC count as a sports car? If not click here .

jkm7680 > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 19:56

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Hell no to that 1999 BMW. That thing is about $3,500 overpriced.

Birddog > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 19:56

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The requirements for buying an Eclipse is pretty short.

Is your friend a Stripper, Fast N Furious Fanboi, or a Meth Head?

No? Run like your arse is on fire and your head’s about to catch.

Yes? Carry On man!

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > Confused Miata 05/23/2015 at 20:05

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Again. Not looking for a sports car. Just sporty. So yes a TC would work

That really is perfect. The only strike against it is that it’s out of state. I’ll see what they think

Thanks

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > I own dead car brands only 05/23/2015 at 20:08

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That is both fantastic and very lucky. I’ve heard horror stories

TheHondaBro > SlickMcRick 05/23/2015 at 20:08

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Legend. Legend. LEGEND. LEGEND!

TheHondaBro > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 20:09

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I know I can, as would others on Oppo. We’ve had many Hondas, all of which were amazing. My dad used to drive a 3.2CL Type-S, and that thing was great.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 05/23/2015 at 20:10

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I’m all ears if you can find one close to us with under 110k miles

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > TheHondaBro 05/23/2015 at 20:12

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Look at my replies to AthomSfere

I own dead car brands only > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 20:14

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There will always be horror stories associated with every brand. Targeting or excluding a specific brand will not guarantee trouble free cars. Sometimes you just get dealt a shitty hand. Proof: your friend’s experience with Honda.

Also some horror” stories are really just parts that should have been checked or replaced under normal wear and tear.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > I own dead car brands only 05/23/2015 at 20:17

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I would love to include Saab. Maybe a low mileage one. Definitely not over 100k miles.

TheHondaBro > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 20:21

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My sister’s 2007 Civic is indestructible, my 2004 Accord is a tank, out old Odyssey took a beating every day and stilled chugged on. My dad’s 3.2 CL Type-S was a great machine. His current Fit is also very well built. My sister’s husband’s 2000 Accord is having no complications and feels tight as a drum despite being over ten years old. My parents also had an old, old Civic before I was born, and they loved that thing.

I own dead car brands only > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 20:21

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FWIW, my friend bought a 200,000 mile Saab that has been dealer-maintained all its life. Not a lick of problem. He’s going to tune it in a few months. Original motor and transmission.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 20:24

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BOOM, $1,500 under budget.

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Bytemite > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 20:48

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If he allows BMWs now..

E30!?!? or Z3..?

mazda616 > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 20:58

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My friend has a 2004 Mazda6 with the 2.3 and a 5-speed manual and it just passed 331,331 miles (she sent me an odo pic today) on the original engine and transmission. Only repairs have been the clutch. It's a great car.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > Bytemite 05/23/2015 at 21:04

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Z3’s too sporty

E30 would be difficult to find with under 100k miles, especially with their budget

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 05/23/2015 at 21:23

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Kinja won’t let me post the “you da real mvp” meme

Just take my word for it

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > TheHondaBro 05/23/2015 at 21:24

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Some aren’t so lucky

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > I own dead car brands only 05/23/2015 at 21:25

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Too bad it can’t be dealer maintained anymore

wafflesnfalafel > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 21:33

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That year 6 is nice - but you likely could get a better example of a 3 with the same 2.3 motor/transmission for the same money and they come in both sedan and hatch.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > wafflesnfalafel 05/23/2015 at 21:49

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It’s been harder to find than you would think. Most i’ve seen have either kept their value or have too many miles

wafflesnfalafel > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 22:08

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yep - Mazda sold way more 3s than they did 6’s. And being a couple hundred pounds lighter with the same 2.3 they are more fun too. Also come with a 2.0 that gets even better mileage.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/23/2015 at 23:24

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What about a manual first-gen CTS? They’re pretty awesome, and fairly bulletproof.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 05/23/2015 at 23:56

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I think I saw one or two, both had well over 125k miles

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/24/2015 at 00:06

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Yeah. The for rarer as years went on. But it’s a good pick if you can find one in good condition.

boxrocket > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/24/2015 at 20:46

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Definitely the Mazda6. I bought a first-gen one last month and love it, and my wife’s 2007 is still going well.

Avoid used VWs like the plague. The 3rd-gen Eclipses are grossly overweight and cheaply made, as they’re essentially a Gallant/Avenger/Sebring underneath.

boxrocket > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 05/24/2015 at 21:33

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You’re kidding, right? Top Gear said it pretty well in their review. They're wretched, the interior is craptastic, ergonomics are terrible, build quality is so-so, and the 3.6 is meh.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > boxrocket 05/24/2015 at 21:37

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Yes. Because Top Gear is ALWAYS fair and unbiased with their American car reviews...

boxrocket > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 05/24/2015 at 21:53

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I’m basing my comment off of too much experience with the CTS of all generations, and the Top Gear review reinforces my point. They’re junk. Most things from the late ‘90s through after the recession aren’t that great, in fairness, or at least notably worse than modern iterations. There are better options from the same time period for luxury performance, not the least of which are the 3-series, C-class, Jaguar S-Type, Lincoln LS, Lexus GS, Infiniti G35, etc.

BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather > boxrocket 05/24/2015 at 22:01

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With the exception of the C-Class, none of those cars had a dramatically better interior. And short of the M, AMG, etc, none of them performed any better. Whats more, the CTS has gotten better with each evolution while the other competitors have simply nipped and tucked.

boxrocket > BugEyedBimmer - back in the Saddle Dakota Leather 05/24/2015 at 22:35

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The CTS had more to improve. Still does. Same with the ATS.

All those cars had a better interior. Dramatically? Perhaps not, but definitely not as chintzy and cheap as the Cadillac's.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/25/2015 at 23:35

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Well, as an owner of an ‘06 Focus, my condolences. Build quality is less than stellar, with plenty of rattles and buzzes in the interior, and fairly tepid acceleration. Storage is not too bad, and with the seats down, it can swallow a pretty good amount of crap. Since it’s an ‘05, changing the front struts is easier, as Ford didn’t change the design until ‘06. Ask me how I know this. Parts are pretty cheap as well, except for the air filter, which is a Ford specific part and about $50 - $100. At least he can upgrade the wheels/tires pretty easily, as finding rims that fit, even OEM’s, is as simple as a quick Craigslist search or going to the nearest junk yard. To bad he didn’t get the SES trim, as that has really toasty heated seats. Those are very nice if you are in the colder climates.

Frenchlicker > Birddog 05/25/2015 at 23:52

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Ahh but you've missed a major segment that is dwindling. For awhile teen girls were known to drive them most often.

Frenchlicker > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/25/2015 at 23:56

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I'm just joining all of this and before I got to the bottom I was hoping Gocus hatch. Not amazingly fun but they can be. I'm actually thinking of buying one before returning to college, they are cheap and second hand parts are plentiful. Plus for a majority of work I have the bolt sizes memorized due to Ford being smart and trying to consistently use the same sizes.

boxrocket > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/26/2015 at 00:02

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Could be worse.

I have a set of chrome taillights for that generation ZX3/ZX5 you could have for just about a song.

I'd have picked the Mazda myself, but oh well. This will be better on gas.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) 05/26/2015 at 00:25

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At least the Focus is one of the better handling FWD cheap cars. The weak spots on those are the front tie rods and if you get weird issues with fuses blowing and it sometimes taking a long time to start, check the wiring in the rubber boot that goes into the hatch. Chances are the wiring is cracked and new wire needs to be spliced in.

Oh and one last common thing... if the engine gets noisy and vibrates a lot, that’s the passenger side engine mount that needs replacing. And only replace it with the more expensive hydraulic OEM mount which costs around $80 instead of the el cheapo $20 all rubber mount. And it’s only about 1 hour to replace it.

AJ Feldman (alecmets2011) > Frenchlicker 05/26/2015 at 07:10

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It would’ve been my first choice if it was stick shift