New car shopping, ideas? Advice?

[idolsword]

I am going to be moving out west pretty soon as I just received an offer of employment out there and I will not be bringing my beloved Maxima out there with me.

I am looking into what cars are out there for me and I have come across some options, but first here are some ideas of what I am looking for.

- Decent fuel mileage
- Enough cargo room to take a hockey bag and goalie pads
- Reliability
- And hey why not, some decent looks
My price ranges lies around the lows 20K level.

So here is what I have so far:

- Mazda 3GT: looks good, price is pretty well spot on and the cargo room is pretty nice with that hatch.
- Toyota Corolla S: don't think it is as good looking as the 3 and the cargo is not as good either, bu the price is still right on and my research seems to indicate that they are very reliable.
- Honda Civic: most likely the sedan so I can get some decent cargo space, but it looks good and has that Honda reliability going on.

Those are the three I have test driven, and I like the all on the road, maybe the civic the most, but do you guys have any opinions on these cars or even better experiences with them?

Some other ideas that have been floating about in my which I have not pursued/test driven include:

- Honda Fit
- Toyota Yaris Hatchback
- Toyota Camry (kind of outside the price range though)
- Ford Focus (its an idea but I have yet to really like any Ford I have driven)
- Dodge Caliber (looks kind of nice, but I have heard some bad things about reliability)

Any way thats about it, I kind of at the beginning of my search so its pretty open ended and I am open to any and all suggestions and ideas.

[KGCCS]

You should give these guys a try, I hear they're pretty good: http://www.autonegotiators.ca If you need additional help figuring out exactly what you need, etc... they have the expertise to find a vehicle that matches your needs and lifestyle to a 'T'. In addition, they can also handle all aspects of the price negotiations, terms of the deal, etc while delivering a VERY competitive price. Might be worth a shot 8)

[SilverTurtle]

2008 Altima Coupe = teh sex

[GoGo240SR20]

subaru impreza?

[idolsword]

2008 Altima Coupe = teh sex

Oh the Altima Coupe is nice looking, but a bit outside the price range.

The Impreza, hmm not a bad idea at all, and starting at what appears to be around 23k it is in the right range.

I guess I could add the City Golf to the list.

My eyes are getting more and more focused on the Fit with its low MSRP and Honda reliability. Any more comments, ideas, suggestions etc...

[kirktalife]

subaru impreza?


hahahahahahaha...can you say engine teardown at 15,000kms

[idolsword]

subaru impreza?


hahahahahahaha...can you say engine teardown at 15,000kms

Know from personal experience?

[The Full Monty]

You're not a real Redliners member if you don;t buy a Honda civic. It doesnt matter what year, as long as you have the big H symbol, you have been granted acceptance.

[DevilOnWheelz]

You should compare the insurance rates of these vehicle's as well.

[Mav3rick]

subaru impreza?


hahahahahahaha...can you say engine teardown at 15,000kms

I'm an impreza owner (wrx) and i've had no issues mechanically with the car. where are you getting this information? Subaru has some of the most reliable engines on the market

[AWDGuy]

at the very least, test drive the focus. I like the hatchs, and you can fit more in a ZX5, then you can in the sedan form. Though the ST sedan comes with the 2.3 power plant, wish they would put it in the hatches! They handle very well for a sock car under 20k. Get a manual, as I hear the autos are crap. I know the regular ones arent all that appealing, but you can always opt for the GFX package, which really enhances the exterior of the car IMO.

This will be your last year also to pick up a focus hatch, since the 2008 line up will replace the hatch with a coupe (and I think here dropping the wagon to). The focus is also getting a facelift (exterior looks like a cobalt, but the interior is vury nice).

The engines also respond well to boost! check out http://www.focussport.com for some of the bets turbo kits out there for the ford focus.

I always liked the mazda3, and that would be my choice from your list.

[Musclecar]

subaru impreza?


hahahahahahaha...can you say engine teardown at 15,000kms

Know from personal experience?


LOL I've done enough of them. Piston recall for the win!!!

really, they're very good and the engine issues have been addressed. but way out of the low 20K price range.

[ImPuLsIvE.ca]

I highly recommend the new Civic Sedans. My mother-in-law bought one late last year. Very easy to drive, very spacious on the inside, lots of cargo room, and has tons of features. It beats the snot out of the 2001-2005 Civics by leaps and bounds.

[DVS Talon]

Nissan Skyline

[idolsword]

I highly recommend the new Civic Sedans. My mother-in-law bought one late last year. Very easy to drive, very spacious on the inside, lots of cargo room, and has tons of features. It beats the snot out of the 2001-2005 Civics by leaps and bounds.

That is a very glowing recommendation.

I went and test drove a Focus today, nice for the price, but I definitely enjoyed driving the Mazda3 more. The search continues.

[JohnnyG]

subaru impreza?


hahahahahahaha...can you say engine teardown at 15,000kms

Know from personal experience?


LOL I've done enough of them. Piston recall for the win!!!

really, they're very good and the engine issues have been addressed. but way out of the low 20K price range.

The base price for the new 08's are under $21k

[Vesman]

My buddy started his family a year and a half ago and bought a 3... he LOVES it and has had no problems so far.

[GoGo240SR20]

anyway steve



trust me on this

take a subaru for a test drive

you'll understand the difference between that and a mazda 3 or whatever crap econo car someone else posted

most people on here havn't driven more then 3 cars

[GoGo240SR20]

hahahahahahaha...can you say engine teardown at 15,000kms



stop posting...

[AzNKiD]

- Dodge Caliber (looks kind of nice...)

:shock: