Help me pick a new car
November 15, 2006 11:22 AM Subscribe
Help me find a new car.
So here are the criteria. I'm in my mid thirties with two little kids. Wife owns a Volvo XC70 which will do most of the kid lugging.
Most recent cars I've owned are an Audi TT, and currently a Mazda RX8.
Budget is < 30k.
Not sure what kind of car to get, in the running are the Golf GTI, Mazda CX7, perhaps a pickup of some sort, but I could also see myself in something a bit more plush, say a Lincoln MKZ or something of that ilk, and I'm quite partial to the new Landcruiser. As you can tell I'm all over the place. Any ideas on what other cars I should take a look at, anything being released by March 07?
So here are the criteria. I'm in my mid thirties with two little kids. Wife owns a Volvo XC70 which will do most of the kid lugging.
Most recent cars I've owned are an Audi TT, and currently a Mazda RX8.
Budget is < 30k.
Not sure what kind of car to get, in the running are the Golf GTI, Mazda CX7, perhaps a pickup of some sort, but I could also see myself in something a bit more plush, say a Lincoln MKZ or something of that ilk, and I'm quite partial to the new Landcruiser. As you can tell I'm all over the place. Any ideas on what other cars I should take a look at, anything being released by March 07?
If I were you I'd leave the kid lugging to the volvo and get yourself a nice going-out-to-dinner car for you and the Mrs. I'm partial to Acuras as they have great engineering and honda parts = longlasting AND sexy.
I also like Nissans--right now I have an Altima and it has more power than I expected and a huge back seat for when we cart folks around. The Maxima has really great lines-- a smooth curve for the hood which grabs me for some reason. Also, the Z is just amazing in my opinion.
VW has a new convertible that's pretty cool.
Unless you really all that space I'd stay away from gas guzzlers. Personal opinion.
Good luck!
posted by orangemiles at 12:36 PM on November 15, 2006
I also like Nissans--right now I have an Altima and it has more power than I expected and a huge back seat for when we cart folks around. The Maxima has really great lines-- a smooth curve for the hood which grabs me for some reason. Also, the Z is just amazing in my opinion.
VW has a new convertible that's pretty cool.
Unless you really all that space I'd stay away from gas guzzlers. Personal opinion.
Good luck!
posted by orangemiles at 12:36 PM on November 15, 2006
Subaru WRX?
posted by electroboy at 12:38 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by electroboy at 12:38 PM on November 15, 2006
Response by poster: I'll give the RAV4 a shot but the RAV4 and CRV are both a little too cookie cutter SUV for my tastes, the thing I like about the CX7 and the LandCruiser is the distinctive styling (in the same vain I also like the Inifiniti FX45 and to a lesser extent the Murano but they are both outside the budget)
The WRX is a little too raw me thinks, awesome car though. The EOS does look cool, and I wouldn't mind getting another convertible (I used to own a Triumph Spitfire & TR6), thought about a used convertible Saab too... So many choices!!!
posted by zeoslap at 12:47 PM on November 15, 2006
The WRX is a little too raw me thinks, awesome car though. The EOS does look cool, and I wouldn't mind getting another convertible (I used to own a Triumph Spitfire & TR6), thought about a used convertible Saab too... So many choices!!!
posted by zeoslap at 12:47 PM on November 15, 2006
Response by poster: I'm coming to the end of my lease (TT was leased too) but there is nothing wrong with the RX8 at all, great car, tiny, tiny trunk but it's a blast to drive and my 3yr old fits nicely in the 'cosy' back seat :)
posted by zeoslap at 1:28 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by zeoslap at 1:28 PM on November 15, 2006
The VW GTI is awesome, assuming you're resigned to not getting anyone over 5'2" into the seat behind you. I don't know if front-seat room is a factor for you (I think there was a separate AskMe about this last week), but I'm 6'5", and have never seen more headroom in a small car. It's got lots of kick, and will definitely come in for under $30K, even if you spring for every option they offer.
posted by Mayor West at 1:45 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by Mayor West at 1:45 PM on November 15, 2006
Response by poster: Rear seat room isn't an issue (TT had a 4'8 limit before the hatch hits your head!) and the reviews have been great for the GTI, I also miss the versatility of a hatchback. I clearly have an awful lot of test driving to do :)
posted by zeoslap at 1:56 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by zeoslap at 1:56 PM on November 15, 2006
Second electroboy's WRX suggestion (but go for the wagon to tame the ugly). If a Rex is too boy racer for you, look at the Legacy GT, instead.
posted by notyou at 2:14 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by notyou at 2:14 PM on November 15, 2006
On review, shoulda previewed. WRX out, but still have a look at the Legacy.
posted by notyou at 2:18 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by notyou at 2:18 PM on November 15, 2006
I just bought a used Hyundai Elantra hatchback this year, and I really love it -- all leather, all automatics and sunroof, and really great mileage, lots of go, and styling that's really reminiscent of a Saab. I know Hyundais used to have a piece-of-crap reputation, but they've improved dramatically, and you could probably save a bundle. I never thought I'd buy a Hyundai, but I love my car!
posted by onlyconnect at 3:15 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by onlyconnect at 3:15 PM on November 15, 2006
If you just got rid of an RX8, an Elantra probably isn't going to cut it for you...
But of those you mentioned, I can't imagine why anyone with that kind of money wouldn't buy the GTI. I've driven the new one, and it's absolutely my favorite car that I've ever driven ever. And I've driven the TT and the RX8.
The landcruiser is a gas hog, you might regret that later - how 'bout a 4Runner?
Or, you said you might like a pickup, have you driven a Tacoma?
I currently drive a Tacoma, which I love for its quality and ruggedness, but man, pickups have a crude ride compared to your past cars.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 3:45 PM on November 15, 2006
But of those you mentioned, I can't imagine why anyone with that kind of money wouldn't buy the GTI. I've driven the new one, and it's absolutely my favorite car that I've ever driven ever. And I've driven the TT and the RX8.
The landcruiser is a gas hog, you might regret that later - how 'bout a 4Runner?
Or, you said you might like a pickup, have you driven a Tacoma?
I currently drive a Tacoma, which I love for its quality and ruggedness, but man, pickups have a crude ride compared to your past cars.
posted by M.C. Lo-Carb! at 3:45 PM on November 15, 2006
BMW 328i sedan. Fits kids, very safe, but is also BMW fun. I have an older 3 Series and it's the tops. The new one is even better.
posted by luckypozzo at 4:45 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by luckypozzo at 4:45 PM on November 15, 2006
Um, <3 0k.br>
Being a Mazda fan myself (recently bought a 3 hatch and absolutely love it), and having driven the CX-7, I'd side with that one if you could use the room. A little too big for my tastes (though I know it's on the small side for SUVs), but I was surprised by it's handling and in the GT trim it really is quite luxurious inside, though I dislike the plastic on the steering wheel.
I would suggest the Mazdaspeed3 simply for it's mix of performance and practicality, but I don't think it's quite upscale enough for your mentioned preference, though (slightly below the RX8 in overall interior finish, I'd say). Though it's certainly getting rave reviews in the thrills/buck category. Maybe the 4-door GTI?
posted by adamp88 at 6:33 PM on November 15, 2006
Being a Mazda fan myself (recently bought a 3 hatch and absolutely love it), and having driven the CX-7, I'd side with that one if you could use the room. A little too big for my tastes (though I know it's on the small side for SUVs), but I was surprised by it's handling and in the GT trim it really is quite luxurious inside, though I dislike the plastic on the steering wheel.
I would suggest the Mazdaspeed3 simply for it's mix of performance and practicality, but I don't think it's quite upscale enough for your mentioned preference, though (slightly below the RX8 in overall interior finish, I'd say). Though it's certainly getting rave reviews in the thrills/buck category. Maybe the 4-door GTI?
posted by adamp88 at 6:33 PM on November 15, 2006
Whatever you do, don't by a Volkswagen unless you like spending a lot of the time at the garage paying through the nose.
VW's "German engineering" legacy is just a marketing tool now. Everything's made in Mexico of incredibly cheap pieces. I own a 98 VW Gti and have been kicking myself for 8 years for buying it over a Honda. (I've owned a Honda Accord and Nissan Maxima previously, both were great, I beat the hell out of the Maxima and have regretted it for most of my life. It was such a nice car.) I'm a mechanical engineer now (I bought the car right before I entered college) and am consistently shocked by the cheap plastics, and adhesives VW used on these cars. There's chronic problems with the seats adjustment knobs, engine head cracks and leaks (in the VR6 model), wheel locks, front strut mounts, outside trim falling off, fuel sender failure, fading plastic bumpers... I can go on...
I would also suggest the WRX... it's some of the best money for performance and quality you're going to find. Repairs will probably be costly, like the VW, but fewer and far between. The WRX has consistently winning awards for quality and performance from most major publications since it's inception.
Don't buy an SUV unless its a hybrid. Gas prices are bound to go back up again. You said the wife is going to be doing the soccer mom thing, so there's no reason to buy that large of a vehicle unless your trying to make up for size in other places.
I would also suggest thinking about getting an 'almost new' car rather than 'new' and save $10,000 or so. My mom picked up a 1.5 year old Lexus with 12,000 miles for $14,000 less than the new car price. After I saw that, I said I'm never buying new again... unless I get "f. u. money" ... but that's a ways away. :)
posted by jkl345 at 8:01 PM on November 15, 2006
VW's "German engineering" legacy is just a marketing tool now. Everything's made in Mexico of incredibly cheap pieces. I own a 98 VW Gti and have been kicking myself for 8 years for buying it over a Honda. (I've owned a Honda Accord and Nissan Maxima previously, both were great, I beat the hell out of the Maxima and have regretted it for most of my life. It was such a nice car.) I'm a mechanical engineer now (I bought the car right before I entered college) and am consistently shocked by the cheap plastics, and adhesives VW used on these cars. There's chronic problems with the seats adjustment knobs, engine head cracks and leaks (in the VR6 model), wheel locks, front strut mounts, outside trim falling off, fuel sender failure, fading plastic bumpers... I can go on...
I would also suggest the WRX... it's some of the best money for performance and quality you're going to find. Repairs will probably be costly, like the VW, but fewer and far between. The WRX has consistently winning awards for quality and performance from most major publications since it's inception.
Don't buy an SUV unless its a hybrid. Gas prices are bound to go back up again. You said the wife is going to be doing the soccer mom thing, so there's no reason to buy that large of a vehicle unless your trying to make up for size in other places.
I would also suggest thinking about getting an 'almost new' car rather than 'new' and save $10,000 or so. My mom picked up a 1.5 year old Lexus with 12,000 miles for $14,000 less than the new car price. After I saw that, I said I'm never buying new again... unless I get "f. u. money" ... but that's a ways away. :)
posted by jkl345 at 8:01 PM on November 15, 2006
I second NOT buying a Volkswagen. I have a Golf and although I would really love to love my car, it's been an incredible pain in the butt. Especially after owning two Toyotas that looked a lot "cheaper" than the Golf, but were so incredibly dependable. There have been so many things wrong with the Golf - it's just been one thing after another. I have two other friends who have also owned or now own a Volkswagen and they both have also sworn never to buy one again.
posted by gt2 at 10:31 PM on November 15, 2006
posted by gt2 at 10:31 PM on November 15, 2006
Response by poster: I've heard anecdotal evidence with regards VWs being unreliable but these generally come from people owning older models. I will give the WRX a drive but just can't quite picture myself in it at the moment. Thanks for all the input. Any thoughts on the Fusion/MKZ ?
posted by zeoslap at 5:50 AM on November 16, 2006
posted by zeoslap at 5:50 AM on November 16, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
Trust me on this one. Test drive it and you'll be hooked.
posted by WinnipegDragon at 12:31 PM on November 15, 2006