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| What new car to buy (for me) [message #248947] |
Fri, 09 March 2007 12:39  |
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Blazer
Messages: 3322
Registered: February 2003
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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General (3 Stars)
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As the subject says, I'm looking for feedback on what car *I* should buy, for myself. This means you shouldn't reply with "OMG0rz get a Ferrarri!"  Of course only I really know what I want and won't make my decision based purely on your input, but until I buy one, I might as well have fun over-analyzing which car I should get, and you guys can help!
Before I go on, heres a quick rundown of the car I'm driving now:
* 1995 Mustang GT, w/ a few thousand $ worth of racing mods.
* Been driving this car since 2000.
*- It rides rough as hell (suspension was reworked for auto-cross).
*+ It has lots of torque and "feels" fast.
* It has a 15lb nitrous-oxide bottle in the trunk, and if used provides an extra 150+ hp (I only use this when drag racing...have not filled the bottle since I moved to Az).
*+ It has a very nice stereo system, worth around $3,000. Includes a trio of JL 10w6 subs in the trunk.
*+ Whenever I am a a gas station filling up, usually whoever is nearby will say "hey, nice car".
*- Due to being tuned for N2O usage, I have to use premium fuel. It costs me almost $40 to fill my tank.
*+ It has been paid off for several years, and my insurance is very cheap.
*- I recently had to get my tires replaced, and they are quite expensive, as they are size 275-40 Z17. Fortunately, they last a long time (assuming I don't spin out too often).
Note in the list above, "*+" means its a feaure that I like, "*-" means a feature that I didn't like. So taking only those into account, it appears that what I like in a car is:
* Power. Itdoesn't have to be tire-burning, race-winning power, but needs to at least feel fast, and be able to pass someone with ease.
* Looks/Style. While I do get compliments on my current car, it's mostly the fact that *I* like the way it looks.
* Gadgets. I love my current stereo that can blow dry your hair. A new car won't have that, but I would probably at least spring for the upgraded stereo, plus I'd like to have a nav system because I'm a n00b and don't know how to get to most places, and well I just plain like gadgets
Note that things like "fuel economy", "resale value", "cargo capacity" are not in the list. While I do care about the environment, I figure that just upgrading to a new car will be a huge improvement over the gas-guzzling stang, so I don't feel compelled to buy some econo-box and throw everything else I like about a car out the window, just to save a few bucks filling up, or to contribute less to pollution. I don't really car what it's resale value is, or its "utility rating". I want something fun to drive, for ME. If I wanted a vehicle that was an investment, I would buy a Rolls, if I wanted something with Utility in mind, I would get a big fat truck with a bumper sticker that says "Yes, I WILL help you move your furniture!".
So, with all that said and done, here are some criteria for my new car:
* Max price around $30,000
* Sporty. Decent amount of power (which means no base models).
* Gadets. GPS/NAV would be nice, also bluetooth (so can use handsfree cell while driving).
* Looks. I like cars that are muscular and/or sporty looking. There are and have been plenty of cars that had all the above options, but look like total ass. For example, the Taurus SHO.
Now, on to the prospects.
2008 Dodge Avenger R/T
Price with options: $29,930
Quick stats:
* 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine
* All Wheel Drive
* Six-speed AutoStick® Transmission
* 18-inch chrome alloy wheels
* Automatic temperature control
* Steering wheel mounted audio controls
* Pearl paint
* ~26 MPG
Gadgets:
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MyGIG™, an entertainment and navigation audio system with a 6.5-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) Display with a touch-screen panel that can support 65,000 colors. The MyGIG system follows voice-activated commands and includes:
* AM/FM Radio With 6 Boston Acoustic(R) Speakers
* CD/CDR/RW/DVD/VCD playback
* A 20 gigabyte hard disc drive that includes Music Juke Box for organizing music and pictures on the hard drive
* USB based MP3 connectivity for putting WMA, MP3 and JPEG files onto the hard drive
* Gracenote® database on the hard drive, for song identification, including composer, artist and title
* Playlist creation
* Voice memo recording, using the microphone integrated into the rearview mirror
* Radio screen, which can display movies (when vehicle is not in motion)
* SIRIUS Satellite Radio
* UConnect® Hands-free Communication System (Bluetooth)
* Rear Seat Video System
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* Heated seats
* Chill Zone™—a storage compartment in the top of the instrument panel that holds up to four standing 12 oz. beverage cans, cooled by the proximity of an air conditioning vent (when the air is on)
* A heated/cooled front cupholder that keeps cold beverages cool and hot beverages warm. The system heats to 140 degrees Fahrenheit or cools to 35 degrees Fahrenheit
* Power sunroof
* 8-way power drivers seat
* Passenger seat can fold down flat, just in case you need to carry something long that extends from the trunk. passenger seat also has a laptop holder.
2007 Volkswagon GTI
Price with options: $31,805
Quick Stats:
200HP Turbo 2.0L engine
Fuel Economy Highway: 32mpg
Recommended fuel : premium unleaded 
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic w/DSG & Tiptronic®
Gadgets:
* AM/FM Sound System w/Navigation/Ipod Adpt.
* 6-disc CD changer in-dash mounted, MP3 format readable, 10 speakers
* Outside temperature display
Recommended fuel : premium unleaded
6 speed manual transmission with overdrive
2007 Ford Mustang GT "Premium"
Price w/Options: $33,130 (would be <$30k if nav system and upgraded audio dropped)
Quick Stats:
* 300HP 4.6L V8
* 5-Speed automatic transmission
* 18" Polished Alumninum wheels
* 6-way power adjustable seats
Gadgets:
* Touch-screen NAV system
* Remote start
* Bluetooth
* Shaker 1000 Audio system, 6x in-dash CD/MP3, 10 speakers
* The industry-first, color-configurable instrument panel offers the ultimate in personalization. Mustang owners can mix and match lighting at the touch of a button to create more than 125 color backgrounds to suit their personalities, moods, outfits or whims.
Other cars under $30,000
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/new-cars-under-30000.htm
Ah hell, I just found the link above, which sure beats finding models by hand. Ah well I'm not wasting the info I already found. Bear in mind that those prices are usually on the "base" model, so if it says its 29,000, thats probably with only the few standard options it has.
[Updated on: Tue, 31 July 2007 00:53] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #248950 is a reply to message #248947] |
Fri, 09 March 2007 12:51  |
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EvilWhiteDragon
Messages: 3751
Registered: October 2005
Location: The Netherlands
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If you want a new mustang that steers, you better take the Roush Mustang, as from what I heard, the standard suspention sucks if you need to take corners.
Im not sure how much it would be in the states, but a Volvo C30 might be cool to, the C30 is a competitor of the Golf.
A nissan Z350 or 300 is cool to, but might be beyond your budget
A Mitsubishi eclipse is cool too (again, not a clue in terms of costs):
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[Updated on: Fri, 09 March 2007 12:52] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #248974 is a reply to message #248947] |
Fri, 09 March 2007 13:56 |
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Blazer
Messages: 3322
Registered: February 2003
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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Roush mustang: would be nice, but too expensive. I was gettting a specialty mustang, I would probably get a Steeda or Saleen, assuming I had 50K to spend 
Nissan 350Z: more than 30K
Volvo C30: Not available in the US
Eclipse: more than 30k as well
[Updated on: Fri, 09 March 2007 13:58] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #248981 is a reply to message #248947] |
Fri, 09 March 2007 14:34 |
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luv2pb
Messages: 1488
Registered: February 2004
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General (1 Star)
Not everything is as it appears
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I have one thing to say my friend.
Subaru
I love my WRX and wouldn't trade it for the world. It is very practicle, affordable, looks great, and has plenty of power to get you where you need to be and in front of the jackass!
N00bstories Director Of Operations
[Updated on: Fri, 09 March 2007 14:36] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #248983 is a reply to message #248947] |
Fri, 09 March 2007 14:45 |
MexPirate
Messages: 883
Registered: March 2006
Location: UK
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Colonel |
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Golf GTI, you know it will actually be well built and not have a plastic interior, plus it should hold it's value pretty well and be more practical for day to day driving. I havn't looked to closely at the others but I would bet the golf has the best handling and you got all the extras included in that price.
Don't be moaning about the fuel, I have a 33 litre fuel tank on a rover 100 1.1 and it cost me over $50 (£30) to fill it up, the thing struggles to do more than 50mph on anything more than a gentle incline, and I just paid £112 ($200) for a years tax. UK Car/Fuel Tax sucks ass.
It's a mexican pirate .... F*ck a dog by Blink 182
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #249037 is a reply to message #248947] |
Fri, 09 March 2007 17:58 |
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SlikRik
Messages: 328
Registered: December 2005
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Recruit |
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| Blazer wrote on Fri, 09 March 2007 14:39 |
For example, the Taurus SHO.
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Oddly enough, I drive a 2000 Taurus, and use approx $45/week to fill my tank with Regular...
Lol but anyway, I wish I was you, who had that kinda cash to spend on a new car.
Looks like you tend to stick to the American cars, seeing as you have a Mustang, and your first prospective was a Dodge, although have you considered looking into the Japanese market? Certain cars, such as Mitsu Evo's for example are quite sporty, although somewhat all-too-popular.
As someone recommended, the 2007 Mitsu Eclipse may be fun to drive, assuming you pack it full.
But I'm probly no help here, since my type of fun car is a small but sporty car.
Best of luck car hunting. Don't let the salesmen screw you over.
Roleplay 2 Website (click pic) designer, owner, and admin.
Roleplay 2 Forum admin.
Present & Past WOL Names: SlikRik (current), SlikRik19/24/07, rik1924, rik19244
| Canadacdn wrote on Wed, 02 July 2008 15:52 |
If you don't want EA to get any credit, destroy their Refinery. Duh.
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #249048 is a reply to message #248947] |
Fri, 09 March 2007 19:47 |
Apache
Messages: 185
Registered: February 2003
Location: Fort McMurray, AB, Ca
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Blazer, why not wait for the new Camaro?
It will have a powerful 5.3L LS1 V8 engine with displacment on demand, which should net you between 25 - 30 mpg in 4 cylinder mode.
Suppost to be priced similar to the Mustang too, fairly cheap. Knowing GM, it should be loaded with gadgets as well, and should be a pretty fun car to drive... It is on the Zeta platform, with an independant rear suspension, so the thing will both go fast in a straight line, and handle reasonably well around curves.
- Russell
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #249060 is a reply to message #248947] |
Fri, 09 March 2007 23:50 |
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What about a Pontiac GTO? Or is that too expensive?
Jonathan Wilson aka Jonwil
Creator and Lead Coder of the Custom scripts.dll
Renegade Engine Guru
Creator and Lead Coder of TT.DLL
Official member of Tiberian Technologies
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #249061 is a reply to message #249058] |
Sat, 10 March 2007 00:02 |
puddle_splasher
Messages: 595
Registered: May 2006
Location: Scotland, UK
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Lovely cars but as a Fire-Fighter that ends up cutting a few folk out of cars, may I suggest some additional details that should be fitted as standard. However you will be lost without them.
Front and rear crumple zones, collision bulkheads, roll bars, side impact bars, airbags for foot/ankle/knee/face (3 separate bags)side airbags for the body, curtain airbags for the head and chest. Side ways moving, collision seating.
Seat belt pretensioners, ABS for braking, Anti skid and traction control for steering. Impregnated reinforced sunfroof (you dont want the head rubbing tarmac, whilst imverted).
Cruise control and a diesel engine, (less likely hood of fire).
OH yes! I know how to spoil the fun but I would look for the above in any car before I search for other specs.
Driving is not just for fun but you must keep safety in mind at all times. Then you are a little safer as you play.-
[Updated on: Sat, 10 March 2007 00:02] Report message to a moderator |
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #249082 is a reply to message #249061] |
Sat, 10 March 2007 02:18 |
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Blazer
Messages: 3322
Registered: February 2003
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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General (3 Stars)
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| puddle_splasher wrote on Sat, 10 March 2007 02:02 |
Lovely cars but as a Fire-Fighter that ends up cutting a few folk out of cars, may I suggest some additional details that should be fitted as standard. However you will be lost without them.
Front and rear crumple zones, collision bulkheads, roll bars, side impact bars, airbags for foot/ankle/knee/face (3 separate bags)side airbags for the body, curtain airbags for the head and chest. Side ways moving, collision seating.
Seat belt pretensioners, ABS for braking, Anti skid and traction control for steering. Impregnated reinforced sunfroof (you dont want the head rubbing tarmac, whilst imverted).
Cruise control and a diesel engine, (less likely hood of fire).
OH yes! I know how to spoil the fun but I would look for the above in any car before I search for other specs.
Driving is not just for fun but you must keep safety in mind at all times. Then you are a little safer as you play.-
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I totally agree that safety features are important. Fortunately, it seems that most new model cars have decent crash protection as far as airbags and structural reinforcement, as well as ABS brakes, etc. I actually have a bad habit of not wearing my seat belt at all 
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| Re: What new car to buy (for me) [message #249084 is a reply to message #249048] |
Sat, 10 March 2007 03:39 |
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Blazer
Messages: 3322
Registered: February 2003
Location: Phoenix, AZ
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General (3 Stars)
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| Apache wrote on Fri, 09 March 2007 21:47 |
Blazer, why not wait for the new Camaro?
It will have a powerful 5.3L LS1 V8 engine with displacment on demand, which should net you between 25 - 30 mpg in 4 cylinder mode.
Suppost to be priced similar to the Mustang too, fairly cheap. Knowing GM, it should be loaded with gadgets as well, and should be a pretty fun car to drive... It is on the Zeta platform, with an independant rear suspension, so the thing will both go fast in a straight line, and handle reasonably well around curves.
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Good point. I like the looks of the new Camaro, they won't be out until 2009 though. I think I will probably lease a car for 2 years and then see what is on the market.
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