What car should I buy?
OK, so according to my parents I "still have my communion money" (I do, minus what I lost on Global Crossing) My GF recently blew up the tranny on my old Jeep. That means I need a new car. Prestige is a non-factor (thank you Manhattan) I Take the train to work, what should I buy for occasional use in the suburbs of NJ?
Just a FYI, since I can't edit the OP. I prefer cheaper, but am open to anything under six figures (under 5 preferred because I'm a cheap bastard)
so 90K is cool, but you'd prefer 9K? lol
And this is why you never let your woman drive your car. The fact that she is not a former GF shows a sheer lack of logic.
VW Jetta
Your GF blew a tranny?!
Yeah, but it was a Jeep Tranny, so he/she was super butch. :-)
As to where and price, No, In a lot in Jersey. I work in Lower Manhattan but live right on the PATH Train in Jersey. (the commute is quicker than it would be from half of Manhattan, the rent is cheaper, and I have a parking space) Realistically, I'd feel bad going much over $60k given how little use it would get. I saw a nice little 12 year old boxter that I'd consider. It doesn't need to be reliable since it's primarily for running errands and road trips.
A boxster wouldn't be the best for road trips. They are small cars.
For that price range, a BMW 440i would be much bigger and is also 0 - 60 in 4.4 seconds. I kind of like the size of the 4 series cars, my friend has a hardtop convertible 4 series - I've ridden around in it with her and driven it a few times.
https://www.caranddriver.com/bmw/4-series
Any specific segment you'd prefer? Sedan, CUV, SUV, Truck?
Are you parking in Manhattan? Then you want a Honda Fit - biggest of the small cars. It would still cost you a fortune to park, albeit a smaller one
Three year old Civic or Corolla
If you're not going to drive it too much, maybe just like a cheaper Toyota? Not the showiest cars on the plant, but they're fairly reliable, and if you don't drive it all that much, it will last forever.
This is like a reverse interview question. Or some sick sort of icebreaker game, where instead of getting to know each other, we sit around and try to guess who you are, while you play kingmaker. Did you at least make MD, yet?
What are your priorities in terms of driving habits? Okay with buying out of warranty?
I do my own maintenance so I have been watching Lotus Evora and BMW M6 prices closely, they seem to have bottomed out in terms of depreciation.
I'll probably end up with an earlier gen Boxster S because I like to go to the track and not worry if it gets a few beauty marks.
For $10,000 you can get an Abarth 500 and have enough extra room for an actual tranny to ride shotgun with you and your GF. Maybe you can take the savings and put it all on TVIX or some other responsible endeavor.
I had a older Miata for years, and did a 500 mile road trip in it, and it wasn't bad. (along with several timing belts and other work) With enough work you can pile enough girls to take home for a for a threesome in it, but forget foursomes. Also, are you sure TVIX is a reasonable investment? I'm pitching my boss on a triple leveraged inverse VIX ETF, that might be more "reasonable" I like the ticker OSHIT.
Ford Raptor. You can haul some ass and a bunch of stuff/people. Plus, it’s a little less boring than typical and you’ll dominate in snow.
.
Volkswagen Atlas
you should indicate what your budget is
I could pay cash up to around $60k easily, I've got family with large SUVs locally, and have survived with a Miata as an only car before. My problem is I don't want to pay $100/mo to park a $2k boring civic, and I'd rather something interesting. Also having nothing is kind of a pain, as I'm not 'quite' in the city. (although those Huge Trader Joe's runs on the subway used to be brutal)
That being said, I will get no prestige from it, as it will never see work, and the fact that I am the glue that keeps the funds together is already well known. A 7 Series for prestige's sake is pointless to me.
You willingly chose to possess a Miata?
This changes things.
Audi A4, fun drive, reliable, can get one loaded for under $50k. Obviously S4 is even better but you’d probably break the $60k mark if you buy new. My brother has an S7 and it’s a badass car (also > $100k).
VW GTI
GMC Sierra Denali. Power through snow but in luxury
Jaguar F-Pace. $40K out the door, or $60K with every box checked. Affordability, luxury and sporty all packed into a crossover.
Volkswagen GTI. Will cost you $25-$27K, by far the best daily driver within $20k of that price range and has plenty of storage space for Costco runs being a hatch. Try one out.
Jaguar E-Pace. Best value for money
Wow! That's awesome! Nice ride with that car. So love it!
I had my mom get a F Pace for this exact reason. Fun car especially in sport, and 25k miles with no issues but frankly comparing it to a Macan the build quality just isn't there. She liked her old 2013 BMW X5 better cuz it felt more "solid". The value proposition still made it worth it, but it really comes down to only 10-15k more for a Macan.
Indeed, from F-Pace and Macan I would pick Macan hands down. Range Rover Velar is beautiful as well. Anyway, E-Pace goes with Evoque and other crossover, is not a pure suv.. and price starts from 39k dollars
Tesla?
Audi Q5 - if you can up the budget for the SQ5 even more so.
Under the radar but still decent, and has AWD / any other tech you could want.
No shit. Granny shiftin' not double clutchin' like she should. You're lucky that hundred shot of NOS didn't blow the welds on the intake!
Now, me and the mad scientist got to rip apart the block... and replace the piston rings you fried.
Ask any racer. Any real racer. It don't matter if you win by an inch or a mile. Winning's winning.
I almost had you
You almost had me? You never had me - you never had your car.
You mean she didn't pay attention to the "Warning, danger to manifold" idiot alert?
Volvo hands down. You cannot go wrong with any model.
Yep +1 big time. Safest cars on the road
What about an Acura? The new models are pretty good looking.
Alfa Romeo Giulia (Quadrifoglio is the sport version with ~500 hp).
I've seen a lot of Giulia in NYC btw
Alfas and Maseratis look nice when new but they don't hold up.
If you are parking in Manhattan, get a Mini Cooper S.
Dodge Charger, B body. Classic, roomy, and will get all the dudes swooning over you.
Did I say dudes? I meant ladies, of course. Of course.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
BMW M2
This actually might be a good fit for the OP. I've heard very good things about this car.
You want something cheap and define that as generally below 6 figures? You know you can get an amazing car for under $50K...
I think part of the problem is if you don't drive much, you end up paying a lot of depreciation for not much enjoyment. That doesn't seem like a good trade-off. So given how much you drive, I'd say go second hand, maybe 3-5 years old. Since reliability isn't a problem for you, obviously you can look at the mainstream brands such as BMW, Mercedes and Audi, but I would find it annoying to have to deal with reliability problems even if I don't drive much. I like the Mercedes GLK350 look and I think Audi in general has some of the top rated AWD systems, but the brand isn't overly reliable.
Can take a look at Lexus (low maintenance, some nice cars, especially the newer models). I think Infinity is a fairly under-rated brand and cars such as the G37 have a pretty sporty feel, is fairly reliable, and can get a solid second hand price in the $15K range loaded with tech options.
In the end it depends where you will be driving, whether you need AWD, SUV, sedan, etc. You can get something interesting and relatively inexpensive without having to drive a boring car.
.
Porsche Cayenne
2015 M5
I can't fucking believe this isn't the only answer.
OP, what the fuck do you want in a car? You don't even seem to know....clearly you can afford something expensive, but then you keep hedging by saying you wouldn't mind a shitbox...no one can help you if you can't even give a slight approximation of what you want.
As this website's self-appointed car expert, I second the F10 (2013-2017 in the US) M5 suggestion, can easily get a nice used one for about 60k, or less. Hell, 50k will get you a nice one. Fast as hell, great for long drives, tons of space, comfortable, excellent to drive, decent gas mileage, sounds good, looks good, etc.
I don't know why you keep tripping all over yourself to say you don't want to buy xyz car because of "prestige" - this isn't a fucking resume, get what you want. You're the guy saying he can pay 60k in cash for a car that will hardly get used...I think you ought to be less concerned about whether or not people might think you're a douche for the car you drive.
I live in Chicago and own a 2010 M5, and it barely gets driven. But I wouldn't sell it for anything. I use it exactly as you plan to use your car...short trips around town, long road trips, and any time I just feel like driving and listening to the V10 scream. A used AMG S Class might also be what you're looking for.
The E60 M5s are sick. Very clean looking car. V10s are real sexy. Classy and fast. My friend wants to specifically get this year for that engine.
Former multiple time miata owner. Quick is better than fast, and I am a little OCD. Three pedals are strongly preferred. It needs to be usable as an only car for 95%+ of the time. (I don't think an Elise works given the parking and practicality situations) Reasonably, I'd prefer something I can buy without dipping into my savings account (
I really like the Infiniti Q50's.
To everyone giving recommendations, how can you possibly do so with such little info? We have nothing other than this guy used to have a Jeep and his "price range" is 0-100k. OP you should identify what you're truly looking for in a car and let us know. Do you want a muscle car that can do burnouts? Sporty AWD SUV? Classic sports sedan? Luxury cruiser?
I would go for Jaguar E-Pace; it's definitely worth the money.
Buick Roadmaster Wagon
Regular Wagon, or the 6 door Grand Estate Wagon?
Tough decision.
![https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/13/5c/09135c53b05a537ef8668949cf459b4…] [https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/13/5c/09135c53b05a537ef8668949cf459b4… https://i.pinimg.com/originals/09/13/5c/09135c53b05a537ef8668949cf459b4…
Good heavens, love it.
/thread. That's a beauty. You'd be shocked at the pricing for the LT1 Roadmasters these days.
^ thats a beauty. end this thread on a high note.
I got a CPO 2016 ND GT for a good price. I'll take the 95% of the use cases that it fills with pleasure.
Wow you got a 2016 GT? I have to say, I'm impressed. Well done, sir. I've always wanted to drive one.
![https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--RJKac7mJ--/c_scale…] [https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--RJKac7mJ--/c_scale… https://i.kinja-img.com/gawker-media/image/upload/s--RJKac7mJ--/c_scale…
He is talking about a Miata not the Ford GT. (I should have read below...)
Buy a Japan car, they are reliable :D I love the old Japanese cars
See post above. I bought a red 2016 Miata. Built in Hiroshima. None of those American made Toyotas or Hondas for me.
I love Japan cars! Toyota Camry is great for casual use and is very comfortable for me.
Land Rover Discovery Audi Q7 Volvo XC90
All full aluminum SUVs that could be had for roughly $65k.
Help me pick my next car (Originally Posted: 04/17/2014)
I want something used for under 24k with automatic trans. AWD is preferred. Non-gaudy is a must. Reliability and ease of cleaning are extremely important.
Some ideas: Audi anything (mid 00's) 300C or Magnum Muscle cars (gotta love'em)
Serious female opinions given will be rewarded with a SB as while they last.
Muscle car with awd?
Jeep Wrangler. You can just take a hose to the interior to clean it out. 4wd, Can be had with an automatic, and far from gaudy.
Thanks, interesting idea. The thing I forgot to add is that I want something that is fast and handles well in bad weather (I'm probably going to be moving somewhere with harsher weather in the near future).
Rear Wheel Drive?
//www.youtube.com/embed/1stc_pAf1V0
I thought you were about the '69.
http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/r32/
Seconded, though the US version always gets the short stick on bhp. I'll vote for the WRX. I'm guessing a 2012 would fit the budget. Say what you will but American cars are still second rate to those overseas. I don't care that Cadillac set a "Nuerbergring lap record" with a CTS-V. There's still a gap in quality with America v foreign cars. More reliability and overall better bang for the buck. Even better is many foreign car companies are now manufacturing stateside.
Edit: Manual trans not an option? Best anti-theft out there anymore. Understandable if you live in a big city, but then again, why buy a car in the first place if that's the case?
You can get a 2009- 2012 Cadillac CTS AWD with relatively low miles for under $24k. The 3.6 liter model is a quick car, but it's more practical and refined than your traditional "muscle car". It's nice but not overly flashy. Also, maintenance and repairs will be less expensive (particularly if you can find one with some warranty left) than the late model German cars you're looking at. Those 8 year old Audi and Benz sell for cheap because when something inevitably breaks it's going to cost you an arm and a leg.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI and a Mitsu Lancer Evo both fit the bill - they are not exactly sexy, but it sounds like you want something fun to drive, low maintenance, and compatible with snow. These can be modded all to hell (for very reasonable rates - sub $10k) if for some reason stock isn't enough for you.
The VW Phaeton (only ran for a few years in the US) would also work, but good luck finding repair parts.
A Volvo s80 with a V8 is a nice car too. Not as quick as you'd think - 310 hp on a large sedan won't have you winning drag races - but it's a very solid choice. It's a pleasant drive, reliable, and affordable.
I wanna banana. Gimme banana.
@"Tony Snark" thanks you lovely thing. gimme another? ;)
While they last, I'll give you my banana any day.
You should look into the G37x- they are very nice cars. Fast, look nice, easy to clean (props for having that be a criteria) and are built like tanks. You will have less problems with any Japanese car than you will with the Europeans, and repairs will not be as costly.
I loved those since they came out as the G35 version, but unfortunately I never got to drive one because I was too young back then. Do they handle well in the rain?
Yea man. I would say the AWD platform they came out with for the G37x/FX45 is second only to Audi Quattro. U will b driftin
infiniti g35 or g37, if you want awd, you'll have to get the X version. great cars. in your price range you'll have to get one with a little more miles, but they're sick, just got one myself.
OK thanks. I'll look up its skidpad rating.
fyi the last person I ever talked to who cared that much about "performance in the rain" was an elderly asian woman in hawaii.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audi-S4-Premium-Plus-2007-audi-s-4-4-2-l-v-8-qu…
42.8k miles
edit Didn't see you wanted auto. Sorry.
If you're some ricer kid then please get an sti or evo otherwise please get s grown ups car
G37xS is a grown ups car.
Audi A5?
think a golf r used is probably right in the upper end of your price range? auto is lame dou.
My right hand is too busy. Anyway, if I wanted manual it would be with paddle shifters.
Get a BMW/Mercedes/Jaguar/Volvo instead of an Audi. How about a used S80? Should be within your budget.
Jags are ok, but they are not very reliable.
Mercedes are for snooty middle aged women and gay men.
Volvo, don't even ask.
BMWs are for insecure middle aged men and snooty teenagers.
Q: "What's the difference between an Audi driver and a BMW driver?"
A: "The BMW driver gives the finger, and the Audi driver gets the finger."
Hmmmmmmmmmmm I wasn't really talking owner stereotypes but ok.
I just find Audis really clunky and well ugly. IMO, Jags look amazing, BMWs drive amazing, Mercs are the most spacious and comfortable and Volvos are the most solid. I know these are stereotypes as well but I find that they're pretty well justified.
The old A4s are kind of bad looking. The A8s are the most aesthetic in my opinion.
Lexus IS - previous model to the current one. If you can find an IS 350, not only is it awesome to drive, but it's easy on the eyes compared to the giant bath tub that the Audi A4s you were talking about. (Even though I do like the inside and the feel of the drive - used my buddy's a few times).
I know it may add to the price, but I think as an option you should consider looking at cars with built in GPS / Media interface systems. I've always felt they make the interior look and feel a bit more luxurious if done right, and most cars have a really solid workability with them that you will come to love if you haven't had one before.
If you want a car that handles well in bad weather cross muscle cars and those Chryslers that don't handle well in good weather off the list.
I would say a WRX, Jaguar X Type, or any audi with quattro.
But if you don't need 4WD or grip in the wet, I would look at an e46 M3 or a C5 Z06 Corvette.
Vett in the wet?
Thanks everyone. I've been doing some research, and apparently Audis do not posses any magical powers of seduction after all. I'll probably just get something that I like; maybe a General Lee (kidding).
why not consider a kawasaki ninja? shits cooler and a fraction of the price
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