Nothing decent to buy for under $25K ?

[pudicus]

If somebody is looking for a sporty, reliable, fairly roomy, driveable year around, half-decent looking new or used car for under $25 what are the choices out there ? I don't think buyers have a hella lot of them. Let's eliminate the Detroit and Korean iron from the get-go. That leaves us with VW/AUDI, BMW, HONDA/ACURA, MAZDA, NISSAN/INFINITI, LEXUS, SUBARU and SAAB. Now, here are the pros and cons of each.
+ VW/AUDI=sporty; good interior; all-weather traction
- VW/AUDI=unreliable; costly repairs; Mexican assembly
+ BMW=great handling; ergonomics; good assembly
- BMW=so so reliability; costly parts/repairs; winter traction
+ HONDA/ACURA=build quality; sometimes sporty; fuel economy; good resale
- HONDA/ACURA=crap tranny/brake rotors; inoffensive; everybody, their cousin and his cat drive one
+ MAZDA=sporty; lotsa content; handling
- MAZDA=creaky-squeaky-breaky; savage depreciation; high running costs
+ NISSAN/INFINITI=great V6-V8 engines; dependable;
- NISSAN/INFINITI=twist-beam rear axle; overboosted steering; thirsty
+ LEXUS=bomb-proof reliable; frugal; good resale
- LEXUS=breathtaking maintenace costs; costly parts; winter traction; BMW wannabe
+ SUBARU=go anywhere AWD; dependable; invisible to cops
- SUBARU=inoffensive; AWD costly to service; zero curb appeal
+ SAAB=fast; great handler; sexy
- SAAB=unconventional; turbo costly to swap; product of socialist economy
And that brings us to the question-what's a guy to buy http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/crazy.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif .

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

Okay, Lexus isn't a BMW wannabe. Try Benz wannabe. Nissan's and Infiniti's are thirsty? Compared too? I say check out a new or year old Altima with the independent rear suspension, or a Maxima.

[squid]

A WRX doesn't have curb appeal? http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif Granted, they are more costly to maintain. Just go get a 2000-2002 Camero Z28(perhaps SS), and find highway mileage in the mid-20's with 300+ horsepower. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/shocked.gif Just ignore the rattles and you'll be fine. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Every Altima's got IRS...

Go used / "pre-owned", perhaps off-lease. For example, you can get a 96 BMW M3 for just over $20K. You just gotta look.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

You might be able to buy a TSX for 25. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/confused.gif

If a base model is 25K; it would be worth every penny.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

What about the SRT-4(My choice), MazdaSpeed Protege, Dodge Indrepid, or an Olds Alero?

[dempa]

hey i thought saab was part of GM.. i thought GM bought most of the swedish based car companies stock??

oh yeah sweden isnt a bad place.. lived there for 12 years
health care covers eeverybody, free dental uptil the age of 18 and free school..

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Oh, wait, I didn't notice you were one of those, "Domestics suck even though I am not really sure why" guys. Nevermind my prevous post.

If you are that picky, then there is nothing for you. Korean and American cars are NOT bad. Hyundai was given the same quality rating as Honda for a number 2 spot. I just wish people could see cars for what they are, not for where the company that makes them is from.

[CPV35SukairainKupe]

Oh, wait, I didn't notice you were one of those, "Domestics suck even though I am not really sure why" guys. Nevermind my prevous post.




LOL, count me in......

[limits_at_infiniti]

BMW MINI S

+ http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/blush.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/laugh.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

- http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/crazy.gif rear seat size

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

Uh, what makes domestics suck is that the design is usually lacking, the resale is for $h!t, the knobs and parts aren't well put together and the engines are usually underpowered.

The WRX is fun to drive, but the interior is lame and the exterior is one only a mother could love.

Used M3's could be costly to maintain.

[M_TYPE_X]

Volvo sells the S40 for under $25K, not sure why you didn't include them.

I'd plug for the Hyundai Tiburon GT-V6 in this price range.

... as well as OBVIOUS top-of-the-pack contenders
Toyota Celica and Acura RSX.

[FanaticZ]

i kinda agree, they're aren't many exciting new cars under that price. guess the main ones that caught my attention are the 2004 wrx and mini copper works.

the only domestic i'd look at would be the srt now that the z28 is gone.

used cars, too many to list.

[Not_Vin_Diesel]

Ooh, I forgot about the new Cooper Works with 200hp!!! Too bad there isn't the type of room this guy seems to be talking about. Same goes for the Celica and RSX. Volvo=Ford=no way.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

LOL! You "anti-domestic" bigots are a pathetically funny bunch.

[FanaticZ]

why what domestics are floating you're boat that we should know about?

[G35RIDER]

How about an eclipse GT. I dont know how much the price went up after the 03 redesighn but I have an 01 for less than 25grand http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/cool.gif

[**DONOTDELETE**]

why what domestics are floating you're boat that we should know about?



Nothing in particular, I just find it funny when people choose or look down apon a vehicle based on the country in which it's parent company resides.

[M_TYPE_X]

For justified reasons. Avenger, Probe, Contour were mostly either of foreign-designed or foreign-sourced parts in origin.

[pudicus]

Oh, wait, I didn't notice you were one of those, "Domestics suck even though I am not really sure why" guys. Nevermind my prevous post.

If you are that picky, then there is nothing for you. Korean and American cars are NOT bad. Hyundai was given the same quality rating as Honda for a number 2 spot. I just wish people could see cars for what they are, not for where the company that makes them is from.


American cars suck dead moose. In related news-the Pope in fact is catholic http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/shocked.gif. Now, why are they so bad ? Well, where do I start? Lazy, half-assed engineering; sloppy assembly; clueless quality control; shoddy materials; flimsy, easily fading paint; awful dealer service; lousy resale. How's that so far ? And I don't care what class of vehicle you wanna look at. From Cadilac Seville and Lincoln Continental to Escorts and Cavaliers. Ford is using 40 year old platform for its Mustangs and GM won't let go of even older pushrod engines. "Nuff said
http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif . There's was a time when Detroit cranked out iron that won't burn in the fire and won't sink in the water. Those cars can still be seen in Cuba where they've been running since late 1940s. And since parts aren't available, the locals learned to maintain them with a bottle of rum and a crowbar. And guess what ? It appears to work. BTW, today's Detroit has a rather large company. British cars are an atrocity. French and Italian cars are bad beyond comprehension. Anybody who buys a Ferrari/Maserati/Lamborghini had better have an open credit line 'cause their running costs aren't unlike those of a Gulfstream. And never mind the Malaysian and Russian cars here http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif.

[**DONOTDELETE**]

Sorry, I am not getting into a "domestics vs. imports" debate here. If you want to believe those ignorant beliefs, then go ahead. Having owned, driven, and worked on many different American and non-American cars, I can tell you that American cars are very unfairly prejudged. But like I said, I don't want to get into a debate about it here. This is not the place to be doing that, and I hate arguing my case in a place where I have 100 people against me arguing due to their own biases.

I also hate the "Imports suck" guys. So don't feel bad.

[M_TYPE_X]

pudicus launched "shock and awe" on Detroit! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/shocked.gif http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[jaje]

((((SERENITY NOW!))))

[Vans]

remember, in the newest results, the american cars had better quality than the germans...... i don't think that you can just throw around that american cars still suck. do they approach the japanese, no - but they beat the germans...

[limits_at_infiniti]

I don't know how they beat the germans.

[Nismo]

<font color="green[/img]If somebody is looking for a sporty, reliable, fairly roomy, driveable year around, half-decent looking new or used car for under $25 what are the choices out there? -pudicus</font>

Among new cars, you can't go wrong with a base model RSX. A hair over $20k, it is sporty, reliable, nice inside and out (leather, auto climate), has a great manumatic tranny, and good year-round drivability. For more sport, opt for the Type S model at $23.5k. If you feel you need a four door, the TSX should be nice. If reliability is important, but not critical, then the Mazda 6 is a fine car, and can be had nicely equipped for under $25k. If roominess is more important to you, the 03' Honda Accord is very nice. If you like gadgets, then get an EX model w/voice-controlled navigation/radio/climate-control. It's at the high-end of your range, though, and it may be more of a "family" car than what you're looking for. Good luck car hunting! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[M_TYPE_X]

I agree w/Nismo on his picks wholeheartedly, although TSX versus 6 versus Subaru Legacy is difficult. The Subaru has standard Full-Time Subaru All-Wheel Drive. The Mazda 6s, optioned up, is pretty pricey. I hear though that the TSX will be above $25K.

You can't go wrong with the RSX or RSX Type S. My chief issues are that the car simply isn't as good looking from the side view as the third-gen Integra.

Ask hiwayman about his RSX, I'm sure he has plenty to talk about what he likes and does not like about his Sport Coupe.

[FanaticZ]

i agree, the rsx doesn't really have a pressence on the road, too compact a profile. hoping a tsx coupe can fix that with the wishbones up front again.

[M_TYPE_X]

TSX Coupe? Huh? If Acura does that while still contuining on with the CL, I'll send you a five-peso bill. You can't split the market more finely than RSX/TSX/CL/TL already.

Edit: Five dollars is a lot of money. So I'll bet five pesos instead. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/ooo.gif Highroller.

[_Nzo_]

If youre willing to spend the money on an RSX why not get a WRX instead and get twice the car for the same price?

[FanaticZ]

europeans still need something to replace this
http://world.honda.com/news/1998/image/c980616_3.jpg
the wagon will be shown in less than a month.

[limits_at_infiniti]

Maybe its just me, but I dont see anything

[M_TYPE_X]

I don't see anything exciting about the Impreza until the 2004 model comes out (finally, decent-looking headlamps again) as well as a coupe bodystyle again. The current model is a design disaster. Welcome to Fuglyville.

Integra/RSX worth the money. Yes, there are times I wish I had AWD; I learned driving on AWD SUVs and wagons. Oh well.

[_Nzo_]

04 WRX Coupe? Where?

[camber]

Having owned, driven, and worked on many different American and non-American cars, I can tell you that American cars are very unfairly prejudged.



I'll bet you that alot of the people who have an anti-domestic sentimint also have owned and worked on cars just like you have claimed. I don't think and many other's will agree, that you are a special individual with some divine perspective.



I don't want to get into a debate about it here. This is not the place to be doing that, and I hate arguing my case in a place where I have 100 people against me arguing due to their own biases.



Well, if you feel that this is not a place to debate and hate arguing on a discussion board maybe you shouldn't be posting. Also, if you feel this board is so terribly biased maybe you should find another board...

[M_TYPE_X]

I'm with Camber on this one. NZO, I'm saying that IF they did a 2-door or 3-door, maybe I'd be interested in the Impreza again. But only if it's a coupe, not a 2-door sedan bodystyle.

[_Nzo_]

Bah who cares about the body style, you cant deny the STi engine http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[CPV35SukairainKupe]

I started in 2001 looking for a $25k-$30k car, look at where it got me. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/tongue.gif If you are in desperate financial crisis and need to stay around $25k, then I would recommend a stripped G35 (still plenty of amenity) with normal discounts on the base model. Sure beats the RSX, Subaru, Mini or Hyundai for alittle more, unless you are looking for a sport car to boot.

If that doesn't work, I'd check out nice family sedans like teh Accord, Altima or VW.

[M_TYPE_X]

Any Acura is completely equipped as a base model. This is yet another reason to pine for the RSX or CL if you don't have the $35K to dump on a loaded G-Coupe.

[pudicus]

The RSX is a shoebox. Besides, it has the same engine as four banger Honda Accordion. I did test-drive the latter, and almost fell asleep piloting such an exciting car http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. Also, I'm not crazy about the RSX's looks. The WRX is an absolute riot. Bug eyes and sometimes boomy engine are said to have been fixed with the redesign. We'll see about that. One problem though. The front buckets are a pain to fit in if you're wearing a coat http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/mad.gif. I had a leather jacket on the day I drove it, and still had to take it off to get comfortable behind the wheel. I considered the 3-series and IS300 both, but they're useless in winter driving. Moreover, I already own one snowmobile http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/smirk.gif. I did try Legacy GT with clutchless tranny. Unfortunately, hauling nearly 3500lb proved a tad too much for 165HP engine. A Golf GTI/VR6 is not an option for 3 reasons-defective ignition coils; scheduled for redesign; have to search for Brazil-assembled copy. As far as the TSX goes, frankly I'm not crazy about its quoted 166lb-ft of torgue kickin in at 4500RPM. Another thing is that Acura managers/salesmen never fail to irritate the crap out of me whenever I'm talking to them. For some reason these clowns tend to act as though they're selling Bentleys, or something.
P.S. Who said anything about " desperate financial crisis " http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/crazy.gif.

[dempa]

how about something used.. like a 1999 or 2000 model with low miles.. im sure you can get something for a good deal under $25K

how about a 1996 300ZX TT for $20K? im sure you can find a few in autotrader.com

[M_TYPE_X]

"Accordion" hyuk hyuk.

What you talkin'bout. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/mad.gif Acura - The World's Finest Premium Luxury Performance Motorcars. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/blush.gif
... you may be right, out of 4 Acura dealers here in Detroit, only one dealer is one whose sales and service department is pleasant. The other three are obnoxious; after all, they're selling luxury imports/reliable luxury Hondas and they should be able to command full price, 'specially in a messed-up auto market like Detroit. http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Dempa, we're talking new cars here dude. They don't sell that 'new car smell' in aerosol cans (unfortunately)!

[limits_at_infiniti]

Im sorry to say, but for the price of these Acura 4 bangers, your better off with a v6 accord.

[M_TYPE_X]

Okay then, have fun with your TSX versus USDM Accord comparos! http://forums.freshalloy.com/images/graemlins/crazy.gif

[dempa]

Dempa, we're talking new cars here dude. They don't sell that 'new car smell' in aerosol cans (unfortunately)!



i thought there was.. sorry