I need a new car, any suggestions?

jeff1hughes · jeff1hughes's Garage

I am about to give up my company car and will need to buy a resonable priced used car to replace it. I enjoy a spirited ride, but don't need a race car! It will need to get me throught the winter in Michigan, no I can't afford a Cayenne. Any feedback might be respected

RANDY P · RANDY P's Garage

Budget?

Scooby WRX if it's reasonable.

1973911s · 03-21-2005, 07:29 PM

Acura TL

SLO-BOB · 04:52 AM

Minivan!!

Oh alright. If you don't want a minivan, personally, I would consider a Suburu wagon. All-wheel drive and some room for equipment. Gas prices are going to keep climbing. I would factor that. If you want a smaller car, the VW Golf W32 or GTi would be nice. High speed-Mitsu Evo. All would be good here in the midwest. All can be had for under 30k.

I wish we had some real diesel cars to choose from. I would buy a C-clas MB 4matic diesel wagon in a flash. The US sucks for getting the goods.

Whoops-missed the "used" part. Then consider used legacy wag, MB 4matic E-class, BMW 325iX. All can be had for under 20k. But, by the time you factor in financing incentives, you might be tempted to buy new. Depends on your budget.

the right car

Groesbeck Hurricane · 03-22-2005, 05:00 AM

Subaru!! Look at all the models and good luck finding a used one, people seem to hang onto them. The WRX might not be your best option for roads in Michigan in the winter and an Outback might be.

skipdup · 03-22-2005, 05:01 AM

I hear you can get screaming deals on Saab 9.2X - basically same car as WRX, just more plush.

- Skip

grudk · 03-22-2005, 05:48 AM

I just go the Audi 2.0 Turbo Quattro

New model has 200 hp, the usual superior Audi interior. Very comfy, and sporty to drive. Quite peppy, but no rocketship. But if you're sitting in traffic...

Quattro should come in handy in the winter in your locale

BlueSkyJaunte · 03-22-2005, 06:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by skipdup
I hear you can get screaming deals on Saab 9.2X - basically same car as WRX, just more plush.

- Skip

No surprise...and I've heard they aren't all that plush compared to the Subie-badged wagons.

Wonder who in the GM staff thought the Saab lovers would fall over themselves to buy a tarted-up Subaru??

skipdup · 03-22-2005, 09:59 AM

Quote:

No surprise...and I've heard they aren't all that plush compared to the Subie-badged wagons.

I'd say it's definitely one step "nicer".

Quote:

Wonder who in the GM staff thought the Saab lovers would fall over themselves to buy a tarted-up Subaru??

I know. Oops.

Saab owners generally buy a Saab b/c it's a Saab- they're like a cult. Nothing about the 9-2 feels like a Saab.

My neighbor across the street sells Saab, Hummer, Cadi... He told me the top of the line 9-2xAero can be had for ~$23K. Not a bad deal!

- Skip

onewhippedpuppy · 03-22-2005, 05:50 PM

Second the Audi. German quality, classy appearance, sporty, and the most beautiful interiors in the auto business. A4 and A6 quattros can be had very reasonably used, not sure what you want to spend. 15-20k will pick you up a nice S4 as well, really ups the sporty-ness ante. That would be my top choice. I don't know if you're like me, but after my 911, the A4, and now my 951, everything else just feels poorly screwed together. There's just something about how those damn Germans make cars.

M.D. Holloway · 03-22-2005, 07:31 PM

I would get a mid 80's 911 then again MI winters are a concern even if the guys in the NE say that they drive theirs in the dead of winter. If your given up the co car, bet you could lease just about anything you want and write it off.

StevoRocket · StevoRocket's Garage

Just ordered anAudi A3 2.0 Turbo FSI quattro sport. As above mentions - 200 bhp, 0-60 in 7.1 secs, sports seats, climate control etc etc.
A little rocket ship with 5 doors.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-23-2005, 05:48 PM

I don't think the A3 is out yet here in the states, you lucky bastards across the pond get all the good stuff. I think the FSI is detuned for the US too, it's not direct injection like you guys get. Why does the US get the crap versions of all cars? Even American companies, Europe gets a decent looking all new Focus with RS versions, the US gets a lame ass facelift and they drop the SVT. WTF? Nice A3 by the way.

To add to Mike's comment, a 911 with decent tires is a blast in the snow, great traction, and easy to play rally driver with a blip of the throttle. Get a galvanized one, wash it often, and you're set.

BlueSkyJaunte · 03-23-2005, 05:56 PM

Wonder if the A3 will get the Consumer Reports "Black Circle of Doom" for reliability that the Golf/Jetta platform received this year...

jeff1hughes · jeff1hughes's Garage

Went and drove the 9.2 - no thanks, rather buy the scooby. I do like the idea of an A4, I originally was thinking 951, drove one of those too, nice quick, but a little rattley compared to the 911, perhaps an SC would be a good option, just don't know if I can leave it outside in the winter time, seems like sacreledge!

Jared at Pelican Parts · 03-23-2005, 08:30 PM

A3 isnt available in the US.

S4 is one hell of a fun car. Former roommate had one, we upgraded his ECU software for around $350 and it added 40HP over stock. Beautiful interior as well...

qcwang · 03-23-2005, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jeff1hughes
I am about to give up my company car and will need to buy a resonable priced used car to replace it. I enjoy a spirited ride, but don't need a race car! It will need to get me throught the winter in Michigan, no I can't afford a Cayenne. Any feedback might be respected

I know you said used, but check out the new Subaru Legacy. Saw a commerical last night. Looked good! Know nothing of price and features, sorry.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-24-2005, 10:53 AM

Just in quick defense of the 951, if the one you drove was rattly (sp?), someone needs to tighten some screws. Mine has 113k, and except for a very slight rear hatch rattle over rough pavement, which can be fixed by re-gluing the glass to the hatch, it is as tight as a new car. It also has had most of the suspension re-done recently, so that probably helps in the tightness department. It's an excellent daily driver, but I have to admit, if I were in your shoes and already had a Porsche, I'd go for the S4. Extra space, at least as quick as the Carrera in a straight line, great creature comforts, and Quattro so you can leave the 911 in the garage when the weather sucks.

Also, Audi is bringing the new A3 to the U.S. Not sure about an S3, I haven't heard anything about that.

grudk · 03-24-2005, 10:54 AM

When I bought the A4, I was told the A3 should be here in June most likely.

onewhippedpuppy · 03-24-2005, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by qcwang
I know you said used, but check out the new Subaru Legacy. Saw a commerical last night. Looked good! Know nothing of price and features, sorry.

New Legacy and Forester are sweet, perfect sleepers! They have a de-tuned version of the STi engine if I remember correctly, around 250 Hp. The Forester I saw in C/D ran 0-60 in the low/ mid 5's. Probably 25k or so to start, just a guess.