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What's the best vehicle for my needs?

1145 messages,  Last post on Sep 17, 2009 at 12:59 PM

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What is this discussion about? Car Buying


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#926 of 1145
Re: Turbocharged cars [qbrozen] by demigawd
Jun 24, 2009 (12:37 pm)
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Replying to: qbrozen (Jun 24, 2009 12:04 pm)

ha, I think we have similar tastes in cars. After you mentioned the S70, I started looking up the entire Volvo line and came upon the S60R, which seems VERY enticing to me. It sounds like from what you're saying that the S60R is more expensive than the G35x, but looking at the prices used, it appears that the S60R has a substantial discount (the advantage of worse resale value, it seems). The G35x's I've seen in my area average about $17,000 for a 2005 model at 40,000 miles. The S60R models with the same specs average about $14,000. The cost of ownership appears to be similar. So I'll have to add that to my list of things to check out.
 
What do you guys know about Evolve? I've seen some mentions of an S60R Evolve edition, and it sounds like some kind of modification package. Any information about it? The price? Upside? Downside?
#927 of 1145
Re: Turbocharged cars [demigawd] by qbrozen
Jun 24, 2009 (2:04 pm)
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Replying to: demigawd (Jun 24, 2009 12:37 pm)

I believe the EVOLVE was an aftermarket body kit, pretty much.
 
You are finding '05s with 40k miles for $14k? That would be much cheaper than I've been seeing them for.
 
In any case, the reason I had a bit of a problem with it was that you have to get an '06 if you want the better automatic trans. The '04 and '05 had a weak 5-speed auto where the manufacturer limited torque in the first 2 gears to protect it. The '06 has a 6-speed auto that is not limited, so it is substantially faster. Knowing that, I just couldn't settle for an '04 or '05. PLUS, there are some known issues, like angle gear failure, that can bite you later on. So, all things considered, I decided to go with the safer, cheaper bet.
#928 of 1145
All over the place on what I'm looking for by erniesdad
Jun 30, 2009 (1:03 pm)
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I've just started to consider buying a new car, and I'm a bit all over the place as to what I'm looking for. Last year, I rented a couple of crossover SUVs while on vacation, and I found that they were very convenient for loading my bike into and out of, and that I felt safer with the bike in the back of an suv rather than keeping the bike externally on the trailer rack mounted on my 1995 Crown Vic LX with the performance package.
 
I was also pretty impressed with the performance of both vehicles(A Ford Edge and a Toyota RAV4). So, I've started doing some browsing Edmunds, Autotrader etc looking at both crossovers and station wagons, and the odd hatchback, and the more I look, the more confused I get, because I see more candidates that might fill my need for an MLCUV(Mid-Life-Crisis-Utility-Vehicle)
 
I'm looking for the following:
 
1. The ability to hold a bike inside the cargo area with out having to remove the rear wheel, and if possible not remove either wheel,
 
2. Performance and handling better than the crown vic, 0-60 performance under 8 seconds, and preferably around 7 seconds or less(unlikely, but I can dream)
 
3. An AWD drivetrain, preferably, then RWD, then FWD. Auto is preferable to stick, but I can drive either.
 
4) Navigation and/or Ipod compatibility.
 
5) Not GM or Chrysler
 
6)NOT BE A MINIVAN!!!!!111!!!
 
Basically, I'm willing to go new or used, with a price under 32K, and mileage under 35K. I'm all over the place on what to buy, but the following cars have tickled my fancy:
 
Audi A3
Audi A4
Acura RDX
BMW 3 series wagon
BMW X3
Infiniti FX35
Infiniti EX35
Mazda cx-7
Mazda cx-9
Mazdaspeed 3
Subaru WRX
Toyota RAV4 V6
 
I'm trying to reduce the number of different models to look at, but every time I go to Autotrader.com or browse edmunds, I wind up adding a model or two that I will need to test drive this summer, without removing any models. At one point, I was even looking at Audi S4 v8 wagons for a bit. So, anything I've missed, or any cars I should strike off the list?
#929 of 1145
Re: All over the place on what I'm looking for [erniesdad] by suydam
Jun 30, 2009 (4:06 pm)
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Replying to: erniesdad (Jun 30, 2009 1:03 pm)

Bikes will fit in the back of the Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe vehicles, and also in the Honda Fit. Both are FWD and have excellent fuel economy -- is that a consideration? The RAV-4 is a good choice too. Are you looking at a Mazda3 hatchback? That might be the best combination of price, performance and handling of the vehicles you list.
#930 of 1145
Re: All over the place on what I'm looking for [erniesdad] by qbrozen
Jun 30, 2009 (4:56 pm)
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Replying to: erniesdad (Jun 30, 2009 1:03 pm)

Well, do you need to use the backseat while the bike is in there? That could narrow the list. For instance, I know it would knock the EX35 off your list.
 
You have a good list there.
 
If you only require 7 secs, you don't need the highest performance models of each. So an Impreza vs WRX and mazda3 vs mazdaspeed3. I don't think a Mazdaspeed3 can be had with automatic, anyway.
 
I'd also suggest putting a Forester XT on your list. I would take the CX9 off, as it is much larger than all the others, so I don't think its what you are looking for. And you might reconsider the Audis if you are looking for longterm reliability.
 
If it were my list, it would be...
new: WRX wagon, Mazdaspeed3
used: EX35, 3-series wagon, V70R, Forester XT
 
And I'm pretty sure the Forester and 3-series wouldn't make the cut to round 2.
#931 of 1145
Re: All over the place on what I'm looking for [erniesdad] by dtownfb
Jun 30, 2009 (7:38 pm)
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Replying to: erniesdad (Jun 30, 2009 1:03 pm)

It looks like your car will qualify for the new "Cash for Clunkers" progam since your Crown Vic is rated at 17 mpg combined. Depending on what you purchase, you could get $3500 rebate. Here's a link to the websit: http://www.cars.gov/
 
The RAV4 and Forrester would be my first choice but they might be too practical for your tastes.
#932 of 1145
Re: All over the place on what I'm looking for [dtownfb] by plekto
Jun 30, 2009 (8:02 pm)
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Replying to: dtownfb (Jun 30, 2009 7:38 pm)

I'd say the Honda Element, the Rav-4, and the XTerra.(if only because you can get it with manual and it's competent off-road as well - not bad for $25K before haggling and rebates. (cars direct is exactly $22K out the door)
 
Also, if you don't mind removing the front wheel(no biggie , IMO), the Honda Fit also will work as the rear seats fold up.
#933 of 1145
Upgrade by shake15
Jun 30, 2009 (8:48 pm)
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I want to upgrade from my current car, but I can't decide what to get. My budget is around 15k and roughly an extra 2k towards any upgrades I might want. I currently have my eyes set on 5 different cars: 1994-1997 Mitsubishi 3000gt VR-4, 2001 BMW M5, 2003 BMW M3, 2001 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe, and a 2003 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT. I want a high performance car that's under 13 second 1/4 miles. I'm also looking for something that will have a stylish exterior and interior. The most import thing is the performance though. Thanks for any help.
#934 of 1145
Re: Upgrade [shake15] by banditboy
Jul 01, 2009 (4:49 am)
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Replying to: shake15 (Jun 30, 2009 8:48 pm)

I would the Mazda Speed 3 in their. You can get a newer one for that price as they are 21 K new.
#935 of 1145
Re: All over the place on what I'm looking for [plekto] by suydam
Jul 01, 2009 (5:18 am)
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Replying to: plekto (Jun 30, 2009 8:02 pm)

>I'd say the Honda Element, the Rav-4, and the XTerra.< Not exactly what I think of in terms of performance and handling. You did say you liked the RAV-4 though.

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