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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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#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.
#936 of 1145
Sporty look, luxury inside, used, entry level, car seat by dash5
Jul 01, 2009 (6:10 am)
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I think that covers it. I would like a used sporty luxury sedan that can fit a car seat in it.
 
I'm riding around in a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta and it's time to treat myself. The car I want needs to be at least as roomy inside as my Jetta, but I'd also like it to be sporty, safe and have luxury features. Also, front wheel or all wheel drive, good in snow.
 
Looking to spend around 15-18k, again this is used obviously. Nothing older than 2002, nothing over say 60k miles.
 
To that end I've been thinking:
 
BMW 3 series (325xi, 330xi)
Mercedes C class
Volvo S60/S70
Acura TL
Audi A4/A6
 
Any advice? It doesnt have to have *amazing* performance in terms of sports car, I value a powerful but clean, quiet, smooth ride with a nice interior and cockpit. Also needs to be able to handle a car seat for my son and comfortable for adults in rear too would be nice!
#937 of 1145
Re: All over the place on what I'm looking for [suydam] by plekto
Jul 01, 2009 (6:42 am)
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Replying to: suydam (Jul 01, 2009 5:18 am)

>I'd say the Honda Element, the Rav-4, and the XTerra.
 
He did say 0-60 in under 8 seconds. With a manual, he will easily accelerate as fast as the traffic around him. Also, due to the fact that they get those ratings by dropping the clutch at redline and hammer it to death to get those ratings.(read 50 such launches before the transmission pretty much eats itself).
 
What really matters is transitional speeds and getting in and out of traffic. Any V6 will be competant enough.
#938 of 1145
Re: Sporty look, luxury inside, used, entry level, car seat [dash5] by qbrozen
Jul 01, 2009 (7:18 am)
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Replying to: dash5 (Jul 01, 2009 6:10 am)

All decent cars in your list. Although, if you want to keep long-term costs down, I might toss the Benz and Audi.
 
IMHO, the S60 is the best semi-luxo used-car bargain, if you want FWD. BUT, the back seat is kinda tight for your purposes. For AWD, also consider the G35X. It is a tad roomier than the S60, but you will suffer quite the fuel penalty.

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