Car Advice

Off Topic
61

[quote]TDub301 wrote:

[quote]beachguy498 wrote:

[quote]rrjc5488 wrote:
One thing that I was told when choosing a new car is, that makes sense is to really make sure you enjoy the interior, since that’s where you’ll be spending the most of your time. [/quote]

You really have to sit in the car and drive it. My last 2 cars, Altima and Malibu, had great dash layouts. Everything was easily visible and easy to reach. I test drove a new Accord some years back, the main dash controls for the radio and heater was way too big in scale.

I’d go no older than a 2010 and look to have it under 50k miles. The leap from a 2008 is not that far. Cars I like, Maxima, G37, Dodge Challenger STR8, Cadillac CTS.

Rob [/quote]

Ya, I’m not sure if any of them are really in my price range. It starts to get a bit too high when I get aroud 2010 models. Duly noted about the button layouts, though. I’ll start test driving some of these cars, soon to see what I think about them in person.[/quote]

I was looking for a used car in 2011, figuring on a 2009 or 2010. It actually was cheaper to buy a new car with the incentives and much better loan rate. I was looking at Camrys, Accords, Altimas, etc. With a used car, at best you get the leftover manufacturer’s warranty, at the worst a 30 day 3000 mile warranty.

Do the numbers, new vs used.

Rob

62

[quote]rrjc5488 wrote:

[quote]coolnatedawg wrote:

[quote]rrjc5488 wrote:

[quote]JEATON wrote:
Cars are my business. I buy well over $1million in inventory a month (probably closer to $3million) spread out over most of the makes and models. Do not wish to step on anyone’s feelings, but I would advise you to stay away from the Dodge. Terrible car for the money in my opinion and depreciates accordingly. Much better choices out there for your price range. The G37 would be a good choice.[/quote]

Any thoughts on a 3rd gen acura TL-S (6-speed with nav) or a 2005-2007 honda S2000?

Thanks![/quote]

I said it earlier but you won’t fit in a S2000 if you have any size on you. I love that body style TL-S. Even the base TL is quick and they are all very stylish with great features. Add in the reliability of it being a Honda and it’s a winner.

It’s actually because of the Acura TL/TSX that I ended up buying a Saab (great deal). Looks are similar to me and it has similar and possibly more creature comforts. Some of the newer ones are flat out amazing (TurboX) and they come loaded with features. Plus they are fun to drive. A slight tune done to mine and I’ll be at 280hp and 360ft/lb of torque. [/quote]

I don’t have any worries about fitting in an S2000, although I could be wrong in assuming I’ll fit, hah. I’m only ~195 at 5’6 and even at ~220, I fit just fine in my [already tight] eclipse.

I know the TL-S has a lot going for it and I absolutely love that car, I’m still torn on the S2000 though. I used to own a 3rd gen TL (auto, non S-type) and my biggest complaint was the torque steer from it. For this reason, I think I want a RWD car this time. But I do still consider the TLS a contender (I love it in blue.)

The S2000 was my first ‘dream car’ and I’m thinking that if I don’t jump at the opportunity to own one now, it’ll be too difficult to find in decent shape with reasonable miles in the future. Kinda how it’s incredibly difficult to find a toyota supra in good shape now that they’re out of production for so long. Oh well.

EDIT: I also hadn’t thought of a saab. I’ve always had a thing for them, too. I’m just a little skeptical about their recent stop of production. You would likely know - what’s the situation as far as repairs for them go? Are parts going to still be available?[/quote]

I agree on the Supra and S2000 comments. They are beautiful cars that are going to be harder and harder to find in any decent condition. Being in Cali, I guess the RWD isn’t as much of a concern, and admittedly the only RWD vehicle I have owned was my old truck. I’ve had a few Hondas which are just great cars. 9/10 I would recommend a Honda/Acura over any other brand just for reliability/ease of repair.

Yea, the Saab is kind of a small market that I hadn’t looked at either when I was shopping around for a “beater.” I got a great deal on one that was in much better condition than I was looking but still needed a bit of basic cosmetic work. They’ve got a couple weird issues that pop up here and there but overall the cars are solid and can be quite peppy and there is enough of a following that someone always has the answer to those weird issues.

As far as I know, Saab was bought up by a racing company called Spyker but I don’t think they are planning on releasing anything for another couple of years (and a couple of name changes later). In terms of parts, legally Saab is required to produce parts for 10 years after its last model year so parts are still available although you do tend to pay more (it is a luxury brand so think BMW/Mercedes repair costs). However, there are a lot of options to pick up parts. I figured the car was cheap, well equipped, in good condition, and drives well so it made sense. I think once I decide to spend a little bit more on a car I’ll look at some of the later generation AWD Turbo options (they are beautiful!).

1024×797 48.6 KB

63

[quote]Melvin Smiley wrote:

[quote]TDub301 wrote:

[quote]Melvin Smiley wrote:
I agree with you about V6 “muscle” cars, but on the other hand, which would be more useful in your daily life, the extra V8 power or the extra V6 gas mileage? But on the other other hand, if you aren’t as concerned with your gas budget… the V8s are pretty damn cool.[/quote]

See I’m trying to justify getting that V8. The V6 is definitely more useful and cost-efficient, haha. But the bigger engine is just so much more awesome… After looking at some specs, it doesn’t appear that there’s a big difference between the V8 mileage and my current car. Do the V8s need premium gas? or can you use regular and they’ll be fine? Does anyone know?[/quote]

We ran regular in hers and it did fine.[/quote]

Ok, good to know.

64

[quote]coolnatedawg wrote:

[quote]rrjc5488 wrote:

[quote]JEATON wrote:
Cars are my business. I buy well over $1million in inventory a month (probably closer to $3million) spread out over most of the makes and models. Do not wish to step on anyone’s feelings, but I would advise you to stay away from the Dodge. Terrible car for the money in my opinion and depreciates accordingly. Much better choices out there for your price range. The G37 would be a good choice.[/quote]

Any thoughts on a 3rd gen acura TL-S (6-speed with nav) or a 2005-2007 honda S2000?

Thanks![/quote]

I said it earlier but you won’t fit in a S2000 if you have any size on you. I love that body style TL-S. Even the base TL is quick and they are all very stylish with great features. Add in the reliability of it being a Honda and it’s a winner.

It’s actually because of the Acura TL/TSX that I ended up buying a Saab (great deal). Looks are similar to me and it has similar and possibly more creature comforts. Some of the newer ones are flat out amazing (TurboX) and they come loaded with features. Plus they are fun to drive. A slight tune done to mine and I’ll be at 280hp and 360ft/lb of torque. [/quote]

I may have to add some Saabs to my spreadsheet. I always though the older ones were ugly, but the newer ones don’t look too bad…

65

[quote]VTPower wrote:
You could try looking at a 4th or 5th generation Subaru Legacy. They aren’t as ugly as the older ones, and my friend who’s between 6’3 and 6’4 loves his (came w/ turbo package). All wheel drive kicks ass.[/quote]

I added Legacys to my list of possibilities. I’ll most likely test drive one along with other ones. I liked the older ones and realized that they do have optional V6 models.

66

[quote]JEATON wrote:
Cars are my business. I buy well over $1million in inventory a month (probably closer to $3million) spread out over most of the makes and models. Do not wish to step on anyone’s feelings, but I would advise you to stay away from the Dodge. Terrible car for the money in my opinion and depreciates accordingly. Much better choices out there for your price range. The G37 would be a good choice.[/quote]

Could you elaborate on what makes it a terrible car, for the money?

That and a G37 are by far my top 2 choices, even after doing research and talking with various people about it.

67

[quote]Jake86 wrote:
Have you considered a Trailblazer SS, they’re sporty. AWD, and pretty quick. I prefer trucks myself, something about shoehorning my fat ass into a small car just doesn’t sound appealing. That and the need for a truck with my line of work. I think you might be more comfortable in a full size truck. [/quote]

I probably would be more comfortable in a truck, with that being said, almost every time I get in a SUV, I’m disappointed in how much room it doesn’t have, considering how damn big some of them are.

I never really considered one, since they are generally worse than cars in terms of cost to fix (so I’ve heard from multiple people) and mileage. Unless you get a small one. I don’t think anyone would be surprised if I say I’m not interested in a small SUV, haha

68

[quote]beachguy498 wrote:

[quote]TDub301 wrote:

[quote]beachguy498 wrote:

[quote]rrjc5488 wrote:
One thing that I was told when choosing a new car is, that makes sense is to really make sure you enjoy the interior, since that’s where you’ll be spending the most of your time. [/quote]

You really have to sit in the car and drive it. My last 2 cars, Altima and Malibu, had great dash layouts. Everything was easily visible and easy to reach. I test drove a new Accord some years back, the main dash controls for the radio and heater was way too big in scale.

I’d go no older than a 2010 and look to have it under 50k miles. The leap from a 2008 is not that far. Cars I like, Maxima, G37, Dodge Challenger STR8, Cadillac CTS.

Rob [/quote]

Ya, I’m not sure if any of them are really in my price range. It starts to get a bit too high when I get aroud 2010 models. Duly noted about the button layouts, though. I’ll start test driving some of these cars, soon to see what I think about them in person.[/quote]

I was looking for a used car in 2011, figuring on a 2009 or 2010. It actually was cheaper to buy a new car with the incentives and much better loan rate. I was looking at Camrys, Accords, Altimas, etc. With a used car, at best you get the leftover manufacturer’s warranty, at the worst a 30 day 3000 mile warranty.

Do the numbers, new vs used.

Rob [/quote]

I’m confused about that, is this under the assumption that you’ll end up spending a lot more in the long run to fix the car if you get it used, than springing for a new one instead up front?