Need help choosing new car

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Old 10-31-2001 | 05:11 PM
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Need help choosing new car

My sister is looking for a new car, some where around 25000. Right now she is looking at Jetta, Accords, Passat, Saab 9-3.
what are some other option, must be 4 door, and automatic. good commuter car, and decently fast.
Old 10-31-2001 | 05:13 PM
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jetta VR6.. cute car, and lots of toys for the money.
Old 10-31-2001 | 05:20 PM
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TL
Old 10-31-2001 | 05:24 PM
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that is no where near 25k
Old 10-31-2001 | 05:27 PM
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Originally posted by CLUofI
that is no where near 25k
You'd be surprised...you could get a non-navi one for about 27500....I'd pay the extra 3K over an Accord...
Old 10-31-2001 | 05:27 PM
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Originally posted by CLUofI
that is no where near 25k
im sure you can find a 2000 TL for 25k
Old 10-31-2001 | 05:50 PM
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Maxima SE
Old 10-31-2001 | 05:51 PM
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New Audi A4 1.8T w/auto: $26,050
Old 10-31-2001 | 06:04 PM
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WRX
Old 10-31-2001 | 06:10 PM
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Dont get a 9-3 4dr. SOOO UGLY IMO.
Old 10-31-2001 | 06:14 PM
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GRAND PRIX GT!

it's got struts in the trunk instead of luggage crushers!
Old 10-31-2001 | 07:15 PM
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honda accord is cool and fast with 4 speed auto 200 hp..passat is cool too..let me introduce u the turbo charge new subara impreza with 225 hp..... auto.with steptronic buttom on the steering wheel
Old 10-31-2001 | 07:19 PM
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Buick Park Avenue Ultra!!! Is there really any other choice?
Old 10-31-2001 | 07:23 PM
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Why do you want my opinion? I have no idea what she wants in a car. Maybe if I knew what she valued, like, performance, or options, etc.

Knowing only what you've told me so far, I'd say get the safest thing for $25K. I wouldn't want my sister driving a sports car unless that's what she wanted.

As far as girl's opinions go, they seem to love Saabs for the most part. Especially convertibles. You cant touch a new one for 25 though.

So what features is she looking for?
Old 10-31-2001 | 07:55 PM
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Well... fast but cheap, you'd be going American then... Chrysler

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/chry...4a/prices.html

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/chry...4a/prices.html



New Chryslers don't have a problem with reliability, just fit and finish. AFAIK...
What about a V6 Mustang?
Mercury Cougar? When I was in high school I would have killed for one of those.

Obviously none will hold a candle to the CL-S... but if funding was limited those are cars I woujld consider.

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/merc...5m/prices.html You can get gread deals on Olds.... How about the Olds Alero? Its cheap... good for somebody young and hot... Assuming she's not 40 and ugly...

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2002/olds...4a/prices.html

Grand Prix GTP... $26k but you can probably ge tthe dealer down to $25... Maybe go for last years model. This is the time dealers are panicking... economy slowing down, they need to clear those 2001 models off the lot.

Buick Century, Chevy Malibu, Mercury Sable/Taurus... How about a SUV? If you're spending less than $25, go American...
Old 10-31-2001 | 07:59 PM
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Originally posted by Scorpius
If you're spending less than $25, go American...
Hahaha...reread that carefully. But a Grand Prix GTP or an Alero (V6 with the FE3 suspension package) would not be a bad choice. And realistically, both can be had for twenty thousand (the Alero probably even less).
Old 10-31-2001 | 08:35 PM
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Though not listed most sisters love those 2001 Camry's. Except for speedy (I can't really believe speed is one of the characteristics your sis _really_ wants) the Toyota is a girls car.
Old 10-31-2001 | 10:57 PM
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DO NOT BUY AMERICAN!!!

go for a Audi 1.8T, lots of features, quattro (safety), 10 airbags (safety) good power good price, excellent fit and finish. good luck.
Old 11-01-2001 | 02:39 AM
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Altima 3.5 SE if you can withstand the interior
Old 11-01-2001 | 01:41 PM
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Just get her a jetta....it's a cute car.
Old 11-01-2001 | 03:06 PM
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She was looking for something speedy because she is driving a neon, any one ever tried to get on the interstate in a neon, its death. Better yet driving that thing through the mouthains.
Old 11-01-2001 | 03:55 PM
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I agree with whoever on here said the Passat. It's a sweet car with lots of toys (just like they said). One of my co-workers just picked on up yesterday... man that car is hot. She got the GLX though which was around $28k-$29k OTD, but the GLS should be in her range. If you want some quickness, get the WRX. Supercharged, under your limit.... if she's not big on the styling the regular Imprezza's are a little different. I'd stay away from the Audi turbos b/c of all the problems they tend to have. With the new A4s out though, that may be fixed, only time will tell.....
Old 11-01-2001 | 04:01 PM
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Altima or audi 1.8t
Old 11-01-2001 | 04:11 PM
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Don't get the Saab, that car is made by GM. Might as well but a chevy. Have you looked at the new Altima. It's a nice car, and I test drove it too, very fast.
Old 11-01-2001 | 04:52 PM
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Originally posted by lovemymax
Don't get the Saab, that car is made by GM. Might as well but a chevy. Have you looked at the new Altima. It's a nice car, and I test drove it too, very fast.
Saying the Saab is owned by GM is very ignorant. Sure, GM owns them, but they really stay out of their business.....if I were a Saab owner, I would flip it on you and say Nissan is owned by Renault......French people....:P
Old 11-01-2001 | 04:55 PM
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Actually, it's Renault. Don't make me send Jenson Button after you.

Originally posted by moomaster_99
if I were a Saab owner, I would flip it on you and say Nissan is owned by Peugeot
Old 11-01-2001 | 04:56 PM
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Originally posted by cakennedy
Actually, it's Renault. Don't make me send Jenson Button after you.

heheheh...okay...got me..changed..
How am I supposed to know, it's not like they sell any cars over here anymore.., except the Nissan...
Old 11-01-2001 | 05:20 PM
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My ex g/f has an Oldsmobile Intrigue. It's nice to drive, and she likes it, though I couldn't like any car for myself that meets your 4dr, auto, <25, etc. requirements.

Tell her to spring a bit more for a TL or TLS.
Old 11-01-2001 | 07:45 PM
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OK, sporty it is.

I priced all these out, with the options that I wanted, like auto and leather, every option basically. I passed on some options on the honda and toyotas to keep it under $25K. Euros are too damned expensive, I couldn't get any options for under $25. Nissan is a no go. The Altima I want is $30K. I also omitted other cars because they suck. Below are the most accurate performance numbers I could find.


Honda Accord Coupe EX V-6:
Too obvious. I'm so board with this car, I really don't have an opinion.
$25,740
0-60 - 7.60
1/4m - 15.90

Toyota Celica GT-S 4 Speed Automatic Sport Shift:
Not bad, but not really my taste. Too flashy, no luxury.
$25,980
0-60 - 7.20
1/4m - 15.70

Toyota Solara SE V6 4 Speed Automatic:
Pretty nice, close to our CL, but not very fast.
$24,767
0-60 - 8.20
1/4m - 16.30

Chrysler Sebring LXi Coupe:
Options, Comfortable, Style
$24,730
0-60 - 8.30
1/4m - 16.50

Dodge Stratus R/T Coupe:
Same as the Sebring, only it favors performance over lux.
$25,380
0-60 - 7.36
1/4m - 15.66

Chevy Camaro 2dr Cpe Z28 Mullet Edition:
The epitome of Neanderthal American style. Fast.
$25,570
0-60 - 5.20
1/4m - 13.80

Mustang GT Premium Coupe:
This car is amazing. My friend has one, it's scary.
$25,345
0-60 - 5.40
1/4m - 14.00


And the winner is...

Chrysler. IMO, it has the most luxury and style. It's the fully loaded model, so the performance is OK. If you really need more power, get the Stratus R/T.

The Sebring is the closest match to the CL in terms of balance. It's also the cheapest on my list.

I was really tempted to say the Mustang. Just go drive everything this weekend, have fun.
Old 11-01-2001 | 09:40 PM
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Re: Need help choosing new car

Look on Black Market here. If she doesn't mind slightly Used, she'll get a Heck of a deal, or even a deal on 2001 Close out CL-S for slightly more at dealers.

Else:

1. Altima
2. Accord
2. Passat
3. Jetta

Can't really go wrong with any of those. And all -- or most in that price Range !

Good luck


Originally posted by CLUofI
My sister is looking for a new car, some where around 25000. Right now she is looking at Jetta, Accords, Passat, Saab 9-3.
what are some other option, must be 4 door, and automatic. good commuter car, and decently fast.
Old 11-02-2001 | 02:06 AM
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Nissan Altima 3.5SE(240hp)~$23000
Nissan Maxima SE(255hp)~$25000
Subaru Impreza WRX(227hp)~$25000
Acura 3.2TL(225hp)~$27000
Toyota Camry V6 SE(192hp)~$22500
BMW 325i(184hp)~$28000
Audi A4 1.8T(170hp)~$26500
Volvo S80 FWD(168hp)~$27000

Besides the ones you have mentioned, these are the import 4 door sedans that I can think of under $30000, and they are all great cars in my opinion. Your sister would buy any one of them without regret.
Old 11-02-2001 | 10:24 AM
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IF you are able to wait a while, I would wait for the 2003 Acords, completly redesigned, should be pritty good looking and quick.

Thank You
Old 11-02-2001 | 10:35 AM
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there is no way that you can get an audi for $25k out the door. i tried for the longest time to get a 1.8T manual, they would not go below $26.5K.... those damn audi's......

i would go with the tried and true accord v6. you get everything you expected minus the problems
Old 11-02-2001 | 01:29 PM
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WRX all the way. My bro just got a silver WRX wagon. I'll admit..the look grows on you. That thing is fast as shit. AWD to boot. It's not the most luxurious car out there..but heck..who cares. Anyone read the latest Car&Driver test? Audi S4 edged it out by ONE point. And that's only because on stupid editor put it as his #3 pick. Otherwise, the WRX would have been #1 out of the Audi S4 and BMW 330xi. All for $25k OUT THE DOOR! in most places.

Someone actually said to go domestic? No way. After owning 2 domestics and seeing them fall apart on me after 3 years....conveniently after warranty runs out...I'm never, ever going to buy domestic again. I learned my lesson the hard way.
Until they learn how to build better quality cars, I'm sticking with the Germans or the Japanese. I'm talking about GM, Ford AND Chyrsler.

Just my .02

Dizzy
Old 11-02-2001 | 04:25 PM
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Originally posted by Dizzy
WRX all the way.
The WRX I priced out online came out to $34.100. Last time I checked that's somewhere north of $25,000. Hell, that's more than a CL-S with navigation.

I wouldn't by a car with none of the options, that's why I didn't get the 330. Acura is ideal because there are no options, take it or leave it. Yes, you can get a BMW for $30K. its a 325 non sport, with a shitty stereo and no options. no thanks. I'll save up and get the fully loaded 330 sport w/ everything, and that's how I priced out the WRX.
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