Hope this is the right forum, but my 97' 2.2 CL is about done.. Could put about $3000 into it right now, but don't know if it'd be worth it. I've decided to purchase my 1st car, but don't know what to get. My only real requirements are good gas mileage and a 4 door so my 2 80lb dogs are more comfortable in it.

I was thinking of looking at the new Accords, but wasn't sure if they were good or if there was something better out there. Price range 20k-25k. Thanks!

Horny, since you're good with numbers, have you thought about making an Excel spreadsheet with metrics to rate each car, i.e. in performance, and other subjective areas?

BTW the new Accords are BOATS.

Prefer autos or manuals? Do you like to drive and have a responsive car or prefer something that isolates you from the road?

While not knowing any of that, I'd look at the Mazda 3 5-door, as I doubt rust is a problem in Georgia. There's also the Subaru Imprezza and Outback, but the tradeoffs of four wheel drive may not make sense for you.

Other than that, a used Acura RDX or Volvo may be a consideration.

I'd be looking into a hatchback if I were you, with the two dogs. Brand new (or used, really), my first two choices as far as hatchbacks go would be the Mazda3 and Subaru Impreza (go for the Speed or WRX if you can, the new WRXs are about on par with STis). After that I'd look at a GTI, but I think they're kind of expensive, or maybe a Mini Cooper or Clubman, or even a used A3.

If you want a sedan instead, maybe a TSX to stay in the Acura family? or a Civic Si sedan? Only reason I wouldn't get the Si is because I think there's a new Civic coming next year and they're pretty down on torque.

What about something like a Chevy Cruze or a Ford Fusion? I've only heard good things about them, and I bet you could get a nice Fusion for under 25k.

This might be out of step, but what about a Toyota Prius? It fits all your requirements, and I hear it's pretty spacious in the back. Fold down the seats, and your dogs will have plenty of space. Obviously it's fuel efficient, and I hear they've got a lot of incentives on them right now.

Good luck with your purchase

Ford Fiesta

I may look into doing that, but right now I'm swamped at work and I'm halfway done with the CPA exam until November 30th. Maybe you can prepare one for me and we can have a meeting in Las Vegas

Prefer Autos. Don't know how to answer your 2nd question.

Yeah my wife wants an Acura RDX, which would be fine as I could get her Nissan Xterra. Don't know if I want to buy a used car or a new car, which is something I'll have to decide.

Thanks I'll add those cars to my list to look at. I did see a TSX this morning driving to work, so I'm going to check those out too.

Is the reliability of a Mazda good?

I'm liking my RDX so far. The hatch will definitely come in handy when we get our dog this fall.

2 80 lb. dogs sounds like they need a bit of space. A hatch would definitely be beneficial.

The TSX is a great car (loved mine), but would be tight for the dogs you have.

Toyota Matrix might be an option.

I'm liking what I see from the Mazda3.. I noticed the Mazdaspeed3 is only a manual, which is a problem since I've never driven a manual before Maybe I can learn?

I can help out. I'll try to get a spreadsheet together.

You can get some manual lessons. Buy enough not to scare the salesman on a test drive, and figure out the rest later. Maybe you can test an auto base 3 to focus on things like wind noise, steering, etc. Things you wouldn't notice had you been focusing on not frying a clutch.

Unless you live in Congestion, California, you should be fine driving a manual. Makes it so much more involving as well.

You don't have to I was kidding. I'm in the early stages of looking right now, but do plan on getting on late this year, or early next year. My current car is falling apart right now.

one of the cars I rented my first few weeks here in Vancouver was Jetta... and I gotta say... I was very impressed. MPG -wise? It's okay... it wasn't great, it wasn't bad. But the quality of the car and the features were good. I think there were more airbags than speakers lol.

And I believe VW has the free maintenance/oil change program now too


Oh, and I'm also going to throw in the Kia Sportage... I think with the dogs' situation, it's perfect... and great on the MPGs.

.

a good review on the Kia Sportage

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/10/11/2...iew-road-test/

Kia soul or forte sedan. you'll thank me later bro

I think you are a secret Kia salesman

What about a new TSX wagon?

Would be a nice idea, but the 25k limit squashes that, I think.

Ferrari F430.

That would work if it was only available with 4 doors.

THIS is what the OP needs:

Maseratti Quattroporte S would be a good fit too.

I say a MS3 or the Imprezza WRX will give you a nice sporting lift (~270 HP), and have room for the dogs.

The Golf GTI is another possibility, or a Jetta wagon if sport is a little lower on the priority totem pole.

And unless you need a cute-ute, stick with the first two. Also, the Mitsubishi Lancer comes in a pseudo wagon variant. May be worth a look (think Evo).

Will you only be carrying the dogs, or will you ever be carrying both dogs + cargo in the hatch? That's one thing to consider when looking at the compact hatches like the Mazda 3... It might fit your dogs, but won't have any room for anything else back there unless you plan on keeping the second row folded all the time.

+1 on the MS3 or WRX.

Mainly just for the dogs. I take them to daycare once a week, and it's a little tight in my CL. My wife has an Xterra, so if we need the extra room we'd just use her car to take the dogs + extra luggage.

Going to look at some cars this weekend, and will have an updated list by Sunday on what I like/don't like. Thanks for all the suggestions.

I would go for the G37S. Nice amount of power and plenty of room for dogs, passengers, packages, etc. I would say the V6 Accord or TSX could be a possibility as well.

If I were you I would get an E90 325i, you can easily find one in the low 20s. If space is an issue get the wagon..or an A4 wagon. Still good on gas, and provide you everything else and more.

328i?

Personally I'd get an used a3...chip tune it

Just a question for you dog owners... how do you deal with the shedding in your cars?! I was so mad.... my friend said he didn't wanna take his car to bring his dogs to the beach cause he just vacuumed his car. No wonder, I was vacuuming for days afterwards Occasionally I still see a stray dog hair stuck on my sun visor or something. He doesn't brush them regularly though, maybe that's why?

I want a dog that doesn't shed, but I don't like the way most of them look. If I were to get a car for my dogs it would definitely have to be a wagon.... or something with a somewhat divided cargo area.

Line the seat/floor (depending on if the dog is in the back seat or the cargo area) with a padded seat protector meant for dogs. Our dog sheds a ton and although there will also be stray hairs, not only does the thick, quilted seat protector keep the scratches and tears away, it also traps most of the fur from flying around.

I suggest a TSX as well. The new generation has a roomier back seat and you might be able to get close to $25K on a leftover 2010 before the '11s come out, but it will be a stretch.

I would also venture to suggest a previous generation Subaru Outback? Those have insane resale, though, but some did come with a Turbo.

CR-V and the new Hyundai Tucson are also interesting things I would look at, as well as the new Sonata. (make sure to try a base and an SE, I felt a slight difference in handling with the SE vs. a GLS)

The shedding doesn't bother me at all. I have a Siberian Husky. I brush his ass religiously. Fur still ends up everywhere. I learned to deal with it. He has a blanket for the Infiniti and rides bareback in the Fit.

If I had a Rolls Royce I'd still have my Sibe in it. I try to wash and vacuum the cars every other week or so.

I'd rock a Q5 if I were to get another dogmobile to replace the Fit.

I just saw the price range! CR-V or Forester....

Another viable car is the Volvo V70. You will get a nice amount of amenities and even more room for the dogs. Plus, they drive very nice, so you get the luxury and utility.

Now, if you can find a V70R, those have 300HP......

I'm liking the wagon cars, but the wife is not liking them!

This is going to be an annoyance of sorts for me as well, but it's just part of having a dog. I know my black interior will show dog hair, but that's life. I'll just vacuum often and try to keep the dog in the cargo area. I also bought a seat hammock thingy for the back seat area. Regular brushing is important as well.

+1 more on Mazda 3. My dad has one and it's really an excellent car

BMW 5 series wagon




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I would look at an Outback or something similar because of the dogs. Another option is to look at a used Pilot for about $18K and use the rest of the money to pay for gas.