More like my gf. She just got her first real job out of college since her graduation a few months ago and her budget is $15K. New or used, nothing older than 5 years old. Something reliable, cheap and easy to maintain. Gets more than 20mpg city driving. A smaller car would be better since it would be easier to drive for her. No SUVs, trucks, minivans. She really likes the Smart car but i think its a ugly POS.

Any idea is welcome as long as it fits the majority of those conditions.

So far we have looked online at rx8, 1g tsx, mini coopers, scion xa's, older mazda 3s, honda civics, audi a3 and newer scoobie wrx wagons (but probably not affordable).

 

Honda Fit

 

tsx, accord, camry in that order imo

 

20mpg city? Take the RX-8 off your list, and you'll thank me later

 

TSX sounds good.

 

New Hyundai Eleantra a lot nicer than most people think.

 

Of the choices mentioned, I'd strongly recommend -

1G TSX
Mazda 3

Perfect for her described situation.

.....and for the love of God, don't let her get a stupid ass Smart.

 

Not really interested in a midsize or similar size family sedan because I already drive a 3g TL. Whats the reliability of the 1g TSX after 3 or 4 years?

 

Something new or CPO 1-2 years old. Fit, Civic, MX3, etc. Look at the finance rates on new cars if not paying cash. Forget about the SmartCar.

 

Generally reliable but how has a used car been taken car of? Why not start with a known commodity for a rookie (new car)?

 

A CPO Fit or Civic should fit the bill, along with a Mazda 3 or previous generation Accord Coupe.

 

I vote fit great commuter car, fun to drive, and plenty of cargo space.

or: civic, ms3, integra, camry, accord, tsx, corolla

 

Honda Fit

 

pretty much agree with all the cars mentioned.

 

I've had mine for a little over 3 years...it's 4 years old this month. Only had one fluke problem (had to have the rack and pinion replaced) but it was fixed under warranty. If she's goes for the TSX, avoid the 04 and 05. Get an 06. ...or 07-08, but 06 should be just fine.

 

If she could pull off a reasonbly 'mileaged' TSX for $15k or less then . But I give a definite honorable mention to the prior gen Mazda3 though, I'm not certain how they rate in reliability. (I think 1killercls owns one.)

 

Excellent. I owned mine for 4 years and 70,000 miles, and all I really had to replace was a failed door lock actuator.

 

Civic SI, i had a 03 accord coupe v6 for about 4 years and 100k, had no problems. Scion TC, Corrola...

 

TC that's a total chicks car so keep the trend going .

 

1G TSX (if you guys can find one with relatively low mileage), Fit, Mazda 3

 

Tsx ftw

 

I would seriously consider that and compare the Civic to that.

 

Stay away from the Corolla too. Your GF will then be a runaway bride.

 

Do a search and you'll find this topic comes up a lot (around this price range).

My suggestions are...

1) 1G TSX (the clear choice IMO)
2) Mazda 3 (the latest model you can afford)
3) 2003 - 2005 BMW 3-series (my car is vault solid, gets 25mpg + RWD)

 

g35 coupe =)

 

Sounds like the best would be the Honda Fit. It fits everything she wants, and it won't break the bank.

 

I Had a day off today so we decided to go car shopping. Walked into the toyota, honda and VW dealerships, but it was a rainy day so we didnt get to test drive any cars. Got a good understanding of what my gf likes but at the same time she likes a lot of things.

So far we looked at mostly new cars. A Scion XD, TC (its been out for a while, when are they going to switch to a new generation?). Toyota Corrola (so ugly and bland). Also checked out a Honda Fit (whats up with the glass by the A Pillar?) and Honda Civic.
VW - too expensive for new ones.

I guess next step is to start researching car prices online and look at some used cars.

 

FWIW, everybody has great rates on new car purchases w/good credit. Shopping via internet manager at all dealers FTW after she chooses a model and year. If possible arrange financing before shopping if needed. G/L

 

+ however many for the TSX

 

They showed the new 2011 tC yesterday, and man its an ugly car, the 1G is much better