galant
the wife says the car has to have side airbags and my budget is $20 grand
whattayathink?
confused

 

Nissan Sentra SER Spec-V..... should run you right around $20k or so.....

If that's not an option, I'd go with the Jetta. My friend has one (V6) and it's pretty sweet. For $20k you'd be stuck with the 4 banger.... but is should have most of the same features. If you can get the wife to go the 2-door route, then the RSX would be my choice....

 

Hyundai Tiburon...the new one is very, very nice...and quick too. From what I've heard, their quality is way up too.

 

civic EX Coupe

 

Definatly go with the Jetta. Get the 4 bannger 1.8t. Its faster than the VR-6. Its a nice car. Just be careful because with minor mods your wife might be beating you in your CLS's.

 

the galant is nice but only the 6 banger. my mom has the 4 (very quick for a 4) and it's perfect for a mom, but still not fast enough. my ex has the four with every option and it's nice, but again still not very fast. my buddy has the 6 GTZ version and it's really nice--but unless you're gonna go used too pricey.
the new jettas are very well built. another friend has a 2001, and it rides like a benz.
if size and space are not important, i'm sure she would love the rsx.
happy hunting - seems like it should be fun, but it can be very stressfull (big decsion) good luck

 

What about Civic SI should be right around $20K out the door

 

I say tiburon

 

thanks all, but the civic si and the civic do not have the side airbags and i forgot to mention needing only an auto
2 or 4 doors, no matter

 

I thought side airbags were optional on the civic.

 

I kind of like the looks of the new Corolla S with the body kit. Pretty sweet little car.

-Ash

 

only the accord v6

 

BSK181,

Check this out :

http://www.hondacars.com/models/civic_sedan/safety.html

 

This is no contest, for a little less than $23K you can get the 25th Anniversary Golf GTI with 18 inch factory BBS wheels, Recaro seats, Sport suspension, 1.8 Turbo engine putting out an impressive 180hp that has ALOT of aftermarket support, and does the 0-60 in about 7 seconds flat...did I mention it comes with subtle factory bodykit that makes the car look so sporty yet clean...the list goes on an on...also only about 1,500 units are allocated for the U.S. so you gotta get to the dealer fast!!! Anyways if you can get a hold of one of these, I suggest you take it in a heartbeat...here are some photos...

 

My wife has the Jetta. Great car. I love it alot. The RSX looks cool to IMO.

 

BTW the seats are RECARO not Sparco...:P

Another Shot...look at the chrome 3" exhaust tip and Michelin Pilot Sport tires and that nice fat back end....

 

If you don't mind waiting til next year and saving another $6k, take a look at the Mazda RX-8. It will be worth the wait.

 

The RX-8 isnt going to be all that... I wouldnt hold your breath. Its only going to be 250 hp. The release date should be in march 2003. EST price they still say just under 30...///???
Limited quantiies; dealers are talking deposits this Dec. That means dealer mark-up's!!! Dont get me wrong its a sweet car, but I'd get the z before that...

 

RSX will be premium model right?i will definitely go with Type S RSX..
so what model of jetta are u considering? i will recommend u go with 1.8T or VR6....u do not want to buy a 2.0 engine.....very very powerless.... test drive it before u buy....

 

yes.... yes.... yes..... get this car.... I've driven a GTI, I can honestly say it's soooo much fun.....

 

If you're looking for a modable car for around $20k...I would have to tell you to go with VW. GTi or Jetta 1.8t....for under 500 bucks you can add the chip which adds 50hp and 50 torque. My buddy has a 2000 1.8t Gti with chip and intake...off the line he skids out through 1st and second, but thats cuz he's running on 6 inch tires, the new GTi has 18's available i think...anyway back to performance, at a rolling start he keeps up with my CL-S...not bad for $22k...Jetta 1.8t's are the same I beleive....so you choose....

 

Go for the base RSX w leather, around 19-20k, nice little car.

 

Women and their crazy requirements.