Yet another help me choose my next car thread
05-03-2011, 01:56 AM
#1
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Yet another help me choose my next car thread
After only two days on craigslist I sold my much loved Accord coupe. Almost two weeks later I still don't have a car. I have been going nuts searching for a 4 door vehicle since my wife is due with a little trooper in June and a coupe was not going to fit the bill. The Mazdaspeed3 was too tight with a car seat and the 2005 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6mt I purchased last week was returned the day after it was discovered (by me) that it was in fact FWD not AWD as they advertised it.
My requirements are fun, quick, reliable, low mileage and enough room for a rear facing baby seat with a 6'3" driver. Manual tranny is perfered but modern shiftable automatic (a.k.a. DSG) is considered.
(I think) I've narrowed it down to the following cars:
2008 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B 6mt- 39k miles - $22,000 (Private Party)
2008 VW GTI 5-Door DSG - 47k miles - $18,000 (Dealer)
2008 VW GTI 5-Door 6mt - 31k miles - $18,000 (Private Party)
2007 Mazdaspeed6 6mt - 30k miles - $17,500 (Private Party)
I loved the Spec B. I'm pretty sure I could talk him down to $21,000. It's a fun, reliable and quick car. I love the look, performance and bullet proof engine/tranny. I'm just wondering if it's a deal or not at $21k considering it's going to be my daily driver putting 15-20k miles on it a year?
The VW GTI is a new thought after watching a few videos on the DSG tranny. Unfortunately it's a bit more mileage than I wanted and since it's a dealership I'll have to pay tax and dealer fees, but it sounds like a very fun, quick and nimble car with a pretty good reliabilty record in the newer ones. A 6mt version is available private party with low miles, but now that I've read such great things about the DSG I feel swayed away from the 6mt.
The Mazdaspeed6 is located in Mass, so the owner is talking about driving it out here to Arizona where I can purchase it. The car is spotless and well taken care of and currently has 27k miles on it. The only thing that concerns me is the reliability of the MS6. I've read some horror stories on blowing differentials, engines and smoking turbos. It seems to be mainly isolated to the 2006 models, but it's a scary thought to purchase a vehicle from someone out of state and with questionable long term reliability.
Thoughts? Opinions? Experiences?
My requirements are fun, quick, reliable, low mileage and enough room for a rear facing baby seat with a 6'3" driver. Manual tranny is perfered but modern shiftable automatic (a.k.a. DSG) is considered.
(I think) I've narrowed it down to the following cars:
2008 Subaru Legacy GT Spec B 6mt- 39k miles - $22,000 (Private Party)
2008 VW GTI 5-Door DSG - 47k miles - $18,000 (Dealer)
2008 VW GTI 5-Door 6mt - 31k miles - $18,000 (Private Party)
2007 Mazdaspeed6 6mt - 30k miles - $17,500 (Private Party)
I loved the Spec B. I'm pretty sure I could talk him down to $21,000. It's a fun, reliable and quick car. I love the look, performance and bullet proof engine/tranny. I'm just wondering if it's a deal or not at $21k considering it's going to be my daily driver putting 15-20k miles on it a year?
The VW GTI is a new thought after watching a few videos on the DSG tranny. Unfortunately it's a bit more mileage than I wanted and since it's a dealership I'll have to pay tax and dealer fees, but it sounds like a very fun, quick and nimble car with a pretty good reliabilty record in the newer ones. A 6mt version is available private party with low miles, but now that I've read such great things about the DSG I feel swayed away from the 6mt.
The Mazdaspeed6 is located in Mass, so the owner is talking about driving it out here to Arizona where I can purchase it. The car is spotless and well taken care of and currently has 27k miles on it. The only thing that concerns me is the reliability of the MS6. I've read some horror stories on blowing differentials, engines and smoking turbos. It seems to be mainly isolated to the 2006 models, but it's a scary thought to purchase a vehicle from someone out of state and with questionable long term reliability.
Thoughts? Opinions? Experiences?
Last edited by SuperTrooper169; 05-03-2011 at 02:03 AM.
05-03-2011, 02:49 AM
#2
Toss up for me. I would get an 05-07 Spec B hands down as I prefer that to the 08+ but that's my personal taste. I really like the STI's shifter, never driven a Spec B though.
I'm guessing that the GTI will get the best real world gas mileage out of the three.
I like the MS6 but its a little too sketchy reliability-wise for me.
I'm guessing that the GTI will get the best real world gas mileage out of the three.
I like the MS6 but its a little too sketchy reliability-wise for me.
05-03-2011, 02:52 AM
#3
Wouldn't the GTI be too small like the MazdaSpeed3 was?
05-03-2011, 02:58 AM
#4
Needs more Lemon Pledge
Wow, didn't know you sold the accord (awesome car... 
).
I don't know anything about the prospects, but good luck!
). I don't know anything about the prospects, but good luck!
05-03-2011, 07:43 AM
#6
Before you bother getting into more detail with the cars you're considering or before you fall in love, have you actually sat in each of them to make sure your tall frame fits comfortably? Have you tried the car seat? .....Same tests you did on the Mazda....
05-03-2011, 08:49 AM
#7
Your Friendly Canadian
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From your choices, I'd get the Spec B. It's the most expensive, but the more you drive it the value you get from it, right? How is the fuel economy?
Still think a TL or Accord 6MT would be great, but last virgin and all that.
What about another (real) T5 AWD? The FWD one was good enough for you to buy, wasn't it?
Used G35? 2007s on cars.com are going for as low as $20,000. I think the Altima sedan came in V6 6MT form as well for a couple of years.
Still think a TL or Accord 6MT would be great, but last virgin and all that.
What about another (real) T5 AWD? The FWD one was good enough for you to buy, wasn't it?
Used G35? 2007s on cars.com are going for as low as $20,000. I think the Altima sedan came in V6 6MT form as well for a couple of years.
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05-03-2011, 11:02 AM
#9
You sold the Accord Todd?! Wow, I didn't think you'd ever do that.
Have you ever thought about a 6MT four door Accord?
Terry
Have you ever thought about a 6MT four door Accord?
Terry
05-03-2011, 12:43 PM
#10
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
^ I didn't either, Terry. When I found out my wife was pregnant things changed. I loved the Accord, don't get me wrong, but I'm going to love driving around in a more comfortable sedan with my boy in the back seat! 
Ha ha I knew the Accord sedan would come up. I have considered it, but honestly at this point I have the opportunity to try something different so I'm looking outside Honda. 3rd Acura TL-S are too expensive with 30k miles on them and hard to find in the 6mt. Won't ever get an automatic Acura again after the CL-S auto blew up. Plus there's a chance we might move back east and all wheel drive would be a very nice thing to have already in a car if we do so.
I sat in a GLI (same year as the GTI) and with the baby seat in it worked but it was right at the limit of comfortability. After more thought though I'm starting to rule the GTI out just based on the fact I'd absolutely want to modify that car to give it more power and I want to avoid doing that with my next car. Looking for the factory fast option.
I haven't sat in a Mazdaspeed6 yet but will be tonight since one just showed up at a local dealership. 18k more miles and a 2006 instead of a 2007, but I'm definitely going to test it out to make sure it's a car I would want to own for the next 5-6 years and to make sure the baby seat fits in it. I should know more tonight on how I feel about the car. There are some slight differences in the clutch feel on a '06 vs. '07 so I have to bear that in mind.
I sat in the Spec B but didn't actually test drive it. The guy was firm on $22,000 and at the time I didn't think I wanted to drop that kind of coin on a pre-owned car and felt if I drove it I'd fall in love and go against my budget decision. The car is still for sale and if I could get him to go down to $21,000 I'd absolutely consider it. He's local so I can test drive the car anytime. There's definitely enough room for a baby seat in the Legacy.
Ha ha I knew the Accord sedan would come up. I have considered it, but honestly at this point I have the opportunity to try something different so I'm looking outside Honda. 3rd Acura TL-S are too expensive with 30k miles on them and hard to find in the 6mt. Won't ever get an automatic Acura again after the CL-S auto blew up. Plus there's a chance we might move back east and all wheel drive would be a very nice thing to have already in a car if we do so.
I sat in a GLI (same year as the GTI) and with the baby seat in it worked but it was right at the limit of comfortability. After more thought though I'm starting to rule the GTI out just based on the fact I'd absolutely want to modify that car to give it more power and I want to avoid doing that with my next car. Looking for the factory fast option.
I haven't sat in a Mazdaspeed6 yet but will be tonight since one just showed up at a local dealership. 18k more miles and a 2006 instead of a 2007, but I'm definitely going to test it out to make sure it's a car I would want to own for the next 5-6 years and to make sure the baby seat fits in it. I should know more tonight on how I feel about the car. There are some slight differences in the clutch feel on a '06 vs. '07 so I have to bear that in mind.
I sat in the Spec B but didn't actually test drive it. The guy was firm on $22,000 and at the time I didn't think I wanted to drop that kind of coin on a pre-owned car and felt if I drove it I'd fall in love and go against my budget decision. The car is still for sale and if I could get him to go down to $21,000 I'd absolutely consider it. He's local so I can test drive the car anytime. There's definitely enough room for a baby seat in the Legacy.
Last edited by SuperTrooper169; 05-03-2011 at 12:47 PM.
05-03-2011, 12:58 PM
#11
congrats on the upcoming kid, how about a toyota matrix AWD 
?
?
05-03-2011, 01:20 PM
#13
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Legacy would be a great choice too. I love those cars.
GTI = MS3 in the size spec. I researched thoroughly on both cars when I was cross shopping them 2 years ago. And if you are worried about the long term reliability of MS6, you should have the same thing for GTI.
A lot of MS6s problems were isolated in 2006 model. And, all the turbo cars have risk of popping the engine, if you start modding without proper tuning. And 90% of those zoom zoom boom was caused by the error made by the drivers. Going WOT and loading up any turbocharged cars from very low RPM is just asking for BOOM, and some idiots still do that time to time.
But I do too have some concern with that said MS6 since it's out of state. Did you carfax it yet? Did he have any mods? tune? Get all the info and let me know when you get a chance.
GTI = MS3 in the size spec. I researched thoroughly on both cars when I was cross shopping them 2 years ago. And if you are worried about the long term reliability of MS6, you should have the same thing for GTI.
A lot of MS6s problems were isolated in 2006 model. And, all the turbo cars have risk of popping the engine, if you start modding without proper tuning. And 90% of those zoom zoom boom was caused by the error made by the drivers. Going WOT and loading up any turbocharged cars from very low RPM is just asking for BOOM, and some idiots still do that time to time.
But I do too have some concern with that said MS6 since it's out of state. Did you carfax it yet? Did he have any mods? tune? Get all the info and let me know when you get a chance.
05-03-2011, 01:47 PM
#14
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Legacy would be a great choice too. I love those cars.
GTI = MS3 in the size spec. I researched thoroughly on both cars when I was cross shopping them 2 years ago. And if you are worried about the long term reliability of MS6, you should have the same thing for GTI.
A lot of MS6s problems were isolated in 2006 model. And, all the turbo cars have risk of popping the engine, if you start modding without proper tuning. And 90% of those zoom zoom boom was caused by the error made by the drivers. Going WOT and loading up any turbocharged cars from very low RPM is just asking for BOOM, and some idiots still do that time to time.
But I do too have some concern with that said MS6 since it's out of state. Did you carfax it yet? Did he have any mods? tune? Get all the info and let me know when you get a chance.
GTI = MS3 in the size spec. I researched thoroughly on both cars when I was cross shopping them 2 years ago. And if you are worried about the long term reliability of MS6, you should have the same thing for GTI.
A lot of MS6s problems were isolated in 2006 model. And, all the turbo cars have risk of popping the engine, if you start modding without proper tuning. And 90% of those zoom zoom boom was caused by the error made by the drivers. Going WOT and loading up any turbocharged cars from very low RPM is just asking for BOOM, and some idiots still do that time to time.
But I do too have some concern with that said MS6 since it's out of state. Did you carfax it yet? Did he have any mods? tune? Get all the info and let me know when you get a chance.
That's what I read, pretty much MS6 issues have been isolated to the 2006s or people modding the crap out of 06/07s and blowing things up. I wouldn't do that with the car.
The guy with the MS6 has been super honest with me and I've double checked his posts on the forum I found the car on, nothing suspicious. I've talked with him multiple times on the phone and we both agree I won't pay until he gets here and I get to see the car in person. I did run a CarFax and everything matches exactly to what he said. The only mods he has is a short throw shifter, COBB SRI intake and a boost gauge. Otherwise the car is complete stock, which is how I'd keep it. It's a legit car, it's just much more of a hassle to wait for him to get here and then have to wait to register the car until the title is sent to my bank from his bank.
05-03-2011, 01:51 PM
#16
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Yeah I've now ruled out the GTI. The DSG tempted me but the car's just too small.
That's what I read, pretty much MS6 issues have been isolated to the 2006s or people modding the crap out of 06/07s and blowing things up. I wouldn't do that with the car.
The guy with the MS6 has been super honest with me and I've double checked his posts on the forum I found the car on, nothing suspicious. I've talked with him multiple times on the phone and we both agree I won't pay until he gets here and I get to see the car in person. I did run a CarFax and everything matches exactly to what he said. The only mods he has is a short throw shifter, COBB SRI intake and a boost gauge. Otherwise the car is complete stock, which is how I'd keep it. It's a legit car, it's just much more of a hassle to wait for him to get here and then have to wait to register the car until the title is sent to my bank from his bank.
That's what I read, pretty much MS6 issues have been isolated to the 2006s or people modding the crap out of 06/07s and blowing things up. I wouldn't do that with the car.
The guy with the MS6 has been super honest with me and I've double checked his posts on the forum I found the car on, nothing suspicious. I've talked with him multiple times on the phone and we both agree I won't pay until he gets here and I get to see the car in person. I did run a CarFax and everything matches exactly to what he said. The only mods he has is a short throw shifter, COBB SRI intake and a boost gauge. Otherwise the car is complete stock, which is how I'd keep it. It's a legit car, it's just much more of a hassle to wait for him to get here and then have to wait to register the car until the title is sent to my bank from his bank.
Is he on mazdaspeedforums.org? If he is, let me know his user name. I can find out all the details of the car to triple check for you.
Hope you get this car!
05-03-2011, 02:05 PM
#17
Back From The dead
Spec B
No other options in my opinion. I owned an 05 Leggy and it was great
No other options in my opinion. I owned an 05 Leggy and it was great
05-03-2011, 03:59 PM
#19
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Interesting the Suby seems to be the clear favorite.
I just got off the phone with the owner of the MS6 and he seems super knowledgable on the 6s. The '06s suffered from bum clutches that they recalled and replaced. The '07s have the updated clutches from the factory. He said most of the reports of blown engines are from over-boosting or poor driving skill by the owner. He said due to the already aggressive nature of the stock turbo some people are loading too much boost at low RPMs and destorying their blocks. Otherwise the car should be reliable.
I'm on the fence between the Mazda and the Subaru. They're both decently rare models with AWD, turbo and 6mt. The Mazda has less mileage and is priced considerably less. Although I read a lot of horror stories on the Mazda forums, as with any forum the majority of members are there to try and fix problems or learn about modding their engine. I wouldn't be doing anything to the car and would keep it as is which is pretty much totally stock.
Decisions decisions...
I just got off the phone with the owner of the MS6 and he seems super knowledgable on the 6s. The '06s suffered from bum clutches that they recalled and replaced. The '07s have the updated clutches from the factory. He said most of the reports of blown engines are from over-boosting or poor driving skill by the owner. He said due to the already aggressive nature of the stock turbo some people are loading too much boost at low RPMs and destorying their blocks. Otherwise the car should be reliable.
I'm on the fence between the Mazda and the Subaru. They're both decently rare models with AWD, turbo and 6mt. The Mazda has less mileage and is priced considerably less. Although I read a lot of horror stories on the Mazda forums, as with any forum the majority of members are there to try and fix problems or learn about modding their engine. I wouldn't be doing anything to the car and would keep it as is which is pretty much totally stock.
Decisions decisions...
05-03-2011, 04:10 PM
#20
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
I just got off the phone with the owner of the MS6 and he seems super knowledgable on the 6s. The '06s suffered from bum clutches that they recalled and replaced. The '07s have the updated clutches from the factory. He said most of the reports of blown engines are from over-boosting or poor driving skill by the owner. He said due to the already aggressive nature of the stock turbo some people are loading too much boost at low RPMs and destorying their blocks. Otherwise the car should be reliable.
Have you driven the Subie? It's a great vehicle!
Just test drive both on the same day and pick the one you like the most!
05-03-2011, 04:43 PM
#21
Congrats on mini-trooper!
My vote is spec.B all the way.
I almost bought one, but couldn't find the time to take the 800-mile round trip to look/drive it for myself before committing to buy. I'm 6'2" and fit in a Legacy just fine, plenty of room for 4 full sized adults too IMO.
Good luck with the baby and whatever you decide to purchase
Post pics!
My vote is spec.B all the way.
I almost bought one, but couldn't find the time to take the 800-mile round trip to look/drive it for myself before committing to buy. I'm 6'2" and fit in a Legacy just fine, plenty of room for 4 full sized adults too IMO.
Good luck with the baby and whatever you decide to purchase
Post pics!
05-03-2011, 05:41 PM
#23
The sizzle in the Steak
2008 VW GTI 5-Door DSG - 47k miles - $18,000 (Dealer)
Two things if you're gonna go with this car;
1) make sure 40k mi. DSG service was done....it's not cheap!
.....if it was not done I'd be concerned.
2) verify if the car has a FSI or TSI engine....in 2008 they made the change.....it's easy to identify, pop the hood and look for the BIG letters on the engine cover.
YOU WANT TSI not FSI.....for many many many reason.
Two things if you're gonna go with this car;
1) make sure 40k mi. DSG service was done....it's not cheap!
.....if it was not done I'd be concerned.
2) verify if the car has a FSI or TSI engine....in 2008 they made the change.....it's easy to identify, pop the hood and look for the BIG letters on the engine cover.
YOU WANT TSI not FSI.....for many many many reason.
Last edited by Moog-Type-S; 05-03-2011 at 05:41 PM. Reason: noticed you already ruled out the GIT....go Subi
05-03-2011, 10:10 PM
#25
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
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I also talked to the MS6 owner again today. Dude's just a cool guy that has nothing to hide. The logistics of getting here and making the deal is making me want to pull my hair out. Apparently there's some law with cars registered in Mass. that makes it a hassle to have the title sent when transfering funs from bank to bank. We're trying to figure out a way around it but it's frustrating to say the least.
05-03-2011, 10:15 PM
#26
Your Friendly Canadian
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It would be well worth your time to check out Shoof's deliveries thread...
05-03-2011, 10:52 PM
#27
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
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^ 55k miles is a little too much for me. The GTI at 47k miles was pushing it already. Nice car for sure though.
05-04-2011, 12:33 AM
#28
Suzuka Master
What about a new focus 5 door hatch? I'm not sure about dimensions, but that also has a dsg i believe? Seems to be a great car. Latest comparison tests put it at the top comparing it to the usual winner, mazda 3.
05-04-2011, 12:36 AM
#29
I've looked at both the Legacy GT and Mazdaspeed 6 but have not owned either. I'd go for the Legacy, just make sure to get it inspected before buying, especially the condition of the turbo. Other than that, remember that it's a little on the thirsty side and likes premium. I've found that MT Legacy GTs in general tend to go for a bit more, as they are fairly rare on the used market, at least in good shape with low miles. That's especially true of the Spec Bs.
Another upside is that, for me, when I checked insurance rates, the Legacy GT quote was pretty reasonable, while the WRX rate was absurd.
As for the Mazdaspeed 6, I really wanted to find good things, but there do seem to be quite a few issues. If it makes any difference, I also learned that it's not full time AWD. Rather, it spends most of the time in FWD mode and pushes power to the back wheels when it senses it's needed. I suspect when Mazda decided to make the Speed 3, they decided they could more easily use the computer to regulate power to the front wheels rather than to all four, as in the Speed 6.
My only experience with VWs is that my dad had a Jetta, mainly as a back up when another car/truck needed worked on. Whenever that happened, however, he usually found something had gone bad on the Jetta and needed to work on it, as well.
Edit - As for other considerations, is a 1st gen TSX large enough? I've seen a few MT versions around for reasonable prices. I was never thrilled with one enough to decide to buy, but they fit much of your criteria.
Another upside is that, for me, when I checked insurance rates, the Legacy GT quote was pretty reasonable, while the WRX rate was absurd.
As for the Mazdaspeed 6, I really wanted to find good things, but there do seem to be quite a few issues. If it makes any difference, I also learned that it's not full time AWD. Rather, it spends most of the time in FWD mode and pushes power to the back wheels when it senses it's needed. I suspect when Mazda decided to make the Speed 3, they decided they could more easily use the computer to regulate power to the front wheels rather than to all four, as in the Speed 6.
My only experience with VWs is that my dad had a Jetta, mainly as a back up when another car/truck needed worked on. Whenever that happened, however, he usually found something had gone bad on the Jetta and needed to work on it, as well.
Edit - As for other considerations, is a 1st gen TSX large enough? I've seen a few MT versions around for reasonable prices. I was never thrilled with one enough to decide to buy, but they fit much of your criteria.
Last edited by Carraway; 05-04-2011 at 12:42 AM.
05-04-2011, 10:49 AM
#32
^ I didn't either, Terry. When I found out my wife was pregnant things changed. I loved the Accord, don't get me wrong, but I'm going to love driving around in a more comfortable sedan with my boy in the back seat!
Ha ha I knew the Accord sedan would come up. I have considered it, but honestly at this point I have the opportunity to try something different so I'm looking outside Honda. 3rd Acura TL-S are too expensive with 30k miles on them and hard to find in the 6mt. Won't ever get an automatic Acura again after the CL-S auto blew up. Plus there's a chance we might move back east and all wheel drive would be a very nice thing to have already in a car if we do so.
I sat in a GLI (same year as the GTI) and with the baby seat in it worked but it was right at the limit of comfortability. After more thought though I'm starting to rule the GTI out just based on the fact I'd absolutely want to modify that car to give it more power and I want to avoid doing that with my next car. Looking for the factory fast option.
I haven't sat in a Mazdaspeed6 yet but will be tonight since one just showed up at a local dealership. 18k more miles and a 2006 instead of a 2007, but I'm definitely going to test it out to make sure it's a car I would want to own for the next 5-6 years and to make sure the baby seat fits in it. I should know more tonight on how I feel about the car. There are some slight differences in the clutch feel on a '06 vs. '07 so I have to bear that in mind.
I sat in the Spec B but didn't actually test drive it. The guy was firm on $22,000 and at the time I didn't think I wanted to drop that kind of coin on a pre-owned car and felt if I drove it I'd fall in love and go against my budget decision. The car is still for sale and if I could get him to go down to $21,000 I'd absolutely consider it. He's local so I can test drive the car anytime. There's definitely enough room for a baby seat in the Legacy.
Ha ha I knew the Accord sedan would come up. I have considered it, but honestly at this point I have the opportunity to try something different so I'm looking outside Honda. 3rd Acura TL-S are too expensive with 30k miles on them and hard to find in the 6mt. Won't ever get an automatic Acura again after the CL-S auto blew up. Plus there's a chance we might move back east and all wheel drive would be a very nice thing to have already in a car if we do so.
I sat in a GLI (same year as the GTI) and with the baby seat in it worked but it was right at the limit of comfortability. After more thought though I'm starting to rule the GTI out just based on the fact I'd absolutely want to modify that car to give it more power and I want to avoid doing that with my next car. Looking for the factory fast option.
I haven't sat in a Mazdaspeed6 yet but will be tonight since one just showed up at a local dealership. 18k more miles and a 2006 instead of a 2007, but I'm definitely going to test it out to make sure it's a car I would want to own for the next 5-6 years and to make sure the baby seat fits in it. I should know more tonight on how I feel about the car. There are some slight differences in the clutch feel on a '06 vs. '07 so I have to bear that in mind.
I sat in the Spec B but didn't actually test drive it. The guy was firm on $22,000 and at the time I didn't think I wanted to drop that kind of coin on a pre-owned car and felt if I drove it I'd fall in love and go against my budget decision. The car is still for sale and if I could get him to go down to $21,000 I'd absolutely consider it. He's local so I can test drive the car anytime. There's definitely enough room for a baby seat in the Legacy.
Terry
05-04-2011, 12:45 PM
#33
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
Thanks, Terry.
So the Mazdaspeed6 deal is barely hanging on by a thread at this point. I really want the car but there's issues with the owner getting the title in time for his trip out here (leaving tomorrow) because my credit union requires the him to be present with title in hand. He's only going to be here for a few days and he does not have the title yet as he just requested it yesterday and will pay it off tomorrow morning before starting his trip out here. This is keeping me up at night and I'm so close to jumping ship at this point due to my wife being 5 weeks away from her due date and me needing a car ASAP in case she goes early. The car will be here in AZ regardless, so at the very least I'll get to check it out in person on Monday whether I can physically purchase it or not. Yikes.
My wife and I went to check out a '06 Mazdaspeed6 at a Honda dealership last night. Gone. 2 days listed and it already sold... damn! The sales guy asked me if I considered a Civic sedan and I just started laughing. If the Mazdaspeed3 was too small there's no way a Civic Sedan would work. He insisted I give it a try so we sat in a 2009 Civic sedan and to my amazement I fit comfortably with the baby seat in the middle back seat and my drivers seat all the way back! I couldn't freaking believe it since the rear leg room is listed as less than the Mazda3. My only explaination is the depth of the rear seat cushion. Civic Si sedan maybe???
Oh, and a Pontiac G8 GT just showed up on CL in Tucson with 34k miles on it.
Asing price is $25k. My mind is starting to think crazy things.
So the Mazdaspeed6 deal is barely hanging on by a thread at this point. I really want the car but there's issues with the owner getting the title in time for his trip out here (leaving tomorrow) because my credit union requires the him to be present with title in hand. He's only going to be here for a few days and he does not have the title yet as he just requested it yesterday and will pay it off tomorrow morning before starting his trip out here. This is keeping me up at night and I'm so close to jumping ship at this point due to my wife being 5 weeks away from her due date and me needing a car ASAP in case she goes early. The car will be here in AZ regardless, so at the very least I'll get to check it out in person on Monday whether I can physically purchase it or not. Yikes.
My wife and I went to check out a '06 Mazdaspeed6 at a Honda dealership last night. Gone. 2 days listed and it already sold... damn! The sales guy asked me if I considered a Civic sedan and I just started laughing. If the Mazdaspeed3 was too small there's no way a Civic Sedan would work. He insisted I give it a try so we sat in a 2009 Civic sedan and to my amazement I fit comfortably with the baby seat in the middle back seat and my drivers seat all the way back! I couldn't freaking believe it since the rear leg room is listed as less than the Mazda3. My only explaination is the depth of the rear seat cushion. Civic Si sedan maybe???
Oh, and a Pontiac G8 GT just showed up on CL in Tucson with 34k miles on it.
Asing price is $25k. My mind is starting to think crazy things.
05-04-2011, 01:02 PM
#35
Thought you wanted AWD though? 
Throw in my vote for the LGT too.
Throw in my vote for the LGT too.
05-04-2011, 01:17 PM
#36
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
Civic = Mazda3 = Golf in terms of size spec
ST, you need to make a list of cars and drive all of it on the same day to make up your mind!
There always will be a lot of good deals on many different cars!
ST, you need to make a list of cars and drive all of it on the same day to make up your mind!
There always will be a lot of good deals on many different cars!
05-04-2011, 01:20 PM
#37
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
I do, I do, but if I can't find one that fits the bill I naturally have to look outside of AWD. The only reason I returned the Volvo was because I was told it was AWD when in fact it was FWD. I still liked the car, I brought it back to prove a point that I overpaid for a car that was not as described.
The mention of the G8 GT is really just babble. It's completely impractical, a bit over my budget and a gas guzzler... but it's so hot!
I never thought of a Civic Si sedan because I assumed it would be way too small. It's not exactly what I'm looking for, but if I can't find a Legacy GT or MS6 I might have to start considering it. That or a 6mt Accord sedan, but those are damn rare with low mileage.
Obviously my mind is spinning from all the car shopping and pressure of finding one ASAP with the due date approaching fast.
The mention of the G8 GT is really just babble. It's completely impractical, a bit over my budget and a gas guzzler... but it's so hot!
I never thought of a Civic Si sedan because I assumed it would be way too small. It's not exactly what I'm looking for, but if I can't find a Legacy GT or MS6 I might have to start considering it. That or a 6mt Accord sedan, but those are damn rare with low mileage.
Obviously my mind is spinning from all the car shopping and pressure of finding one ASAP with the due date approaching fast.
05-04-2011, 01:31 PM
#38
I drive a Subata.
iTrader: (1)
The 8th Gen Si is can't keep up with its competitors in terms of bang for the buck. Plus, the only thing that kept you out from getting the MS3 was the rear seat size, correct? The Si sedan's has the similar size rear seat, and it comes with almost 100 less torque. 
05-04-2011, 01:39 PM
#39
In the Mid-South meow
Thread Starter
iTrader: (2)
I like your idea of testing all the cars in a day, but the problem is with pre-owned your at the mercy of the market. Unfortunately the cars I'm looking for are hard to find in the Phoenix market. Manual transmissions are so hard to find in any non-econobox car nowadays.
05-04-2011, 08:38 PM
#40
Have you considered a new/used Kia or Hyundai....in the USA, I'm sure they would fit in your budget, even new. Some of those have the best bang-for-the-buck right now. Some of the new models are actually really nice.