Getting a new car.. ideas?

J. Crawford · #1 11-26-2010, 02:11 PM

With graduation coming up, a good bit of guaranteed scholarship money, and a promise my dad made me years ago, a new car is in my near future.

I just honestly don't know what to research and check out. I currently drive a Mazda 3, which pops is taking after all thks goes down, but I want something bigger. Thats where my predicament comes in..

Truck? SUV? Larger car?

I'm also thinking used, solely from being a bass player.. I can get a used car I want for the price of a new car solely because its used. Hard to explain, but hopefully its understandable.

I live in Ohio, and am going to school local, so it must he decent in the snow and rough weather, able to carry all my bass gear, mountain bikes, skis, etc.

Thanks guys/girls!
J.

LaklandBass · #2 11-26-2010, 02:14 PM

subaru wagons are pretty awesome for reliable, fuel efficient, gear hauling, safe, not too prices, fun, good in snow cars.

anyonefortennis · #3 11-26-2010, 02:14 PM

Subaru Outback FTW.

jp58 · #4 11-26-2010, 02:19 PM

I had an old Jeep CJ7 that I loved. Could get that thing into or out of anywhere. Plus it was nice being able to drive in the snow because that usually shuts down areas in Tennessee when it happens.

iamlowsound · #5 11-26-2010, 02:32 PM

A Mazda 6 hatch sounds just about right for you.

lowsound

J. Crawford · #6 11-26-2010, 02:34 PM

Right now I'm thinking something like a Jeep, Chevy Tahoe or Trailblazer, or going big and getting a F series or Honda Ridgeline. I just don't know..

Or just going big time and getting a Subaru WRX7 or something.

It's a big decision.

anyonefortennis · #7 11-26-2010, 02:58 PM

Trailblazers are garbage - My Father inlaw's 2003 had 3 transmissions replaced before the odometer hit 6 digits. Electronics were also terrible.

J. Crawford · #8 11-26-2010, 03:05 PM

Knocks that one out of the equation then.

No matter what I get, Im going black on black on black.

LaklandBass · #9 11-26-2010, 03:12 PM

my friend has a one or two year old avalanche that he really likes. Id say you should make a chart with different categories and try to arrange them in order of importance to you.

example....
mileage
price
hauling ability
snow handling
appearance

then just find what fits your needs best

warwick.hoy · #10 11-26-2010, 03:30 PM

I would drive a Ridgeline, but I'm a Honda (and Subaru) fanboy.

sobie18 · #11 11-26-2010, 03:32 PM

If Pops is paying the bill, get a NEW car and something good on gas mileage.

Use you instinct on what looks good, price, features, reputation, etc. Sure, I am keeping it vague, but do your homework/research and find what's right for you.

Grizzly700 · #12 11-26-2010, 03:33 PM

An E46 BMW, preferably a 330xi. It will go through the snow and ice just fine as it's allwheel drive, they aren't expensive, they are super comfortable. Don't let people scare you when they talk about the maintenance, I have found that the cars don't necessarily need crazy amounts of maintenace, but generally the owners are "car people" and they just like to pamper their car.

Joe Gress · #13 11-26-2010, 03:33 PM

A Subie is never a bad choice. AWD, plenty of space, great gas mileage (your going to school, so you definitely want this, trust me) and can get you places a lot of your modern suvs can't. Plus you'll fit in well if you ever come to Colorado.

Plus I promise never to ask to drive it.

LaklandBass · #14 11-26-2010, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly700

An E46 BMW, preferably a 330xi. It will go through the snow and ice just fine as it's allwheel drive, they aren't expensive, they are super comfortable. Don't let people scare you when they talk about the maintenance, I have found that the cars don't necessarily need crazy amounts of maintenace, but generally the owners are "car people" and they just like to pamper their car.

My grandfather owned a german auto shop for 30 years.... his feelings on the repair bills for bmw? we'll just say that he currently own a nissan and a chevy camaro.
Dont get me wrong.... bmw makes one hell of a car but the bills can be a little much compared to other makes. Also i cant imagine a 3 series hauling much gear.

Grizzly700 · #15 11-26-2010, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaklandBass

My grandfather owned a german auto shop for 30 years.... his feelings on the repair bills for bmw? we'll just say that he currently own a nissan and a chevy camaro.
Dont get me wrong.... bmw makes one hell of a car but the bills can be a little much compared to other makes. Also i cant imagine a 3 series hauling much gear.

Yeah they are a bit much, but none of the common problems are out of reach of a good DIYer. I have fit a '69 Ampeg 215 and B25 head and 2 basses in mine.

LaklandBass · #16 11-26-2010, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grizzly700

Yeah they are a bit much, but none of the common problems are out of reach of a good DIYer. I have fit a '69 Ampeg 215 and B25 head and 2 basses in mine.

very true sir.... and that is a hell of a fit for that car lol.. my best fits were an eden410, 4 space rack, eden 210, two hardshell cases in a 91 camaro.

Grizzly700 · #17 11-26-2010, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaklandBass

very true sir.... and that is a hell of a fit for that car lol.. my best fits were an eden410, 4 space rack, eden 210, two hardshell cases in a 91 camaro.

Now that is an accomplishment haha

Kwesi · #18 11-26-2010, 04:08 PM

Nix the Jeeps and Tahoe if you plan on paying for your own gas. You WILL be sorry if you don't, lol. I've got a Hyundai Santa Fe and it's sweet. Not the sexiest vehicle around but it feels really roomy and is more than adequate for even large bass rigs.

burk48237 · #19 11-26-2010, 04:12 PM

While my Nissan Pathfinder has given me 306,000 trouble free miles (still not burning oil) I'm with the Subaru guys on this one. I'm lucky if I get 19 on the hwy, and the Trailblazers, Cherokees and Exploders are no better. The sad thing is, neither are the compact true SUV's like the Xterras, and FJ Toyotas. The truck based SUV's suck gas, and gas isn't going to be getting any cheaper. If I could buy anything today my first choice would be a Subaru Outback. I can't imagine any weather you couldn't get through with one. They actually have pretty good off road cred. The other alternatives worth a look are the CRV, Element, Rav 4 and maybe the Ford Escape (car based) which gets better millage, but not near as good as the other choices.

Kwesi · #20 11-26-2010, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sobie18

If Pops is paying the bill, get a NEW car and something good on gas mileage.

Use you instinct on what looks good, price, features, reputation, etc. Sure, I am keeping it vague, but do your homework/research and find what's right for you.

NEVER get a new car as your first. It's just a bad idea unless you have thousands to potentially waste. As a new driver I can almost guarantee that some kind of damage will be done to the car (knock a mirror of, kiss someones bumper, bust up the sides a bit) so why get a brand new vehicle just to beat it up? Used nowadays can be extremely effective if your smart and Jordan is plenty smart.