Recommend me a car.

iceshaft07 · #1 05-22-2009, 07:37 AM

Hi all! I just graduated. I don't have tons of money, but I might I am looking at anything from a used car from around $2500 to a brand new car that I might be able to afford on a loan for $250 a month.

I have NO idea what I want. I was hoping some of you could recommend me a car I might be interested in buying?

anyonefortennis · #2 05-22-2009, 07:56 AM

You may be able to squeeze out a new corolla for that kind of money and that car will last you for a very long time. Maybe a VW rabbit.

MJ5150 · #3 05-22-2009, 08:28 AM

Buy a truck.

-Mike

hover · #4 05-22-2009, 08:40 AM

What are the secondary purposes of this car? Are you going to haul any gear with it? Bikes? Sporting equipment? All things to consider.

That said, you be better off taking the 2500 as a downpayment on a car double the price (cap it around 6 grand, as this would be a realistic monthly payment...don't make yourself car-payment-broke every month, and you have to conisder gas, repairs and insurance and living expenses too), with a much lower payment. Don't go new for your first car.

Look into crossover vehicles and light duty wagons or small trucks, definitely. Something that can, to an extent, pull many duties until you settle in /decide on what your next bigger purchase will be, car-wise.

mwm70 · #5 05-22-2009, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Buy a truck.

-Mike

I second this motion.

PRUNEFACE · #6 05-22-2009, 08:55 AM

graduated from high school or college? If it's high school you may not need a car 'till graduate school/entering the workforce. If college... well I'd look at maybe a used Toyota or Hyundai or Kia. You should be able to get a deal on one of those.

**baba** · #7 05-22-2009, 09:01 AM

Used Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla. Play the odds on reliability.

BillyRay · #8 05-22-2009, 09:40 AM

I support not buying a truck unless you need a truck. Cars are tools and unless you plan on hauling stuff regularly, you're better off with something smaller, more city friendly and cheaper. And people really, really, and I mean REALLY, overestimate their need for pulling power and the frequency at wich they really need to tow a boat or a big trailer. Twice a year doesn't really justify anything. Look at U-Haul pricing.

With this out of the way, small import. 5 year old tops, max. Something like a Corolla or an Accord. Parts are plentiful, they are reliable and cheap on gas. They also don't look like a shopping cart on bagels (Yaris, etc.) or a manhood compensation device (truck that you drive around the city).

MJ5150 · #9 05-22-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyRay

Something like a Corolla or an Accord.

When I saw that someone named Billy Ray posted in this thread, I thought for sure it would be a +1 to my "buy a truck" suggestion.

This is now the most surreal moment in my life.

-Mike

sublimestylee · #10 05-22-2009, 09:43 AM

Scion xB's are great. some people hate them and others love them. Mine as been nothing but great for me. Its good on gas, roomy (hard to believe from seeing it on the outside), and its basically a toyota. oh and i'm able to haul around my bass

my payment per month is around $270/mo by the way.

warwick.hoy · #11 05-22-2009, 09:46 AM

I've been in the market for a car for a long time. I want one of these....

of course that means I'll have to get one of these....

and one of these on a monthly basis...

I've seriously considered trying to find a beat up old Type III and converting it to propane, battery power or bio-diesel.

With vehicles the way they are today...with all the bells and whistles, computers and frivolous nonsense...its to the point where unless you are ASE certified you can barely work on your car anymore. Crap; some cars you can't even change your own oil without ASE certification...(of course those are Bimmers and Mercedes.) There are so many things that can go wrong on modern cars if you don't properly maintain them.

Buy a new car and it looses half of it's value as soon as you drive it off the lot. Even if it is new...you have all these maintenance hassles. If you do buy new go with a car that offers free maintenance and has a good warranty...make sure you read the fine print.

Maybe I'm just cynical.

If not any of this go with what Mike said...get a 2wd small Pup. Older ones are easy to work on. I like the Toyota Tacomas. If you feel you need 4WD be aware that a transfer case is just something else to require repair.

BillyRay · #12 05-22-2009, 09:49 AM

This might be the time to explain why a guy from Canuckistan, who speaks French, is nicknamed Billy Ray.

Well, I sported a mullet for most of my childhood (parents thought it was trendy, thanks mom) and when some of my adult friends saw my childhood pictures, well... you know Billy Ray Cirrus...

Rest is history. These pictures will not be published on the intarwebs.

Linas · #13 05-22-2009, 09:55 AM

Maybe one a newer vintage, but still awesome cars, cheap and easy to work on.

MJ5150 · #14 05-22-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BillyRay

Well, I sported a mullet for most of my childhood........

So go buy yourself a Brushpopper, some Wranglers, a pair of Justin boots, and a truck. Complete the look.

-Mike

MJ5150 · #15 05-22-2009, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

I've seriously considered trying to find a beat up old Type III and converting it to propane, battery power or bio-diesel.

Great idea!!!

Another cool project would be one of the old Datsun 510's. Tight rides when done right. Parts are mega cheap too.

-Mike

hover · #16 05-22-2009, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warwick.hoy

With vehicles the way they are today...with all the bells and whistles, computers and frivolous nonsense... There are so many things that can go wrong on modern cars if you don't properly maintain them.

Buy a new car and it looses half of it's value as soon as you drive it off the lot.

Not cynical at all...it's all 100% truth.

warwick.hoy · #17 05-22-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MJ5150

Great idea!!!

Another cool project would be one of the old Datsun 510's. Tight rides when done right. Parts are mega cheap too.

-Mike

Oh yeah....I love those cars.

I saw a pretty nice older Golf GTI yesterday.

I want a Type III Squareback because it would probably haul my cabs and amps and such just fine. I like the idea of propane because it burns clean and leaves engine parts way cleaner than gas or diesel. Battery power would be cool, but we pay quite a bit for electricity around here. It would be clean since a lot of our electricity is Hydroelectric.

[/thread hijack]

EDIT: How about an Air Car?

sarcastro83 · #18 05-22-2009, 10:59 AM

I'm enjoying my Toyota Matrix. Good enough on gas, reasonable to insure, Toyota reliability (I've only had it since January, but my more mechanically inclined friends say they're pretty good little cars) and they're really great for transporting gear.

tplyons · #19 05-22-2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sarcastro83

I'm enjoying my Toyota Matrix. Good enough on gas, reasonable to insure, Toyota reliability (I've only had it since January, but my more mechanically inclined friends say they're pretty good little cars) and they're really great for transporting gear.

Likewise, I'm loving my Chevy HHR. 2.2 Liter Ecotec Engine. Picked it up with 27,000 miles for a hair over $12k. $156 a month for six years with $3,000 down. Wouldn't trade it for another car.

Definitely look used.

MCBTunes · #20 05-22-2009, 11:16 AM

I'd avoid Volkswagen because they are quite costly to repair. Everyone else has pretty well hit the nail on the head. Look used and look for a deal. Toyota, Subaru and Honda are good places to start, but that doesn't mean to exclude the other automakers. GM has made a lot of really nice affordable cars(and some not so). But there are some manufactures I'd avoid, those being Pontiac, Ford, and Dodge. Hyundai is a good place to look for a really cheap but relatively new car - but I'd simply use this as something to hold you over, plan to sell at a small loss in 2-3 years for a better vehicle.

edit: I don't know where you live, but if it is somewhere that has rough/snowy/icy winters like here in Canada the all wheel drive Subaru offers is fantastic, my mom really appreciates it in her car.

P.S. I have a '99 Suburban 3500 and a '02 Sebring Convertible for sale ....... if you're interested