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Getting a new car.. ideas?

J. Crawford

J. Crawford

Feb 15, 2008
14,147
2,875
FL
#1
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.
 
#6
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.
 
#9
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
 
#12
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.
 
#13
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.
 
#14
Grizzly700 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 
#15
LaklandBass said:
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.
Click to expand...

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. :D
 
#19
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.
 
#20
sobie18 said:
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.
Click to expand...

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.
 

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