In the market for a new car - help ;)

[Otacon132]

my friend, whom drives a 2001 ford escape V6... is in the market for a brand new car. His price range is 25-26kish max, and is considering 30k max if the performance is worth it. Its pretty much broken down to the new eclipse, due to mainly 1) he likes the look interior and exterior and 2) because of the performance, all for just 23k msrp.

He has driven my 05 6mt, and knowing just enough to trust, ive let him gun the car. He would be happy with the performance of the G (which im sure all of use...or at least most would say isnt THE fastest out there for the money...i mean for the same price you can get a 400hp GTO), so ive been trying to think of suggestions for him and all i could really over all think of is either the eclipse for 23k, or sacrafice 10k more and go for a GTO.

We have basically thought of all the cars out there, and its pretty hard to find the perfect balance between price and performance/looks. GTO is expensive, especially after seeing the interior. Mazdaspeed 6 sounds like it has nice numbers, and the price match's it. The eclipse seems too heavy, yet the looks/performance kinda balance it out, it reminds me of the G spec's wise. The GTI is just kinda.....wierd looking and the spec's dont really impress him, mainly cause its a 4 cylinder.

So....any suggestions i could throw his way? we plan on going out next week to test drive some cars, and see what else is out there. My personal opinion to him was that he should stick with a V6, just mainly cause over all the power you feel/hear coming from a V6 vs a v4 is noticeable (only 4 cylinder id consider is the mazdaspeed6 if i was in the market).

[jawjaw]

GTO is definitely the best bang for the buck. I've heard they can be had for extremely low prices since they are not selling well and will not be produced next year. I bet these will be in high demand in a few years once everyone realizes what they missed. However, if your buddy does a lot of driving he may not like the V8's appetite. If your buddy can wait, the MazdaSpeed3 should be the perfect fit. It will go for low $20's and put down serious power. Other than that, the Subaru WRX is the only other performance oriented new car for mid 20's that comes to mind. I wouldn't shy from a 4 cyl. if the power is there. If he is willing to go used, there will be a lot more options.

[Otacon132]

thanks for the advice - he does drive alot....so yea, the v8 might be demanding. Gonna go test drive some cars next week.

[robbie51981]

i test drove the mazdaspeed 6 but its a 4 cyl and from your statement you/him prefer v6s. However it is a 274 turbocharged 4 cyl that produces crazy numbers. the seats are comfortable with plenty of leg room in the back and the reliability seems to be there. mazda 6s have been ranked very high for the past 3 years since their introduction. their numbers are competing with the g35 numbers. ive strongly considered this car for a while now while i search for a new car but im not sure if i want a sedan or suv/truck. If I get a sedan this will be the one. Plus they can be had for cheap. They are running 3500 rebates right now plus many lots are offering $7k off msrp. They arent selling well and many remain on the lots. This is because they were not marketed like they should have been. I say its at least worth the test drive.

Other cars you may consider are mazdaspeed 3 but im not a fan of the hatch, charger, mustang, impala ss.

[Driver UR G]

a used m3 or s4