Looking to down grade, what to get for $15K...

[chinee]

I'm considering quitting my job and heading back to school to tackle a different career path. Part of my plan entails reducing expenses considerably, thus selling the G. I'd like to spend under $15K. Top of my list new is the Mazda3, not crazy about the Sentra, Civic, Lancer or Corolla... maybe the Matrix but doubtful.

If I go used, the max miles will have to be 30K, preferably low 20's, no older than 2002... maybe 2001. Accords and Camrys are boring, but quality cars, don't trust the reliaility of 2 yr old Mazdas, last gen Maxima didn't do it for me, forget Mitsubishi.

You can see I like Jap cars... reliability is important to me, and seeing that I've owned nothing but Jap cars, it's a tough trend to buck.

Any suggestions out there?


chinee
03.5 G35s

[DHCrocks]

how about the Scion TC? I think it's around $17k a little more then you want but I think it's a nice looking car. If I had to get an economy car that would be it, no questions asked. Other then that the Mazda 3 or Toyota Matrix catches my eye. The Hyundai Turbon is nice too but around $17k. How about a pickup?

If you're gonna get an economy car get a new one, not used if reliability is a concern.

[DwnUnder23]

What about a used Nissan Altima 3.5SE those are pretty nice and fast.

[GX9901]

I was going to say the tC too. Or any Scion. If I was looking for a new car around $15k I'd seriously consider those cars. Probably the xB or tC. I love the Honda Element but that's well over $15k.
For used how about a WRX? Or maybe a Celica?
I think if you look around enough, there should be plenty of cool cars for around $15k.
Good luck with everything.

2004 G35 Coupe Diamond Graphite/Graphite 5AT
Premium, Nav., 18" Wheels, Z-Xtreme Hyper Grounding Cables,
K&N filter, Clear Corners, 350Z Aluminum Pedals,
Sony Ericsson HCB-30

[KAHBOOM]

Exactly what I was thinking... Scion TC

2003.5 G35C 5AT
Premium Package
Tire/Wheel Package
K&N Filter, Z-Tube, EGK

[JDMan]

Well, you could probably squeeze a 2001 Infiniti G20 into your budget. Carsdirect has 3 of them near me with around 30k miles for $16k, but that's dealer price, so knocking off a couple thousand (especially in this used car market) isn't out of the question. Go back to 1999 and raise the limit to 50k miles, and the Lexus ES300s start turning up at that price. I think a G20 with a stick would be more fun though, even though they're underpowered.

Personally, I think an even better choice would be to buy 2 older, higher mileage cars. Car #1 would be a first generation Miata, which can be had for $5k in good shape. Pre-Ford, non-rotary Mazdas are almost as reliable as Hon-yotas, and unless you like stoplight racing they're the most fun you can have for the money. They're also among the easier Japanese cars to work on because they haven't changed much over the last 14 years and there's a huge internet support group for them. Car #2 is the utility car, either a Toyota Tacoma or one of the many hatchbacks/wagons. Yeah, older is less reliable, but two cars doubles your chances that one is working okay.

I'm very seriously considering that second option for myself, but space for 2 cars is a problem for me, and may be one for you as well. I just can't go back to FWD full time, I need a RWD alternative in the stable.

-Jack
Obsidian '03 G35 Sports Coupe (for sale)

[chinee]

JDMan... I like your ideas, especially about getting 2 rides. Problem is that I really like cars... I was considering a 90's Carolla daily driver and a late 70's Alfa Romeo for a hobby car. But if I do that, I can forget about maintaining a 4.0 average, I'd be thinking about the Alfa way too much... so I need to get myself a good, average, but not too boring car.

The family's other car is an 02 Sequioa, which my wife will not want to give up, and I prefer not to have two gas guzzling SUV/trucks in the household.

A 2001/2000 G20 or I30 might do it... not too shabby and bulletproof cars.

What about a VW Jetta/Passat... anyone know about their reliability... I seem to remember that they may be a little problem prone...


chinee
03.5 G35s

[Gordgee]

If you're looking at a new car, my vote goes for the Mazda 3. I test drove a couple when I did a Maz 3 GroundingGear™ System for the dealership. The 2.3 engine, even in stock form, is surprisingly smooth and apparently, according to a show that I saw recently, one of the most efficient on the market! The styling is great IMO. It's one that I would seriously consider.

[i]GroundingGear™ Equipped

[deadmanincbh]

Used Maxima, would be a good choice not big of step down, fast, fun and reliable. Also as some one said used Altima 3.5SE or if you can spare an extra 2k you can get a 2005 2.5 Altima SE. As for a new car. as gordgee said Mazda3 or if your lucky you can get Mazda6 for cheap.

[chinee]

Can't fnd a VQ Altima for $15K... Brother in law has a 2001 Max GLE, don't want the same that he's got.

And I keep thinking that if I downgrade to save myself $150 a month, I may be pissed at myself after a year or two that I didn't keep the G. I may stay the G course...


chinee
03.5 G35s

[GX9901]

Looks like you should find ways to save the $150 elsewhere. You might get a car like the Mazda 3, which is a nice little car. But I drove it at Mazda Rev It Up on their competition course and when you floor it, it becomes painfully clear that its power isn't within 3 leagues of the G35. You'll be missing the driving dynamics of the G no matter what you buy for $15k (new).

2004 G35 Coupe Diamond Graphite/Graphite 5AT
Premium, Nav., 18" Wheels, Z-Xtreme Hyper Grounding Cables,
K&N filter, Clear Corners, 350Z Aluminum Pedals,
Sony Ericsson HCB-30

[Z06ified]

I would go with the Mazda 3 for that price range. I think it offers the most performance and styling for the buck for $15k. Or go with a used Mazda 6 with a 6 speed and V-6 - fun car.

2003 G35C, 6MT, DG/G, Aero/Nav/Premium
2002 Corvette Z06, Electron Blue/Black

[chinee]

The problem with the Mazda3 is that it's a "retooled" Focus... and I do not trust Ford reliability. What I really would like, if I go the cheap route, is a Scion Xb.. the breadbox-looking model. No performance, but I like the look alot. The size, height and accessibility are aslo very suitable for a 2-kid family... a 5yr old girl and 15mnth boy. But again, there's someone I know who has one already, and I can't see myself parking next to her in the parking lot every day, 5days a week... but wait, I am going to quit my job, so I won't be parking at my current workplace for very long... hmmm? Looks like I'm getting closer to my decision. Also, looked at a few 02 and 03 Maximas... $16K and up (+ tax) in my area, tempting but I really want to stay in budget.

What do you guys think of the xB?


chinee
03.5 G35s

[JDMan]

You've got that backward. The Mazda3 is not a Focus. The next generation Focus is going to be based on the Mazda3, as is the next Volvo S40 (Mazda does good platform). The engines and drivetrains in the Mazda3 are also Mazda products, but the V6 version of the Mazda6 is a Ford design. Guess which engine the Mazdaspeed Mazda6 will be using.

[deadmanincbh]

Actually the current 2005 S40 is on the same platform as the Mazda3. As I said what about the 2005 2.5 Altima SE?