First car ideas?

[usernamey0]

Hello all ive been driving for a while now and finaly saved up enough money (my parents will also help) to buy a car.. with me and my parents money combined we have about 20-24k. The problem is i do not know what to get, my dad doesnt want me to get an american car.. because we had alot of trouble with them in the past.. the car has to be

1. Quick
2. Looks good
3. More than 2 seats
4. Nonamerican
5. reliable
6. and fun to drive


thanks im open to any suggestions..

[nate]

A used G is a no brainer!

Other than that I'm sure you can find lots of options, but some of your criteria are subjective (looks, quick, fun, etc).

Something else to keep in mind is warranty/maintenance service and insurance especially for somebody your age, don't forget to investigate that. Also, is winter driving an issue or safety?

2003.5 Sedan Black/Black w/ sport, premium, aero, and winter packages. See my profile for updated mods list and pics.

[WRAH]

I notice that most people that have trouble with American cars don't take care of them like they should. Then they say its American crap.

Honda keeps recalling car, largest recalls ever, but still reliable?

24K huh? Not much to work with, fast starts at 25-26k, fun~thats up to you, looks~ thats really up to you.....

www.edmunds.com <--- Have fun!

2005 Ford Mustang.....
2005 Mazda MAZDA6....

[Z06ified]

I would get a new Mazda 6 V-6 with a manual tranny. That car drives really nice, handles well, has good power, and is even more fun with a stick. It's also nice looking, practical, reliable, and priced within your range.

2003 G35C, 6MT, DG/G, Aero/Nav/Premium
2002 Corvette Z06, Electron Blue/Black, headers, intake, exhaust, 380 rwhp

[Z06ified]

Also, since its a 4-door, it flies under the red flag radar of insurance companies. Insurance rates are much cheaper for 4-doors than a coupe. Doesn't even matter what's under the hood.


2003 G35C, 6MT, DG/G, Aero/Nav/Premium
2002 Corvette Z06, Electron Blue/Black, headers, intake, exhaust, 380 rwhp

[DwnUnder23]

Here’s some cars I’d suggest in that price range:

Used:
’03 Infiniti G35
’99 -’00 Lexus GS400
’02 -‘03’ Lexus IS300

New:
Subaru WRX
Nissan Altima 3.5SE
Acura RSX Type-S
Mazda6 V6

[Garnet Canuck]

Too bad the Altima SE-Rs haven't been around long enough to get one used in the price range you are looking at.

You can actually get a WRX brand new for that price in the US???

[usernamey0]

Thanks for all your input

i researched the wrx a while back and found out about the tranny problems, pedals are in weird positions, hard to get into reverse, hard to get into first while moving...ect

im leaning towards the mazda 6 thanks alot guys ill check it out..

if any one has any other input feel free to post..

[DwnUnder23]

In reply to:

---

You can actually get a WRX brand new for that price in the US???

---

You can get 2005 WRX's for around $24K, here are some on Autotrader.com:

*

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX

2005 Subaru Impreza WRX

And you can probably get even better deals on remaining '04 WRX's.

[kevink]

My first car was a 1967 Impala that my dad bought for $175 in 1980 (and handed down to me in 1983)

2004 Sedan/DVD Navigation/Desert Platinum/Willow

[GX9901]

For $20-24k I'd say:

-Scion tC: Quite a bit below your budget and is a pretty tight looking coupe from a very reliable automaker. Tons of factory backed mods including a supercharger. Us G35 drivers would kill for an Infiniti backed S/C!

-Mazda 3: The 6 is great but you can get more toys in a 3 for the same money. Plus I like it's euro styling.

-Acura RSX: I think you can get one for under $24k. Proven pocket rocket.

[KingOfJericho]

I would look at either the:

-Scion Tc (Mod the hell out of it, and it's a toyota-can't beat them on reliability)
-Acura RSX type S (great car for the money, hard to forget it sits on a civic frame though)
-Subaru WRX (the problems listed above for why you'd avoid this car are much the same problems that many 2003 G35 owners are having, so don't put too much merrit in them, WRX is a great car and best of all it will be NEW)

Good call on staying away from american cars. We've had the same lousy experiences with them and so have many others on this forum. I don't want this to turn into a hijacked thread about which is better but simply tell you you're making a smart move in my opinion.

[Vsix]

I think safety should be your major concern.
You can get a 04 cloth G35 for around 23K, I think.

The Subaru Legacy is also a nice car to drive, around 23~24K. It has been a huge debate when comparing Legacy and G35 in this forum. So, it must be something special. At least, a lot of us would go for Legacy instead of TL.

A used IS300 is not bad either. It is bullet proof.

Mazda 6 will be a good choice because it has very good safety rating in crash test etc.

Mini Cooper /S is very good too if you don't mind its cute look. It is very fun to drive, easy to park, good MPG, and lower insurance rate.

[Omar]

Man get a used G. It has every dimension you wanted. Im only 18 and my parents paid for my G, but I pay for insurance and gas and maintenance and everything else and things get quite expensive on this car, but let me tell you this car is AMAZING. Driving a car like this at our age is a dream...There is no car in the same price bracket that can deliver style, performance, luxury/prestige, and chick magnetism than the g35. goodluck on ur choice bro

[fotodad]

Wow! A $20,000 to $24,000 first car! Nice!