What Would You Buy For No More Than 20 Grand ?

[fotodad]

It's a bitter sweet day for me. On one hand I'm going to be purchasing a new home, but, on the other hand, to afford the home one of my bigger expenses must go: Yes, the G.

So I'm looking at buying a new car for absolutely no more than $20,000.

I've been looking at the Mazda3. But that's as far as my search has gone. I thought I'd ask all you smart folks what you'd buy given the criteria I've outlined. Thanks for any insight and guidance you can offer.

Oops, a few more options I'd like to have:

Leather seats
sedan is preferred but the right coupe would be okay
seats 5 (a must)
sporty styling (performance is not important)

[Speedoholic]

A year ago we were shopping for a car for my wife. We (I) tested the Civic, Sentra, Corolla, and the Mazda 3. I must admit that the 3 was by far the best one, and was my favorite. My wife on the other hand who is not a car savvy person to say the least opted for the Sentra for it's more subtle and milder design (women, go figure )

In that price range, if I were you I would get the 3, it's a no brainer.

[Speedoholic]

Or if you can spare couple of grands, I would look into the Audi A3

[mc2]

Sorry if it doesn't apply to your post, but i'm just curious why is it that you don't look into getting a used car if money is the issue?

[Xman]

Hmmm... I was pondering a similar question, if I had $20k for a car what would I do? Vw or Civic and produce a rice rocket?

[WRAH]

Scion Tc

[fotodad]

Originally Posted by mc2

Sorry if it doesn't apply to your post, but i'm just curious why is it that you don't look into getting a used car if money is the issue?

Good question. I guess my only, possibly irrational, reason would be a fear of buying someone's lemon. But, since you brought up the issue, I guess I could consider a used vehicle as well. It would have to be AWD or FWD, however.

The Scion tc is an excellent option. I hadn't considered it earlier because it is a coupe, and since I have three kids I need to cart around I thought a 4-door would be easier. But I am strongly considering the Scion tc. Has anyone heard of any quality issues with the tc? I know that it is a Toyota product, but is it still made to Toyota's exacting and stringent standards?

So far it's between the Scion tc and the Mazda3 sedan. Any other suggestions?

[mrb]

Used RSX Type S
Used Maxima
Used Accord

[Klubbheads]

Originally Posted by WRAH

Scion Tc

Bingo!

[mc2]

Originally Posted by fotodad

Good question. I guess my only, possibly irrational, reason would be a fear of buying someone's lemon. But, since you brought up the issue, I guess I could consider a used vehicle as well. It would have to be AWD or FWD, however.

The Scion tc is an excellent option. I hadn't considered it earlier because it is a coupe, and since I have three kids I need to cart around I thought a 4-door would be easier. But I am strongly considering the Scion tc. Has anyone heard of any quality issues with the tc? I know that it is a Toyota product, but is it still made to Toyota's exacting and stringent standards?

So far it's between the Scion tc and the Mazda3 sedan. Any other suggestions?

Yeah, but if you buy a car that's only 2-3 years old, it's very unlikely to give you problems and often will still be under warranty so in the event that there are problems with it it wouldnt cost you anything to fix. I mean you could pretty easily get a 2 year old 25K car for under 20K.

But when i first read your post, everytime i see a question like this for a good budget car the Scion TC is always the first thing that comes to mind for me as well. However, you did mention you have family and kids. If this is the case I would strongly recommend you reconsider that! A coupe with 3 kids will be a nightmare.

I think the Altima would be the perfect choice. Affordable value at a great price with a ton of space. I'm not sure if you have ever sat in one, but the cabin space is enormous.

I imagine you could easily pick up even a used 3.5 SE for under 20K since they start at about 23K new. So you could still have a little of that G35 with you. . Or since you mentioned power is not an issue, the 4 banger Altima's start at 17K.

I'm not sure if you have ever taken a look at them, but go check one out at the dealership. I imagine you will be pleaseantly surprised. I could move the front seat far back enough that my legs were pretty much extended, and the back seat would still have a gap between the knees and the seat. I am 5' 10"

[Nicholas GQ]

Used 02+ Audi A4
Used 01+ Lexus IS300

[Garnet Canuck]

Originally Posted by mc2

Yeah, but if you buy a car that's only 2-3 years old, it's very unlikely to give you problems and often will still be under warranty so in the event that there are problems with it it wouldnt cost you anything to fix. I mean you could pretty easily get a 2 year old 25K car for under 20K.

But when i first read your post, everytime i see a question like this for a good budget car the Scion TC is always the first thing that comes to mind for me as well. However, you did mention you have family and kids. If this is the case I would strongly recommend you reconsider that! A coupe with 3 kids will be a nightmare.

I think the Altima would be the perfect choice. Affordable value at a great price with a ton of space. I'm not sure if you have ever sat in one, but the cabin space is enormous.

I imagine you could easily pick up even a used 3.5 SE for under 20K since they start at about 23K new. So you could still have a little of that G35 with you. . Or since you mentioned power is not an issue, the 4 banger Altima's start at 17K.

I'm not sure if you have ever taken a look at them, but go check one out at the dealership. I imagine you will be pleaseantly surprised. I could move the front seat far back enough that my legs were pretty much extended, and the back seat would still have a gap between the knees and the seat. I am 5' 10"

I agree with mc2, the Alty would be a great choice. I owned an 03 Alty with the 2.5 and I loved the car. It was absolutely HUGE inside with a very large trunk.....something that might come in really handy with 3 kids!

[fotodad]

Thanks for all the car suggestions and useful advise. I appreciate the input. Keep the ideas coming!

[G35Alex]

Scion tC (if you like 2-door cars) or 2.5S Altima (4 door cars). Both can be had loaded for under 20K.

[Vsix]

Maybe you should consider the Subaru Legacy 2.5i. You can easily get it for/under the invoice price. AWD, 2.5 liter 168hp, and 5 space, nearly as roomy as the G35. The 2.5i wagon can useful to ur kids too.

The impreza RS isnt bad either.

Mazda 3 is a great choice.

btw, dont get leather seats! Kids don't like it... leather seats are hard to clean, and kids will never keep them clean...