Time to downgrade... ideas?
#16
I'm definitely in agreement with the genesis coupe... but there aren't really any "used" ones yet. I also agree with trying to refinance the car first.
But here's my $0.02:
German cars SUCK. They are 99% of the time WAY too expensive to maintain. I wouldn't say they have more problems than American or Japanese cars in general... but when they do, they are EXPENSIVE to fix. I had an Audi before, and it raped me. The maintenance is the same with a V dub.
American cars break all the time. Don't do it.
I had an Integra GSR before as well. Most reliable car I ever owned. Parts/mod were cheap, and it got killer gas mileage. So, for this I would say DEFINITELY go for the RSX-S. You can get an 03-04 with low miles for under 10k easy. I would also say go for the Si, but they haven't been out long enough to be as cheap as the RSX. It's the same car anyway really. RSX all the way!
But here's my $0.02:
German cars SUCK. They are 99% of the time WAY too expensive to maintain. I wouldn't say they have more problems than American or Japanese cars in general... but when they do, they are EXPENSIVE to fix. I had an Audi before, and it raped me. The maintenance is the same with a V dub.
American cars break all the time. Don't do it.
I had an Integra GSR before as well. Most reliable car I ever owned. Parts/mod were cheap, and it got killer gas mileage. So, for this I would say DEFINITELY go for the RSX-S. You can get an 03-04 with low miles for under 10k easy. I would also say go for the Si, but they haven't been out long enough to be as cheap as the RSX. It's the same car anyway really. RSX all the way!
#18
I drove ttrank's car solo
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G35 sedan w/ too much money in mods
#20
This is an incredibly depressing post to write, but mainly because of cost concerns, I need to downgrade from my G. As a performance enthusiast, I wanted your advice on what I should go for that wouldn't leave me feeling too emasculated
I currently pay $350 a month for my G in car payments, and obviously the maintenance has its costs that are not insignificant. I want to pay significantly less, but still have a decent car. It doesn't need to be as fast or handle as well, but I wondered if you all think that there are other good values out there...
eg. Civic Si
RSX
Integra
VW GTi
Pontiac G6
Mazda 3
s2000
etc.
Any ideas on what would allow me to save a significant amount of money wouldn't be a HUGE disappointment?
I currently pay $350 a month for my G in car payments, and obviously the maintenance has its costs that are not insignificant. I want to pay significantly less, but still have a decent car. It doesn't need to be as fast or handle as well, but I wondered if you all think that there are other good values out there...
eg. Civic Si
RSX
Integra
VW GTi
Pontiac G6
Mazda 3
s2000
etc.
Any ideas on what would allow me to save a significant amount of money wouldn't be a HUGE disappointment?
(2006) S2k is impractical and uncomfortable for long drives, but awesome
(2007) Mazda 3 hatch with a manual is a blast. If you get a (2009) Mazdaspeed3, you'll miss some of the luxury of the G, but speed3's are
(2007) Civic Si felt soulless and disconnected after driving the G35, but they're capable.
(2009 GXP, 2008 GT) G6? Ick, ick ick!
Since ownership costs are an issue for you, my recommendation by a large margin would be a the lowest miles Mazda3 hatchback you can find the 2.3 i4 they put in them is quite competent and the handling is tight.
Driving a Mazda3 and a Civic Si in the same day, I just cannot in any way recommend the Civic.
#21
#24
What price range are you looking in exactly? A $10K car is still about a $300/payment depending on interest rate.
Are you looking to pay cash? lease? or finance something? Do you want a $200/month payment? Or something in te $5000-7500 range?
If i had to downgrade to something cheap and affordable, i'd get a $5000 civic and drive it to the wheels fell off. i know plenty of people with 200K mile honda/acuras who do crap for maintainence. Stay away from anything German. As for American cars, it's hit or miss. Some of the Ford's i've owned have been the most reliable/cheapest to maintain vehicles i've owned to date. I really like the fusion. COuple of my friends have them and no probs at all.
Are you looking to pay cash? lease? or finance something? Do you want a $200/month payment? Or something in te $5000-7500 range?
If i had to downgrade to something cheap and affordable, i'd get a $5000 civic and drive it to the wheels fell off. i know plenty of people with 200K mile honda/acuras who do crap for maintainence. Stay away from anything German. As for American cars, it's hit or miss. Some of the Ford's i've owned have been the most reliable/cheapest to maintain vehicles i've owned to date. I really like the fusion. COuple of my friends have them and no probs at all.
#28
#29
#30
If you want something cheap and reliable and only a few years old, go for a Scion tc coupe. Good on gas 160hp which is not bad for the weight of the car and you can get into one used just under 10k with 30-40k miles. They even flex making those annoying popping sounds from the trunk just like our G's do. You'd be looking at roughly $220 a month. The base rsx is another good option.