kind of a tough one...

[cudvig]

I know I have been thinking of getting a new car for a long time. But something happened the other day that amazed me. My mom said she wants me to get a new car! Because the saturn I drive now isn't going to last alot longer? (even though I have had no problems with it whatsoever) Anyway, thought I would snatch that up right away! So my question is. What Shall I do?

Somethings I worry about:
Insurance(I'm 19)
I am a college kid
price? (5-25k)
I will have around 700/month to spend on stuff/insurance/payment.

I dont really know what I want to do yet. I kind of want a 1g again...since some of my friends are getting into them more now.

I do know this:
If I get a new car, I want under 60k miles. I would perfer 00+

If I get a 1g, I will be building the motor/trans, new axles, new brakes, new radiator. Basically I will be making it so its *hopefully* not going to break. I will be also modding it slightly this year and more after that.

I know some of you have experiances with buying new cars after getting rid of your DSM. What kind of opinions do you have? Cars that are good, cars that aren't so good. Even if you haven't gone through this, your opinion might matter!

Thanks in advance,

-Colin

[Kracka]

What kind of car do you want? Reliable cheap econobox or ??? If you truely want to spend near $25k I can make a lot of great suggestions starting off with a used G35. Fun to drive, semi-luxury, plenty of style, and decent performance. How about a new Civic or Civic Si? Down cheaper used Proteges are ungodly reliable and have decent handling for an econo car. Now that $700/month you quoted, is that a reliable source of money that will continue over the next few years? Does that give you enough to afford other things in life like entertainment, food, housing, etc? If you want another 1G, do it.

[scheides]

Find a nice, stock, low-mileage 2G or maybe even a used EVO VIII. (initial answer)

Maybe a used A4 or S4?

If you want uber-reliable, I have to say that I have spent next to nothing on Anna's 2002 Lancer, and they're cheap too, we paid about $10k for it w/ 15k miles on it.

[A//// Guy]

If you want a reliable car don't get a V6 biturbo S4 (2000-2003)...

Look into BMWs for a nice daily ;) If you want 2000 and up look at a 325ci or a 330ci- very nice cars.

[cudvig]

Yeah S2kracka that 700/month I quoted is minus housing/food. I dont really do much with my money anymore at the moment. I usually spend it on gas, sometimes to go out to eat/alcohol, you know the norm college kid stuff. I dont really know what kind of car I want? I was looking at maybe a WRX/STi? SVT cobra? I dont know if I want to travel very far from AWD though.

Would(in most cases) a built motor/tranny 1g DSM hold up most of the time? I would obviously mantain it. I'm not sure if I want to currently spend over 15-20k on a car, but if I were I would be afraid of warrentys. I would maybe want to mod the car. not to sure thats why I'm asking people stuff.

Not sure If I want something fast or uber-reliable. I have had both of the point of views. Both have there ups and downs. I would like something fast thats reliable though! that would be awesome!!! I wouldnt even want to own an AUDI, too many electrical problems. I know my mom wouldn't allow me to get a BMW(at least I doubt it)

No 2gs unless it was a 97-98 white/black talon AWD. I know I would like to mod it, and I might as well start out with a cheaper 1g and mod that. basically the same car but weighs more(IMHO)

Does anyone have any opinions on the mazdaspeed protege?
How about a used M3? what do they usually go for? what year did they start the E46?

[SlowWhite]

just get an evo

[Kracka]

MazdaSpeed Proteges are actually really fun cars, I have test-driven a bunch and really liked them. They handle quite well and are decently quick. I'd for sure take one over a SRT-4...not even a close competition, the SRT-4 is of course faster in a straight line, but the MSP shines in every other catagory (handling, comfort, interior styling, exterior styling, etc.).

A well built 1G should hold up decently well if it was all done with care and quality. There are some issues with old cars that just can't be avoided though. By the time you got done replacing every little thing you might as well have just purchased a new(er) car (not to mention you'll still only have a 1G worth $5k).

[Swifty1638]

those srt-4's are just dumb, bov happy ricers. I really can't stand them

now-a-days, you can even find a used acura tl or rl for near that price range.

just cause you have the money, doesn't mean i'd go maxing it all out either. I'd save some every month. You are not going to want to dump your whole check into the car ALL the time.

-A. Swift

[cudvig]

Yeah I wouldn't dump all 700 into it. Just thats about what I have to spend.

I wouldn't ever think of getting an SRT-4. That BOV would get annoy as hell.

I might consider the MSP. Other than that. I'm not really sure. Any other suggestions?

Anthony I really do like the RL or whichever the 3.2 liter speed is? some sort of CL type-S? I'm not really sure anymore. My friend has one. Maybe I'll ask him about it.

-Colin

[SuperSleeper]

Colin, for Christ sake, do NOT get another DSM. I realize this goes against this whole board, but it's a freaking death-trap, dude.
Knowing your mom, I imagine when she said "new", she didn't mean a 12+ yr old car that you'd rebuild completely. I imagine she wants you to get something reliable and good on gas mileage, and I personally think you want both those things given your life where it's at right now.
Here's my input: find something new to maybe 2 yrs old that still has some remaining warranty on it. MSP is a good idea... also consider Mazda 6, Ion Redline?, Scion tC, Honda Civic, used TL, etc. Something that's sporty, but still offers a reliability cushion. I'm sure you could find something in that area for around $700/mo for payments and insurance, assuming your parents have decent credit.