Need New DD...~15k

[Murlo26]

So, I am like 99% keeping the evo, its still for sale for the right price but i like having my "fun" car paid off totally, so not looking to go into debt on a car that can break at any time.

Anyway, prolly going to take out a small loan on a half way decent car. Sick of driving around my $1000 shitbox honda. It has gotten the job done but too much is wrong with it and I don't want to spend any money on it.

My brother just bought a used mazda 3 with the 2.3L and its actually a really nice car, spent maybe 14-15k. I am debating just copying him and doing that as well.

What are my other options out there for solid reliable cars? I am debating a civic as well. I thought about leasing the new camry but I put too many miles on my car (60+ miles a day) to lease.

I'd love a turbo AWD car but not sure if its really reliable, like maybe an auto wrx or legacy...i have looked at evo 8's but at 15k they are kinda beat up.

Thoughts? Good gas mileage is a plus but not necessary. I'd trade gas mileage for fun obviously

[Kracka]

Subaru Impreza base...nothing fancy, but AWD and decent MPG. Otherwise, if MPG is a bigger concern go Korean (Hyundai/Kia) and get a warranty for the next decade.

[Super Bleeder!!]

I too am looking at 15k dailys and i think i'm pretty set on an 05/06 acura RL. They are waaaay nice inside and have awd.

[rose0529]

Shamless plug for Whitebear Mitsu in 3..

I recently test drove a TDI for fun, and was very impressed, 40+mpg, 240tq, and deisel longevity. I will definitly be looking into them when I purchase another car. not sure what is in the 15k range they seem to hold their value really well but alot have higher miles as they are bought to drive, here is a quick one I pulled of CL
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...241217549.html

[Murlo26]

Originally Posted by rose0529

Shamless plug for Whitebear Mitsu in 3..

I'm ok with that if he has anything worth while there for 15k lol.

I would love a small suv, but suv's are kinda pricey. Like the new mitsu suv's are solid looking but too pricey i think.

[Murlo26]

Originally Posted by rose0529

Shamless plug for Whitebear Mitsu in 3..

I recently test drove a TDI for fun, and was very impressed, 40+mpg, 240tq, and deisel longevity. I will definitly be looking into them when I purchase another car. not sure what is in the 15k range they seem to hold their value really well but alot have higher miles as they are bought to drive, here is a quick one I pulled of CL
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...241217549.html

Damn, now that is pretty sweet.

I will have to go test drive some of those.

[Trogdor]

Originally Posted by rose0529

Shamless plug for Whitebear Mitsu in 3..

No seriously though, I've got a lot of really good options for DD in the range.

2012 Ford Focus. These two were the lowest price ones in the state (at their package level) 3 months ago when they were selling for 17,999. Now they're even lower priced! Sunroof, SYNC system, Twin Clutch Auto, up to 45MPG, and surprisingly decent pick up for a 2.0.
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used-i...9cd7cdf78cd556

2004 Golf R32. If you want to stay AWD and fun.
http://www.saintpaulautos.com/used-i...saintpaulautos

2009 Jetta TDI.
http://www.saintpaulautos.com/used/V...f129a30b2e.htm

2011 Kia Forte EX. The cheap econo box. If you want something with super low miles and don't really care that the car is just 5 wheels, an engine, heat and AC. I got one here.
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used/K...a8e19caaa0.htm

2011 Mazda 3. You could liberality copy him.
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used/M...e066e87e36.htm

2011 Mazda 6 Sport with the 2.5
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used/M...6a82befdad.htm

2008 Saturn Vue if you wanna go the small SUV route.
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used/S...cdd025d51b.htm

I've got a bunch of other really good options with low miles. I don't want to spam this post though. Stop in and see me and we can talk about all the other options.

[Murlo26]

Originally Posted by Trogdor

No seriously though, I've got a lot of really good options for DD in the range.

2012 Ford Focus. These two were the lowest price ones in the state (at their package level) 3 months ago when they were selling for 17,999. Now they're even lower priced! Sunroof, SYNC system, Twin Clutch Auto, up to 45MPG, and surprisingly decent pick up for a 2.0.
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used-i...9cd7cdf78cd556

2004 Golf R32. If you want to stay AWD and fun.
http://www.saintpaulautos.com/used-i...saintpaulautos

2009 Jetta TDI.
http://www.saintpaulautos.com/used/V...f129a30b2e.htm

2011 Kia Forte EX. The cheap econo box. If you want something with super low miles and don't really care that the car is just 5 wheels, an engine, heat and AC. I got one here.
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used/K...a8e19caaa0.htm

2011 Mazda 3. You could liberality copy him.
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used/M...e066e87e36.htm

2011 Mazda 6 Sport with the 2.5
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used/M...6a82befdad.htm

2008 Saturn Vue if you wanna go the small SUV route.
http://www.whitebearautos.com/used/S...cdd025d51b.htm

I've got a bunch of other really good options with low miles. I don't want to spam this post though. Stop in and see me and we can talk about all the other options.

You around Saturday? I plan to hit a few places, maybe I will start with you.

I for sure want to hit the TDI golf though that rosey posted, I looked at the interior shots and specs etc and I am liking the looks of those. I like the idea of turbo diesel a lot too.

[Trogdor]

Originally Posted by Murlo26

You around Saturday? I plan to hit a few places, maybe I will start with you.

I for sure want to hit the TDI golf though that rosey posted, I looked at the interior shots and specs etc and I am liking the looks of those. I like the idea of turbo diesel a lot too.

Yep, I'll be in Saturday from 9-6. If you want me to get any of the VW's let me know in advance (by Friday). I'd have to go get them from another lot.

I also have a speed 6 for 14k

[Murlo26]

Originally Posted by Trogdor

Yep, I'll be in Saturday from 9-6. If you want me to get any of the VW's let me know in advance (by Friday). I'd have to go get them from another lot.

I also have a speed 6 for 14k

If you can find a Golf TDI like Rosey posted, do it! One stop shop for me then that day possibly

I'll probably check out the korean stuff and dodge dart, maybe fords too...depends on how many cars you have to check out.

[Murlo26]

^I prefer something with under 50k miles though.

On something reliable, aka honda type where 100k+ isn't a big deal, I'd be "ok" with 80k but I'd really prefer something in the 0-50k range.

[Halon]

^^ Ha

For 15k you have a ton of options, hard to narrow it down without knowing what is most important to you.

Me personally, I'd focus on gas mileage as gas prices don't seem to be going down. I really like the new compact stuff like the Fiesta and Mazda 2. Golf or Jetta TDI. That's just me though.

[A//// Guy]

You can find lots of nice econo cars/suvs for 15k, newer Elantra, Civic, Accord, CRV.

Or something with a bit more miles and nicer. TL, G35, etc

[rose0529]

I'd just go to a bunch of dealers on a sat and test drive .. everything! I like test driving, and it would be a good way to see what you like, with size, mpg, fuel type, make, and so on. Pick out some econo's, luxury, tdi, suv, w/e .. might find a dealer with some of each.

[Murlo26]

Luxury, not really important to me. I'd take less miles over leather etc. Smaller car is fine too as I don't have kids or anything to haul.

I am looking at base impreza's and there are quite a few for 15k. Liking that idea now.

[asshanson]

Maybe find a 2012 base Elantra manual transmission if they have any left for probably around $16k. Something like that will be my next DD, hard to beat the price and warranty. Not exactly a fun car but awesome MPG and reliability/warranty.

[goodhart]

50k on a gas car = 100k on a diesel car. My bro just passed 300k in his 2002 jetta tdi

[Super Bleeder!!]

Originally Posted by goodhart

50k on a gas car = 100k on a diesel car. My bro just passed 300k in his 2002 jetta tdi

Shouldnt that be the other way around?

[goodhart]

Originally Posted by Super Bleeder!!

Shouldnt that be the other way around?

Yea I suppose. Either way though, diesels are just getting broken in at 100k miles!

[Kracka]

You could always get a hybrid

Andrew has 204k on his '05 Prius that we drove up for the Spring Cruise; he bought it with 90k for about $7k I think and it's needed nothing but tires and oil.