Author Topic: First Car Questions (Read 3920 times)

morinr · « **on:** September 12, 2013, 10:16:42 pm »

Hey guys,

I recently just got a job and require a car. Currently using extra one that family also needs so is a headache driving me to and from work some days and shuffling it while at work.

I want something that is somewhat lower priced, I do not want to spend more than 25,000 or so.
I am looking at something that is somewhat sporty and reliable and hopefully last for 5+ yrs.
I want decent mileage, however it will be mostly used for low mileage, only about 25k on average driven per day.

Currently I am looking at a Golf 3 door. As well as Scion tC, Honda Accord.

I kind of want something more powerful than the Echo i am currently driving... put 4 ppl in it and feel that engine work.

I think the honda is closer to bottom of list as it is just a bleh car. I like the styling of Scion tC, however styling isn't super important.

Im open to any suggestions or ideas, I could buy used but if I did I want to get something only a yr or maybe 2 yrs old with low KM.

Thanks,

Regan

Edit, also the Nissan Altima.

rrocket · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2013, 10:19:33 pm »

^^The Accord Coupe is great. We had one. And don't be fooled...plenty of room in the back seat!!

5 Wheel Drive · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2013, 10:32:12 pm »

Mazda3. But I might be a little biased... ;-)

Julie · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2013, 10:58:53 pm »

Fun to drive, < $25K and room for 4?

Personally, I think I'd look at:

- Mazda 3
- Ford Focus
- Ford Fiesta ST
- VW Golf

If you can wait and don't mind the first year of a new model, you might want to check out the new Mazda 3 which is coming out later this year:

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-mazda-3-first-drive-review: "The segment might have a new king"

morinr · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2013, 04:30:29 pm »

I did look at the 2014 mazda. So far it has gotten good reviews, if i do buy it i will wait a few months just for some more reviews or any major issues fixed.

What are the major differences between the 2014 mazda 3 ad the vw golf.

I think both are more what I am looking for... I know I much prefer the look of the mazda 3. But if the golf is better I am reasonable and will get that.

blur911 · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2013, 06:35:52 pm »

Depending upon your insurance records and where you live you might find full-coverage insurance costs to be pretty high.
Check insurance costs of new and used models.

BTW, in my world $25k for a first car is not "lower priced" YMMV obviously.

morinr · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2013, 06:39:44 pm »

I currently have a perfect driving record. I think 25k after taxes and what not is lower price for new. That is my opinion, on new cars. So not sure how much it will change on different cars. Where could i find that info?

blur911 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2013, 06:59:52 pm »

Quote from: morinr on September 13, 2013, 06:39:44 pm

I currently have a perfect driving record. I think 25k after taxes and what not is lower price for new. That is my opinion, on new cars. So not sure how much it will change on different cars. Where could i find that info?

Just noticed you're in Montana, changes things a bit. How much is insurance there?

I'm just saying that many of us probably got a hand-me-down or fixer-upper as our first cars, but things change. More power to you if you can swing a new car.

But you could have a little fun, I recommend this:
http://www.montanaautochaser.com/mazda_mx_5_miata-o34851-en.html

Year:   2011
Make / Model:   Mazda Miata MX-5
Drivetrain:   RWD
Style:   MX-5 MIATA
Engine:   I-4 cyl
Mileage:    5,135
VIN :   JM1NC2NF0B0218240
Price:    $22,775

morinr · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2013, 07:25:55 pm »

Haha, Montana is my current car. 2003 montana... needing an upgrade. Gas Guage doesnt work... using odometer and filling up every 400 km.

Had to put in car or couldn't register.

blur911 · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2013, 10:15:15 pm »

Quote from: morinr on September 13, 2013, 07:25:55 pm

Haha, Montana is my current car. 2003 montana... needing an upgrade. Gas Guage doesnt work... using odometer and filling up every 400 km.

Had to put in car or couldn't register.

Doh, I can't read.

Still, get a Miata

morinr · « **Reply #10 on:** September 13, 2013, 10:22:18 pm »

Quote from: blur911 on September 13, 2013, 10:15:15 pm

Quote from: morinr on September 13, 2013, 07:25:55 pm
Haha, Montana is my current car. 2003 montana... needing an upgrade. Gas Guage doesnt work... using odometer and filling up every 400 km.

Had to put in car or couldn't register.

Doh, I can't read.

Still, get a Miata

Haha, I would 95% of the time i drive it will be one person. Maybe 2, however a 4 seatter is more reasonable and especially for room.

EV Dan · « **Reply #11 on:** September 13, 2013, 10:47:06 pm »

I just posted a link here:
http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,84867.msg917132.html#msg917132

morinr · « **Reply #12 on:** September 14, 2013, 07:37:24 am »

Quote from: EV Dan on September 13, 2013, 10:47:06 pm

I just posted a link here:
http://www.autos.ca/forum/index.php/topic,84867.msg917132.html#msg917132

Cool. Thanks for that. Pretty neat car that is overlooked.

tooscoops · « **Reply #13 on:** September 14, 2013, 11:31:41 am »

yeah... in that other thread, deciding between an frs and a tc, the frs is a big winner....

but when comparing the tc with the ones you are looking at, it is worth a gander for sure.

any thoughts on a veloster? without the turbo, it would be good in all your categories, (though not a huge boost in power, it will still be quicker than the echo). not a huge amount of space, but if you are looking at other 3 door vehicles, might be worth a drive.

Fobroader · « **Reply #14 on:** September 14, 2013, 01:10:35 pm »

Cant beat one of these for a first car

rrocket · « **Reply #15 on:** September 14, 2013, 01:44:58 pm »

Quote from: Fobroader on September 14, 2013, 01:10:35 pm

Cant beat one of these for a first car

Yes you can. Rather easily too.

rrocket · « **Reply #16 on:** September 14, 2013, 01:49:09 pm »

I also think you should look at the Subaru Impreza hatch. It falls within your budget, standard AWD.

It's very good bang for the buck.

Julie · « **Reply #17 on:** September 14, 2013, 01:56:13 pm »

Quote from: morinr on September 13, 2013, 04:30:29 pm

I did look at the 2014 mazda. So far it has gotten good reviews, if i do buy it i will wait a few months just for some more reviews or any major issues fixed.

What are the major differences between the 2014 mazda 3 ad the vw golf.

I think both are more what I am looking for... I know I much prefer the look of the mazda 3. But if the golf is better I am reasonable and will get that.

Well, since us Canadians will have to wait at least another year I think for the new Mark VII Golf, if I needed a car soon EDIT: AND the Golf was my preferred car, I would look for the special edition Wolfsburg Edition of the last model year of the VW Golf. It would seem like the best value non-GTI Golf. It will also be the last year our Golfs will be made at the venerable Wolfsburg plant in Germany...

http://www.vw.ca/en/models/golf_5door_2013/features-specs.s9_trimlevel_detail.suffix.html/golf-5-door~2Fwolfsburg-edition.html

Julie · « **Reply #18 on:** September 14, 2013, 03:18:09 pm »

Quote from: Fobroader on September 14, 2013, 01:10:35 pm

Cant beat one of these for a first car

Fobroader, your wife and I should talk.

PJ · « **Reply #19 on:** September 14, 2013, 04:09:46 pm »

Every car on the market will last way longer then 5 years and all the main stream car companies have several models in your price range. Since so much is personal preference I would suggest dedicating a weekend or two to test driving. Don't let any salesman pressure you (they will always have more cars even if they say you must buy today) and take your time.

The more cars you get to drive the better you will feel about your final choice.