Getting a new car - Help?

Why?

It's really such a poor decision, in my opinion. Cars are a horrible investment because they don't hold their value very well. Why purchase a flashy, expensive vehicle just for the sake of owning a flashy, expensive vehicle?

The most I've spent on a vehicle is $18k (after taxes, registration, etc.) and even that caused buyers remorse, to be honest.

In this economy, it would make more sense to buy a nice, reliable vehicle for half that price. It sounds to me like you have money burning a hole in your pocket and you can't wait to tell people how much you spent on your vehicle. The only problem is, when people tell me they've spent that much on a car, I'm not impressed, quite the opposite, in fact.

As far as SUV vs. car...I wouldn't have an SUV if I didn't need one. I haul a trailer around quite often for work and I'm not a pickup kind of guy, in addition, I like have plenty of room for passengers. I used to have a Navigator, great vehicle, but it was a gas hog. When you start crunching numbers and realize how much gas you are using, it's just not worth it. So, if you're going to get an SUV, pay attention to gas mileage and always understand that you will most likely not get the advertised gas mileage.

 

I always find it odd when family members do this type of thing. It's such a great gesture, but still a poor decision. If the money is there to waste, it could be put to better use. And I'm not dissing on your family...it's just something that doesn't make sense to me.

In this case, I would look into something generaly perceived as RELIABLE. It's something that, when I was younger, I never really used to think about. Same for gas mileage. But the more vehicles you have, and the more time goes by, the more you realize how you may have taken such things for granted.

Don't let bling and luxury cloud your judgment. Once you find a car you like, search the internet, check out forums specifically for that vehicle and research common problems/quirks, etc.

 

sporty and in that range would be a mustang GT, impreza wrx or STI, camaro SS. some are a little over 30g but you can find one used in that price range with very little mileage on them. they all get shitty gas btw, something you should think about cause gas is going up and supply of it is only gonna go down. im not saying get a prius but id avoid anything with a v8 now a days

 

dont take it for granted... how many 20 years old can say i have a car that cost 30grand I know i sure cant mine only cost like 9 and I CANT believe i have that

 

Volvo s40.(great drivability)
Jeep Liberty(big car with a nice system and the proper interior it would definitely be a fly ride)
Dodge Charger

You honestly really can't go wrong with the liberty 4x4... It's a well manufactured, large suv, decent gas mileage, looks balla ball, great in any type of weather.

 

get yourself a harley and like a vw jetta best of both worlds that should be right at 30 for 2 entry level vehicles.

 

i would say either a acura tl or a new civic si

 

As someone else mentioned, reliability. That's a great opportunity for you, and you can make it really benefit you in the long run. Getting something just because it's "cool" and "flashy" may leave you kicking yourself in a few years... but with that money, you can get a damn good car that'll last your years and years, which is a huge benefit for your if you're going to school.

Not to say a reliable care can't still be fancy, but pay attention to things like gas mileage, safety, insurance rates, parts/maintenance costs, the boring stuff... and definitely make sure you're not getting something you'll get tired of after a few years.

If I was in your shoes, Volvo would probably be my first choice. Also keep in mind where you live/plan to live, and the weather in those areas. I definitely want my next car to be all-wheel-drive.



OH, and buy used.

 

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution X....get it a couple years old. It's a great car, dude, fast and nimble. And it's very stylish and sporty. Whatever you decide, post pics haha

 

Dude, get a new/newish VW anything diesel. You can get 40+mpg around town and on the freeway you can get 60+ mpg easy. Plus nowadays VW is making some pretty good looking cars. Check out a TDI (diesel) Jetta, 4 passenger, not bad looking, and great reliability/build quality.

Seriously dude, I'm not playing. You'll save so much money on gas plus it's not like having a flashy car determines anything important in life.

Please don't get an SUV and be that guy, we're raping mother nature with all these big flashy 4 by 4's that we don't need. Be smart dude.


EDIT: dude, here's what I did, I got a diesel car that I use for most stuff, but when I wanna have fun I break out my motorcycle. I got a pretty good fast nimble sportbike on criagslist for under 3000. You could get a bike and a car dude, then you can have a boring car but when you want fun break out the bike. Plus my bike always gets 40 MPG no matter how hard I thrash it.

 

The NEW Acura TL's are perhaps the UGLIEST car on the road. It's a shame because I used to love Acura's especially the 2dr. Legend Coupe. I've had 4 Acura's and every one was a great trouble free car but I can't get past the ugly styling on the new TL.

 

I'd get a bmw, maybe a M3? Although insurance might be a bitch

 

Mustang.

Either a nice pre '71 classic or a new '11+ model. They may not be the fastest or flashiest but they are a fantastic balance of sweet car.

As for the new ones: they handle well, get fantastic power and mpg, ride smoothly, look great, huge aftermarket so you can tailor it to your liking, and sound absolutely boss. 2011+ is the best "retro" mustang model you can buy. I'd avoid the 2010 due to the older/slower powertrain and the newer car's edgier looks (they don't mix well). The 05-09's are badass, but don't have any of the high tech powertrain. The v6 is a hopped up version of the same outdated 4 liter engine that Ford has been making since the late 80's. The v8's allright, but really, an '11 is a much sweeter car

 

My girlfriend saw one of those flip over in front of her today, speed bumps don't go well with triple-digit racing lol.

As for my suggestion, My grandparents have bought VWs since the 70s and still have every single one, in fact I learned to drive stick shift in a 1975 Golf and it still ran fine. I will always have a place in my heart for German engineering, and VW offers that with cheaper pricing than a lot of others. I'm sure a GTI could be pretty nice for 30k, or hell get a Mustang, the models have been looking great lately, once they got past their mexicar phase in the early '00s

 

Get a Civic, most reliable car you can buy /thread