Which one is better?

[xxkasperxx]

I am about to buy a new car, and have a few in mind.

I am not sure which one is the best, or if I am over looking a car?

350z, MAZDA 3, Subaru WRX, Mini Cooper S

I know I want my car to be a Manual.

 

[GenesisCoupe]

What is your price range?

 

[xxkasperxx]

What is your price range?

Max: 17k

 

[281]

Budget?

WRX Sedan or Wagon? If you choose WRX, get WRX Sti

I believe its 370Z now. If you go Nissan, get the 370Z Nismo - more hp and better suspension

 

[281]

I honestly don't think you can get any of those brand new from the dealer for $17k

 

[xxkasperxx]

I honestly don't think you can get any of those brand new from the dealer for $17k

I have found a few on yahoo autos, used of course.

Would it be better got a 2010 WRX used from carmax, or just order a brand new WRX.

 

[FUNX650]

I am about to buy a new car, and have a few in mind.

or if I am over looking a car?

I know I want my car to be a Manual.

-Chevy Sonic Z-Spec Turbo Hot Hatch

Bob

 

[GenesisCoupe]

Max: 17k

In that case, i'd go with the 350z, but if you live where it snows, the WRX will be better. My insurance was high on my old g35, and i heard that the WRX is SUPER expensive to insure. Something to think about there...

For 17k don't expect the cars to have little mileage, and with high mileage often come problems.. i spent over $1,300 in warranty repair work ($100 per visit) in 1.5 years..so yes i was at the dealer monthly for something. The VQ engine needs to be well maintained.

 

[Dogfather]

Subaru
Sedan
Satin white pearl
STI
Wing delete

 

[CarolinasFinestDetailing]

A few questions:
1. Where do you live? AWD priority?

2. How long is your commute daily?

3. How much do you plan to spend on gas weekly?

4. How much can you afford on insurance monthly?

5. How much can you spend on maintenance?

These are questions to consider with your budget and choices.

 

[Desertnate]

I addition to the other questions:

- Do you have a family you'll be hauling around?
- Do you ever need to carry sporting equipment like bikes etc

The cars you list aren't all that similar.

I own a previous gen Mazda3 hatch with a manual and the 2.5L. It's a good car and has been very reliable. Not very refined, but a good car. With the hatch it's VERY versitile. Unfortunatly, you can no longer get the 2.5L with a manual any longer. The only way to get the manual is to step down to the 2.0L.

 

[ShaunD]

What is your goal with the cad? Autocross, track, strip, show, garage queen, daily driver, etc.? Before even walking into a dealership, let alone a carmax, do all your research on the vehicles your are looking for. That said, I would look at a purchasing from a private seller, and definitely not a run of the mill dealership, and especially not carmax. You can get a much better deal and more of an honest history from a private seller; At the least you can work the price better after inspecting the car. There is no need to buy new, especially for any type of vehicle that you listed. Something to look at is the cost for parts and maintenance. Google for problems with any of the vehicles you are looking to purchase and that may help eliminate some vehicles from your list.

 

[EVOlved]

I addition to the other questions:

- Do you have a family you'll be hauling around?
- Do you ever need to carry sporting equipment like bikes etc

The cars you list aren't all that similar.

I own a previous gen Mazda3 hatch with a manual and the 2.5L. It's a good car and has been very reliable. Not very refined, but a good car. With the hatch it's VERY versitile. Unfortunatly, you can no longer get the 2.5L with a manual any longer. The only way to get the manual is to step down to the 2.0L.

Or you could just get the speed 3 used. Personally off your list I like the subie or the 350/370z. Beware I do own an evo so I am a fool.

 

[Desertnate]

Or you could just get the speed 3 used. Personally off your list I like the subie or the 350/370z. Beware I do own an evo so I am a fool.

Good point. Speed3 is a good one.

As an Evo owner I'm surprised you'd even reccomend a Subi. I've always thought that rivalry was pretty thick!

If you don't mind the gas mileage and want a hatch, a used WRX or STI hatch would be a good choice.

 

[HD.Detailing]

mmm

my 2007 Z33 HR

20k miles Flawless

 

[GenesisCoupe]

^^ Yummy wheels!

nice 350z, the spoiler makes the convertible look amazing. Any exhaust on the car? My g35 coupe had the Borla True Dual, loved it!

 

[GreatAvalon]

I dont recommend a high mileage 350z. That VQ w/ lots of miles....never again. Though, 17k can probably get you mid miles...probably 30-50k miles on a 350z. But you might be able to even get a 50k-60k miles on a 370z.

 

[xxkasperxx]

1. Where do you live? AWD priority?

A: Montgomery/Houston area (a little hilly in the country, but flat in the city. It does not snow because it is Texas.

2. How long is your commute daily?

A: No longer than 3 hours, Max 120 miles a day.

3. How much do you plan to spend on gas weekly?

A: Hopefully no more than $60-120 a week.

4. How much can you afford on insurance monthly?

A: I have priced all of the cars with Geico, my insurance company, and I will be able to pay for any of them.

5. How much can you spend on maintenance?

A: I should be able to spend about $150-300 a month on maintenance.

Do you have a family you'll be hauling around?

A: Occasional a passenger, or my little sister.

Do you ever need to carry sporting equipment like bikes etc

A: I would not be carrying any sporting equipment, but would like to be able to haul a few things if I needed to.

Another thing is that I will not be driving everyday. I work from the house, so the car is for pleasure driving, and the occasional errand run. (Groceries, family events, going to a friends.)

 

[hogie]

I have a 2010 Mazdaspeed 3 and it is a blast to drive. I also had an 05 WRX and loved it as well.

The Speed3 feels a good deal faster, but it does have a bunch of torque steer.

 

[HD.Detailing]

^^ Yummy wheels!

nice 350z, the spoiler makes the convertible look amazing. Any exhaust on the car? My g35 coupe had the Borla True Dual, loved it!

Thanks, love the black Chrome. Just OEM exhaust.. kept her pretty stock, just BBK, lowering springs, few other small mods. I like the HKS and Motrodyne. pics of the g?