Which one is better?

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Originally Posted by SickTRed08FSI View Post
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.
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Originally Posted by SickTRed08FSI View Post
2. How long is your commute daily?
A: No longer than 3 hours, Max 120 miles a day.
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Originally Posted by SickTRed08FSI View Post
3. How much do you plan to spend on gas weekly?
A: Hopefully no more than $60-120 a week.
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Originally Posted by SickTRed08FSI View Post
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.
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Originally Posted by SickTRed08FSI View Post
5. How much can you spend on maintenance?
A: I should be able to spend about $150-300 a month on maintenance.
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Originally Posted by Desertnate View Post
Do you have a family you'll be hauling around?
A: Occasional a passenger, or my little sister.
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Originally Posted by Desertnate View Post
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.)
 
Desertnate said:
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.
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For 20k he would only get a beat to hell evo not worth it. If I couldn't have bought brand new I would have never bought and evo. He can get a year or two old wrx and not have to worry about it. I don't go for rivalries I just like cars.
 
By the time you purchase a 14-16k Subaru, you'll probably be replacing the engine within 2 years. I know lots of people with Subaru's, while great when they're running, they have more problems than not.

As far as styling, I love the 350Z but agree with all others. High mileage ones are NOT very maintenance friendly. Mostly due to oiling issues (year depending) and oil usage.

The Mazda 3 (Speed3 preferably) are great cars. Not the best styling out of all you listed, but probably would serve you best for MPG, comfort, and maintenance costs.

The only Mini Cooper I would own would be one of the S Clubman editions. I have never priced a Mini before, but I would think the Clubman's would be above your price range.

My vote is the Mazda.
 
Dogfather said:
:confused::confused::confused::confused:
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I guess my explanation wasn't very clear. A little over year ago I was in the market for a WRX/STi. After looking, pricing, and viewing a lot of vehicles, any in that price range I described were either heavily modified, high mileage, or already had an engine replacement well before 100k miles. I am not against Subaru's at all, I very much like their styling. But lets face it, their engines are not well known for longetivity. I'm sure others will disagree with me, but from my personal experience in looking at possible purchases, they are bountiful with engine problems. I know of 2 people personally that have over 100k miles on the stock engine. And that's 2 of about 16-18. The OP can take my comments with a grain of salt and have his/her engine last well over the mileage I am stating, but I wouldn't mind a PM if it happens.
 
Assuming the OP settled on make/model he wanted:

Best advice I could think of next is to read up forums cater to specific vehicle(s) of choice. Take your time look up on the most common issues. That should give you a good idea of what to expect, cost & remedies.

Nothing's more frustrating than falling in love with a vehicle that's full of gremlins.
 
For 17K look for a certified pre owned 2010+ GTI. Certified ones get an additional 2 year/ 24K bumper to bumper and power train warranty.

Minis aren't really known for reliability, and a decent Nissan or Subaru will probably be too much for your budget.
 
So, something came up, and now my price is 10-11k :/ I know this a big change, and will not allow me to get the WRX. Or most of the cars on my list for that fact.

I was wondering if there where any other cars that would be similar, and still reliable.
 
How about something useful like a pickup?

Personally I like the last gen Tacoma. Sharp looking & reliable mid-size trucks, with usable space to haul stuff around.
 
17k, i believe any of those cars u listed, u will be buying it USED.

Wrx and 350z, they both hold their value quite good, 17k u will probably be looking at 05-10, w/ about 40-60k miles.

Both known to be the hot stuff in car world, high chance of being previously modified, with factory warranty expired. I WOULD NOT get any of those if i were u.

Just thought to share my 2cent thats all.
 
If your budget isn't very high, my personal opinion is that your number one priority should be economy. Stretch out your $11k as far as you can and get a reliable, "boring" car, like a Camry or Accord. At least it will more than likely last you long enough until you can afford the car of your dreams.
 
randomevent said:
If your budget isn't very high, my personal opinion is that your number one priority should be economy. Stretch out your $11k as far as you can and get a reliable, "boring" car, like a Camry or Accord. At least it will more than likely last you long enough until you can afford the car of your dreams.
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So, would a Mini Cooper S, be okay? I found a 2006 Mini Cooper S for $9,399 with 79k Miles.
 
xxkasperxx said:
So, would a Mini Cooper S, be okay? I found a 2006 Mini Cooper S for $9,399 with 79k Miles.
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$7601 under budget. :xyxthumbs:

Bank it...keep adding to this vehicle-fund on a weekly basis.
Before you know it: That Sonic Z-Spec Turbo will be one of your most beloved possessions!

:D

Bob
 
xxkasperxx said:
So, would a Mini Cooper S, be okay? I found a 2006 Mini Cooper S for $9,399 with 79k Miles.
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You mentioned previously that you'd be able to afford some maintenance even with the $11k, so I'd say that wouldn't be a bad idea. There will more than likely be maintenance costs, however. It all depends on how you weigh practicality vs desire. If you can afford the car you desire, then go for it. You're staying under your target price by about $2k, and also you're getting a car that you actually want.

Just curious, have you driven any of these prospects you originally listed? I only ask because like it was previously mentioned, your prospects don't have much in common.
 
xxkasperxx said:
So, would a Mini Cooper S, be okay? I found a 2006 Mini Cooper S for $9,399 with 79k Miles.
Click to expand...

Mini's are not known for their reliability and low operating cost, I would not go this route. V6 Camry or Accord should be a fun reliable ride. Some other rides to consider: Infiniti G35 or G37, Mazdaspeed 6, Hyundai Genesis Coupe and Kia Forte.
 
I used to work for a high traffic valet company in a high end part of orange county CA. Ive driven all of those cars a million times.

Sh!t can the cooper and the mazda 3 both are garbage imo

Now for the 350z and the wrx. Both are fast but i guess id factor in some things here. The 350z is a 2 seater and the subi is a 4. The shifting feel on the 350z is softer the wrx is firmer. Wrx has a forced induction H style engine where the Z is a naturally aspirated V. The 350z can take a corner and wip the back end out and take it until you snap the stearing wheel back. The wrx can take a corner very fast because its AWD. Z is 2wd wrx is AWD so if you live where it snows id get wrx no matter what. If you plan on having a family at all or you often are the driver when you go out with your friends id get the wrx.

All in all i think the 350z is a nicer car and looks more grown up so if you live where it doesnt snow and you arent often driving more then one other person id get the 350z. If you live where it snows and often have more then 2 ppl in your car id go for the wrx. However if you go with the wrx look for an STI :) Its the only car ive been in where ive driven 160mph lol
 
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