PDA

View Full Version : Need to buy a new car for 'commuting' purposes



dodgestang
04-07-2004, 09:51 AM
Looks like I am about to get re-employeed after 4 months of looking....

Anyway I need to get a commuter car. I don't buy econoboxes so I am in the 28-33k price range. I have evaluated several cars and trying to narrow down the list. I need something I can put 100k on without much worry.

1. 2004 GT or GT vert - with the new body style coming out, research and historical data shows that I should be able to get a well equipped GT vert for $25k. The year before the fox body went away you could buy them for a song.
2. Cobra - Usually in the $35k range, it would be a stretch, I was kinda hoping to see a drop in these at the show room too because of body style change, but since the cobra name plate is rumored to be going away or at the least not available for a few years, it might be holding value.
3. 350z - My brother traded in his 03 gt vert on one of these....its really amazing how fast and nimble this car is...it is very heavy, I hate to say it: takes corners faster than ANY mustang I have ever driven/riden in, and gets 28 MPG on the highway....on the dyno it put down 248 RWHP...so it has alot of power too.
4. AUDI TT - more show than go at the price I can afford....but a nice all around car that also gets 28 MPG
5. WRX - don't laugh at me I'm not a ricer, but a factory 300 HP is nothing to sneeze at...even if the car does look ricey...plus that all wheel drive is something of serious interest to someone who will be driving 68 miles each way in all kinds of weather.
6. RX8 - Don't know too much about this one....just know I like the looks when I see it.
7. Mach 1 - I wouldn't pay the premium price for a MAch 1 brand new, but there is 2003 sitting on the local used car lot so depending on price it might seem like a steal.

Any input from you guys would be greatly appreciated.

jnoloc23
04-07-2004, 12:05 PM
Nick, I think the WRX is a nice car. I'm not into ricers either, but that All wheel drive can come in handy......

Jay

RdRunnr
04-07-2004, 01:37 PM
Although a lot of those cars sound like fun, you already have one money pit. How long would it be before you could resist the temptation to start modifying a cobra, mach 1, or other car? Keep your Mustang as your toy and put all your play money towards that. Find yourself something that is practical for a daily driver/commuter. Find something that will be good in rain/snow, something that gets good mileage, something that will be comfortable, and maybe something that could even tow the stang. That's just my .02 anyway :)

fast5liter331
04-07-2004, 04:47 PM
I driven a couple wrx's and for a daily car they are pretty nice. I would get one if i could. the all wheel drive is awesome!!

BlueDevil
04-08-2004, 11:56 AM
i really like my little saturn. it's pretty quick for what it is (car and driver got 15.5 at 89 out of one, so it's probably a couple of tenths quicker), it's fairly nimble, awd traction and plenty of room for hauling stuff, 3500 pound towing capacity and a decent price (i paid just under $27k for mine including taxes and tags). test drive one.

frdfandc
04-08-2004, 10:22 PM
I'd probably go for the WRX. Its got the best of all the cars as far as a daily driver/commuter car goes.

I've heard of the RX-8 having some bad problems being this is the first model year for them. Mike (fast5liter331) works for Mazda, and I'm sure he could give you more information on them if you'd like.

dodgestang
04-10-2004, 06:36 PM
Unbelievable...I just did the unthinkable....I just bought a USED Honduh Accord. I dunno what came over me.....perhaps it was that whole...hey look I can pay cash for this car........

I'm sure you'all have fun passing me during the week on the highways....but wait till the weekends....I'll be a madman then...stay outta the red mustang's way......commuter car blow off needed.

frdfandc
04-10-2004, 11:03 PM
Unbelievable...I just did the unthinkable....I just bought a USED Honduh Accord. I dunno what came over me.....perhaps it was that whole...hey look I can pay cash for this car........

I'm sure you'all have fun passing me during the week on the highways....but wait till the weekends....I'll be a madman then...stay outta the red mustang's way......commuter car blow off needed.


What year Accord did you buy??? Just an FYI, I'm a tech for Martin Honda in Newark, so if you have any questions, let me know.

dodgestang
04-11-2004, 08:10 AM
Its a 93 Accord SE. Seems in decent enough shape with 127k on the odometer. Starts right up, runs good. Brakes work, tranny shifts, interior is in good shape...its an ex-commuter car so quite obviously the only car ever sat in was the driver seat.

I do have one question...where can I buy a driver side lower seat cover to replace the beige leather one on there now...junk yard? on line? dealer?

I am taking it for MD safety inspection monday or tuesday..so I may uncover some hidden problems then.

itslegal
04-11-2004, 11:05 AM
Anyway I need to get a commuter car. I don't buy econoboxes so I am in the 28-33k price range.

you paid 28-33K on a 93 honda accord lol j/k

They are good car s and being an ex commuter car you shouldne have any probelms with it good luck

frdfandc
04-11-2004, 08:18 PM
You could try getting one from a yard, other than that you can get one from a dealer. If it was an ex-commuter car, it shouldn't need much if the previous owner kept up with the maintenance.

dodgestang
04-12-2004, 09:20 AM
I just opted out of the honda. The ABS light was on which I had initially thought nothing of since the CEL lights are on both my Jeep and my truck (lift kits cause this problem) so I am kinda trained to just ignore them....research shows that is USUALLY an expensive fix in a honda though. Lucky for me he was a nice guy and returned my deposit.

On the bright side I lucked into another decent deal.....1996 Dodge Neon 25k miles. ITs not really me....its Strawberry red :shock: but hey...it got 32 miles to the gallon on the way home to my house and still looks brand new.



This way I can commute for 3-4 months, find out if this contract will go long term and then make a decision on a new car withouth worrying about picking up a car payment until I know I will have steady income long term