What car(s) do you drive?
 

I am trying to buy a new car. I have to do it sometime soon because my rental junk runs out on Thursday. I am leaning toward the new Lincoln MKS, because of my inner technophile - seriously that car is gadgetry heaven and I could make it work pricewise, or the new Mazda 6, because I loved my previous one, there is an owner loyalty bonus, it is fairly affordable and it's also pretty quality.

Any thoughts?

Mazdaspeed 3!!!!!!!! Ask Lasereth.

I'm assuming you're in the US.

It looks like you're headed mid/full-size, which is a good segment right now. What's not good? American cars. The Lincoln MKS, while attractive, does not drive well, perform as well as it should, get decent gas mileage, or much of anything when taking into consideration what else you can get for the price. It's odd, too, because the Volvo s70 and s80 have the exact same platform and the drive quality is much better.

Let's say you have $35k-40k to throw into something you're really going to enjoy. My list would be the Aucra TL (26 mpg hwy), Audi A6 (27 mpg hwy), Honda Accord (31 mpg hwy), and BMW 5-series (28 mpg hwy). I've driven each of these and they perform quite well, have a higher quality ride, are build better, and will likely last longer. The Audi and BMW may be a bit more to service eventually, but they have good warranties.

Accura TL, Honda Accord EX V6, Infinity G35 would be high on my list. I would avoid the Lincoln and the whole BMW group. Repairs are way to high and frequent.

Right now I drive a Mazda Protege, and I love it - it's dirt cheap (several years used, about $6k), fairly peppy and fun to drive. It was perfect for me b/c I didn't want two car payments (still paying off the minivan to haul the kids around, ick!)

A friend of mine bought a new Mazdaspeed 3 turbo, and is head over heels in love with it. He's a 'car guy', and drives like a maniac. If I were in the market for a 'new' car, that's probably where I'd head, given how happy I am with my cheap little protege and his recommendation.

Have you taken either of your candidates out for a spin?

I have an Acura TL Type S. If you want a car loaded with electronics, this is a car you should consider.
The base TL is a very nice car but it drives exactly like an Accord. I know because that is what i traded in when I bought the Acura. The biggest difference between the base TL and the TL-S is the S has a firmer suspension set-up.

Hmm, Acura seems to be pretty frequently recommended. I'll have to check those out.

I did drive both the Mazda and the Lincoln. I like the Lincoln, though I am less of a fan of its handling than the Mazda, which I rather like. (As I knew I would, I loved the previous model.)

I'll have to check out your recommendations today. Thanks guys!

I'm a huge fan of the Lexus IS350. It's close to the same class as the TL and 6 and a hell of a lot more fun to drive.

One of my friends has a TSX and loves it, so if you're ok with FWD (I know I'm one of the few who won't consider it,) go for it. I really liked having a Lincoln (should've learned after the first one,) but when they break, they don't fuck around with cheap repairs and simple DIY stuff.

I drive a 2008 Pontiac G6 GXP (Black). I know nothing about cars. I love it though.

If you enjoy driving, stay away from the 2008 Chevy Malibu. I recently leased this car (thank god only for 2 years), and although its been completely restyled for 2008, and it sucked me in with its looks, it drives like an old fart's car. Dead steering feel, dead braking feel, more body roll than Aretha Franklin on a KFC binge. This car drives no better than my late grandmothers powder blue '83 Buick Century and thats not an exaggeration. This is what happens when GM rehires a fucking 77-year old redneck and puts him in charge of Design. What the hell does a 77 year old know about fresh, new cutting-edge design? This is a man who last experienced an orgasm when Ronald Reagan was president. And people wonder why 2 out of the 3 major car companies in America are on the verge of bankruptcy. Nevermind the lunacy of pouring billions of dollars into a battery-powered electric car (Chevy Volt) whose success will determine the fate of the company, while simultaneously releasing a 620 horsepower Corvette.

I fart on Chevy Malibu, Bob Lutz and GM.

NSX every day. I don't need tons of tech toys, I go for the feeling I get in the seat.

go with the new Mazda6s............best midsize,best handling,best!

xoxoxoo

We got a Mazda6s,,,2004 and a Nissan Sentra SE-R....1991,and some trucks

I must have missed this line the first time around, which is OK because apparently we're back in 1983 and I have 25 years before I have to read it. Every manufacturer has their issues, and we've done a lot of catching up recently. Made in USA doesn't mean it's going to fall apart or explode anymore.

For what it's worth, I'm going to suggest a 2006 and up Audi. They worked out most of the problems that plagued the B6 and B7 generation A4s, and the A6 and A8 benefited from it, too (especially with ditching the W8, who wants to drop 30 grand when the engine dies?)

Would you believe I drive a 2003 Chevy Impala?

Its name is Vlad.

I just bought myself an Audi TT Quattro - and I absolutely love it. All wheel drive - bring it on, stupid Winter.

My truck:
http://www.goinglimp.com/gallery/d/474-1/toolbox.jpg

Love it, and with the 33s it gets good gas mileage as long as I stay at or below 65 on the spedo (actually ~71mph, but gearing/spedo/ tires don't match). Either way, lots of clearance and it suits my personality :)

I used to drive a 2000 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS Coupe...until it decided to crap out on me by blowing two struts at the same time and thus requiring 4 new tires and almost 3k dollars in repairs. I now drive a 2007 Scion tC...and i LOVE it.

Judging by your original post, you're looking at a midsize car. Personally, I won't drive a car unless it's European. A Volkswagen Jetta or Passat would be my recommendation. A Jetta GLI with the DSG transmission is affordable, drives great, is good on fuel, and can be easily autocrossed (important for me :) ) If you need a bigger backseat, then a Passat would be the way to go.

What do I drive?
2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara (daily)
2001 Chev Tahoe Z71 (wife's)
1997 BMW 328i Cabrio (summer toy/track bitch)
1996 Chev 3500 2wd dualie crew cab (used maybe once a month, strictly for towing)

we drive a '93 corvette roadster (which is for sale, by the way), a '97 camry xle, and a '02 forerunner...

love them all...

i have no ideas as to what you should buy as i'm not going to be driving it; you are...

In terms of quality, the US hasn't kept up. Sure the Malibu has won a few awards, but if you drive it's European counterpart, say a Citroen C5 or Vauxhall Insignia, there's no competition. Performance, economy, design... Even Ford is better in Europe. I wish I could get a Mondeo over here.

I drove a 2005 mazda 6i at one point in time and it was ok, but being in alaska, i come to find out ( /shrug) that I needed a truck here.

So I traded in the Mazda and got a 2007 Nissan Frontier Nismo edition. The suspension is firmer on the Nissan but I love my truck, and I am going to keep it till i pay it off.

Though the gas mileage is a crappier. But I wont have to beg anyone to use their truck. hehe.

as far as any loyalty bonus, i doubt it.

the best thing to do is to come at the end of the month. that is what i did. i got my $36k truck for $26k.

Meta.

I bought a 2003 Volkswagon Jetta GLI brand new in August of 2002. It now has 111000 miles, and I have not had one serious issue with it. I bent the axle, but of course, that's not the car's fault. I just replaced the rear brakes 10,000 miles ago for the first time and still have 60% left on the original front brakes. It's a 6 speed manual, so that helps with the braking. I love the pick-up and power of this car. Many people have mentioned Audi. They're the same company. You can save money by doing a Jetta (the same car as the A4) or Passatt (same as the A6).

Now, if I had the money and wanted to treat myself, I would love to step up to the S4 (sporty/powerful A4) or the S5 (Coupe) but in the end don't know if the quality difference could justify the price increases.

I drive a 2008 Toyota Corolla Type S. Got it solely for 36 mpg and reliability. I drive a lot and cannot afford all the gas and repairs of what I would like to drive (truck).

We just got my wife into a 2009 Camry LE V6. The V6 is an absolute rocket. Cannot believe how fast that thing is. Gets about 26 mpg and the room is really good.

http://radio2.be/CMupload/21huisauto...t/AudiTT02.jpg

Audi TT: 200 hp tiptronic

On Mondays it's my Porsche, Tuesdays my Rolls Royce, Wednesdays my Ferrari, Thursdays my Mercedes, Fridays my BMW (personal fav), Saturdays my jaguar, and Sundays I pull out all the stops with my 97' Camry. I try to live simply.




If only every day wasn't Sunday :(.

94 red civic 2door hatch, with crumples all over.

Well, before I was able to find the best car and the best deal for me, I HAD to find something to hold me over.

I ended up finding a pretty good bargain on an '06 Saab 9-3, and it should do until I find a car I actually want at the price I want to pay.

as for myself: in iceland i have a 93 volvo 850gle 2.0 20v which has what i need and want

back in au i have a 66 volvo 122s which i´ve injected making it a 122e and a 71 volvo 1800e for the weekends.

Heh, nice. I got an '06 9-3 a month ago. Loving it so far.

This cracks me up, by the way. Vlad the Impala, indeed!

I have 2 cars. A 1981 AMC Eagle, odo broke a couple years ago at 182k, but still runs quite well and is full time all-wheel-drive. It's a wagon body style, which I wanted to be able to carry my upright bass. Wouldn't pass Mass smog, so is still licensed in Kansas. It was a gift (well, really more of a hand-me-down) from a relative. Perfect for me and I'm glad to have it. I wanted all wheel drive, but I have a thing against trucks and SUVs.
Also have a 2002 SAAB 9-5 Turbo with only about 54k miles that I bought on ebay a couple of years ago. Will break 30 mpg on the road (if I keep the speed down) and still gets about 25 mpg when I drive as fast as I think I can get away with. I paid a little over $8000 when I bought it in 2006.
You guys can have your new cars, I'm not interested. :no:But I might buy one from you after four or five years. That way you can take that $30k hit on depreciation instead of me.
I live in Boston, so don't drive them much, except to go to Kansas to visit my family. I hate to fly.:grumpy: Love to drive.:thumbsup:

Lindy
on the road again (now in Western Nebraska)

I've been driving a Nissan Altima for 6 years now and never had any issues. I had an 03 2.5S, traded it in last year for an 07 of the same model. I love it. I was annoyed when they came out with the coupe version after I'd gotten my sedan though. I've never had a 2-door anything before. :(

I have a 2007 Honda Civic Si. I love the handling and the 6 speed transmission.

Lol. Isee a lot of reports that US citizens are becoming more fuel conscious, but you guys still drive massive cars! A Mazda6 is considered a large sedan. The Focus is the midsize benchmark over here, and a few years ago eve nthat was considered a "large" hatch.

I drive a 2008 1.3 Mazda2. (petrol). I get 14 - 17 km/L depending on how I drive.
Before that I drove a 2004 Ford Bantam 1.3 pickup (payload 700kg).

If you're looking for a nice comfy sedan, you should test drive a Toyota Avalon (05 or later). I'm seriously thinking about trading my van in on one.

Not to spoil the ending, but it came out on top of a Car and Driver sedan test:

2005 Buick Lacrosse vs. Chrysler 300, Ford Five Hundred, Kia Amanti, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Avalon - Sedans/Comparison Test/Reviews/Car and Driver - Car And Driver

Yeah, here in America we power our lawn mowers with 1.3L engines, not cars. Mazda2 is so economical, it's not even sold in the US because not many people would buy it with those power specs. Even econo cars aim for at least 100 horses.

I don't drive anymore. I am all about public transit and taxis.

I have a 2008 Ford F-150 but I rarely drive it. Mainly it sits and I take the bus everywhere or just walk. Easier, cheaper and less of a hassle.

I don't own anything new because I think all new cars are junk

so I will stick with my 81 Malibu and 88 Pick-up

200 HP? what happened to their 225? my '04 WRX would make that it's bitch.

I have a 2004 F-150, but it doesn't get driven too often. I bought a Honda Civic in March and drive it daily. I didn't think I'd ever drive a car again (my first car was a 1984 Monte Carlo SS) after driving SUVs and the pickup, but I really enjoy the Civic...and it gets really great gas mileage.

Not everyone of course looks at fuel economy as their standard for choosing a vehicle. Personally I drive a Chrysler Town and Country and though it only get about 24 or 25 MPG on the highway, it works great for US. and that is the important part. While I agree that many of the suggested vehicles are nice, not every one is the perfect car. It may work for YOU and your family, but not me or mine. The vehicle a person drives is almost an extension of themselves. Would I own a 2 seater? hell no, not enough room; but some of you out there love them. It all boils down to what the PURPOSE of the vehicle is. What do you need it to do for YOU.

2009 Audi A4
 

Great car to drive!

I have a 2000 Toyota 4 Runner for everyday driving, and a 1988 Black RX-7 Convertable for spring / summer weekend driving.

http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/2...680copyzp7.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/323...687copyxm2.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...uly2007036.jpg


...my '07 RAV4 LTD in the background

I personally drive a 2000 BMW 323i. It is definitely a driver's car. It has a perfect 50-50 weight distribution, with my mods (intake, exhaust, chip, lowered, tires) it has the power of a 328i/330i and is very fun to drive. It is very sporty and luxurious at the same time. It has lots of great features on it and personally I wouldn't trade out of a BMW for anything now after owning this one (first one). The newer BMWs (96+ 5 series) (99+ 3 series) aren't too bad to maintain, probably about 10% more than a Honda/Toyota is. Honestly I do the same amount of maintenance on this as I did on my Accord I had before this, some of the parts are a little more, but not by much. Gas mileage is around 20cty/30fwy on most 3 and 5 series until you get into the v8s. Not bad for economy and with the luxury you get in a sports car you really can't complain. The car is really solid and great.

2004 MINI cooper.
I like the continuously variable transmission and its relatively wide wheel base. Its weight is also distributed evenly from front to back so it's exceptionally easy to get out of a parking lot full of snow, without spinning its wheels senselessly.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3440/...eb0d784a_o.jpg
Handles curvy roads oh so nicely.

Amazons FTW! I’ve a ‘66 Volvo 220 (with a B20, 4-speed + overdrive) and love it. Talk about character! As much as I love my S60, day-to-day commuting gets boring. There’s nothing like a forty-year-old experience to keep things interesting.

http://www.ryansdesigns.com/images/220.jpg

http://www.ryansdesigns.com/images/220+S60.jpg

My current daily driver is an '01 F/awd RX300, purchased new and now at 75k Miles. Drive my wife to work each morning, go home and do honey-does, pick her up in the evening. Alternate, if the dog isn't going along, is an '01 Porsche C4. Second alternate is a '94 Ford Aerostar AWD, third is a 93 Ford Ranger PU.

Currently considering the Mazda CX-7 but will immediately mill the engine head to bring the CR up to the DFI "standard" of 12.5:1 and "wire" the turbo wastegate fully open. Otherwise the CX-7 runs in derated, 9.5:1 CR, mode 99% of the time which makes the MPG nothing less than abysmal.

Saab 9-3

I drive a black '98 Corvette. This car handles very well, accelerates like a rocket, and gets good mileage for a sports car. I'm getting about 19 in the city and close to 30 on the highway. The great part is you can pick up a good used one around $20,000.

update - sold the corvette at our asking price...bought a 2002 volvo s80 t6...

Ooohh nice. I keep telling myself that one day I'll get a 122s as my "fun car". I had a '72 144s that died a couple years ago :sad: and I've wanted to get another old Volvo ever since.


The car I drive now is a 2003 VW Jetta GL TDI. I think the 2003 Jetta/Golf is the best year for running B100 biodiesel (or technically B99.9 from the place I buy it from I guess) in a newer VW. I'm hoping to put bigger injectors in it and chip it to give it some more oomph.

Before getting my wagon, I was considering taking a trip down to Chico to pick up Ad #3152 @ ipd Free Volvo Classified Ads ;)

1997 Ford Escort

2006 Pontiac GTO 6spd for fun
2006 Saab 9-3 5spd for everyday

'nothing'

Totalled it saturday.

Sorry to hear... what was it?

I'm the new owner of a 2004 Subaru WRX. In my first week of ownership, I've already had someone open their door into my passenger side and a wild shopping cart pushed into the drivers side (by the wind, I'm sure... no one could be that careless, right? :grumpy:) Hooray for parking lots...

Congrats on the car (not the ensuing dings)! I have the same thing. Now you must commence to modify it! Any plans?

I do miss the 02 WRX I had. That was a fun car to drive.

Just picked up a '99 Ranger XLT with 131k on the clock.
I like this truck already. Reminds me of a couple shitboxes I had as a teen. Died in the driveway the day I bought it.

No immediate plans, mostly due to a lack of money... but I'm always open to suggestions! I'm definitely going to start small; I don't trust myself not to break anything :paranoid:

Yeah, money is always a restrictive factor. Well the most common mods are exhaust (uppipe--into the turbo, and turboback--downpipe and catback) and some kind of ECU tune, (either done yourself or by a smart friend, or by a professional tuner). That stuff alone jacked up my HP to about 220 at the wheels (prob almost 300 at the crank). There's always bigger turbos, bigger intercoolers, bigger injectors, etc, but you absolutely need the tune and pipes if you mess with the rest.

I daily drive a 2001 Acura Interga GSR. Thinking about selling it and getting something a bit larger and more comfortable (I have a car crush on a 1999 Saab 9-3 Viggen right now).

Anyway, here's what I'm driving at the moment:

http://psykosis.smugmug.com/photos/1...95_QFPGo-L.jpg

Audi Quattro like this except mine is Hunter Green

http://madirocz.com/audi/Audi001.jpg

It was an '01 Malibu. That car lasted two weeks with a full tank of gas. I don;t think I can get the same elsewhere. Only good thing about it tbh. I had payments on it but gap covered it so this time I'm getting a hooptie!!

A really fugly car for no more than ten bucks. As long as AC and heat works, I'll push it. I just don't want payment anymore. I was never late making a payment and I still don't have good credit. Screw 'em all!!!!

2010 Lexus IS

Bought it in November '09


http://www.artelevision.com/images/t...us_2010_IS.jpg

My daily driver is a 1994 Ford Ranger 4x4, sitting on a mild 3" body lift (was installed when I purchased the truck in 03) with 33" tires. It has 181k miles on it and even though I'm lucky to get 16mpg (especially in the winter), it's paid off and still running. I just got a new job though, and since I'll be working extremely close to where I live, I think I'll be purchasing a bicycle this spring and ride that during the summer. I might even go take a walk through the local Triumph dealership's showroom...if I can swing it, that is :)

http://www.kcclassiccars.com/images/...thfullsize.jpg

same color too

Well, hey there ARTelevision. Only you could post a simple photo of a car and turn it into something amazing.

I would post a pic of mine and Grancey's new pickup truck bought last August (Cash For Clunkers), but it's currently being repaired for rodent damage to the engine.

Hey warrrreagl, it's probably just that the horse stalls in the background class things up a bit...
Hi to Grancey!
Thanks.

Is that a Stealth? Those things are awesome. I have an '04 SRT-4.

Mini Cooper

Yeah, dont laugh

SF,
I recently went to a Mini factory/dealer sponsored autocross where they had about a dozen Mini Coopers in all stages of mods from bone stock to quite modified, and they let us rip around the course in them all day. I was impressed at how an even slighltly moded one can move and handle very well, not to mention even stock they are fun to drive. Cool thing was there was two original old school Mini Coopers there, also; one near stock and one highly modified...very cool.

I just realized this thread is "What car(s)..." and I didn't mention my favorite one, my '95 Supra turbo. I got it 10 years ago when it was bone stock, one owner, but over the years I moded it various ways and now it's massaged to somewhat over 600whp. Here's a couple recent pics of the car and recently completed engine mods with my new, "unique" twin turbo setup:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...une2010030.jpg

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...0511-15181.jpg

sold the 'vette in 2009 (and got my price) and picked up a 2002 volvo s80 t6 down here...

what a FAST, QUICK car!!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...pics/volvo.jpg

Sense my Malibu is parked I drive a 93 Jeep Cherokee Sport, 4.0l inline 6, 375,xxx kilometers and counting. I miss my 81 Malibu but its parked so I can get some much needed work done on her, its been parked sense November 09 and still have not touched it working to much.

That's a very cool car, I remember that Malibu, PT

...mind if I still call you PT? Not that I'm associating you with the Cruiser by the same name ;)

I traded my beloved Acura TL-S back in July for......a 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid.
Why, you may be wondering?
(ok...probably not...but I'm going to tell you anyways...)
My new job. I'm on the road all day now and the Acura was a bit of a gas pig, especially in the city.
I've had the Civic for almost 4 months now and will pass 10,000 miles sometime next week. Avg MPG hovering around 46.
This car is a champ. Drives exactly the same at the end of the day as it did at the beginning. Plenty of head, leg and shoulder room. Excellent maneuverability in tight spaces. Between the XM Radio and the 8 gig USB, I never lack for something good to listen to.
Its an adventure pulling out into traffic, merging on the interstate or attempting to pass, but I am becoming quite enamored with this vehicle.

I traded in the Vibe. For a 2011 Golf TDI.

It's awesome.

Isn't that a requirement when you live in the UK? Or is that just for London...

ya its alright.

I got a friend with a car trailer and a welder so I hope next summer to get a lot of work done on the Malibu to get it back out and piss off the local cops some more:thumbsup:

Not laughing, but I really did not expect that. From your posts I would imagine you driving something a little more....

Here is my 81 Malibu, I was playing around with black and white and this one turned out good, the summer before I parked it.


http://i568.photobucket.com/albums/s...u/malibu_1.jpg

2005 Honda Civic Si

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/...37a21d9b_z.jpg

Still driving my NSX every day. Coming up on 6 years of ownership and have put over 70,000 miles on the odo.
http://sarasotadetail.com/gallery2/d...2/DSC_5529.jpg

http://sarasotadetail.com/gallery2/d...2/DSC_5591.jpg

'94 Ford F150 to haul firewood and other stuff.
'91 BMW 535 to haul my grandchildren.

current line up......

"My Old Lady" ... 04 Mazda 6s
My work truck ... 91 Ford F-150 4x4 XLT Lariat extra cab 6ft bed
My "dump" truck ... 87 Chevy C-10 regular cab 8ft bed
My fun car ... 91 Nissan Sentra SE-R ... bought new and has 194K !

xoxoxoo

My ex had a 04 Mazda 6, hers had the V6, auto, 4 door there fun cars.

The Mazda 6s ,V6 and all the goodies is the "sports car" of the average mid size sedans...much better than the accord,camry,ford whatever....IMHO

xoxoxoo

update - traded the '02 forerunner in on a '06 sienna xle...

unc, didn't you always want a pop-up conversion van? Here's your chance with the Sienna:

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...sienna-013.jpg

this one's got every option available EXCEPT the pop-up...

2003 Cobra
2000 Z28
1994 F250
1987 GN

Projects needing much TLC
1976 MGB
1970 Mustang Convertible

About 6 months ago, I traded my TL-S for a Civic Hybrid.
I drive all day on the job now, so the Civic saves me a bundle in gas expenses. (20MPG avg vs 44MPG avg)
I love the Civic. Its not flashy, fast or particularly good in the corners, but it runs the same all day with and is nimble in the city.

For almost 20 years now, it's been Volvo's only.

My truck:

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/7592/truck1m.jpg

http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/4892/truck2h.jpg

I am the proud (second) owner of this fine motor vehicle, engineered and designed by the Ford Motor Company in 1999. This car is not supercharged nor is it turbocharged, but it is powered by a normally aspirated 4-cylinder engine making +/- 75 horsepower depending on fuel octane levels. (or so they say)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...own/ford-1.jpg

And no those are NOT ground effects or fancy aerodynamic devices behind the wheels, thats snow. Nevertheless, I think I do notice a slight improvement in handling.

Is that your Vette in the background?

No, not my Vette. Its been sitting outside in the elements for about 8 years now, its not in the best shape which is a shame because it was a nice car. I'm not sure what year it is. Maybe you know?