MikeSty

Ah, it's been a while since I've posted anything here. How I miss ye, Tilted Forum

Anyway, it's time for me to ask polite TFP denizens for more advice. Let me see if I can break down my scenario without being too revealing:

Myself: Dependent college senior going to grad school

Desired Car: 2006 Scion xB, Envy Green, 34k miles, decent price and possibly negotiable. Let's say in the 10-12k range. A car I have wanted for some time. I am going to take a look at it next week, check the VIN and Carfax etc before anything else of course.

Current Car: 1996 Mazda sedan with 140k miles on it - I don't drive much
How much money I have: Enough to make a sizeable down payment on a loan to hold me off until I start making money again next summer

Driving Style: Occasional long trip to college. Occasional around-town driving (I filled up my gas tank once between August and the start of November). In the summer, a commute that will be between 10-30 minutes.

That's the lowdown. Anyone have any sagely advice? Has anyone owned a Scion xB? I'll see if anyone replies and then I'll leave the feedback that my dad gave - I'm curious to see if anyone will independently agree iwth him.

Feel free to ask for more info - sorry if I'm being too impersonal, I'm not paranoid, I just wanted to skip to (what i perceive to be) the important details.

Thanks for the input. <3

Nepenthes

Can you make enough money in the summer to live and have a car payment? When I was in college, I had to pay for college and to live which made any car very expensive to own at that time.

My brother-in-law has one and he likes it.

Why do you need to upgrade now? Is you current Mazda in need of expensive repairs?

Do you expect that the car you want now be suitable for you in five years from now?

Plan9

The Toaster? Why do you want The Toaster?

Mmm, it is popular with nerds and hipsters.

A used Honda Civic will last for a decade.

__________________
Whatever you can carry.

"You should not drink... and bake."

BadNick

not just any toaster, a Toyota built toaster. I can see why they appeal to young people who don't have family obligations. The Civic would also be a wise choice though much more mundane and conventional...except for the Si which would be a lot more sporty.

DRP976

^Yeah that. Not hating on the XB though...just dont care for it.

Imo for your situation/needs a Honda Civic Si would be perfect. You can choose either the coupe or the sedan...personally i prefer the sedan since it can be made to look like a Type R and its more practical with the 4 doors. The XB just makes me think nerdy/hipster while the Civic can be for anyone and its reliable and great on gas. I have a 05 Civic Si myself so i am biased to Honda.

AquaFox

with how much you drive, I would wait two years till you get a grown-up job... in addition to more income, you'll be able to have more spent up to put down on an ever better ride if desired... it will also keep you more flexible during the next two years.

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...AquaFox...

cj2112

My ex bought an 06 xB about 6 months ago. She loves the thing. It's been very reliable.

If I wasn't working a steady job, there is no way I'd take on a car payment or put a substantial down on anything. w/o knowing your particular situation, this may or may not apply.

Cars are a losing investment, what's wrong w/ what you have?

Lindy

Desire is clouding your judgement. Make the right financial decision first. Then think about what car you lust after.
A good friend has one. Sorry, wrong color, it's black. It's been a great car for him, and he drives from Boston to Woonsocket three times a week. I like the original body style better than the restyle.
First, you don't say what's wrong with your current car? Is it broken down? Are you embarrassed by it? Unreliable? Wrong color? Why do you want/need to make a change?
Sagely advice1: They must not teach this in college. Even English majors should learn this. Any car is a depreciating asset. Never use borrowed money to purchase a depreciating asset. Drive your old Mazda til you're through grad school and have a real job.
Sagely advice2: Buy from a private party, not a dealer.
Sagely advice3: Where are you going to grad school? I took a car to grad school in Boston. It was a dumb thing to do. Much more trouble than it was worth. Maybe you need a car at Panhandle State, not so much in Boston, Chicago, or San Francisco. Manhattan, Kansas? Yes. Manhattan, New York? Not so much.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Lindy