About to Get a Car
 

I'm looking at a few cars that I think are nice; but my opinion of nice is only skin deep. I would like all of your opinions on the following cars...any input is helpful.

Mini-Cooper
Toyota Celica
Mitsubishi Spyder Eclipse

I also like the look of the Hyundai Tiburon...but it's only 16K, which scares me. Any input?

List any other car in that price range. Sleek, somewhat sporty, and reasonably cheap.

Tiberon I'd stay away from, Hyndai doesn't have the best reports you'll find around. Not a big fan of the mitsubishi stuff either. It seems to be the common opinion it's not the best quality import on the market.

The Mini I think is built by BMW, so really, you can't go wrong there.

Toyota, it's a Toyota, nothing ever wrong with one. Run and work forever. Just a great vehicle.


Those cars between 25-30k or so? You can get an awful lot for that kind of money. Volkswagon, a used BMW 3 series or Mercedes C-Class. I've also seen Audi's, A4, 1.8T's brand new for as low as 31k. With leather, and heated seats.

Thanks for the input, Kurant.

The Mini is around 18 MSRP, new, and it is made by BMW. $

The Celica GT is 18K and the Celica GTS is 22K.

My favorite, semi-reasonable car right now is the Mazda RX-8, which is about 27K - a bit pricy for me.

Keep the input coming.

Nissan 350Z deffinately a nice ride, and looks like a lot of fun.
Mazda Miata - drive it before you bash it for being a chick car
Toyota Mr2 Spyder - haven't test driven it, but if its anything like teh old ones, should be fun
Acura RSX

Maybe even a mustang or cougar (not my preference...)

Most of these are on your higher end of the price range, but something to think about. Get an older 2003 they are trying to get rid of now instead of a new 04 and you can get a brand new car for slighty above invoice, and way below MSRP.

Also, you looking new only or open to slightly used (1-2 years max)?

Go for the 350Z or the Mini

Of the cars you mentioned i would get the celica, of the other cars, i'd go w/ the 350z. DO you have to buy a new car, or will you go w/ a used one?

Also, the tib does have one nice look to it, and its got a great warrenty. Also, i liked the interior of the one i test drove, the six speed was very smooth.

But again, i ask, does it HAVE to be new?

It definately doesn't have to be new - as long as it's in good condition.

I actually forgot to put the Mustang on my list. Defiantely thinking about that one. The 350Z is a bit too pricy for me, but I absolutely love it. Awesome car - I think the convertible is even better looking. Keep the comments coming. :)

Thanks, guys.

Have you considered an Acura RSX? or perhaps an older Acura Integra GSR. They're in the same class as the Celica or the Eclipse....

Mini Cooper, no doubt about it.

Get it with the John Cooper Works Kit - 200+ hp on a car that size is sick...

Dammit, dimbulb, that's another one I forgot to list. :)

I knew that list was way too short. I definately wanted input on the RSX. It's a good-looking, relatively cheap car. I don't know much about Acuras, which scares me.

Debaser, sounds crazy. Do you know anything about the interior of the car? I've seen pictures, but...eh, specifics or comments?

I am getting one when I get back from a military commitment next year.

The interior is, IMHO, stunning. The speedo is centered on the dash, and only the tach is visible when driving.

Seats are very comfortable for my 5' 10". The interior is much bigger than you would think from the outwards appearance.

I drove a Cooper S without the works package and it was very quick off the line, handled nimbly, and was generally a lot of fun to drive.

Check out www.miniusa.com for the corporate angle.

I have heard great things about the Mini, but i personally found it way to small. And i am a small person. It felt to be high quality and very solid, but i felt like i was driving in a cave.

I have heard nothing but good things about both the integra and the rsx. They are made by acura, which is their upscale side of Honda. They have acura performance with honda reliability. At least what their drivers say.

If i were you id start to get a better idea of what you want out of the car. Does it need to seat a lot? Cargo room? Versatility...gas mileage, etc. That will really limit down teh list. Once you get it down to a half dozen or so you are SERIOUSLY considering, go out and test drive them. No matter how many good or bad reviews it gets, nothing will make or break the deal like a test drive.

GO with Mini....why they got some balls.

I'd personally go with the Mini or 350Z, depending on your needs...

I'm about the smallest Mustang fan you'll meet, but if you are serious about that car, wait for the next generation coming out next year or so. I think it looks pretty good, and the platform is actually new for once in 25 years.

The minis really move out on the autocross circuit, but I am a big fan of my Subaru WRX wagon. Once the new car bugs were shaken out, it has been a nice car. Also goes well in the snow.

350Z is my favorite listed, but it's too pricy. And the ones I listed: Spyder, Mini, Mustang, Acura, and Celica are my narrowed down choices. I don't need a lot of cargo, I just need a reasonably good looking car to get me places.

You guys are selling me on the Mini. In red. :)

You could always go w/ an F body....

i'd go with the mini or the toyota.

Re: About to Get a Car
 

EeOh1:

This may be helpful. It's a vehicle comparison from Edmunds.com

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmu...&tab=printable

Hope that helps. :)

Oh, wow. Thanks, Splice. I've always run into edmunds when doing car research, but I've never sat down to fully understand and use it.

Thanks a ton. :)

You're welcome. They are a GREAT source of info. Glad it helped. :)