Buying my first new car
 

So, I just got my first real job, making a bit of dough, and want a car.

I'm not gonna rush into buying a car, cause I dont know a whole lot about cars... so obviously Im researching.

These are the cars Im looking at:
Saturn Ion quad coupe
Mazda 3
Mazda Protege5

I like the Hyundai Tiburon and Toyota Celica as well... but I think these might be a bit too pricey.


I like the 2+2 doors of the Ion, but Im not sure how hard it will be to adjust to the center console. I heard bad things about a few things on the Ion, but read that the 2005's have some big improvements upon last years.


Does anyone have any first hand knowledge on either of these cars, or can suggest other similar cars that I might like?

What's your solid price range I might be able to suggest something else but of the cars listed...tbut have you considered the Chevy Cobalt at all?

Chevy Cobalt and a Saturn Red Line are both the same cars...I would vouch for the Cobalt...If you get the cobalt ss it comes with a 2.0l 205hp supercharged engine...plus all the engine internals are forged :)

They are built on the same platform... not the same car.

Eh... thats what I meant....typical gm....but it is a sweet little car none the less

The SS looks really cool. But is obviously a bit pricey.

The reason I like Ions so much is the idea of the 2+2 door. I was upset when I found out Cobalts werent doing the same.

Those are good choices you listed. IMO, also check out the Scion's, the xA, xB and tC = interesting designs, reasonably priced, Toyota reliability.

Are they available in Canada ?

Ok, I just read on caranddriver.com that they are only available in the US :(

I'd suggest a Honda Civic. It comes in a lot of flavors and it's a honda - no better first car to have.

Bleh...Hondas are so boring and pedestrian even for the typical commuter car.

Silver do you just HAVE to have 4 doors? So many more cool cars with two doors...

But funny enough a guy at my school just bought a brand new Mazda3 and I asked him how he liked it and he said it's a great car. Pretty tossable and the interior was nice so go with the Mazda3. And it looked pretty nice up close too.

http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/1...9/027888-E.jpg

I don't like Honda Civics... and I don't HAVE to have 4 doors.

The reason I like the Ion so much, is because it looks like a coupe, but has the convenience of the extra doors. The Mazda3 looks great, but I dunno... Im only 21, I have lots of time for sedans :p

It's still up in the air.

Uh oh.... just found a 2003 Economy Sedan comparision on edmunds.com... I heard the 2005 Ion has some upgrades, I hope its major ones.

http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/compa...2/page018.html

I know they have moved over to a new platform but I don't think it's as well tuned of a platform as the Mazda platform. The Mazda3/Volvo 40/and the Focus(in a few years at least) all share the same platform and they they have a well rounded suspension.

My bestfriend just got an '05 Tiburon and he loves it. Fully loaded, 3.0L V6, Leather..... and under $20K (in San Diego) Good Luck

PS My personal vote is for 2 wheeled toys

Just a good thing the Cavalier is gone next to go should be the Sunfire.

Only glad to see the Cav go because there is to many in town here!

Yes, that is why I dont want a Cav... too many !

Sunfires are the next to go. The Pursuit is coming.