Buying my first new car - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

silver26 · 10-06-2004, 03:47 AM

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?

Lockjaw · 10-06-2004, 04:33 AM

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?

merkerguitars · 10-06-2004, 08:52 AM

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

silver26 · 10-06-2004, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merkerguitars

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.

merkerguitars · 10-06-2004, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by silver26

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

silver26 · 10-06-2004, 10:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merkerguitars

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.

BadNick · 10-06-2004, 11:03 AM

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

silver26 · 10-06-2004, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadNick

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 ?

silver26 · 10-06-2004, 03:18 PM

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

Halx · 10-06-2004, 05:30 PM

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

Lockjaw · 10-06-2004, 08:28 PM

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.

silver26 · 10-07-2004, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lockjaw

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.

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

It's still up in the air.

silver26 · 10-07-2004, 03:44 AM

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

Lockjaw · 10-07-2004, 04:01 AM

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.

cbrider · 10-07-2004, 07:52 AM

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

Scorps · 10-08-2004, 09:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by merkerguitars

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

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!

silver26 · 10-08-2004, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pain Train

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.

10-06-2004, 03:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
silver26 Insane	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? __________________ I know I was born and I know that I'll die, the inbetween is mine.

10-06-2004, 08:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
merkerguitars Buffering......... Location: Wisconsin...	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 __________________ Donate now! Ask me How! Please use the search function it is your friend. Look at my mustang please feel free to comment! http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthread.php?t=26985

10-06-2004, 03:18 PM	#9 (permalink)
silver26 Insane	Ok, I just read on caranddriver.com that they are only available in the US __________________ I know I was born and I know that I'll die, the inbetween is mine.

10-06-2004, 05:30 PM	#10 (permalink)
Halx Please touch this. Owner/Admin Location: Manhattan	I'd suggest a Honda Civic. It comes in a lot of flavors and it's a honda - no better first car to have. __________________ You have found this post informative. -The Administrator [Don't Feed The Animals]

10-07-2004, 03:44 AM	#13 (permalink)
silver26 Insane	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 I was born and I know that I'll die, the inbetween is mine.

10-06-2004, 04:33 AM	#2 (permalink)
Lockjaw Junkie	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?

10-06-2004, 11:03 AM	#7 (permalink)
BadNick Riding the Ocean Spray Location: S.E. PA in U Sofa	Those are good choices you listed. IMO, also check out the Scion's, the xA, xB and tC = interesting designs, reasonably priced, Toyota reliability.

10-06-2004, 08:28 PM	#11 (permalink)
Lockjaw Junkie	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.

10-07-2004, 04:01 AM	#14 (permalink)
Lockjaw Junkie	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.

10-07-2004, 07:52 AM	#15 (permalink)
cbrider Upright	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