Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
914World.com _ 914World Garage _ OT - Wife wants a "new" car - what would you get?
Posted by: cha914 Oct 10 2005, 08:26 PM
I know this isn't 914 related, but it is car related, so I guess its ok for the garage...bump me if you need to...
Anyway, the wife wants a 'new' car, not necessarily brand new, but new to her. Our high end is probably 10K, but that doesn't mean we have to spend that much.
A little history, her first car was a 90somthing mazda 626, she loved the car, but it was somewhat of a lemon and spent alot of the time running on 3 cylinders, and we dumped it before it quit altogether. Her current car is a 93 subaru legacy wagon, and its a freaking tank. 240K and still running likeit will never stop. However, the car is "too big" for her.
She really wants a smaller car, but can't be tiny, as she is a teacher and needs some room to haul stuff around in. She really likes the new Mini's (yeah who doesn't), but it seems most of the nicer examples are still in the 15-20K range.
Anyway, we are going to start looking for and driving cars to narrow down the list, what do you guys suggest for cars? The car needs to be smallish, no wagons but hatches are ok, needs to be auto, and I want a car that has a good history as far as maintaince goes.
Here are the cars I am considering: Mini - if I can find a screaming deal, VW - she likes the golf/jetta but I have reservations about their reliablity, bmw's lots of used 3 series in that range but not too sure about the autos on those, Volvos lots to like but seem expesive, I like subarus since hers is a rock but would need to find a smaller example for her to try, then there is the camery/civic/accord/accura crowd that I really don't know much about, or what do you guys suggest?
I have been able to purchase mercedes, bmw's and porsches for the 5-10k range, so I know there are awesome used cars out there, what would you buy for a sweet wife ride?
Thanks for the help,
Tony 
Posted by: Sparky Oct 10 2005, 08:52 PM
Depends on what she wants really. Nice Miata's could be had in yor price range so could New Beetles, and Jettas. I've had a New Beetle and drove it into the ground. I'm now on a '05 Jetta and have had it 3 months and put 11K miles on it. No problem with reliability at all with either.
Think about this, whats she gonna look the hottest in?
Good luck....
My best,
Mike D.
Posted by: Twystd1 Oct 10 2005, 09:21 PM
So I was talking to another bro yesterday about the same thing...
He asked what i thought was the best car for his wife to buy...
At first i said: Honda
Then I said: As a second choice, Jetta....
Then I realized the correct answer was: Whatever you want honey
Cause if she gets a lemon 
And I have anything to do with the choice of HER car... 
I will pay for it in ways I can't describe here on the forum.... 
Just thinking out loud.....
Twystd1
Posted by: rick 918-S Oct 10 2005, 09:22 PM
Hate the new Beetle, can't see the front end 
Used BMW with an Auto would rock 
Depending on which year you select you should have a trouble free auto. On thing to check though, if it is an E36 3 series, check to see if it has ever had an issue with the lock up converter. It seems there is an issue with an internal lip seal leaking causing low internal pressure causing the lock up to jump in and out. there was a recall for this I think. If you select an E30 3 series, (smaller than an E 36 ) you won't get her out of it. I have an E30 I purchased about a month ago in NY. I flew out and drove it back. I got 30 MPG. No Bull! 
My friend has an auto 325I S and pounds the snot out of the car on a regular basis. No worries.. The guys on car talk mentioned the reliability of the newer VW's. Not a good thing.
Posted by: cha914 Oct 10 2005, 09:25 PM
Miata's are probably out as being too small, but I will mention it for sure. Its good to hear you have had a good experience with VW, it seems somewhat hit or miss. Got any general info in what to look for when buying a newer VW? Years / models to look for and/or stay away from? I really like the idea of the TDI, but don't know if that would be smart or not...plus they seem to fetch a premium.
What would she look hottest in??? I would have to say a nice white Jag XJsomething or other would be hard to beat, but thats a few years and a few raises off 
Posted by: Lou W Oct 10 2005, 09:29 PM
Girls love Jetta's, probably can't go wrong there.
Posted by: cha914 Oct 10 2005, 09:29 PM
Twystd1,
I know what you mean, I helped with both of the previous cars, one was busted, this one has rocked, but has always been "too big" ... so now we are going to drive a bunch of cars to see what she likes, but I gotta try and stack the deck 
Rick,
I know a little about the bmw's...got a e30 325is myself, love the shit outa it, but I have always heard bad things about the autos. I would probably be looking at the e36's for her as she wants something newer, good info on the lip seals, i will be sure to ask about that.
keep em coming guys 
Posted by: Gint Oct 10 2005, 09:37 PM
My wife actually said she "wouldn't mind" having her own 914. I about keeled over form the shock. Then I thought "What have I done?!?!"
How about an earlier XJ6 with a V8 conversion?
Posted by: Rider914 Oct 10 2005, 09:37 PM
I bought my wife a passat.
The diff:
Jetta=mexico, Passat=Germany
Nice luxo car - but it is still fwd. . .
Posted by: Gint Oct 10 2005, 09:40 PM
Oh, and although I get loads of crap for this, my $6k 93 Acura Legend is an awesome car. You could find a low mile 95/96 for your budget with money to spare. And they'll go 200k with no problem.
Posted by: Dead Air Oct 10 2005, 09:41 PM
Jetta, Golf 320...
Don't even think about it!!
I've owned three Toyota trucks, (one was a 4 runner) They're Bullet proof!!
Bullet proof!
several things to consider...
1. Reliability, women like it when they're cars start and DON'T strand them!!
Check Consumer reports, Toyotas score near or at the top
'92 (or there abouts) Toyota Cressida, #1 used car in reliability
2. Resale value.
Look in your local paper for 4 to 5 year old used cars of about the same ganre.
The toyotas are consistantly worth mor in resale value!
3. Notice when you look up those used cars, for example an '88 Escort or '86 Le Mans, they don't exist, they're all dead already!!
My '86 toyota truck has 303,986 miles on it! the work that's been done:
timing chain and front cover (cause the PO did'nt change it in time)
Rebuilt head (because the timing chain was grinding through the front cover putting water in the oil)
rebuilt rear end
clutch master cylinder
used transmission installed (because I broke the #1 shifter fork due to bad clutch cylinder)
That's ALL. in 300,000 miles
End of discusion
Get her a 94-95 4 runner or a nice little Camry. Or how about this one. SWEEThttp://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=185787725&dealer_id=56594637&car_year=2000&model=CELICA&bkms=1129001846772&lang=en&isp=y&start_year=1988&certified=&search_type=used&distance=200&make=TOYOTA&min_price=&address=78540&advanced=&end_year=2003&max_price=&cardist=191
Posted by: effutuo101 Oct 10 2005, 10:05 PM
a friend of mine just picked up a Saturn Vue. He and his wife love it! Roomy and good gas milageI have a 2001 Jetta VR6. I know you can find a low milage Jetta for cheap, but I would get the stick. I have been through 5 automatic trannies. Probably has something to do with my right foot. How about a Golf?
Posted by: dlo914 Oct 10 2005, 10:53 PM
the 05' VW Golf TDI gets 38/46 mpg http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm
Posted by: dlo914 Oct 10 2005, 10:56 PM
hmm what about a Used or New Toyota Prius? Awesome mileage...or maybe the discontinued Honda Insight; known to have the best aerodynamics for a production car 
Posted by: bondo Oct 10 2005, 10:58 PM
Stay suby! Get an Impreza TS or Outback Sport. Smaller than a legacy, cheaper than a WRX, and you get all wheel drive!
Posted by: bernbomb914 Oct 10 2005, 11:11 PM
for a small eco car that will run forever you cant beat a toyota corolla.
Bernie
Posted by: Engman Oct 10 2005, 11:49 PM
Toyota
Corolla or Camry
See what you can afford (year wise)
M
Posted by: VegasRacer Oct 11 2005, 02:57 AM
Acura.
Posted by: ArtechnikA Oct 11 2005, 04:57 AM
can she drive? i mean really drive? Subaru. otherwise Volvo.
Posted by: Vacca Rabite Oct 11 2005, 05:26 AM
| QUOTE (bondo @ Oct 10 2005, 11:58 PM) |
| Stay suby! Get an Impreza TS or Outback Sport. Smaller than a legacy, cheaper than a WRX, and you get all wheel drive! |
This is the exact same thing I was about to suggest.
They will run for ever, good in weather, get decent mileage. Its a very good car.
I drive an Outback Sport.
Zach
Posted by: cha914 Oct 11 2005, 07:57 AM
My wife is a good driver ... however she is a timid driver. She defin needs a car that she doesn't have to worry about and one that is confidence inspiring.
I had forgotten about the acura legands, I know my aunt has one and loves it, will have to add those to the list. Definately have to check out the toyota corolla/camery, although they are about as bland as you can get.
Saturn, sorry, they may be great cars, but I have never liked any of the saturns I have ever gotten in.
I will add the impreza TS and outback sport to the list to look at, her current car has definately sold me on subaru.
And here we still get the conflicting reports on the newer vw's ... some like them, some say to stay very far away. Anybody got info on GOOD years for these cars? I like the looks of the jetta / golf / maybe a passat (but I have heard more horror stories about those than any other vw).
Posted by: boxstr Oct 11 2005, 08:55 AM
2004 Mini 32 MPG and only $18500. Heated seats, 5 speed, dual sunroofs,two owner car.
CCLINCOMESEEMETOADY
Attached image(s)
Posted by: adamd1514 Oct 11 2005, 09:06 AM
If you loved the subby stay with it. I've put 25k on my 05' wrx and its been nothing but good to me. No problems. Go with a little older legacy or any of the imprezza base models. They'll last forever
Posted by: Cap'n Krusty Oct 11 2005, 09:06 AM
| QUOTE (rick 918-S @ Oct 10 2005, 07:22 PM) |
| My friend has an auto 325I S and pounds the snot out of the car on a regular basis. No worries.. The guys on car talk mentioned the reliability of the newer VW's. Not a good thing. |
"The guys at car talk"? The ignorant Bozos who ragged on Audi climate control and asked why it couldn't be as good as GM's, when it IS GM's? At best, they're poor (and cheap) entertainment for clueless liberal enviroweenies, at worst they dish out dangerously bad advice that can end up misleading people and ruining their cars. They're living proof that a little knowledge can be a dangerous thing. They routinely misdiagnose nearly every problem, and their naive listeners believe them because they're on NPR, which would NEVER lead you wrong ........ The Cap'n
Posted by: SGB Oct 11 2005, 09:17 AM
3 series, like Rick sez, only I'm lookin fer a nice 318.
For Subies, don't forget the Forester.
edit-
also, the Audi 1.8 is nice, esp the Quattro version.
Posted by: 914GT Oct 11 2005, 09:18 AM
| QUOTE (Gint @ Oct 10 2005, 08:40 PM) |
| Oh, and although I get loads of crap for this, my $6k 93 Acura Legend is an awesome car. You could find a low mile 95/96 for your budget with money to spare. And they'll go 200k with no problem. |
We just bought our third Acura. These have been great cars, very reliable and low maintenance. My son has our old 87 Legend and daughter has the 01 CL Type S. The 87 is still going strong.
Posted by: kwales Oct 11 2005, 09:25 AM
Gasp!
Media leading us wrong! i cant believe it...
I likes the Toyota products- Corolla and Camry. My wife drives my Geo Prizm (a rebadged Corolla). With a 1600 and a 5 speed, it zips pretty good. Wifey took it and won't give it back Adding an automatic would probably remove the performance and worsen the mileage.
FYI GEO Prizm's are perceived by the unwashed masses as a GM and as a consequence, go for a couple of thousands less than the Corrolla. They are both built on the same assembly line and use the same mechanicals. Prizms look a little different.
Got a 5 year old Prizm/Corolla with 26,000 miles for 8K. 28 mpg in stop and go, 40 mpg on highway.
Ken
Posted by: Nick Oct 11 2005, 09:33 AM
Lexus IS 300
Posted by: jd74914 Oct 11 2005, 10:21 AM
| QUOTE (SGB @ Oct 11 2005, 10:17 AM) |
| 3 series, like Rick sez, only I'm lookin fer a nice 318. For Subies, don't forget the Forester. edit- also, the Audi 1.8 is nice, esp the Quattro version. |
3 series or a 2000 (of that model bracket) Audi A4 quatro
Posted by: BMartin914 Oct 11 2005, 11:23 AM
Sounds to me like a newer BMW or Audi is going to be out of his price range at a max of 10 grand.
If you want relaibility - go Japanese. They may be a little dull, but a used Honda (be it an accord or civic) a Toyota (camry or corolla) or a Nissan (I'd go Maxima but maybe an Altima) is going to give her a car that always starts, runs, gets good gas mileage and has a decent amount of room.
Most women don't seem to be consumed with German heritage, handling and prestige if it starts and runs like they want.
Posted by: cha914 Oct 11 2005, 11:56 AM
Craig ... you got a car for everyone eh? ... come down about 8K and i will be on the next plane 
B - very good points, she could care less about the german heritage, as much as I try to impress it on her. Looks like its time to go drive some cars...
Tony
Posted by: JmuRiz Oct 11 2005, 12:28 PM
I'm in the same boat, my GF wants to get the new VW GTI (made in Germany now), but it's not avail till ~Feb...so I don't know what to do.
I'd love to have a DSG GTI for fun on the weekends too, hmmm
Posted by: johnmhudson111 Oct 11 2005, 12:34 PM
Go look at the Scion xB, my wife has one and is a pretty cool little car, loads of room on the inside. I think they go for something like $14k new so a used one should be in that price range. I like th xB enough that I am seriously thinking about trading the GMC in on a new Tc, they are pretty fun little car too.
Posted by: 9146986 Oct 11 2005, 03:22 PM
| QUOTE (Nick @ Oct 11 2005, 07:33 AM) |
| Lexus IS 300 |
I gotta go with Nick on this.
I've always been a German car fan, but have you seen the frequency of repair ratings?
The newer the Beemer the less reliable and more expensive it is to maintain.One of my best friends put 350,000 miles on a Camry wagon, with no major repairs!
Get the lowest mileage garage queen Lexus you can find. Reliability of a Toyota with german luxury car appointments.
Posted by: jhadler Oct 11 2005, 03:49 PM
My first thought would be an E30 or E36 3-Series Bimmer. You can get a whole lot of car if you look for something that's not an M3. Like a 325 or a 328...
-Josh2
Posted by: buck toenges Oct 11 2005, 04:01 PM
I just bought my wife a '94 318 i convertible off of e bay for 6k. It has 129k on it. It is a 1.8 l. auto. I had to put in about 1 k to get it right. Wife loves it. She can still get all the groceries in and haul part of the family in it and she doesn't have to drive the fricken suburban around all the time! Its red and she is happy and I am saving gas!
Posted by: Eddie914 Oct 11 2005, 05:29 PM
How about a Mini for less than $10K?
I performed a search on AutoTrader. 15 cars located Under $10K! Unfortunately none within 300 miles of Seattle ... what gives?
Can these prices be real?
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=190639416&dealer_id=57031146&car_year=2004&adCertifiedCheck=n&search_type=used&make=MINI&distance=0&model=&address=98116&advanced=&certified=&carfaxGeneric=false&max_price=10000&bkms=1129072414740&sort_type=priceASC&min_price=100&end_year=2006&start_year=2000&car_year=2003&isp=y&lang=en&cardist=2406
I'm tempted to sell the M5 daily driver!
Eddie
Posted by: horizontally-opposed Oct 11 2005, 05:36 PM
Subies and Minis...best cars in this price range for driving fun, reliability, some actual character, and a good ownership experience. New Miata is quite good, if that's your bag.
I like VWs, was raised on VWs, and have a family that still buys VWs -- but can't recommend them for two reasons: Spotty reliability and piss-poor handling dynamics and steering. You can fix the former (Hello...Neuspeed?) but the latter is a tougher thing.
Nothing else stands out in this category, unless you go used. And then it gets REAL interesting...
My 0.2 cents.
pete
Posted by: boxstr Oct 11 2005, 07:30 PM
If you are looking for a 1991 325 BMW convertible. You won't find a nicer one than the one here on craigslist. I sold to a friend of mine, who put his Midas touch on this car. It is perfect beyond a doubt. It has a factory hardtop which makes the car feel exactly like a coupe.
It has all options. Automatic trans. Heated seats, Leather interior.
http://portland.craigslist.org/car/99974646.html
CCLINBMWTANNINGMACHINE
Attached image(s)
Posted by: nebreitling Oct 11 2005, 08:12 PM
dang Cap't, tell us how you "really" feel about car talk.... i share the sentiment though -- they once told a women that the interior vapor buildup in her 912 was a leaky heater core.
i helped the gf pick up a '99 Z3 2.8 auto a year ago with 60k on the clock for like 11k. just a few little electrical problems so far, but it's been very solid overall. more importantly, she loves the damn thing.
Posted by: turboman808 Mar 15 2006, 07:01 AM
Sounds like she needs a small hatchback
some sort of civic hatch or a toyota. Celica is an awesome car with lots of trunk space. Outbacks are smally but roomy and pretty reliable. Lots more to go wrong and if she doesn't need all wheel drive then don't bother.
Sorry I wouldn't get a vw. Ok maybe a first gen gti but thats it
Posted by: ninefourteener Mar 15 2006, 08:15 AM
Here ya go...... plain and simple. Looks like a pretty good buy 
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Subaru-Impreza-RS-2-5-2D-COUPE-GREAT-CONDITION_W0QQitemZ4621823647QQcategoryZ31868QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Posted by: ty914 Mar 15 2006, 08:34 AM
My wife and I went through the same thing...
We found that Volvos crashed in price the first 3 years due to promlems in 1999 and 2000 with thier cars. We picked up a 2001 black S80...it is in perfect condition, tan leather, all the options, and nice 17" wheels. New sticker was $40K and it was a one ower car...
We purchased it and said we would keep it 2 years...break even on it and do it again. Well it is time to sell it. We paid 16k and it has a "transferable" bumper to bumper waranty with it that is still good for 1.5 years...
I think you could get a S40 (smaller) for under 10K.
Good luck...Tyler
Posted by: JmuRiz Mar 15 2006, 10:52 AM
| QUOTE (ty914 @ Mar 15 2006, 06:34 AM) |
| My wife and I went through the same thing... We found that Volvos crashed in price the first 3 years due to promlems in 1999 and 2000 with thier cars. We picked up a 2001 black S80...it is in perfect condition, tan leather, all the options, and nice 17" wheels. New sticker was $40K and it was a one ower car... We purchased it and said we would keep it 2 years...break even on it and do it again. Well it is time to sell it. We paid 16k and it has a "transferable" bumper to bumper waranty with it that is still good for 1.5 years... I think you could get a S40 (smaller) for under 10K. Good luck...Tyler |
I was thinking the same. My sister has a 1st gen S40 and I think it's a nice little car. You can get them used for ~$10-14k...not to shabby. Can get the 2nd gen for ~$17k. Saabs also have bad resale but are nice cars to get used.
Posted by: Ferg Mar 15 2006, 10:57 AM
Go out and drive a Mazda3, for your critera and price point I think you will have a hard time finding a nicer car...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mazda-3-2004-Power-brakes-Moonroof-Premium-sound_W0QQitemZ4621731541QQcategoryZ84158QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Ferg.
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)