Time For A New Car

[Thordic]

Well, it's finally time.

My mustang is getting up there (11 years old now), and starting to fall apart. Only 97k miles but it was parked for the majority of 18 months and that seems to have put the nail in her coffin, at least for me.

Roof leaks fairly badly ($1100 to repair), some part of the front suspension is literally falling apart (found a bolt on my driveway the other day, not sure if its tie rods or struts or what. Havn't driven it since, nasty vibration noise, I need to jack it up and take a look), and the transmission leaks (has leaked since day 1, but has gotten worse. Keep putting fluid in and it runs ok but it just seems like one of those timebomb problems).

So I'm finally giving up. I'm going to get a friend to fix up the front suspension, dry out the interior as best as I can (its been damp lately), and dump her on Craigslist. I can probably get a couple grand for her, I'm thinking $2500 tops but who knows. With a new roof or to someone who doesn't mind driving a swamp, she'll prolly live a good long while. She's got new tires, new exhaust from the headers back (stock, just replaced), new front brakes (incl. calipers), as is otherwise in pretty decent shape.

But anyway, now I'm at the point where I'm looking at new cars. Buying a new car isn't contingent on selling the old one as I'm not planning on getting a ton of money for it anyways.

I'm looking used, and I don't want to spend more than $17/18k. '07+. First I was looking at sports sedans, but then I shrunk my budget down because I decided I didn't want to waste money. I'd love a G35 or A6 but not worth the money to me. My morning commute is 1.5 miles.

So my other inclination was a pickup truck, or SUV. I know, big difference. I drove a Chrysler Aspen extensively when I was traveling for work and loved the damn thing. They are a bit pricy though for my cheap self. However, the Nissan XTerra falls right into my price range.

I found a 2008 XTerra Offroad, 34k miles, for $17.8. Thats a little under market value though, so I'm a bit skeptical until I go see it in person. So I want to keep my options open.

So what do you guys think? I don't think I'm going to get anything fast and nimble in my price range, so I'm shooting for 4WD. Pickup trucks would be great but quadcab pushes them into the mid-20s for the most part. So it looks like I'm stuck with SUVs but I'm open to ideas. I've been doing some research but its always more fun to post it up here anyways.

[vf-xx]

I've got a 07 Ford Fusion SE V6.

Has a good amount of pep to it, decent mileage, and rather alot of storage space for a car.

Should fit well under your budget rating too according to KBB. I haven't had any problems in this car that weren't caused by an old lady t-boning me :mad: :mad:

[Thordic]

Hows the dash? My Mustang had a dash that looked like it was from 1970. I dealt with it but the controls were terrible and felt cheap. Not a dealbreaker by any means but all things being equal, that dash was ugly.

And for the record, mileage is not really a concern. Like I said, I drive 3 miles a day. My mustang gets MAYBE 19mpg and I fill it up like once a month as it is.

[Thordic]

Also, unless I buy a dirt-cheap car, anything older than 2007 is a potential dealbreaker. Interest rate goes from 5.3 to 9.3 at the bank for used cars older than 2007. So yeah.

Putting 8 down and 10k financed @ 5.3 leaves my payments at around $200 a month. I could afford more but thats my goal.

As stated before, I'm a cheap bastard. And that lets me easily double up payments pretty often.

[Lohman446]

For 8 you can buy... oh... A 2006 Focus with 50K miles on it for less than that, drive it four years carpayment / interest free. Poof, instant savings of $12,000 over five years in car payments.

18K leaves you with some pretty open options out there though.

[Thordic]

For 8 you can buy... oh... A 2006 Focus with 50K miles on it for less than that, drive it four years carpayment / interest free. Poof, instant savings of $12,000 over five years in car payments.

Yeah, my past two cars I paid cash for. Bought a 1995 Saturn SL2 in 2000 for $5k, and my 1999 Mustang in 2004 for $8k.

Cars suck because no matter what you do its a money pit.

[vf-xx]

The dash on mine is fine. The center console holds the radio and AC controls, the dash material itself is a soft plastic/vinyl material that's quite nice.

Really, I was quite impressed with the interior. It's not quite as good as my 07 Civic, but it's far better than the comparable GM.

If you can find one of the few Fusions with the sports package those are very nice. Upgraded seats and the like.

[Lohman446]

I suggest you look outside of Jersey. Around here I have to explain to people that the NADA and KBB books are written by the dealers, and paying anywhere near those prices is paying WAY too much.

[Thordic]

I've been looking in Michigan as well since I'm out there for work every now and then and could drive it back. I figured prices would be friendlier there.

[vf-xx]

Oh, one item of note: On the 07 Fusion, ABS was not standard, but was a common option. Just an FYI.

[Coralis]

You ought to take a vacation down near my neck of the woods http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=274426615&dealer_id=72779&car_year=2008&rdm=1266971258140&lastStartYear=1981&num_records=25&systime=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&start_year=2007&engine=&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&certified=&fuel=&body_code=0&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=25&marketZipError=false&search_lang=en&showZipError=y&first_record=26&make=&color=&keywords_display=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&seller_type=b&max_mileage=&style_flag=1&sort_type=priceDESC&address=34475&advanced=&end_year=2011&pager.offset=25&transmission=&doors=&max_price=18000&cardist=29&standard=false and a bigger city like Orlando has better deals, best of all anything you buy here probably has never seen road salt and you could make it a vacation as well.

[MANN]

I would not own a Nissan suv/truck. Their cars are 10X better than their trucks/suv. I would not own anything Chrysler. Imo they are cheaply made. If I were purchasing a suv I would purchase a trail blazer for something small/cheaper on gas. If purchasing a truck I would prefer a chevy over ford, but ford over any of the rest. For a car I would look at older Mercedes or Cadillacs, but since you need it new it would throw those vehicles out of your price range.

If you can help it go south for your car. The cars we get from "up north" are nothing but rust underneath.

[Fred]

I VOTE DENIM XTERRA! :headbang:

[punkncat]

If your round trip commute is 3 miles, I would suggest you save yourself the money and hassle of having to pay insurance and get a nice bike and some gear for the various weater....or just walk.

[BobTheCow]

I would kill a man to witness Thor bike his *** around for 3 miles a day through a Jersey winter. :D Best suggestion yet!

[vf-xx]

I would kill a man to witness Thor bike his *** around for 3 miles a day through a Jersey winter. :D Best suggestion yet!

http://www.popularmechanics.com/outdoors/sports/4204339.html

Could be FUN!!

[Lohman446]

I would not own a Nissan suv/truck. Their cars are 10X better than their trucks/suv. I would not own anything Chrysler. Imo they are cheaply made. If I were purchasing a suv I would purchase a trail blazer for something small/cheaper on gas. If purchasing a truck I would prefer a chevy over ford, but ford over any of the rest. For a car I would look at older Mercedes or Cadillacs, but since you need it new it would throw those vehicles out of your price range.

If you can help it go south for your car. The cars we get from "up north" are nothing but rust underneath.

There is a point about rust. However, keep in mind getting too close to salt water can also attract rust. IMHO Cadillacs do not age well (Mid 90's up Cadillacs being rather unimpressive). Trailblazer / Explorer were both decent but both had there own idiosyncracies (Trailblazer rear ends, and did you know the bypass hose calls for 9HRs to change and pulling of the transmission - retarded design (you can replace just the end that leaks by pulling the alternator and cutting the pipe)). That being said the Explorers had ball joint issues (and the CV axle design had rear end bearing issues) so they even out somewhere. I would agree that Chrysler would not be my first pick in any segment (possible exception a cheap Neon Wagon... err Caliber). Personally I think the full size SUVs (Suburban / Tahoe w/ third seat) hold value better over the long run as far as SUVs - and your commute the mileage doesn't matter. Both of those over an Expedition - and a diesel Excursion will be killed by starting it and shutting it down in three miles so its out.

[SCpoloRicker]

For 8 you can buy... oh... A 2006 Focus with 50K miles on it

I bought a then-3 year old 2002 Focus for $7k with 36k miles; so I'm really getting a kick out of a lot of these replies.

/nothing wrong with the Focus, great little beater

[Lohman446]

I bought a then-3 year old 2002 Focus for $7k with 36k miles; so I'm really getting a kick out of a lot of these replies.

/nothing wrong with the Focus, great little beater

I have a two door sitting on the lot that I have $6900 on, and it could go a bit less. I would guess we are playing in the right ball game

/I hear Toyotas are cheap now :D

[Swampy]

By no means am I mechanic, but I do my fair amount of truck buying. Currently I own 6 trucks ranging from 1/2 tons to a F550, and looking to add more.

If you decide to the pick up route what fuel type would you want? Gas or Diesel.

What size or class of truck will suit your needs? 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 ton.

Toyota's honestly they are pretty good trucks. I've heard about some frame issues in their 03 tundra's frame rusting out plus I don't like the style of the frame. Minus the cost though.

A few things to watch out for, if its got a plow or just the subplow framing under it. Means yes it has plowed snow which can lead towards premature front suspension failure. Trailer hitches if you can read the data plate attached to them watch out for the heavier class hitches, espeically the class 4 or 5 hitches it means they were towing something that could have been to heavy for it. I have a class four on my dodge 1500 only for the pintle setup that I need when I rent either a concrete mixer or the compressor that I use for irragation blowouts at the end of season or the jackhammer.

Don't forget since your looking at SUV's about Jeep's.

[bofh]

Here's my two crazy cents.

Volvo.

Early 2000's go for under 6k, AWD was fairly popular, some of the trim levels can have a damn peppy engine. (and others can be chipped) The station wagons can haul a lot of people or stuff, *and* you don't have to watch the height restrictions parking decks. The kind of people that buy Volvo's normally take good care of them too.

There's the stigma of being a Volvo, but I think you'd be fine with that after owning the Princess :)

[bofh]

Or, if you're brave, I bet you could pick up a brand new Hummer H3 for pretty cheap.

[behemoth]

erry time i drive my volvo...

They tow the shat.

[Soopa Villain17]

i vote for a focus. ive had my 05 for over 3 years and i love it.

[Swampy]

Still going on the Pickup truck. Work all week then hit the mud on the weekends. :D

[MANN]

Here's my two crazy cents.

Volvo.

:nono:

Here's my 2 cents. Dont take bofh's 2 cents. volvos are expensive as heck to work on/have work done to them. They are no more dependable than any other jap/us car.

[FA22RaptorF22]

:nono:

Here's my 2 cents. Dont take bofh's 2 cents. volvos are expensive as heck to work on/have work done to them. They are no more dependable than any other jap/us car.

QFT. Volvos, or any foreign cars for that matter....are a pain to work on.

Just changing the oil involves taking six bolts and a bottom access panel off. What a pain.

My vote goes to a jap car...more specifically, THREE letters.

.......R S X

[LinearGoose]

Saab

[Thordic]

more specifically, THREE letters.

.......R S X

You couldn't pay me to drive an Acura. I'm not a 22 year old douchebag. Maybe things are different where you live.

Looking at the XTerra soon simply because its closeby and I found it already. Meanwhile the search continues. I'm kinda meh on volvo's but I'm not beyond taking a look.

[Lohman446]

Saab

Why? They are currently an orphaned car company. There is little doubt value will plummet and price / service availability may become an issue.

On the other side: My issue with Volvo comes from working at a dealer. I once asked a factory rep why they were not at all concerned about transmission issues on the 850 (that dates it some). The sealed nature of the transmission was part of it, and they usually went out around 80K. He explained to me there priority customers are the customers who buy a new Volvo every 2yrs / 25K miles. The warranty was 5 yrs / 50K at that time and he could goodwill for a repeat customer to 6 / 60. So a repeat customer who had missed 2 buy cycles could still be covered. He explained to me he cared about that customer who purchased new and the resale value. After that he frankly stated it wasn't really a factory concern what happened with the car after that. Volvo built its reputation with the old 240 battle tank. They no longer produce it and the cars they produce now are not even built on the same theories (reliability and safety being the only concerns). Somewhere asthetics and performance came in (The S80 was available with high pressure turbos and a top speed of 184MPH).

[Ruler_Mark]

the pontiac g8's price have plummeted, you can get the gt version(came with a v8) for around 18k now(had a 34k sticker 6 months ago) with sub 20k miles

[FA22RaptorF22]

You couldn't pay me to drive an Acura. I'm not a 22 year old douchebag. Maybe things are different where you live.

Looking at the XTerra soon simply because its closeby and I found it already. Meanwhile the search continues. I'm kinda meh on volvo's but I'm not beyond taking a look.

Does being 22 make everyone a douchebag?

Anyway,
Yeah an Xterra is alright, It just depends how long your commute is, what you want to use your vehicle for, etc.

For me, I have a longish commute, and being just driving myself, a small fuel efficient car is the way to go.

Like I said, it all depends on your needs...but I wouldn't go with audi, bmw ,volvo ,saab...they are just plain hard to work on.

[Thordic]

No, but 95% of Acura drivers are 22 year old douchebags with racing decals, popped collars, or some such. You are pretty much guaranteed that if you see an Acura in NJ, he is going to come flying past you at 30+mph over the speed limit, music blaring, and will cut you off even if the whole road is available.

[Lohman446]

Does being 22 make everyone a douchebag?

Anyway,
Yeah an Xterra is alright, It just depends how long your commute is, what you want to use your vehicle for, etc.

For me, I have a longish commute, and being just driving myself, a small fuel efficient car is the way to go.

Like I said, it all depends on your needs...but I wouldn't go with audi, bmw ,volvo ,saab...they are just plain hard to work on.

I think he meant being an Acura (RSX) driver implies one is likely a 22 year old douche. :). Maybe he meant it nicely

[ShooterJM]

I vote for the A6. Just picked one up last year for my wife, good car. Not cheap to fix if something goes sideways, but a good car.

[bofh]

Pro tip: do not put a moving A6 Sideways.

[Thordic]

I vote for the A6. Just picked one up last year for my wife, good car. Not cheap to fix if something goes sideways, but a good car.

Maintenance was my main concern on the Audi, I know they get pricy to fix.

[ShooterJM]

Well, if you don't have your heart set on quatrro or a turbocharged engine the costs drop just because you have more options. ie you can get your cv replaced at a non-dealership or audi specialist.

[Thordic]

Yeah I would have wanted a T quattro.

[ShooterJM]

Pro tip: do not put a moving A6 Sideways.


Sure. NOW you tell me.... :D

[Dayspring]

Well, you know me - I vote for the Xterra.

Mine lasted 187k miles before we got rid of it. They've only improved on the design since they came out.

I love the new design and some of the features that the off-road and enthusiast community had been modding on after market are now standard or options from Nissan.

[Dayspring]

I VOTE DENIM XTERRA! :headbang:

You would... :P

[govnamac]

Well, you know me - I vote for the Xterra.

Mine lasted 187k miles before we got rid of it. They've only improved on the design since they came out.

I love the new design and some of the features that the off-road and enthusiast community had been modding on after market are now standard or options from Nissan.

How could you get rid of the purple X?

[Thordic]

I managed to track down two XTerra OffRoads, and both of them sold before I could get to the dealership. SE's are hard to come by as well. Damnit.

[govnamac]

I managed to track down two XTerra OffRoads, and both of them sold before I could get to the dealership. SE's are hard to come by as well. Damnit.

Andy Bernard: You meet a lot of ladies driving an Xterra because you pull up to a stoplight and look over and there's an Xterra next to you, they're always driven by chicks. So there's your ice breaker.

[sjrtk]

1.5 mile commute? Segway with a winter coat?


Andy Bernard: You meet a lot of ladies driving an Xterra because you pull up to a stoplight and look over and there's an Xterra next to you, they're always driven by chicks. So there's your ice breaker.

My lifted pathfinder was good for Xterra girls to but not Wrangelr girls (one of them hit me left me in a ditch on the roof).

That being said Yes 90% of RSX's in NJ are driven by douchbags. But are still reliableas are just about all your choices (as long as you take care of them) Audi's v-6 leaks oil all the time period (i work on them enough). I own a Saab and she's starting to show her age at 200k and 10 years old. there all good just find what fits.

[Dayspring]

How could you get rid of the purple X?

Because it was old, was going to need more work than it was worth, and I didn't trust it on long drives with the family.

[govnamac]

Because it was old, was going to need more work than it was worth, and I didn't trust it on long drives with the family.


Still, park it on the lawn as a monument, or donate it to Topgun for a bunker :D

[Dayspring]

Still, park it on the lawn as a monument, or donate it to Topgun for a bunker :D

Donated to charity for the tax write off. :)

[chuey]

V6 Rav 4 the engine is fantastic!

[Thordic]

Isn't the RAV4 a car frame?

If I get an SUV, it'll have a truck frame. I don't want a station wagon with delusions of grandeur.

My SUV list is pretty short if I go that route. XTerra Off-Road, 4Runner, Grand Cherokee. And I need to test drive the Grand Cherokee, I've always found that older Jeeps felt very narrow in the drivers seat, like your knees didn't have anywhere to go. 4Runners tend to be a bit more $$ than the other two.

[govnamac]

Isn't the RAV4 a car frame?

If I get an SUV, it'll have a truck frame. I don't want a station wagon with delusions of grandeur.

My SUV list is pretty short if I go that route. XTerra Off-Road, 4Runner, Grand Cherokee. And I need to test drive the Grand Cherokee, I've always found that older Jeeps felt very narrow in the drivers seat, like your knees didn't have anywhere to go. 4Runners tend to be a bit more $$ than the other two.

I would vote Jeep, since I always regretted trading mine in. Do they still have the lifetime powertrain warranty? My sister in law has an 07 Xterra, and while it is nice it just feels a little cheaply made.

[Thordic]

I need to test drive the Jeep. From previous experience, the drivers seat was never comfortable since it was too narrow and my left knee always felt cramped.

[Dayspring]

I would vote Jeep, since I always regretted trading mine in. Do they still have the lifetime powertrain warranty? My sister in law has an 07 Xterra, and while it is nice it just feels a little cheaply made.

Don't you mean your "Jee" after you read-ended my Xterra coming back from Skirmish that one night?

[govnamac]

Hey, that car was 11 years old when I finally got rid of it. And if it wasn't for your tow hitch taking the whole hit the purple people eater wouldn't have survived :D

[Enemy]

uhhh I know you can get a 350z for under 15 now granted it would be 03-05 but you said you wanted sporty, also rx-8s and s2000s as well as mustangs so there are somethings out there in your range.

I also have an 04 tacoma the 07 would be outta your price range but then again i havent looked at the values since the whole toyota debacle began.. anyways i love mine its a 4 door prerunner edition, its not 4x4 but it has an electronic diff lock standard and that has gotten me up some pretty steep hills plus this thing handles a dirt road amazingly well.

other than that id take the 4runner over the xterra just like the styling better and i believe the engines are a little stronger not including the xterra supercharged edition.