What car would you get?

[MrFryMoto]

So I'm getting pretty bored with my current car (1995 Volvo 850r Wagon) and am looking for something a little... different.

I'm commuting 35 miles each way to work now, and the Volvo sucks gas (literally), it has 116000 on the clock and is starting to fall apart so i figure it's time to upgrade.
i want something fun, and a warranty would be great! i figure I'm thinking in the $15,000 range

i really haven't found many cars that would be appealing that have been made in the past few years - help me DMF, you're my only hope.

[OverCaffeinated]

I'm in the same boat as you right now. About the same budget as well. I've pretty much made up my mind on an 2005 or 2006 Subaru legacy GT. You get all wheel drive, almost 250hp turbo 4 cylinder, plus leather and other modern amenities. I'm seeing them sell anywhere from 10k to 20k. I think its a good balance of luxury, without buying a bmw or equivalent, and performance without having a two wing on the back.

[MrFryMoto]

yeah, a buddy of mine just got a 2006 Saab 9-3 and it's actually a fun little car.. but it's still a Saab.

i was thinking a WRX or something of the sort as well.

[Popeye the Sailor]

Uh-why not the moto? You live in SLO dude-it's beautiful every day.

[MrFryMoto]

Uh-why not the moto? You live in SLO dude-it's beautiful every day.

the 32 degree temperatures are no fun - and i need something a hair more practical .

[OverCaffeinated]

I'll be the first to say I don't think any Subaru is the best lookin car around, but for our budget and what you get for it, I'd be more than happy to cruise one.

[KnightofNi]

the 32 degree temperatures are no fun - and i need something a hair more practical .

fry are those sissypants armored?

you can deal witht he cold easy enough with the right gear. and you dont' have to spend lots of money on it.


then again, compared to a car, buying the best stuff would still be cheap.



now excuse me, i have to go make sure it's not to cold where i'm going to sleep.

[mitt]

Subaru wrx was my first thought too.  How much room do you need?  Mini?

mitt

[metallimonster]

My buddy just got a 2004 Infiniti G35x with all wheel drive and a VERY powerful V6 with about 50K on it for $14,000.  After seeing and riding in his I will be looking to get one of these in September when I will be in the market.  It is a beautiful car with an awesome interior (the back seats recline!), bose sound system, and all the extras you could want.  These are basically the same cars as the Skylines in Japan and are freaking fast ( I've been in a lot of fast Audis and this was comparable to a 2.7t S4 if not stronger).  The all wheel drive is awesome.  It is rear wheel until the computer detects slippage and then goes to all wheel in milliseconds.  You get the fun aspect of a rear wheel drive car with the saftey of all wheel.  

[DesmoDiva]

yeah, a buddy of mine just got a 2006 Saab 9-3 and it's actually a fun little car.. but it's still a Saab.

i was thinking a WRX or something of the sort as well.

Look for a 2005-6 Saab 9-2X Aero.  It is a WRX in GM clothes for a couple thousand less. 

Everything on the car, other than the sheet metal, is 100% Subaru.  Check out saab92x.com, if you interested in more info. 

[Ash]

i could totally see you in a wrx or 9-2x bro... it's really YOU

that said, i think the AT versions suck so make sure you get a rower

[Blackout]

I've got a real Saab, a 20 year old 900 SPG serviced by Morin Brothers when I lived in SLO. Car has about 290K on it and I rebuilt the engine about 2 years ago. It's like a brand new car.
The WRX is pretty sweet though and so is the Infinity. Or if you want a challenge, how about a slightly older Porsche 911SC?

[DCXCV]

Look for a 2005-6 Saab 9-2X Aero.  It is a WRX in GM clothes for a couple thousand less. 

Everything on the car, other than the sheet metal, is 100% Subaru.  Check out saab92x.com, if you interested in more info. 

Alright, don't laugh, but a buddy of mine has an '03 Pontiac Vibe GT - 180 hp I-4, no turbos or anything and similar tot he above, it's a Toyota Matrix in GM clothing.  2003 was the first model year and he has something like 125k on his with only clutch work done (6 spd manual).  You can get one very cheap as they aren't much over $20k even brand new.  But the newer models all have lower HP numbers which is kinda awful.

I do dig those Subaru's, though.  But not the new ones cause I don't like what they did with the nose - the original WRX (with the wing  ) - it's like the modern Superbird.

[XiaoNio]

Most of these Saabaru options and the G35 won't be much more fuel efficient than your current ride. AWD Subarus and Nissan's VQ engine aren't known for their fuel economy.

Saab's 9-3 and 9-5 are pretty efficient though. Some of them doing 30's for highway driving. With the economy and Saab's notoriously poor resale, you could probably get a practically new one in your price range. You could also look at the Acura TSX. It's pretty comfy and pretty sporty. My friend has one and I found it to be like a much more pleasant version of my Civic Si.

Speaking of which, if you're into hot hatches and rice rockets, the Si, VW GTI and Mini will all return great all around mileage while being pretty fun.

[COWBOY]

My buddy just got a 2004 Infiniti G35x with all wheel drive and a VERY powerful V6 with about 50K on it for $14,000.  After seeing and riding in his I will be looking to get one of these in September when I will be in the market.  It is a beautiful car with an awesome interior (the back seats recline!), bose sound system, and all the extras you could want.  These are basically the same cars as the Skylines in Japan and are freaking fast ( I've been in a lot of fast Audis and this was comparable to a 2.7t S4 if not stronger).  The all wheel drive is awesome.  It is rear wheel until the computer detects slippage and then goes to all wheel in milliseconds.  You get the fun aspect of a rear wheel drive car with the saftey of all wheel.  

Careful, while the G35 is indeed badged as a Skyline in Japan (same car different name) it is in no way close to our understanding of a Skyline in the US which is the GT-R.   There is no comparison between the G35 and a Skyline GT-R (3.8L twin turbo V8 producing a claimed 485hp).

The G35s rock if you need a real backseat.  If not the Nissan Z coupe is a sweet ride with a more sporting nature.  The two cares share the same engines and underpinnings.   You can find an 03-05 of either around 15K and sometimes an 06 with a little higher mileage.

I'm considering a commuter myself and have found there are a lot of cool cars and trucks in the 15k range.  Good luck with your search.