What kind of car should I get?

[maraxle]

I'm looking for new car ideas, as I hate my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLX (that's the VR6 engine with all the options, leather interior, etc).  What kind of car should I get instead?  Here's some of my criteria/likes/dislikes to get you started...

I will not ever buy another Volkswagen.
I will not buy an Audi because it is just a glorified Volkswagen.
I will not buy a BMW.
I will not buy a Honda Accord or Civic.
I will not buy an SUV.
I will not buy a van, mini or otherwise.
I had a bad experience with a Subaru at one point, so I would need much convincing to buy another.
I had an excellent experience with a Mazda 626.
I do not like how trucks ride enough to have one as my primary vehicle.
I do not like rear wheel drive vehicles.
What I like best about my Jetta are the fun features and the smooth (for a small car) ride.
What I like least about my Jetta are the reliability (or lack thereof) and VW service reps.
I would prefer not to spend more than $30k, but would consider it.
I would prefer gas mileage at least as good as, if not better, than the 20 city / 25 highway that my Jetta gets.

If any questions you can think of would help you suggest a car, feel free to ask them.

[jam92102]

Mazda Rx-8

[Luxury]

Mazda Rx-8

I concur

[Ken Layton]

Today's cars are the flimsiest, crappiest, overpriced junk ever made. Get yourself something with some meat on it like a 55 Buick! Just the bumper on that has more metal in it than a complete car today has.

[NoBonus]

Buy a Saturn.  It is inexpensive, reliable, good customer service, and safe.

[Buddabing]

I'm looking for new car ideas, as I hate my 2000 Volkswagen Jetta GLX (that's the VR6 engine with all the options, leather interior, etc).  What kind of car should I get instead?  Here's some of my criteria/likes/dislikes to get you started...

I will not ever buy another Volkswagen.
I will not buy an Audi because it is just a glorified Volkswagen.
I will not buy a BMW.
I will not buy a Honda Accord or Civic.
I will not buy an SUV.
I will not buy a van, mini or otherwise.
I had a bad experience with a Subaru at one point, so I would need much convincing to buy another.
I had an excellent experience with a Mazda 626.
I do not like how trucks ride enough to have one as my primary vehicle.
I do not like rear wheel drive vehicles.
What I like best about my Jetta are the fun features and the smooth (for a small car) ride.
What I like least about my Jetta are the reliability (or lack thereof) and VW service reps.
I would prefer not to spend more than $30k, but would consider it.
I would prefer gas mileage at least as good as, if not better, than the 20 city / 25 highway that my Jetta gets.

If any questions you can think of would help you suggest a car, feel free to ask them.

I would say buy something used, say 3-4 years old and get an extended warranty. New cars depreciate significantly when you drive them off the lot.

[zaphod]

Two year-old Nissan Altima.  Depreciates very fast so don't buy new.  My '96 has worked wonderfully for me the last 6+ years.  Great car for the price.  They generally include an extended warranty.

[maraxle]

Mazda Rx-8

That's rear-wheel drive.

[abrannan]

Toyota Prius?

[Santoro]

Any Toyota will be super-reliable and have a quality ride.  I love my Sequoia and Sienna before it. (though those don't meet your parameters)  Toyota has similar quality of engineering as VW IMHO.  

I have a hard time recommending any sub$30K American car to you because if you are anything like me you are probably 'spoiled' by the rock-solid feel of the fit and finish of your VW.  My Passat felt like a tank.  My new Mazda Tribute (AKA Ford Escape) feels like an empty aluminum can by comparison.  The fit and finish is AWFUL!  If the little touches and fit and finish mean a lot to you, go Toyota, and maybe Nissan/Honda.

A lot will call me anti-American, but I can't see paying hard earned cash for lesser-quality vehicles.  Anyone who wants to call me on that should review the Consumer Reports Car Reliability ratings and compare any foreign car with its nearest domestic competitor.   And I know from experience that those ratings are accurate - they have pegged the problems with every car I have owned for the last 20 years.  

[mmmPeanutButter]

Toyota Prius?

I vote prius too (is this a democratic vote??).

At least take it out for a spin...  if you can find one.  I hear there is a pretty big waiting list (about 9 months in CA).

[Sephroth57]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

the baddest ass japanese import car to be sold in the US to date. AWD turbo, runs 13.1 1/4 mile stock.. need i say more

[Santoro]

Mazda Rx-8

I must say this car is awesome.  If I wanted a sportscar, I'd easily chose this one.

[abrannan]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

the baddest ass japanese import car to be sold in the US to date. AWD turbo, runs 13.1 1/4 mile stock.. need i say more

$29,999 MSRP, cuts it a bit close to the limit, no?

[JackTucky]

I'd get a tiny car filled with clowns.  

Art

[Dartful Dodger]

Buy American.

[NoBonus]

Buy American.

I haven't heard that slogan when referring to cars since the movie, "Spies Like Us" was on the big screen.

[jam92102]

Mazda Rx-8

That's rear-wheel drive.

I was not aware of that.  Just thought they looked pretty awesome.

[mozzer]

Lexus IS300.... It's a sick car and right at $30k

[Mr. Dude]

Go get a moped... you'll save on gas money.

[maraxle]

I have a hard time recommending any sub$30K American car to you because if you are anything like me you are probably 'spoiled' by the rock-solid feel of the fit and finish of your VW.  My Passat felt like a tank.  

Maybe the Passat is better, but the last thing I would describe my Jetta as, well, other than reliable, is rock-solid.  Every time I turn a corner I'm afraid a wheel is going to pop off or something.

[Santoro]

Wow, that sucks.  My Passat really felt solid.  I haven't dealt with Jetta's much.  Maybe I am jaded because of how much crappier my new car is.  

[maraxle]

Toyota Prius?

I vote prius too (is this a democratic vote??).

At least take it out for a spin...  if you can find one.  I hear there is a pretty big waiting list (about 9 months in CA).

I like Toyota, but I think the Prius is a rather unattractive vehicle.  The Tacoma is great, as is the Camry, and the Celica and Spyder look pretty cool (if a little bit girly).

[maraxle]

So far I'm intrigued most by the RX8 suggestion.  Does anyone here have firsthand experience with one, good or bad?

[abrannan]

Toyota Prius?

I vote prius too (is this a democratic vote??).

At least take it out for a spin...  if you can find one.  I hear there is a pretty big waiting list (about 9 months in CA).

I like Toyota, but I think the Prius is a rather unattractive vehicle.  The Tacoma is great, as is the Camry, and the Celica and Spyder look pretty cool (if a little bit girly).

Yes, but you can MAME it.  There's a VGA screen in the dash.

[u_rebelscum]

Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII

I have an '01 Mitsubishi Galant.  V-6, sporty feel, 20/26 mpg rated and about what I get.  Notice I said sporty feel, the actual 0-60 and 40-70 times are only good at best.  Decent in the 10-40 mph ranges though.  [size=-2]I know it goes over a hundred fine [/size]  Not sure about the new galant models.

But the lancer and RX-8 are way sportier cars if that's what you want.  I just wanted a cheep, non-honda aggressive-like car when I got mine.

[hyiu]

I have a couple of questions...

do you want a 4 dr car ??... or don't mind a 2 dr car ??...

do you drive to work ??... or just wkend driving ??...

and also... if you buy this car... how long do you intend to keep it ??...

and you said you don't want to go over $30k... but will consider.... I would like to know... are you going to take a big loan on it ??... or not ??...

I think these are also deciding factors.....

[pointdablame]

01-03 Subaru WRX... I know you said you had a bad experience with Subaru, but at least drive it.  Look at the STI if you wanna have a lot more fun.  You could also get a WRX wagon which is still sporty looking IMHO and still quick as hell if that matters to you.  You could probably fit smaller cabs in the wagon also  Also, AWD > * IMO

Honestly though, it seems like the WRX/STI is a love/hate car.  You either absolutely hate the way they look like some people I know, to the point they don't wanna even try driving one, or you like the way they look.  I love them... just wish I could afford one for myself  

[Darkstalker]

I'm actually looking at the Ford Escape Hybrid that's coming out soon.  Yea, it's an SUV, but since I drive 40 miles each direction going to work, it will help out quite a bit.  Not to mention it isn't a goliath SUV, so I'd be OK with driving it.

[zaphod]

I'm actually looking at the Ford Escape Hybrid that's coming out soon.  Yea, it's an SUV, but since I drive 40 miles each direction going to work, it will help out quite a bit.  Not to mention it isn't a goliath SUV, so I'd be OK with driving it.

Have you test driven the Escape yet?  I didn't care for it's handling when I recently gave it a whirl.  (40 mpg is not too bad a selling point, tho')

[danny_galaga]

get one o them there model t fords. i hear tell that the real new fangled ones have one o them starting motors on it AND headlights!

[Magnet_Eye]

some ideas :

-corvette

-mini cooper

-hugo

-powell-peralta

-redline

huh?



 

[Minwah]

I will not ever buy another Volkswagen.
I will not buy an Audi because it is just a glorified Volkswagen.
I will not buy a BMW.

Don't be put off by todays new ---That which is odiferous and causeth plants to grow--- cars.  VW used to make some decent cars, early 60's (or previous) Beetles for instance...just about no-one makes a decent car any more

I admire your stand on Audi and particularly B*W tho.  B*W deserve to burn in hell IMO.  At the risk of offending someone, and also making a generalisation which I wouldn't normally do, all B*W drivers (in the UK at least) are complete and utter w*nkers - why anyone would want to tarnish themselves with that brush is beyond me...

[danny_galaga]

Mazda Rx-8

That's rear-wheel drive.

so?
edit: just re-read your criterion. dont you like going sideways?  

[danny_galaga]

personally i'd go with jacktucky's suggestion.

the only experience i've had with new cars in your neck of the woods was with my hire car- a 2003 mustang. was quite nice but the speedo kept cutting out. car had only turned over 10000 miles when i was driving it. suggestions are futile (but fun) since who can say what car YOU like until you drive it. i can say that once you guys start paying realistic prices for fuel the RX8 is gonna be a killer since rotaries are notoriously thirsty. and they've probably improved them but if youre just driving around town, rotaries are tedious- they like to be going hard all the time, not much power down low. like a two stroke bike.

oh, i did test ride a buell once. got it to 200km/h ok, but when i slowed down it kept wanting to stall. guess thats what happens when you try and get any sort of power out of such a goofy old motor   oh, and it didnt handle very well. gear box was surprisingly smooth though. so, if you just take away the engine and frame the buells not a bad bike  

[Luxury]

I admire your stand on Audi and particularly B*W tho.  B*W deserve to burn in hell IMO.  At the risk of offending someone, and also making a generalisation which I wouldn't normally do, all B*W drivers (in the UK at least) are complete and utter w*nkers - why anyone would want to tarnish themselves with that brush is beyond me...

Don't hate BMW because of their drivers.  They make good cars.  Unfortunately, you are absolutely 99.9% correct about the people who drive them (myself excluded).  Even though I drive one myself - I hate all the people who drive them.  Fortunately, starting 5 years ago everyone started trading in their bmers for Excursions and Escalades.  Now THERE are drivers someone can really hate!  

[rchadd]

RX8 6speed 230Bhp version.  its 22K GBP in the UK

I got one! in sunlight silver  

awesome performance and a very practical 4 seater.

worth a test drive just to hear the engine rev to 10K - it has a rotary engine!

drinks petrol though - probably ok if you're in the US but not if you live in the UK

guaranteed to turn heads  

in case you're not familiar with this unique piece of engineering take a look at these pics http://www.rx8media.com/thumbnails.php?album=5

more details on the engine etc at http://www.mazdarx8.co.uk/

[danny_galaga]

RX8 6speed 230Bhp version.  its 22K GBP in the UK

worth a test drive just to hear the engine rev to 10K - it has a rotary engine!

drinks petrol though - probably ok if you're in the US but not if you live in the UK

like i said  

but we are forgetting that he wants a fwd car. hey how about a caddy! fwd, made in america, big n comfy. its probably got a monitor in it to mame as well...

[rchadd]

so whats the problem about rear wheel drive?

[GadgetGeek]

so whats the problem about rear wheel drive?

They are a b!tch on snow.  Especially if you are stuck at a stoplight going up-hill.  Most states don't allow studded snow tires.

Go with a nice boring Buick Century or similar.  Not too expensive, big enough that you won't get squashed by an SUV but still small enough to fit in a parking spot.  Mediocre mileage, fair amount of interior room.  Bland but functional.