Advice on new cars for me

[gorillajin]

Hello,

It's me again. I made a thread about 2 door viggen with child seat
I am still think that Viggen is the right car for me, but I would like to get some advice and feed back on new cars from members here.

My budget is about $6000~$10000. I want something unique, rare, decent gas mileage, decent wind and road noise, manual, fun, and somewhat reliable.
I have been hunting for only RWD or AWD...mostly e36 M3
I noticed there are nothing that I can buy? B5 S4 is not reliable...
2005 Subaru Legacy GT is out of my price range...
WRX....is I don't know...I don't really like it?

The problem with finding and buying the right M3 was really hard because,

1. I work regular hour so checking out the car during the week days are hard for me. Whenever I find a decent M3, either it's gone in 2 days or sellers never response to my specific questions(hiding something).

2. If I have made time to check out the car, the owner is a kid who has not many maintenance records, and heavily modified it.

Due to the reasons of not enough RWD or AWD cars with manual option, I started to looking FWD cars again....
I had volvo 850R, but I sold it because it's an automatic. I tried to love the car, but automatic is just not for me...

What else out there?
Can anyone suggest me cars that I will be interested?

Thank you.

[sptsdn]

Viggen (4-door)
GTI (4-door)
9-5 Aero
G35
TSX
TL

All of the above are available with a manual transmission, range from average to excellent reliability, get decent fuel economy, and can comfortably fit a car seat.

[SaabKen]

Mazdaspeed 6 ? They're pretty rare since Mazda only sold them for a few years. It's a 4-dr sedan so utility-wise it's good and will accommodate your "growing" household. Maintenance should be of typical above-average reliability for Asian brands.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...drive-review-1

Power is good and comes via 2.3T. And it comes in manual 6-spd with great interior ergonomics.

Motorweek Video of the 2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 - YouTube

Motorweek Video of the 2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 - YouTube

[gorillajin]

Originally Posted by sptsdn

Viggen (4-door)
GTI (4-door)
9-5 Aero
G35
TSX
TL

All of the above are available with a manual transmission, range from average to excellent reliability, get decent fuel economy, and can comfortably fit a car seat.

Thank you for the suggestion.

I don't like any of the style except Viggen here...
I like G35 after 2007 model and it's out of my price range. GTI too.
TSX and TL are also out of my price range.

[gorillajin]

Originally Posted by SaabKen

Mazdaspeed 6 ? They're pretty rare since Mazda only sold them for a few years. It's a 4-dr sedan so utility-wise it's good and will accommodate your "growing" household. Maintenance should be of typical above-average reliability for Asian brands.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...drive-review-1

Power is good and comes via 2.3T. And it comes in manual 6-spd with great interior ergonomics.

Motorweek Video of the 2006 Mazda Mazdaspeed6 - YouTube

Hum...very interesting.
I guess I will look for this car. I like it because it's rare
Thank you.

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by gorillajin

Hum...very interesting.
I guess I will look for this car. I like it because it's rare
Thank you.

Hopefully not too rare. You might also contact local Mazda dealers or Mazda indie shops to see if there are any sellers. And it might exceed your $10K ceiling.

To me, it's like a poor man's A4Q. Too bad Mazda never made hatch or wagon versions of the MS6. Pretty impressive resume, nevertheless:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda6#Mazdaspeed6

Mazdaspeed6
The 2006 Mazdaspeed Atenza (known as Mazdaspeed6 in North America and Mazda 6 MPS in Europe, South Africa and Australia) is a high-performance version of the Mazda 6. It features a turbocharged version of the 2.3 L MZR I4 which produces 272 PS (200 kW) (European version is detuned to 260 PS (191 kW); the North American version, at 274 hp (204 kW), revised to 270 hp (200 kW) for 2007). All models have 280 lb·ft (380 N·m) of torque. This 2.3 L DISI turbocharged engine features direct fuel injection and conforms to the new Euro 5 emissions standards. It has a revised front fascia with a raised hood, a 6-speed manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. The all-wheel-drive system uses Mazda's Active Torque Split computer-based control, which routes up to 50% of the power to the rear wheels depending on driving conditions. The Mazdaspeed Atenza competed with the Subaru Legacy GT and less directly with the compact Subaru Impreza WRX STi and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution.
Originally scheduled to be launched in June 2005, the Mazdaspeed Atenza was delayed until November. In North America, the Mazdaspeed6 comes in two trim levels; the "Sport" trim with cloth interior and standard key entry and ignition; and the "Grand Touring" trim with leather interior, keyless entry/ignition, and an optional DVD navigation. Automatic climate control is standard, as is a 200 W Bose stereo system featuring seven speakers and a 9-inch subwoofer in addition to an in-dash six-disc CD changer. A sunroof with moonroof feature is optional on the Grand Touring trim.
Car and Driver magazine has achieved a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds for this vehicle.

[SaabKen]

Another possibility (shoot me here, SC Saabers) would be an early/mid- '00s Ovlov S60 T5 or R, definitely easier to find and maybe even under $10K.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...956965766.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...969306113.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2953443561.html

[gorillajin]

Originally Posted by SaabKen

Another possibility (shoot me here, SC Saabers) would be an early/mid- '00s Ovlov S60 T5 or R, definitely easier to find and maybe even under $10K.

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst...956965766.html

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb...969306113.html

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/cto/2953443561.html

Yes, I have thought about S60R.
If I buy it, I need S60R with the factory sport body kit, which is rare. It has to be a manual transmission...
I also noticed that the gas mileage is...pretty bad. Haldex awd system is known to fail...well I still like the car, but it's hard to get one under $10k.

I also checked the price of mazdaspeed 6....I don't think I can find one under $10k unless it's over 150k miles...

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by gorillajin

Yes, I have thought about S60R.
If I buy it, I need S60R with the factory sport body kit, which is rare. It has to be a manual transmission...
I also noticed that the gas mileage is...pretty bad. Haldex awd system is known to fail...well I still like the car, but it's hard to get one under $10k.

I also checked the price of mazdaspeed 6....I don't think I can find one under $10k unless it's over 150k miles...

Did the gen-2 ('99-'03) 3.2TL Type-S ever come in manual ?





Or C230 Kompressor ?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac...946219393.html

[wrestrepo]

Please take this with a grain of salt, because I don't really know about used car prices. BUT, if you are looking for a car in decent shape, with a manual, fun to drive and for under 10K, Saab may be the only brand that will fit in the category.
You either need to bump up your budget or have a more realistic goal i.e. small(er) car or lots of miles or not as fun to drive.
You can probably find GTIs, or plain Mazda 6 or 3, which are plenty of fun to drive, economical, and most important, within your current budget

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by wrestrepo

Please take this with a grain of salt, because I don't really know about used car prices. BUT, if you are looking for a car in decent shape, with a manual, fun to drive and for under 10K, Saab may be the only brand that will fit in the category.
You either need to bump up your budget or have a more realistic goal i.e. small(er) car or lots of miles or not as fun to drive.
You can probably find GTIs, or plain Mazda 6 or 3, which are plenty of fun to drive, economical, and most important, within your current budget

Problem is the manual tranny ...... I'm surprised how many sports sedans models in the entire 2000-2010 decade came with only automatic. That eliminates a lot of options.

Wrestrepo is correct, Saab (and Volvo) may be your best bets at that price ceiling (due to their high depreciation rates). Either bump it up to increase your options, or settle for smaller, less "fun to drive" options:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_sedan

[SaabKen]

An ex-member of our Saab club bought a C230 Coupe Kompressor and he said it's one of the most reliable cars he's ever owned (he also owns an '02 Viggen, C900 SPG etc, etc). Yeah it's kinda um, feminine, but it is versatile, sporty, economical and depreciates a ton so you can afford it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercede...portCoup.C3.A9

It did come with a manual 6 tranny

[gorillajin]

Yeah, you guys are right.

I guess the limited budget I have right now is the problem.
I have owned 9-3 before, it wasn't a perfect car, but I loved it.
I wanted to own different brand, but I don't mind own Viggen

Anyway, keep throwing ideas here! I want to hear more!

Thank you.

[SaabKen]

Originally Posted by gorillajin

Yeah, you guys are right.

I guess the limited budget I have right now is the problem.
I have owned 9-3 before, it wasn't a perfect car, but I loved it.
I wanted to own different brand, but I don't mind own Viggen

Anyway, keep throwing ideas here! I want to hear more!

Thank you.

Just for fun, how about shopping the other extreme end of the spectrum and see what you come up with ?

[gorillajin]

Originally Posted by SaabKen

Just for fun, how about shopping the other extreme end of the spectrum and see what you come up with ?

Haha, please.....

Thank you though

[gorillajin]

Originally Posted by SaabKen

An ex-member of our Saab club bought a C230 Coupe Kompressor and he said it's one of the most reliable cars he's ever owned (he also owns an '02 Viggen, C900 SPG etc, etc). Yeah it's kinda um, feminine, but it is versatile, sporty, economical and depreciates a ton so you can afford it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercede...portCoup.C3.A9

It did come with a manual 6 tranny

Hum...this is...interesting looking car!
My wife will like it
Thank you for the suggestion!

[SaabKen]

Inside look at the C230K, choreographed by John Mellencamp and Pink Floyd

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Hatchback Start Up, Exhaust, and In Depth Tour - YouTube

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Hatchback Start Up, Exhaust, and In Depth Tour - YouTube

I noticed in the rear seat there's a side SRS under the window (presumably one each side), which could affect a carseat installed in the rear. Should check with an M-B dealer.

[BobSaabit]

I don't think you're going to find a Mercedes in your price range with reasonable miles and reasonable age. M3's are usually purchased by people with ego issues (small penis syndrome) and the right foot to match. I'm sure there are some Saab like drivers in them, but most of them I see are 'drive like you stole it' types. So, most are modded and driven hard. A non-M3 that you mod yourself (purchased from some middle age doctor who kept it garaged and dealer serviced) would be a better choice.

You could buy a Viggen... or you could also buy a 9-3 with one of the various sets of body fashion that came on them and modify both the suspension and motor to your tastes within your budget. You could have a real sweet ride. If you're glued to the Viggen body and interior look then it's a Viggen or one of the few 9-3's in the USA with a Viggen kit installed (assuming you're not looking at 'verts).

In my test experience, the Acura TL is a boat ride. I never drove a modified one, but stock they are like your Dad's '74 Buick. Never saw one with anything but a manu-matic. Ugh.

[wrestrepo]

Originally Posted by gorillajin

Hum...this is...interesting looking car!
My wife will like it
Thank you for the suggestion!

Originally Posted by SaabKen

Inside look at the C230K, choreographed by John Mellencamp and Pink Floyd

2002 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Hatchback Start Up, Exhaust, and In Depth Tour - YouTube

I noticed in the rear seat there's a side SRS under the window (presumably one each side), which could affect a carseat installed in the rear. Should check with an M-B dealer.

I thought we said no to coupes

[Bryce804]

Those acuras came with 6sps. Incredibly hard to find though. You can take a look at acura tl's from 05-07. My roommate got his fully loaded 06 tl for $10k 2-3 years ago. Its a fun car to drive, and unbreakable. He hydrolocked the motor a year ago, changed the oil a few times and runs perfect now.

Be careful with pre-04 tl's, there transmission s were crap.