Sooooooooo I'm a dumbass and was basically running slicks for rear tires. Hydroplaned my car into the freeway median at 75mph and rolled it. Anyways, that means new car time. I won't be buying new. Requirements are pretty minimal - not too expensive for maint, fun to drive and has to be nice enough that I can pull up at a client's in it. Bonus points for practicality (like a wagon) but not necessary. I am wanting to spend less than $20k but am open to going above that (I can afford more, just trying to be modest) (and no bmw 3 series unless it is an 'm'. apologies to the guy who got butthurt last time i said i dont like those) suggestions - GO GO GO
You rolled the Boxster? I also saw a rollover happen in front of me today. Got to be a hero and jump up on the truck, turn it off, and cut the girl's seatbelt. Anyways, I would recommend a Lexus sedan of your choice. Although they are not cheap on parts... but then again no luxury car is.
not necessarily luxury. I am trying to find a lotus elise in my price range... and yep, rolled the boxster. i had goodyear gforces on it that were about at the replacement point, first big rain in a while, roads slick as shit. i hit the wall backwards, caught some good air, landed upside down and skidded about 50 yards. quite the experience
definately. That really hits the nail on the head for practicality too. 4wd probably would help me in rain too =)
IT consulting, I manage our central texas offices (and hopefully COO in 2012.) I don't need something ballerific since I'm not sales, but I can't pull up in a rustbucket 80s mobile. STi would be ok I think
What about a vintage car? $20k will buy an awful lot of muscle car. Following up a Boxter, and with that limited budget, is going to be a tough act to follow.
$20,000 can buy a hell of a lot of car in this economy. Look for a German sports saloon if you want fast but classy: 2004 Audi S4 2003 Mercedes S55 AMG 2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor 2006 Jaguar S-Type 2002 BMW M5 But please do yourself a favour and save some of your budget for a performance driving school or something.
Check out a Legacy GT if you're considering a Subaru. Looks a bit classier than an Sti. Same motor. Or a Saab
Wow. I'd stay away from any German car over 60K miles if it's still not under warranty and you plan on keeping it a while. The reason you see a lot of these cars come up for sale around 75K miles is because that's when parts start to fail and cost you a lot of $$$.
I keep seeing M5s at a good price, very tempting. I am staying the fuck away from moderen mercedes, I love the way they look but everytime I would bitch about repair costs my mechanic would tell me MB horror stories. I don't need to do a performance school (although it would be fun as hell,) I am not playing boy racer on the street. read the OP - light car + bald tires. I just need to change my tires when I am supposed to. I was going in a straight line and hit a big puddle (which is possibly more embarassing) also now we are looking at getting the wife a new car and I will just take her SUV. I'm turning into MSP =p
A driving school is not about playing boy racer, it's about learning control skills that could save your life. A somewhat skilled driver would not have lost control in your situation and there lies the benefits of driver training. Think of it as a way of protecting your next car investment!
My Mercedes has just gone in for repair today, had about 6 things that needed replacing, didn't really listen to what he said needed doing, something about the Front brakes, sealant on the front lights + some other things. He's just phoned me to say it's done and the cost is £250, so I wouldn't say owning one has cost any more than any non German cars I've had. He did the service last week and that came to £150, the other garage I was recommended did it last year and charged £340 for just the service and spark plugs. You just need to find a good honest mechanic and stick with them.
You live in the UK, Mercedes (or "Mercs") are a dime a dozen there. In the States, there are significantly less of them and they are considered a luxury car. You will not find a Benz with cloth seats in the US like you would in Europe.
Yep. Neither Jaguar nor Mercedes really know how to build a reliable car anymore, did Jaguar ever? And the parts are expensive. The Audi I might consider, but again be ready to shell out for service! A friend just bought a nice used A8, and then acted all surprised when replacement parts were so expensive. "Well, sticker price on the car was $90k after all..."
