Ya, I'm with Kurtis636, I'm the type of person to keep a car for as long as it will run unless my needs change, which happens to be the case right now. A 10 year old 2 door won't cut it anymore.

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 12:20 AM. Reason : ]

12/13/2008 12:19:59 AM

^^^^ I make money on almost all of my cars, and not even by working on them...just by finding screaming deals when I buy.


If you would even entertain the idea of any Mazda 3 or Mazda 6, you have no use whatsoever for an STI. In addition, the new STI sucks.


Personally--and this is from the guy who had a 235 rwhp turbo Miata, a Comptech supercharged S2000, and a Wrangler ALL AT THE SAME TIME within a few months of starting my first "real" job--I would dial things back just a little bit.

To begin with, there is almost no justifying buying a new or <1 year old car. It's retarded. I've done it once (Evo IX with 7k miles on it), but only because (A) I got it for so cheap I couldn't turn it down...sold it for a profit over a year and 20k miles later, with a bald set of tires, and (B) there was no previous year model--it'd just come out, and they only made it for a year, anyway. The latter is somewhat the case for the STI, but the difference is that it's a turd, and the Evo IX is an ass-stomping killer.


I don't know exactly how much money you're going to make at your job, and exactly how secure it is, but you can get a nice sports car for $15k or so. Clean, low mileage 350z, AP2 S2000, C5 Corvette...or you can get a 330i/330ci BMW if you don't want a true sports car. Fuck, if you're going to spend 30 grand, by God get a C6 Corvette, not the new STI.

Personally, I'd get a $15k 350z or S2000 (still an absolute kick in the teeth compared to your current car), and a $2000 pickup or SUV to haul your dog or whatever other dirty work you wanna do. Hell, get a $4000 truck if you must.

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 12:31 AM. Reason : asfdasd]

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 12:33 AM. Reason : I'd say that spending more than a half year's salary on a car is crazy...and that's on the high side]

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 12:34 AM. Reason : and I guarantee that I'm more of a "car guy" than you are. No need to spend so much right now.]

12/13/2008 12:29:34 AM

...and looking back at your first post, I like hatchbacks, too. The thing is, you can get an equal or better DD/performance car AND a better practical people/dog/cargo hauler for 1/2 to 2/3 of what you'd spend on the STI buy having 2 vehicles.

If you're comparing to, say, a Mazdaspeed 3 (which I think is a completely stupid, pointless vehicle), you'll end up with a light-years better sports/sporty car AND a far better hauler, and STILL spend 20+% less.


If you aren't open to the 2-car idea (and reading more, it sounds like you really aren't a performance nut at all, which I assumed because you were talking about the STI), a really good option would be a 4-5 year old "regular" WRX wagon (I say "regular", because it's already the hot-rod version of the Impreza...the STI is just the extra hot-rod). You could prob find one for low-mid teens, depending on the year and mileage. 225 hp, I think.

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 12:47 AM. Reason : asdfasd]

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 12:51 AM. Reason : You need about $10-12k worth of '00-'01 Honda S2000, and a $3000 Jeep Cherokee.]

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 12:52 AM. Reason : asdfads]

12/13/2008 12:40:54 AM

I don't think anyone is going to talk him out of spending his money. He really just wants everyone to tell him to buy the WRX.

12/13/2008 1:02:54 AM

The vehicle I owned prior to my current car was a 1998 Chevy S-10. In the 5 years I had it (bought it used) I only put 40k miles on it. I don't do a lot of driving, generally 8-10k per year so I bought new knowing that I'm going to keep it for quite a while.

As far as I'm concerned the best strategies are:

1) Buy a 4-5 year old car every 5 years or so
2) Buy a new car, keep it for 10+ years

I actually am entertaining the idea of purchasing something like another light duty pickup or a small SUV (old style bronco for example) for a change of pace. Having two cars isn't necessarily a bad idea if you have the space, and don't mind the insurance payment on a car you use infrequently. Shit, with the way places are practically giving away trucks I've even considered buying a new truck.

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 1:32 AM. Reason : adas]

12/13/2008 1:28:38 AM

Even then, don't buy a new car. Buy one a year old, or better yet, 2 years old, with reasonably low mileage.

12/13/2008 1:30:45 AM

My next vehicle will probably be a 911 and I've gotta be honest, buying used on something like that makes me nervous as hell.

12/13/2008 1:34:55 AM

Ok, for those of you out there like theDuke866, READ MY POSTS BEFORE REPLYING. I want a cheaper alternative to the STI. And no I don't want a Corvette or some ridiculous car like it. I want a sporty car with a hatchback for my dog and furniture.

Tired of people like theDuke866 not reading the posts, making assumptions, and talking down to me so that they can brag that they "had a 235 rwhp turbo Miata, a Comptech supercharged S2000, and a Wrangler ALL AT THE SAME TIME within a few months of starting my first "real" job".

If you want to play the whole, "I'm the shit, I know everything, so let me school you b/c everyone else is clueless" thing, go somewhere else, and take your negativity with you.

This thread is for people to chime in with suggestions and help out, not for you to use it to pat yourself on the back for how awesome you are.

/rant

12/13/2008 1:58:36 AM

^Like I said. Go look at the Impreza Outback Sport. It's a wagon, it's got the same room and features, just no turbo. And NEW off the lot they are 20k. You can get a 1-3yr old one for 14-17k.

Don't worry about TheDuke, he posts the same schpiel in in every "what should I buy thread:. Some of us do understand that you aren't looking for a death machine

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 6:16 AM. Reason : got, and you know I got love for ya Josh]

12/13/2008 6:15:36 AM

Quote :

"0-60mph who cares. What are the differences in trap speed? "

12/13/2008 7:44:11 AM

^^^ I did give you suggestions--a couple of totally different routes, in fact.

and i thought it was pretty clear that the statement about the cars I bought after graduating college was not bragging, but an example of what not to do (i.e., I know where you're coming from--I've already done what you're thinking about doing, except for twice as bad)

finally, read my posts. I did, in fact, go back and read the thread more carefully and alter my suggestions to be in line with what you're looking for...but fine, don't fucking listen, because I obviously don't know dick about buying/selling cars, owning all sorts of different vehicles, and both unecessarily blowing tons of money on vehicles and living below your means to put away a shit ton of cash. I mean, I haven't already been down this road, and I'm not offering you the benefit of my experiences so you can make smart decisions.



^^ I didn't suggest any death machines (well, kinda sorta suggested 'Vettes, but not really). In terms of performance cars, I suggested WRX wagon, 350z, S2000, or maybe an E46. You could add G35/G35 coupe to that list, although I like the 330i/ci for the money. Then, if he went with anything besides the WRX wagon, he could pick up, say, a Cherokee on the cheap. I mean, they almost give 10 year old ones away. (if you don't like Cherokees, substitute Trooper, etc.)

an Impreza wagon would be a nice pick, too, but it sounds like he wants a step up from that, and the WRX wagons are still not too expensive. Personally, I say get an S2000/350z and a Cherokee...best of all worlds.

^ yeah, 0-60 isn't much of a metric. I don't pay any attention to it, personally...I have only a rough idea of how fast most cars will do it. 1/4 mile e.t. and trap speed is much more meaningful, in my opinion.

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 7:56 AM. Reason : asdfad]

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 7:57 AM. Reason : jhgk]

12/13/2008 7:52:50 AM

You have to understand that when you start talking about an STI, you leave an altogether different impression with people than what we have eventually pieced together to be the case. Historically (not so much with the new, flaccid, "big tent" STI), it has been a serious, focused, performance car (i.e., it IS something ridiculous, much like a Corvette.) Assuming off the bat that you wanted something on the nasty side of the automotive spectrum would've generally been a pretty safe bet.

12/13/2008 8:30:43 AM

I'm with Duke. I don't get the OP's hangup with having two cars for two purposes, unless you live in an apartment complex that assigns limited parking spaces and tows regularly. But I guess if you really would be happy with a 'milder' sporty hatchback which would hopefully do everything for you (as opposed to the purpose-built machines such as STi and 350Z) then it wouldn't be necessary.

12/13/2008 8:56:14 AM

All these people looking for cars and starting off talking about STIs are confusing me. First blah and now this guy. Whereas neither of them really wants one.

I don't get it?

12/13/2008 12:58:32 PM

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 2:13 PM. Reason : ]

12/13/2008 2:13:02 PM

Quote :

"I'm with Duke. I don't get the OP's hangup with having two cars for two purposes,"

Like I said. Most of you guys have no concept of the fact that other people have different viewpoints.

The crossover market is as big as it is because people don't want two cars.

And sorry Duke, but when someone is looking at a WAGON, suggesting 2 door, tiny sports cars is not in any way related.

12/13/2008 5:13:19 PM

Which is why I suggested a WRX wagon, if he's bent on having a single vehicle that's "good enough" at everything he wants.

If he'll clear that hurdle of refusing to have a car to do car things and a truck to do truck things, he'll have much better tools for every job, and not really spend a lot more (either that, or he'll have as good or a little better tools for every job, and he'll spend less, depending on what his "single car solution" is).

12/13/2008 6:08:41 PM

OP: Hmm should I get granny smith or golden delicious apples.

Duke: Get some oranges.

12/13/2008 7:12:22 PM

i'm hijacking this thread for a minute. what are your guys' thoughts on a 2006 BMW 325i 6sp manual with 44miles for $23,000? good deal, average deal, or overpriced? any issues to be aware of?

12/13/2008 7:27:33 PM

Way overpriced unless it is obscenely loaded with options, even then still overpriced. KBB says between 16 and 19k buying from private party, 21k tops if you're buying BMW certified pre-owned with all that entails.

[Edited on December 13, 2008 at 8:16 PM. Reason : fasdfsa]

12/13/2008 8:15:16 PM

I would definately buy used, the ONLY reason I bought a new truck this time is because I got it cheaper than similar used ones were going for, and I was looking for a very specific vehicle.

I honestly could have bought this truck and turned around and sold it private party and made about $7k on it.

12/13/2008 8:35:59 PM

Quote :

"f he'll clear that hurdle of refusing to have a car to do car things and a truck to do truck things, he'll have much better tools for every job, and not really spend a lot more"

You still don't get that the average Joe has absolutely no need or interest in owning two specialized vehicles. It's more insurance, more maintenance, more taxes, more gas, more parking, more headaches.

12/13/2008 8:54:39 PM

it's not that much more expensive. not for what you're getting, in my opinion, if you have a use for both of them.

or you could get a WRX wagon.

12/13/2008 8:59:56 PM

^^your argument is very flawed there. How the hell is he going to use more gas? IS HE GOING TO DRIVE BOTH CARS AT THE SAME TIME? LOL. Insurance cost difference will be small, esp if you put the cheaper car on liability only. And maintenance costs...again you're not driving them both at the same time so I don't see how it'd be much of a difference.

I'm not advocating in this thread to get two vehicles, but your points are pretty weak.

12/13/2008 11:35:53 PM

I hate "owning" multiple vehicles, but I love the ability to jump between them depending on mood/use.

Note: With Geico and Allstate, having two vehicles (and showing the cheaper to insure car as primary vehicle with liability only) is cheaper than a single car. Nationwide charges a little bit extra, but not much.

Also, I currently have a WRX wagon, it's lovely and would easily do as an only car for a version of me that's not dead set on rwd only for a fun vehicle.

12/14/2008 1:27:50 AM

Quote :

"I hate "owning" multiple vehicles, but I love the ability to jump between them depending on mood/use."

12/14/2008 12:23:34 PM

Quote :

"I hate "owning" multiple vehicles, but I love the ability to jump between them depending on mood/use."

Specially living in an apartment. I've got 3 cars now and I know the neighbors hate it

12/14/2008 5:52:03 PM

take the advice from people on these boards. most talk authoritatively not because they want to come across as being jerks, but because most likely they do know way more than you do about cars.

12/14/2008 6:47:52 PM

^



and one more thing about E46 BMWs as an option--you can always fold down the backseat. between a pretty generous trunk and the pass-through that folding the seats creates, you can carry a good bit of stuff...and I dare say that there isn't a better daily driver available for the money.

12/14/2008 7:18:20 PM

Don't think the dog would be a fan of the trunk.

12/14/2008 7:59:49 PM

Mine loved it w/one of the seats folded down in my 5 series.

12/14/2008 9:07:21 PM

another dumbasses argument with a bunch of morons ..


whats the count now? like 5-6 threads just in the past few months?

[Edited on December 14, 2008 at 9:18 PM. Reason : ]

12/14/2008 9:18:28 PM

.

[Edited on December 14, 2008 at 11:00 PM. Reason : er]

12/14/2008 10:59:24 PM

^^haha, for real. i love it how all these people post supposedly wanting suggestions/advice, then they get mad and argue when they get it.

clearly, this guy could care less what any of us have to say. the main purpose of this thread was to brag about graduating, gloat about his job, and tell us about the super cool car he plans to buy. of course detailing his long term investment plans, down payment, etc. was completely relevant to picking a car also, lol.

Quote :

"If you want to play the whole, "I'm the shit, I know everything, so let me school you b/c everyone else is clueless" thing, go somewhere else, and take your negativity with you. This thread is for people to chime in with suggestions and help out, not for you to use it to pat yourself on the back for how awesome you are."

AHAHA, wow, that's a good one. this is tww, if you can't handle all of that and worse then this isn't the website for you. i would suggest you grow some thicker skin and adjust your expectations of this site.

anyway, i'm sorry the ego stroking and reach arounds didn't go as planned. probably should just stick to your parents or a girlfriend or something in the future. or, maybe the guys over at http://www.wolfpackscc.com could be of better service. they seem to be into that sort of thing.

[Edited on December 14, 2008 at 11:49 PM. Reason : .]

12/14/2008 11:48:59 PM

In all honesty, wait and see if you like the job. I have tons of friends who bought all kinda shit right after graduating and were stuck in bad jobs because of bills. Give yourself an out until you get settled in.

12/15/2008 5:47:32 AM

that too

12/15/2008 7:15:05 AM

car payments are stupid. buy cash. you can talk yourself into a nice 0.9% stupid 400$ payment every month if you want though. We were all just as dumb as you at one point.

12/15/2008 7:49:50 AM

Quote :

"In all honesty, wait and see if you like the job. I have tons of friends who bought all kinda shit right after graduating and were stuck in bad jobs because of bills. Give yourself an out until you get settled in."

and

Quote :

"car payments are stupid. buy cash. you can talk yourself into a nice 0.9% stupid 400$ payment every month if you want though. We were all just as dumb as you at one point."

pretty much sum it up. at least give it a few months at the new job first..get some cash saved up so if you end up hating it you at least have enough $$ to make it through finding another job or whatever.

although buying anything brand new is just absurd sounding to me.. depreciation is a bitch

[Edited on December 15, 2008 at 8:24 AM. Reason : by anything i mean car.]

12/15/2008 8:24:14 AM

CASH IS KING.


you'll be able to buy a $30K dollar car for half the price if you've got cash nowadays..

be patient. save CASH. go there with it in hand. they'll be drooling over it.

12/15/2008 10:58:10 AM

^ Is there any difference between cash and a check from your credit union you financed it through?

12/16/2008 2:29:40 AM

i really hope that's not a serious question.

12/16/2008 4:17:18 AM

they don't care where the money comes from. I'm serious about trying to avoid a car payment though. I had a car payment for a year and it was annoying. never again. saving up the entire sum of money is a good way to talk yourself out of buying things you cant afford.

12/16/2008 8:22:56 AM

Quote :

"they don't care where the money comes from. I'm serious about trying to avoid a car payment though. I had a car payment for a year and it was annoying. never again. saving up the entire sum of money is a good way to talk yourself out of buying things you cant afford."

you going to buy a house with cash in hand?

12/16/2008 8:40:07 AM

You had a car paymet?

I don't finance anything, ever. If you don't have the money, that's a pretty good sign you can't afford it. Obviously some exceptions for BASIC transportation and housing may apply, and many disagree with me...

Btw, you walk into anywhere with $30k in cash, I'm sure you'd raise eyebrows.

12/16/2008 11:02:01 AM

who in their right mind would carry $30k in cash, period? honestly

12/16/2008 11:19:01 AM

Quote :

"I hate "owning" multiple vehicles, but I love the ability to jump between them depending on mood/use."

Ditto. More to wash. More maintenance. Etc.

Quote :

"who in their right mind would carry $30k in cash, period?"

You don't actually walk in flashing cash. You just let them know that you can pay cash and they'll take your word for it. No salesperson is going to risk offending a person who says they have cash. I always tell them I can do a check, cashier's check, or cash if they really want it that way. With my boat the guy actually wanted cash so I told him to meet me at my bank and we'd do the title/cash transfer there. That way I didn't have to worry about anything happening to the money while transporting it.

Quote :

"you'll be able to buy a $30K dollar car for half the price if you've got cash nowadays.. "

lol...Find me a brand new STi for $18k and I'll be driving it tomorrow.

[Edited on December 16, 2008 at 11:47 AM. Reason : l]

12/16/2008 11:45:41 AM

^well yes, i see your point....

whats the difference between having cash (or certified check) and being pre-approved for a certain loan amount...which would be a check from a bank, no? The dealer/salesman doesnt give a shit about the difference there, amirite?


IMO if checks are involved, it doesnt matter. maybe it would matter if someone walks in the dealership waving a few stacks of $100, but that's just silly

12/16/2008 12:09:31 PM

I really don't know why they treat that differently than cash. I think a lot of people claim to be pre-approved for loans when they aren't, but maybe someone who has worked as a salesperson can chime in.

12/16/2008 12:29:39 PM

word

I too would like to hear the chiming in of a salesperson

12/16/2008 12:33:24 PM

I knew a guy who wanted to get a pre-owned Viper. He was preapproved for the amount and the bank told him that he would just have to come back with a sales contract. When he returned with a sale agreement, the bank denied him based on collateral (they were afraid of resale value on used "exotic" and apparently he didn't specify the vehicle he wanted when he asked for the pre-approval ). This was when I worked at Hendrick. If you aren't financing thru the dealership, they see it as "cash." The median of that payment does not matter.



[Edited on December 16, 2008 at 12:37 PM. Reason : .]

12/16/2008 12:36:11 PM