What car should I buy

In My Humble Opinion
1

So, I destoyed my '95 Ford Escort Wagon beyond the point where the insurance company wanted to fix it, and I need a new car. Since I don’t really know anything about cars, I thought I’d get some un-biased advice:

What I liked about my old car:
room to haul stuff (wagon body, back seat came down)
gas mileage (I commute about 90 miles/day)
reliability (never had to fix anything beyond standard mainentance)
Price (paid something like $8K for it three years ago, still worth $5.5K)
Not an SUV or a truck or a Minivan.

What I didn’t like:
Low power (I figure that I need at least 30 MPG highway, so I don’t want to trade away TOO much for power)
Somewhat uncomfortable seat.
Kinda bumpy ride
Kinda noisy ride

So I figure that I’m making enough now that $10-15K for a car wouldn’t be out of the question, but it’d still be nice to get something reliable for less than that. I also figure that if I get a car that can tow a little trailer, than I don’t need as much cargo space.

Suggestions?

LordVor

2

I gather you are thinking used? Would you like something similar to an Escort wagon or are you wide open?

3

Admittedly, I don’t know much about cars in that price range, but have you researched a Ford Focus Wagon?

4

I bought a 2001 Ford Focus ZX3. It’s loaded with the exception of ABS and traction control. It cost just under sixteen grand. IIRC, a '95 Escort had about 105 hp and 100 lb/ft of torque. The 2.0L Zetec (standard engine in the ZX3 vs. the 2.0L SPI) puts out 135 lb/ft of torque. Torque is what gives you acceleration. Cargo wise, the back seats fold down to give you a load of cargo capacity. I don’t recall the number of the top of my head, but it’s something on the order of 85 ft[sup]3[/sup] (I put a table and four chairs in the back with room to spare). I recommend the ZX3 because of the great engine, still wonderful cargo capacity and it’s less than a wagon. I’m a bit of a car nut and test drove just about everything in it’s class. You won’t find a better car for the price (the Civic EX is just as good, but will run you an extra three grand). I’ve read some write-ups that note that the seats are uncomfortable, but I love 'em. They’ve got great side-bolstering. Gas mileage with the ZX3 is about 25/28, depending on how you drive. It’s got a stiff suspension, but I wouldn’t call it bumpy, and it’s very quiet with one exception. I’ve found that flying through large pools of water causes a lot of splash-up against the floor boards–the floor boards aren’t heavily sound attenuated. I hope that helps.

5

Ditto the Ford Focus wagon or hatch if you are looking in that 10K to 15K range.

Word of caution, you will not get a powerful car for that money. Not in a Focus anyway. It will be a 4cyl econobox with room and contemporary styling. If you go for a sport package you may get a sportier feeling suspension and nicer wheels and tires.

I also suggest you look into the Oldsmobile Alero. Yes Olds is folding up shop but it’s quite a good car with a V6 engine and very acceptable style and handling. Parts will not be a problem - GM is most deffinately not closing up shop. It’s my opinion that it is superior in style and function to most Pontiac and Buick models in it’s class. But that’s a strictly subjective observation.

If you are up for shopping for a used car, have a look at some VW Passat wagons (you did say room for hauling stuff). You can find Passat wagons with a V6 engine as well. It’s a good car and quite teutonic in style and handling. I have been a long time VW fan and have owned serveral different models with narry a problem of any consequence. But then, I take great care of my cars and never abuse or neglect to maintain them regularly.

Another car that springs to mind is a VW Golf. For under 15K you’ll be looking at used models in the 2-3 year old range. But do check out some VW dealers, often there is a demo to be had for a very reasonable price with a factory warranty.

Camrys and Accords tend to make good reliable used cars and both come in wagon models though the Camry wagon is quite ugly and thankfully relatively rare. Again, you’ll be looking at cars in the 3 to 5 year range for the under 15K price tag.

Of course if you go the used car route, a world of choices becomes yours. It’s hard to pick what’s right because so much begins to depend on the previous owner and how well the car was maintained. In general, look for cars with relatively low mileage for their age (less than 15K miles per year) and complete service records. People who take care of their cars tend to keep a log of service and repair.

6

Thanks so far.

From what I’ve now read about the Focus, I can see why Ford doesn’t make the Escort Wagon anymore.

Yes, I’m open to used cars, and am pretty wide open on what kind, although I would like it to either be a wagon or able to tow a trailer. In fact, I was assuming 10K to 15K for a used car, and may go a bit higher for new.

And I’m not really looking for a “powerful” car, but for the last three years our cars have been a ford escort and a mercury capri (without the turbo-charger), and, well, there HAS to be something more powerful than THAT without getting to the “powerful” cars.
LordVor

7

Thought I’d add, since you said you might spend a little more for a new car… Definately look at the Golf and if you can possibly manage, the new VW Jetta Wagon. That last is pretty cool looking. If you’d like a novel sort of car with a bit of character, consider the VW Bug. The prices on these have really dropped. They are incredibly roomy with the rear seats down (not much trunk space otherwise). You would have no trouble pulling a small trailer with these. I think they can pull up to something like 800lb.

(note: I am not a VW salesman nor do I have any vested interest in pushing this brand other than the fact that I’m a VW enthusiast).

But for pure bang for the buck, and if you are willing to sacrifice a little perfomance, the Ford Focus hatch or wagon are really good buys. The ZX3 option will be a good upgrade. No rocket sled but enough fun to justify the extra cost.

8

These are all only my personal views, so just bare that in mind as you read them.
Well the Focus has been getting decent reviews. I took a test drive in one as well. I wouldn’t call it a real performer, but it was quite solid and appeared to be built quite well. They almost have a VW Jetta/Passat-ish look to them IMHO.

Bernse Rating +

Olds Alero - Test drove one. Didn’t like it one bit. The interior absolutely oooooozes cheapness. The plastic around the vents are just waiting to break off. Performance was OK though, but just the cheapness of it put me right off. The quality (at least at the two we looked at) just was not there.

Bernse Rating -
I concur with the Accord/Camary recomendation (especially Accord). If you can get a 98ish for your price range, I would seriously consider it. They are beautifuly finished automobiles, and they oooooze quality. Even the 4 cylinder will have quite a bit more power than your Escort did and they are very comfortable. I believe they make Wagon versions but those are pretty rare. They also have an outstanding pedigree behind them. I personally know of 2 mid 80s accords that have in excess of 400,000KMs and still go strong. May be a tough find in your pricerange though.

Bernse Rating ++
Don’t discount the Honda Civic either. You will probably be interested in the sedan version as opposed to the standard 2 door hatchback. They’re another great little car with a high degree of workmanship.

Bernse Rating ++
I would be a little leary of the Kia’s and Hyundai’s. They may tempt you since they are cheap but I would like a little more history built up around them. The Hyundai’s especially had a dreary beginning, but the seem to be getting a bit better.

Bernse Rating -
Another used one to consider is a new-ish Subaru. I am getting to be a fan of their vehicles. Pretty roomy and a kick ass 4 wheel drive system. Gives you that extra security when your stuck on the highway 2 hours from anywhere and a snowstorm hits. They also have a bulletproof drivetrain that is right up there with Hondas. They may not be a powerhouse, but IMHO very reliable.

Bernse Rating +
Chrysler/Dodge Neon. Don’t hold their value worth a crap, but thats great news for you if you want one a year or two old. Decent little cars, especially the new design (99+?) May be a titch small for you considering you are coming from a wagon (they’re a 4-door) but they do seat 4 very comfortably. Have a large trunk too. Power is OK, but if you want an Auto its a pretty lame 3spd version… but it gets its job done. Pretty comperable vehicle to the Focus, but I think I would give the Ford a slight edge.

Bernse Rating +
Saturns. Stay away. Some people love them, a lot don’t. There has been quite a few threads on the SDMB about them. IMHO Over-hyped and under-engineered and real dumb commercials.

Bernse Rating -
Pontiac Grand Am. Suprisingly, I like them. Even though they are closely related to the Alero, I found their finish a bit of a higher quality and look pretty nice. Decent power, even with the base engine. You will probably get 4 wheel disk, ABS and traction control. These also don’t hold their value but if you buy used that should be OK, its a pretty good deal.

Bernse Rating +
Pontiac Sunfire/Chevy Cavalier. I’m grouping these together since they are in about the same catagory and pretty similar cars. For the price you pay for one of these either new OR used, I see no reason not to get a Grand Am. Both these vehicles and the Grand Am may be a bit smallish for you though.

Bernse Rating -
If it were ME and buying new, my first stop would be a Subaru dealership for a new Imprezza WRX. The Accord is definetly right up there though.

If you have any questions about a particular model, don’t hesitate to ask. I have a bit of an opinion on most vehicles. Now, whether its the “right” opinion or not, well… :slight_smile:

9

As much as I love 'em, especially the WRX, I’d shy away from a used Subaru. Replacing the exhaust on one typically runs about two grand. Side note: the WRX, a LEV with 227 hp, has three catalytic converters! That oughtta bump up the exhaust replacement price considerably.

10

Let me just say this -

I’m driving a thirteen year old Honda Accord and to this day there is nothing wrong with it!!! You just can not go wrong with Hondas or Toyotas. They all get the gas millage you’re looking for and have plenty of power. The '97-'98 Honda Accords have about 140HP and get ~28mpg(I believe) and you really can’t beat that.

I would never buy an American car excepting some conditions:

  1. If it’a a classic
  2. If I want a truck
  3. Hi Opal!

Car Man. not to buy from:

  1. Jeep
  2. Ford
  3. GM
  4. Volkswagen

Car Man. to buy from:

  1. Honda
  2. Toyota
  3. Acura
  4. Lexus (out of your listed price range but…)

American Cars break all of the Da#& time. The same goes for Volkswagen. The engineering behind almost all of these vechials is terrable. I’m sorry to say it but that includes Ford and GM. I owned a Jetta for a year and in that year I sunk $7000 into repairing it. I have all the reciepts to back that up and that only includes parts, I did all of the Labor.

(Oh yeah, IMHO the Ford Focus is one of the ugliest cars on the road today, so lets not do that either please)

11

have you looked at the toyota echo

12

Tyklfe, the Focus may be ugly, but it’s not as ugly as an Aztec. Nonetheless, I’d say the Focus is built as well as a Civic (and I don’t usually like Fords) and you don’t have the pay the extra three grand for the brand. By the way, buy a Lexus or Acura is the same as buying a Toyota or Honda. They’re the same manufacturer.

13

dave316, the Toyota Echo is the most underpowered car with the worst handling I’ve ever driven. No offense intended.

14

I believe the only way you could approach that figure would be only if you have to replace the coverter and used Subaru brand factory pipe… something you shouldn’t ever have to do.

Even if you did, the exhaust system should IMHO last around 8-10 years.

15

You would have a lot of people that don’t agree with your blanket statements of which brands to buy/not to buy.

Something else to note:

Honda, Toyota, BMW and Mercedes all have manufacturing plants in the US.

16

Nope, but I don’t have my friend’s receipt on hand to scan and show to you. But you are correct, exhausts should last quite some time. I’d still shy away from a used one for 1) exhaust replacement cost and 2) four wheel drive maintenance cost. It’s another story if it’s new and you have a spankin’ new car with warranty. It’s just one of those things: when the warranty expires, everything breaks.

17

I also disagree with the blanket statement about american cars. While I didn’t have it “forever”, driving the escort for 60K miles in 3 years and not having anything (and I mean anything) break is good enough for me. And the replacement parts for things that wear out (brake pads, etc) are usually cheaper, too.

So I bought the Focus ZX3 last night. If it was going to be a new car, I was leaning towards Ford, as my employer gets me “X-plan pricing” on new Fords (something like 4% over invoice), and that takes the work of haggling out of the picture. I went for the works, leather seats, power everything, car alarm, remote keyless entry. With the special pricing and $1500 rebate, it was still around $15K.

It also appears that my credit-worthiness has increased in the last three years (trippling your salary will do that, I guess), as my payment is only about $70/month more than what I was still paying on the escort. So all of a sudden totaling my car is starting to look better and better.

Thanks for the help.

LordVor

18

I guess it’s too late for me to suggest moving closer to your job. 90 miles a day is a ridiculous commute.

19

I hate to drag this out anymore, but…

I still don’t believe $2000 is a typical exhaust replacement job for a Subaru. I cannot believe a muffler, hangers and pipe can cost anywhere near that. If it does indeed have 3 converters and those needed to get replaced, maybe. I would really like to see some proof of that. Nobody I know that owns a Subaru has ever had to pay any crazy amounts like that for any work done.

4WD maintainence on a Subaru is negligible. You have to periodically change your oil in your rear diff. Thats about it. And even that is only once every few years. I don’t consider that higher maintanence.

I don’t want to make an issue out of it since I think both of our hearts are in the same place but I believe those statements are erroneous.

20

BTW Lordvor-

Congrats! The Focus is a sound choice. Have fun with your new toy!