Selling the GS, Help me pick something else
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 551
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From: California
Selling the GS, Help me pick something else
OK, so I'm selling my gas guzzling V8, taking the cash, investing it, and buying an economical car. I want a crap load of miles per gallon, cheap insurance, and reliability. What is in the $20k price range (lower is better), new or used that I will be happy with considering a severe downgrade?
Lexus Champion
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,474
Likes: 2
From: Tennessee
Depreciation on a new economy car will generally offset anything in the way of significant fuel savings.
If you want to really save money then get a very used beat up looking (but mechanically sound - check with a mechanic) used car.
If you want to really save money then get a very used beat up looking (but mechanically sound - check with a mechanic) used car.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: California
Originally Posted by Threxx
Depreciation on a new economy car will generally offset anything in the way of significant fuel savings.
If you want to really save money then get a very used beat up looking (but mechanically sound - check with a mechanic) used car.
If you want to really save money then get a very used beat up looking (but mechanically sound - check with a mechanic) used car.
The VW's seem to hold their resale pretty well actaully, so do the Mini's.
Corolla S? $15k MSRP, NEW!! 32 mpg city / 41 mpg hwy!! That sounds pretty good. I'm not sure I like the way they look all that much though.
Lead Lap
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 719
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From: il
Get the toyota corola S that car is pimp for its size, has amazing fuel economy and great looks to. Or try the scion tc, amazing looking car to and stay away from minis and wv they have horrible reliability and expansive parts especially the vw's the only reason they hold value is because alot of teens buy them because there fast and have good handling but you will be shocked at how bad there reliablity is especially coming from lexus.
Last edited by vicestan; Jun 1, 2006 at 03:20 PM.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 551
Likes: 0
From: California
Originally Posted by vicestan
Get the toyota corola S that car is pimp for its size, has amazing fuel economy and great looks to. Or try the scion tc, amazing looking car to and stay away from minis and wv they have horrible reliability and expansive parts especially the vw's the only reason they hold value is because alot of teens buy them because there fast and have good handling but you will be shocked at how bad there reliablity is especially coming from lexus.
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Sedan, hatch, or coupe?
In the hatch area, I like the Honda Fit. 30+ mpg local and highway with regular gas. The Sport version MSRP at about 16500. They are hot cars right now and will sell at MSRP, maybe with markup.
For a sedan, I like the Yaris. Similar specs to the Fit, although some safety features are options while standard on the Fit.
If you can stand a little less mileage (avg high 20s), I like the Mazda3. You can get it with HIDs, leather, Nav, ... but it will be above 20k.
Without these options, you can get the 2.3L S version below that price.
With a coupe, the Scion tC is nice and should be in your price range if you don't load it up. I was not looking at a coupe so I did not research the tC as much.
The new Civics are also pretty nice but the pricing will be higher than the ones above.
There are also US cars like the Dodge Caliber but there is a different look and feel to the US cars.
In the hatch area, I like the Honda Fit. 30+ mpg local and highway with regular gas. The Sport version MSRP at about 16500. They are hot cars right now and will sell at MSRP, maybe with markup.
For a sedan, I like the Yaris. Similar specs to the Fit, although some safety features are options while standard on the Fit.
If you can stand a little less mileage (avg high 20s), I like the Mazda3. You can get it with HIDs, leather, Nav, ... but it will be above 20k.
Without these options, you can get the 2.3L S version below that price.With a coupe, the Scion tC is nice and should be in your price range if you don't load it up. I was not looking at a coupe so I did not research the tC as much.
The new Civics are also pretty nice but the pricing will be higher than the ones above.
There are also US cars like the Dodge Caliber but there is a different look and feel to the US cars.
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Originally Posted by SilverLexo
I'm not a big fan of hacth backs, the sedan Yaris seems to be a pretty good deal. And the 34/39 mpg sounds GREAT!
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 351
Likes: 0
From: CA
Why not a new Civic? Those seem to be really nice, and you can get one loaded for about 16k. There's also the Mazda 3, which looks great and gets good mileage. If you're gonna downgrade in power, might as well be happy with the exterior of the car is what I say. Personally I'm a big fan of the new civics, maybe even take a look at the Civic Si, i've heard those are pretty peppy.
Originally Posted by SilverLexo
Anyone take a look at the Mazda3? Seems to be a lot of bang for the buck, like the corolla.
. I'm impressed with it, it is a great value, solidly built, a lot of features, and not embarassing to drive around in. Definitely worth a look.