Which New Budget Car ? - TriStateTuners.com :: Home of Tristate Auto Enthusiast

1988 Olds · 09-09-2005, 06:44 AM

Hey guys, my g/f has been thinking about getting a new car. She is looking to spend I think around 22,000-23,000 range. I've been looking around since I really don't know much about new cars. There is just so many out there I have no idea which one is the best. Some of the ones I personally like are Acura RSX or RSX-S, Mazda 3 or 6, SRT-4 (lol I hope), Chevy Cobalt, Scion TC. I know there is many more out there but which would you guys buy. Remember she is not looking for a fast car, just something cheap and reliable.Also can you even get any decent used like BMWs or Audi TTs for this cheap. I personally think she should go with a used RSX-S cause there going to be cheap cause of the new design coming out. Thanks for the help

99SL2_Modder · 09-09-2005, 07:24 AM

You can get older model WRX's for around that price and cheaper.

9 Ball · 09-09-2005, 07:44 AM

Is she performance oriented? If so, I would have to suggest the WRX also. You can easily find one for around 17-18k bucks. I like the RSX and others you mentioned, however, in terms of what’s out right now… if she (or you) want to take it to the next level in terms of “all around performance” (not just straight line) the WRX would be the best bet.

She won’t regret her decision.

OutOfStock · 09-09-2005, 08:10 AM

Id say WRX or She can come close to an 05 RSX-S, both are sexy

SilverTurboRidin · 09-09-2005, 08:43 AM

you can get a brand new srt-4 for 18-19k

but its stick

or the cobalt ss for around the same in automatic.

Jerseygirl · 09-09-2005, 08:47 AM

You can get an almost fully loaded MINI Cooper for under $23K.

MuddyREX · 09-09-2005, 09:03 AM

I'd definitely go WRX for that price. But if she isn't going to drive it like it should be driven, it would be a waste of a car.

If she wants something cheap and reliable, and is going to keep it stock, I'd say go Mitsubishi Eclipse or Hyundai Tiburon. Both cars are not overly exciting, or the best driver's cars, but most chicks I know love them. Plus, you get a 100,000 mile warranty to boot.

SexyDSM95 · 09-09-2005, 03:14 PM

Something cute like a VW GTI would be good for her...they are reliable if kept stock. The new ones have reverted back to German engineering (transmission wise) compared to the crappy Mexican ones. The basic GTI starts around $19k and the VR6 goes for $22k. There is also the option of the GLI which starts at $23k but utilizes the 1.8t concept (so it's turbocharged) and @ around 200hp.

Intercooled T · 09-09-2005, 03:25 PM

Tim, get her an 88 cutlass for only 12k, a steal!

Nah man, if reliability is her issue, get her a toyota man. Get a new/certified camry or corolla-s. semi-sporty, but very reliable.

smoger · 09-09-2005, 03:31 PM

steer away from an srt-4, especially if she is not looking for speed. even moreso if she is not used to driving a fast car. youd be shocked if you saw the amount of srt-4's totaled due to things like lift throttle oversteer and just flat out inexperienced driving,.. no way in hell id want my girlfriend driving one

how about a saab 9-2x, its like 23k before the employee discount. all wheel drive, a little luxury..

btw since when was 23k a budget car? i can think of a lot more cars that id consider budget before the likes of these

SexyDSM95 · 09-09-2005, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smoger

btw since when was 23k a budget car? i can think of a lot more cars that id consider budget before the likes of these

...like?

BlackBulletTSi · 09-09-2005, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SexyDSM95

...like?

GET HER A SATURN!!!! I'm serious those things are great on gas get her like an SC2 used those beast run forever as long as its a DOHC. I know a lot of girls actually find the new ION cute and it comes in this like new baby blue that girls go crazy for trust me I've heard this1 have her check it out I mean **** you can get them for like 13K and they get a lot of miles to the gallon and thats needed in our gas crisis now a days. I agree that a WRX would be a waste but also as suggested a Tirburon or Eclipse would be cool. I test drove a new V6 eclipse fully loaded, my friends getting one, and actually was pretty impressed with it plus it had premium audio system which was nice it had a 10" sub in it. Anyway I know a lot of people may not like Saturns but if you buy one and just leave it stock they'll last forever. Hell I've even talked to guys with over 200,000 miles on there 93SC2s running NITROUS with NO PROBLEM!!!!! LoL anyway my suggestions are there

1. SATURN
2. Eclipse
3. Tibby

smoger · 09-09-2005, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SexyDSM95

...like?

like... 15k dollar cars?

2point4DSM · 09-09-2005, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SexyDSM95

Something cute like a VW GTI would be good for her...they are reliable if kept stock. The new ones have reverted back to German engineering (transmission wise) compared to the crappy Mexican ones. The basic GTI starts around $19k and the VR6 goes for $22k. There is also the option of the GLI which starts at $23k but utilizes the 1.8t concept (so it's turbocharged) and @ around 200hp.

German car and reliable don't go together. I forget where this was mentioned, (Consumer Reports?), but in terms of reliablility, 1st - Japanese cars, 2nd - American cars, 3rd - German cars.

Personally, I like the Mazda 3 because of what it has to offer in terms of performance and style. Best car in this class in terms of reliability would probably be the RSX. Hondas run forever. It's the parts they use that you don't see all the time that makes them great and dependable.

And any car with a long warranty is suspect. Why do they need such a long warranty... is it because most people know they aren't reliable? Well, guess what, if the car does have a problem and they can't fix it right, they won't. Mechanics hate warranty work and are more likely to half-ass those jobs. And once they fix it they consider it "fixed" for good. If it comes back for the same work it's not covered under the manufacturers warranty anymore. Instead they will give you the run around and tell you to take it up with the dealership... good luck!

smoger · 09-09-2005, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2point4DSM

And any car with a long warranty is suspect. Why do they need such a long warranty... is it because most people know they aren't reliable?

i think in a lot(but not all cases) manufacturers offer a warranty based on percieved quality as opposed to actual quality. they give people a reason to feel confident about the cars and once they gain a customer base they can shrink back the warranty.

i dont think what you said about them only fixing warranty things once is fair,.. perhaps if you go to a horrible dealer but most will do what they can,.. if they truly dont know how to fix it, remember they only get 3 tries...

WrxJC · 09-09-2005, 05:22 PM

get an older wrx. or if she wants to spend 22-23k on a NEW car, buy 5 kias. Then if 1 breaks you still have 4 more to drive and 5k left over to fix the old one.

DoubleOughtCel · 09-09-2005, 05:37 PM

Don't let her get a Tiburon. Becki has only had hers for 5 months and its been in the shop for minor elctrical problems at least 3 times.

Either a Honda or some type of Subaru. Hell, tell her to get an older 2.5rs, that way she has AWD for the winter and she still won't be able to beat your car.

Nitro · 09-09-2005, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SilverTurboRidin

you can get a brand new srt-4 for 18-19k

but its stick

or the cobalt ss for around the same in automatic.

You cannot get the SS in auto, but you can get the auto in the Cobalt LS. I'd say if she just wants cheap and reliable (and good on gas with today's prices), the Mazda or the Acura is probably your best bet. Not that I have a lot of experience with Mazda's though.

BlackBulletTSi · 09-09-2005, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitro

You cannot get the SS in auto, but you can get the auto in the Cobalt LS. I'd say if she just wants cheap and reliable (and good on gas with today's prices), the Mazda or the Acura is probably your best bet. Not that I have a lot of experience with Mazda's though.

Because of gas thats why I'm saying a saturn. Those things get KILLER gas miliage specially the older ones. Hell before I blew up my old saturn I would get like 40Miles to the gallon NO LIE it was nuts

1988 Olds · 09-10-2005, 12:29 AM

She's not really a Saturn Fan. She told me I could drive it so that's why I said SRT-4 or Type-S. I seriously like the Scion TC, knowing that it is a toyota is nice too. She does not like Saturns or WRXs. I don't know how you can't like a WRX but she really doesn't need a turbo anyway. Once she starts her job we are going to start looking around. She doesn't know how to drive stick but wants to learn so I'm not sure what to do about that. I'm kinda afraid she won't get the hang of it so going with an auto may be alot easier. How much is a decent Scion TC cost or would you guys go with a regular RSX. I really don't like the Tiburon styling that much myself and yeah I heard there is alot of problems with the new ones.

Sexy - The GLI is defiantly a sweet looking car.

09-09-2005, 06:44 AM	#1
1988 Olds Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Levittown, PA Member #201 My Ride: 2012 Chevy Cruze iTrader: (0)	Which New Budget Car ? Hey guys, my g/f has been thinking about getting a new car. She is looking to spend I think around 22,000-23,000 range. I've been looking around since I really don't know much about new cars. There is just so many out there I have no idea which one is the best. Some of the ones I personally like are Acura RSX or RSX-S, Mazda 3 or 6, SRT-4 (lol I hope), Chevy Cobalt, Scion TC. I know there is many more out there but which would you guys buy. Remember she is not looking for a fast car, just something cheap and reliable.Also can you even get any decent used like BMWs or Audi TTs for this cheap. I personally think she should go with a used RSX-S cause there going to be cheap cause of the new design coming out. Thanks for the help __________________ 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Surpeme Classic To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. Dynoed at 237hp and 292lbs at the rear wheels. Hmm ran 13.52 @ 103.42 11/10/06 1994 Hunter Green Acura Integra DB7, Stock

09-09-2005, 08:10 AM	#4
OutOfStock Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Southampton/Shippensburg, Pa Member #25 My Ride: 1998 Acura Integra iTrader: (0)	Id say WRX or She can come close to an 05 RSX-S, both are sexy __________________ I hate my car

09-09-2005, 08:43 AM	#5
SilverTurboRidin Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: L-town PA Member #197 iTrader: (0)	you can get a brand new srt-4 for 18-19k but its stick or the cobalt ss for around the same in automatic. __________________ Uhh used to be my dog you was in my left titty Scream RYDE OR DIE I thought you would die wit me Found out you a bitch you can't even ryde wit me Now it's a war you ain't on the side wit me To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

09-09-2005, 08:47 AM	#6
Jerseygirl Tri-State Training Wheels Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Plainsboro, NJ Member #838 iTrader: (0)	You can get an almost fully loaded MINI Cooper for under $23K. __________________ Robyn To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. 2003 MINI Cooper S To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. 1973 "Swedish Racing Green" Volvo 1800ES To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. 1979 Triumph Spitfire

09-09-2005, 09:03 AM	#7
MuddyREX Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Perkasie, PA Member #82 My Ride: 02 Subaru WRX iTrader: (4)	I'd definitely go WRX for that price. But if she isn't going to drive it like it should be driven, it would be a waste of a car. If she wants something cheap and reliable, and is going to keep it stock, I'd say go Mitsubishi Eclipse or Hyundai Tiburon. Both cars are not overly exciting, or the best driver's cars, but most chicks I know love them. Plus, you get a 100,000 mile warranty to boot. __________________ The original, since 1979. <---- 190,000 mile WRX - Gone To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures.

09-09-2005, 07:44 AM	#3
9 Ball Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Philadelphia PA Member #70 My Ride: 2003 Mitsubishi Evolution VIII iTrader: (0)	Is she performance oriented? If so, I would have to suggest the WRX also. You can easily find one for around 17-18k bucks. I like the RSX and others you mentioned, however, in terms of what’s out right now… if she (or you) want to take it to the next level in terms of “all around performance” (not just straight line) the WRX would be the best bet. She won’t regret her decision.

09-09-2005, 03:14 PM	#8
SexyDSM95 Tri-State Post Whore Banned Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Glenside, PA Member #188 iTrader: (1)	Something cute like a VW GTI would be good for her...they are reliable if kept stock. The new ones have reverted back to German engineering (transmission wise) compared to the crappy Mexican ones. The basic GTI starts around $19k and the VR6 goes for $22k. There is also the option of the GLI which starts at $23k but utilizes the 1.8t concept (so it's turbocharged) and @ around 200hp. Last edited by SexyDSM95; 09-09-2005 at 03:18 PM.

09-09-2005, 03:25 PM	#9
Intercooled T Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Fairless Hills, PA Member #207 My Ride: 2003 Toyota Rav4 iTrader: (0)	Tim, get her an 88 cutlass for only 12k, a steal! Nah man, if reliability is her issue, get her a toyota man. Get a new/certified camry or corolla-s. semi-sporty, but very reliable. __________________ 2003 Toyota Rav4, 2.0L/Auto/AWD To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. 2013 Nissan Juke, 1.6T/Auto/FWD (wife's car lol To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. )

09-09-2005, 03:31 PM	#10
smoger Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: philly Member #64 iTrader: (1)	steer away from an srt-4, especially if she is not looking for speed. even moreso if she is not used to driving a fast car. youd be shocked if you saw the amount of srt-4's totaled due to things like lift throttle oversteer and just flat out inexperienced driving,.. no way in hell id want my girlfriend driving one how about a saab 9-2x, its like 23k before the employee discount. all wheel drive, a little luxury.. btw since when was 23k a budget car? i can think of a lot more cars that id consider budget before the likes of these __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. , To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. \| 2000 Black Acura 3.2TL To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. .. all car enthusiasts are welcome

09-09-2005, 05:22 PM	#16
WrxJC Tri-State Addict Join Date: May 2005 Location: Feasterville Member #412 My Ride: 2007 Wrx iTrader: (0)	get an older wrx. or if she wants to spend 22-23k on a NEW car, buy 5 kias. Then if 1 breaks you still have 4 more to drive and 5k left over to fix the old one. __________________ formerly wrxjrl

09-10-2005, 12:29 AM	#20
1988 Olds Tri-State Post Whore Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Levittown, PA Member #201 My Ride: 2012 Chevy Cruze iTrader: (0)	She's not really a Saturn Fan. She told me I could drive it so that's why I said SRT-4 or Type-S. I seriously like the Scion TC, knowing that it is a toyota is nice too. She does not like Saturns or WRXs. I don't know how you can't like a WRX but she really doesn't need a turbo anyway. Once she starts her job we are going to start looking around. She doesn't know how to drive stick but wants to learn so I'm not sure what to do about that. I'm kinda afraid she won't get the hang of it so going with an auto may be alot easier. How much is a decent Scion TC cost or would you guys go with a regular RSX. I really don't like the Tiburon styling that much myself and yeah I heard there is alot of problems with the new ones. Sexy - The GLI is defiantly a sweet looking car. __________________ 1988 Oldsmobile Cutlass Surpeme Classic To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 signatures. Dynoed at 237hp and 292lbs at the rear wheels. Hmm ran 13.52 @ 103.42 11/10/06 1994 Hunter Green Acura Integra DB7, Stock

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