Car suggestions?

[Supermercado]

I'm going to be graduating in May and hopefully going to be able to afford a new car to replace my 1989 Cavalier before too long. I've been looking at sites like edmunds trying to get some possible ideas for what sort of cars I might want to start thinking about, but I really don't know all that much about what all is available that meets my wants/needs.

I'm pretty tall (6'5") so I need something that I can fit in comfortably. I want something with more power than my Cavalier. I don't think the Cavalier even has 100hp, but I'm sort of at a loss for how much power is enough. Something fun to drive would be important but being able to accelerate onto the interstate and pass at will would also be important. I'm not a huge fan of sedans and much prefer the way coupes look, but I'm not going to rule anything out based solely on the fact that it's a sedan. I think I'd prefer a car but some sort of truck or SUV would probably be okay.

As for price, I was talking briefly with my dad about it last night and he said he didn't think something in the range of $20k-$25k would be out of line and I think I tend to agree. Assuming I can get a decent job (here's to hoping ), that seems like it would be a pretty reasonable amount to spend. I've done a little looking and like what I see in the Accord and Camry Solara and I think both are probably in the range of what I'd be able/willing to spend, but past that, I'm not really that knowledgeable on what's available and what will be available later this summer or this fall. I know you guys love to talk cars so any suggestions anyone can throw out would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

[TheChort]

I'm doing some searching...
But so far, for your price range and desires, the camry and accord are probably your best bets.

 

[Asharus]

Nissan Altima V6 out of the range?

 

[TheChort]

Here's some more: (I'm an idiot, forgot all about these cars)

Nissan Altima V6 - My top choice for you based on what you wrote
VW Jetta VR6 - Good car, little smaller, but VR6 model is good on power (I have GTI, very happy with it)
Subaru WRX - HIGH in power, less on comfort

Don't know much about these two, but they fit your description
Dodge Intrepid -
Chevy Impala -

 

[Supermercado]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at those and see what I think.

 

[DougK62]

I'd go with a Nissan. The Camry and Accord are nice but they're boring - unless you a get a 6spd Accord coupe.

My suggestion is to not make a stupid purchase like this and do something smart like save for a house. Buying a fancy new car right out of college is something a TON of kids do, but they almost always end up regretting it later.

 

[Kelemvor]

2004 Grand Prix. Best car out there. Thnk it's a tad over that price range though but you can't beat it.

 

[Kelvrick]

Mazda6 god damnit. Mazda3 and save some money.

The Toyota Solara is a pretty nice car (although I don't like the redesign that much). The new Subaru Legacy is just sooo sexy.

 

[vi edit]

Accord coupe would be my first suggestion. Other options would be something like pre-owned '01 or '02 BMW 330ci or an Acura CL-S.

If you were interested in sedans I'd look at a Maxima or Altima SE.

I suggest these based upon the fact that you are 6'5. I don't think you'd find a WRX or a Jetta especially, comfortable if a lot of your height is in your legs.

 

[vi edit]

If you wanted a fun truck, I know you can get used '01 Lightnings for that price.

 

[Nanotech]

I suggest holding off until you've landed your first job!!! I just graduated this past May and upgraded from a 2002 Ranger to a 2004 Audi A4 1.8T this past December. It has 170hp which is not too much but makes it fun to drive and fast enough to merge beautifully and pass at will. It definately fits the profile of what you are looking for to the T but may be out of your price range until you've found that first J O B. They start at 25k and would definately recommend at least test driving one. It may be slightly more compact than you'ld like but you would fit in it fine.

Whatever you get, if you have the option get satellite radio and I recommend SIRIUS over XM any day of the week. I'm a lifetime subscriber so no montly fees.

 

[Supermercado]

Whatever I end up doing, it won't be before I actually get a job. No question about that. I'm not sure how much more my current car has in it so a new(er) car is going to be needed before too long, whether it's a good decision or not. I'm not set on a new car (as in 2004 or 2005 model, depending on when those start showing up) and I'm definitely open to a nice car that's got 2 to 4 years on it as long as it's in good condition, not too many miles, etc. I'm still at the brainstorming phase right now and I'm just trying to get some ideas for vehicles. Thanks for all the suggestions so far

 

[TRDGT]

Solara SE Sport w/V6 and seq 5-speed auto
New Subie Legacy WHOOOBOOY can't wait to drive a GT

 

[KEV1N]

Are you buying new or used? If new, I suggest the Mazda 3. I test drove it and I was grinning the entire time. It can probably be had for between $20k and $25k out the door, I think. It would also go well with your age bracket. Not sure if you'd look right in an Altima. But if you're going used, try Nissan or Infiniti, which I found suffer from greater depreciation than Toyota or Honda. Before I bought my 04 Accord Coupe, I cross shopped with the 2001-2002 Infiniti i30.. which could be had for $20k. It has the VQ30DE engine from the Maxima (hope I can say that word without everybody on this forum spooging on their keyboards). Good luck.

 

[Cal166]

2000-2003 Maxima SE

 

[Supermercado]

I haven't made a decision for sure as far as new or used yet. It's still a few months off for now. Just trying to get some ideas for things I might want to be on the lookout for.

 

[arcenite]

buy a grand national

 

[Kelvrick]

Get an NSX.

 

[Ryan]

2003 Acura CL Type-S 6-speed manual can be had in that price range A pretty quick car, sexy power plant, and nice interior

 

[Supermercado]

Originally posted by: Kelvrick
Get an NSX.

I wish

 

[charliebrown]

Price of gas likely to go to $3+... I'd recommend a hybrid -

Toyota's got a hybrid Highlander and RAV4 coming out this fall. If they sell half as well as the Prius, put a deposit on one now 'cause there's going to be a long waiting list once people realize they can get 35-45mpg from an SUV.

GM and Ford also are bringing out hybrids this fall - you might want to wait and see those as well.

 

[VIAN]

The Solara is a pretty nice car. I would go with that.

I wouldn't go with SUV's because:

Eveyone in their mother has one.
Eats up more gas.
Eats up more horsepower.
Worse at turns.
Are you going off-road anytime soon?
Higher than cars, making it harder to park.
Takes up more space.

 

[Supermercado]

I'm thinking that an SUV is probably not where it's at this time around for me. Maybe in 10 or 15 years when I've got a family or something. If I were to consider an SUV, it would be a midsize one (I like the looks of the Xterra a lot, for example), not something huge, even though even a midsize SUV probably gets nowhere near the gas mileage that something like an Accord would.