Mid-level car purchase question

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 19, 2003, 4:45 pm

I'm looking around for a new car purchase in about a year.

Anyway....I was thinking somewhere between 15-20k price with options.
I want it to look kind of sporty and have 150+ HP and 150+ Torque
Decent gas mileage, prefer MP3 player, Cloth seats, Sunroof, Manual Transmission. I don't want to pay sports car priced insurance either.

I was thinking maybe the Hyundai Tiburon GT V6, 6-speed manual transmission. It's 170hp and 181 torque. In silver. It's 20k though and I there is probably better out there for 20k.

Does anyone know where the tiburon falls in insurance wise?

Any thoughts of cars I should look at? Please include the make and model...because I probably won't know who makes what heh, I'm clueless.

Right now I have a 1996 Sunfire, I found it adaquate, it looked OK, it had the minimum power I wanted. But I want a slight upgrade. This car reached 60k miles recently...which isn't bad, but it's old, it should start breaking soon I think...I've had it 7.5 years and all I replaced was normal maintenance except an oxygen sensor...everything on it should be hitting the breaking point. When my last car hit 7 years old something broke every month.

Why do I want a sucky car? Why not a nice car? Well like I said I've only driven 60k miles over 7.5 years....it's usually just sitting there. I'd rather pay off my condo faster.

But no used cars.

Fallanthas · Post by **Fallanthas** » September 19, 2003, 4:51 pm

You will never lose more money than by buying a new car and watching it depreciate over the first two years.

masteen · Post by **masteen** » September 19, 2003, 4:55 pm

How close is the Hyundai dealership to your house?

I know they offer a great warranty, but from the 3 people I know who've owned them, the need that warranty pretty often.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 19, 2003, 5:01 pm

I agree, but I plan on driving it for 7-8 years.

In 2 years I'd put on maybe 15k miles....possibly less knowing my current situation. And I'm not talking per year, I'm talking for both years.

If I bought a 2 year old car I'd probably see something like 30-40k on the odometer.

Plus I garage my car....I change the oil every 2k miles...I only use premium gas.

I don't worry about maint. costs because...shit when you fill your gas tank every 4-6 weeks, who cares if you paid $1.25 extra? And oil change every 2000 miles? That's every 6 months.

I just think the chances of it lasting 7-9 years is higher if it's in my possession for all of them.

Chidoro · Post by **Chidoro** » September 19, 2003, 5:05 pm

I'm with Fall on this one. Why not get a used car? Seriously, you can get a damn nice dependable used car in the 14-20k range, damn nice. And if you figure you're only going to put another 60k on it in the next 7 years, you will be just fine using one.

I know nothing about torque and whatnot, but I'm sure a snazzy 2 year old sports sedan will be just fine speed wise. Seriously, get one of those fuckers right off a lease and it's practically a new car with only ~24k on them. Hondas and Toyotas don't even break in until 30k.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 19, 2003, 5:09 pm

Alright one of my friends has a tiburon, I'll ask him more info about his repairs. I remember him talking abour repairs twice, but atleast one of those was because he crashed it.

As for where it's located, I live in KY...but near the Cincinatti Airport. There are lots of dealerships within 5 miles of me, probably one of each. Hyundia is one of them...really dealership location is not a problem, but constant repairs is, I don't have a back-up car...and in this price range I doubt they give you a loaner vehicle.

I also should have mentioned, I have discounts to almost all of the american manufactures via various connections. So like Chrysler, Pontiac and I think Ford...Chrysler would include Dodge, Plymoth, Jeep..etc...

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » September 19, 2003, 5:10 pm

you could get a low end accord for $19-20 ~ish. 160 ~ish hp and torque, and hondas are reliable as a mofo. of course, they're also one of the most stolen cars in the country. you'll spend another $500 on a security system.

honda accord sedan specs

oooh aaah

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » September 19, 2003, 5:13 pm

I'd pick up a 2-3 year old Honda, Saturn, VW or Toyota myself. Staying in the 15-30k miles range, those are 150k mile or more vehicles. I wouldn't touch a Hyundai, I don't want to need a warranty like that.

2-3 year old Mercedes are actually a pretty good deal too, and are a nice, safe, dependable car if you don't buy one of the silly ones. Expect 300K miles if you take care of it. Prices are less than you'd pay for an equivelant sized car in other brands new.

If your car doesn't knock on regular unleaded, you're wasting your money on premium. It's the exact same gas with additives to make it less explosive...

Karae · Post by **Karae** » September 19, 2003, 5:21 pm

Nissan SE-R

Yea, it's a Sentra, but with 175 hp and a pricetag of just over $17,000 you'll be hard pressed to find more bang for your buck.

Here's a comparison of the SE-R Spec-V and the Tiburon you're thinking about.

Then again you could grab a Maxima for around $23,000 after negotiation, which has 265 hp.

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » September 19, 2003, 5:33 pm

Pilsburry wrote:I agree, but I plan on driving it for 7-8 years.

In 2 years I'd put on maybe 15k miles....possibly less knowing my current situation. And I'm not talking per year, I'm talking for both years.

If I bought a 2 year old car I'd probably see something like 30-40k on the odometer.

Plus I garage my car....I change the oil every 2k miles...I only use premium gas.

I don't worry about maint. costs because...shit when you fill your gas tank every 4-6 weeks, who cares if you paid $1.25 extra? And oil change every 2000 miles? That's every 6 months.

I just think the chances of it lasting 7-9 years is higher if it's in my possession for all of them.

The math skills above make me cringe in fear

2k miles every 6 months = 8k over 2 years, not the 15k you started with..

Also, using premium gas and regular oil changes merely reduces your chance of it developing an engine problem, it *could* be flawed off the assembly line..

Voronwë · Post by **Voronwë** » September 19, 2003, 6:07 pm

i'm with the other guys.

buying a brand new car (depending on type) can be a terrible way to spend your money.

I would look for a recently off lease Honda Accord or Toyota Camry. You'll have a sweet ride that will last you much longer than that Hyundai, and it will be a car you actually still want in 8 years =).

as for that car, i've never even heard of it. Hyundai's are pretty good, but i'd get a Toyota or a Honda if at all possible.

XunilTlatoani · Post by **XunilTlatoani** » September 19, 2003, 6:24 pm

I personally have liked Mazda's lately. You get a lot of performance bang for your buck, and the cars are put together right because they are some of the last "Japanese" cars to be made in Japan. We just got a Protege last year fully equipped for just shy of $19k, and it's been great. It falls short of you performance goals, and may not by sporty enough for you.

Couple of other Mazda options though:

Mazdaspeed Protege for about $21k: Turbocharged/Intercooled 4-cylinder (DOHC, etc.) about 170hp / 160 Torque.

Mazda6 for $19-25k depending on options: Either a 160hp 4-cylinder or 192-hp 6-cylinder. It's sporty, but its also a 4-door sedan. It's very nice looking too IMO.

And if you have the means, for $25-35k there is the brand new RX-8 with Mazda's very cool Rotary engine. You're looking at 192 hp with the 4 port automatic or 238 hp with with the 6 port 6-speed. Dollar for dollar, this is probably the best sports car out there, and the resale on this is going to be very good.

There's also the Miata, but I think that this model is overpriced if you look strictly at performance. For this price of a high end Miata, you can get a low end RX-8, and for the price of a low-end Miata, you can get a decently equipped Mazda6 or a fully-equipped Mazdaspeed Protege.

And don't forget to go to those "no-haggle price" web sites where you can usually print a certificate to get a car at near or just above invoice price. We did it and got the car at $100 over invoice.

Skogen · Post by **Skogen** » September 19, 2003, 6:52 pm

Get a used Subaru WRX.

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » September 19, 2003, 7:43 pm

I can't imagine anyone would buy a Hyundai unless they got suckered into it or won one on a gameshow.

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » September 19, 2003, 7:54 pm

Ah yes, Hyundai, the company that decided the $2 in-dash clock should be an "optional extra" FFS.. Young women love Hyundais :>

Coatlicue [KoE] · Post by **Coatlicue [KoE]** » September 19, 2003, 7:58 pm

Mazda.

'nuff said.

in one year and 3 months, I have put 24k miles on my protege, and it still purrs like a kitten

Truant · Post by **Truant** » September 19, 2003, 8:34 pm

1. It's a fucking hyundai...
2. As for insurance. You're looking at a compact sports car. It even has a 6speed. You probably aren't going to get the low rate.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 19, 2003, 8:41 pm

Zaelath, 15k in 2 years is a high quote....my recent driving trends are much much lower, seriously I have a 1/4 tank of gas ATM and I haven't been to the pump in a month.

Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V

175hp 180torque $17,300
That's a good value...looks decent...

Mazda RX-8
<a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/ ... nterior</a>
<a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/ ... xterior</a>
That's a nice looking car...$25k base though. And it's a brand new engine design..that doesn't leave me with much information as far as longevity of the engine, it might crap out in 5 years. But damn...

Mazda Protege "MazdaSpeed"
<a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/ ... xterior</a>
2.0L turbo - 170hp, 160 Torque - $21k
Looks nice...decent power...kind of pricey for the power though.

Mazda - Mazda6
<a href="http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/images/ ... xterior</a>
2.3L 160hp or a V6 3.0L 220hp 192 Torque! Whoa...not bad looking either. It's no mucle car but that would have plenty of power for me. The base is 19k...I don't know how much the V6 adds to the cost.

Sirensa · Post by **Sirensa** » September 19, 2003, 8:48 pm

I'm a big fan of the Nissan, used to drive a Maxima - but the Sentra makes me claustrophibic (pretty much all those small econo cars do though).

I'd check out the Volkswagon Jetta too.

Though, overall, I would agree with the people that posted Used > New. I'd rather get a high quality used car, with better options for my money than having a brand new car just to have a "new" car. Course I don't have a penis to flex - maybe it makes buying used easier

Lohrno · Post by **Lohrno** » September 19, 2003, 8:50 pm

Yeah, get a used Honda Accord. They turn nice, they accel nice, and they are smooth (ride...even if you don't care, girls do.

), something that I'm pretty sure most Nissan's aren't.

-=Lohrno

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 19, 2003, 9:34 pm

I have my reasons for buying new....it has nothing to do with my penis.

Penis flexing would involve me buying the nicest car I can afford, with the biggest engine.

And a penis flexer would never drive what I drive....not when he can afford something else. You do remember I drive a 1996 Sunfire? It was $12,500 when I bought it 7.5 years ago....it's a step up from a geo...1 step up.

noel · Post by **noel** » September 19, 2003, 9:53 pm

Check out the ford Focus SVT or ZX3. You couldn't pay me to consider a Hyundai, not even the newer ones.

Otherwise all of the other cars mentioned in this thread have been good choices.

XunilTlatoani · Post by **XunilTlatoani** » September 19, 2003, 10:02 pm

For the Mazda6 I trim (4-Cyl), you are looking at around $21k equipped. The S trim (6-Cyl) with Manual tranny equipped (sport package) is around $23k. Check out mazdausa.com. You can search current dealer inventories around your area...tells you what they have in stock, what options, and what price you can get. Figure if you get them down to about invoice (which is likely this time of year with 2003 models they are trying to get rid of), the sticker price they show is about accurate after you add in destination charges, taxes, etc.

I know that the RX-8 is above your price range, but just wanted to note that the engine is not entirely new...it was previously in the RX-7

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 19, 2003, 10:19 pm

That RX-8 engine did win engine of the year award. The 6-speed does 0-60 in 6 secs.

but I found this....

Granted style is a little lacking...but it's 21k.
230hp 250torque?

And it's a dodge!?!? I get huge discount on dodge. I might be able to snag it for like 17-18k. I've never seen one of these things...

Mplor · Post by **Mplor** » September 19, 2003, 11:25 pm

I recommend buying a high-end car with high miles to get the best bang for your buck. I recently bought a fully loaded Acura sedan with high miles for cheap. Fully loaded, it looks sweet out, and it will outrun everything posted in this thread (except that RX8 *drool*). Cheap to own, insurance is rock-bottom, and impresses the girls.

And it will last another 100k miles with little maintenance. Whoever mentioned buying used Mercedes has the right idea!

Mippy

Truant · Post by **Truant** » September 19, 2003, 11:39 pm

still, everything you have listed is 'sport' model. granted it's compact, but it's still the sport model. You should check with your insurance before you get your heart set, especially since insurance is a considering factor as you stated above.

Tenuvil · Post by **Tenuvil** » September 19, 2003, 11:58 pm

Haha, nice Dodge.

Why not buy a base Neon, then add on a big ass wing and a Type "R" badge instead

Post by **Xouqoa** » September 20, 2003, 12:05 am

Don't buy a 'performance' american car.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 20, 2003, 1:13 am

Gay men drive Neons.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 20, 2003, 1:14 am

"High-end" just isn't my style. I'm not out to impress and luxury cars aren't my thing.

------------

As for not buying domestic performance cars, I'm not going to agree or disagree with you. What I will say is....this is my Sunfire replacement for 18k. I'm not buying it for top-end performance. I just want to get from my house to the gym 7 miles away 3x a week. It's 45mph most of the way....I think this will handle it fine.

-----------

And yeah Truant, I'll definately have to check insurance, that last one is going to be much more expensive insurance wise then a 1996 sunfire heh. If it's really bad I'd rather spend more money and get less horses under the hood...but in a more attractive package....

Damn why couldn't someone else have made the Tiburon? I liked the way that looked.

Zamtuk · Post by **Zamtuk** » September 20, 2003, 1:18 am

If you have a good insurance standing (no wrecks, tickets, etc.) then insurance shouldn't be a factor.

Lohrno · Post by **Lohrno** » September 20, 2003, 1:30 am

Zamtuk wrote:Gay men drive Neons.

You guys do? I thought it was Saturns?

-=Lohrno

Aabidano · Post by **Aabidano** » September 20, 2003, 1:56 am

I'd stay away from anything with a turbo that burns gas, especially if you live up north. It's not worth it if you plan on keeping the car for 5+ years. It will fail, and they are expensive little buggers.

Nissans and Mazdas are nearly as reliable as Toyotas and Hondas, but they start to rattle about 60k miles\5 years sooner

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 20, 2003, 1:58 am

I do have to admit, they had me fooled, I didn't realize it was a neon at first because I was looking at it from the rear with a high spoiler and then the engine specs.

However I'm going to keep this in mind.....even though it is a neon. It's a performance neon....man that just doesn't sound right...but it is.

Maybe I can get a new front grille and headlights to disguise it's true identity? lol. I hope they got higher quality headlights, Neon headlights always look clouded over.

Anyway like I said though this is to replace my Sunfire. I considered a neon when I bought my Sunfire...but the engine was smaller, it was less sportier...so I did the Sunfire.

Now I can get a super-neon for the same price as a sunfire...

I couldn't do the base neons, even the R/T's have too small of engines...150hp/135 torque...and they come with a cassette not CD, and they cost 18k (I'd get the discount on it also though) and all the brakes, tires, handling would be downgraded...it would suck too much. It's worth the 3k to upgrade.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 20, 2003, 2:01 am

Pilsburry wrote:Does anyone know where the tiburon falls in insurance wise?

Right now I have a 1996 Sunfire, I found it adaquate, it looked OK, it had the minimum power I wanted. But I want a slight upgrade. This car reached 60k miles recently...which isn't bad, but it's old, it should start breaking soon I think...I've had it 7.5 years and all I replaced was normal maintenance except an oxygen sensor...everything on it should be hitting the breaking point. When my last car hit 7 years old something broke every month.

I can let you know a comparison between what you have now and what you're looking at tomorrow. IM me to remind me since I will be at work. It won't be actual prices, but I can compare what you have now to what you are looking at in the testing that has been done which rates are based off of.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 20, 2003, 2:07 am

As for insurance.

I get a discount for having house and car on the same policy I think.

Then I get an accident free deal, there was one wreck on my insurance but I didn't do it, Claritin wrecked my car!!! Fucker. Anyway it was like in 1994, my old car...but it hit my insurance. That's gone now though.

I get another discount for being over 25 because that means I'm supossed to be mature or something.

My last speeding ticket was in 2000 I think. Maybe 2001. So I have like one ticket on my record. They come off every 3 years right? I've been a good boy lately...mainly because I never drive anywhere

So my record is good....I guess.

You get more discounts for like air bags, abs brakes I think, and it being garaged..I'll have all that.

You know what's real crazy, this would be my first car with electric stuff! Like windows and locks!! Even remote key entry!! haha.

Boogahz · Post by **Boogahz** » September 20, 2003, 2:11 am

What I will be looking up isn't taking any discounts, tickets, age, etc into consideration. It will be the base information on how the vehicles rate vs each other. Such as which would be more expensive for liability, comprehensive, collision, personal injury protection, un/underinsured motorist protection, etc. Like I said...it won't be prices, but just a comparison. To make it even easier, if you have the 1st 10 digits of the VIN on either car it will make it more accurate when I get to work (don't have access to the system from home).

Taly · Post by **Taly** » September 20, 2003, 4:01 am

buy american is all i can say

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » September 20, 2003, 10:27 am

Taly wrote:buy american is all i can say

How? Aren't all American cars built in Mexico from Japanese parts?

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » September 20, 2003, 11:36 am

Don't listen to all the wannabe car fanatics here heh, go to edmunds.com and do some real research. And btw, the Tiburon has gotten excellent reviews.

As for your other car options:
Mazdaspeed Protege: Handles like a race car, we went and tested it on a court (yeah the Mazda stuff where they move from city to city and let you test drive). Damn tight cornerning etc, but not full of luxuries etc.

Mazda6: Excellent car, you got the power, you got the comfort.. and for some reason the damn car draws my attention every time I see it. Still remember first time it caught up to me from behind during the dark and I was wondering "WTF is that?"

Hondas: Pretty boring but they'll last forever.

SRT-4: About the same as the Protege, a bit more sporty. Good car.

RX8: Now here is a damn nice car.. awesome looks, has the comfort level and is damn fun to drive.

Truant · Post by **Truant** » September 20, 2003, 11:58 am

Taly wrote:buy american is all i can say

A very funny statement due to how uninformed it is.

Many 'domestic' cars are now made in Mexico. And Most Japanese cars are made in the states.

So who do you buy now?

As to the tiburon. I'm not downing anything specifically about the car. But more the maker. Hyundai is a growing company yes, but they still by far, aren't anywhere near the top. So the depreciation of a Hyundai is going to much more than a civic, or corolla, etc, etc. Why does this matter? If in two years, your car has a value of twelve dollars, and your blinker gets broken by a shopping cart fender bender at your local albertson's... your insurance is going to total your car.

Phugg_Innay · Post by **Phugg_Innay** » September 20, 2003, 12:26 pm

Pils , have you thought about looking at Volkswagon ? I just browsed through Yahoo classifieds , found an 02 GTI for about 18k. I just browsed more and couldnt find on from 98-03 that was above 19k and miles were all below 50k. for the Bang for Buck quotient VW and that neon seem to be pretty dang good. On the plus side VW's are phenominal in the reliabilty area.

Kelshara · Post by **Kelshara** » September 20, 2003, 12:47 pm

Actually, German cars have struggled some with quality and longevity in the last couple of years. Been following car stuff in Norwegian magazines and buyers have lost a lot of faith in German cars.

Syndaen Crystalthorn · September 20, 2003, 12:47 pm

By the way, a quick stop to my favorite website revealed these shots.

and

http://www.veilside.com

Post by **Xouqoa** » September 20, 2003, 12:58 pm

Best thing about Hyundai is the 10 year warranty. The question is, is there a major reason they offer one that long? =)

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 20, 2003, 1:43 pm

Maybe I should get this car?
http://cgi.aol.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e ... 2433070499
Someone tried to make "Kitt" from Knight Rider and it's for sale haha. Voice actor to play the kitt part and everything (why wouldn't he just use the voice from the show recordings?)

Anyway look at that body style, that's a nice body on the Tiburon.

When I looked at Tiburon comments on epinions.com the majority were excellent, but they were also all less then 6 months old and a few of those even mentioned being in the shop a couple times. The ones on older models that had some time on them....same deal lots of good posts when they were new, but then some people came back with some horror stories. Like bad paint that flakes off easy, rims that corrode and cause repeated flat tires (one guy is up to 65 flat tires), engine lights coming on that is considered "normal" by the dealership, broken window motors, car just stalling while being driven causing the steering and such to stop working, faulty clocks...those seemed to be repeated problems I saw so there is probably some merit to it, so then I went to a Tiburon fan site, and even though those guys love thier cars a new member would come in and ask a question and they would be like "that's normal, we have an FAQ here" I got worried.

Does anyone know much about Body Kits? I hate the Neons front end..the headlights and grill especially. I see a Evo5 body kit hehe...I could get the whole kit for $700 or just the front bumper for $300. But I wouldn't know much about putting it on, and I don't know if they could paint it to match.
http://www.importinnovation.com/aerodyn ... spx?ID=345
If I could pay $700 for a kit, and then get it painted to match for like $200 or something...and bolt it on myself or have my Uncle do it...then the appearance issues of the Neon would be gone and the car cost would only be 19k still.

I also found some easy add-ons for a few years down the road (I assume they would void my warranty) that would put the turbo neon doing the 1/4 in low 12's for about $1,100 extra. But they would have me increasing the boost pressure in the turbo, and I kinda think that would cause an early turbo death....besides I don't really need the power.
http://www.turboneonstore.com/tuning_guide_srt_4.htm

Zaelath · Post by **Zaelath** » September 20, 2003, 1:51 pm

I kinda prefer the other kit...

Though, I'm not paying $3500 for either on a freaking Hyundai...

On a side not, the no right-click javascript on veilside's page is really effective isn't it =)

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 20, 2003, 1:59 pm

Yeah I like the second kit better except the front bumper needs a little more work...it's a bit much. But the sides witht he scoops looks cool even if it is just for show, and I like the spoiler better...I can't really see the rear bumper.

Syndaen Crystalthorn · September 20, 2003, 2:34 pm

Second kit is for the older models.

The one I posted was for current model.

Pilsburry · Post by **Pilsburry** » September 20, 2003, 3:16 pm

Yeah, I was wondering how they did the headlights and extended the front that far.

I was thinking "man, I could totally change the neons headlights if I found the right kit!" but I guess no dice hehe.

The kit I posted for the turbo-neon is for 00-02, not 03-04 which is what I would buy....they had a kit for it but it was the one shown in silver here <a href="http://www.dangermice.com/neon.htm">My Neon Page</a> and the front end looks basically like a neon still...I assume I can find a good kit somewhere. I liked the Evo5 better, the silver one looks too fat and rounded for my tastes...

VeeshanVault

Mid-level car purchase question

Mid-level car purchase question

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