New or Used: The Backyard Swing That Faces a Brick Wall

TTAC Commentator cc-rider writes:

Sajeev- I have written you before asking for advice for my coworker. You all had a field day with that one! I am looking for some quick advice as I now have a dilemma of my own to deal with.

I currently own two cars: a near mint 1991 Nissan Sentra SE-R and a nice 1988 BMW 325is. A situation has come up where I am thinking of trading the Sentra for a 1997 Mercedes C36 AMG. Before you spill the coffee on the keyboard, the C36 is not worth nearly as much as you would initially think. It is pretty much at the bottom of its depreciation curve.

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New or Used?: Escaping The One Car Family

Steve writes:

I’m no lover of cars, but since I sold my motorcycle, going bicycle only is proving problematic. Being a one-car family has worked better in theory than in practice. I spend a lot of time mountain biking and trail running. So I need something that can handle muddy, sweaty people and haul dogs and bicycles and the occasional road trip to races. The dog is a collie and my wife and can get by fine with a hitch rack. I don’t the need the car for commuting to work – I ride a bicycle to work every day rain or shine, 12 months a year. Also, I have fundamental distrust of automatic transmissions.

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New or Used: How To Be A Yuppie for 12k Or Less Edition

John writes:

That’s right, the Yuppie is back. After reading every one of the 117 comments to your July 29th response to my previous question, I have come to yet another crossroad. As much as I hate to admit, Steve won that argument. Ignoring some of the more ignominious comments about how much our family should spend on a house, 401K, kids, etc., here now is the master plan. I will cap my next car budget at $12,000, with $1000 set aside each year for maintenance. My desire would be to buy a 5-10yr old used car, use it for a year (spending less than the banked $1000 on maintenance), then being my fickle self sell it and get a “new” used mobile. I live in a state without vehicle transfer taxes or sales tax, so there are few transfer costs associated with selling a buying a new ride. The $1K maintenance account will be renewed each year.

So, now the question – best ride under $12,000 that won’t blow a tranny and cost me more than $1K a year to operate?

Top picks right now: S4 (yes, an Audi, but most on the market have had all the required maintenance done just to sell the bad boy…and I’ll only keep it for 12 months), Mazda 6, BMW 3, Lexus IS manual, G8…..the list goes on. Wife drives an Outback so we have our family hauler. I am 6’4″ though, so need some leg room. Thanks!

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New or Used: Replacing The Sentra Support Vehicle

John writes:

I need a different vehicle. I need something that is better suited for towing my racecar than a Sentra. I also need it to be able to hold 4 people comfortably. My kids are getting too big for to be contained in the back of a compact car. So any vehicle I get will probably be a 4door pickup or large SUV. I have thought about a F250, a Navigator, or the compromise between the two: the 80’s Bronco.

My problem is I’ve never owned anything other than compact cars. I’ve never had a reason to own a tow vehicle until now. Can you educate me on requirements of tow vehicles? Is an automatic acceptable? Should I add/upgrade any components like a trans cooler or brakes?

Please hook me up like a tow truck.

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New or Used: Buyers Remorse, C5 Vettes and Self-Anointed Cultural Creatives

Jing asks:

Well my question is fairly simple. I’m in the market for a new car and just like everyone else, I am trying to maximize the earning value of my money. I’ve been arguing with myself for over a month now trying to make up my mind but the more I try to focus on one particular car, the more I find my thoughts straying towards another. I have the feeling that inevitably I am going to be facing buyers remorse no matter what decision I ultimately make. With that being said, I don’t have a choice set in stone but ideally I want something sporty.

I originally had my eye set on the genesis coupe but I found my eye wandering towards the 370z instead. The base model is at the upper limit of my price range and while my heart says yes, my mind scoffs as it’s practicality or lack thereof. The alternative is either a Honda CR-Z (Yes, I know what most people here think of it) or a 2011 Kia Optima/Sonata plus a 650cc sport bike. The pricing is about the same for both options, but I cannot for the life of me decide whether to go with the more expensive (and cooler!) car or a more practical commuter coupled with a crotch rocket. What say you all?

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New Or Used: The MGM Dilemma

Harley writes:

I’m considering buying a Mercury Grand Marquis. Maybe it’s not the most popular car on the road today, but I want a large, solid, comfortable, quiet car with rear-wheel drive, decent low-end torque and a V8. I don’t care too much about a lot of the new bells and whistles and I prefer a soft comfortable ride rather than sporty handling. The Grand Marquis seems to fit the bill.

I plan to keep the car for a long time. So, do I buy new and have the benefit of knowing the car’s maintenance history and the way it has been driven since day one? Or do I go with a year or two old Grand Marquis (most likely, from what I’ve seen on the used car market, a former rental fleet vehicle) to avoid what I gather to be the relatively steep depreciation cost I’d incur if I buy new? I guess what it really comes down to – what do you think about buying a Grand Marquis that spent its first year or two as a rental car?

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New or Used: One Dimensional Analysis Edition

Paul writes:

I’m about to shell out $3500K for a Honda Odyssey transmission. A very unexpected turn of events for me, given the Big H’s reputation for quality…or so I thought. Googling shows that transmission problems are endemic. They are across all brands, all styles, all price points, all years. I was pretty surprised.

Your readers have a pretty high collective wisdom and -usually- leave insightful commentary. I wonder what they would say if asked, ”What make and model car has the most trouble-free transmission? The worst transmission?” I’d use the feedback to guide my next car purchase.

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New or Used: A Sedan For All Seasons Edition

Steve writes:

I’ve been stuck trying to find the right car for several months. This car would replace a 2007 Subaru B9 Tribeca Limited, that I’m driving because my wife just didn’t like the ergonomics and heavy steering input. Legroom on the passenger side of the Tribeca is awful for long drives. This car would supplement my wife’s 07 Lexus RX350.

Criteria: 4 door, used, under $25k, automatic, reliable, comfortable for long family (of 3) drives, better mileage than the RX350 and decent handling. FWD or AWD are ok, but I can’t manage RWD in the New England winter with my very steep driveway (otherwise I’d prefer RWD). My commute is a mere 3 miles of 40 MPH suburban roads, but I want to use this car instead of the RX350 on longer drives from Boston to Vermont etc. So it needs to be almost as comfortable as the RX350. Here’s the real nice to have: a little more fun for me. That means reasonable handling and lack of body lean in turns…not a Camry. But roads in my area are pothole city, so a compromise is needed. Here’s what I looked at:

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New or Used: The Last Temptation of Four-Wheel Drive

Ryan writes:

This is Ryan in Chicago again . I am still driving an Acura 2004 TL with about 80k miles, but with winter on the way, I get the itch to switch to a more winter/city car. I used to park in a heated garage at home and work. Now I am relegated to the street parking all the time. Here are my thoughts: – the tl is going to really suffer with all the time in the cold and snow – I am planning on adding a nice sporty car ($40k) to the mix next spring – I always thought a solid cheap AWD vehicle for driving around (and parking) in the city like bronco, wrangler, outback would be great I look forward to your ideas.

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New Or Used: Making A Run For The (Brazilian) Border Edition

Jonatas writes:

I’m getting serious about taking a little road trip. Something I’ve long wanted to do. I want to drive from my current home in S. Florida to my hometown in Brazil, hopefully seeing amazing places and meeting amazing people along the way. Since it is a road trip, having the right car/truck is the most important thing to have. I’m looking for something relatively cheap, reliable, economical, and somewhat common in most countries to make for easier maintenance and attract less attention. I don’t think I’ve yet found anything that checks off all the boxes but I keep finding myself looking at late 80’s, early 90’s Toyota 4Runners as they’re sold under the Hi-Lux moniker in most latin american countries. I’ve also looked at Subaru Outbacks from the 90’s but reliability seems to be an issue as well as parts availability. Land Rover Defenders are either too old or expensive. Any other possible vehicle suggestions?

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New or Used: Delusions of the Hot Rod Lincoln Edition

Ken writes:

I’m hoping the Best and Brightest (is that trademarked?) can help out on a dilemma I have: to upgrade or trade in.

About a year ago we purchased a certified used 2008 Lincoln MKZ AWD. It was bought to replace a very different car my wife previously drove – a 2004 Mazda RX-8. The Mazda was a blast – but was starting to get unreliable and with a longer commute and New England winters a different car was needed. On paper the Lincoln fit the bill. It checked all the boxes: price, maintenance costs, reliability, and features.

But specs and numbers don’t always translate into the real world and the love of my life is experiencing buyer’s remorse. The car has been reliable and does have many features, but it lacks character and soul. Sure the RX-8’s engine would flood every so often and the heat worked intermittently, but when it was running she loved driving that thing.

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New or Used: The Spoiled And The Budget Minded Edition

Jay writes:

I’m spoiled.

I’ve been blessed to drive three BMW 3-Series over the past several years (BMW employee leases). I’ve been spoiled by their comfort, performance, and quality. Now I’m out of the car industry and my lease is going up. I’m looking to buy a car for $17K or less and build up my investment portfolio. I plan on driving the wheels off this car, so I would like to like it at least a little.

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New Or Used?: The 15K Wonder Car Edition

Kobi writes:

I need a car for under $15,000, manual trans, RWD or non-transverse/non-haldex all wheel drive. I hate transverse/fwd. I hate automatics. I have owned a Nissan SE-R, Acura Integra, Honda Prelude and now I have a last generation Toyota MR-Spyder that I don’t want to abuse during the winter again. I got a last generation Isuzu Trooper for my wife, little baby and dogs — but she complains about the mileage. So I want to get a winter-ish car that I’ll enjoy too, that is safe (!) for the baby, and has room for two dogs. This car is in addition to the MR and the Trooper.

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New Or Used?: Best-Hatched Plans Edition

TTAC Commentator trailertrash writes:

I am hoping to save a little research time and thus allow me more actual “behind the wheel time” when looking for my next car. I have lots of wheels, from the Tiguan, MKS, 2010 Mazda6 and even a Trailblazer. My next purchase needs to be affordable, FAST, fun and carry everything (within reason). This is a wagon or hatch. The latest sportwagen by Caddy is awfully slow by my standards. The MKS has me even wanting more off the red light. The Audi3 is a little small. I WISH the G series was a hatch! Or the Mazda still had one.

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New Or Used: Wrangling A Snow Plow Edition

Andy writes:

This is a perfect question for the first day of summer: I would love the readers’ input on plow trucks, specifically using a 1500 vs 2500. I will be doing some light duty plowing in Eastern MA, in a small to medium sized parking lot with plenty of obstacles. I thought of a Wrangler since it could also be a great summer toy, but it seems like it might not be suited for plowing. I know some of the readers will have some good experience to share. Thanks!

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New Or Used?: Mad About A Modern Microbus

Ron writes:

I am an old VW microbus fan. Not that I had a lot, mind you, compared to some; but I did own two ’71s, a prototype vanagon, and an ’84 vanagon.

I realize they were, oh, not so safe, what with using the driver and front passenger as a sort of buffer to protect the car, and maybe having a handling issue or two. But I did come to love a few things: ease of maintenance/repair (which you had to do more than my civics); simplicity; huge greenhouse; and, finally, the big roomy open from cockpit. No big damn console between the seats, and no feeling of being cocooned in the car. I could, while driving, stretch my legs out to one side.

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New Or Used: How To Be A Yuppie For $20k Or Less Edition

John writes:

Long time listener, first time caller. I find myself in the yuppie’s dilemma – $18k to spend and infinite possibilities.

Some background: I’ve always loved a great ride and I’ve been promiscuous….my last five cars have been a 1991 535i, a Nissan 200SX, Mazda Millenia, 1997 740il, and I currently drive a 2008 Subaru WRX under lease ($260 a month with $0 down, about the only time a lease has ever made sense to me). When the lease is up, so is the jig. I’m a newly minted lawyer at a large law firm making way more money than I should at 27, and my wife’s a nurse doing just the same. We want to keep the purchase under $20K and I’ve seriously toyed with everything from a 2011 Sonata to a Z3 to 530xi to an A8 and everything in between.

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New Or Used?: Vue To A Kill Edition

Raymond writes:

I have been trying to find a site that finds the right car/truck./CUV based on a needs checklist. I have had no luck finding this. The option I am most looking for is flat folding front passenger seat in a wagon type vehicle. I sometimes deliver furniture and draperies in my interior design business but mostly it is my daily driver. My next car needs to hold a 6′ ladder, too.

My Vue has been a great car for work, recreation and as a daily driver, but it is getting old. I ordered my Vue with the CVT transmission after reading that the CVT was the next best thing. I have since heard and read the the discontinued GM CVT was very problematic. The CVT has recently started slipping and my 100K warranty has expired.

I really hate car shopping (which may be why I bought 3 Saturns over the last 15 years – easy shopping/ordering/buying). I stopped at a Kia dealer close to my home and was hounded from the minute I got out of my car. Kia is now off my list for that (and none of their vehicles offer flat fold front passenger seats).

Thank you!

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New Or Used?: Replacing The 20-Year Old Accord

TTAC reader JeremyR writes:

My trusty 20-plus-year-old Accord is getting a bit long in the tooth, and I’m starting to think about a replacement. While the car will be used primarily for commuting, I’d like to maximize the “fun to drive” quotient while respecting some other requirements:

* must have a manual transmission
* must be reasonably efficient (30mpg+ highway)
* must be reliable (though I don’t mind occasionally getting dirt under my fingernails doing some maintenance)
* must be able to seat four in reasonable comfort (the back seat should be adequate to transport two adults across town)
* should be a five-door hatch (but other configurations will be considered)
* should be under $10K (USD)

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New Or Used?: The Third Car Edition

Bernie asks:

Steve: great work at “Hammertime”! Having grown up on a car lot–my dad managed/sold at my uncle’s Chrysler/Plymouth dealership–I think I am savvy when it comes to buying cars. Take my ’98 F150 Supercab 4X4…bought used in 2001, it is still in great shape (I dote on it like a newborn). I am an avid outdoorsman, so ‘Mavis’ (that it’s name) doesn’t get babied during deer season. The rest of the year I take her on drives like one might take grandma out for a walk.

But here’s my problem. My soon to be 16 year old daughter will be driving soon. She is heavily involved in sports and marching band, so a car for her to get to such things would be a great relief for mom and dad. That’s 1000’s of miles to and from school, and whatnot! We will have NO car payments around the same time (wife’s 2005 Exploder will be paid-off in July).

So what to get??? A 3rd car to use as a city car? A newer used car for wife, I jump into the Explorer and share it with daughter?

A car for daughter solely??? We will not be getting rid of my truck or wife’s explorer. It has to be used, domestic brand prefered, but V-Dubs are OK. And no more than 8 grand.

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New Or Used?: Bass Models Edition
Perry writes in:

I’m giving my son a used car for his college graduation present. What models and years would you recommend in a car that is big enough to carry a stringed bass (the musical instrument -not a fish!), is very safe, reliable, gets good gas mileage, costs $5k-$7k. Thank you for your suggestions!

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New Or Used: Eastern Oregon Survival Machine Edition

Mark Clark writes:

I’d like to ask for advice about buying a winter car. I’m replacing a 1967 Land Rover that my wife has decided is no longer acceptable. She tolerates my other car habits, so replacing her is not an acceptable option. My requirements are: 1) All Wheel Drive: Here in the wilds of Eastern Oregon where the local government does not plow the roads, two driven wheels is what summer cars are for. Don’t worry, it will get snow tires. 2) Car-like Handling: As a summer Miata driver, big SUVs are not acceptable. On the other hand, as a summer Miata driver, Elise-like handling is not required. 3) Year 2000 or newer: When your wife is height-challenged, full-powered airbags are not acceptable. Older cars without airbags are even less acceptable. 4) Cheap: Under $10,000 makes me a hero. 5) Reasonably Reliable: After a 1967 Land Rover, I’m not asking for much, but I’m not interested in wrenching in a snow storm.

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New Or Used?: The Last Temptation Of The 996

Ryan writes:

I have a car purchase dilemma. I currently have a 2005 Acura TL that is a fine car. It does what I need it to do as I live in Chicago and only have to drive 1 mile to work. I am looking for a change though, and the Chicago winters always make me want something with 4-wheel drive. My fiancé’s car is a 07 Civic. We drive it most of the time around town because it is easy to park, great gas mileage and its a tank as far as reliability is concerned. I had a 2006 RL come on my radar recently for a great price (father of a co worker selling). I also found a 2001 Porsche Carrera 4 in great condition, low miles and great price available. What should I do?

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New Or Used?: Coming To America Edition

Colin writes:

Sajeev and Steve: I’m a Brit currently on expat in the US. For several years now I’d loved the idea of buying a cool American only car and taking it back with me, have something fun to drive for a while and then selling it in the UK (or Europe) for more than its total cost. I have 18 months left before my return, however to avoid import duties and VAT I need to own the car for a minimum 12 months in the US and 6 months in the UK.

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New Or Used?: Analysis Paralysis Edition

Longtime TTAC Commentator Educatordan writes:

Okay Mr. Mehta and Lang: Currently my fleet consists of a 2004 F150 Heritage and a 2008 Roketa (Chinese) 150cc scooter. My current commute is about 8 miles one way each day and the miles are town and metro area where the speed limit never tops 50mph, I occasionally drive that with my scooter (top speed 60mph) but usually my girlfriend and we commute together in her 2005 Pontiac Vibe. My problem is this, I’m a teacher, soon to be administrator, and I anticipate a big change in my career next year with a new masters degree and new license. I currently work for the largest (geographically speaking) school district in the United States and my new administrative position will likely involve a commute of 40 to 90 miles round trip everyday. As an administrator I’ll be required to report to work as close to 7am as possible, come hell or high snow, teachers/students get canceled days, I will not. I’m in the mountain west (Northwest New Mexico) at an elevation of 6,500ft with parts of the county hitting 8,000ft.

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New Or Used?: Midsized Madness Edition

Kevin Writes:

My sister’s current car, ’98 Nissan Altima A/T 180k Miles, recently came back from the mechanic where she received the unfortunate news that expensive repairs were in her near to immediate future. She’s been toying with the idea of purchasing a new car for the past year or so, and the recent news of dropping 2k into a car of such age and mileage finally has made her expedite her search. As such, she came to the knowledgeable “car guy” in the family… yours truly. She is looking for something reasonably inexpensive (roughly 25k max), automatic, four-door sedan, decent m.p.g., and most importantly excellent reliability with the intention of keeping the car for 10 or so years. Together we have narrowed down the choices to the following: Nissan Altima, Toyota Camry, VW Jetta, and the Ford Fusion. I’m personally leaning towards the Altima, but am unsure of the long-term reliability and cost of replacing/repairing the CVT. She liked the Fusion as well, but is being cautious on the reliability of a car on a newer platform.

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New Or Used?: The Enthusiast's Dilemma Edition

Sunil Shah writes:

I am wondering if you can give me some advice as I search for a used car. By way of background, I previously had an E46 330i w/sport package and manual transmission (purchased used at 35K miles and sold at 89K miles). It was a great car, but I sold a while back as I moved into a city and had a short walk to work. Now, I’m back in the suburbs and am looking for something that may or may not exist.

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New Or Used?: Replacing The Rabbit Edition

TTAC Commentator MontanaVista writes:

Sajeev and Steve, I have a good one for you guys. I currently own a 2007 VW Rabbit 2dr Automatic. On average I put about 23,000+ miles on my car a year due to my commute to work. This car has given me no problems at all, however my commute often includes a lot of stop and go traffic and shotty road conditions, which I fear has aged some of the components. I drive ~25 miles to JFK and back everyday. I have exceeded the manufacturers warranty (50k) and extending my warranty is out of the question for me. The VW warranty will only extend it another 28,000 miles which will be a little over a years worth of driving for me. And people I know have had bad experiences with third party warranties, and I’m not sure I want to get myself stuck in something like that. I financed the VW for 72 months, I owe around $8000 on it but it is definitely worth around $10000 (craigslist and Autotrader).

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New Or Used?: Family Sedans Under $40k Edition

Andy writes:

Hello, my wife and I are looking for a new car. We have a 20 month old and another on the way in April. Anyway, we’re looking for a sedan that’s roomy, reliable, safe and quick. Our budget is in the $40s. For new cars I was looking at the Taurus, Genesis and M35 (due to the incentives). On the used side, I was looking at Audi A8s and Volvo S80s. We live in Northern Indiana so traction is occasionally a concern. Do you have strong feelings about any of these candidates? Any other cars you would consider? Thanks!

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New Or Used?: South Of The Border Edition

TTAC contributor jrominski writes:

My close relative is professional engineer, leaving his posting in the rust belt at a soon-to-closed, Tier 1, UAW supplier factory. Not wanting to move to Detroit, he accepts a promotion out of the quickly settling debris implosion, to run engineering in a component plant in Saltillo. Which was formerly the Athens of Mexico, but is now the Detroit of Mexico. So he stays employed. But wait, it gets better: a car allowance, 45k USD. He loves RWD and AWD in that order. Had plenty of FWD. He is an AWD drivetrain engineer. Taste runs to BMW and Audi.

What to buy? Cars there are 30% more than in US for comparable. Not quite the same lineup. Below are his first thoughts and my responses.

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New Or Used?: No More Employee Leases, No More Saabs Edition

David Holme writes in:

The GM subsidized gravy train has ended and I no longer have access to employee priced leases so I will be replacing a Saab 97 and a Saab 93, numbers 11 and 12 in a long line of Saabs over the years.

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New Or Used?: Any Import But Toyota Edition

TTAC Commentator Toyondai92 writes:

Mr Mehta and Lang, I’m writing in for my non-tech savvy parents who are starting to look for a “new” car. I say new with quotes because only one of the choices is actually a brand new car. Background wise it’s simple, my parents are in their 50s and I am 17, both of my parents work, typical stuff etc. We have three cars, a 2000 Hyundai Elantra Wagon, which despite my mother driving it like an Integra- yes it’s a five speed- has been bulletproof to us, a 1989 GMC pickup and a 1999 Chevy Metro whose auto trans is starting to clunk out. Thus, the need for another car. I should add that I, the 17 year old, will most likely NOT be driving said new car, as I have my eyes set on an 80s Acura Legend. This is an import-biased comparison, helped by the fact that GM and Chrysler don’t offer manual transmissions in their family sedans and you can’t say the F(ord) word near either of my parents. (Don’t tell me to try and break that grip, I already tried!) Toyota’s declining quality and recalls have scared them away from that brand, hence no Camrys or used Lexus in this list. The main choices we’ve been looking at are:

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New Or Used?: Thinking Outside The Box Edition

Marc writes:

My wife and I have a 6-month-old girl. Hurray, she’s a joy! While all is cool with my wife’s 2006 Accord V6, my 2004 Scion xB just does not seem, well, safe anymore. I love the small-on-the-outside-yet-cavernous-on-the-inside quality of this car (I’m 6’4″), but feel it would not bode well for my daughter if there were a bad accident. Plus, the 108hp engine is getting boring.

I want something safe and fun to drive. By “safe” I mean solid and meaty, and AWD would be nice too (we live in eastern Massachusetts); by “fun to drive” I mean quick and with a manual transmission, or at least a manumatic. We have lots of stuff to cart on weekend trips to the in-laws, but I like wagons (hence the Scion). And we definitely don’t need/want two sedans.

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New Or Used?: 400 Horsepower Edition

JM writes:

So, I am sitting in two feet of snow in DC with another foot to come this week. This, of course, means that I am thinking about the next vehicle to buy in the spring. I need to buy a first class, E ticket rocket for cheap $. I have decided that the next vehicle needs 400HP from the factory. Because I am not a big wig banker, looks like I am going to have to buy used. So here is the thing on which I am hoping to get some insight. What is the least expensive vehicle I can buy that has in excess of 400HP? I have been using KBB’s good trade in ratings, assuming around 10,000 miles/year. So far it looks like a 2000-2002 BMW M5 (around $14K) may fit the bill. It doesn’t have to be a sedan (would love a porsche turbo, but I’m afraid 50K+ is out o’ my league). Are there any 400+HP from the factory cars on which I should focus for less than $14K?

Thanks for your help

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New Or Used?: Safety First! Edition
Rich writes:

I drive a 1999 Nissan Altima SE equipped with a manual transmission and ABS. The Altima has only 89K miles and is in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. I purchased it new and have followed a rigorous maintenance schedule. The car has excellent fuel economy, very good handling and braking and adequate acceleration. It is comfortable and has sufficient cargo capacity for me, my wife and infant son. I enjoy driving the Altima, and gladly would run it well over 100K miles, as I have done with each of my previous cars.

So what brings me into the market for another car? Newer autos have vastly improved passive safety features and crash test scores. While I place a premium on active safety, I cannot ignore the value of crashworthiness. Twice in the past few years, I have been hit by red light runners, barely evading serious injury. Most of my daily commute is on two lane secondary roads. Oncoming cars drift over the double yellow line and into my lane with alarming frequency. My Altima’s ability to turn on a dime will do little good when my choices are limited to slamming head-on into a minivan piloted by a cell-phone addled driver or wrapping myself around a telephone pole. Since it is impossible to upgrade my Altima’s crash safety, purchasing a car with modern safety features is the only alternative.

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New Or Used?: I'm With The Band Edition

craigotron writes:

Sajeev and Steve, I love the idea of your new column. Love it. I made an appearance in Piston Slap with my flash welded PCV valve on my Lexus but actually have been playing with the idea of buying a car for almost a year. I’m a serial test driver (I’ve been on 20+) and have found myself in this scenario which might be a good one for your new feature.

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New Or Used: The Weekend Warrior Edition

Anonymous writes:

I’m in my early twenties, and I’m looking for a car that I can efficiently commute in (about 20 miles round trip) but also take to skiing and camping on the weekend. Efficiency is more important than price, but AWD is a must because I hate messing with chains. Also, I only need room for two people and gear, so no need for a big SUV.

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New Or Used?: Lease Or Beater? Edition

Doug writes:

I currently lease a 2008 Ford Fusion SEL 5 speed, loaded with heated leather, sunroof, SYNC. It has under 20,000 miles with 2 payments left. The lease end buyout is $14,100. I am debating whether to buy out my lease for cash, or just by a beater – I was thinking of a 1998 Ford Contour SVT in the $2500 range. I am about to start a 5 year sprint to pay off my mortgage, so I don’t want endless repair bills during this time. Buy the lease, or buy the beater?

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New Or Used?: Saving Silvia Edition
Maeve writes:Hi Sajeev and Steve, I’m looking to buy a new car in the next year or two. I have a 2006 Toyota Corolla CE with 35k on the clock. It’s a manual transmission, which is the only thing that’s kept me from going insane. When I bought it, I didn’t have much choice in the matter (time crunch) and the price and gas mileage (something like 41 mpg hwy, though I regularly get 35 mpg in stop and go traffic). It has been servicable, reliable (mostly), cheapish, and gas efficient. There is nothing wrong with it, other than it’s just kind of boring.

I’m looking for something a little more fun. I want something that is fun to drive, not just a machine to get from point A to point B. I used to have a fabulous 1991 Nissan 240SX SE Fastback (again, manual) that I loved. However, I moved to Phoenix and didn’t have the funds (because of the move) to take care of the things that it needed. I still regret selling it. So now I’m looking for:

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New Or Used?: The Retirement List Edition


[Editors note: TTAC’s new car-buying column “New or Used?” wants to help you find the perfect car. Submit as much information about your car-buying scenario (needs, wants, budget) to mehta@ttac.com and TTAC’s new and used car experts will get you started on your quest for the ideal conveyance.]

Almost Retired writes:

I’m nearing retirement age, and I want a nice large sedan. It should be safe, quiet, reliable and comfortable for freeway traveling, but not too flashy or expensive. $40k maximum budget, but I’d prefer to stay well under that.

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New Or Used?: The Incredible Exploding Family Edition
Welcome to TTAC’s latest feature “New or Used?” In this series, your car-buying questions will become a battleground between the forces of the used-car market (as represented by our in-house auction specialist Steve Lang) and the new-car market (as represented by Mr Sajeev Mehta of Piston Slap fame). Send your automotive scenario to mehta@ttac.com, and let these skilled pundits for the new and used car markets battle it out for your business before handing the debate off to TTAC’s Best And Brightest. This week we have a hypothetical scenario to get things started, in which a young family finds itself in need of a lot more space. Will they be swayed to buy new or used? Let’s read on…
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  • El scotto Oh, ye nattering nabobs of negativism! Think of countries like restaurants. Our neighbors to the north and south are almost as good and the service is fantastic. They're awfully close to being as good as the US. Oh the Europeans are interesting and quaint but you really only go there a few times a year. Gents, the US is simply the hottest restaurant in town. Have to stand in line to get in? Of course. Can you hand out bribes to get in quicker? Of course. Suppliers and employees? Only the best on a constant basis.Did I mention there is a dress code? We strictly enforce it. Don't like it? Suck it.
  • 1995 SC At least you can still get one. There isn't much for Ford folks to be happy about nowadays, but the existence of the Mustang and the fact that the lessons from back in the 90s when Ford tried to kill it and replace it with the then flavor of the day seem to have been learned (the only lessons they seem to remember) are a win not only for Ford folks but for car people in general. One day my Super Coupe will pop its headgaskets (I know it will...I read it on the Internet). I hope I will still be physically up to dropping the supercharged Terminator Cobra motor into it. in all seriousness, The Mustang is a.win for car guys.
  • Lorenzo Heh. The major powers, military or economic, set up these regulators for the smaller countries - the big guys do what they want, and always have. Are the Chinese that unaware?
  • Lorenzo The original 4-Runner, by its very name, promised something different in the future. What happened?
  • Lorenzo At my age, excitement is dangerous. one thing to note: the older models being displayed are more stylish than their current versions, and the old Subaru Forester looks more utilitarian than the current version. I thought the annual model change was dead.