This morning, a friend of mine hit me up for some car buying advice. He loves his Acura MDX, but gas prices are making him dizzy. So, he wanted to know which Hybrid to get. I sent him over to the Honda Civic site so he could see that while the base Civic sedan stickers for $15,010, the hybrid version lists for $22,600. I then told him to figure out just how much driving it would take to recoup a $7,590 premium, ever with today's shocking prices. My pal was surprised — but thankful — and is now on the lookout for a used Civic, since all he wants to do is save money. Our brief encounter left me thinking: one day I'll need a new car. What on earth am I going to buy? The red blooded 12-year-old in me is seriously considering the Pontiac G8, especially if they stick a manny-tranny inside. More seriously, I have a hankering for the Caminoized version of said G8. But, we're talking 6.0-liter V8s and oil hit $115 a barrel today. I had seriously considered the BMW 135i, but after Justin's review, I've seriously unconsidered it. Another WRX? No, they're pretty spazztastic these days. Oooh, what about the STI? Oh right, that's now a $40K car. And I think the car I want most is a GT-R. So, I really have no idea. You?
125 Comments on “Question of the Day: What’s Your Next Car?...”
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I’ve got my performance vehicle, my trusty Rubicon, but I’d like a Legacy variant for my daily driver. Hmmm… extra cash for the turbo and premium gas it has a taste for, or be sensible and go without the hood scoop? Decisions, decisions…
I’m going to jump out here to pre-empt all the posts that will say “something more frugal” and state that I would like a GMT-800 half-ton for my next truck or a 94-96 Fleetwood for my next car.
Unless one of the automakers comes out with a RWD full-size car that isn’t “boy-racer” at which time I may consider buying new.
Since I’m reimbursed by my clients for mileage and I can write off my remaining vehicle expenses, gas prices aren’t a priority for me. I’ve only had my GTI for a year and a half I’m not looking to buy soon, but I would say a used RS4. After all it was your review of it that made me track down the one guy I know with one to try it out. Actually, make that a certified used RS4.
In no order:
Audi A4
Honda Accord
Any VW except Passat with the turbo.
More realistically replace my C43 with a new C63
Still want an E39 M5. The RS4 would be
my second choice because it’s got
so little back seat room.
Probably a hot Audi also, as Mercedes service departments are so hard to deal with today.
To replace my current two, I would chose a Wrangler Unlimited and a Volvo V50.
It’ll be used. I’ll probably never buy a new car.
When I graduate college, the Diamante is being replaced by my mom’s 2001 Aurora V8. Even at 7 years old, it only has 47,000 miles (she had two cars until a few months ago and never drove the Aurora in inclement weather – gotta love older people). I plan on getting a 100,000+ mile 2002+ Infiniti Q45 as a daily car and trying to keep the Aurora as a memento (long story, but the second the 2001 second-gen Aurora hit the auto shows it became my dream car… I don’t plan on letting the public wreck this one, especially since my mom’s the only owner). Another option is getting a sub-50,000 mile 2006-07 Galant RalliArt and keeping it Mitsubishi.
An early 80’s VW Rabbit diesel; I’ve got my eye on an old man in my neighborhood who has a very clean one…hope he kicks the bucket ‘fore gas hits $4/gallon.
If I had to buy right now, maybe a Suzuki SX4 sport – it’s cheap, it’s not unreliable, and it’s got AWD, which is good when half the year has my roads covered in snow, and the other half covered in mud.
As for what my next car actually will be in several years (hopefully,) maybe a Hyundai Azera. BMW 5 series comfort, power, and better looks, for a fraction of the price, plus great reliability.
Gas prices aren’t as big of a concern for me now, since I have moved and walk to work (a full tank lasts me a month).
I have always entertained the thought of finding a GENTLY-used Mitsu EVO IX as a weekend car.
The IS-F intrigues me a great deal, first mod would be getting rid of those horrible exhaust tips though.
Probably a Pontiac Bonneville GXP. They aren’t easy to find though.
Although I do want to see where the Solstice coupe stickers, even though I’ve never bought a new car.
A junker daily driver.. 5sp manual with air no other option + a used 2006 30MPG Corvette garage queen.
Either an Austin A40 Somerset or a Ford Cortina MkII. The Cortina needs less work but the A40 is simplier.
None of the cars that I’m interested in exist right now.
I’m waiting for the Diesel Legacy. If they would make the Impreza with a smaller and more frugal gas engine (>30mpg) I might bite.
I would also consider a Jeep Wrangler with the 3L Mercedes diesel if they would offer it in the US.
Nothing. I am more than happy with both of our late-model Fords and am not gonna look at anything until our economy starts to sizzle again… If it does.
lol, JL sounds a lot like the Hitler video that TTAC was berating earlier today.
Just get another Beetle..
An ‘08 Sierra Denali until they actually put a nice sized diesel in the half tons.
Probably a Volvo XC70 to replace the wife’s van. I’d love their diesel in that as well.
Cars right now suck, plain and simple.
My choices right now are:
- some Miata variant.. really anything 94+, 04-05 Mazdaspeed MX-5 ideally. Then I’d take my Protege5 and cut the power down about 70whp and make it a more comfortable daily driver, with the Miata as track/weekend car.
- a Mazdaspeed 6. They’re still available new (2007 model) at some dealerships who bought way too many thinking that Mazda might actually advertise such an awesome car. I wouldn’t mind one lightly used with very low mileage though. Then I’d just give my Protege5 forged internals and up the boost to give it a solid 200whp (dyno dynamics 200whp, not dynojet) and some coilovers and such. Use the Mazdaspeed6 as the daily driver comfortable car.
- an RX-8, and keep the Protege5 just because it’s so utilitarian. I’d take off the turbo if I got an RX-8, though I know the RX-8 would probably get some forced induction loving.
so yes any car in my present state and in my future plans has a 2.3 litre engine or smaller.
Driving is too fun to waste it driving big heavy cars. The Mazdaspeed6 does a great job of masking it’s size, but I’d get the MX-5 or RX-8 long before the MS6 just for reason of weight.
There’s a good quote from Jeremy Clarkson (well his writers I’m sure) about weight and what it does to cars. Something about killing the fun, killing the acceleration, killing the fuel economy, killing the handling, just killing EVERYTHING. I totally agree :)
If I’m rational, probably a Mazda3 like my wife drives. If I’m irrational (and can get one from the U.S.) a Mazda MX-5. If I win the lottery (unlikely since I don’t enter), a Boxster.
The Audi/VW 2.0T FSI is a good compromise between performance and fuel economy. It’s available in the Audi A3 and A4, as well as the VW GTI, Jetta, and Passat.
I have had two Accords but the current generation is getting so huge. Maybe a TSX, if the new one didn’t look so strange.
The sad thing is, none of the above choices is a RWD, which is really what I want since I live in SoCal. Too bad the BMW 335i is so $$$.
Possibly a used Suburban to replace both a GMC Yukon and a Ford Windstar. I’m finding that the slightly better fuel mileage of a minivan really isn’t enough to offset its higher maintenance and repair costs compared to the Yukon. However the Yukon doesn’t have as many seats as I would like (only five vs the Windstar’s seven).
THE next car will have to be diesel.
I spend most time on the highway and above 45 MPH.
So…hybs do not help.
So….diesel its is.
But WHAT diesel?
The Mercedes has horrible MPG…
The BMW won’t tell us the official numbers.
The Japanese won’t be here for another year.
I guess that leaves me with Volkswagen and they look good.
50 plus MPG HWY and turbo as well for around 23K.
And the wagon looks hot!
I’m waiting to see what new small cars show up in the next few years. I’m happy with my ‘08 xB as a family hauler, but I wouldn’t mind trading out my 4cyl frontier for a different car for commuting. I’m hoping we get a better variety to choose from.
I’m thinking a ‘62 MGA 1600 MK II
Got two boring, but paid for, drivers and expect to be car payment free for the next several years. Seems like the perfect opportunity to seak a little automotive whimsy past the Worthy Keeper of the Exchequer.
In 2009 I will buy ether a MY04-06 Sti or take the plunge and roll in a 996.
I want to do it now before fuel is $10 a gallon and I have to drive a 1 liter turbo diesel w/ 50 hp… Joy.
In a few years perhaps a used Fit Sport (manual).
Fun N’ Frugal.
The previous additions of the Civic SI and xB would be options also.
Basic requirements, haul two adults and two kids, get excellent mileage and handle and shift well.
Sunroof would be nice. Excellent reliability record a must.
If their reliability keeps improving a Cooper Clubman is not out of the question.
Bunter
In order or preference:
Used GT-R
Camaro SS or Z28
BMW 135
Used S5
I’ll probably have to replace my Thunderbird within a year. I really want a G8, but I know I can’t afford one.
If I buy new, probably a Civic. Maybe a Mazda3. I’ll kick the tires on a Focus but I’m not likely to buy one.
If I decide that I need a truck enough to suffer the fuel penalty, I’ll buy a Ranger.
If I end up on the used market – very likely – there’s no telling what I’ll buy. There are still some relatively low mileage 89-97 Thunderbirds out there. An Olds Alero caught my eye the other day, and the coupe version would be nice – but the 3.4-liter motor tends to eat head gaskets. A Shortstar-powered Intrigue might be better. Or maybe a Holden Monaro/Pontiac GTO…
Bugatti Veyron, without a doubt! I just have to win the Super7 first though!
Failing that I dunno, nothing from GM, Ford or Chrysler, it would be crazy to buy a new car from a bankrupt car company.
MazdaSpeed 3 or 6 if I can still find one.
Need 4 doors, and the gas milage isn’t too shabby.
It depends on how I’m doing financially but I’ll either:
1)Keep my Vette for the next 5-7 years and save up for a Lambo (12 year finance terms are great!)
2) If I don’t have any more money than I do now, it will be either a lateral move to another Vette or a Porsche Boxster or Cayman
3) Buy a Viper if I decide that a 12 year finance term on a Lambo is too much if I want to ever own a house
Somewhere in there I would like to get a used, relatively cheap British luxury car (probably an old Jag XJ) or a used Caddy
For me – first generation Miata – I’ve had a few and I simply can’t find another car that puts as big a smile on my face everyday.
For the family – Volvo V70 – gotta love a built booster seat right?
BMW M3. A couple of reasons. I fortunate that my company pays for my gas. That’s a good reason. #2 is my dad was a SCCA racer (jag XK140) and I am in a position, now, to really learn how to drive and do track days. I can’t think of a better car that I can daily drive and track. Yeah, tires.
I’ve found that I carry too many people too much of the time to be able to get by with a 2-seat anything… Budget-minded options for a sporty sedan come down to the following:
‘04/’05 Audi S4
1st Gen G35 (possibly an AWD “x”)
Volvo S60R
All come in decently under $25k, all boast substantial power, come in manual and AWD, seat 5 comfortably, and demonstrate an impressive ability to skirt the line between comfortable cruiser and sporty whip. Anyone have additions or recommendations against?
Small and Frugal and used, manual, small 4 cyl, with a good set of summer & winter tires.
Honda Fit (cheap, practical, fun to drive)
Mini Cooper (not as cheap or practical, more fun to drive.)
Mazda MX-5 (not cheap, even less practical, most fun to drive.)
We’ll see where the finances and priorities are by then, it’s at least 3 years away.
…nothing from GM, Ford or Chrysler, it would be crazy to buy a new car from a bankrupt car company.
I’ll add a four-door or four-place coupe: Cadillac STS-V or upcoming CTC-V coupe. Also need an open-bed light utility vehicle. A G8 Camino is a contender for the fleet. XLR-V stays. However, if GM came up with a small pickup powered by the 2.0L Ecotech Turbo, I’d snap one up. Hey Ford, why don’t you box-frame that Ranger, spruce up the interior and give me a 6 speed manny bolted to a turbo four?
Phil
Yeah, until the manufacturers give up the HP race for an MPG race, I’m sticking with my 24-year-old, 35mpg, mid-sized Diesel wagon.
Nothing built today can compare.
lprocter1982 :
April 17th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
If I had to buy right now, maybe a Suzuki SX4 sport – it’s cheap, it’s not unreliable, and it’s got AWD, which is good when half the year has my roads covered in snow, and the other half covered in mud.
As for what my next car actually will be in several years (hopefully,) maybe a Hyundai Azera. BMW 5 series comfort, power, and better looks, for a fraction of the price, plus great reliability.
Not sure if it’s a big deal, but the SX4 Sport is the sedan variant which only comes in FWD. The 5-door hatch (SX4, sans Sport) is the one with AWD, and it only comes with AWD.
Both are practical, reliable cars and are good value, especially used with Suzuki’s low resale.
In order of likelihood:
Pontiac Solstice Turbo Targa
Hoooooooooondai
The RWD coupe that Toyota is Frankenstein-ing out of Subaru parts
The Hoondai weighs as much as my G35 Sedan, which is ridiculous when my old 240SX managed to weigh 600 pounds less, and I think the Toyota will probably be a mess, so the Pontiac has a damn good shot, especially since it should be cheaper than the drop-top version unless Pontiac pulls a Cayman.
On the other hand, I now finally have a two car garage, so I may keep the G35 and pick up a used MR2 Spyder.
I need a frugal car with good seats. Needs to be a hatchback, needs to handle well.
I have narrowed down the list to these three:
BMW 118d
Alfa Romeo 147 Quadrifoglio Verde
Mazda 3 2.0 MZR-CD
Currently owning a GTO, it seemed the next logical step for me would be a G8. That was until I drove a 135 earlier this week. Despite the poor review here and its questionable looks, I found it fun to drive. If I can find a used one in 2 years at a fair price, I might go that route.
Man, it’ll be a few years till I’m buying a car (which will definitely a year or two used; I’m NEVER going to buy a new car unless I absolutely need to), but here is what I’m thinking I might go for based on what’s available now or will be in a few years:
Practical: Subaru Forrester with turbo boxer four or some hot station wagon
Fun: Mazda Miata, Honda S2000, Nissan 350Z, or, if I’ve really made it, a Corvette.
I really like the G8, but I also like offroading.
Considerations:
G8 GT
G8 GXP
3 Series
Rubicon Unlimited
FJ Cruiser
H3
Tacoma 4X4
So many choices…
The G8 intrigues me, as it will fit the wife and kids. I’ve yet to test-drive one or even see one for that matter, so a lot will depend on how I actually fit in it.
Hyundai Genesis, maybe, depending on what the final price point is for the V8; 32-33K I’m there; 40K no way.
Possibly a Malibu once they pile the incentives on.
I’m too scared to buy a Chrysler since I think they’re going down to BR or at least going Chinese/Indian.
MKZ possibly, for some reason I like the looks of that car, illogical, but I like what I like . . .
Probably a Prius. However, the idea of the Lexus’ implementation of a hybrid small car might be tempting, if and when it arrivs. In conventional drivetrains, I’d really like a Lexus IS-250.
Currently, we have a 2002 Maxima SE. Married couple, one child, so a sedan is fine for us, and it has enough horsepower to have a little fun with, with the beautiful VQ 3.5 engine. Nice interior too. Not exactly easy on the fuel, though, and my wife would not mind a slightly smaller vehicle. Also, it has big rims so the replacement tires are a bit pricey.
So…we have #1 on our list…a Kia Rondo. Tossing aside the fact that it’s several rungs down on coolness and power, it has a lot of things going for it. Flexible storage, decent interior, great warranty, good initial price. Being in Canada, though, I’m really going to miss the Maxima’s heated steering wheel. :(
B-Rad :
I’ve seen 2005 Vettes going for high $20ks/low $30ks. About the same price as some other cars on your list. And they’re cheaper to insure/maintain than you might think
Next vehicle will be:
for the wife:
Fit/Yaris/diesel hybrid under $15k in 3 years after our neon reaches 180-200k miles.
For me:
200-250cc dual sport bike that should get 70+mpg.
a sub $4k msrp with warranty is easy to justify instead of driving the 16mpg city STi during the summer…
$3.70/gal regular @ 70mpg
$3.90/gal premium @ 16mpg
even only lightly driving (500 miles/mo), 6 months/year would be ~ 188 gallons vs 42 galons would be $600, assuming I don’t drive it in winter.
After a few year I’m paid off. Considering I was already thinking of getting a KLR650 anyhow, it might be better to just get the 200 & replace the STi in the summer.
A used bike for sub $2k might be an option as well. Pretty easy to justify.
For the wife, either a Fit or Mazda 5 depending on how busy we get with making babies.
For myself, a GTI 4 door with 18″ shoes and DSG to replace my 10 year old Impreza RS. Problem is, the Impreza just will not die. It will probably outlive me and drive away from the cemetery laughing with a new owner…