Just graduated college and am looking for a car to buy.?

Question

I just finished college and I have a job lined up in Milwaukee doing IT Consulting. I will make around 52k a year. Also, my mom just got a new car and she is giving me her 2002 Mustang GT Convertible with 37k miles. I am not a huge fan of the car and thinking about trading it in for something with batter gas mileage and something that can actually fit my stuff. I KBB'd the car and they said it had a trade in value of around 9-10k. I am looking to spend about 7-9k more to find another car. I am looking for a used, sedan, foreign or domestic, good mileage, reliable, fun to drive around18-19k.

What cars do you recommend? I have been looking at Audi A4's, Civics, VW Jetta. Any other ideas? Please help. I need to find a car soon. Thanks.

Answer 1

Please don't get the A4. The Civic might leave a lot to be desired as far as performance goes but it'll last forever. The Jetta is fundamentally VW so it'll age poorly but still stick it out to the bitter end. They can be pretty tough if cared for properly.

I recommend Saabs whenever I get the chance. For $19k you might be able to find a used 2006 Saab 9-5. They're fantastic cars but if you really want longevity, go for a 2002-2005 model. The newest body style came with a bunch of other modifications that made the 9-5 more of an Impala or Malibu, thanks to GM. The pre-2006s are the last real Saabs since the SPG era. Anyway, they're super safe (safer than Volvo since 2003) and very fun. The Aero trim level is the best and puts out very satisfying torque and 0-60 times.

Answer 2

first don't buy an Audi, Saab, Jaguar or BMW.

the parts and service fees will kill you.

look at

Acura TSX

Honda CR-V

Toyota  4Runner

Answer 3

I guess you should also check insurance quotes for the car before buying one, for example here: http://autoinsurance.noneto.com

Young drivers usually have much higher rates than others. And it depends from car.

Answer 4

What about a Lincoln LS or a Cadillac CTS?