Suggestions for what car to buy?

Question

Need a new car. Doesn't have to be "new", it can be used. That may even be preferable. Been about 20 years since I looked for a car, so I have *no* idea what's out there.

I commute an hour a day both to and from work. Needs to be reliable and relatively inexpensive to maintain.

I just got a promotion in finance. I work in entertainment, finance as well as publicity. It's a high-profile business, and I need something I'm not embarrassed to take colleagues to lunch in (for a change). If that sounds vain then so be it; believe me, I alread know 'it's what inside that counts' etc.... I'm not looking for an "ego-boost", but there are practical matters of style and appropriateness that I'd like to bear in mind when making a selection.

Price? I can make just about anything work--I have great credit, a better job, as mentioned. Maybe anything from $7K all the way up to $20K. I'm thinking something like a 2-door sports sedan, or even a 2-door sporty...something.

Thx :)

Answer 1

First off let's get through the mid life crisis part.  If you want to haul your pals in style you need four doors.

Ask any wrong person today what they prefer it's four doors.  

If you want a Vette get one and get over it.

The top sellers today are the Honda's and Toyota's.  They are very well built cars and very comfortable but you will have to stretch that budget more.

I like the Hyundai sanata.  All the buttons and bells and more room over all.  Lower price better guarantee.

If you just want to spend some time in the fast lane and aren't trying to invest to own forever, you should look at a lease deal.

You are going to make payments ether way right.  By the time you get a car paid for it really isn't worth much either.

For under $600/month drive a Lexus for three years and then give it back.

Search lease assumptions and you can find where you can pick up a lease for a shorter time.

Answer 2

Here's few Choices for You. pick What you like. You can get some of them all Brand New as well Given your Budget & Credit.

1. Chevy Camero - New one greatly Preferred. But you will have to wait till Spring.

2. Mustang Shelby Cobra - New One Preferred.

3. Corvette - Make sure you get SS Version.

4. Toyota Celica or MR2 Spider - Spider'd be Used one.

5. Mitubishi Eclipse. - Depends on which looks you like. Older or Newer.

Remember some of these cars have just 2 Seats. I guess if you want a Coupe, you won't ask your colleague to seat in back. Also If you are into Decking out the car or Modding, then you can really make your colleagues drool with these cars. If not then at least get great aftermarket Carpets & Seat Covers Set.

Answer 3

i have the perfect car for you, it may not be sporty but it would always be the center of attention. it is a great little car and is great on gas. it the new smart fortwo. check it out at www.smart.com

Answer 4

A used Mercedes C-class, used but new body style BMW 3-series, or Audi A4 (if you can take a gamble on the reliability issue) could all be found for at, around, or under $20,000. Go to kbb.com and play around with the used car search engine. You can look for up to three cars simultaneously and you can define parameters for mileage, trim level, price, and location.

Great credit may help you finance something even nicer and newer. You can pay cash or try to get a low (meaning below 3%) APR to finance something you love. There are all sorts of ways to get a car you can both be seen in and afford to own. I understand that some professions require a certain presence and there are plenty of cars out there for you.

Go test drive something and see how it feels. I suggest a 2003-2005 Mercedes C320 (it has the V6 while the C240 has a V4 engine) to help cultivate some standards about what you want from a nicer vehicle. Do you want all- or four-wheel drive? Do you need really good gas mileage?

An Acura TL is also a great looking car that usually indicates taste and class. They come loaded with standard amenities and you get the reliability for which Honda (and, by extension, Acura) is famous.