With the GTP on it's last legs, the GF and I have said we are putting no more money into it. When it dies, it's done. If I have my way, (which I rarely get, haha) it will be gone sooner then that.
We both like the idea of getting a 5 door hatch, do have a little more room then a small sedan, but still have the nice things like good MPG, and nice ride. She keeps saying she wants another big car, but I am trying to convince her there is no need.
The two we have looked at so far are the Mazda 3, and the Saturn Astra. While she liked both, she liked the Astra better. But, other then those two, is there something else we should be looking at?
Thanks.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
i dont know if you just wanting to look at brand new cars or not... but i have always been a fan of the mazda protege 5...
I think around $25,000 is the budget. We would go over for something that was REALLY worth, or something simply that we really liked. But, we are both pretty cheap when comes to buying cars, so I don't think we will go over the $25,000.
Used is defiantly and option, but a full warranty would be nice too.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
Impreza! I've heard you mention before about your snow & stuff up there, you can't leave the Subaru out! Yeah, I'm a Subaru fan...but for your price, you'd be crazy to not at least take a look. Get yourself some heated seats, mirrors & wipers, you're set! You could probably bump it up to a WRX for what you're willing to spend too if you don't mind buying premium gas,
I also say Impreza.
Personally, I'd also look at a new Rabbit / Golf TDI.
Hey Stargrrrl. What are Subarus like to maintain? There is no dealership around here, and basically only private shops, that are used to the Big 3, and maybe Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. So that could be a problem for a Subaru.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
Gutty96 wrote:Hey Stargrrrl. What are Subarus like to maintain? There is no dealership around here, and basically only private shops, that are used to the Big 3, and maybe Honda, Toyota, and Nissan. So that could be a problem for a Subaru.
We actually just ran into a problem with my Outback. We replaced plugs & wires with AutoZone parts, which we learned was a bad move. A month later we've got a misfire in cyl. 2, which after research, my husband decided to ditch the AutoZone parts & go for ones from the dealership. Sure enough, replaced the plugs & wires again & she's running smoother than ever. Other than that, there's nothing tricky we've found. I forget the brand, but the brand of oil filter that Subaru uses is available at the AutoZone/Pep Boys type stores under that brand's name (instead of with the Subaru logo on the side from the dealership).
I've wanted a silver hatch since the new style came out, so get your woman one so I can enjoy the pics
mazdaspeed3. directed injected turbo 2.3, 260hp 280 ft-lbs. 6-speed manual. near 30mpg if you can keep your foot out of it. And, a very strong aftermarket. right in your price range
Saturn Astra, proven ECOtec motor and it handles like a champ.
I've heard a lot of people not liking them but i love the new Subaru hatchback(STI of course). Wasn't a fan till i saw a silver one in person and like them more now.
Stargrrrl is this the type your talking about? would be good to know there are others who actually like them lol
Now i cant say I like the 4dr version... I just dig the hatchback style.
In that price range you could also consider an HHR if you like the styling, a lot of people don't. Also the vibe/matrix is right in that budget.
I've always liked the new STi
I just talked to her about the Subarus, and she is okay with looking at the normal Impeza, and like the idea of AWD. But, she has no interest in a turbo car. Too bad, but it's her money.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
Gutty96 wrote:I just talked to her about the Subarus, and she is okay with looking at the normal Impeza, and like the idea of AWD. But, she has no interest in a turbo car. Too bad, but it's her money.
Well let her drive one to see. My girl is now in a GLI Jetta 1.8T and she loves it. Great gas mileage too. For the money the certified cars from the dealers are the best bet on a better deal.
Stephen (manta z), indeed that's the style I like.
Gutty96 wrote:I just talked to her about the Subarus, and she is okay with looking at the normal Impeza, and like the idea of AWD. But, she has no interest in a turbo car. Too bad, but it's her money.
Awesome! No harm in just a regular Impreza, still a great car. Heck, I'm into cars & I don't even want a WRX, just a regular Impreza for DD. I haven't actually driven one, but my Outback is heavier with the 165hp 2.5, while I think the Impreza 2.5 is 170 hp now (no time to look it up while on my short break at work now). It's no race car, but it is more than capable of merging on a highway. She could even go for an Impreza Outback, which would give more ground clearance for those nasty snow storms. My Outback has never gotten stuck in the snow & we used to use it to plow down the alley that lead to our parking at our old house so the other cars could get through
I bet I could get one stuck in my driveway. There has been several, Dodge, Ford, and Chev fullsize trucks try and fail on the big corner, making me have to pull them out with the tracker. I wish people would just call first, rather then just show up.
**there is only one true love in my life... and my girlfriend has learned to live with it**
You can probably buy two Aveo 5's. Doesn't VW have something in a turbo diesel that gets over 50mpg? Hyundai?
Forgot HHR SS or Pontiac Vibe.
