I Want a Car

[kosydar 0]

Briefing- Right now I'm driving a '99 Infiniti QX4, which I absolutely love. However, growing up and the responsibilities that come with it really suck. As of now I have to start paying for my own gas and such, and my truck is killer. I'm getting about a week to a week and a half before having to fill the bitch up again. It is $50-60 to fill up. With being home for the summer, and then taking whatever car I have to school with me next year, driving this is going to cut too deep into the beer funds. I also am able to store my gear at the rink, so I have no real reason to drive an SUV.

What I'm looking to do- trade in or sell my car. Its estimated value is $8800-9000. I do not want to spend money on top of this, so whatever I'm looking at must fit in this price range.

What I want- I want a car, not another SUV or truck. I want something that gets significantly better MPG than the 14 I'm getting now, 18-20ish would be ideal. Ideally I'd want a 4 door, but I could settle for a 2 door. I don't want a hatchback.

What I don't want- Under no circumstances will I add anything onto the car, minus an O sticker. I will not mess with the engine, put new rims on it, tint the windows, paint flames down the sides, put on a new muffler, etc. I will not race this car in any way, shape, or form. All of that is out of the question.

What I'm initially looking at- A mid-late 90's Audi A4. I've always liked these cars a lot, and they seem to be what I'm looking for. Other than that, I'm open-minded about any suggestions. I'm not a real big car guy, and I can admit I don't know a whole lot about all of this. I'm just really looking for something that is smarter than what I drive now, even though I love it. Thanks for your help.

[lee92 2]

jetta's have always been well on gas from what i hear, and i just love the look of them...not so much the new ones though.

[kovalchuk71 212]

I would go audi, Great car, very reliable (from what ive seen),preforms well,and very "classy"

[Hockeypunk 0]

Labor and parts on VW's and Audi's are a bit expensive trust me im in the business. I would go with a good reliable toyota, Great gas mileage, cheap parts, and very easy to fix. Or get a mazda3

[UMWhockey 0]

i had a 94 accord V6 which i loved. You could probly get around a 99 with v6 and leather for around 8,500 depending on the mileage.

[kosydar 0]

Hondas are good cars. I had a Civic and liked it, minus the fact it was a 2 door. I'll look into those.

I like Jettas too. My only problem with them is superficial. Around here, they're the designated hot girl car. Not being one, I'd feel out of place in one. Also, I think they're pretty expensive, even used. Plus my stepsister drives one, so that'd be weird.

[BK 0]

Another vote for an Accord.

I also recommend Maximas.. they have plenty of ummph with the beefy v6, get great mpg and are just nice cars in and out.

[J-Shera 0]

Audi's a great choice. Classy all the way.

[dieselbro 0]

Subaru?? Forester, Impreza? if you could find one used in that price range. Real cheap on gas, good reliable car, my family has had one for 8 years and counting, only had to replace the tires so far

[Edge 0]

here ya go kosy

http://auctions.nhl.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3...&aunbr=69934768

[pantherfan 0]

What do you think there reserve is on that thing? :D ^^

[hockeysew 0]

:lol: We had a Saturn for 11 years and it was a great car-Great on gas and insurance. We werent exactly kind to it and it never complained. Bummer about Accords as they are one of the most stolen vehicles.

Saturns are very underrated-I would buy another in a second

[CaptainFalcon15 0]

How many miles on the QX4? What color?

I love QX4's...my cousin got a blue one and totally pimped it out

its an 03 though

[Thockey17 1]

The A4 is a great car for the price, but you're going to have to set quite a bit of maintenance money aside as parts dont come cheap. My brother has a '96 A4 and was recently quoted $2,100 in parts alone to fix a stalling problem caused by a faulty 02 sensor. He took the car to a friend of ours shop and had it fixed for under $200.

The interior quality is great, aswell as the Quattro 4wd system. The 1.8t is a dog of a motor, but the 2.7 has some nice zip if you really get on it around town. Get the 5speed, its tons upon tons more fun and the automatic gearbox is a bit clunky.

If you do decide to go the A4 route make sure the seller has all the belt and pulley service records. Those are a big problem amongst A4's.

[hockeymom 2]

You didn't mention whether you have to pay for your own insurance or not. If you do, I'd call your broker and find out what the cheapest rates are - young guys get nailed so hard on this stuff!

In Canada, there's a pretty big dif in insurance between a 4 door and a 2 door. (4 door is much cheaper). And a big difference between N.American and imported (cheaper to fix a N.American car so insurance can be cut by 1/2).

4 door Duster? lol Not the image you're looking for?

[Dante2004 0]

Is this a vehicle just to get your through the next few years? It sounds like you are about the age of moving out on your own. Perhaps in college? Maybe you will be on your feet in a few years (financially). What I have found is if you are the type of person that wants a "new to you" car every few years, you will end up paying just as much for a used car, with repairs, as you would for a new car lease. Just my opinion. I have leased cars for the past 7-8 years (6 vehicles between my wife and I).

If you could get $9000 for your vehicle, you could buy a pre-paid lease for a portion of that money and pocket the rest. Then in 2-4 years, whenever the lease is up, perhaps you can afford a new car payment.

[kosydar 0]

How many miles on the QX4? What color?

I love QX4's...my cousin got a blue one and totally pimped it out

its an 03 though

83,000 miles, which I guess is right around average. Its white and beautiful.

I'm going to be a soph in college, so it should hopefully last me around 5 more years. I won't have a career job for probably 6ish more years due to grad school and whatnot.

The latest thought to cross my mind is to sell it after this summer, take the money and invest it, add on to it with whatever I save up, and then next summer buy something a little nicer. I'm starting to think that I won't need a car this school year.

[Vapor 0]

This car will last ya ;) under 10k and only 53k miles

[kosydar 0]

That might be the sleeziest looking car interior I've ever seen.

[Vapor 0]

its 20 years old, and it is sexy ;)

[All Torhs Team 0]

Any of you ever own a Saab 9000 ? I had one till my dad sold it. I only had it for 2 months and loved it. Now im without a car. Still pissed as hell about it.

[Dante2004 0]

Almost as nice as the Maserati on the Sopranos. :P

[Hockeypunk 0]

Any european car is going to have much higher parts and labor cost. If you want a car that isnt going to require much maintenece get a honda or toyota they are the most reliable cars around.

[rogue 0]

I also recommend Maximas.. they have plenty of ummph with the beefy v6, get great mpg and are just nice cars in and out.

I second the vote for a Maxima.

I have a '97 with 122k on it. Run's like new.

It's comfortable as hell for daily driving. Depending on the trim you choose you can get a very sporty look or just a traditional sedan look. And it has power when you want it. With my last car being a '90 Continental, its nice to be able to actually pass people.

[Nigel 0]

if you're looking for something fun to drive, get a sporty honda such as a prelude or even a CRX from way back. cheap, reliable and they still manage to rip.

but if you're going for something classy and comfy i'd go with an audi or something along those lines.. i've always liked their cars, one day i will own one.