New cars feel sooo good.

[Cringer]

Just saying.

Just turned 30 and this is the first time I (and my wife) have bought a brand spankin' new car. Four years ago we bought our Dodge Ram Van that was only 6 months old and only had 9,000 miles on it, but it was still used. With the van slowly going down hill through wear and tear (though still a good vehicle) and my wife driving a lot more as being a realtor has taken off some for her, we needed to get something.

We picked up the car on Saturday, actually signed the papers yesterday, and the wife will hand over the down payment today (I am on the road now).

It has been 4 cars and about 10 years since I have had a car I actually loved to drive (my beloved '63 Wilys Wagon). And now I feel much better leaving the wife with a car I don't have to worry about. Didn't think it would actually feel so good, but damn it does. I want this week to end so I can get home and drive the new car..... :D

[terpkristin]

Speak for yourself there, bub! ;)

I still hate my new car and am still trying to find a lawyer.
Everyday I find something else about the car that just f'n sucks. :mad:

/tk

[Cringer]

Ouch. I must have missed that story.

**Calls wife to make sure car is still running**

[stevew]

congrats on the new car. I take it you found a new job and rebounded nicely from a few months back?

[Cringer]

Well, somewhat. After a week of looking for a job similar to what I had lost, I had to fold tent on that and go with normal, straight truckin'. I didn't want to do team again so instead of going back to Emerson I signed up with a company out of the Dallas area.

It's not bad, but not great either. I get to stay in Texas most the time, and have been able to get home most weekends. I am not REAL happy, but money wise it's working out. Still looking for a way out (of trucking) in a year or so I hope, for now I will be happy to have health and dental insurance again though.

[Crim]

our Dodge Ram Van that was only 6 months old and only had 9,000 miles on it

:confused: :eek: :cool:

[Cringer]

:confused: :eek: :cool:

Yeah, that sounds high....it may have been 7000, but it was up there still. On the other hand it was a customized van that was meant for traveling. It was clear to me that it had been owned by "Winter Texans" and that's why there was mileage on it. It was in perfect shape and was worth it, and we will have it for several more years I am sure.

Now, a bad buy is what my former co-driver did in September. He bought a 2 year old pickup that already had 76,000 miles on it. He admitted he didn't consider the mileage at all, only the 2 year old part. I talked to him a couple weeks ago and the truck is basically junk now. It's mean sounding, but I laugh at the guy, he was pretty stupid on that IMO.

My new car, had 20 miles on it. That was cool. I have never had that on a car.

[Butter]

Just bought a 2007 Toyota Yaris myself. It does feel good to not worry about breaking down every day. I traded in my 1997 Toyota Corolla that had over 160k miles on it. It was a little sad to let go, but it sure is nice to drive a new car.

[Crim]

Cool. I agree, there really isn't anything quite like driving your new car the first few times. Sigh.

[Mustang]

Didn't we previously establish somewhere that new cars are for suckers? ;) :D

9,000 doesn't seem too high. I easily put 20K on a year.

[Crim]

LOL. I just read back over that whole exchange, and realize that I had read that somehow as 9000 miles in three months, and hence my use of three emoticons. 18000 a year isn't so excessive.

[Swaggs]

What kind of car did you get?

[vex]

LOL. I just read back over that whole exchange, and realize that I had read that somehow as 9000 miles in three months, and hence my use of three emoticons. 18000 a year isn't so excessive.

I was hoping my 22,000 a year wasn't THAT bad:)

[mauchow]

I was hoping my 22,000 a year wasn't THAT bad:)

In the last year since I've started working I may have racked up over 50,000 miles. :(

[Cringer]

What kind of car did you get?

Chrysler 300.

And the wife has already started to put miles on it. She drives all over for her job.

[DanGarion]

We just bought a new car on 5/21/07 a 2007 VW MKV Jetta 2.5L Wolfsburg Edition, I love it!

[CamEdwards]

I almost bought a new (or new for me) car this weekend. I think I may have talked myself out of it though. If anyone can recommend a good sporty car that still has room for four, let me know. I almost got a 350Z, but then realized that it's only a coupe.

[Warhammer]

20k a year, that's nothing try 40k a year!

[dawgfan]

I almost bought a new (or new for me) car this weekend. I think I may have talked myself out of it though. If anyone can recommend a good sporty car that still has room for four, let me know. I almost got a 350Z, but then realized that it's only a coupe.
What's your price range?

[Crapshoot]

I almost bought a new (or new for me) car this weekend. I think I may have talked myself out of it though. If anyone can recommend a good sporty car that still has room for four, let me know. I almost got a 350Z, but then realized that it's only a coupe.

On the cheap end, the Mazda 6 is a pretty fun drive - I went with the 3 because its just me, but the 6 seats 4 and is still cheap (under 20K) and "fun".

[DanGarion]

I almost bought a new (or new for me) car this weekend. I think I may have talked myself out of it though. If anyone can recommend a good sporty car that still has room for four, let me know. I almost got a 350Z, but then realized that it's only a coupe.
Well it depends on your price range the VW Jetta I got is really sweet and it's around 20k. If you want a little more sporty you could do the Jetta GLI.

[SackAttack]

So my truck just turned 9, and has just about 45k miles on it.

I think that croaking sound I heard was some of you 20k/year drivers having heart attacks.

[Flasch186]

the real estate markets doing good for her? nice. congrats on the buy.

[Swaggs]

I almost bought a new (or new for me) car this weekend. I think I may have talked myself out of it though. If anyone can recommend a good sporty car that still has room for four, let me know. I almost got a 350Z, but then realized that it's only a coupe.

If you like the 350Z, but want a sedan, check out the Infiniti G35 Sedan. It is pretty comprable to the 350Z (Infiniti is the upscale Nissan, like Lexus is to Toyota or Acura is to Honda). There is also an AWD package available, which could in handy where you live.

[TroyF]

Recently got a big promotion. As part of it, I get a company car. (gas paid - woo hoo)

It's a Taurus with a bright yellow paint job. I think I blind 15% of all the people who look in my direction, but it's the best car I've ever owned. :)

[terpkristin]

On the cheap end, the Mazda 6 is a pretty fun drive - I went with the 3 because its just me, but the 6 seats 4 and is still cheap (under 20K) and "fun".

NEVER BUY A MAZDA.

/tk

[Crapshoot]

TK, I love mine, but I know how you feel. :D

[Craptacular]

Despite TK's concerns, I still like Mazda. I have an '04 6 wagon, and for a sub-$20K car (and it being a wagon), it is nice to drive.

[Pyser]

i still love my 06 mazda 3. no complaints whatsoever.

[dawgfan]

Chrysler 300.
Nice choice - those are easily one of the coolest cars on the road right now...

[Richard Weed]

We're trying to wait until Sep-Oct until the new Lexus ES 350s come out. We test drove both the ES 350 and the Camry last weekend and it was no contest even at $10k more. The ride is so much better, the service is excellent, and we were treated much, much better.

[Anthony]

what's involved with test driving? do you just walk up to the dealership and say "i want to test drive this car" or do you leave your credit card behind or sign a waiver or something? there's one car i'm dying to test drive (even though i don't plan on getting it until next year when we have the money). i just want to see how it feels to drive it.

[Swaggs]

what's involved with test driving? do you just walk up to the dealership and say "i want to test drive this car" or do you leave your credit card behind or sign a waiver or something? there's one car i'm dying to test drive (even though i don't plan on getting it until next year when we have the money). i just want to see how it feels to drive it.

When I sold cars, you could pretty much test drive anything without anything but presenting your license, except for the high end sportscars. We didn't let people test drive the sportscars, unless they were serious about buying, because folks don't like their expensive toys to have mileage on them when they buy them.

[Peregrine]

Have to love a new car. When I bought my Infiniti G35 a few months ago I think I was grinning for a few weeks straight.

[Swaggs]

Have to love a new car. When I bought my Infiniti G35 a few months ago I think I was grinning for a few weeks straight.

Congrats. I recommended the G35 to Cam above. What do you think of it so far?

[Peregrine]

Congrats. I recommended the G35 to Cam above. What do you think of it so far?

I really like it, it's got a good amount of room for four, and I love the power and handling of the car, it's very responsive. Even though I know they're just fluff features, I have to say I love the push button start and being able to open the doors with one touch. I had checked out the last couple of model years of G35s and really like what they did with the 2007, there are some great styling accents in the interior and the new body shape is really nice to look at.

[CamEdwards]

Thanks for the tips. I really like the G35 from what I've seen. I might have to take one for a test drive.

Of course I REALLY like the 350Z... anybody want to take a couple of kids off my hands so I can realistically drive a coupe? :P

[dawgfan]

Thanks for the tips. I really like the G35 from what I've seen. I might have to take one for a test drive.

Of course I REALLY like the 350Z... anybody want to take a couple of kids off my hands so I can realistically drive a coupe? :P
If you're looking in the G35 price range, you might also want to check out the Lexus IS series, the Acura TL (check out the Type-S variant), the Audi A4 (or S4 if you want the sportier variation), a BMW 3-series, a Volvo S60 (especially the R variant with 300 hp) or a Mercedes C-class. These are all sedans with sporty variations available in terms of engine and suspension options that will offer a very fun driving experience. The VW Passat is also an option in this category for a little bit less money than an Audi.

[JeeberD]

When I sold cars, you could pretty much test drive anything without anything but presenting your license, except for the high end sportscars. We didn't let people test drive the sportscars, unless they were serious about buying, because folks don't like their expensive toys to have mileage on them when they buy them.

The wife and I just bought an '05 Honda CRV for her, and when we were doing our (multiple) test drives at different places, all they ever asked for was one of our drivers licenses to make a copy of...oh, and maybe a phone number as well.

[Pyser]

i went test driving for fun a few times a few years ago...i think i was only 20 or so at the time. right when the xterra came out. all i needed then was a drivers license

[Swaggs]

If you're looking in the G35 price range, you might also want to check out the Lexus IS series, the Acura TL (check out the Type-S variant), the Audi A4 (or S4 if you want the sportier variation), a BMW 3-series, a Volvo S60 (especially the R variant with 300 hp) or a Mercedes C-class. These are all sedans with sporty variations available in terms of engine and suspension options that will offer a very fun driving experience. The VW Passat is also an option in this category for a little bit less money than an Audi.

I'll second the recommendation of the Acura TL. It is a little more roomy than the G35, so I'm not sure I'd classify it is a sports car--perhaps more of a luxury sedan. It is probably the car I would go witih if I were looking at a $30K-$40K range car.

[dawgfan]

I'll second the recommendation of the Acura TL. It is a little more roomy than the G35, so I'm not sure I'd classify it is a sports car--perhaps more of a luxury sedan. It is probably the car I would go witih if I were looking at a $30K-$40K range car.
It's pretty sporty even at the base level, and very sporty in the Type-S version. Plus, Hondas/Acuras hold their value quite well. Two of my cousins currently own a family business auto-parts store, focusing on foreign auto parts. While they have traditionally been big supporters of German cars, they will tell you now that in general, Japanese cars are more reliable. One of them told me that even though he really likes Audi's, he would only own one that's under warranty.

As cars like the BMW M5 and Audi RS4 have shown, luxury sedans can be just as "sporty" (if not moreso) than "sports cars", if by "sporty" you mean speed, handling and acceleration.

[Anthony]

the G35 doesn't have enough room in it. the 2 door version looks nice though, but the sedan version doesn't look all that much "special", at least not for something that costs more than $30K. it looks no different than an altima or maxima, it doesn't have any unique body characteristics about it that you could tell what car it is just by looking at it's profile. i'm sure it's a nice car, but at least the 2 door version has a "high end" look to it. if i'm spending $30K on anything i want people to notice it. you can easily not notice a G35 on the highway. i know nothing about how it handles though, i'm just going off of exteriors.

[Anthony]

which looks more noticeable:

this:
http://www.freshalloy.com/site/cars/infiniti/2003/g35/coupe/photos/photos_001.jpg

OR

this:
http://www.automedia.com/NewCarBuyersGuide/photos/2006/Infiniti/G35/Sedan/2006_Infiniti_G35Sedan_ext_1.jpg
yawn....without looking at the rear end to see it's an Infiniti, tell me this doesn't look like every other car you see on the road. there's nothing outstanding about it's exterior.

[CamEdwards]

Yeah, I'm not really considering the 4 door version of the G35.

Actually, I found myself looking at a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT convertible tonight. Question though: is that considered a chick car? I'd really like a convertible, but I'm finding a hard time finding one that seats four and doesn't look girlie.

[dawgfan]

I know you can get BMW 3-series (including the M3) in a convertible, as well as the Audi A4 (and S4). These are definitely not "girlie" cars. Not sure about how many of the other high-performance sedans have convertible options...

[Swaggs]

Yeah, I'm not really considering the 4 door version of the G35.

Actually, I found myself looking at a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT convertible tonight. Question though: is that considered a chick car? I'd really like a convertible, but I'm finding a hard time finding one that seats four and doesn't look girlie.

My buddy used to have a Spyder. If your rear passengers have legs thicker than a toothpick, I would not recommend it. Also, Mitsubishi's do not hold their values real well, so I would factor that into consideration if you are only thinking of keeping it while your children are small.

The G35 has over 300 HP, which is pretty strong for a 6-cylinder. If you get the AWD version, I doubt that you will find many cars in its class that will handle much better.

You should check out the Acura TL if you want something spacious, but still sleek looking, that drives like a sportscar.

[Peregrine]

HA, at least make it a fair comparison, your picture showed the old style sedan, not the re-designed 2007 one. I love the G35 coupe, though. Here's my car, for what it's worth:






http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v608/krm123/Picture269.jpg

[Anthony]

Yeah, I'm not really considering the 4 door version of the G35.

Actually, I found myself looking at a Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder GT convertible tonight. Question though: is that considered a chick car? I'd really like a convertible, but I'm finding a hard time finding one that seats four and doesn't look girlie.

I've only seen girls driving that car, so i would say "yes".

[Anthony]

HA, at least make it a fair comparison, your picture showed the old style sedan, not the re-designed 2007 one. I love the G35 coupe, though.

i was having a hard time finding decent pics of the G35 sedan. seems like the coupe version is more popular (and rightfully so).

[Ryan S]

BMW 3-series

In Europe BMW are launching a series of new engines with more power and up to 20% better fuel economy. If you are thinking of the 3 series it might be worth waiting for these to reach US showrooms.

[DanGarion]

Have to love a new car. When I bought my Infiniti G35 a few months ago I think I was grinning for a few weeks straight.
We got a G35 Sedan tonight! :)

[M GO BLUE!!!]

THe only new vehicle I ever bought did feel damn good. 1991 Chevy S-10, cost: $7500. Had 11 miles on it.

Three days later with only 304 on the odometer an old man who did not take his pills pulled out right in front of me. There was $4900 worth of damage to the front of the truck. Honeymoon over.

[Bobble]

THe only new vehicle I ever bought did feel damn good. 1991 Chevy S-10, cost: $7500. Had 11 miles on it.

Three days later with only 304 on the odometer an old man who did not take his pills pulled out right in front of me. There was $4900 worth of damage to the front of the truck. Honeymoon over.

I bought my first car ever, a Mustang GT. I was paranoid. Defensive driving? I was NORAD driving. So, I'm on my 3rd day of ownership and pulling out of work. I stop at the stop sign and look in my rear view mirror to make sure the guy behind me stops as well. He does. I look left and right and then feel a bump from behind. His foot slipped off the brake and bumped my car. Not terrible damage but two scratches where his license plate bolts were. I was pissed. You can't keep the thing pristine for 3 full days!?

[Marc Vaughan]

Looks a nice enough car to me - then again if a car gets me reliably from A to B then I'm happy.

(motorbikes on the other hand - stick to Italian Brands Asprillia and Cagiva rock ... especially their SuperMoto bikes ... )

[MacroGuru]

Just paid off the Dodge Grand Caravan Sport and the wife is already begging me to trade it in for a new car for me.

Don't get me wrong, I would love a new car, but it feels good to be out of a $300 a month payment right now that I can apply to her Escalade payment.

[CU Tiger]

Havent had a car payment in 4 years.
When wife decided she wanted a enw car we started making a payment to ourselves.

Then we went in and bought it, they even had one of those 0% deals. Thought about financing haggled for about 30 minutes, ran my credit, etc. and I qualified. Had the best deal worked out. Asked to speak to the sales manager, asked him to make the deal minus 4k. He insisted I was getting it "below dealer cost"...so I asked ok, so if I throw away this silly 0% talk and hand you cash, could we drop 4k... guess 0% wasnt really 0%.....

Other than my wife I havent bought a new car in a long time. Ill never own another one for myself, well until Im so wealthy I dont need to work, then I may splurge....otherwise it just doesnt make sense financially. I have an impossible time understanding the warranty crowd also...do you know how much maintenance you can do for $300/month

[Marc Vaughan]

Havent had a car payment in 4 years.
When wife decided she wanted a enw car we started making a payment to ourselves.

More power to you - my wifes sister recently got her wood flooring done on '0% credit - start payments in 6 months' - which while sounding fantastic cost 100% more than we paid when we paid cash ....

If a deal sounds too good to be true it generally is.

[LoneStarGirl]

I bought my first car ever, a Mustang GT. I was paranoid. Defensive driving? I was NORAD driving. So, I'm on my 3rd day of ownership and pulling out of work. I stop at the stop sign and look in my rear view mirror to make sure the guy behind me stops as well. He does. I look left and right and then feel a bump from behind. His foot slipped off the brake and bumped my car. Not terrible damage but two scratches where his license plate bolts were. I was pissed. You can't keep the thing pristine for 3 full days!?

GoldenEagle and I bought an 08 Honda Accord on Memorial Day and it has been hit twice from behind since then. Each time caused a huge scratch vertically down the bumper. Pissed us both off.

[Raiders Army]

The new Mazda 6 looks like a great car. We have three cars, only one of which has a car payment. Our Lexus ES 350 which we bought last year will be paid off in less than two years with a $500 a month payment (we put a lot down). That will be nice as our oldest will be starting college when it's paid off and we'll hopefully have no payments other than for college...and maybe not even that.

[Galaxy]

GoldenEagle and I bought an 08 Honda Accord on Memorial Day and it has been hit twice from behind since then. Each time caused a huge scratch vertically down the bumper. Pissed us both off.

It's tough for me to go out and splash out on a brand new car (not that I can right now). People leaving door dents, scratches, accidents (even if you have insurance), and cold, long winters that rust your car.

I do wonder how the credit market will impact those looking to buy or lease the entry-to-mid level luxury cars.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25352526/