Looked at cars at the State Fair...

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10-11-2007, 07:32 AM
jrj512

Looked at cars at the State Fair...

Looked at possible replacements for the TSX at the State Fair. I would prefer something a little cheaper than what I have, and it looks like the Civic is a big standout. I sat in several cars and outside of the funky dash, the Civic really blows the rest of them away! I am leaning towards the LX rather than the EX.

I wanted to try a Volvo C30, but they did not have any Volvo's at all. It costs a little more than what I wanted to spend, but I am willing to give it a try. I will have to go by a dealer.

I would also like to look at the Mini Clubman, but it will probably be too small. Whatever we buy will need to haul all of the GF's "needs" on a road trip. A trip to the dealer will be in order once they are available.

I still like the RX8 and I would be very tempted to buy a nice pre-owned blue one, but I need to wait until April.

A 128i would be great, but it might be too expensive and will probably hard to get at any discount whatsoever.

Cars removed from the list after sitting in them at the fair:

- Nissan Altima
- Mazda 3
- Suburu WRX
- Suburu Outback -- I could not even get the GF to sit in it!

Any other ideas? I would like to stay under $28,000 (preferrably way under!), I need a clutch that functions via my left foot, and some semblance of sportiness would be nice. NO SUVs!
10-11-2007, 07:47 AM
Titus

It will probably come out too late for you, but i am really interested in seeing the '09 Mazda3. From what I have read, they are applying the same gram-by-gram weight approach used in the design of the NC. The goal is said to be a lighter car, even though the car has grown in every dimension.
10-11-2007, 07:54 AM
trickyrix

I like the Mini (the regular one)... a lot. It's a blast to drive, and I think you can fit plenty of crap in there (the GF can pack light, right? :rolleyes:). My friend got one new when they were still hot property (a couple of years ago) and only paid about $17K for it. It was a Cooper with plenty of options, but no supercharger.

You might look at the Audi A3 and/or VW GTI - I think either one of those would come in under budget, and certainly be fun to drive. Audi has a pretty good certified used car deal, too (all those lease returns!).

As much as I like Hondas the funky dash in the Civic is an absolute deal-killer for me. Hell, I don't even like the dash in the S2000!
10-11-2007, 08:03 AM
sammm

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

Civic really blows the rest of them away! I am leaning towards the LX rather than the EX.

I would like to stay under $28,000 (preferrably way under!)

We got my wife's '07 Civic EX for a little over $20k out the door.
10-11-2007, 08:04 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

NO SUVs!

:cat:
10-11-2007, 08:06 AM
HudsonHawk

Curious why you ruled out the Mazda 3? A friend of mine just picked up a new sedan. Rides great and its even cormfortable for my 6" frame in the back seat.
10-11-2007, 08:07 AM
jrj512

Quote:

Originally Posted by trickyrix

You might look at the Audi A3 and/or VW GTI - I think either one of those would come in under budget, and certainly be fun to drive. Audi has a pretty good certified used car deal, too (all those lease returns!).

The A3 or GTI might be a candidate, but I am very weary of their reliability. I would have to lease a new one, as off-warranty repairs on those cars get very expensive. As they say, never buy a VW product -- lease it and return in before the warranty is up.

YMMV, so no need for VW or Audi owners on this board to get all worked up.
10-11-2007, 08:08 AM
jrj512

Quote:

Originally Posted by HudsonHawk

Curious why you ruled out the Mazda 3? A friend of mine just picked up a new sedan. Rides great and its even cormfortable for my 6" frame in the back seat.

After sitting in the Honda, it just felt so much better than the 3. I really should drive, both, though. I like the exterior styling of the 3 more and and it's probably a sportier drive.
10-11-2007, 08:16 AM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

After sitting in the Honda, it just felt so much better than the 3. I really should drive, both, though. I like the exterior styling of the 3 more and and it's probably a sportier drive.

I have driven both extensively through the California twisties and in freeway driving. The 2.0 Mazda3 is my dad's and it blew away the hybrid Civic (rental). A more powerful engine and better tires found in other Civic models may improve the Civic, but I didn't get the opportunity to experience that. As for the 3, the 2.0 motor did just fine, and I would likely choose it over the 2.3 for a daily driver. It was more fun in the twisties than my Mom's BMW Z3. I'll agree that the interior is nicer on the Civic, but the 3 interior really is not that bad.
10-11-2007, 08:48 AM
MadMonkey

...she doesn't like the Outback? I love those things for some reason :D
10-11-2007, 08:53 AM
jrj512

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMonkey

...she doesn't like the Outback? I love those things for some reason :D

Now I dislike them, too. ;)
10-11-2007, 08:56 AM
MadMonkey

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

Now I dislike them, too. ;)

You're mean.

I'm starting to get the sniffles... I might just be at Pennington :D
10-11-2007, 08:58 AM
sammm

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadMonkey

I might just be at Pennington :D

Bring something to drink so you don't hurt your :cat:.
10-11-2007, 09:05 AM
Magma

I test drove the MS3 and loved it, considering with every option it is only a hair over $25, you might want to drive one, and you get the advantage of the 5 door for more GF stuff
10-11-2007, 09:09 AM
jrj512

Okay, it sounds like I really need to look at the 3 again. I will go drive one and also drive the Honda.
10-11-2007, 09:48 AM
trickyrix

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

Okay, it sounds like I really need to look at the 3 again. I will go drive one and also drive the Honda.

Just saw that you nixed that one after sitting in one at the Fair... I drove a regular 3 a while back and thought it was a really solid car. My buddy, on the other hand, thought the seats were hideously uncomfortable - but he's about 6'2" and lanky... and German... so he bought a used A4.
10-11-2007, 10:35 AM
CosmosMpower

I need to hit the fair but this weekend is reserved for autocross. I really liked the STi limited they had last year. White with black leather interior and small lip spoiler

As for a fun car under 28 I think you could get a decently equipped Mini S for 25. My neighbor just bought a new non S with leather/auto for right at 20K. My second choice and third chioices would probably be MS3 or SI sedan in that segment though I doubt I could go back to FWD.

And if all things go well that nice pre-owned blue RX-8 should be gone by next week with a plastic toaster replacing it in a month or two.
10-11-2007, 11:33 AM
jrj512

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

I need to hit the fair but this weekend is reserved for autocross.

They really do not advertise it, but on Wednesdays, you get in for a buck with three canned goods. Plus, there is less of a crowd.
10-11-2007, 01:26 PM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

They really do not advertise it, but on Wednesdays, you get in for a buck with three canned goods. Plus, there is less of a crowd.

That's pretty cool, looks like next wed night it is. Anyone want to make the wed night meet out of it?
10-11-2007, 06:01 PM
Radio-Active

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrj512

They really do not advertise it, but on Wednesdays, you get in for a buck with three canned goods. Plus, there is less of a crowd.

Tuesdays you can get in for $3 with a Dr. Pepper can
Wednesdays you can get in for free between 11:30-2:00 at the Grand St. entrance with a copy of the Quick. Catch: You have to leave by 2:00 or they charge you full price.
Also for $1 with the three cans for the food bank.
Thursdays you can get in for $4 with a Coca Cola Bottle.
10-11-2007, 06:04 PM
Radio-Active

I did'nt particularly car for the base model Mazda 3 I drove. It felt like an economy car. Leaned badly in turns, slow on the pick up with the Auto. And felt like you were driving an SUV. I have heard the MS3 is a blast and all the short comings of the base 3 are eliminated.

Get the RX-8. You ought to be able to pick it up for less than $28K new.
10-12-2007, 07:53 AM
altiain

If you can live with the fuel economy, I'd pick up an RX-8 over any of the econoboxes or hot hatches you've listed. It's a true rwd, four seat GT car, and it will hold a suprising amount of stuff.

If you need more space, I'd go for a Mazdaspeed3. How can you go wring with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque in a lightweight car with plenty of storage space? You should be able to get into any new RX-8 or MS3 for $25k or less (substantially less, if you opt for a lightly optioned leftover '8). You'll also qualify for S Plan prices on any Mazda.

Also, if you want a "sleeper" 4-door sedan with a lot of power and awd, why not look at a Subaru Legacy GT or a Mazdaspeed6? I drove a 'speed6 and liked it a lot, but apparently I'm in the minority, since they are selling slowly and Mazda is offering ridiculous discounts on it.
10-12-2007, 09:45 AM
CosmosMpower

Quote:

Originally Posted by altiain

If you can live with the fuel economy, I'd pick up an RX-8 over any of the econoboxes or hot hatches you've listed. It's a true rwd, four seat GT car, and it will hold a suprising amount of stuff.

If you need more space, I'd go for a Mazdaspeed3. How can you go wring with 250 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque in a lightweight car with plenty of storage space? You should be able to get into any new RX-8 or MS3 for $25k or less (substantially less, if you opt for a lightly optioned leftover '8). You'll also qualify for S Plan prices on any Mazda.

Also, if you want a "sleeper" 4-door sedan with a lot of power and awd, why not look at a Subaru Legacy GT or a Mazdaspeed6? I drove a 'speed6 and liked it a lot, but apparently I'm in the minority, since they are selling slowly and Mazda is offering ridiculous discounts on it.

I also liked the MS6 when I got one for a loaner as they were prepping my RX-8 for delivery. It had lots of power, decent turbo spool and really really roomy. I hated it at the Mazda zoom zoom event though, on an autocross course it felt like a heavy FWD Maxima/Accord etc.

But for a daily driver you can't go wrong with the MS3 or MS6, I'd maybe consider picking one up over the RX-8 if you plan on doing no track/autocross. I also agree on the LGT, I actually walked in to buy one early 06 but they didn't have any in stock so I kept looking and ended up in the RX-8.
10-12-2007, 09:49 AM
POS Racing

Quote:

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

I also liked the MS6 when I got one for a loaner as they were prepping my RX-8 for delivery. It had lots of power, decent turbo spool and really really roomy. I hated it at the Mazda zoom zoom event though, on an autocross course it felt like a heavy FWD Maxima/Accord etc.

Mazda already killed the Mazdaspeed6...... :(
10-12-2007, 09:56 AM
Titus

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS Racing

Mazda already killed the Mazdaspeed6...... :(

I think that is more a function of the Mazdaspeed business model. They put a Mazdaspeed version out in the second half of a chassis's life cycle, and then kill it when they re-work the car.
10-12-2007, 12:03 PM
nealb

I looked at the Civic and Madza3 both last summer

liked the Madza better for fun to drive (with 2.3 motor), but bought a 4 door Civic LX auto (wife main driver)

the Madza was $3 to $4k more money and 6mpg or so less gas mileage

paid $600 under MSRP, or about $18.1k drive out total everything

after 20k miles, the Civic has been bulletproof, averaged over 34mpg (about 2/3 highway) and I still like it

the 5 speed auto is the best I have ever driven; only way you know it downshifts is the tach moves

if you get the LX, look on Craigslist

I bought EX takeoff alloys and tires, less than 500 miles, perfect, for $400

now I have two sets of tires and the alloy wheels
10-12-2007, 01:09 PM
jrj512

Quote:

Originally Posted by nealb

now I have two sets of tires and the alloy wheels

Thanks. It seems to me that you could almost open up a wheel museum. ;)
11-23-2007, 08:00 PM
jrj512

Well, I've done some test driving and it looks like I was wrong about the Mazda 3 -- and you all were right.

On Tuesday, I did a Saturn Astra test drive thing at TMS where they have a little coned course setup to show you how well their car handles compared to the Golf, Civic, and 3 (all on hand for comparison). I guess I was supposed to like the Saturn better, but I walked away with new respect for the 3. The Civic is better sitting still, but I really like how the 3 handled.

Today, we test drove a Volvo C30. It was very ho-hum. I was nice and all, but very disconnected from the road. Then I made the mistake of driving the MS3. Whoa, Nellie! I like it, and so does the ::Curls::. Still not sure if I want the higher payment (and lower mileage) compared to the normal 3, but we'll see. I still want to drive the Civic again, too.