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Need a New Car

For the record - you can also get the Beetle, Jetta Wagon and Golf with Diesel engines. If you had a ton of cash, even a V10 Toureg Diesel.

I myself have the Golf. The MKIV TDI Golfs can be found, you just need to search. Jettas and Beetles are orders of magnitude easier to locate. (I'm speaking of used, BTW)

For anyone seriously considering diesel - check out tdiclub.com - they have a LOT of info.
 
Yea I think diesels will be out of my price range.

My mom has an 05 Touareg V8 and that thing has been an nightmare, but I must say its a nice car. The TDI looks so cool.
 
I would choose either the 4Runner or the Maxima, depending on your limits with size. Maxima's are rather sleek and quite fast (not sure which year you're looking at tho) and I've never heard anything bad from 4Runner owners, as for the rest (except the Jeep, don't get it) I haven't heard anything.
 
mactastic said:
The new VWs will be out in the spring with 50-state legal diesels.
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Seriously?!?!

*drools*

I'd <3 me some TDI biodiesel lovin'. I see you're in CA, too. So you'll be waiting for those to come out, then?
 
wizwaz3 said:
I would choose either the 4Runner or the Maxima, depending on your limits with size. Maxima's are rather sleek and quite fast (not sure which year you're looking at tho) and I've never heard anything bad from 4Runner owners, as for the rest (except the Jeep, don't get it) I haven't heard anything.
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My aunt had a maxima and liked until it was totaled (by a deer :rolleyes:). The only bad thing about 4Runners is that their bumpers always seem to rust out. My cousin has a 2002 and likes it. If I can find a good deal on one I would definitely consider it.

Are maximas FWD or RWD. I've driven my uncles 2005 3.5L altima and I thought the gas pedal was too touchy and it had a lot of torque steer.
 
I'd check out the Ford Edge. Both Consumer Reports and JD Powers have rated it high in quality (right up with the Japanese models) it gets up to 24MPG on the highway, has 265 HP V6, 6 speed auto, available AWD, standard AdvanceTrac with RSC, The new Sync system for connecting your phone and iPod is also available. The full Panaramic Vista roof is cool as well. It has as much room as any mid-size SUV and you can even get a Class II towing option that will allow up to 3,500 lbs. of towing. CUV's will eventually take over the market from SUV's because they are better on fuel, ride better and are more stable on the highway.

You can't just assume that because it says Toyota it will never break down. Consumer Reports just took the Camry off the recommended list because of all the issues the new model is having. The same is true with the poor reliability of the new Tundra pickup.

I think as Toyota does whatever it takes to be the largest auto company in the world they have started to forget what got them where they are today. They are still excellent for the most part, but you can't cross some of the new models from Ford off your list anymore. The Fusion and Milan were two of the most reliable midsize cars in the last CR survey.
Ford%20Edge%204-lg.jpg
 
I think that car is a little out of the OPs price range. It hasn't been around long, so finding a cheap Edge?

Also - take Consumer Reports ratings with a grain of salt. I seriously question some of their ratings - or how they got to those ratings - be it for car or vacuum cleaner. :confused:
 
Big-TDI-Guy said:
I think that car is a little out of the OPs price range. It hasn't been around long, so finding a cheap Edge?

Also - take Consumer Reports ratings with a grain of salt. I seriously question some of their ratings - or how they got to those ratings - be it for car or vacuum cleaner. :confused:
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Well it was just a suggestion. I looked at a few this weekend when I had my truck in for an oil change. They were priced from around 24K on up. Of course at 24K you don't get a lot. I think it was an AWD SE. They have only been out a year and are pretty popular so I suppose you are right when you say it will be hard to find a good deal on one.

Maybe a used Nissan Murano then? I work with a lady that really wanted an Edge, but settled for a used Murano because of price.

Also, I do generally agree with you regarding CR, however many people do use it as a resource when buying products. What I generally look at is how well a model does in many different surveys. If it does well in 3 or 4 survey's then one can assume it is a solid design.
 
If your so worried about gas mileage then why are you looking for a gas guzzling SUV?

I suggest an Oldsmobile Aurora. I have the Classic one which goes from years '95-'99. The original car was designed in part by Cadillac, and that is why it has the Cadillac Northstar V8 engine in it, that averages about 20mpg.

Then they have the 2nd Gen which goes from years 2001-2003/4. These are good cars with the same engine, becuase of Oldsmobile's take out, you can get a good one for about 4,500.00 -> 10,000.00 USD. They are very nice cars with leather and all the emenaties of a luxury car. They are just basically a full size Cadillac Catera except it has a V8 in it, which offers 22mpg.

The newer one's style isn't on par with the Classic's, but they are still good cars.

I'm looking around for a new(er) car too, I'm thinking about a very luxurious Buick Park Avenue Ultra with the V8 they are now offering. It's a very big car (I love big cars, like my 40 yr old DeVille). But not everyone likes cars like I do. I like them fast enough but I don't want to sacrifice Comfort and Luxury for speed. The Aurora though, is a very good contender, it gives a Mustang a run for its money.
 
iGav said:
No sign of the Cooper D on those shores then... ;)
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:( No. And I thought it was called the MINI One? :p

ARGH!

I sooooooo want/-ed one.

Though stock it only came w/ 90hp (er, in '04 or so)-- the not-bestest aftermarket turbo kits gave that baby more power than an S w/ a reduced pulley and still better fuel economy! *sobs*
 
ErikCLDR said:
Hi Everyone,
After totaling my Land Rover Discovery thanks to a deer I am looking for a new car. My price range is under $10,000 with under 100,000 miles.

I am looking into another Rover, either a Discovery Series II or possibly a P38 Range Rover but I am leery over the air suspension and severe electrical problems in the Range Rover.

I am not sure what I want. I live in a rural town in Connecticut so 4wd or AWD is preferable with all the snow and ice we get. FWD is better than RWD. Gas is over $3.00 a gallon so a car might be better than an SUV. I am partial to foreign cars just because American cars have such poor fit and finish. They run for ever and are cheep but I can't stand their cheap manufacturing.

Other cars I am interested in
- Toyota 4Runner
- Nissan Pathfinder/Infinti QX4
- BMW 3-series
- Audi A4
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Nissan Maxima
- Old Land Cruiser (not really worth it though cause a 1995 costs like $10k with 200,000 miles)

Any Advice? Recommendations? Reviews?
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They have rural towns in Connecticut? :eek: :D
 
smokeyrabbit said:
Everything east of the CT river is pretty rural - more like the rest of New England than NYC, Thank God!

And ErikCLDR, we just got a '04 D2 to replace the old D1, and it's fantastic!
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I actually live just to the west of the River but its all good. Its a nice rural town, surprisingly. Basically high taxes and strict zoning rules help keep it that way, but I am sure by the time I am older it will be like every other town.

What year was your D1?

My dad has a 2003 DII SE-7. You've got to admit the DII is a much better riding car. Not only are the seats better and its a little better ergonomically, your chances of being able to see a stoplight at an intersection are greatly increased because of the bigger windshield. Most of the plastics seem to be higher quality too. The handling is better and my dad's has ACE which really takes out the body roll, I am sure a non ACE DII is still significantly better than a D1. You can actually fit stuff in the trunk too. My only gripe is they put the rear A/C equipment in the trunk so that decreases the trunk space. Much better radio too.

I dunno, I just love rovers. You can't beat their stock performance in bad driving conditions and their visibility is superb.
---

I am 17, I don't have $25,000 to spend on a car. I have like under $10,000.

I think I might go take a look at a 2000 Land Rover Discovery- 7 Seat package, 70,000 miles, winter package (heated seats and windshield), Burgundy (ehh) w/tan interior, possibly air suspension (not really what I want- it has one function- to break).
 
1994 D1 (7 seats) with about 4" of lift - you don't know body roll until you drive that thing. The '04 is an SE-7 with rear air too (paid $14900). I like how they took all the leftover bits from the 2nd gen. RR and put them on the 03-04 Disco's. Our kids love the back seats so we don't end up using the loadspace too much anyway.

You could rebuild your D1 with parts from my '94, you know ;) And I have a deer-proof bar ...
 
smokeyrabbit said:
1994 D1 (7 seats) with about 4" of lift - you don't know body roll until you drive that thing. The '04 is an SE-7 with rear air too (paid $14900). I like how they took all the leftover bits from the 2nd gen. RR and put them on the 03-04 Disco's. Our kids love the back seats so we don't end up using the loadspace too much anyway.

You could rebuild your D1 with parts from my '94, you know ;) And I have a deer-proof bar ...
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Wow 4" lift, I would not want to take any corners in that.

Land Rover tends to not let things go. For example the Discovery II is based off the Discovery 1 which is based off the Range Rover classic. The engine for all of them has been this 1960's design buick 3.5L v8 that has just becoming bigger over the years. Infact the 1995 Range Rover Classic's interior is basically the same as the Discovery 1's.

My dad bought his new, something like $43,000. Ridiculous for a car that devalues faster than a used pair of underwear.
 
ErikCLDR said:
Wow 4" lift, I would not want to take any corners in that. ...


My dad bought his new, something like $43,000. Ridiculous for a car that devalues faster than a used pair of underwear.
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You should have seen it with the roof rack and sea kayak on top. Depreciating faster than a used pair of underwear, or, I believe "pants", is a particularly British sounding expression.
 
devilot said:
:( No. And I thought it was called the MINI One? :p

ARGH!

I sooooooo want/-ed one.

Though stock it only came w/ 90hp (er, in '04 or so)-- the not-bestest aftermarket turbo kits gave that baby more power than an S w/ a reduced pulley and still better fuel economy! *sobs*
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They got rid of that Toyota sourced rubbish for the MINI II... ;)

I'm a little surprised BMW didn't see fit to install one of their own peachy units, but opting for a PSA/Ford developed unit couldn't exactly be considered a sacrifice either, with Cooper S matching torque and overboost. ;)

In fact, you could say it's almost custom designed for you on those hilly streets. ;)
 
Rapmastac1 said:
If your so worried about gas mileage then why are you looking for a gas guzzling SUV?

I suggest an Oldsmobile Aurora. I have the Classic one which goes from years '95-'99. The original car was designed in part by Cadillac, and that is why it has the Cadillac Northstar V8 engine in it, that averages about 20mpg.

Then they have the 2nd Gen which goes from years 2001-2003/4. These are good cars with the same engine, becuase of Oldsmobile's take out, you can get a good one for about 4,500.00 -> 10,000.00 USD. They are very nice cars with leather and all the emenaties of a luxury car. They are just basically a full size Cadillac Catera except it has a V8 in it, which offers 22mpg.

The newer one's style isn't on par with the Classic's, but they are still good cars.

I'm looking around for a new(er) car too, I'm thinking about a very luxurious Buick Park Avenue Ultra with the V8 they are now offering. It's a very big car (I love big cars, like my 40 yr old DeVille). But not everyone likes cars like I do. I like them fast enough but I don't want to sacrifice Comfort and Luxury for speed. The Aurora though, is a very good contender, it gives a Mustang a run for its money.
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I too love the Aurora. I looked for one when I was shopping for a new car a few years ago. I decided upon a 2000 Chrysler Concorde, which is similar to the Aurora... I love massive cars, as they can go fast and a awesome on the highways and have a real road presence.

If I found a good condition Aurora before mine, I'd have got that. The sheetmetal on that car is just stunning, and the interior is of high quality. Not to mention the Northstar, as you said, makes it a speedy sedan.
 
Plymouthbreezer said:
I too love the Aurora. I looked for one when I was shopping for a new car a few years ago. I decided upon a 2000 Chrysler Concorde, which is similar to the Aurora... I love massive cars, as they can go fast and a awesome on the highways and have a real road presence.

If I found a good condition Aurora before mine, I'd have got that. The sheetmetal on that car is just stunning, and the interior is of high quality. Not to mention the Northstar, as you said, makes it a speedy sedan.
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Amen! It's a really good car.
 
toyota will be above and beyond the most reliabe on your list.
they hold resale well. most of the other stuff drops like a brick year after year.
toyota gets my vote.
 
Well, you can get a Hyundai Accent for about $10,000 new... and a Kia Rio for about the same. Although not exactly what you're looking for, they do have FWD...
 
Cassie said:
Well, you can get a Hyundai Accent for about $10,000 new... and a Kia Rio for about the same. Although not exactly what you're looking for, they do have FWD...
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My friend has a Hyundai and I must say its a very well built car. I would prefer and SUV just because we get lots of snow and ice here and my town isn't very good at plowing, and my road is private so we have to pay the town to plow it and they always seem to plow my road last. Add in some hilly roads an it makes for quite an interesting driving experience.

I cannot find a car though that I like. I'm not being too picky about color but so far I've looked at the following
- 1999 Discovery: Leaking oil
- 2000 Discovery: Leaking oil + non functioning driver's window
- 2000 Range Rover: Sketchy Dealer
- 2001 Discovery: ABS/Trac Control/HDC lights on

I might check out a 1999 Range Rover in Somerville, MA (Boston) tomorrow, same place I got my first car.

I don't know what other cars I like. My parents hate BMW's, mercedes, and Audi's. They think they are too snooty, apparently a LR is not. I've been searching around for a Qx4 but haven't seen anything in my price range that I like, there aren't many of them around.

I'm not really concerned about the resale of a car, I mean, I am buying it used so I would prefer a car that has low resale assuming that I will be keeping this car for a while.
 
Is it even possible to buy a Land Rover worth owning for under $10k? That's pretty darn cheap for a luxury off-roader.

ErikCLDR said:
My friend has a Hyundai and I must say its a very well built car. I would prefer and SUV just because we get lots of snow and ice here and my town isn't very good at plowing, and my road is private so we have to pay the town to plow it and they always seem to plow my road last. Add in some hilly roads an it makes for quite an interesting driving experience.
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I live in a town that is very hilly and gets 200+ inches of snow each winter (just under 300 last year actually IIRC)...it's a blue-collar town of lower-to middle-middle class people - so nobody can afford Land Rovers, Audis or AWD BMWs, or any of the luxury SUVs.

Anyway, maybe I'm being a party pooper here, but the reality is you don't need an SUV or AWD or 4WD or even a limited slip to deal with snow - my next door neighbor drives a 1990 Geo Metro 3-cylinder all winter in pretty bad snow...front wheel drive and no limited slip diff. How? Snow tires, and the willingness to accept the fact that you must drive more carefully in the winter. AWD/4WD makes you feel king of the road but you just don't need it.

In fact, just last night, some genius across the street with a lifted Wrangler tried to get out of his driveway without shoveling the apron (the plow left a big pile of snow there). He beached it on the pile and spent the next hour trying to rock it out...he could have shoveled it in 15 minutes instead of the using the all-too-common method of substituting 4WD for any kind of logical thought process. :rolleyes:

By whatever you want and get good snow tires for it, and you should be fine. If you want the Land Rover because you like Land Rovers, that's fine too, but don't be too wedded to 4WD for its own sake - any car, some snow tires and common sense should get you through the winters.
 
Rapmastac1 said:
If your so worried about gas mileage then why are you looking for a gas guzzling SUV?

I suggest an Oldsmobile Aurora. I have the Classic one which goes from years '95-'99. The original car was designed in part by Cadillac, and that is why it has the Cadillac Northstar V8 engine in it, that averages about 20mpg.

Then they have the 2nd Gen which goes from years 2001-2003/4. These are good cars with the same engine, becuase of Oldsmobile's take out, you can get a good one for about 4,500.00 -> 10,000.00 USD. They are very nice cars with leather and all the emenaties of a luxury car. They are just basically a full size Cadillac Catera except it has a V8 in it, which offers 22mpg.

The newer one's style isn't on par with the Classic's, but they are still good cars.

I'm looking around for a new(er) car too, I'm thinking about a very luxurious Buick Park Avenue Ultra with the V8 they are now offering. It's a very big car (I love big cars, like my 40 yr old DeVille). But not everyone likes cars like I do. I like them fast enough but I don't want to sacrifice Comfort and Luxury for speed. The Aurora though, is a very good contender, it gives a Mustang a run for its money.
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Yeah Erik HATES American cars, especially the Cadillac Seville ('98-'04) and the Oldsmobile Aurora. Personally, they are my favorite cars of all time. I think the older models look much better and are built better than the new models. However, as with most Cadillac's, have little electrical gremlins that can get worse over time. Another point is the head gaskets blowing on the Northstar. If the previous owner didn't maintain coolant and change it frequently, that can be a $4,000 fix.

But yeah, he really hates them. Thinks they look like grandma cars. I completely disagree. I'm trading in my Camry one day to get one.
 
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