consider insurance rates as well. That should count against the Lancer and tip the scales in favor of the Saturn and Volvo. I think I would choose the Mazda though. Plenty of punch, a blast to drive, and very good reliability. Something you haven't mention is a Honda/Acura. You can get a V-6 Accord or an Acura TSX for that price. My Acura CL-S has 120k with no issues.
The Honda Accord EX reminds me a lot of the Mercury Cougar Coupe from ~2003. Your mentioning of Acura however, did remind me of another possible contender:
8. Acura RSX (2003-2007)
Get whatever you want except I would avoid the Beemer like the plague. It is a car for people that can not only afford an expensive car but can afford expensive repairs as well. Audi is another but it is not on your list.
One of my friends from high school (35+ years) has sold cars his whole life, most of it regarding european cars and most of that German (not VW). This comes from him. The BMW's have become less and less reliable as time has passed. This has a gret deal to do with where they are now manufactured and their customer base, which I won't get into because it includes ethnicity statistics.
Yeah, I keep hearing about BMW's repair costs. Maybe by my 3rd car I can get one. Hey, maybe by then my mom will sell me her's cheap!
I've never really considered VW. Their values seem to drop, and many of the newer ones I have seen don't look too good after a couple years. I don't know why.
From Florida to NJ a couple of time a year. Take Amtrak and keep the money in the bank to save for grad school. Or, fly. Much cheaper.
Yeah, there is the thrill of a new car but with 3 years of school at a minumum ahead of you unless you are wealthy is going to be costly when you graduate.
If you really need a car, which most kids in university do not, look for the cheapest out there that is really basic transport. There are deals out there I see in the ads for under $10k with air and in Florida that is all you need. In fact, you'd be better off leasing for 3 year and turning it in about the time you graduate.
I'm not going to say much about my finances other than that I had planned, and was serious about my $15k figure. By "afford", I mean that it will not hurt my normal quality of life, nor my college future. And yes, a car is very necessary here. This campus has very little to offer, and Florida is such a massive state. Some of the deals from the local craigslist will take me 35-40 minutes to get there. I'm glad I had the Buick this year; I would have literally gone insane without a way to leave the campus and get around town.
By "a couple times a year", I mean only to get the car to and from NJ during the summer break. All other trips to and from home are by air. I did however bring the Buick here on the Amtrak Auto-Train. It was quite an experience! Though the trip was also pricey at around $500.
You brought up a good point with leasing; I may look into that.
I would also want to get out of a Buick that needs frequent repairs as soon as possible.
I love cars and I follow the industry pretty closely. I remember what it was like getting that first car I could truly call my own and I'm glad you're going to get to experience that soon. Mine was a 1983 VW Rabbit GTI.
Normally, for someone young, I usually recommend a used car. But now you can get a new set of wheels for the same as used!
You've chosen some nice candidates.
The highest-rated car (and best selling) in your budget range is the Honda Civic. Deservedly so, as it's an excellent car. But I suspect you didn't leave it off of your list by mistake. Either it's not your style, or you don't want the same car as everyone else.
So, putting the Civic aside, my top pick would be the Mazda3. It's an excellent car. As you may know, they'll soon introduce a new version. Which means you'll be able to squeeze the bejesus out of the dealer on the price for a current edition (with the right timing).
If you're old enough to want to start to establish a credit rating, I would take advantage of any 0% financing offers and get a 2 or 3 year loan (but no longer than that). This would establish your credit, plus leave you some bucks in the bank as a cushion. If you make your down payment large (say 50%), the payments will be affordable.
Thanks! Yes, I have ridden in a couple Civics, and while they are fine cars, I don't think that they are quite right for me. That's a few votes now for the Mazda3, I'll have to make arrangements to test drive one soon.
I already have a credit card, and a small college loan. I'd rather pay for the car up front if I can.
I do not yet trust Kia. I don't believe they've proven themselves at this point in time.
Like the Saturn Aura, I'm surprised at your selection of the Mercury Milan, as it's not very youthful. It's also at the very ceiling of your price range. If you don't need that size car, then I would get something more frugal.
The Scion models are also a solid choice. So if you hadn't consider them (they're the "Cool Toyotas") you should.
But the MZ3 is really a great car and as I said it would be my top pick for you.
I too have reservations about Kia, seeing as they are Hyundai's budget brand.
Why the Milan? I was hoping it would be a nice cross of luxary and power, but from what I'm hearing, it might not be so.
You're the second or third person to recommend Scion, so I take it they are pretty nice, and I do really like the TC. The big problem I have with it though is the dark interior. I really dislike dark interiors.
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