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RamblinE is starting to think about a new car.

In doing research and playing with online payment calculators I'm seeing myself being pigeon holed into less than $20k. That really takes the more interesting cars like the Si, FR-S and MX5 out of the price range. But that's okay. The two remainders are the Fiesta and Mazda 2. Same frame, similar drivetrains. The base model Fiesta however comes with more options than the base model 2. The stereo shouldn't be that important but it is. The Fiesta comes with Ford's Sync for no extra charge where the full 6 speaker system in the 2 comes on the Touring trim starting at 17.5. I spec'd out a white base Fiesta with a manual and decal strips for about 15, or $136 a month by the calculator. Shooting for a car payment $200/mo or under would be easy to afford even on a slow sales month. The Ford family face and slick interior appear more appealing than the 2 but its hard to say exactly till I see one in the flesh.

The biggest disappointment from all this research is seeing that the FR-S's msrp rose from under 20 to about 24 in one year.

However I can't say that I'm disappointed with what the two B class cars offer for the price.

I'm thinking I've gotta get out soon and see these two little jimmies.

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And then there's my father pushing me to consider SUVs and sunroofs...... I don't want/need those! :D

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RamblinE said:
In doing research and playing with online payment calculators I'm seeing myself being pigeon holed into less than $20k. That really takes the more interesting cars like the Si, FR-S and MX5 out of the price range. But that's okay. The two remainders are the Fiesta and Mazda 2.
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The two lowest trim packages of the new Mazda 3 (i SV and i Sport) can be had for $17K and $18.5K, respectively, and the Mazda 6, in the i Sport trim, can be had for $21K.
 
On the phone with father:

Father: What about a used Mazdaspeed 3 for 17.5?

Me: Oh let me tell you about those cars. If you're at speed and you try to turn the wheel the car says loljk still going straight.

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If you are used to and love the way a rear drive car handles, try to stay rear drive or AWD. Or be sure you REALLY like the way a potential FWD car feels, because they are completely different.

I have driven manual transmission rear drive vehicles my whole life. A few years ago I bought a plain jane Subaru Impreza 5spd. Even the non turbo had pleny of zip (170hp/170ftlb) with the manual, and the AWD was just awsome! I loved being able to point car where I wanted and press the go pedal with no drama no matter what the weather was like. I liked it better than the compareable Mazda 3 at the time. Financial circumstances forced me to sell my beloved Subaru, and I ended up with an older Ford focus ZX3. The ZX3 is not a bad car, it has ok zip and decent cornering, but I just do not like FWD. It is a completely differet feel than RWD, which I really miss. When we get our mess straightend out, my next car will probably be another Subaru.
 
RamblinE said:
On the phone with father:

Father: What about a used Mazdaspeed 3 for 17.5?

Me: Oh let me tell you about those cars. If you're at speed and you try to turn the wheel the car says loljk still going straight.

Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
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The Mazdaspeed3 is one of the few cars I've driven that somehow seemed overpowered for its chassis/drivetrain. Ballsy it is, however.
 
Consider the Infiniti G35x or G37X (x = AWD) - They default to RWD after a certain speed. Good winter handling. Good handling all around and a very reliable engine. The only downside is the mpg if you keep your foot into it.
 
I have two Hondas in my "fleet," and I can describe them with one word, BORING.

A young, single guy like Ramblin needs something cool.
 
Keeping my Miata and fixing it up in due time is not out of the question. In fact I'd rather do it that way. Get the seals done in time for next summer, tops.

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new car? heck, your car is fairly new by my standards. Then again I'm running an aging high mileage fleet. The Mark VII is sitting at 245k these days. I'm a big fan of maintenance and no car payments. Its actually pretty amazing how long you can keep things going as long as you're willing to fix them rather than just drive until it won't go anymore. People I know that own Mark VII's are usually amazed that mine drives well and has all the electronics in working shape. For some reason the idea of replacing parts seems alien to them, and the idea that I've actually rebuilt the suspension and the electronics is a real head scratcher.
 
Off to the Ford dealership with a friend today. His whole family is due for new cars and have been dealing with the same rep and dealer for decades. Hoping I can get a test drive in of the Fiesta while we're there.

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Being a Mopar guy; what is your consensus on the Dodge Dart? I know it's European underneath and all but it seems rather schporty.

I also would steer ya into fixing the Miata being more debt-free; although the appeal of new and a warranty is tempting.


Matt
 
JesusChrysler said:
Being a Mopar guy; what is your consensus on the Dodge Dart? I know it's European underneath and all but it seems rather schporty.

I also would steer ya into fixing the Miata being more debt-free; although the appeal of new and a warranty is tempting.


Matt
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Trading/selling the Miata is not even being considered. I just want time to get crucial things done as opposed to driving it every day and having to depend on something that needs more TLC then I have the knowledge or facilities to provide.

The biggest appeal to the Mazda 2 and Ford Fiesta is their low entry price. Sure there are cheaper cars from KIA and Chevy but I'd be surprised if they were fun to drive and had the kind of feel in the wheel and shifter Mazda and Ford are known to be able to produce.

That being said the Dart is an interesting beast as it is essentially an Alfa Romeo. I just googled the msrp which is 15.9. Only a grand more expensive than the Fiesta I spec'd out on Fords website. It might be worth a test drive. Our local Mazda dealer also carries Dodge so that should make it simple.

I don't know why but I thought the Dart would be much more expensive to start.

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Lined up a test drive of a Dart tonight. Friend of a friend has a fully loaded manual Rallyeye.

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Ramblin, I sure hope you get a Flying Miata catalog, thumb thru it, and reconsider.

Let us know about the Dart, tho I have my doubts on that car.

I had the rear seal and front seal replaced on my miata, 1995, black, stock, and 179k. Runs like a sewing machine.

I'll drive it until I can't.
 
Just get the FR-S. Forget everything else.

Toyota make the best cars, my Toyota Celica is 22 years old and runs like a beast.
 
Crap the FR-S is just a little more than I feel comfortable spending. If I could swing it though I'd probably sell the Miata. But if I'm buying daily transportation then I'm keeping the Miata for sure.

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RamblinE said:
Crap the FR-S is just a little more than I feel comfortable spending. If I could swing it though I'd probably sell the Miata. But if I'm buying daily transportation then I'm keeping the Miata for sure.

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Have you considered buying a car from somewhere like Hertz?

http://www.hertzcarsales.com/

Yeah, they use them as rentals but you pick one up with 20k on and save yourself a bunch of cash, my sister picked up a 2012 camry for 14k. Looks and drives like new.
 
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