Best car for the wife?

[TransAm]

Well we are buying a second car, our budget is around $15000, we want something reasonably sporty, and not an SUV

I'm gutted as we have just missed out on a carbon blue 2002 Celica GT-S (180hp) which had 6-speed manual gearbox and it had 2,500 miles on it. That's right. two thousand miles. It was only $13000 as well, and no it wasn't too good to be true we just weren't quick enough... Anyway...

Here is the criteria:

1. Must have seating for four although the rear seats will hardly get used so space is not a priority.
2. Must be a manual gearbox.
3. Must be a hatchback/liftback/wagon with space and 'breathing room' for a small/medium dog.
4. Must not be older than 1998 (thinking of reliability, not snob value)

Shortlist is more or less as follows:

-Celica GT-S
-Acura RSX Type S (New shape Honda Integra)
-Ford Focus SVT170 (ST 170)
-Subaru WRX (227hp) Wagon
-Audi A4 1.8T/2.8 Quattro Wagon
-BMW 3 series Wagon (struggling to find one for anywhere near $15k so probably not an option really) - I'd go for an older shape like TT's but they didn't sell them in the US :(

Don't like the Mitsubishi Eclipse - I think it's a pile of poo to be quite honest, and we already have a 'muscle car'.

Does anyone else have any opinions on the cars listed above - which would you buy? Or, other suggestions, bearing the criteria in mind.

By the way, they don't sell SEATs, Renaults, Peugeots or Citroens in the USA :!: so a lot of good choices are right out the window... :(

[skituner]

go with the a4 avant

[JiggaStyles09]

the new scion tC is pretty nice and i think it goes for around $16k as well as the mazda 3 5 door for about the same price new. you look like you pretty much have a pretty good list started.

[TransAm]

the new scion tC is pretty nice and i think it goes for around $16k as well as the mazda 3 5 door for about the same price new. you look like you pretty much have a pretty good list started.

Yeah I like the Scion but it is a two-door sedan, I think?

I'd take an 01 Prelude over a Scion tC though if I could do without the hatchback...Nice one on autotrader right now for 15k with 20,000 miles on it :cry:

[666fast]

Out of your list, I'd go for the Audi A4 1.8T wagon

MkIV VW Jetta Wagon, not the prettiest things though
2000 or so Volvo V70 XC (Cross Country)
Subaru Forester

[TransAm]

V70 XC for 15K? I'll check autotrader!!

Forester not really quick enough but the Jetta in VR6 form would be!

Thanks to everyone who's replied so far, by the way! :)

[666fast]

V70 XC for 15K? I'll check autotrader!!



LOL, yea, 1999-2000 are around $15k. I just had a loot at Autotrader myself, there is one near me, 2000 model for $14k.

[gottacatchup]

I dunno about the Audi's/VW, they supposedly have terrible reliability and since you'll buy used i dunno if thats the way to go. I dunno for sure having never owned one but that's what consumer reports says and i trust them. You might wanna check their to get some statistics other then performance.

[LotusGT1]

I would go for thw Volvo V70 or XC70 as well. Only good luck finding one with a manual...But do you really need a manual ?? You already have the Trans Am for sporty and fun rides, I'd opt for a reliable, roomy and safe car....

Other options:
- Passat Station is always a good option -> ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6020&item=2492135359&rd=1 f.e., only needed with manual)
- Saab 9-5 Wagon -> ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=31867&item=2491133108&rd=1 )
- E39 Bmw 5 series (sedan or wagon)-> ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6008&item=2491980781&rd=1 f.e.)
- Audi A6 Avant -> ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6004&item=2491758834&rd=1 )

[TT]

I dunno about the Audi's/VW, they supposedly have terrible reliability and since you'll buy used i dunno if thats the way to go. I dunno for sure having never owned one but that's what consumer reports says and i trust them. You might wanna check their to get some statistics other then performance.

Actually I always knew it the other way around, especially for Audi... we have have a Mk I A4 2.8 in our family and it never had the slightest problem, same goes for friend's cars. IMO the A4 Avant, even "only" the 1.8T is a very good choice, and pretty quick too if needed ;)

[gis]

go for the A4 1.8 T.spacious,comfortable and a nice ammount of power,which if u want more can easily be achieved,with it being german u know its gonna last quite sum time

[StanAE86]

I would also suggest looking at a Passat wagon. My sister has one and it's been great. Decent amounts of torque. I think German cars are hit and miss as far as reliability...WHEN YOU GET A USED ONE. The problem is that the German cars need ongoing care and maintenance. When you get an owner that neglects maintenance because "it ain't broke yet"...inevitably, it catches up down the road and stuff starts to break, causing other stuff to fail. If you're unlucky, this happens when you buy the car used. The key for the German cars is regular and documented service history. Otherwise, I think they're far superior in build quality than the Japanese cars.

I have a 1999 Forester right now. Great little car. Not sure on the power (about 160?), but the torque is up there, so it feels fast and is quick down low. On the freeway, you can tell it's not that powerful. Handling is surprisingly good for a luchbox looking thing and I can take clover leafs much faster than my fiance's Civic...I'm guessing the AWD helps a lot there. I bought it with 60k on the clock and put on about 30k this year. It's starting to show it's age. There are little creeks and rattles that weren't there before. I think Japanese cars don't age as well as German cars. My friend's 1994 3-series still feels tight and sounds tight. Maintenance has been about what I expect. Stuff is starting to need attention. I just replace the tranny (auto) gasket due to a leak and the front crank seal due to a leak. I think it's still got a little leak somewhere, because I smell burned oil after a long drive, but there's no puddles under the car, so it might be residue left over on the motor from the first leak? The power is about the same as the Audi 1.8T (slightly more) and actually feels faster up to about 80mph. I'm also thinking it'll be about on par with a 3-series wagon too...so if power is the only concern, give it a drive first. Price-wise, it's definately in your budget. BUT, if the car is mainly for your wife, I'd skip because it tends to be a lezbo car. And not the lipstick wearing lez, but the butch types. :lol: Still, for carrying me to the snow, carrying the dog to the park, and commuting in, it's been great.

My friend has a new WRX wagon and loves it. Another has the Ford SVT and absolutely loves it. Tough choices...but there's my take on German marques and the Forester I have.

(damn...that was long)

[£50 Scent]

I would go for the WRX - the best you can get - rubbish interior but it shifts and has space.

[DUNKiNUTS]

Get the volvo v70R

[Ford Capri 2.8i]

According to your thoughts id go firstly for the car that its in best conditions just in order to takes the least risks since you are buying a second hand car.

Secondly, if they were in similar conditions, and once consider that the space is one of your conditions(even for a small/medium dog), id not consider the Focus nor the celica, nor the Integra either (the Focus ST 170 hasnt got a good reponse in mid/low revs as far as i know)....and about the other three cars, the three of them are excelent cars, and the decision is not easy...anyway...if you are searching for some good built quality, confort, equipment....id go for the audi.... i dont think that the BMW has the same level of confort, and i confirm that BMW doesnt have the same level of equipment as Audi in Europe, and finally...i dont know why,(i have no complaints about the subarus in general) i dont fancy too much with the subaru though........

[RC45]

Be sure to check out the Lexus IS300 Sportcross before you make a decision.

You can get 2001 Lexi IS300's and IS300 Sprotcross's for as low as $15,000 now.

If you buy a certified used one you get an extended warranty thwon into the deal.

I think the Lexus is looked over far too often

[Bavarias_Finest]

If you really want the wife to be happy look into an Audi RS4 Avant Wagon ..... itll be hard to find one under 28k though with good mileage ...

[Schwalbe]

Im sure he dont want his wife to have a fadter and better handling car the himself...... :wink: .....but hey if you got the money go for the RS4...... :D

Really good choice, no doubt about it. :wink:

[Bavarias_Finest]

Hey he can trade give his car to his wife, and enjoy the RS4 himself.

"Its just a stationwagon honey" :wink:

[Bavarias_Finest]

RS4 Avant is by far one of my favorite vehicles.
Who said a station wagon couldnt be cool ???

[Schwalbe]

Bavarias_Finest wrote:

RS4 Avant is by far one of my favorite vehicles.


Me also, the RS4 is my favorite car, without forgetting the famous RS2. :twisted:

brembo wrote:

I didnt......I got one....


Lucky Nordic RS2 owner ! 8)

[homemade wrx]

wrx wagon?..they can be had for 12-15k now...not that I'm biased or anything.
my buddy has been very happy with his A4 1.8T although he is trying to sell it to buy a WRX wagon. (his warranty is ending and won't be able to afford the repairs)
good luck car hunting

[TransAm]

Thanks for all the advice guys. We are still looking around, 323i Touring seems to be my wife's choice at the moment.

[sameerrao]

If you really want the wife to be happy look into an Audi RS4 Avant Wagon ..... itll be hard to find one under 28k though with good mileage ...

RS4 has never been sold in the US. So forget about it ... and it is not going to be cheap

[sameerrao]

wrx wagon?..they can be had for 12-15k now...not that I'm biased or anything.
my buddy has been very happy with his A4 1.8T although he is trying to sell it to buy a WRX wagon. (his warranty is ending and won't be able to afford the repairs)
good luck car hunting

WRX are nice cars but are not likely to appeal to women though from a looks standpoint.

[sameerrao]

My strategy will be get a good car and find a wife to suit it ... :)

BTW I just posted three times to check if "Quick gun" TT is online during "vacation" and secretly scanning posts to find offenders...

[oldsnail]

my gf HAD a 01 passat 1.8t since new and its been trouble ever since she bought it.. maybe it was only her passat, but it was in the dealer over 12 times a year.. she sold it after a year and plannig to get a celica GTS

[bmwmpower]

happy wife- i vote for BMW 323

[coombsie66]

The focus actually has a surprising amount of load space when the rear seats are folded down. I have used this to the full in my trips to uni and back! But i agree with the comments on the lack of torque mid range, and they arnt actually that quick. I think ive given you all my oppinions on the SVT via backchannel a while ago Transam2001. :)
Your wife has good (but expensive) taste, i think that car would suit perfectly.

[TransAm]

Well here's a link to the 323 Touring we found which is a 5 speed, it's at a BMW dealer, going to see it later today...

http://tinyurl.com/4ggo6

[TransAm]

the car looks good, just get some smoke colored indicator lights on it and it would look clean and nice..... :D

Definately, thinking about clear corners and amber bulbs at the front too!

We'll see - something tells me it will feel a bit slow compared to the Trans Am but it's not being bought as a supercar, just a second car and for taking the dog. She (the dog) is ok in the Trans Am with the back seats folded down but it's a pain and even with a blanket down we still get dog hairs everywhere.

The only thing that concerns me with the 3 series is it is RWD, and I really wanted FWD or AWD for the wife and the upcoming wintery weather, although I doubt very much she will drive anywhere near fast enough to break traction!

[sameerrao]

the car looks good, just get some smoke colored indicator lights on it and it would look clean and nice..... :D

Definately, thinking about clear corners and amber bulbs at the front too!

We'll see - something tells me it will feel a bit slow compared to the Trans Am but it's not being bought as a supercar, just a second car and for taking the dog. She (the dog) is ok in the Trans Am with the back seats folded down but it's a pain and even with a blanket down we still get dog hairs everywhere.

The only thing that concerns me with the 3 series is it is RWD, and I really wanted FWD or AWD for the wife and the upcoming wintery weather, although I doubt very much she will drive anywhere near fast enough to break traction!

Get a set of winter tires - that should be more than enough for the snow/ice in Texas

[TransAm]

Good point, Sameerrao, I was thinking more of the rain and ice, I don't think I've ever seen snow here!!

Well we are leaving at 2pm (4 hours from now) to go and see the BM. Will hopefully get chance to post my 'review' later if I am not tied up with errands and such.

[coombsie66]

Looks very tidy, and they are pretty pokey for a car that size. Im not sure but i think it may come with DSC which would make it a lot safer for the mrs in the wet. And it can be turned off, which makes it a lot more fun for you! :D

[sameerrao]

Good point, Sameerrao, I was thinking more of the rain and ice, I don't think I've ever seen snow here!!

Well we are leaving at 2pm (4 hours from now) to go and see the BM. Will hopefully get chance to post my 'review' later if I am not tied up with errands and such.

If I may make a suggestion ... why dont you go to Barnes and Nobles before and take a quick look at a BMW Buyers guide that all of them carry in the Auto section - it will give you an idea about what to watch out for. Hopefully this car will carry a full set of service records and such...

And a carfax to check out the mileage records...

Best of luck

[TransAm]

No we don't really get a bad winter, but the concrete road surfaces here are much more slippery in the wet than the tarmacadam surfaces we get everywhere in the UK.

Will check ebay for cars too - I didnt think of looking there

Sam - thanks for the Barnes and Noble tip - we'll be passing one on the way so will stop for a coffee and a browse!

Coombsie - I think you are right about the DSC too. Again, another thing that slipped my mind.