Help me buy a new car.

[Khamsin]

What can I get for no more than $35k, used or new, that looks nice, feels nice, and is dependable? Right now I have a 2002 Nissan Altima with 57k miles on it that KBB says I can get about $8000 for it. I also have some money to put down.

Basically, I was looking at convertibles and such because right now, my Altima does just fine as a sedan, and I wouldn't really consider it "worth" getting a new sedan since my Altima is still in great shape and has been paid off for a few years now. A convertible probably isn't "worth" having new car payments now, either, but it's something a little different and more exciting than what I've been driving. And I'd rather get one now while I can enjoy it, than later as part of a mid-life crisis. So based on my finances, I've decided I don't want to spend more than $500 per month on car payments, after my downpayment and the money I get from my Altima. Plus, my girl said she knows somebody who might be able to make a good deal for me. She drives an Audi TT herself.

So, what cars would BG suggest I look into? So far that's been suggested to me are:

Audi A4 (used or new)
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ero/audiA4.jpg

BMW 328 (used)
http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...ero/BMW328.jpg

[untouchable]

honda s2000

fast, sporty, convertible, lots of possible mods, chick magnet and honda is very dependable

http://www.analogstereo.com/images/om/honda_s2000.jpg

[Blarg]

http://www.automotoportal.com/photos/To ... _the_world

[Jefe]

Red for extra rejuvenation IMO. Prices vary depending on year from 20k - 60ishk, which is about the same as the Audi.

http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/8483/lexas4.jpg

Edit: I wouldn't mind buying that abomination below actually ;x

[Starfire]

http://oneworldnews.files.wordpress....10/aptera1.jpg
The Aptera
idk if you would want it, but that's what I want.
The all electric goes around 100 miles with the battery
And the hybrid goes around 300 MPG.
And it's less than 30k
8)

BUT, it's also only being sold in CA starting in 2009 I think
so idk if you would be able to get it anyways...

[Sanoske]

I'm a huge VW fan.... so...

MkIV R32 get!
http://www.caranddriving.com/pix/UVWGolfR32.jpg

A MkV GTI would be nice as well, the 2.0T make them quick. I would love to have one personally. <3 those rims.
http://image.automobilemag.com/f/mul...gti_03_445.jpg

Other than that... it's really up to personal choice. Parts for any decently made car will be expensive, and most new cars have a good degree of reliability.

If you're looking for a convertible... Audi Cabrio or TT aren't bad choices. The new TT's look siiiick, but a bit pricy for you I guess. Personally, I'd go for the B5 RS4.... but that's just me. lol
http://www.typesure.com/cars/FORUM/AudiS4RW.JPG

[Ace-o-fire]

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/ca ... X-5-Miata/

http://i.automarketamerica.com/img/c...Miata_2008.jpg

[Selamis]

Wait a few months and try to get on the list for an 08 Dodge Challenger.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b2...challenger.jpg


Do want!

[eunhye]

I would say a BMW M5 like http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Tru ... 236767159&.


It's all about insurance and these things are just darn nice.

[Brill Weave]

Audi support is horrid.

[Khamsin]

Audi support is horrid.

My friend had taken in her Audi TT since it sounded like the brakes were squealing a bit, and she thought she heard an odd noise. They gave her an SUV in the meantime, and worked on it for a day. I went with her to pick it up this weekend, and they told her they couldn't find any actual problems, but just dusted off the brake pads and added some lube, and told her to bring it back if it keeps doing it. Not only were they very nice and friendly about it, but they didn't even charge her for the SUV or service. Plus, she tells me that she's always had good service there.

On the other hand, you could suggest it was 'horrid' because they didn't actually fix anything, but at least she didn't pay and got a free SUV for a day while they looked into it.

[Tyche]

What about a Jeep Wrangler. Kind of a convertible!

[Anakron]

Are you absolutely set on getting a convertible? If you're not, then I would suggest a look at the Lexus IS350. It looks pretty nice (inside and out), has plenty of power, and is probably easier to maintain than the European cars above. You could get a well-optioned new model for about 40k, which means if you're willing to settle for an old one, or a not-so-well-optioned new one, you'll be right around $35k (might take some shopping around). Also, if you're willing to go with a IS250 (though the engine is very much inferior), you can probably get a new one for $35k easily.

The IS350 is pretty comparable price-wise to a 328 sedan/coupe, and probably $2-3k less than a 328 convertible, so you can use that as a guide for comparison also.

[aru]

have you considered a motorcycle as your recreational vehical?

[Khamsin]

have you considered a motorcycle as your recreational vehical?

no, although I should probably point out in this thread that I'm looking at 4-seater cars with a trunk... although it'll probably be a small trunk, but that's ok. This'll be my only vehicle, the one I use for my daily commute (all 10 minutes of it) to work.

If there's a sacrifice to be made between muscle and luxury for a certain price, I'd rather have the luxury than the muscle. I'm getting an automatic and am not really the aggressive type of driver that's going to fully appreciate or take advantage of more power in my car. My main factors are mostly appearance and comfort.

As for it having to be a convertible, it doesn't have to be, but if it isn't, it better do something my Altima can't do already.

[Sythe]

Lancer Evolution. Best bang for your buck.

[Michaera]

It's hard to think of a regular old sedan that can do something your Altima can't. The kinds of things you'd notice by jumping up to a Lexus/BMW seem to me to be those little creature comfort things that make you say "oh.. that's cool!" while you're driving around and you randomly notice it, then after a week or two you take it for . As such I can see where you're going with the convertible idea, since that's a vast change, one you'll never overlook. Just out of curiosity though, you don't live too far north do you? I think the snow is supposed to be really rough on a convertible top. Unless ya garage it at home and can park it somewhere convenient at your work with maybe some kind of overhang.

I might actually advise you to stay away from performance machines if you're concerned about luxury. ^ pointed out the Lancer Evo, which is hot and all, but you're going to feel every single bump in the road and driving really turns into an exciting game. Every time. (Basing this off my STI). Sometimes I wish I'd gone for something a little more luxurious and a little better on gas mileage.

My suggestions... If you're living in a snowy area and want to test out a standard sedan, try the Subaru Legacy or the Audi posted above. For convertibles I think I'd try the Lexus or the A4 you posted originally. And I think the only other one that hasn't really been posted is the Mercedes variant.. Linking cause it's hooge.

http://autodrum.com/img/media/wallpa...mg_2006_01.jpg

[Aeromyth]

If you were me, you would get this car.
http://www.zcars.com.au/images/saab-...vertible12.jpg

A Saab 9-3. These have got to be the best designed cars. Seriously, it has everything you could ever want, in the perfect spot. The form of the car follows its function perfectly. In addition to being fairly scarce on the roads, they are probably the only brand of cars I have never heard any negative feedback for.
Saabs are sold by the same dealers that sell Saturns, check one out. There are tons of other cars out there that are more sporty, and will get you noticed, but I honestly feel you get the most bang for your middle class buck with one of these.

[drg889]

Lancer Evolution. Best bang for your buck.

Evo's are nice. My cousin has an Evo IX, not sure of the specs, but he let me drive it. It was freaking awesome, so much power, your head gets locked in place, but that happens in a lot of high-powered cars haha.
I heard the Turbo's die out on Mitsubishis cars rather easily, but thats just what my friend said, but hes an all-pontiac/GTO guy.
I don't have a lot of experience except driving it a few times however, but i constantly hear Mitsubishi's cars are unreliable.

S2000 are NICE. MY friend has one.....oh god...i freaking hug it everytime i see it...its......its...just get it. haha.

Audi A4's are nice. Audi is a lot..."better" in general terms than they used to be. Cars arn't crappy no more pretty much.

[Thelam]

Toyota Camry Solara is what I think would be best for you.