So I'm helping someone find their next new car. Here are the requirements: 1)Good for a female driver 2)Good for a "professional" image, something a manager would drive 3)Below $22k 4)Good MPG 5)Good reliability 6)Good safety 7)Decent looking, not too big, no wagons or SUVs 8)2-doors preferred but 4doors are fine 9)Must be automatic 10)2wd or 4wd does not matter 11)Ok, this one is not a nice requirement but whatever, it has to be Japanese. Here are some that are not in consideration because they fail one of more of the criterias above: -All American, European, Korean makers are out. -Civics are out (#2 fail) -Scions might be out too (#2 again) -No Mitsu (#5 fail) Some under consideration: -Subaru Legacy or Impreza (I'm pushing her towards a Subaru) -Honda Accord -Nissan Altima Coupe -Acura TSX (if budget can be streched) -Toyota Camry (if she wants to trade her soul for a 80yr old person's) -Mazda 3 or 6 (reliability isn't as high as Subaru Legacy) One thing I found interesting, the Subaru Impreza line gets low reliability from USNews, http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2007-Subaru-Impreza/ I wonder why? Legacy gets a kick ass 9.0 though. I'm hoping with the Subaru pull and connections, I can get Invoice pricing on a Legacy which would be near $20,000 for the base model. Anyone have any helpful input and please give reasons for your suggestions. Don't really clutter this thread with useless answers. Thanks
I personally think that the impreza is a #2 fail. It's definitely not a car I would consider "professional." Also, I feel like hatchbacks in general aren't professional looking. I'd say either the Nissan Altima coupe (really sharp car imo), Honda Accord, or a Legacy is the way to go. However, if the budget could be stretched an Acura TSX would definitely be my choice.
accord probably works well for her needs. The impreza gets low reliability because of the wrx/sti and the modding community.
i have been looking hard at the G35's recently. i would buy one of those before another honda/acura and i'm a honda/acura lover. just because i'm really tired of the FWD. I personally think (for my driving style) i feel safer in a RWD/AWD. I have dealt with understeer/torquesteer too many times. But for a female, I think a TSX or even a slightly older TL would be a good buy for her. Accord's are too common and IMO not very "professional"
my brother had a g35 for a bit... let me tell you.. those cars are nice or under 30k used. decent milage too
I would recommend a smart car. They look wierd but they are different and a lot of people mistake them for hybrid's so it will provide the "professional" appearance she is going for. The only part of the checklist it fails is its not Japanese, but it is made by Mercedes so that's a plus.
Edmunds says: Hyundai Sonata Mazda6 (Which I would also recommend...) VW Jetta I would also have her check out the Scion TC...minus the spoiler...
Why no euro cars? I was thinking maybe a 3 series until I got to that part. The jetta also sounded like a good car for her. But nevermind. I guess if it has to be japanese go for a used acura or lexus. IS300 sounds pretty damn good...
I have to agree w/ used acura or lexus..the tl and tsx look very professional (to me )...and are super dependable...keep us updated!!
You did say you're looking to get her next new car, but I'd definitely consider a used Acura/Infiniti/Lexus, because those definitely fit the "manager" requirement. If it has to be new, I'd say go with an Accord, a Legacy, or a Mazda6.
Herman is the greatest! BTW, I am switching careers soon, going back to corporate America. The loud, bright blue Bugeye may have to go:wtc:. This thread is helping me decide on a car, lol:bowdown:
G35 or 350Z, keep in mind Color reflects on how people view the car. Normal Color cars are more professional looking to me, white, black, gray, blue...etc....skip the crazy colors like orange etc..... matt
I call my Legacy my, "grown up" car. My last car was a SRT-4 (kid car). Anyway I have the turbo so intown mileage sucks, but I think it has a presentable image. I do get around 30 mpg on the highway though... Acura would be a consideration too whichever model fits that price (TSX?).
Black G37 and she should be good to go, that is over 22k get a used black G35 and it should be good value
truth. the TSX is a pretty bulletproof, understated but handsome car that will return good milage and allow you to carry clients/passengers around if you have to. 200 horses is plenty for a DD of that size. resale will always be decent.
aside from #9, Honda S2000. I think they are pretty professional looking, and you can get one that is a couple years old for $22k
http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1522046 Tell her to wait and at least shop the new Mazda6 looks pretty nice...