What's a good 20k range car?

Discussion in 'General Community' started by Strayen, May 18, 2008.

  1. Strayen

    Strayen Active Member

    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
     
  2. Deke

    Deke Active Member

    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.
     
  3. Weapon

    Weapon 90lbs of dynamite Supporting Member

    I agree with everything said above.
     
  4. Kokopelli

    Kokopelli Active Member

    I'd pass on the Legacy. It gets crappy mileage and requires 93 octane.
     
  5. Matt

    Matt Think before you post Staff Member Supporting Member

    a base 2.5i doesn't require 93 ;)
     
  6. Kokopelli

    Kokopelli Active Member


    And it gets decent mileage.


    I stand corrected. Get a Legacy 2.5i.
     
  7. Demo24

    Demo24 Member

    accord probably works well for her needs.

    The impreza gets low reliability because of the wrx/sti and the modding community.
     
  8. nsvwrx

    nsvwrx Active Member

    imo go for a used g35.
     
  9. Jake

    Jake Active Member

    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"
     
  10. nsvwrx

    nsvwrx Active Member

    my brother had a g35 for a bit... let me tell you.. those cars are nice or under 30k used.


    decent milage too
     
  11. Sparta

    Sparta Active Member

    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.
     
  12. UpSideDownDesi

    UpSideDownDesi Active Member

  13. BelvnAWD

    BelvnAWD I'm Vin, Bell-Vin...

    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...
     
  14. kingwrex

    kingwrex Supporting Member

    legacy 2.5i ftw.
    go to Clasic and talk to Herman Jones. tell him i sent you.
     
  15. lsnaple

    lsnaple Member

    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...
     
  16. monk

    monk <b>The Kitchen Ninja!!!!</b>

    +1 for is300 or acura or g35. i know two sales managers who drive g35s
     
  17. Davidwrx

    Davidwrx Member

    Older Acura TL (04 and earlier) - bad transmission.
     
  18. Eco Auto Clean

    Eco Auto Clean Active Member

    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!!
     
  19. ThaABomb

    ThaABomb Member

    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.
     
  20. AirMax95

    AirMax95 Active Member


    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:
     
  21. Weapon

    Weapon 90lbs of dynamite Supporting Member

    Sellout

    :keke:
     
  22. Batlground

    Batlground Active Member

    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
     
  23. Dr.Chris

    Dr.Chris Member

    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?).
     
  24. blindfold

    blindfold Active Member

    Black G37 and she should be good to go, that is over 22k

    get a used black G35 and it should be good value
     
    Last edited: May 19, 2008
  25. SUBY_RUE

    SUBY_RUE Member

    TSX! K24a2FTMFW...
     
  26. Scotty B

    Scotty B Member


    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.
     
  27. BrianGT

    BrianGT Banned

    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
     
  28. JEFFSTI

    JEFFSTI Member

    used g35
     
  29. jesus888

    jesus888 Member

    Lightly used Prius FTW... My lady and I are gonna get one later this year, I think...
     
  30. nsvwrx

    nsvwrx Active Member

    I wouldnt call a prius manager material..
     
  31. BelvnAWD

    BelvnAWD I'm Vin, Bell-Vin...

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