Looking for a newer car - Reliability?

Joshua312 · 07-10-06, 11:43

Well this is my second time going around to sell my car. I listed my GTP on autotrader in May for $7,500 and recieved many calls finally took it off the site because I just wasnt ready to sell with the way my job was looking. Everything is fine now and Im in the market again.

Looking for a vehicle $10-13K
Need something reliable as I cannot afford to buy a lemon and spend a fortune maintaining it...I would love to get in one of these cars, any input/suggestions for reliability or what you would reccomend. Im looking to get something that will turn heads/be somewhat luxury.

2000/Newer Lincoln LS
99/newer Audi A4
2000/Newer Passat
2000/newer Mustang GT
99/Newer Firebird
99/Newer Mazda Miata MX5 - my gf thinks these cars are girly?

Anything else someone may reccomend? A note, I only drive my cars in the summer...

01bluecls · 07-10-06, 11:55

To be honest the miata, at least from your list of choices will prolly have good reliability. Audi will cost an arm and a leg to fix and maintain, same with the passat or any german car for that matter. I have seen some miata's modded which takes away that "girly" presense.

SilverLexus · 07-10-06, 12:03

I would go to www.jdpower.com Still have the best reliability surveys.

TriumphGT6 · 07-10-06, 12:10

The bottom 3 are all good choices.

The Miata is probably the most plausible. Gets good gas mileage, has a reliable drivetrain, is a fun little sporty car, etc. Downside, you've already mentioned the stereotype.

As far as firebird vs. mustang. Let's look at history. For every period mustang, the period comparable firebird is more valuable. Both are excellent cars, but as far as resale, the Firebird / TA is more likely to hold value.

Just my .02,
GT6

BlackSunshine · 07-10-06, 12:40

An F-Body (4th gen) is a good choice. They are super reliable, easy to work on/maintain, and cheap. They get great fuel economy (30+ hiway with the 6 speed LS1) and are fast as well.

They have their downsides, of course. Huge, long doors make parking lot entrances and exits from the vehicle a chore, the interior is dated, they don't have much space for storage, and the backseat is pretty useless.

The Mustang GT would be my second choice... with the 5 speed.

Dr. Peters · 07-10-06, 02:22

I would stay away from the Passat. I own a 2002 1.8T Passat and it's been filled with problems just like my 2001 Jetta was. It's been a good car but you just never know if a coil pack will go out or if the ECU will give way.

Joshua312 · 07-10-06, 02:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dr. Peters

I would stay away from the Passat. I own a 2002 1.8T Passat and it's been filled with problems just like my 2001 Jetta was. It's been a good car but you just never know if a coil pack will go out or if the ECU will give way.

Thanks for the heads up...Looks like its going to be between the Mustang, or Firebird. Before the GTP was around I had a 93 Firebird, loved the looks - even for a 93, people still remember me as the kid who had the Firebird. Haha, shows you how much people know about cars around here, the thing was only a v6, cloth...still pretty fun for a 16 year old. Anyways...I really cant make up my mind between these, I love both and I can get all three for a very reasonable price with low miles.

holland_patrick · 07-10-06, 07:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackSunshine

They have their downsides, of course. Huge, long doors make parking lot entrances and exits from the vehicle a chore, the interior is dated, they don't have much space for storage, and the backseat is pretty useless.

I can fit my whole detailing set up plus some in tha T/A when i need to work on it.. and my daugter loves it also..

Danase · 07-11-06, 03:12

Well, if I wanted to meet your requirements I would go with an Acura. Acura/Honda's are very reliable, cheap to fix, easy to work on and the Acura line is just a Honda with a little more luxury. You might also be able to find a nice SRT-4 for that price. Not sure how reliable they are but they are a fun car to play with and you get 4 doors and trunk room.

rjstaaf · 07-11-06, 03:24

The only one on your list that I can speak to is the Mustang GT. My 2001 currently has 75,000 miles on it and the only mechanical issue I have ever had with it is a dirty idle air control valve. Seems to be a common issue. They have a tendancy to attract carbon buildup. I probably could have just cleaned it but, I replaced it at about 60K miles.

One of the best forums for the Mustang is http://www.modulardepot.com.

ExoticFetish · 07-13-06, 03:39

the miata would probably be the most fun. especially if your only driving in the summer. are you looking for a stick or auto?

RTexasF · 07-13-06, 05:01

Other than the Miata I don't think anything listed is particularly reliable. Is Honda/Toyota out of the question?