Hey guys, I need your opinion on a good car to buy. My girlfriend is looking for a car around 16k to 18k. She wants to buy new. I need advice on what you guys think is a good car for around that price range. No trucks or vans, she kind of leaning towards a sportier car, but mainly looking for a reliable car. Let me know what you think, i'm going to start hunting for prices. She likes the look of the celica, but that might be a lil pricy. Thanks

 

New or Used? 4dr or coupe? Stick or Auto?

 

...I'm guessing she could get a ton of Sentra SE for that much, perhaps with cash to spare for audio, etc. I've had a Sentra and 200SX and I loved 'em both. Never a problem with either (except for my nasty habit of running them into things...).

 

She wants to buy new. She prefers a 5-speed. I was thinking about the Sentra too, but it may be a bit too small but I havent actually been in the new ones yet. As for a four door or coupe, she could probably care less. I just want to know if anyone has had a good experience with a car in that price range.

 

Maybe she can hold out for the new Altima. In the 4cyl trim it should be right around that price range. If not I'd go with a Sentra SE. You might be able to get away with a new accord LX in that price range...or a 98-99 Maxima if you look at used.

 

The Sentra would have been my first suggestion. If not the Mazda Protoge seems to have more room and offers a 5sp. The Accord is the next closest thing but a little higher in price along with Mazda 626 (which I have also)

 

I'd stay away from the Mazda 626. They are plauged with random tranny and electrical glitches. It's probably all that Ford ownership rubbing off on them.

 

You're right, my '94 626 V6 (5spd) gave me tons of problems. I though it was due to my abuse, but I had to swap trannys twice. Don't trust that car, that's why I got the Max to replace it.

BTW, does anyone wanna buy a 626 V6 5spd, great for target practice at a firing range. lol

 

Looks like everyone loves the sentra and I don't blame you. Hmm if only they had the SE-R out. When is that coming out, I thought later this year? If so how much is that going to cost. And does anyone like any of the new American cars?

 

When I was looking for a car to buy I test drove the Alero. I was very pleased with the car...I almost bought it over the max. If she is looking for something a little sporty and a 5 speed....I like the alero. I also like Subaru...you could probably find some dealers that have last years model that they are dieing to get rid of.

I personally hate the way the new sentra looks! I would get a corolla with a stick before I would buy a sentra!

The mazda protege is a kick *** little car as well!

If I lived in a place that got a lot of snow I would opt for the subaru.