Here in my Car, I feel safest of all

[XeroCool]

I am currently purchasing my first car ever and I was wondering if anyone had any advise for me. So far I have decided that the Toyota Matrix is the best bang for my buck because it good on gas while also giving me enough space to preform ditty moves. I tried the Mazda3, and 5 both being a bit more expensive, worst on the gas and the consumer reports says its reliablity isnt as good as the Matrix. Anyone have a Matrix, or any other car that is about 15-18k that they wish to spread the word about?

PS. for those of you that haven't commisioned yet and have USAA they give a 25k pre-com loan @ 2.0% for 5 years AND they will negociate a good price for you of your choice in your area. Good Schiesse right there
X

 

[UMichfly]

My mom bought a Matrix last year and absolutely loves it. I've driven it and it's a breeze to drive. Not a rocket by any means but it strays far enough from being a pure econo-box that I think you made a good choice. That being said, I'm counting down the days 'til I throw that loan at my WRX.

 

[zippy]

you may want to consider getting a car thats a year old... let someone else take the large depreciation hit.

 

[PropStop]

That being said, I'm counting down the days 'til I throw that loan at my WRX.

I 2nd the WRX. I have one and I love it (good car to get pulled over in though, my fifth time was in April). Blast to drive, safe, great in all conditions, carries your skis easily (I have the wagon). It is noisy though, and the stock stereo is just OK, but the 06's are better. The 06's also have about 37ft lbs more torque and a bit more horsepower - they drive way better than mine (an 04).

Yeah, get a WRX, can't go wrong.

 

[Fly Navy]

Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71

 

[XeroCool]

Any of you guys know if the engine...being 126hp will have problem say in PA with the moutians? I mean I know it wont be as easy say a BMW but It wont be impossible will it? Or will the lack of HP cause problems with my car if its fully loaded?

 

[GMan1976]

Get a Lotus Elise! Sure it's not practical...but chicks dig it. :icon_smil Not TOO expensive and definitely an Ensignmobile that nobody else has. Although, they are pretty pricey to maintain...

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0408_2005_lotus_elise/

 

[MIDNJAC]

you may want to consider getting a car thats a year old... let someone else take the large depreciation hit.

agreed.....I got my '99 C43 AMG still under warranty, starmarked, mint condition, w/ 50k on the clock, & all original options with the USAA loan money and still had some left over......not to bad for a car that was originally stickered at around 60k (loaded at the dealership). Take some time to look around at everything...don't get fixated on buying a "new" car....they really aren't any better IMHO (unless you are getting like a Hyundai or something). I'm still occaisonally kicking myself for not trying everything available

 

[MIDNJAC]

Get a Lotus Elise! Sure it's not practical...but chicks dig it. :icon_smil Not TOO expensive and definitely an Ensignmobile that nobody else has. Although, they are pretty pricey to maintain...

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0408_2005_lotus_elise/

my cousin has one....they are GREAT cars if you can fit in them. I would personally go for an Exige, but either way you cant beat the power/weight ratio.....and they turn heads too.....quite "exotic" looking

 

[KSUFLY]

Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71

Just sold mine...bought a 2500HD 4x4

 

[onedge]

I also am in the market for an ensign mobile. I was thinking about a crew cab Tacoma or Frontier. Possibly a Colorado. I had a Sonoma and loved it. I had a few problems with it, but I loved it. A used truck is defiantly on the radar. Midsize, crew cab, not over 23-24k. Any thoughts, suggestions?

 

[VAmookie]

Any of you guys know if the engine...being 126hp will have problem say in PA with the moutians? I mean I know it wont be as easy say a BMW but It wont be impossible will it? Or will the lack of HP cause problems with my car if its fully loaded?

Haha.
PA mountains, I love it... please, I could drive a moped around your damn Penn mountains

 

[Fly Navy]

I also am in the market for an ensign mobile. I was thinking about a crew cab Tacoma or Frontier. Possibly a Colorado. I had a Sonoma and loved it. I had a few problems with it, but I loved it. A used truck is defiantly on the radar. Midsize, crew cab, not over 23-24k. Any thoughts, suggestions?

The Tacoma is a very good truck. It's a small truck (though it keeps getting bigger), and has plenty of power for its class. A buddy of mine has one, it's a good looking vehicle.

 

[Pags]

I also am in the market for an ensign mobile. I was thinking about a crew cab Tacoma or Frontier. Possibly a Colorado. I had a Sonoma and loved it. I had a few problems with it, but I loved it. A used truck is defiantly on the radar. Midsize, crew cab, not over 23-24k. Any thoughts, suggestions?

I've got an 05 frontier...love it. highly recommend it. not as big as the tacoma, but still lots of room and features (like a standard bed liner)

 

[Fly Navy]

Just sold mine...bought a 2500HD 4x4

Nice... the HDs are sweet. Extended or Crew cab? My 1500 is a crew.