What car should I buy? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Winsor_Pilates · 06-28-2008, 01:09 PM

I've had the same car for 8 years, since I first started driving and it's time to upgrade.

My budget is under $15000, but preferably closer to 10000-12000.

I'm considering the following:

-2000 BMW 323
-2003/2004 Saab 9-3 aero
-2003 Acura RSX type-S
-2000-2002 Audi A4
-2000-2003 VW Jetta

any opinions on any of these? or other recommendations?

I am also considering leasing something newer, because I will soon by a contract salesman and will be able to write off my payments. I also like that I can get something under warranty with this approach.
Any opinions on leases?

thanks

Igottago · 06-28-2008, 03:19 PM

I like the Saab. Looks nice and not as common as the others.

albertGQ · 06-28-2008, 03:23 PM

RSX! But that's only because I have one

MRCboicgy · 06-28-2008, 07:29 PM

I'm a Saab fan, but don't let that dissuade you.

Coach · 06-28-2008, 08:23 PM

My mom has the same Saab. Very nice. runs like a top.

FurnaceFace · 06-28-2008, 08:27 PM

Check out Edmunds site (the guy who wrote the Lemon-aid book) for reviews from media reviewers and car owners. http://www.edmunds.com/carreviews.html

chummer · 06-28-2008, 08:29 PM

Get a Honda.....Okotoks Honda has great deals if you know how to bargain....best resale too.

ricosuave · 06-28-2008, 08:43 PM

cant go wrong with a vw tdi!

teamchachi · 06-28-2008, 09:02 PM

If you go BMW or Audi then I hope you know a good mechanic or have big maintenance budget.

I'd say Acura out of those choices.

Fozzie_DeBear · 06-28-2008, 09:29 PM

Can't go wrong with an Acura

Saabs are sweet and due to ridiculous depreciation can be had a good price

Another car to consider is an Volvo S60R

Sec218 · 06-29-2008, 08:58 AM

I have a 2006 Saab 9-3 aero...love it!

TheyCallMeBruce · 06-29-2008, 12:36 PM

my recommendation is to get something not older than 5 years old. At least you'll still have "some" warranty left if anything goes wrong.

ericschand · 06-29-2008, 01:54 PM

Out of the cars you posted, the Acura, IMO is probably the one.

If something goes wrong with Saab or Audi, it's hard to find someone
to repair it. The cost of repair will be higher. The half dozen or so owners
that I know of Saab and Audi have/had their cars repaired once every few
months. It was strange how often and consistently, and across the board.

BMW, it's easier to find someone to work on it, but a few won't. Costs
can be higher as well, but they seem to be more dependable than Saab
or Audi.

The Acura is a very nice, reliable car, and will hold it's value very well.
Reasonable repair costs as well.

Not sure how you snuck a Jetta in there. It seems out of place.
Is it a TDI?

If you are going private sale, don't be afraid to lowball the price,
especially in todays market in Calgary. Use blackbook or bluebook
pricing as a guide. If you can fall into the ranges they give you
are getting a good deal (good luck trying). If you are way outside,
by 15% or so, let it go find another car.

And no matter what, get an independant mechanic to check out
the vehicle. In the case of Audi, Saab and BMW, you might even
be able to get one of the dealerships to run the VIN and tell you
when/why the car was there, how many times, etc.

ers

Bill Bumface · 06-29-2008, 03:23 PM

^Saabs use GM's global engine platforms now so they've gotten a lot better for reliability.

If you're on a budget skip the Audi/BMW. German cars are great, but man do they suck when it comes to maintenance and repairs. Plus they need more of it than most other cars out there.

The Acura or Saab are probably your best bet. Saabs are cool because you barely ever see them.

Winsor_Pilates · 06-30-2008, 12:53 AM

Thanks for all of the advice.

I am really leaning towards the saab. Especially living in Vancouver, where everyone has a Honda/Acura or BMW.

Daradon · 06-30-2008, 03:59 AM

Ugh... My step dad had a Saab. I guess it ran really well for it's age, but it definitely wasn't a looker. And that's not because of any poor maintanence or anything, they are just ugly and boxy.

To answer your question you'd have to mention what is most important to you. Reliability? Gas Mileage? Sexiness? Performance?

dissentowner · 06-30-2008, 08:09 AM

I say you go for the Back To The Future look.

Clarkey · 06-30-2008, 08:28 AM

Stay away from the Jetta.

Winsor_Pilates · 06-30-2008, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daradon

Ugh... My step dad had a Saab. I guess it ran really well for it's age, but it definitely wasn't a looker. And that's not because of any poor maintanence or anything, they are just ugly and boxy.

To answer your question you'd have to mention what is most important to you. Reliability? Gas Mileage? Sexiness? Performance?

What year/model was his saab? I think the older ones are boxy, but the 03-->newer aero is quite the looker IMO.

sexiness, reliability, performance, gas milage is the order I put those in, but they are all somewhat important.

too boxy?