Looking for a car

[Kswiss]

Hey all, any car guys out there that can help me out?

So I finally plan to buy a car as I can finally afford one No more blue limo for me!

Im looking in the 10k to 12k range with no car older then 5 years...so that means im looking in the honda civic, mazda 3 class. etc..

How do cars in this class really compare with each other? Best bang for the buck ?

Just wondering about car owners who own these kind of cars and any info would be grand! Whats good about them and what irks you a bit....

Thanks for the help

[burn_this_city]

My girlfriend has a mazda 3. Its been a really good car for her and its very cheap to operate. I think it drives extremely well for an entry level vehicle. Definitely test drive as many models as you can before making a decision. I think all the vehicles have their merits and it comes down to what you prefer to drive.

[arloiginla]

Good luck finding a Mazda 3 in those specifications. The first year they had the car was 2004, and most of the pre-owned ones that are from 2007-09 will be way more than 12k.

I just bought a brand new 2010 Mazda 3 and it cost 30k, so I doubt you'll find one for that cheap.

They are wonderful cars though so if you are willing to spend maybe 15-18k I think it would be worth getting a low-mileage 3 that is only a few years old.

[Peanut]

Before they were the Mazda3 they were the Mazda Protege. The Protege was an awesome car, IMHO, but it would be older than 5 years I guess.

Also, check ConsumerReports.org

[calumniate]

This one fits your price range

http://calgary.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...AdIdZ192845608

[Huntingwhale]

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by arloiginla

Good luck finding a Mazda 3 in those specifications. The first year they had the car was 2004, and most of the pre-owned ones that are from 2007-09 will be way more than 12k.

I just bought a brand new 2010 Mazda 3 and it cost 30k, so I doubt you'll find one for that cheap.

They are wonderful cars though so if you are willing to spend maybe 15-18k I think it would be worth getting a low-mileage 3 that is only a few years old.

Not really true, there are some on autotrader for $7k for a 2005 with 110,000km. He could get one with 50,000km for $10-11k.

[Table 5]

A Mazda 3 for 30k? Damn, either you overpayed or car prices in Canada really are ridiculous. The base Mazda 3 here starts at 16k. Even the Mazdaspeed 3 is about 24k on the official site (hell, the RX-8 is 27k), and I'm sure you can find it cheaper.

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by Table 5

A Mazda 3 for 30k? Damn, either you overpayed or car prices in Canada really are ridiculous. The base Mazda 3 here starts at 16k. Even the Mazdaspeed 3 is about 24k on the official site (hell, the RX-8 is 27k), and I'm sure you can find it cheaper.

Yeah that's insane. You could have had an Infiniti G35x a few years old with less than 50,000 kms for probably $5K less than that. Or just bought that one in the States for $8K less.

OP check out the Acura EL or CSX in your price range. They are basically classier Civics and look more upper class for really not much more money. They are models exclusive to Canada.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by Table 5

A Mazda 3 for 30k? Damn, either you overpayed or car prices in Canada really are ridiculous. The base Mazda 3 here starts at 16k. Even the Mazdaspeed 3 is about 24k on the official site (hell, the RX-8 is 27k), and I'm sure you can find it cheaper.

Yeah, they are that much here. That is why people were going to the States to buy cars (and probably still are). They are that overpriced here.

Hell, I paid $24K for a Cobalt, a chevy Cobalt. I got boned harder than Paris Hilton does at one of her orgies. What can I say, I was 15 and I only had to pay half the monthly payments so it worked out for me.

I was looking at that price range (my buyout was $9k and I didn't really want to own the Cobalt, but I did), anyway. I thought the best two cars I could find for that price range (for a newish car) were the Mazda 3 and Ford Focus.

I highly doubt you'll find an Acura for $12k that is in the 2000's (well maybe a 2000). Well I just checked and you can get some close, but they have 150,000+ km's.

[GreatWhiteEbola]

Can't go wrong with a Honda Civic.

I have a 2005 Honda Civic that I am looking to sell privately, and not get ripped off on a trade in. (Buying a Lancer RalliArt Sportback)

I have owned the car from new. Highway mileage. (Driving Red Deer to Calgary 3 times a week adds up.)

Details:
2005 Honda Civic DX-SE Reverb
4AT
1.7L SOHC
150,000 kms.

I use this car for work, as such my employer has paid for the maintenance. I have used Mobil 1 (synthetic oil) from 90,000 kms, and changed every 5,000kms since. I have changed the transmission fluid every 50,000kms. The brakes were replaced at 100,000 kms. New plugs at 90,000 kms. I am getting the timing belt, water pump and seals replaced before the end of April (preventative and Honda has a 20% off sale right now). I will throw in a new windshield before I sell it.

Extra's:
Clarion MAX-685BT Headunit
Alpine S-Type 6.5" 2-way speakers
Alpine S-Type 12" Subwoofer
Kenwood Mono channel amplifier.

Lowered suspension. All factory suspension components come with the car.

1 set(+spare) - 17" Motegi FF7 wheels w/ Falken tires. Front 80% Rear 60%
1 set- 15" Civic SI Wheels w/Bridgestone tires. Front 80% Rear 70%
1 set- 14" Civic DX wheels and covers w/ Nokian Hakka tires. Front 90% Rear 90%

Viper alarm and remote start.

I have another set of factory seats too.

I have personalized the car, maybe a little overboard. However, all my modifications can be easily reversed.

You can take a look at it on CARDOMAIN, or in person if you like. PM if interested.

This has been a great car, never left me stranded, and very easy to work on. Very good on fuel. I have to give my head a shake for buying the RalliArt...

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

I highly doubt you'll find an Acura for $12k that is in the 2000's (well maybe a 2000). Well I just checked and you can get some close, but they have 150,000+ km's.

An Acura CSX and EL are Acura's take on the Civic so you are completely wrong. You can get one for basically the same price as a loaded Civic except they are a lot nicer and way less common. You won't pay more than $10k for an '04 EL and I'm sure you could find a newer CSX for $12k.

[DownhillGoat]

+1 on the mazda 3. Shouldn't have a problem finding one in that price range.

Both my sister in law and a co-worker of mine own them. Pretty good little car.

[HOOT]

Originally Posted by arloiginla

I just bought a brand new 2010 Mazda 3 and it cost 30k, so I doubt you'll find one for that cheap.

What model Mazda 3 did you get that was $30K?

[Shazam]

Originally Posted by HOOT

What model Mazda 3 did you get that was $30K?

It's the one with the optional negotiation remover.

[henriksedin33]

the simple fact that everyone and their mother owns a mazda 3 would keep me from ever owning one. There are other good options that aren't nearly as common.

[STeeLy]

Mazda 3 for 30k is WAY over priced. Unless you bought a Mazda 3 with the GT-E package in 5 speed Automatic.

For that price, much like everyone has said, i'd buy something else.

As for the 10 - 12k range, you could definitely find a Mazda 3 or Civic. Protege is another good car. If you want, people are selling 2004 Subaru Impreza in that range as well.

[burning_acid1]

A Mazda3 for that price is very reasonable. A Civic wouldn't be a bad choice either. They're both pretty reliable cars.

[DownhillGoat]

Originally Posted by HOOT

What model Mazda 3 did you get that was $30K?

Sport GT w/luxury package starts at $27,800. Add in tax, freight, AC, undercoating, and that'll take you well over $30k. The turbo's start at $32k.

You could always look at a new entry level car. Saw an ad for the Hyundai Accent starting at $10k, and if you wait a few months the Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta should be out below the 15k range.

- - - edit - - -

The Fiesta is now available and starts at $12,999. Ford usually offers pretty good interest rates. Might be worth looking into, to get into a new car.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by Sliver

An Acura CSX and EL are Acura's take on the Civic so you are completely wrong. You can get one for basically the same price as a loaded Civic except they are a lot nicer and way less common. You won't pay more than $10k for an '04 EL and I'm sure you could find a newer CSX for $12k.

I'll eat my words if you can find a good Acura for $10k that has under 150,000 km. I was looking and why would you pay $9000 for a 2001 Acura EL, the car is ugly and slow. If you want a newer CSX your paying $15K+ and it simply isn't worth it.

I know what Acura is, they are Honda's "posh" brand. Just like Nissan has Infiniti, Toyota has Lexus, etc.

Originally Posted by kunkstyle

You could always look at a new entry level car. Saw an ad for the Hyundai Accent starting at $10k, and if you wait a few months the Mazda2 and Ford Fiesta should be out below the 15k range.

And please don't buy a Hyundai Accent, they are about the worst cars you can buy, aside from Kia.