Dan's New Car Help Thread

[DanPrixGTP]

Due to having a baby on the way, I need something more economical. It breaks my heart to sell my car, but I have to think about the future. Car is for sale in the "For Sale Vehicles" section if anyone is interested.

Anyways, I am looking at new cars to buy and have a budget around $7,000.

I'm willing to fly almost anywhere in the US to pick up a nice car without being destroyed by winter and salt.

Current cars I am looking at:
-2006 Chevy Cobalt SS
-2006 Volkswagon Jetta TDI Diesel (Seen a few in my area in my price range).
-2003 Audi A4

Haven't done much searching other than that, but looking for insight on any other cars.

Really wanting a SlowBalt SS, love the looks of them, sporty, fast, and great MPG. Only downfall is it's a two door and have to move the seat forward everytime to get my baby girl out.

[Speedy1973]

why not get a Balt SS sedan????

If it was me. thats what I would find...

[REDCRAPGP]

Welp from wht I've heard of Audi reliability isn't high. VW well maintenance can be expensive but they seem to be pretty reliable from what I've seen from a few buddies that have one. Cobalt well GM so you know parts and repairs are usually cheap and easy. I also suggest Cobalt SS sedan but IIRC they just start making those within the last few years so may be out of your budget.

[camopaint0707]

I'd suggest your nice GTP over those cars. Look for like a used 5 series.

[Sven the Sexman]

Audi/VW are both maintenance driven vehicles...meaning you do the exact maintenance they need when VW said it's due and they'll live forever. Beat, abuse, neglect them, etc. and you're in for a world of hurt. As much as many here would say ewww...why isn't a Camry or Accord on that list?

[DanPrixGTP]

Like I said, I've just started looking around for cars.

Not sure what to buy yet, just looking for insight from others about vehicles.

If I dont get a decent price for my car, i'll deal with the issues, fix it, and drive it. I just can't give it away.

[Speedy1973]

Audi/VW are both maintenance driven vehicles...meaning you do the exact maintenance they need when VW said it's due and they'll live forever. Beat, abuse, neglect them, etc. and you're in for a world of hurt. As much as many here would say ewww...why isn't a Camry or Accord on that list?

I will strongly disagree with you.


German car's are amazing. WHEN you drive them hard... You can't baby them around the block. Cause that's when stuff starts going wrong.


Any car will go wrong when you don't keep the maintenance up on them.
I speak from experience. Owned a couple euro's, and I'm going back to them. Super reliable cars.

[spazzz]

My 2 cents is eliminate any and all 2 doors from the thinking pattern.
That little cargo you will be transporting is way to precious to have any obstacles in the way.
Four door or minivanish car.
I had a 2 door grand am when my daughter was a smurf and that went to a minivan.
Flopping the seat and maneuvering an infant into a car seat and securing baby girl,,,,will be one of the most careful projects you ever do.....and truly a straight up nerve wracking adventure with 2 doors.

[Sven the Sexman]

I will strongly disagree with you.


German car's are amazing. WHEN you drive them hard... You can't baby them around the block. Cause that's when stuff starts going wrong.


Any car will go wrong when you don't keep the maintenance up on them.
I speak from experience. Owned a couple euro's, and I'm going back to them. Super reliable cars.

Disagree all you want...I'm a VW/Audi Master Tech...I know what these cars are capable of when mishandled. Sure, they're meant to be DRIVEN...not flogged and abused.

[ctracer]

if i were you, i would honestly be looking into hondas. seriously the most reliable cars my family have ever owned, and get great gas mileage. plus if something ever breaks its cheap as all hell to repair.

[loopy smurf]

Totally agree with spazzz...NO coupes...it will get REALLY old REALLY fast. 4d ftw...

And seriously - why not get a well maintained GP? The trunk space in these things is HUGE and if it hasn't been pounded on, you know it will last.

[Russosaur]

Coupes are awesome if its just your lonesome self....

Sent from the Milky Way

[REDCRAPGP]

Or just keep your reliable 4 door GP that's paid off (I hope) has a relative new rebuilt tranny and you know how to work on it and you know the condition of it. It's decent on gas and having $7k back in your pocket will go a looooong way.

Just remember just about any used car you get is going to have its problem it might be something minor or it can turn out to be something expensive.. Especially if your considering the VW/Audi just think of maintenance cost!

[MiGp]

I always was interested in subaru wrx the wagons are better for a family and still can be upgraded. They are also reliable great gas mileage and 4wd for the crazy winters we get. If your still looking to tune your car without sacrificing it for a family car.

[MrPoopyButthole]

Ditch the Audi A4, stay 4 doors.

There is plenty more options out there, Ford Fusion, Jeep's, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord.....or keep your GTP <<<which is really the best option IMO; you know the car, why would give up something you know for the unknown for a few MPGs...if that.

[buickman104]

I always was interested in subaru wrx the wagons are better for a family and still can be upgraded. They are also reliable great gas mileage and 4wd for the crazy winters we get. If your still looking to tune your car without sacrificing it for a family car.

My buddy had a 2002 impresa RS (no turbo) and that thing got the same fuel economy as my grand prix! So I would not think of them as having great mileage.

[blueguy]

For the entire book I could type...just shoot me a message on facebook about the Balt if you want man...

Wouldn't be any issue to help you what to look for and/or avoid...mostly you're getting a very fuel efficient, reliable, econobox....That's priced and built like a typical GM econobox. There are a few cheap things that really make the cars MUCH better as well.