So I've been thinking of buying another car

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bk7794
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So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by bk7794 »

I kind of want to replace my 2000 civic. I made another post in the past about the seats being terribly uncomfortable and other things I do not like about the car (the fact that my head hits the top of the car). I've thought about a few possibilities just wondering your thoughts.

Since I like fixing my cars, I would like to go on the cheaper side. Cheaper than what I paid for my current car.

I've thought of

2002-2004 Ford Focus I kind of always wanted to do a Zetec swap on a sedan. I like the European styling and I kick myself for not seriously looking into one of these when I bought the Civic. Though one thing I don't like about this car is that the mirrors jut out way to far and make it to be a pain to park sometimes. Plus the mirrors are kind of ugly..

2006-2007 Ford Fusion These things are remarkably cheap for some reason...

2000-2005 Honda Accords Well, they are plentiful and a lot of information out there.

I've also considered an E46 bmw but I fear the label people would put on me. I'll have to at least drive one some time.


I've thought about TDIs but I just can't justify owning one when gas is close to the 2 dollar mark and diesels are just barely under 3...

I've glanced at a few GTIs but none of them really impress me, SVT focus is too much money, and from what I read the timing belt is a pain.

Any other thoughts? Maybe some hot hatch thoughts?
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by theholycow »

bk7794 wrote:Though one thing I don't like about this car is that the mirrors jut out way to far and make it to be a pain to park sometimes. Plus the mirrors are kind of ugly..
I wonder if it would be possible to transplant better mirrors, perhaps from another model on the same platform.
2006-2007 Ford Fusion These things are remarkably cheap for some reason...
It's kind of an amorphous blob without identity and has never really been marketed...it's just kinda there to fill a hole in market coverage and lacks an image. As I understand, they're quite good cars. They just don't excite people. It's kinda like a Camry without that Toyota market value. If that sort of thing doesn't bother you then it's an excellent choice for someone buying used, a good car with depressed value.
I've thought about TDIs but I just can't justify owning one when gas is close to the 2 dollar mark and diesels are just barely under 3...
There's no knowing where fuel prices will go, but you could do the math assuming that diesel will always be more expensive and still come out ahead with the better fuel economy...but then you're dealing with diesel fuel. That stink never comes off of your hands or out of your clothes. I won't even get gasoline at a pump that also has a diesel nozzle; some guy with diesel on his hands touched the "receipt" button, and there's always kitty litter on a diesel spill on the ground where I'm standing.
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by six »

I see no reason why you can't get that BMW that you want. Yes, it has a stigma, but it's not like you're driving an M3 and going all over the road like a douche. You're going to drive a sensible BMW in a sensible manner. In the end, BMW are still the ultimate driving machine, and as long as you treat it that way, no one will apply that "label" to you. :)
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by Squint »

bk7794 wrote:2002-2004 Ford Focus I kind of always wanted to do a Zetec swap on a sedan. I like the European styling and I kick myself for not seriously looking into one of these when I bought the Civic. Though one thing I don't like about this car is that the mirrors jut out way to far and make it to be a pain to park sometimes. Plus the mirrors are kind of ugly..
I can get the whole mirrors being ugly thing, but there is no way a small Focus like that is a pain to park just because of mirrors. My in-laws have a mid 2000s Focus and it's smaller than my Mazda 3 in size.
bk7794 wrote:2006-2007 Ford Fusion These things are remarkably cheap for some reason...
My parents have a late 2000s (before the remodel) Fusion Hybrid that has been a great car. Obviously it's a hybrid so not quite the same, but I agree with Mr. Moo's assessment that they just are bland to look at. It handles well, is comfortable, and can easily seat 4 adults.
bk7794 wrote:I've thought about TDIs but I just can't justify owning one when gas is close to the 2 dollar mark and diesels are just barely under 3...
Edmunds (and other websites) have calculators that let you compare the ownership costs based on fuel cost for diesel vs gas. It would take a rare combination to actually make the diesel vehicle cheaper, but diesels aren't bought just for the fuel economy. The different driving style, better torque, etc...
bk7794 wrote:I've glanced at a few GTIs but none of them really impress me, SVT focus is too much money, and from what I read the timing belt is a pain.
Every vehicle is going to have its odd quirks that make ______ a pain to do. My Civic wasn't the easiest to do an oil change on because they put the filter directly above the front axle. You had to contort your arm in a weird fashion to reach it. And it required a hydraulic press to replace the front wheel bearings - but my brother's old Explorer has bearings that could be done in < 1 hour because it was super simple.
bk7794 wrote:Maybe some hot hatch thoughts?
I always support hatchbacks, especially sporty ones. :twisted: :twisted:
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by bk7794 »

Yeah, you'll be surprised how many times I've almost taken off my mirrors in my driveway. The mirrors are very long.

I was looking into the timing belt on the SVT. Its definitely a challenge...
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by Rope-Pusher »

bk7794 wrote:
Its definitely a challenge...
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by potownrob »

you want comfortable?? you want volvo..

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don't get an old focus, please.
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by potownrob »

bk7794 wrote: Any other thoughts? Maybe some hot hatch thoughts?
GTI or bust 8)
ClutchFork wrote:...So I started carrying a stick of firewood with me and that became my parking brake.
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by Rope-Pusher »

potownrob wrote:GTI or bust 8)
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THIS!
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by bk7794 »

I've thought about those Volvo R's. Problem is there is absolutely no community, or verry little community. So there aren't many DIYs and such. Old focuses are nice. I wish I bought one.


Question on the E46 BMWs, how are they for reliability? Comfort? And the fun factor?

I've also pondered a Lexus Is300. I kind of wanted to try out RWD.
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by potownrob »

bk7794 wrote:I've thought about those Volvo R's. Problem is there is absolutely no community, or verry little community. So there aren't many DIYs and such. Old focuses are nice. I wish I bought one.


Question on the E46 BMWs, how are they for reliability? Comfort? And the fun factor?

I've also pondered a Lexus Is300. I kind of wanted to try out RWD.
wasnt talking about the R - that just happened to be a nice pic I found - S60 T5 would suffice. I wouldn't get RWD without having a set of snow tires. :)

P.S. CR-V is a tank in the snow.
ClutchFork wrote:...So I started carrying a stick of firewood with me and that became my parking brake.
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by watkins »

bk7794 wrote:I've thought about those Volvo R's. Problem is there is absolutely no community, or verry little community.
The Volvo community is a pretty decent size. Not as big as many other enthusiast groups, but they always make a pretty good showing at Swedish Car Day every year.
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by potownrob »

He might like Saab too; talk about hot hatches...
ClutchFork wrote:...So I started carrying a stick of firewood with me and that became my parking brake.
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by watkins »

Saab hasnt made a hatchback since '02 however. The GM options were sedan, wagon, or convertible.
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Re: So I've been thinking of buying another car

Post by tankinbeans »

I shouldn't comment when it comes to buying a car as I start getting itchy to get a new shiny whether I like my current car or not. It's a bad habit to have, one that I'm trying to break.

Small car, that gets no love, but is pretty solid?

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