Ok, as some of you know, I'm planning on going to grad school in the fall. My two top schools of choice are located in either downtown Chicago, or just north of the city in an equally-cramped suburb.
Combine this with the fact that I'm not going to be racing after Daytona - and I really have no need for the big-ass 4-door diesel pickup truck I bought last spring. Not only is it expensive, but it's a pain in the arse to park (I already work in Chicago and it's a total PITA.)
So I'm looking for something small to replace it with, and am looking for ideas.
Requirements are:
1 - used, 1-2 years old, with under 20,000 miles.
2 - Still under factory warranty.
3 - Decent fuel economy (upper 20s at least).
4 - Somewhat sporty and fun to drive
5 - Must be had for under $20k out the door
The car I'm heavily considering is an '03+ VW GTI with either the 1.8L turbo or the VR6. Fairly roomy, classy, and still punchy enough that I won't really miss my chipped 400hp+ diesel pickup truck. I've had great luck with VW in the past... my old 2000 Jetta I bought new in 1999 still gets my dad two and from work every day, with 120k on it. The car is as tight and solid as it was the day I brought it home. Plus I've got a good hookup at a VW service department in case I ever need something done that isn't covered under warranty.
But I'm sure there's other fun stuff out there that I'm not thinking of. I really like the Focus SVT, but the limited research I've done on them has shown me they are full of drivetrain problems. What else is out there? Any ideas or suggestions?
I don't know about used cars, but if you are looking for something new, let me know and I'll get you a discount pin number. I can get you the supplier discount from any of the Big 3, and also VW/Audi.
My suggestion:
VW GTI or R32 (found a R32 locally for $24K w/20k miles)
Audi A4
BMW 3 series (early 2k's)
Mini Cooper (awesome fun car, especially the S)
or, if you're going to go with an American Car, I'd say get Neon SRT4
Also, keep in mind, with the German cars, you can go to APR and get it chipped and get some major HP/TQ gains for a few hundred $, especially on the VW/Audi 1.8T.
www.goapr.com
No chip necessary. Just get the "Directport" reprogramming from an APR dealer. :)
Check your PM.
Got it... thanks for the input Dan.
I should have mentioned that I'm really hesitant to buy anything domestic. I have yet to have anything other than an "ok" experience when dealing with domestic service departments (and have had lots of HORRIBLE ones.) I plan to keep this car for a few years (at least through school, and maybe a little bit after) and don't want to wind up with a car that feels like a sh*tbox after 6 months of owning it (which almost any domestic inevitably will.) And as cool as the SRT-4 is... I won't buy a Chrysler product again, period.
The E36 3-series has been considered, and was actually my first choice. My buddy is a service writer for a local VW and BMW dealer, and often brings home demos, etc. I *really* like the 3-series. But, according to my buddy, while they're very reliable, they need a lot of little maintenance here and there to KEEP them reliable, would most likely nickle and dime me to death. Even little things are astronomical $$ to repair once out of warranty (which, if I find an E36 still under warranty, it's going to be out of my price range.)
The Mini is one I forgot about. As is the Audi A4... thanks for bringing those up. I should pay a visit to Schaumburg Audi and see what's available. I haven't chatted with the Halls lately anyways.
Something to think about driving in downtown Chicago, cars get pretty dinged up. You''ll see high end cars with little dents here and there, from parking and close driving. Just a little food for thought. Check out the Consumer Reports used car data. (You have to have a subscription to use their website). Libraries always have their issues available. Really reliable data. There also used to be a book called the Lemon Report. I don't know if they have kept that one up to date, though. You can compare similar autos and see what potential problems might be. Good luck!
QuoteSomething to think about driving in downtown Chicago, cars get pretty dinged up. You''ll see high end cars with little dents here and there, from parking and close driving. Just a little food for thought. Check out the Consumer Reports used car data. (You have to have a subscription to use their website). Libraries always have their issues available. Really reliable data. There also used to be a book called the Lemon Report. I don't know if they have kept that one up to date, though. You can compare similar autos and see what potential problems might be. Good luck!
Yeah I know it's gonna get beat up. That's another reason I want a used car. If I buy a brand new one, I'm going to be way too anal about it.
How about leasing a new car ??? 2 year lease, 15k a year... :-/
You can get a new Audi S4 for under $20k on a new lease. Prepay it and you got a pimp ride that'll eat up most cars and spit them out by 2nd gear :D
Doesn't BMW "Certified" used cars offer scheduled maintance "free" of charge until 100k miles ???
We prefer the early 90's Buicks with the 3.8 V-6, 29 mpg highway, the motors last forever, you can get them cheap enough that they're darn near disposable.
Silver '91 Park Ave, $1700.00 with 157,000 miles, crashed after two months and got $3600 + the car from the insurance company.
90 Buick Rivera, $1500.00 with 115,000 miles, drove for two years before Paul upgraded to a Park Ave. (it will be for sale shortly)
Maroon 91' Park Ave purchased for $1800.00 with 164,000 miles. Now has 205,000 miles and all I added was tires.
Maroon 93' Park Ave purchased for $1200.00 with 145,000 miles. Paul's "new car"
The advantage to doing this is that we don't have a car payment, we don't have to run full coverage, and if something happens to it..... We're not out a large sum of money.
Dawn (the queen of cheap)
QuoteYeah I know it's gonna get beat up. That's another reason I want a used car. If I buy a brand new one, I'm going to be way too anal about it.
Yeah, but with the right discounts, for a couple thousand, you can get a brand new one... :-/
My boss (the CEO of the company) has a Volvo S80 he's trying to get rid of. He's owned it since new, and it has like 25k miles on it. Not sure what year, but it's black on black with all options. He lives in Crete, IL (60417). If you're interested, let me know and I'll find out all the details. He's "old" so he never beat on it and it's mint.
I just happen to have a 2003 Nissan 350Z for sale!!
ok ok so its not under 20k... and its not AS fuel efficient as you want... but DAMN its fun to drive!!! it has low miles (17K) and has an extended waranty (60k) gets mid to low 20's for mileage, 26,800 takes it home!! the only problem i have had with it, has been fixed (tire feathering corrected, new front rubber, warranty)
here's the list!
Silverstone color (dark silver, some call it titanium)
35% tint
6 disc in dash bose system
DVD driven navigation
heated leather
more options than you can shake a stick at! and I have tried shakin that stick!
well maintained, oil chages yadayada. I think it would be PERFECT for ya ;D
QuoteDawn (the queen of cheap)
You're not cheap, you're "thrify" or "frugal". ;) ;D
QuoteDoesn't BMW "Certified" used cars offer scheduled maintance "free" of charge until 100k miles ???
The catch is they charge you if you do any maintenance before the computer says it's ready. Unless you like doing oil changes every 10k miles... it's worthless for the most part. It was the same bs with MB.
8)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=4524090541&category=31861
QuoteHow about leasing a new car ??? 2 year lease, 15k a year... :-/
You can get a new Audi S4 for under $20k on a new lease. Prepay it and you got a pimp ride that'll eat up most cars and spit them out by 2nd gear :D
pinche idiota!
What ??? I'm surprised the BBS doesn't know the spanish version of the F word ;D
A 350Z would be nice but I absolutely have to stay under $20k. Stop teasing me, please! I have a horrible impulse buying addiction, I can't be tempted! ;)
That Cooper would be about perfect - that is cheaper than I expected a used S to be. Nadaguides.com has '03s at 22-24k.
QuoteThat Cooper would be about perfect - that is cheaper than I expected a used S to be. Nadaguides.com has '03s at 22-24k.
So, you like, uhm... log in, and click that "Buy it Now" button
;) ;D
tick
tock
;D
I've thought about leasing too. I actually leased my '00 Jetta... VW was running a special for $169/mo, and that's what I got it for. At the time, it was all I could afford. But you've gotta keep the car in MINT shape, or get hammered when you turn it in (lucky for me my dad wanted it when it was time to turn it in.) Living in the city, I most definitely won't be able to keep it in mint, damage-free shape.
Plus, after 2 years, I want something to show for it. I don't want to turn it in and start over. I figure if I go with something fun and sporty... then when I'm done paying on it, I can keep it as a hobby car and have some fun with it (suspension, hot-rod parts, etc.)
Quotetock
;D
Ha-ha. Well I'm not ready to buy yet. I'm planning to trade my truck in on something... and can't trade the truck in until I get back from Daytona. Right now I'm just doing my research to see if I can find something that I can live with for the next few years.
buyit buyit buyit!!!! arggggghhhhh you drive a hard bargin..... OK 26,500 and I am LOSING money at that.. I am actually paying you to take my car!!! ::)
Quotebuyit buyit buyit!!!! arggggghhhhh you drive a hard bargin..... OK 26,500 and I am LOSING money at that.. I am actually paying you to take my car!!! ::)
$22K and I'll send a wire transfer right now and be on my way to pick it up :)
<don't take it as an insult to what I"m offering. I always look for "deals" >
If i dont sell it in approximately 6 months your on!!! OR.......... you can wire me 22k now, and make the payments for me for the next 6 month and THEN take it!! ;D WHAT A DEAL!!!!! I'm practically GIVING it away!!!!! haha
to be honest I really dotn WANT to sell it and if I wasnt racing I would keep it... fiance aint diggin the whole we have 4 cars now thing. Gotta get rid of one of em
tim
ps not insulted, i'll listen to any offers... may not take em, but I will listen ;)
QuoteIf i dont sell it in approximately 6 months your on!!!
$20K in 6 months... you forgot depreciation
;) ;D
Plus, if I buy you're Z, then I gotta cancel a bike I have on order cause I'd be using the $ on your car. That'll cost me my deposit I had to put down to order the bike :(
Quote$20K in 6 months... you forgot depreciation
;) ;D
Plus, if I buy you're Z, then I gotta cancel a bike I have on order cause I'd be using the $ on your car. That'll cost me my deposit I had to put down to order the bike :(
I didnt forget depreciation... I was hoping YOU would ;)
your in the same boat I am in, no way can I buy another bike if I/we have 4 cars in the driveway... 3 is ok as one is her work car... I think if she gets 2 so do I!!! (or at least a 2nd bike!!)
What kind of bike are you looking for.. maybe we can work some kinda deal :)
lookin at 03-05 RC51(pending financing and how much jack we make at the wedding!!) I like the big twin for round town and can throw in some TD's with it, unless you know someone who'll trade my 02R6 straight up for a race prepped 03-04 R6 ;D... dont think there are too many of those type a guys out and about though... and ya know what, I'll just have to represent the old school carb'd yammi, who needs a new stinkin frame and fuel injection anyway!!!!
If you can talk my better half into a trade... 03-05 RC51 + $$$$ for the Z, by all means have at it!! She's a hoot to haggle with though! ;)
Interested in a 2003 Aprilia RSV Mille R instead of a RC :)
Silver
2700 Street Miles
Never Down or dropped
Akrapovic full Ti system
+
some $$ for the Z
;D
You can get a new Mazda 6 for slightly more than you're talking about Jim. I've seen new Mazdaspeed Miatas for low-mid 20's. Should be able to get a used one cheaper than that.
damn you........ why ya gotta throw that out there.
I can see it now... "honey....bout that no street bike thing.... well.... I sold the Z!!!!"
Quotedamn you........ why ya gotta throw that out there.
I can see it now... "honey....bout that no street bike thing.... well.... I sold the Z!!!!"
It doesn't have to be a street bike ;) A set of sharkskinz and she's ready to go. Has Ohlins suspension, OZ wheels, ect. ;)
;D
Omni, I've been in the same position. Traded my truck for a Golf VR6 a month before going to grad school. That was perfect, and it still towed my RC51 to the track without breaking a sweat.
QuoteIt doesn't have to be a street bike ;) A set of sharkskinz and she's ready to go. Has Ohlins suspension, OZ wheels, ect. ;)
;D
your killing me hear.... how much $$ extra for the Z? I need 26,500 total to PO, give me a legit off (not a "deal" ;)) and we'll talk more... I am gonna be in SOOOOOOOooooooo much trouble!!! :-/ ;D
You'll have PM in a couple minutes... :)
damn you.... :P
Hey Jim,
I would pick either a 03' Honda Accord, or you can get sweet financing on Subaru's now, The WRX is the turbo'd version or the 2.5RS in the non-turbo but very peppy, You can stack a ton of miles on both of them and get good gas mileage while you do it.
Stumpy
Quotedamn you.... :P
Check your PM ;D
I replied, check again 8)
You guys got big budgets...
Ok, at one time the Taurus/Sable was a huge seller. Still are to fleets, etc.
It's really realiable. There are tons of them out there because the fleets all bought them. Get one with a 3.0 V6. My old one does 26 all day long, but that's old.
My dad has had a couple of the newer ones and he gets in the 30's.
Parts are really cheap. All day long. Again, there are things that are common, like ball joints, etc. from the first generation through the third generation vehicles.
Really just depends on what you want.
I'm not an any kind of car person myself. But I know that you're taller than me Jim. It's a good size car on the inside. I'd bet you could find something pretty darn nice with lower miles for under $10k. I could sell new ones, when I was selling, for probably $17k. I wouldn't buy a new one because you can get one with a few miles for pretty much half.
Let the opinions begin.
QuoteLet the opinions begin.
I've already shared mine. ;) ;D
Hey! Here's a low mileage BMW that should go for under $20K. Now this would be fun to drive! Great City car too!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=6056&item=4523203251&rd=1&ssPageName
;D
Dan, and whoever knows.... What's the scoop with this APR stuff?
The 'APR ECU Upgrades'.. easy 'safe' mod to do to get easy HP? Downsides/Cons?
The queen just bought an '05 Passat GLS yesterday, and was just interested in this... although, they are the cost of 2 sets of tires for me, so I'm not sure I would buy it. :D
I'm on my second Nissan Maxima and love it.
Their resale after a year or two is horrible. Thats the biggest reason I love them. They are almost 30K new, but after a year or two they are well under 20. My 00 that I have now was 28K off the showroom floor, and I bought it off lease for 15K w/ 30,000 miles on it. Bang for the buck they have a great motor, they are reliable, and are fun to drive. If you get a 02 or newer, they come w/ a 6 speed, a 3.5 liter w/ 255 hp and HID lights! You will want minor suspension upgrades like a rear sway bar. Learn more at www.maxima.org
Other cars to consider? Although they have a $10 interior, the Altima is cool. I'd also love to have a WRX which could easily be bought for under 20K.
I know a GREAT wholesaler where I have gotten all of my cars in the last five years. He operates in KC and Chicago - email me if you want his info.
QuoteDan, and whoever knows.... What's the scoop with this APR stuff?
The 'APR ECU Upgrades'.. easy 'safe' mod to do to get easy HP? Downsides/Cons?
The queen just bought an '05 Passat GLS yesterday, and was just interested in this... although, they are the cost of 2 sets of tires for me, so I'm not sure I would buy it. :D
Well, I had it done. It's pretty straight forward, and makes a HUGE improvement on acceleration and HP. It almost feels like a shot of nitrous. Seriously. More or less, the APR dealer uploads a new file into your ECU thru the OBD port under your dash. They don't have to do anything but literally plug your car into a laptop. Then, you choose the number of programs you want. Each program is based by the octane of fuel. For instance, you can choose between 91, 93, and 104 Octane. You choose by using your cruise control buttons and watching your dash. Each program "optimizes" the car and adjusts boost pressure, timing, ect. To be honest, it's probably the best upgrade there is, especially for what it costs. The difference is night and day, and the first time you drive the car after the programming, you can tell the difference like it's a new car. Imagine adding a supercharger to a naturally asperated motor. That is how significant it is. The cool thing is, you can choose what programs you want, and only pay for those programs, and on top of that, it takes approx. 15 minutes to do with absolutely no disassembly to the car itself. They just plug in under the dash.
One thing to do is find your local DirectPort APR dealer. They can give you a "timed" fully functional trial. Before I bought it, my local APR dealer installed it for me, and I could use it for 72 hours. After 72 hours, the programs were no long "there" and all I had to do if I wanted to keep it, was call them with a credit card number, and they gave me a unlock code to "purchase" the programs. They gave me the 72 hour demo free of charge. Long story short, I called with a credit card on the way home after driving it for 15 minutes. :D That's how awesome it was. The only downside, is you can't remove it and move it to another car. Once it's in that car, it stays. So, if you buy another VW of the same model, you have to pay for it all over again when you get the new car.
Find your local dealer for APR and give them a call. Ask them if they offer a trial with the DirectPort. Most do. My local dealer was Steve's European Automotive, in Waterford, MI. There is a guy named Andreus. He's pretty cool and has a decked out GTI that makes 300 hp. Give him a call, and he'll tell you all the facts. He told me what to do and what not to do. The only thing he recommended other than DirectPort was adding a new Turbo Waste Gate because the cheap plastic stock one would "fail" after a few years because of the boost pressure the APR programming increases compared to stock. That cost was $60.00 and the car after I sold it now has 80k miles on it with no problems. I sold it to my cousin. Also, he recommended waiting until 2k miles before doing anything to let the engine break in properly. I bought the car new and wanted it done the first week. He talked me into waiting, so I trust him. Give him a call. He's a friendly guy, and also a racer himself. He races that 300 HP GTI in amature road corse SCCA type stuff..
APR =- Biggest perfomace $ for $
;D
oh yeah, and obviously you have to match the fuel to the program you use. So, if you put 93 octane in, run the 93 program. You can swtich programs in about 15 seconds. Never did get to try the 104 octane cause I couldn't find the gas anywhere. But, I was in love with the 93 octane. It was sick. I was racing SCCA every time I pulled outta my drive way :D 8)
Here's Steve's European Automotive website:
http://www.steveseuropeanauto.com/
They even off the free trial online. They didn't charge me a penny until I decided to keep it. :)
Quote:
We welcome Steve's new toy. A 2001 GTI 1.8t with 300hp at the wheels on pump gas. Stop by for a ride and see what upgrades are available for your Audi or VW.
:D :D
You might consider an Accura Integra or RSX. New they are not much more than $20k.
My wife has Ê1994 Integra GSR, 178,000 miles, purchased new. Runs great, no serious problems, easy to maintain (do most maintenance myself). Around 35 mpg. Would buy another without hesitation. Consumer reports has rated Accura among the most reliable brands, interestingly, higher than Honda.
did some one say something about a Audi?
jim whats up
give me a call, we have a bunch of used A4 in your price range and we currently have 2 used s4 but we but just over $20, plus i can get you what ever used vw you want at auction
95 % of our used audis are certified
you dont wanna lease having to park in downtown to much damage
check out our new website www.schaumburgaudi.com
i could have interest in your truck on a trade in as well so lets talk, if not before daytona then at daytona over some beers
certified warrenty is 2 years 100K after the factory, factory warrenty is 4 years 50k
Quotedid some one say something about a Audi?
jim whats up
give me a call, we have a bunch of used A4 in your price range and we currently have 2 used s4 but we but just over $20, plus i can get you what ever used vw you want at auction
95 % of our used audis are certified
you dont wanna lease having to park in downtown to much damage
check out our new website www.schaumburgaudi.com
i could have interest in your truck on a trade in as well so lets talk, if not before daytona then at daytona over some beers
certified warrenty is 2 years 100K after the factory, factory warrenty is 4 years 50k
Did you ever get my PM? I sent you a PM and you never responded.... ::)
Hey Omni, I know of a late model Jetta TDI in Madison, used >50k miles, asking $9999. Lemme know if you want the #, I'll look it up.
cornercamping i dont think i ever got anything from u
send it again or say it here ;D
I was looking for an Audi S4. They had a lease special on them, but then I found out how long it was and the mileage was only 10k a year. So, I leased a new Jeep Cherokee Limited instead. I was just inquiring on your availability and colors and such since I work near your dealership. I also didn't know the S4 is being changed over. I spoke with my local Audi dealer, but they have no clue, so I figured I'd give you the buisness if I would've gotten the S4. :)
well sorry , for what ever reason i didnt get the message because i would love to sell you a car espicially a s4
its now a v8 with 340hp, paddle shifters in automatic or a six speed stick
they are around 50 grand
sorry we didnt get to make that happen
hows the jeep treating you, and how long is the lease
Quotewell sorry , for what ever reason i didnt get the message because i would love to sell you a car espicially a s4
its now a v8 with 340hp, paddle shifters in automatic or a six speed stick
they are around 50 grand
sorry we didnt get to make that happen
hows the jeep treating you, and how long is the lease
The lease "special" they had from my understanding was 39 months with only 10k miles per year. I only do 2 year leases so that wouldn't work even with my supplier discount.
The Jeep is sweet. Love the Hemi. I did a 2 year lease, 0 down, 15k miles a year, @ $607.00 a month. Not too bad. I don't ever put any money down, so only thing that was a down payment were the rebates. They had $2500.00 cash back, $1000.00 Chrysler Financial Lease Loyalty, $1000.00 Chrysler Lease, and $1000.00 Autoshow rebate. That, combined with my discount got it to a decent price. MSRP was $43 something...
Quotedid some one say something about a Audi?
jim whats up
give me a call, we have a bunch of used A4 in your price range and we currently have 2 used s4 but we but just over $20, plus i can get you what ever used vw you want at auction
95 % of our used audis are certified
you dont wanna lease having to park in downtown to much damage
check out our new website www.schaumburgaudi.com
i could have interest in your truck on a trade in as well so lets talk, if not before daytona then at daytona over some beers
certified warrenty is 2 years 100K after the factory, factory warrenty is 4 years 50k
Brian I will definitely swing by and chat with you guys. Even if it's not about cars.. it's been awhile :)
What days are you and the old timer there in the evenings? Gimme a call or drop me an email. 815-790-9898 or jim@kingpinracing.com.
We are here Mon. thru Fr. 7:30 til 5:00. Call us at the store if you want us to stay later.
Hey race...
You guys deal on the RS6's? Have a new one? I know someone who's looking for a new one, black on black, with all options minus that crappy Navigation Audi has. He has a TT currently. The ALMS edition or whatever it is. He's over by you something Park...
that car was only made in 03 and was 88 grand
so there are no new ones
only 1000 came into the country, so even a used one is vert difficult to get
saw one at auction with 25k miles and it went for 60 grand
if hes serious we can find one for him
they are so fast 450hp stock twinturbo v8
get one of those apr chips and you can get a easy 525hp, and this car is allwheel drive of course ;D
Yeah, that's why he wants it.... ;D But, he's only found one, and they won't sell it with discount, so retail isn't happing. Plus, I think they want MSRP + because it's new. Sitting on the lot I believe..
Thanks Brian - you've got an e-mail.
I'm thinking A4 over S4. I'll be in later this week to chat.
QuoteI'm thinking A4 over S4..
:o
But... but... but... 340 HP AWD
Why, oh why :(
Quotecurrently have 2 used s4 but we but just over $20, plus i can get you what ever used vw you want at auction
Twenty bucks? I'll take three.... 8)
Quote:o
But... but... but... 340 HP AWD
Why, oh why :(
::)