In search of a new vehicle.

[Stargirl0715]

I figured something like this would be the best place to come, since I'm sure all of you know much more about cars than I ever will.

I'm relatively young, I'm currently a junior in college and I'm looking at possibly trading in my vehicle for something different (with the consent of my parents, of course!).

I currently drive a 2008 Saturn Sky, and while I absolutely love the vehicle - I am looking for something more practical. I bought this car when I lived extremely close to school and I find everyday errands to be a complete CHORE (It feels almost impossible to go to the store or something of this sort in a car like this).

I easily drive around 50+ miles a day due to the commute I have to get to school, so I am looking for something that will have endurance.

I'm overall wanting something very safe. The main reason for me looking to get something new is since I live in Texas, our weather is VERY unpredictable. I am finding this car very unreliable in terms of driving in different conditions - It is very hard to handle even with the slightest bit of water on the road whether it's just rain or in terms of ice. I have had several close calls even going at extremely slow speeds (around 20-30 mph).

My parents have asked me what I might be interested in, and at the end of the day my dad wants to ensure that I have something that is nice, but also around the price range of what I purchased my sky for (around 33k).

This brings me to the questions I have:

1. What cars do you think may be a good option for me in terms of still attempting to keep the small bit of luxury the Sky gives me, but also seems to be a bit safer? Price range is going to be around 30-35k, but open to buying something used as well.

2. What would the best option be for my Sky? My Sky is in VERY good condition, and has around 20k miles on it. Interior is in perfect condition minus one small scratch (probably dime sized width). No issues with the outside of it. Would it be the best to trade it in when I purchase something or maybe even look into selling it on my own? This is unchartered territory for both me and my parents, so I am just curious.

Thanks

[91 bird]

if it was me, i would trade the sky. could look into a nissan altima. ranked #1 on initial quality by JD power, and consumers best buy. they are front wheel drive. come in 2 door and 4 door. with or without sunroof. 2.5 4 cylinder or 3.5 6 cylinder. i drive a pontiac, but biuld the altima here in middle tennessee. price range would depend on options and the dealer. could go to www.nissanusa.com and check out this vehicle. there might be some 2009 models left. we just stoped making them a couple of months ago, and started biulding the 2010 models. hope i have answered some questions.

[Shpuker]

Meh if your lookin at Nissan I'd say look twords the Maxima, other than that I'd say something likke the Cobalt or used maybe a 325i or something of the sort.

[akboss]

Just about any midsize car will give you good safety and reliability, but if you want to keep some of the fun-to-drive nature of your Sky, look to either Mazda or Volkswagen. The new Mazda3 is a nice little car, and the loaded package has most of the luxury features found in more expensive cars. The Mazda6 is a bit bigger if you want the space. Volkswagen has the new MkVI GTI, and if I was going to spend anything around $35K, that would be the car.

[Gary L]

Don't overlook the Toyota Rav 4. They can be a pretty sporty vehicle and they are very reliable and nimble.
We traded a 2003 Grand Cherokee Limited my wife hated for a 2008 Rav with V6 and she absolutely loves the Toyota. She raves about how great it is for shopping and how safe she feels when driving in all the weather conditions we get up here in the NY mountains.

Good luck in your search and give Mom and Dad a big hug for keeping you mobile and in nice style.

Gary

[JerryLangdon]

I think you should go for a Toyota. Rav 4 or 4Runner are both excellent choices. They last forever and are great to drive.

[JerryLangdon]

I think you should go for a Toyota. Rav 4 or 4Runner are both excellent choices. They last forever and are great to drive.

[akboss]

Rav4's and 4Runners aren't 'fun'! This girl has a Saturn Sky! If she wanted a reliable appliance, she probably would have stuck with a Camry in the first place. Dear, trust me as having owned Toyota's, they are fun as in bingo night with the in-laws is 'fun'. If you prefer snowboarding fresh powder or kayaking through rapids, a Rav 4 is going to make you want to drive over the next bridge. Even an FJ Cruiser would be semi-entertaining. What you want is a sporty, roomy car with good safety that handles well.

1) 2006-2008 Mazdaspeed6 (AWD)
2) 2010 Mazdaspeed 3
2) VW GTI
3) VW Eos (convertible also)
4) VW Tiguan
5) Subaru WRX
6) Lexus IS250

[Shpuker]

Originally Posted by akboss

Rav4's and 4Runners aren't 'fun'! This girl has a Saturn Sky! If she wanted a reliable appliance, she probably would have stuck with a Camry in the first place. Dear, trust me as having owned Toyota's, they are fun as in bingo night with the in-laws is 'fun'. If you prefer snowboarding fresh powder or kayaking through rapids, a Rav 4 is going to make you want to drive over the next bridge. Even an FJ Cruiser would be semi-entertaining. What you want is a sporty, roomy car with good safety that handles well.

1) 2006-2008 Mazdaspeed6 (AWD)
2) 2010 Mazdaspeed 3
2) VW GTI
3) VW Eos (convertible also)
4) VW Tiguan
5) Subaru WRX
6) Lexus IS250

I'd have to agree with #'s 1, 5, and meh on 2. I'd never suggest the 3 the Eos Tiguan or the IS

Forgot about this, but if you don 't care about gas mileage at all theres the GC SRT8 lol

P.S. coulda sworn I posted something about the 4 runner twins up there....... weird

[JudahZachary]

Hi

I would recomand you a Mercedes, BMW or Audi if you are looking for something realy safe. If you are interested then just write me i have five cars and i am willing to sell one or two of them.

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by JudahZachary

Hi

I would recomand you a Mercedes, BMW or Audi if you are looking for something realy safe. If you are interested then just write me i have five cars and i am willing to sell one or two of them.

In another post you descriped 5 cars you have for sale, I don't recall an Audi being one of them

When you post something that you recomand or recommend make sure you include all your cars, I may be interested in an Audi, tell me about it ?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by Ray paulsen

In another post you descriped 5 cars you have for sale, I don't recall an Audi being one of them

When you post something that you recomand or recommend make sure you include all your cars, I may be interested in an Audi, tell me about it ?

Well, he originally indicated he was from Bangladesh...... but he now writes he is in LA.

So perhaps he tried to drive the Audi there and it's now at the bottom of the Pacific

[NotoriousPhil]

Honda Accord or Toyota Camry would have much more space be more dependable and fit into your price range. In my opinion for saftey and reliability no one beats Honda or Toyoto. Stay away from american, just going to cost you or your parents more money in the long run.

[akboss]

But Toyota's are so boring! They are awesome cars for practicality, but that's about it. Mind you I haven't driven the SE V6 - maybe that's worth a look, I know it has decent power but handling has always been the problem, not the power.

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by NotoriousPhil

Honda Accord or Toyota Camry would have much more space be more dependable and fit into your price range. In my opinion for saftey and reliability no one beats Honda or Toyoto. Stay away from american, just going to cost you or your parents more money in the long run.

Excuse me, are you still living in the 80's and early 90's, I don't like your comment " Stay away from American "

Yes the imports have ruled, but good old Ford today has got more bang for bucks with products like the Fusion compared to end of era designer names like Camry where today you pay for the label if you compare value.

The Ford Escape is another example, name me one SUV import where you get more valid value for same type money ?

Ford is on it's way top Imports, I would have excepted stay away from GM and Chrysler.