Your opinions please...

[d1ck]

My parents decided they're going to cosign a new car for me and i'll be going out to look around in the next week or so. So far I've been looking at a base Mazda 3, base Cobalt, base Pursuit, or basically anything for ~15,000(+tax and other bs) cad. I'd like to hear what you guys think about what you'd get and why. I really like the 3 because it's a nice looking car and from what ive read they're well made and fun to drive. They are however, close to 17,000 which is pushing it really. Whatever I get will probably be the base model with a 5 speed, I'd like to have something fun to drive and and kinda fast. ( I realize 15,000 isn't going to get me a fast car, but you know what i mean.)
My dad wants me to get a GM because he's been dealing with GMAC for like 15 years and can get approved for financing almost instantly, whereas anywhere there will be lots of paperwork to fill out in order to get it financed with our store as a cosigner.(I think that's how it works anyways, I'm not really clear on that part.)
So, what do you guys think?

[PlayStation3]

i would go with the mazda 3.

even though i have a gm right now i probelly won't get another gm

[d1ck]

Any particular reason why? Everyone i talk to says Mazda's are ridiculously priced while GM's parts aren't so steeply priced, because there's lots of aftermarket parts for their cars. Thanks.

[PlayStation3]

by aftermarket do you mean performence or along the lines of looks. and are looking more for mature like car like a sedan or a coupe

[d1ck]

by aftermarket I just mean you break a tie rod end, so you go buy one of a differenet brand then oem because it's cheaper. And I'm 18 years old, so i'm looking for everything a cheap car isn't basically. haha. Fast, fun to drive, easy to repair/maintain, comfortable. I realize I'm obviously not going to get all this in a $15,000 car, but i'd like to get as close as possible.
Thanks again. And I almost forgot, Merry Christmas!

[sickcallawayc12]

Aftermarket parts aren't necessarily better than OEM, regardless of the price. I think you should stick with OEM parts no matter what your choice is for a vehicle. You said new car too so adding aftermarket stuff could possibly void warranty. I also would pick the Mazda as it will give you the "fun to drive" you're looking for. Another car you may want to consider is a Saturn Ion. Looks are debatable, not very fast from what i'm told (keep in mind you won't get a lot of "fast" with a base 4 banger), cheaper than most in it's class, relatively easy to maintain and it's a GM.

[Tater049]

Out of the choices you gave I would probably go with the Mazda, but I wouldn't choose any of those unless it was the Cobalt SS, that is good to tune out.

[d1ck]

Yeah, a Cobalt SS would be nice, but I don't exactly have $30,000 lying around.

[Andydg]

My friend had a Cobalt totaled it then picked up a Mazda3 and has loved that car ever since. They're just plain nicer cars from what I've noticed...

[Shopper]

I have a 2000 Lexus Rx300 w/108k. It's been a great car. The problem is I need a new (or used) car and I don't know what to buy. After having a Lexus everything I drive seems not as nice. I am totally spoiled to the Lexus' luxury but the new Rx (since 2004) aren't nearly as attractive as the original two-toned Rx, however they do have better safety equipment. I have looked and driven lots of cars and I am totally confused. What should I buy?

[sickcallawayc12]

Originally Posted by Shopper

I have a 2000 Lexus Rx300 w/108k. It's been a great car. The problem is I need a new (or used) car and I don't know what to buy. After having a Lexus everything I drive seems not as nice. I am totally spoiled to the Lexus' luxury but the new Rx (since 2004) aren't nearly as attractive as the original two-toned Rx, however they do have better safety equipment. I have looked and driven lots of cars and I am totally confused. What should I buy?

why post this here? Please make a separate thread (see you're new here) as Lexus' and base 4 bangers are completely different topics.

[DrWilliamBoothe]

I would go with the mazda.

Thanks,

Dr. William Boothe

[G-man422]

i say mazda.
its stylish, well priced, and has OK performance for the price.

[KYcarguy]

Check out the VW Rabbits. I'd go with a Rabbit. 2.5L engine has some nice get up and go. The handling is great (in part due to the laser-beam welded frame and McPherson up-front struts with multi-link suspension in the back). And of course, the base model pretty much comes loaded. And you're looking right at 15k. Anyway, just a suggestion if you can get by a VW dealer that has one.

[G-man422]

Very good point, those new rabbits are Awesome!