Best car under 25k... a discussion...

[sandor_]

Originally Posted by ssnapier

What if I changed the price limit to 15k?

i got my mkIV golf for 13k with only 11,000 miles on it. under 15, you have to go with a golf.

i have a '97 328i and a '01 golf - though the bimmer is far larger, and has more seating area, when it comes to hauling the dog or hauling shiite, the golf wins hands down. hatchbacks rule for versatility. mileage is also better in the golf (though i only have the 2 liter) about 29 for the golf, 25 for the 328.

are you more suburban or urban driving? though i wouldnt exactly call the golf small, it fits in the city much better than even the three series.

[wahaha]

2001-2005 Jetta wagon, TDi
2002-2005 Passat wagon 4Motion, maybe TDi

[thedguy]

Chevy Aveo.
Dodge Neon.
Dodge Caliber...

















































































All cars I wouldn't recommend regardless of price.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

^ Against all predictions, I think the Calibur is actually a very well thought-out car. For people who need an inexpensive grocery getter with tons of space and good features, I'm not sure it can be beat at that price point. I traditionally despise low-end Dodges, but they've really suprised me with the Calibur.

[cvrefugee]

Scion xB, but it might not have enough cargo space for you.

[patrick10]

subaru wrx wagon... i want one so bad

[pfrocker]

to add to this list, mazda 6 doesn't look bad it's around 19k (to go with the under 35 k part). Jermey likes it too: it's a family car, looks sporty, fuel economy is 24/31, reliable,...and it's new

but the mazdaspeed 6 is around 28k...

for under 15K... a honda civic and fit (jazz for europeans) aren't bad choices

these are your choices if you want to get a new car...for used, hey anything is possible

[mautzel]

With a cut down budget to 15.000$, the Golf is more than an option, the practicality of a hatchbach beats small saloons in that category in my opinion. (but then I know that there's a tendency in the US market to buy rather the saloon instead of the hatchback version)

[Overheat]

Originally Posted by xtasy127

do kids fit in the back of a 325 ci??

Should do, it has four seats as far as I'm aware. This is still in the 15k budget too. If you want something a bit smaller then I'd look at a golf too



I'm looking at the 1.9 GT TDI personally

[thedguy]

Originally Posted by pfrocker

but the mazdaspeed 6 is around 28k...

People have been picking them up for 23k of the lot. Definately worth looking at if one has time to haggle.

[un-dee]

I'd also recommend a Ford Focus TDCi, they're very nice to drivem have lots of space and the Diesel Engines run smoother than VW/Audi TDIs. If you want something Golfish make sure you check out the A3 as well. It is a bit more expensive but it feels much better to drive than the Golf, the Interior is better as well.

[wahaha]

This isn't Europe he's talking about people, it's the US of A. The only TDi cars available are VW, and they should be at LEAST as new as 2002. Same for Audi, if you want to upgrade to the NAV+ without many problems.

You're also not going to find an A3 for anything less than $30k. It's too new here.

[Scott]

Ok, so I went and drove a base model '06 TDI and I am totally sold on that car. They actually gave it to me thru Monday since I am in tight with most of them so that I can truly evaluate it on all points. I have driven 70 miles so far, and I absolutely LOVE this car (and so does my wife).

I am just about positive that this will be my next car, it is quiet, comfortable, has everything I need and a trunk with it's own zip code. The current deal would be somewhere around 22,500 minus my trade (a 92 Audi 100CS) so the payment is doable. I am going to work with them a bit and try to get the out the door price right around 22 even (including tags and BS) I know the odds are slim on that... it is worth the effort to me though. The only thing my wife was not cool with was the color so we will probably order one to fit her on that front, but she was sold about 5 miles into driving it.

Thanks to everyone for all the input, and I am sure it will be of use to several other folks in the near future.

[wahaha]

Originally Posted by ssnapier

Well I am an avid VW/ Audi enthusiast - I posted this exact same thread on my local VW club forum... they all told me a Subaru Forester XT or a Legacy wagon... LOL

It's amazing how my people on the "vortex / fourtitude" don't even own a VW/Audi.

I found the thread and will post a reply over there.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by wahaha

It's amazing how my people on the "vortex / fourtitude" don't even own a VW/Audi.

I found the thread and will post a reply over there.

I currently own an 82 Jetta coupe and a 92 Audi 100CS, and I have owned more Mk2's than I care to count!

[patrick10]

nothing like the 5 cylinder from the 100cs



/5000cs owner

[Carsightings]

tahoe with off road package 8)

[No Boss]

Originally Posted by Carsightings

tahoe with off road package 8)

[Scott]

This is what I will be getting, the color is North Sea Green and it will be TDI:









I took the one they let me borrow on a 250 mile jaunt in the mountains today, and I had about 65 miles of city driving on it when I started. I drove VERY hard, had the A/C on nearly the entire time and still had more than half a tank of fuel left when it was all over with.... and that is why TDI's rule all. For those who suck at math that means I could EASILY have gone 600 miles on that tank of fuel, and that translates to more like 700 on a "real" road trip that does not involve giant mountain passes and full throttle driving in the twisities.

[cvrefugee]

I was going to get a diesel Golf but they can't sell them in California (some ghey emissions law).