How do you choose your cars?

MadCow809 · May 7th, 2008, 11:45 PM

Is it the Engine? Aesthetic of the design? Fuel Economy? Safety? Driving experience? Practicality? Pricing? Versatility? Pedigree/Badge ? [Clarkson mode] Soul? [/Clarkson mode]

I'd like to know your opinions, basically which options matters to you the most when you pick your new car? There are many more aspects to this then the above mentioned ones, some of you might share cars with your family members like me, or some are restricted to an automatic gearbox etc.. So don't be shy, tell us whats your main reason for choosing your car.

IceBone · May 7th, 2008, 11:52 PM

Just being an unbearable fanboy...

MadCow809 · May 7th, 2008, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IceBone

Just being an unbearable fanboy...

Not exactly a bad thing in your case.

So when are you gonna buy an EVO? images/smilies/mrgreen.gif

Ilpav · May 8th, 2008, 12:03 AM

Fuel economy, reliability, price/cost of ownership, power, looks, comfort, safety, amount of features, handling/road-holding, interior space (larger=better), trunk space (larger=better), practicality, and badge prestige/social standing.

Those are the most important aspects of a car that I look at; in that order.

IceBone · May 8th, 2008, 12:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadCow809

Not exactly a bad thing in your case.

So when are you gonna buy an EVO? images/smilies/mrgreen.gif

First they have to fix that clutch pedal nonsense. Then i'm gonna sell a kidney and a lung to science. Woo! images/smilies/thumbup.gif

NecroJoe · May 8th, 2008, 12:15 AM

1) Styling...this is what initially attracts you to a car.
2) Interior feel. This is where you spend all of your time.
3) Practicality...when I was in the market and eventually bought my current car, it HAD to be a hatch-back of some sort.
4) Steering feel
5) Perceived power (I don't care how many hp it SAYS it has...it has to FEEL fast.

llpc60 · May 8th, 2008, 2:27 AM

weight
feel (how it feels to drive)
handling
cost
reliability
aftermarket/cost
easyness to work on
RWD
gayness factor

.... all of those in order, cept the first 8 kind of tie

Labcoatguy · May 8th, 2008, 2:38 AM

If it's unreliable OR boring, that's a deal-breaker. Thus far I haven't had a single boring car (ok, out of two), and if going into the shop once every three months makes them reliable (both >10 years old), haven't had an unreliable one either. My car-buying list is thus massively limited.

argatoga · May 8th, 2008, 2:50 AM

Fun.

KaJuN · May 8th, 2008, 3:06 AM

Apart from the obvious stuff that makes a car worth getting I like vehicles you don't normally see everyday.

_HighVoltage_ · May 8th, 2008, 3:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KaJuN

Apart from the obvious stuff that makes a car worth getting I like vehicles you don't normally see everyday.

Same here. For some reason I am very drawn to limited edition cars - Pontiac Turbos, Dodge Daytona Turbos, Ford SHO etc.

Labcoatguy · May 8th, 2008, 3:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _HighVoltage_

Same here. For some reason I am very drawn to limited edition cars - Pontiac Turbos, Dodge Daytona Turbos, Ford SHO etc.

+1 to that. I loved getting the two-part "What is that? That's a Toyota?!" reaction to my MR2.

Susie · May 8th, 2008, 3:37 AM

Fun, feul economy and to a lesser extent, practicality. Fun is the most important point. If I ever drive one that's a bit too enjoyable, I might not even bother with the other two points at all.

I always figured that my car should make me feel happy when I throw open the garage door. This is easy if the front wears a silly grin, or if it's kind of googley-eyed, like Minis, Fiat 500s and Daihatsu Copens. I guess that makes them kind of comical. God forbid the last two ever come to Canada, because I'd probably try to get one of each.

Ottobon · May 8th, 2008, 4:08 AM

Lots of research, generally i ride in and drive as many cars as possible at autocrosses and track-days to get a feel for what the car is like under pressure, if i like it there then i start looking into comfort and reliability. Test driving is easily the best way to find car in my opinion, especially if you couple your observations with those of journalist you can start to find out how they generally describe the features YOU like, so then your better off at trying to find what you really want. Even with that some of my all time favorite and or most surprisingly good rides i would have never even suspected of being good if it wasn't for driving and riding in them, in particular the MKV R32 Golf, and the Twinspark powered Alfa Spider i drove. The Alfa in particular shocked the hell out of me, i couldn't stop thinking about it for days, maybe even months, too bad it sold almost right after i took it out for a drive.

JCE · May 8th, 2008, 4:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by _HighVoltage_

Dodge Daytona Turbos

Speaking of, I'm buying an '88 Daytona Shelby Z on Saturday. images/smilies/mrgreen.gif

I pick cars...mainly for looks+ability to fit in the driver's seat+something unique+and overall performance

thedguy · May 8th, 2008, 4:59 AM

The badge on the hood images/smilies/tongue.gif

JipJopJones · May 8th, 2008, 5:09 AM

I just pick what I like. For instance, I bought an El Camino because I like it. I like the looks, I like the noise, I like the Potential. I'm also looking to buy a Mazda 323, because they are awesome cars, and they are really fun to drive. (pre 1990 model)

evoWALO · May 8th, 2008, 5:16 AM

I look at my piggy bank if I got the coin.

I then look what's available.

I then look what will be released within the next few months.

If I see what I like I buy it.

I generally prefer newer cars with grunt preferably made by Japanese or European car makers.

Never, ever gonna buy another American car again. Pure rubbish.

WellsieTRD · May 8th, 2008, 7:19 AM

Looks. Has to look good.
Performance and handeling. Can't just look fast or tough, has to have the substance to back up the looks.
Reliability. Its no good if it spends days in a workshop other than scheduled servicing
Liveability. Its all well and good having lowered sports suspension and such, but if its going to be an annoyance day to day its probably not worth it.
Price. If it fits the above and the price is reasonable, it'll be in my driveway

BlaRo · May 8th, 2008, 7:30 AM

Style. Sod the rest. I can deal with fuel economy, practicality, reliability (to an extent) and safety ratings even if I am just delivering pizzas or driving to work. That's why friends with trucks are in such high demand.

Who says you can't deliver pizzas in a TR6?

May 7th, 2008, 11:45 PM	#1
MadCow809 Joined: Feb 23rd, 2006 Last Online: 6:14 AM Location: Durban, South Africa & Los Angeles, CA Age: 24 Posts: 5,055 Car: 2007 E87 BMW 130i & 2008 VW MKV GTI 2.0T DSG LFS Status: Rep Power: 71	How do you choose your cars? Is it the Engine? Aesthetic of the design? Fuel Economy? Safety? Driving experience? Practicality? Pricing? Versatility? Pedigree/Badge ? [Clarkson mode] Soul? [/Clarkson mode] I'd like to know your opinions, basically which options matters to you the most when you pick your new car? There are many more aspects to this then the above mentioned ones, some of you might share cars with your family members like me, or some are restricted to an automatic gearbox etc.. So don't be shy, tell us whats your main reason for choosing your car. __________________ Supporting : Kimi Räikkönen \| Jenson Button \| Robert Kubica \| Sebastian Vettel \| Petter Solberg \| Mikko Hirvonen \| Andy Priaulx \| Jason Plato \| Mat Jackson Nokia N95 8Gb Nokia N97 32Gb RM-505 Unlocked v11.0.21 -> v12.0.024 -> v20.0.019 09 VW MKV Golf GTI 2.0T DSG \| APR Stage 1 \| LHD 08 Honda Civic Coupé \| LHD 06 BMW 130i \| RHD ~~05 Subaru Impreza 2.5RS \| RHD~~ 05 Ford Bantam 1.3i \| RHD ~~95 Mercedes Benz E320 Sportline \| RHD~~

May 7th, 2008, 11:52 PM	#2
IceBone Experienced Crash Test Dummy Joined: Jan 14th, 2007 Last Online: 12:21 AM Location: Slovenistan Age: 25 Posts: 9,302 Rep Power: 186	Just being an unbearable fanboy... __________________ Bridge to Gantry time: 11:07

May 8th, 2008, 12:03 AM	#4
Ilpav Joined: Sep 3rd, 2006 Last Online: 4:41 AM Location: GTA, Ontario, Canada Age: 20 Posts: 1,730 Car: '96 Grand Voyager, '01 Grand Caravan, '05 Matrix LFS Status: Rep Power: 28	Fuel economy, reliability, price/cost of ownership, power, looks, comfort, safety, amount of features, handling/road-holding, interior space (larger=better), trunk space (larger=better), practicality, and badge prestige/social standing. Those are the most important aspects of a car that I look at; in that order. __________________ "The Ferrari 355. The best car...in the world...ever."- Jeremy Clarkson

May 8th, 2008, 2:50 AM	#9
argatoga Can't Start His Wank Joined: Oct 4th, 2005 Last Online: 6:43 AM Location: Washington State, USA Age: 26 Posts: 4,793 Car: '78 MG Midget, '78 Honda CB400t Rep Power: 164	Fun. __________________ "If you think about it breast implants aren't much different than braces. Their main purpose is to improve one's appearance, at least that's how it was in my case." - KaJun "Anyway, I'm off to eat my dick" - Austere

May 8th, 2008, 3:06 AM	#10
KaJuN Disco Inferno Joined: Jul 31st, 2006 Last Online: 4:29 AM Location: American in Okinawa Age: 23 Posts: 5,069 Car: Suzuki Swift, Honda Benly CL50 Rep Power: 176	Apart from the obvious stuff that makes a car worth getting I like vehicles you don't normally see everyday. __________________ ...and Michigan still sucks. D-Fence: Kajun is just outside caressing his Discovery....touching it gently, you know......it is such a dirty bitch.....but he seems to love dirty girls in high heels who are taller then him and have "quite a few pounds" on their hips ^^ This post was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. My Flickr

May 8th, 2008, 12:15 AM	#6
NecroJoe Joined: Apr 12th, 2005 Last Online: 5:37 AM Location: San Francisco area, CA, USA Age: 30 Posts: 4,887 Car: 2001 Mercury Cougar V6 Rep Power: 226	1) Styling...this is what initially attracts you to a car. 2) Interior feel. This is where you spend all of your time. 3) Practicality...when I was in the market and eventually bought my current car, it HAD to be a hatch-back of some sort. 4) Steering feel 5) Perceived power (I don't care how many hp it SAYS it has...it has to FEEL fast.

May 8th, 2008, 2:27 AM	#7
llpc60 Banned Joined: Jun 1st, 2006 Last Online: September 2nd, 2008 Location: LAND OF THE FREE (AHAHAHA) Posts: 1,018 Car: 93-NA . Mariner Blue Rep Power: 0	weight feel (how it feels to drive) handling cost reliability aftermarket/cost easyness to work on RWD gayness factor .... all of those in order, cept the first 8 kind of tie

May 8th, 2008, 2:38 AM	#8
Labcoatguy Joined: Mar 27th, 2005 Last Online: 4:20 AM Location: Boston, MA Age: 26 Posts: 4,427 Car: A Jaaaaaaaag. Rep Power: 236	If it's unreliable OR boring, that's a deal-breaker. Thus far I haven't had a single boring car (ok, out of two), and if going into the shop once every three months makes them reliable (both >10 years old), haven't had an unreliable one either. My car-buying list is thus massively limited.

May 8th, 2008, 3:37 AM	#13
Susie Not A Dude Joined: Jan 26th, 2008 Last Online: November 20th, 2009 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 168 Rep Power: 17	Fun, feul economy and to a lesser extent, practicality. Fun is the most important point. If I ever drive one that's a bit too enjoyable, I might not even bother with the other two points at all. I always figured that my car should make me feel happy when I throw open the garage door. This is easy if the front wears a silly grin, or if it's kind of googley-eyed, like Minis, Fiat 500s and Daihatsu Copens. I guess that makes them kind of comical. God forbid the last two ever come to Canada, because I'd probably try to get one of each.

May 8th, 2008, 4:08 AM	#14
Ottobon Banned Joined: Nov 27th, 2005 Last Online: May 27th, 2009 Location: Detriot Metro Area Posts: 3,313 Car: 2 Rust buckets and a confused 1999 American. Rep Power: 0	Lots of research, generally i ride in and drive as many cars as possible at autocrosses and track-days to get a feel for what the car is like under pressure, if i like it there then i start looking into comfort and reliability. Test driving is easily the best way to find car in my opinion, especially if you couple your observations with those of journalist you can start to find out how they generally describe the features YOU like, so then your better off at trying to find what you really want. Even with that some of my all time favorite and or most surprisingly good rides i would have never even suspected of being good if it wasn't for driving and riding in them, in particular the MKV R32 Golf, and the Twinspark powered Alfa Spider i drove. The Alfa in particular shocked the hell out of me, i couldn't stop thinking about it for days, maybe even months, too bad it sold almost right after i took it out for a drive.

May 8th, 2008, 4:59 AM	#16
thedguy ^ will bore you to death Joined: Jun 18th, 2004 Last Online: 7:02 AM Location: Under the Counter at McD's Posts: 7,434 Car: 1990 Mazda MX-5 & 91 318i. Rep Power: 148	The badge on the hood

May 8th, 2008, 5:09 AM	#17
JipJopJones Joined: Aug 17th, 2006 Last Online: 6:59 AM Location: North Vancouver, BC, Canada Age: 19 Posts: 1,867 Car: 1977 Jeep CJ5/1991 Jeep Cherokee Rep Power: 33	I just pick what I like. For instance, I bought an El Camino because I like it. I like the looks, I like the noise, I like the Potential. I'm also looking to buy a Mazda 323, because they are awesome cars, and they are really fun to drive. (pre 1990 model) __________________ XBL Gamer Tag: JipJopJones Eh? Rest well in the Hands of your new owner El Camino you will be mine again some day.

May 8th, 2008, 5:16 AM	#18
evoWALO Joined: Nov 11th, 2004 Last Online: November 19th, 2009 Location: Philippines / Naples, Florida Age: 29 Posts: 783 Rep Power: 27	I look at my piggy bank if I got the coin. I then look what's available. I then look what will be released within the next few months. If I see what I like I buy it. I generally prefer newer cars with grunt preferably made by Japanese or European car makers. Never, ever gonna buy another American car again. Pure rubbish.

May 8th, 2008, 7:19 AM	#19
WellsieTRD Joined: Mar 4th, 2007 Last Online: 6:11 AM Location: Brisbane, Australia Age: 24 Posts: 951 Car: 05 Corolla Sportivo, 89 Hilux Surf 2 Door Rep Power: 20	Looks. Has to look good. Performance and handeling. Can't just look fast or tough, has to have the substance to back up the looks. Reliability. Its no good if it spends days in a workshop other than scheduled servicing Liveability. Its all well and good having lowered sports suspension and such, but if its going to be an annoyance day to day its probably not worth it. Price. If it fits the above and the price is reasonable, it'll be in my driveway __________________

May 8th, 2008, 7:30 AM	#20
BlaRo Lady GaGa's #1 Fan Joined: Aug 18th, 2005 Last Online: 12:35 AM Location: Assachusetts Age: 21 Posts: 11,259 Car: 1997 Yamaha Seca II, 1976 Honda CB550F Rep Power: 372	Style. Sod the rest. I can deal with fuel economy, practicality, reliability (to an extent) and safety ratings even if I am just delivering pizzas or driving to work. That's why friends with trucks are in such high demand. Who says you can't deliver pizzas in a TR6? __________________ "It is impossible to describe this kind of performance to the uninitiated. Telling a traffic officer or a safety crusader like Ralph Nader that 100 mph can be safe is like reading the Constitution to a Maoist; it is a strange and hostile concept." -Brock Yates. The body was accidentally unearthed from a shallow grave by construction workers. Because of Parkinson's.

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