Hi all,
I'm not a frequent poster, but a long time lurker. I just accepted a job which will require me to relocate from New York City to Los Angeles. Having lived in Manhattan for the past few years, I never needed a car. Of course a car is essential to life in Los Angeles, which means for the first time, I will be a car owner! I'd like to get your feedback on a potential car for me.
My criteria:
Manual transmission
Sporty (solid steering feedback)
Reliable
Needs to be somewhat practical - Need to lug the golf clubs around.
Fuel economy - Not a primary concern. I've heard horror stories of LA traffic. I plan to live as close as possible to the office.
Has to be available - As I don't currently have a car, and absolutely need one in LA, I don't have time to launch an in-depth car search.
Price: I can spend ~$20k
Cars I've considered:
2012 Ford Focus - It looks good, and probably good value for money. But I wouldn't want to buy a car in it's first year of production. Also, I heard the electric power steering kills the steering feedback.
2012 Mazda3 - Drives very well for a car in this price range, but I can't get past the looks. It's hideous.
BMW 3-series (E46) - It's the ultimate driving machine! Handles well and drives very well. RWD a major plus. I'm concerned about reliability and expensive repair costs.
Subarus - I like Subarus, but I don't really need AWD in LA. My dad has a WRX wagon. I think the gear box almost ruins the car though. The gear shift just feels knotchy. Maybe they've sorted it out in later models?
Please let me know your thoughts
Thanks!
I'm not a frequent poster, but a long time lurker. I just accepted a job which will require me to relocate from New York City to Los Angeles. Having lived in Manhattan for the past few years, I never needed a car. Of course a car is essential to life in Los Angeles, which means for the first time, I will be a car owner! I'd like to get your feedback on a potential car for me.
My criteria:
Manual transmission
Sporty (solid steering feedback)
Reliable
Needs to be somewhat practical - Need to lug the golf clubs around.
Fuel economy - Not a primary concern. I've heard horror stories of LA traffic. I plan to live as close as possible to the office.
Has to be available - As I don't currently have a car, and absolutely need one in LA, I don't have time to launch an in-depth car search.
Price: I can spend ~$20k
Cars I've considered:
2012 Ford Focus - It looks good, and probably good value for money. But I wouldn't want to buy a car in it's first year of production. Also, I heard the electric power steering kills the steering feedback.
2012 Mazda3 - Drives very well for a car in this price range, but I can't get past the looks. It's hideous.
BMW 3-series (E46) - It's the ultimate driving machine! Handles well and drives very well. RWD a major plus. I'm concerned about reliability and expensive repair costs.
Subarus - I like Subarus, but I don't really need AWD in LA. My dad has a WRX wagon. I think the gear box almost ruins the car though. The gear shift just feels knotchy. Maybe they've sorted it out in later models?
Please let me know your thoughts
Thanks!