I know it's on the way out. It's one big thing away from being totaled and I think the transmission is on the way out, so this was rather expected. It's not dead yet but if I trade it in now I can actually get some money for it.
There is the manner of sensible vs. I am an idiot and want a toy to deal with on the replacement...
I'm on the same boat as you. My Cavalier probably won't last much longer, either ("It was rubbish when it was new, it was built by idiots, and it's rubbish now!" -JC).
If I could buy a new car right now, it would be...
Color: So long as it's not pink, green, or canary yellow, I don't really care, though bonus points if it's black or red.
Body Style: Sedan or hatch, so long as it's got 4-doors (for friends and other crap).
Size: Considering how tight parking spaces can be around here, compact-to-midsize (about the same size as my Cavalier, maybe a little smaller).
Engine: With my budget, a 4-banger will have to do, so long as it's not weak and pathetic.
Gearbox: Not really important, though a manual would be nice.
Interior: Cloth and ideally beige (black interiors are horrible on those really hot summer days).
Options: Power locks, windows, and mirrors at the least. Cruise control, Bluetooth, sunroof, and Ipod connectivity (AUX) would be a bonus, but I can live without them.
Suspension: Nothing too firm. Something that absorbs bumps well, but doesn't let the car roll like a boat.
Steering: So long as it's not heavy nor light and numb...
In summary, I'm looking at maybe a Mazda 3, Ford Focus, Fiesta, Honda Civic, Fit, VW Golf/Jetta, Chevy Cruze (Test drove one and it's actually a decent car. 10 times better than the Cobalt/Cavalier IMO), or...dare I say it?...Toyota Corolla (if i can get a great deal on one, why not?).
If money wasn't an issue, I would most likely throw most of the above away and get something with a thumping-great V8, because after test driving a Camaro SS, I've found that the power of a V8 is quite addicting ("power corrupts"
). Pontiac G8/Holden Commodore, maybe?
- Dan