I have no idea....what car should I buy.

[stuckathuntermtn]

The OP has yet to mention a price range, new.used, etc.

what skis should I buy?

[geomorph]

I have 10K to spend

The OP has yet to mention a price range, new.used, etc.

what skis should I buy?

Reading is FUNdamental!

[Conundrum]

Heaven forbid someone consider American branded vehicles. Have you checked out any Ford Focuses, gatorboy? Not sure why you don't like HHRs but I don't hear many complaints about them.

Good read on foreign vs. domestic cars: http://www.boston.com/cars/news/arti...ell/?page=full Interesting how people say go America but are just supporting an inefficient delivery system. BTW-Toyota partners with GM and has some of their cars assembled in GM factories using American made parts (check out the Vibe/Matrix). Toyota is also currently partnering with Ford to design and build a hybrid truck powerplant and drivetrain. I know it brings a red, white and blue tear to your eye but have you considered being open minded to more efficient companies offering buyers what they actually want? If American auto manufacturers offered what consumers want, no one would have to get on the "you hate America if you don't buy a Ford" bandwagon. It's called capitalism and it's something good ol' Mercans are supposed to support-of course we'll keep government intervention out of this conversation.

Then you have the nicest POS Trooper ever.

Tacos are way to overpriced for your budget. All those clowns think their 150k mile 10 year old rigs are worth mid teens these days. Retarded.

The gas milage thing is moot really on a sub 10k vehicle. You will be lucky to break even as high mpg used cars are demanding a premium.

Are the people selling the cars clowns or all the people buying them clowns? Sounds like the sellers would be more stupid to take less just so you don't think they're dumb. I know when I sold my taco, I looked at what they were going for (way more than any other mid sized pickup of that year) and sold it for that. Sorry if you think I'm stupid for maximizing my return on a car.

And I disagree with you on the mpg thing. I just bought an '05 Matrix to supplement my auto quiver. It was $8k. I paid cash but assumed if I were making a $150 payment (typical 60 month car loan) and including insurance, I save $100/month by simply driving the Matrix instead of my Cruiser. So, it's certainly not a moot point. If I take the cash outlay out of the equation, I save $3k a year in gas. That's about a 2.5 year payback. A Toyota with 60k on the clock will certainly last longer than 2.5 years so I would think that looking for a good mpg car that is sub $10k is a pretty good idea if you just need a commuter and are humble about what you drive.

[gatorboy]

Your Taco prices are our F150 prices around here. '04 supercrew, 90K miles = $14,900. WOW

I used to be all USA....but I'm not so concerned anymore. The auto industry doesn't seem to have the borders that it once did.

I have had and loved my Jeeps over the past 21 years. So much so that I've continued buying them, but I wouldn't mind a change of interior. I am humble with what I drive, but being in the car at least an hour a day...I am looking for a bit more comfort than a small box.

[Big Snowballs]

Every douche here will tell you a subaru or taco.

like this ?

[Name Redacted]

Good read on foreign vs. domestic cars: http://www.boston.com/cars/news/arti...ell/?page=full Interesting how people say go America but are just supporting an inefficient delivery system. BTW-Toyota partners with GM and has some of their cars assembled in GM factories using American made parts (check out the Vibe/Matrix). Toyota is also currently partnering with Ford to design and build a hybrid truck powerplant and drivetrain. I know it brings a red, white and blue tear to your eye but have you considered being open minded to more efficient companies offering buyers what they actually want? If American auto manufacturers offered what consumers want, no one would have to get on the "you hate America if you don't buy a Ford" bandwagon. It's called capitalism and it's something good ol' Mercans are supposed to support-of course we'll keep government intervention out of this conversation.



Are the people selling the cars clowns or all the people buying them clowns? Sounds like the sellers would be more stupid to take less just so you don't think they're dumb. I know when I sold my taco, I looked at what they were going for (way more than any other mid sized pickup of that year) and sold it for that. Sorry if you think I'm stupid for maximizing my return on a car.

And I disagree with you on the mpg thing. I just bought an '05 Matrix to supplement my auto quiver. It was $8k. I paid cash but assumed if I were making a $150 payment (typical 60 month car loan) and including insurance, I save $100/month by simply driving the Matrix instead of my Cruiser. So, it's certainly not a moot point. If I take the cash outlay out of the equation, I save $3k a year in gas. That's about a 2.5 year payback. A Toyota with 60k on the clock will certainly last longer than 2.5 years so I would think that looking for a good mpg car that is sub $10k is a pretty good idea if you just need a commuter and are humble about what you drive.

Best post I've read in a while. Why support "American Made" if your money is just perpetuating a faulty system?

AND I'm a douche who will recommend a Tacoma or a Suby. I own one of each, neither was made in this century, and both are still kicking it strong way over 100k with minimal repairs. Why not buy something that will last well beyond the day you pay it off?

[The AD]

Any small SUV should fit the bill - Rav4 or CRV come to mind.

I've got a 2007 Rav-4 six-cylinder and it has performed flawlessly so far. Plenty of power, decent mileage (25 or so mainly highway). Surprising amount of room in the cargo area.

[Bobby Stainless]

[iceman]

Well this will give you something to think about at least:

Top Ten Used Cars for $10,000 or Less.

Another kewl list:

Top Ten Cars That Refuse To Die

There's some winners in those two lists.

[Bobby Stainless]

IS300 is a hell of a car, but you can also get a GS for under 10k that's bigger and nicer.

I have a GS300. Bulletproof.

[Conundrum]

I looked at some GS's. What kind of mpg do you get?

[Bobby Stainless]

20 in town, and 28-30 highway.

Mine is a 04.

[AdironRider]

Good read on foreign vs. domestic cars: http://www.boston.com/cars/news/arti...ell/?page=full Interesting how people say go America but are just supporting an inefficient delivery system. BTW-Toyota partners with GM and has some of their cars assembled in GM factories using American made parts (check out the Vibe/Matrix). Toyota is also currently partnering with Ford to design and build a hybrid truck powerplant and drivetrain. I know it brings a red, white and blue tear to your eye but have you considered being open minded to more efficient companies offering buyers what they actually want? If American auto manufacturers offered what consumers want, no one would have to get on the "you hate America if you don't buy a Ford" bandwagon. It's called capitalism and it's something good ol' Mercans are supposed to support-of course we'll keep government intervention out of this conversation.



Are the people selling the cars clowns or all the people buying them clowns? Sounds like the sellers would be more stupid to take less just so you don't think they're dumb. I know when I sold my taco, I looked at what they were going for (way more than any other mid sized pickup of that year) and sold it for that. Sorry if you think I'm stupid for maximizing my return on a car.

And I disagree with you on the mpg thing. I just bought an '05 Matrix to supplement my auto quiver. It was $8k. I paid cash but assumed if I were making a $150 payment (typical 60 month car loan) and including insurance, I save $100/month by simply driving the Matrix instead of my Cruiser. So, it's certainly not a moot point. If I take the cash outlay out of the equation, I save $3k a year in gas. That's about a 2.5 year payback. A Toyota with 60k on the clock will certainly last longer than 2.5 years so I would think that looking for a good mpg car that is sub $10k is a pretty good idea if you just need a commuter and are humble about what you drive.

I would argue in the Toyota case both sides are retarded, but it works for them so thats cool. The point was more not to jump in the game and buy a Toyota.

And your basis for the Matrix purchase is a little off. You paid 8k for a Corrolla with a bigger toaster box on top. Swell. That car was overpriced at 8k given todays market conditions. Gas comes back down, you are stuck with an overpriced corrolla and your value will go down the shitter. Its not just about the gas, the purchase price itself is what makes it a losing deal. You might as well buy a Cobalt for half the price, will still last 2.5 years, and the value will probably remain exactly the same. Buy car for 4k, same gas costs, sell at 4k is a better deal than paying 8k, same gas costs, then selling at 4k. Besides your driving an appliance, doesnt seem he wants the bare bones minimum of transportation or a corrolla if hes talking about trucks and driving Jeeps.

Nevermind that I find it extremely doubtful anyone would get a 5 year loan on 8 year old econobox.

[Conundrum]

I would argue in the Toyota case both sides are retarded, but it works for them so thats cool. The point was more not to jump in the game and buy a Toyota.

And your basis for the Matrix purchase is a little off. You paid 8k for a Corrolla with a bigger toaster box on top. Swell. That car was overpriced at 8k given todays market conditions. Gas comes back down, you are stuck with an overpriced corrolla and your value will go down the shitter. Its not just about the gas, the purchase price itself is what makes it a losing deal. You might as well buy a Cobalt for half the price, will still last 2.5 years, and the value will probably remain exactly the same. Buy car for 4k, same gas costs, sell at 4k is a better deal than paying 8k, same gas costs, then selling at 4k. Besides your driving an appliance, doesnt seem he wants the bare bones minimum of transportation or a corrolla if hes talking about trucks and driving Jeeps.

Nevermind that I find it extremely doubtful anyone would get a 5 year loan on 8 year old econobox.

I realize the Matrix is based on a Corolla. I didn't buy this thing for the AKPM sex appeal it oozes. I bought an unassuming car I can go park at the ski hill ninja style and fit my bike or skis in the back. I don't put wear on a car I would like to keep for awhile nor do I have to buy expensive tires for a Landcruiser as often.

My math and basis are great for me. If I want something nice or fun to drive, I'll hop in my Landcruiser-I wasn't recommending the OP buy a Matrix. Merely showing that the numbers work for me where you said it doesn't make sense to buy a sub $10k car for mpg. And I don't want to drive a Cobalt. Based on principle, I wouldn't buy from an "American" company that supposedly exudes patriotism that took a handout to stay in business from the government in country that is supposed to be based on freedom and open markets. I would buy a Ford though and looked at Focuses. Everything I saw looked like it had been in a Vanilla Ice video.

Do you want me to quantify it more for you? My Landcruiser gets 12 mpg. With the mileage I drive, by buying a car that gets 30, it pencils up to about an $8k car (that was my budget for the commuter). I don't really car on your opinion of me driving "an appliance" or how cool you think I am based on my auto. In fact, I frequently see mid 60s women driving my color of car. I guess you'll have the last laugh in three years when gas drops to a buck a gallon and I can only sell my slightly larger Corolla for a couple thousand bucks. You got me good. Or, gas stays above $3/gal and I sell the car after 2.5 years. At that point, I've saved the $8k in gas and wear and tear on my LC. I could sell the car for $1 and be in the black on the deal. Or I drive into the ground for 10 years and take the tax write off when I donate the carcass to a charity.

And you think the car was overpriced? Short story-I saw it CL the morning it posted and called the guy and drove it a few minutes later. I offered cash but that I would have to grab it at the bank and would be back by lunch. I got back and he said he received 30 calls in the 3 hours I was gone and that included a few from dealers. I don't buy cars that often but 30 calls including dealers in three hours seems like a lot. He was an old retired fireman and honored our handshake amount but should have asked more because even the dealers were offering full asking cash without seeing the car. I did get it for less because as a rule you offer less than asking when buying stuff on craigslist. You could be correct though, I probably got screwed and will kick myself when I realize it.

But man, ignorance is bliss and I'm happy a lot of the time. I don't care if everyone here thinks I'm an idiot, most of all you because I bought a cheap car to save some money on gas. Thought maybe the OP would see my thought process and figure out something that works for him.

[El Chupacabra]

AKPM sex appeal it oozes

Bad visual...

[stuckathuntermtn]

Reading is FUNdamental!

my bad! Usually better at reading than that.
You'd have to go pretty old to get a Toyota or Subaru for $10,000, unfortunately. Damn things just don't depreciate.
Maybe something like Mazda or VW? Old Dodge or Ford truck? Not Chevy.

[MTT]

Known problem on the 4.0 Jeep is faulty oil pressure sensor. But you still have to replace the entire punp to fix it (Or might as well) 500$ ?

Spend 2 grand on the Jeep and keep on goin.

[Badger]

We have a Vibe. Great car, but too small for what you need. Mazda5 is better choice - 30 mpgish, seats 6 and dirt cheap. Older 2wd Sienna is a possibility too, if you could live with yourself.

Can't think of much else exciting in that price range - older Frontier Crew (underpowered, terrible MPG), older F150, Hyundai Santa Fe, Ford Escape, Subarus, Volvo Cross Country (if you're brave).

[13]

Good read on foreign vs. domestic cars: http://www.boston.com/cars/news/arti...ell/?page=full Interesting how people say go America but are just supporting an inefficient delivery system. BTW-Toyota partners with GM and has some of their cars assembled in GM factories using American made parts (check out the Vibe/Matrix). Toyota is also currently partnering with Ford to design and build a hybrid truck powerplant and drivetrain. I know it brings a red, white and blue tear to your eye but have you considered being open minded to more efficient companies offering buyers what they actually want? If American auto manufacturers offered what consumers want, no one would have to get on the "you hate America if you don't buy a Ford" bandwagon. It's called capitalism and it's something good ol' Mercans are supposed to support-of course we'll keep government intervention out of this conversation.

Heh. I urged the maggots to open their minds and look beyond Subies & Tacos. Now you're telling me to open my mind; there's some irony for ya. Think any maggots would check out Kia? Scion? Hyundai?

BTW, if American brands aren't giving the consumers what they want, then why have sales & profits been humming along lately? F-150s still sell really well, the Volt is selling like crazy in California, the Focus & Chevy Cruze are selling well, etc. In a down economy, no less...

I don't really give a two shits what someone buys, but to exclude American brands today based on the shitty quality stuff they put out in the 1990s & early 2000s is pretty boneheaded considering how much has changed since then.

[Conundrum]

The OP said he had a $10k budget. I think the reason American brands were excluded was exactly what you are saying. He would have to buy new or at least late model to get into the good stuff America is making and that might not work for him.

There was a tsunami that forced a shut down in most production plants for Japanese auto makers due to parts supplies. GM barely beat Volkswagen for largest global maker last year. F150s rock and I would buy one if it fit my budget. The cars that are selling are small efficient mpg getting cars. In a down economy, people are buying cheaper and smaller and are forced to as their cars finally wear out. Underwear sales are up and small economic cars will follow. My guess is as Japan recovers, they will be back in the lead due to fuel prices. The Japanese shaped the economical car market so it's hard to believe they are out for good. Maybe they can take a loan from taxpayers to get back on top...

Do you know why American makers are partnering with the Japanese? They are learning how to efficiently run their factories so they can compete. The Japanese are using the American factories to work around tariffs.

Yes, I agree with you, American makers are finally giving consumers what they want (for the last two years out of how many?). The gov still owns a chunk of GM-go free market.

[yooper]

If you want an F-150, just get an F-150. It will get about the same mileage as your Jeep. Or are you trying to significantly IMPROVE the mileage over what you have?

[13]

The OP said he had a $10k budget. I think the reason American brands were excluded was exactly what you are saying. He would have to buy new or at least late model to get into the good stuff America is making and that might not work for him.

There was a tsunami that forced a shut down in most production plants for Japanese auto makers due to parts supplies. GM barely beat Volkswagen for largest global maker last year. F150s rock and I would buy one if it fit my budget. The cars that are selling are small efficient mpg getting cars. In a down economy, people are buying cheaper and smaller and are forced to as their cars finally wear out. Underwear sales are up and small economic cars will follow. My guess is as Japan recovers, they will be back in the lead due to fuel prices. The Japanese shaped the economical car market so it's hard to believe they are out for good. Maybe they can take a loan from taxpayers to get back on top...

Do you know why American makers are partnering with the Japanese? They are learning how to efficiently run their factories so they can compete. The Japanese are using the American factories to work around tariffs.

Yes, I agree with you, American makers are finally giving consumers what they want (for the last two years out of how many?). The gov still owns a chunk of GM-go free market.

You're right, I forgot the OP set his budget at $10k.

I helped GM launch the CTS in Lansing way back when they finally started implementing lean manufacturing principles borrowed from Toyota to trim costs and improve quality. The plant I was at was the pilot the CTS has been a raging success. Needless to say they took the lean manufacturing principles to heart and have been rolling them out at others since then.

I left the company because I saw what the ol' boys were doing and knew it would hit bankruptcy. So glad I bailed back then and when I heard that the gov't was going to become a major shareholder, I thought it was the end.

Well, the gov't forced GM to make the changes that needed to be made (too many mid-level managers & a board with their head in the sand) and I was pleasantly surprised. Then the UAW contracts got re-negotiated to clean up the balance sheet; another pleasant surprise.

BTW, the market was never free - the Japanese automakers have benfitted from subsidies from their gov't for a long time. Dunno about the Germans or Koreans, but the playing field was (is?) not level.

[Ted Striker]

Top Ten Cars That Refuse To Die

1990-Present Subaru Wagons
If all of these failed to start tomorrow, thousands of college professors in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest would have to walk to class.

I've got one, and my best friend calls it my "smug-teacher-mobile".

[iceman]

Just a small point - people always extol Japanese manufacturing but the Keiretsu system was bound to fail and the tsunami showed what mess just-in-time can be when something unexpected pops up. Emulating Japan can be good, and also can be really bad.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using TGR Forums

[gatorboy]

Is Volkswagon up-keep/parts exceedingly expensive? I've got my eye on three Passat wagons.
3 Passats