Help me make a decision.

[Chris Luva Luva]

Ok guys, my baby is trying to die on me. We've been together for 2 years now. She's 12 years younger than me but I love her. She's on life support and I have to decide whether or not to pull the plug on her. Guys, my 1998 Subaru Forester is in the shop.

I just payed $700+ to get the 100k checkups and crap done. The dealer also told me that my AWD clutches are grinding and thats an extra $2k that I dont want to spend on a vehicle that I owe 5k on.

I think it may be time to move on. I need help on deciding what new car to buy. Take these things into consideration.

Im 20.
I just owned a Subaru Forester.
I want to have fun in my new vehicle.
I dont want to kill myself in it.
I'd like it to have some level of functionality.
Im open to cars and trucks.
I'd say that Im looking to go used or something under 30k. Really I'd like it to be under 25k.
I'd love something with 0% financing.

Any ideas?

[Scooter]

Tough one - I got a new '03 Nissan Pathfinder 4wd. I've got a herd of dogs, so it's good for them. The roof rack holds a bunch of stuff and the back seat folds down if need be. The back seats ride higher than the front, better view for passengers. For an '03, you're close to the price tag at 25K.

My buddy had a Santa Fe, Hundiay(sp). It road pretty good and is smaller than the Nissan. But it had 4wd and better gas milage. They call it a ... some Arizona town ... now.

My only caution - stay away from the Mitsubishi SUV. Drove one for a week - hated it.

Oh, did drive the Nissan Titan truck. It's huge. Drove really well and had a ton of payload. The 4-door is almost like driving a Hummer. Well within the price tag too...

That's my fifty cents

[DEHog]

Honda CRV or anything Honda for that matter
Nissan Xterra
Toyota Rav4

[tcwest10]

Jeep Rubicon, baby !!

[Redskin in Canada]

Im 20.

Nobody is perfect.

I just owned a Subaru Forester.

How about an Impreza RS

I want to have fun in my new vehicle.

How about a WRX STi?

I dont want to kill myself in it.

OK, back to the RS.

I'd like it to have some level of functionality.

Rs provides good for transportation in an AWD.

Im open to cars and trucks.

Maintaining a car is less expensive than an SUV or a truck.

I'd say that Im looking to go used or something under 30k. Really I'd like it to be under 25k.

One year-old second hand, very few miles, one owner or out of a lease.

I'd love something with 0% financing.

I do notknow how much dough you have in the bank!

[tcwest10]

Any Wrangler 4x4(if YJ, only from 1992 and up. You don't want to mess with a carbureted Jeep.)with at least a six cylinder engine. Seriously, I can't imagine why any manufacturer would bother putting a four banger in a 4-by.
You can go baja or be a street princess in a Wrangler.

[hailskins666]

if you don't have any real "preference", then shop for the best deal. its really hard to do that, because you always start out small, but when you "curiously" look at the new luxury ride next to the "best deal"..... you end up spending way too much, and the deal idea goes straight out the window.

tip # 1you should definantly try to find something with 0% or as close to it as you can. the 0% will require outstanding credit history, and most of the time is only available for shorter periods, like 3 or 4 yr financing.
tip# 2 try to grab something with a warranty that lasts as long as the financing. this way you never have to worry about repairs as long as you are making that monthly. 6 year financing needs a 6 year or better warranty.
tip # 3 check out resale values. you're not gonna own it forever. get the most out of your investment.
tip # 4 get something you want. although tips 1,2 & 3 are really what matters in "smart" shopping, you'll never really be happy if you "settle" for something..... but know your boundries and be realistic. if the $60,000 escalade is out of the budget, then its out of the question too... don't get close too it, don't look at it, don't sit in it, and most of all, DON'T, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, TEST DRIVE IT.(thats always the nail in the coffin). make sure whatever you consider has the powers and options you want. compare saftey ratings. theres tons of stuff that'll fit your needs.

just go out and have fun car shopping. don't dive into anything. make sure you let every salesman know that you are looking at other options. get a price, give him your phone number, and disappear for a couple days. he will call you back with a better deal. take your time, and just have fun.

gotta love new car shopping.

[TheMagicThree]

^He's got it covered, follow his advice.

I bought a used 98' Malibu LS with 60K miles for $6,500. I almost gave up on the car, because like most teenagers, I wanted something fast and impressive within my budget..a 2000' Chevy Cavalier with a sunroof, tinted windows and solid black. It was hard to stray away from especially after I test drove it. I'm glad I stuck with the Malibu. Besides.. it's a LS, and it has leather seats. Feels like a more sportier Cadillac.

[TheMagicThree]

Sha' Bang!!!

[HEROHAMO]

Sup chris luva luva my advice to you . Would be never ever finance a car. Think about it it goes down in value every year.You also have to make payments every month insurance and Maintanance Its all together a bad financial move to finance any car period. Your best bet is to buy a used car and take a mechanic with you .And pay for the car straight up.Financing is not the answer pay a mechanic too look at a car you think would be good . Also go to carfax.com to get a check up on the cars history.

[JPFair]

Lamborghini Countache!

[JansenFan]

Lamborghini Countache!

Good call, most people go instantly to the Diablo, but the Countache is definately the way to go.