New car ideas. Help.

[bad_trip 10+ year member]

I'm looking into getting a new car within the year. It's going to be my first car that isn't like a "temporary" car.

So, I'm looking for something 2G or newer. I really would like something hatchback style, like a Scion TC, or Mazda 3 or something. I'm not real sure of what all is out there that is that style.

So if anyone has any good ideas of newer cool hatchbacks, let me know what you've got in mind. Thanks!

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[Proximity 10+ year member]

I love toyota celicas. They're not the fastest cars, but they look sexy as hell.

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

I'm looking into getting a new car within the year. It's going to be my first car that isn't like a "temporary" car.
So, I'm looking for something 2G or newer. I really would like something hatchback style, like a Scion TC, or Mazda 3 or something. I'm not real sure of what all is out there that is that style.

So if anyone has any good ideas of newer cool hatchbacks, let me know what you've got in mind. Thanks!

I just bought a 2004 Mazda 3 hatch about a month ago, and I absolutely love it so far. Fun to drive, good on gas, looks great, plenty of room for people, gear, and stereo. Fits me perfectly.

 

[yne721 10+ year member]

my buddy's got a Mazda 3 SP and loves it...

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

If you can find a good deal on one, I really wouldn't suggest anything else. I really can't think of another car I would rather have at the price I paid for mine.

 

[bad_trip 10+ year member]

If you can find a good deal on one, I really wouldn't suggest anything else. I really can't think of another car I would rather have at the price I paid for mine.

What did you pay for it? I really like those cars, and have never had many problems with mazda before, neither has my dad and that's about all he's had for quite a while now.

I totally didn't even think of Celicas. I do like how they look though.

 

[bigbangtheory 5,000+ posts]

3's are nice. I have the Ford version in the Focus ST. I love that car! One of my favorites and I have had plenty of cars..................too many cars.......even some trucks and bikes, lol!

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

What did you pay for it? I really like those cars, and have never had many problems with mazda before, neither has my dad and that's about all he's had for quite a while now.
I totally didn't even think of Celicas. I do like how they look though.

$10,450 with 72k miles, Loaded with leather, cd changer, sun roof, body-matched wheels etc. I think the only options it's missing are bose and HIDs.

And BBT, the ford version is the euro focus. Totally different platform.

 

[mackin 10+ year member]

Gti?

 

[bad_trip 10+ year member]

$10,450 with 72k miles, Loaded with leather, cd changer, sun roof, body-matched wheels etc. I think the only options it's missing are bose and HIDs.

And BBT, the ford version is the euro focus. Totally different platform.

****. that's not expensive. lol. that's well under my budget range.

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

****. that's not expensive. lol. that's well under my budget range.

And with proper maintenance, it should hit 200k easy. I only drive about 7500 a year, so it should last me quite a while.

Depending on how high your price range goes, you might want to look into the MazdaSpeed 3. Great car, and will probably be my next purchase in a few years (when the new version comes out).

 

[bad_trip 10+ year member]

i'm trying to keep it under 15K. the mazdaspeed 3 are so sick though. also, having a long life is always a plus. i'd like it to last at least 5 years, hopefully 10.

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

i'm trying to keep it under 15K. the mazdaspeed 3 are so sick though. also, having a long life is always a plus. i'd like it to last at least 5 years, hopefully 10.

I would just go with a regular 3 then, and save a few grand for upgrades.

 

[bad_trip 10+ year member]

I would just go with a regular 3 then, and save a few grand for upgrades.

probably what i'll end up doing. going ~ 3K under my limit would be nice. i could definitely do some nice things to the car.

or...have a wicked system. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

 

[Hintzyboy 5,000+ posts]

probably what i'll end up doing. going ~ 3K under my limit would be nice. i could definitely do some nice things to the car.
or...have a wicked system. //content.invisioncic.com/y282845/emoticons/biggrin.gif.d71a5d36fcbab170f2364c9f2e3946cb.gif

Yeah, I have a few mods planned. Exhaust, Suspension (coilovers, sway bars, strut braces, etc), CAI, New wheels, maybe bigger brakes, but I'll probably just upgrade pads and lines, and paint the calipers. Won't be too much tracking since it's an auto (although the manual mode is surprisingly fun). No autocross duty until I get a Speed3