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Posted: 5/14/2003 6:47:01 AM EDT
I currently lease a 2001 Nissan Maxima SE
[img]http://auto.consumerguide.com/images/autoreview/lrg/01809111990003LRG.jpg[/img] and while it's plenty fast and handles great it's still a leased auto which I'll never own. I've decided on purchasing my next vehicle and need something more economical to drive(overall less expensive, under $20K before all the taxes and other BS) but still "fun". I'm thinking [b]Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V[/b] [img]http://cartalk.cars.com/Info/Testdrive/Reviews/Images/header-nissan-sentra-2002.jpg[/img] I'm pretty much a Nissan-type guy, plus one of my best buds is a Nissan Car Salesman so I'm pretty much decided on brand. Thoughts? Anyone out there have one? Likes/Dislikes? |
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No offense, but the Spec-V is kinda...hmm, I dunno, they just missed the mark somehow.
Why not go with the Altima V6? If I'm not mistaken, it's actually a faster car than the Sentra. Or wait for the next gen Maxima (not sure when they're hitting showrooms) which has lots of potential. Hmm, just saw your "under 20k" requirement. I know you said you're sold on Nissan, but for under $20k check out the SRT4 from Dodge. That thing is a serious kick in the pants. |
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Here's a list of good deals and great cars right now:
Audi A4 1.8t Altima 3.5(zoom zoom) BMW 3XX - they are paying the first two months of your payments if you finance through them. And how about buying out your car or getting a left over 2002/3? Maybe with 6 speed? They're practically giving them away right now. |
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Quoted: Here's a list of good deals and great cars right now: Audi A4 1.8t Altima 3.5(zoom zoom) BMW 3XX - they are paying the first two months of your payments if you finance through them. And how about buying out your car or getting a left over 2002/3? Maybe with 6 speed? They're practically giving them away right now. View Quote Yep, and they all come in under $20k huh? |
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Quoted: Quoted: Here's a list of good deals and great cars right now: Audi A4 1.8t Altima 3.5(zoom zoom) BMW 3XX - they are paying the first two months of your payments if you finance through them. And how about buying out your car or getting a left over 2002/3? Maybe with 6 speed? They're practically giving them away right now. View Quote Yep, and they all come in under $20k huh? View Quote Hey, when you make lawyer-class $$$...[}:D] |
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Wave-
I'm looking at the 2003 Maxima right now. Would you ask your buddy at the dealership what the current factory-to-dealer incentives are on the 2003? |
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Yes, these cars can be had under $20k if you get certain models. Personally, for $20k or less, I'd get a used car with 20k miles or less. Specifically, the same car he's already driving, except with a 6 speed manual and navigation.
Ray, don't downsize to the rugrat car! I need to follow you on the LIE, not wait for you to catch up! |
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Quoted: Yes, these cars can be had under $20k if you get certain models. Personally, for $20k or less, I'd get a used car with 20k miles or less. Specifically, the same car he's already driving, except with a 6 speed manual and navigation. Ray, don't downsize to the rugrat car! I need to follow you on the LIE, not wait for you to catch up! View Quote I got the impression he wanted new. Otherwise, you're right, at least in the case of the Audi [url=http://autotrader.com/findacar/vdetail.jtmpl?car_id=130492373&dealer_id=5757938&car_year=2002&make=AUDI&distance=50&max_price=&model=A4&advcd_on=n&end_year=2004&min_price=&first_record=26&address=33304&search_type=used&advanced=n&start_year=1983&=&color=&cardist=6]autotrader[/url] I didn't look for any of the others. What is insurance like on the Audis? When I looked at 3 series Bimmers 2 years ago the insurance was insane. |
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Yes, new please. Since a car is one of the worst investments out there anyhow I might as well be the one depreciating it from the get-go.
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Wow, that 1.8t is a slow ass car!
[url=http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/20648.htm]0-60 of 8.6 seconds?[/url] The sentra is quicker than that [url=http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/20648.htm]0-60 of 7.2 seconds[/url] |
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My money would go towards a used Acura CL Type S. 0-60 in 5.6 secs, hauls cargo and as reliable as any other honda product.
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Quoted: Wave- I'm looking at the 2003 Maxima right now. Would you ask your buddy at the dealership what the current factory-to-dealer incentives are on the 2003? View Quote I have a 2003 Maxima SE and cannot recommend it enough. With the UGLY as HELL (if I'da wanted an Altima, Nissan, I'da bought a damn Altima, and that's what the '04 Maxima looks like...A bigger Altima.) 2004 Maxima out, I'd think you could do well on an '03. Rockin car. The look on the faces of the V8 domestic (truck and car) drivers when I smoke 'em off the line is worth the payment every month. And, It's a Nissan which means that performance ain't gonna be in the shop evety month. Good Luck SG |
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The Mazdaspeed Protege is a good looking, quick car and has a better chasis and handling than anything else in its class. I highly reccomend it. If you are willing to buy a used car, you couldn't go wrong with a low mileage 2001 or 2002 WRX. It would still fit in your price range and is a truly awesome car. Kind of like a miniture M5.
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Save your money and buy a reliable used car. Then start an IRA and a savings account with the rest.
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Quoted: The Mazdaspeed Protege is a good looking, quick car and has a better chasis and handling than anything else in its class. I highly reccomend it. If you are willing to buy a used car, you couldn't go wrong with a low mileage 2001 or 2002 WRX. It would still fit in your price range and is a truly awesome car. Kind of like a miniture M5. View Quote |
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I am a true fan of the WRX, I own one {2002 was the first year BTW}...
However, the M5 is in another stratosphere. A mini-M5 would be an M3...[:D] |
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Bam! - Nissan Sentra SE-R Spec V...all options, under $20K. And I can always "rice it out" down the line!
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I am telling you try the Avalon sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will not be sorry, I have owned two of them and they are nice.
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You wont like the Spec V's Rice Boi interior or 6-speed gearbox. The SE-R has a 5-Speed or Automatic. The 2.5LE is only available in Automatic. The new yellow is definately the best color for any 2.5 Sentra, and the Spec V is a Sentra.
I would get the 3.5L Altima, Silver with Black Leather interior if you must have a Nissan. For about the same price you can get the new Turbo Neon. It's faster than anything under $30K. But being a Dodge it will start to rattle ina year or two and fall apart shortly after the warranty expires. It is a Neon, it's genetic. How about spending a little more and getting a Suburu WRX instead? |
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Hey for $32,924 I can totally "Rice-Out" and get this:
[img]http://www.mitsubishicars.com/images/2003/evo/build/evo03_carlightningyellow_build.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.mitsubishicars.com/images/2003/evo/photos/large_7.jpg[/img] [img]http://www.mitsubishicars.com/images/2003/evo/photos/large_1.jpg[/img] [url=2003 Mistsubishi Lancer Evolution]http://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMSA/Model?ModelID=27&TrimID=103&DestinationServlet=Self&1053005505076[/url] [b]AWD!!!! 271 HP!!!! 273 torque!!!![/b] The only options I [b]DIDN'T[/b] check off was the 6 disc cd player, car cover, cargo net, and nose mask! |
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Quoted: My money would go towards a used Acura CL Type S. 0-60 in 5.6 secs, hauls cargo and as reliable as any other honda product. View Quote I have one of these & have enjoyed driving it the last 18months. Your not going to get a 5.6sec 0-60 time unless it's a '03 6spd manual, only 2700 built & discontinued after June (the slushbox is in the low-mid 6's) The TL-S is the sedan version you might be able to find a nice low mileage TL [url]www.acura-tl.com[/url] [url]www.acura-cl.com[/url] there have been some issues with the 5spd slushbox though I like Nissan too, my 1st brand new car was a '92 SE-R, I wish I still had it I think the Spec V would be fun to drive & extremely reliable a friend of mine just bought a new 3.5 SE Altima for $22k , cloth interior & not many options but it scoots what about a used '02-'03 Maxima ? seen a few of those at the local dealer between $17k-20k with low miles WRX would be great, I saw a '02 used silver wagon the other day for $19k with low miles at CarMax You priced a new 4cylinder Accord or Altima ?? |
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Cnatra, I did mean the 6 speed, I think in manual transmission only, so I should probably try to explain myself more often! The Acura dealership near Ray and I has some REALLY nice CL's/TL's, I think Ray and i have to go shopping at the very least and test drive these cars.
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Being a Chevy guy for decades, I couldn't believe just how happy I was to get into a loaded 98 Maxima SE last year.
I'd stick with what works: The VQ engine series has been recognized as one of the “Ten Best Engines” by Ward’s Auto World magazine for nine consecutive years. Also, I think the new 6th Gen Max's look awesome (SE-R's are admittedly "cute"). Plus, they're now assembled down in good old Tenn.! |
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How you like this Mitsubishi?
[img]http://www.arnold.af.mil/aedc/highmach/images/PADR01-74.jpg[/img] |
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Quoted: Quoted: The Mazdaspeed Protege is a good looking, quick car and has a better chasis and handling than anything else in its class. I highly reccomend it. If you are willing to buy a used car, you couldn't go wrong with a low mileage 2001 or 2002 WRX. It would still fit in your price range and is a truly awesome car. Kind of like a miniture M5. View Quote View Quote That's why I said MINI guys. The similarities lie in thier neck-snapping acceleration, excellant tranny, and superb handling. NOT in thier overall size or HP. |
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Quoted: How you like this Mitsubishi? [url]http://www.arnold.af.mil/aedc/highmach/images/PADR01-74.jpg[/url] View Quote ahhh sooo i no rike |
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Quoted: View Quote ahhh sooo i no rike View Quote Watch it! I represent that remark.... |
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Quoted: How you like this Mitsubishi? [url]http://www.arnold.af.mil/aedc/highmach/images/PADR01-74.jpg[/url] View Quote Fairly well built fighter plane of the time. Shame it was used to torment us. BMW & Mercedes both produced engines for the Germans...doesn't mean I won't buy one. The Mitsu EVO and VR-4 are AWESOME cars.... |
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Quoted: Hey for $32,924 I can totally "Rice-Out" and get this: [url]http://www.mitsubishicars.com/images/2003/evo/build/evo03_carlightningyellow_build.jpg[/url] [url]http://www.mitsubishicars.com/images/2003/evo/photos/large_7.jpg[/url] [url]http://www.mitsubishicars.com/images/2003/evo/photos/large_1.jpg[/url] [url=2003 Mistsubishi Lancer Evolution]http://www.mitsubishicars.com/MMSA/Model?ModelID=27&TrimID=103&DestinationServlet=Self&1053005505076[/url] [b]AWD!!!! 271 HP!!!! 273 torque!!!![/b] The only options I [b]DIDN'T[/b] check off was the 6 disc cd player, car cover, cargo net, and nose mask! View Quote Ray: If you are going to go a tad higher than $20K and like the EVO, then check out the standard WRX at a touch under $24K. Not quite as "juicy" as the EVO, but then again it's $8K less. It will hand the Spec V it's ass in any environment. The AWD might come in handy up there in NY.... I know you are mostly kidding about the ricen-it-out but here is a nice looking modded WRX: [img]http://photos.ar15.com/WS_Content/ImageGallery/IG_LoadImage.asp?iImageUnq=1169[/img] This is a "stock" class racer: [img]http://photos.ar15.com/WS_Content/ImageGallery/IG_LoadImage.asp?iImageUnq=1168[/img] Here's me in the blizzard this past winter: [img]http://photos.ar15.com/WS_Content/ImageGallery/IG_LoadImage.asp?iImageUnq=7566[/img] I paid $22K after a $1600 trade, car stickered at ~$27,975. So they will deal..... |
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I keep seeing a guy around town in an STi wagon, hahahaha. I just laugh and laugh every time I see him.
I can almost understand people that mod their car to look unique,but why mod it to look like the thing you can't afford/have? It's like the v6 mustang crowd buying dual exhaust and cobra badges, what's that about? |
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Quoted: I keep seeing a guy around town in an STi wagon, hahahaha. I just laugh and laugh every time I see him. I can almost understand people that mod their car to look unique,but why mod it to look like the thing you can't afford/have? It's like the v6 mustang crowd buying dual exhaust and cobra badges, what's that about? View Quote There is a silver Impreza 2.5RS in Maryland that has had the full STi makeover that sports STi badges...in this case I would deem it OK. I think he pulls 13sec 1/4 over 110mph....[flag] Not knowing what is under his hood {stationwagon} I would say that it appears to be done as an idiot would do.....but you can buy the STi motors if you have the cash and skills to install it. |
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Quoted: Quoted: ahhh sooo i no rike View Quote Watch it! I represent that remark.... View Quote you're joking right? |
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Quoted: I keep seeing a guy around town in an STi wagon, hahahaha. I just laugh and laugh every time I see him. I can almost understand people that mod their car to look unique,but why mod it to look like the thing you can't afford/have? It's like the v6 mustang crowd buying dual exhaust and cobra badges, what's that about? View Quote you know they make a WRX wagon right ??? |
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Quoted: Quoted: I keep seeing a guy around town in an STi wagon, hahahaha. I just laugh and laugh every time I see him. I can almost understand people that mod their car to look unique,but why mod it to look like the thing you can't afford/have? It's like the v6 mustang crowd buying dual exhaust and cobra badges, what's that about? View Quote you know they make a WRX wagon right ??? View Quote I believe he does, but they make no US version STi wagon....yet.[;)] |
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I drove a SE-R about 2 weeks ago when I was taking my sister out looking at cars... I would have likes to take the 6sp out but she only drives auto. But all in all it was a fun car to drive. If I was looking for a car, I probably would have bought it.. She probably would have gotten it also, but the salesman was a jerkoff. She wanted a Celica, but the Toyota dealer here was even worse(another story). so we ended up getting her a Merc. Cougar
As far as the [}:D][}:D][}:D]Civic Si hehehe They forgot the H and the T when they built that car[}:D][}:D][}:D] |
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Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: I keep seeing a guy around town in an STi wagon, hahahaha. I just laugh and laugh every time I see him. I can almost understand people that mod their car to look unique,but why mod it to look like the thing you can't afford/have? It's like the v6 mustang crowd buying dual exhaust and cobra badges, what's that about? View Quote you know they make a WRX wagon right ??? View Quote I believe he does, but they make no US version STi wagon....yet.[;)] View Quote Yay! My nemesis comes to my aid! And yes, I do know they make a WRX wagon, my coworker has one. Another peculiar item on the "STi Wagon" I see is that he removed the "subaru" letters from the trunk lid. You can still see the ghosts. I honestly can't figure out what that's about. "look at me, I have an STi, but I don't have a Subaru"? |
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Quoted: Thoughts? Anyone out there have one? Likes/Dislikes? View Quote This should give you a few ideas: [url]http://www.molestedcars.com/rice.html[/url] |
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