getting me a nice grad present

i've sold two of the dodge caliber's although smaller then it looks in the commericials, but all wheel drive, roof,leather,cd, cooler box, for $28000 i don't think you can really go wrong for a brand new vehicle.

 

I'd say a Subaru WRX for all of your criteria except that it is not comfortable on long trips. A4 Quattro is probably the nicest and best interior of the ones you posted but for that price is probably the 1.8T engine and not very powerful. Haven't driven a G35 but they are popular and look good, I've heard engine is solid.

I'd for the Audi or Infiniti if I were you. Try a WRX though - it's awesome in Canadian winters (in 04 I drove mine through at least 3 blizzards). With all seasons it's great, and with snow tires it's surefooted like a mountain goat. And it's plenty fast. I put 49,000 miles in ~32 months on mine with just oil changes, the recommended "major" ($250) and fresh tires.

Another car you could pick up for $20-30k is a 00-02 Audi A8. If you want freeway comfort, AWD and V8 power, that's where it's at. And it's a car that was $80-90k CAD a few years ago. I traded my Subaru in for one and am totally pleased.

 

Buy new...doesn't matter what it is, new is better. You will have no trouble buying a 4x4 p/u, it just won't be loaded.

 

See above post for why you are wrong for so many reasons.

 

Why not drop 5K on a car and the other 20K into a savings or some sort of investment?

Or a down payment on a house?

 

^ I agree.

Otherwise, go for a STI.

 

My advice is always this: stick with Honda or Acura. They are the best car for the money.

If you get a g35x DO NOT get the coupe or if you do make sure its X if you are considering winter driving. They suck in the snow and ice!


Stay with a TSX or TL, they seem to be good all year round.

 

The G35 Coupe doesn't has AWD as an option.

 

Disagree on the Scooby Doo being uncomfortable on long trips....but I guess everyone's MMV. The STI is a sick, sick car.

 

Yes you are correct, but what I meant to say was if you get the G35, you better as well get the X version because you'll need it in the winter.

If you're concerned about ice and snow then the coupe is not an option, it really REALLY stinks in the snow. My 2 buddies have a Z350 and a g35 coupe and in the winter time everyone piles in my Denali because they know their cars suck.

 

I drive a Subaru Legacy with 220K+ Kms on it. No major problems or repair issues. Just the usual clutch, exhaust, etc with so many km's.

My parents own two Subie's, an 02 WRX and a 01 Outback H-6. Great cars!

 

james, is that taxes in for 28?

 

Get a nice clean BMW 530i or 540i 2000 to 2003. Truly the best bang for the buck.

The Caliber (Neon) may be $28000.00 new but will be worth $3500.00 the next year. After 100KM everything will be falling apart im sure.

Just my 02.

V..

 

I definetely agree.

But you gotta think, if you get an older 00 -04 530 or 540, that parts will be a huge killer!

When brakes, (rotors and pads) go, and other mechanical parts, you'll be in for a wallet beating.

I like Bmers when they're young, not old. They'res a saying: The older the bimmer the bigger the bummer!

PS just stay away from Land Rovers...

 

Bimmers are not great in the snow, especially a 540 V8. If you stick winter rubbers on you'll do better.

DO NOT BUY A 5 SERIES for low $20 s!!!!!!!!! You're buying a piece of **** that someone is trying to get rid of because its falling apart on their driveway!

Buy a nice 325 or 330 in the high $20s, and slap winters rubbers on and your good to go... I also suggest buying from a BMW dealer just to be safe.

 

Audi S4

 

I think of the choices recommended in this thread the G35x fits your criteria best. I just sold mine (G35 sedan), it had over 131,000 trouble free km on it; with snows I never had an issue in the winter, and it had plenty of highway power; they're a steal right now with the '07 re-design coming out too.

FWIW, RWD cars do not suck in the snow if you have proper tires. Using the all-season potenza's they come with is definitely trouble, though.

 

Totally agree....I'm on my 2nd Subie, and I laugh everytime the Canadian winter shows its teeth.

Go for the WRX! It's called an "automatic ticket writer" by the Subie Sales Guys...let them explain you why...

 

Been there, done that, got the ticket.

 

S2000

Youve said nothing about requiring back seats or tons of luggage.

You can get them for low $20ks. They're incredibly fun. Incredibly reliable. Cool. AWESOME in the winter (with snows, better than an AWD Subaru with all seasons) and awesome on a racetrack in the summer (without snows )

Its the most amazing little cheap disposable car you will ever find. Funner than anything too.

 

Heres what I say for $20 grand

$900 - 1981 volkswagen rabbit (white with rust stains)

$25 - Fill up on Premium Gas

$26 - insurance for 1 year

$19,049- Two Crazy F$#CK'N weeks in Vegas!

Driving your new sh!tbox when you get home - Priceless!

 

I'm curious about your yearly budget....