Off Topic Poker Forums

hello DC, can i get some advice?

here's the thing, a family member is gifting me a new car in cash. she wants me to have one because it seems news got around that i was still driving around in a (perfectly fine) 15 year old Honda tho i have a good job and whatnot. i don't quite understand the reasons for it, but i don't want to insult her by refusing the gift either (and i'm not morally opposed to being a luckbox), so i'm going to accept it.

the number she gave was 32k USD (it's a currency conversion thing). still not being completely comfortable about this, and not wanting to abuse her generosity, i've whittled down my options to a new economy car or a used, entry-level luxury car.

my priorities for a car in order of importance are:

1. reliability
2. fuel efficiency
3. style
4. other costs (insurance, repairs, part costs)

my choices so far are:

A. 2012 Toyota Camry SE (23k)
B. 2008 Acura TSX (17-19k)

i think i've read all the car buying threads on 2+2, and i know buying a new car is burning money, but this is as much for my aunt as myself, so that's why the new car choice remains. but i'm still not sure.

so, would you add other choices other than these based on my priorities? get rid of the new car altogether? which car seems a better choice? and is there a better way to go about this situation?

I've wasted a lot of money on cars in my life.
The most +EV thing to do is to buy a car that is 1.5 to 2 years old.

I own a 2012 Toyota Camry SE. I've got about 11k miles on it now and so far it's been great.

Buying a new car is way easier a lot of the times. Yes it's kind of burning money since the value decreases a lot, but you usually get a good warranty for 3+ years. I'm not from U.S so I might not be fully aware of all the things you need to consider.

You seems to prefer the Japanese cars so maybe add Lexus CT 200 and IS 250 to the list, should fit the price range and are pretty good looking also. The fuel economy should be pretty good as well if you manage to find one with a reasonable engine.

The next in my mind is Kia, yeah sounds boring and all that, but they come with an insane warranty and it basicly has everything you wanted obv the styling may not suit you but it is something to consider.

And for the european cars: you should look for used Mercedes, Audi's BMW's Volvo's. Usually the european premium cars are way more solid to actually drive than the Japanese cars, but that just more of an personal preference. Especially if you are looking for an automatic gearbox then definitely european/american cars do way better there.

Sorry it's getting really late here so I'll continue tomorrow if you need more info.

when your going second hands, go for a german car

Since you seem to like japanese cars, I would consider a Mazda 6 aswell.
Very reliable cars, great drive and good bang for your buck.

I would seriously consider buying an occasion car though, buying a one year old car will save you so much money.

Aren't Mazda and Ford in a partnership of sorts? Considering your options I would probably go with the Camry but I think I would personally prefer if I were to buy Toyota a Prius. Have you considered the Hyundai Genesis? To me Hyundai's are improving drastically to the point were some of their cars (Sonata) bring great value at their entry point.

No for Ford models?

About the mazda 6, i hate to drive it and the seats are really uncomfortable, realiable? yea, way better cars out there? yes (my dad actually sells mazda's and I don't like them at all). Ford's are definitely good, especially the newer focus models. Also Hyundai's should be good at least for the quality, don't have any experience with them, just gotta pick one in the newer range.

If it's any consolidation Ford = Mazda. Unless you are my uncle who thinks because you buy a "Cadillac" you aren't getting the same automative parts that you would receive in any other GM model.

I've wasted a lot of money on cars in my life.
The most +EV thing to do is to buy a car that is 1.5 to 2 years old.

used is definitely the +EV thing to do. but being as it's a gift, it kind of mitigates the loss. but in the end, i just want the best car for the money and something that will hold value also. i would think a used car, since it's already gone through the "drive off the lot depreciation," would hold value better. so wouldn't the 2008 TSX be worth more than the 2012 Camry 4 years from now?

I own a 2012 Toyota Camry SE. I've got about 11k miles on it now and so far it's been great.

yeah, it seems pretty solid.

Yes it's kind of burning money since the value decreases a lot, but you usually get a good warranty for 3+ years.

i think buying a certified used car gives warranties. a bit more expensive, but nice.

You seems to prefer the Japanese cars so maybe add Lexus CT 200 and IS 250 to the list, should fit the price range and are pretty good looking also. The fuel economy should be pretty good as well if you manage to find one with a reasonable engine.

i had the IS 250 on my list, then i chose the Acura over it since the Acura has a bit better fuel efficiency and cheaper insurance and repair parts. reliability seems same tho. i'm also trying to think of routine car costs. i don't want to go broke cause of this gift, basically.

same reasons why i crossed off Mercedes, Audi's BMW's Volvo's. don't want to get into a whole Japanese vs. European car debate here, but i'm just basing this off research at http://www.truedelta.com/ . just more expensive repairs "if" required. still... the Audi A4 is still pretty hot. and nobody said i had to keep a car if it started breaking down. hmm...

i hadn't thought of that. i don't have to eat a loss if i get a lemon and want to switch to another car...

Usually the european premium cars are way more solid to actually drive than the Japanese cars, but that just more of an personal preference. Especially if you are looking for an automatic gearbox then definitely european/american cars do way better there.

i cried a little inside when i found out the Camry doesn't come in manual.

when your going second hands, go for a german car

can you elaborate?

Since you seem to like japanese cars, I would consider a Mazda 6 aswell.
Very reliable cars, great drive and good bang for your buck.

i hadn't look at the Mazda's much, will do.

Aren't Mazda and Ford in a partnership of sorts? Considering your options I would probably go with the Camry but I think I would personally prefer if I were to buy Toyota a Prius. Have you considered the Hyundai Genesis? To me Hyundai's are improving drastically to the point were some of their cars (Sonata) bring great value at their entry point.

Prius styling really turns me off. it's a low priority, but still a priority. Same for Hyundai's. i wanted to give them a good look, but just something about the bodies looks "off" to me. i prefer clean, straight lines.

Prius styling really turns me off. it's a low priority, but still a priority. Same for Hyundai's. i wanted to give them a good look, but just something about the bodies looks "off" to me. i prefer clean, straight lines.

Considered a Prius, but I'm pretty tall (6'2'') and the leg room isn't great.

just bored...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkjAptBxe2Y

thinking really hard about Euro cars again...

About the mazda 6, i hate to drive it and the seats are really uncomfortable, realiable? yea, way better cars out there? yes (my dad actually sells mazda's and I don't like them at all). Ford's are definitely good, especially the newer focus models. Also Hyundai's should be good at least for the quality, don't have any experience with them, just gotta pick one in the newer range.

i'll take your word on the Mazda since i assume you've driven a lot of cars. but if it was a Ford Focus v Toyota Camry, which would it be? [edit: oh i see that's a price range below the Camry...]. how about Ford Fusion? that seems comparable. i want to stay in the 20-25K range. don't want to act too humble.

have you been in a 2012 Camry SE also?