Looking at new Daily Drivers...need help

juicedz

juicedz

Forum Member
I need to replace my current daily driver. It's a 2003 Toyota Corolla S with 126,000 miles on it :bsjerk: It gets about 30mpg but has more faults to it than cons at the moment. I do a lot of gigs with a band I'm in and need more space. I've been considering taking out a loan for a new vehicle around the $10,000-$15,000 range. Here's what I would like to pick up if I can. Any thoughts?

2006-2010 Mazda 3 hatchback: newer vehicle with low mileage, reliable, sporty looks, but enough space?

2000-2006 GMC 2500HD Duramax: going to be high mileage but I LOVE this truck and it's a diesel, they last forever right?

2004-2009 VW Sportswagon TDI: going to be high mileage but it gets 40-50mpg and looks good. Again it's a diesel

2006-2008 Dodge Magnum r/t: Has plenty of power, space, and good looks. However, I'm worried about reliability and tierod issues with this model.
 
What about a new Focus. With the current offers I believe you can Buy a new one for less than $300 a month. Granted it wont be a loaded Platinum or ST but still a good dependable vehicle none the less.
 
NEVER own a German car out of warranty. Also, VW's require a good mechanic who doesn't work for the dealership.

Of those choices, go with the GMC, you won't loose much in value, the others, well......
 
I recently had a base Focus as a loaner and it did the job! Surprisingly nice little car. Just had a Fiesta too and was equally pleased although it may be on the small side for you. The latest small Ford cars have a lot for the money IMO.
 
juicedz said:
I need to replace my current daily driver. It's a 2003 Toyota Corolla S with 126,000 miles on it :bsjerk: It gets about 30mpg but has more faults to it than cons at the moment. I do a lot of gigs with a band I'm in and need more space. I've been considering taking out a loan for a new vehicle around the $10,000-$15,000 range. Here's what I would like to pick up if I can. Any thoughts?

2006-2010 Mazda 3 hatchback: newer vehicle with low mileage, reliable, sporty looks, but enough space?

2000-2006 GMC 2500HD Duramax: going to be high mileage but I LOVE this truck and it's a diesel, they last forever right?

2004-2009 VW Sportswagon TDI: going to be high mileage but it gets 40-50mpg and looks good. Again it's a diesel

2006-2008 Dodge Magnum r/t: Has plenty of power, space, and good looks. However, I'm worried about reliability and tierod issues with this model.
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How about an escalade esv. Plenty of room for your equipment
 
We like our Ford Flex, but mileage isn't the hottest. Our Pontiac Vibe held more than my old A4 Avant as well, but it's the same thing you already own (Corolla).
 
I've owned 2 diesel trucks prior to my SS and don't think I'd buy one again unless I was routinely towing something that was 7000+ pounds or I could afford a brand new one just to be able to buy one. Everything costs more. EVERYTHING. Oil changes, fuel filters, fuel, tires will cost more than a half ton, etc. They do have incredible towing power and do hold their value extremely well, however todays gas engines in trucks hold their own for most people.
 
I wouldn't worry about reliability issues on the magnum aside from the noisy front suspension which you've already discovered.
 
DSG SNAKE said:
I wouldn't worry about reliability issues on the magnum aside from the noisy front suspension which you've already discovered.
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You do realize that Chrysler makes that? all bets are off at anytime. Could be the best car ever made, or the wire harness might almost catch fire, LOL.
 
Not sure exactly how much room you need. I have a Focus ZX5 and it's got decent room with the back folded for a hatch. Good gas mileage with the duratec 2.0 and mine's a 5 speed. I'd suggest looking into them. Wheel bearings are the only downside I hear.
 
347convert said:
You do realize that Chrysler makes that? all bets are off at anytime. Could be the best car ever made, or the wire harness might almost catch fire, LOL.
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Yes, I sure do. I'm on my third L-platform car, a 300 SRT8. None of them have been problematic.
 
DSG SNAKE said:
Yes, I sure do. I'm on my third L-platform car, a 300 SRT8. None of them have been problematic.
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It doesnt eat brakes and waste front control arm bushings? I had a buddy lease a 300 and I had to do brakes twice and bushings before he turned it in. I dont remember the exact year and they could have updated them since then. I remembered the brakes would go about 20k and the bushingsa where less then 50k miles.
 
347convert said:
focus wagon stick shift!
Awesome MPG, Plenty of room, and cheap to fix.
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I was actually very close to buying one. Test drove a 2012 and loved the hatchback design. Problem is the 5 speed is impossible to find & there have been complaints with their new designed automatic transmission. I think they made less than 10% of focuses in a 5-speed & they only came in he base se model. Which I would actually prefer the base model because all of the electronic ammenities end up breaking anyways.
 
I would run from that Volkswagen. Wife had a 2004 Jetta diesel when we met. When it hit about 200,000 km (yea it was Canadian), it seemed like we had to fix something every month. And the last winter we had it it got really hard to start. Stay away!

-Geoff
 
Click here -->2007 Saab9-5 Aero w-69k miles - $9,900 OBO. You won't find a more well equipped, lower mileage car for the price. Of all the cars I have owned, it is easily one of my favorites. Also, I just put a brand new throttle body on it so that takes care of one of main issues they are known for (throttle position sensor issues - unfortunately integrated into the TB).
 
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