[letmelogin]

Ok, here's my situation... I currently own a '93 3.4L V6 Camaro, and a 1996 Suzuki Bandit 600 (motorcycle). The Camaro's been a bit of a maintenance pig, and it's just not a great car for me, uncomfortable to get in and out of, low mileage (around 15 city, even worse in the winter), and rear wheel drive is pretty nasty in the winter as well.

The motorcycle I've had for 2 years, and have enjoyed. No problems with it beyond normal maintenance. That said, I do have ~$400-600 worth of maintenance I have to do on it if I'm going to keep it.

Basically, I'm leaning towards selling both, hoping to get ~$4,000 for both of them combined, and throw in another $1,000 for a down payment for a $5,000 total down payment on a new(to me) vehicle, and save money for payments.

I'd like to keep it around the $15,000 mark or so. I'm also thinking I'd probably be keeping this car for a decent amount of time, maybe 10+ years. So, I'd like to get something that's at least fairly practical, and gets decent mileage, and has low maintenance needs/costs. However I find myself struggling between practicality, and getting something I want/that's fun... I realize right now, I probably *should* go for pure practicality as I'll be going into my last year of college next year, and I'll be able to get another "fun" vehicle later on down the line, whether it's another motorcycle, car, or both. This will actually be the first car I've purchased as the Camaro was handed down through the family, although the bike I bought myself.


At earliest, I'll be making the move at the end of summer/beginning of fall, when they're trying to get rid of of the 2010 models to make room for the 2011's. I *might* also wait until I graduate next year, but I'm thinking it really would be nice to have something besides the Camaro in the winter, especially for my bi-weekly 30 mile each way commutes.


So, here's the list I've currently thrown together of the vehicles I'm considering:

Cars under consideration (trying to stay around $15,000):

New, or used later than 2007:

Honda Accord (coupe, maybe V6 if used)
Honda Civic (coupe, maybe Si if used)
Honda Fit (most practical, but probably ugliest)
Ford Focus (newer, less ugly model, maybe coupe)
Ford Fusion
Mazda 3
Nissan Sentra
Subaru Impreza (base model)

VW Jetta



Older(~2002-2006), higher end used:
Acura RSX (I've heard these have transmission issues)

Acura TL
Acura TSX
Audi A4 Quattro (probably just 1.8 V4)
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution (2004-2005)

Subaru WRX STi (2004-2005)(Both this and the Evo are probably moderately maintenance heavy/costly, and don't get good mileage, I've also heard about gas leaks in the STI's in very cold whether around 20-30 F, which is definitely does get down to here in the winter)


The logical/ration part of my brain says "get the Honda Fit" as it's the most practical, good storage capacity highest mileage, etc and I've heard they're very well balanced and actually fun to drive and it would be a good beater/winter car when I get something nicer down the line... However, my ego says, "Hell no, that's a mini mini-van right there, you'll be giving up your man-card if you get one."


My parents did get a very good deal on a new Honda Accord back in 2007 at a dealer around us... Got it brand new for $15,000 (MSRP was $21,000) because someone else backed out on it... The same salesperson is still around and might be able to cut me a decent deal on a Honda there.


I think I'd have to say, if I were to narrow it down more, it'd be between the Fit, Civic (coupe), Accord (coupe), and Impreza... The Impreza largely due to AWD, and their safety reputation.