Can anyone recommend a good used car for a college student? - Page 4

kelsey · 09-14-2009, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragoneye

Or maybe...and this is a stretch...how does he feel about an HHR?

I don't think he's a fan lol.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 09-14-2009, 11:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelsey

I don't think he's a fan lol.

I like it, personally, but I can't blame him.

You know, the Cobalt does seat 5...but I'm not sure how many friends he has, hehe.

MCPOAJ · 09-15-2009, 11:03 AM

why do you want an auto it's not going to feel like it has the get up and go

kelsey · 09-15-2009, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCPOAJ

why do you want an auto it's not going to feel like it has the get up and go

He doesn't know how to drive manual, and auto is more convenient for him, doing all that driving, being stuck in traffic, etc. He's more concerned about the looks, reliability, and MPG lol.

MCPOAJ · 09-16-2009, 01:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelsey

He doesn't know how to drive manual, and auto is more convenient for him, doing all that driving, being stuck in traffic, etc. He's more concerned about the looks, reliability, and MPG lol.

oh well yea i don't know why i thought he wanted quick well yea there are a TON of options for him honostly idk how much gti's are but they're nice inside get good milage and are autos

kelsey · 09-16-2009, 09:24 PM

So he decided to go with a new Cobalt. Any specific models you'd recommend? He wants the coupe, and it looks like the LS is more in his price range.

MCPOAJ · 09-16-2009, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelsey

So he decided to go with a new Cobalt. Any specific models you'd recommend? He wants the coupe, and it looks like the LS is more in his price range.

LT's are a little more "nicer" but ls's are just fine the only thing i can say is good luck really just try to get a loaded one but those aren't hard to find especially in auto.

*Mr. Wyndham* · 09-16-2009, 11:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MCPOAJ

LT's are a little more "nicer" but ls's are just fine

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelsey

So he decided to go with a new Cobalt. Any specific models you'd recommend? He wants the coupe, and it looks like the LS is more in his price range.

I have an LS...it's more than adequate for college-driving use...but it's missing things like power window and locks...those weren't important to me in a car like this. I don't know if he'd want them. If he does, you might want to jump into an LT....If he's okay with an LS, though -- just be aware it does NOT come standard with cruise control, which has become a real pain in the ass for me, since 95% of my driving is highway. I believe you can get it from the dealer as a stand-alone option. I highly reccomend you look into it, and if they do offer it, buy it.

Good luck on the purchase, and thank you for buying Chevy!

LSP2010 · 09-16-2009, 11:41 PM

Ford Pinto lol

but wat about a honda accord

kelsey · 09-17-2009, 12:24 AM

Uh oh...he's reading some reviews like on Edmunds that say the car's seats are uncomfortable and it has bad handling. Is that true? :(

*Mr. Wyndham* · 09-17-2009, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kelsey

Uh oh...he's reading some reviews like on Edmunds that say the car's seats are uncomfortable and it has bad handling. Is that true? :(

#1. Edmunds sucks.

#2. It's a compact economy car, the handling is going to be "bad" in all of them: they're tuned for comfort and compliance, and NOT sporty/handling...He needs to realize that. But I'll tell ya, despite that I have quite a bit of fun in my car...(shhh...

.)

#3. Re: seats. Go sit in one and judge the seats for yourselves. I think they're fine, but I can see how some people might consider them sorta stiff. The only way to tell is to take a trip to the dealer.

Croatcamaro2010 · 09-17-2009, 12:44 AM

i would have an s-10 pick up, cant cram into your truck, so then everyone cant make you drive, decent on gas, decent in winter, and cheap insurance

syr74 · 09-17-2009, 01:22 AM

Cobalt isn't a bad car, but with the exception of the SS model it is just basic transportation. Unless you can get one substantially cheaper than it's more accomplished rivals it isn't the best choice, as the primary virtue of the Cobalt is value for the dollar.

Of the new models available the standouts in the class are the Mazda 3 (sadly the new one does have a goofy grin on it's face), the Honda Civic (Oddly, interior room isn't as good in some respects as smaller rivals), and the VW Golf (great at everything except reliability....say it with me, 100k mile extended warranty...and she is a pricey little mynx)

Focus, Cobalt, Accent, Versa, and other represent the basic, no frills portion of the segment. Were I looking in this segment I would decide what matters most to me and then pick,

If price is your hot button the standout here is the Hyundai Accent. The South Koreans have come a long way and Accent is a decent driving little car that represents better value than do Versa, Cobalt, or Ford Focus (and I'm a Ford guy) With AC, tilt steering, and CD/MP3 the Accent stickers for just over 14k. Hyundai is advertising 1500 in rebates right now, which means you can get one for 12,805 or less....there are likely more rebates besides the one Hyundai is advertising.

If you want the best car for your money while staying in the mid to high teens price wise, which is the sweet spot for these vehicles, the best car overall is probably the Mazda 3, silly grin and all. The Mazda 3 shares a platform and most other items with the European market C1 Ford Focus, a car which isn't sold here in the US. The C1 platform is the best small car platform in existence, and it shows in the Mazda 3.

My opinion? If I were buying something in new this price range I would skip the car altogether and go for a relatively basic Ford Ranger. Sitcker price seems high, but rebates are literally huge....with A/C and an auto transmission you should be able to get into one for 12-13k relatively easily, and pickups obviously have a cool factor all, their own. Benefits? Dead nuts reliable, super simple and cheap to work on compared to anything listed above, tough as nails, and a bigger trunk than any car. Better yet, the epa rates the little truck at 24mph highway and real world fuel economy is going to get within sniffing distance of 27-28mpg highway, which ain't bad for a truck.

LSXgirl · 09-17-2009, 01:24 AM

You won't be able to get a Cobalt SS for $7k unless it's a salvage title or has a shitload of miles on it. Didn't read the other post, try to find a 2.4L sport or in 2006 and 2007 it was also called the cobalt SS. Comes with leather and the good sound system.

09-16-2009, 11:41 PM	#51
LSP2010 IM A GURL Drives: 2010/2SS Join Date: May 2009 Location: Killeen,TX Posts: 640	Ford Pinto lol but wat about a honda accord __________________ 1100, Preliminary order accepted - 13oct08 2000, Order accepted by GM ----- n/a 3000, Order acc. by P.R---------- n/a 3100, Order available to sequence- n/a 3300, Order sch. for production--- 21may09 3400, Order broadcast------------ 28may09 3800, Order produced ------------ 2jun09(2G1FT1EW8A9114199) 4000, Available to ship 4200, Shipped--------------------9june09 *ITS HERE 18JUNE09*

09-17-2009, 12:44 AM	#54
Croatcamaro2010 Drives: '10 Camaro RS 1LT Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Saint Louis Posts: 322 View My Garage	i would have an s-10 pick up, cant cram into your truck, so then everyone cant make you drive, decent on gas, decent in winter, and cheap insurance __________________ Support the CCFA and donate to my fund! http://www.active.com/donate/napa12midastl/stlNBrekal

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09-15-2009, 11:03 AM	#45
MCPOAJ Drives: LS2 FD RX7 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: NE. Posts: 664	why do you want an auto it's not going to feel like it has the get up and go

09-16-2009, 09:24 PM	#48
kelsey Drives: 2008 sonata Join Date: May 2009 Location: NY Posts: 27	So he decided to go with a new Cobalt. Any specific models you'd recommend? He wants the coupe, and it looks like the LS is more in his price range.

09-17-2009, 12:24 AM	#52
kelsey Drives: 2008 sonata Join Date: May 2009 Location: NY Posts: 27	Uh oh...he's reading some reviews like on Edmunds that say the car's seats are uncomfortable and it has bad handling. Is that true? :(

09-17-2009, 01:22 AM	#55
syr74 Account Suspended Drives: Thunderbird Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 951	Cobalt isn't a bad car, but with the exception of the SS model it is just basic transportation. Unless you can get one substantially cheaper than it's more accomplished rivals it isn't the best choice, as the primary virtue of the Cobalt is value for the dollar. Of the new models available the standouts in the class are the Mazda 3 (sadly the new one does have a goofy grin on it's face), the Honda Civic (Oddly, interior room isn't as good in some respects as smaller rivals), and the VW Golf (great at everything except reliability....say it with me, 100k mile extended warranty...and she is a pricey little mynx) Focus, Cobalt, Accent, Versa, and other represent the basic, no frills portion of the segment. Were I looking in this segment I would decide what matters most to me and then pick, If price is your hot button the standout here is the Hyundai Accent. The South Koreans have come a long way and Accent is a decent driving little car that represents better value than do Versa, Cobalt, or Ford Focus (and I'm a Ford guy) With AC, tilt steering, and CD/MP3 the Accent stickers for just over 14k. Hyundai is advertising 1500 in rebates right now, which means you can get one for 12,805 or less....there are likely more rebates besides the one Hyundai is advertising. If you want the best car for your money while staying in the mid to high teens price wise, which is the sweet spot for these vehicles, the best car overall is probably the Mazda 3, silly grin and all. The Mazda 3 shares a platform and most other items with the European market C1 Ford Focus, a car which isn't sold here in the US. The C1 platform is the best small car platform in existence, and it shows in the Mazda 3. My opinion? If I were buying something in new this price range I would skip the car altogether and go for a relatively basic Ford Ranger. Sitcker price seems high, but rebates are literally huge....with A/C and an auto transmission you should be able to get into one for 12-13k relatively easily, and pickups obviously have a cool factor all, their own. Benefits? Dead nuts reliable, super simple and cheap to work on compared to anything listed above, tough as nails, and a bigger trunk than any car. Better yet, the epa rates the little truck at 24mph highway and real world fuel economy is going to get within sniffing distance of 27-28mpg highway, which ain't bad for a truck.

09-17-2009, 01:24 AM	#56
LSXgirl Drives: turbo'd 4 banger Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: California Posts: 199 View My Garage	You won't be able to get a Cobalt SS for $7k unless it's a salvage title or has a shitload of miles on it. Didn't read the other post, try to find a 2.4L sport or in 2006 and 2007 it was also called the cobalt SS. Comes with leather and the good sound system.