Looking to buy first car. Recc one under 15k

Andrewc2232 · Jul 27, 2009

If you don't mind buying a rebadged Nissan, these can be had for dirt cheap and are very reliable, have excellently appointed interiors, and have a decent amount of performance if you're looking for it. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...%3A1|72%3A2148 http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2004-...%3A1|72%3A2148 I've had an '01 I30t since '03 and have spent about $1200 on repairs total. Simple, relatively classy car that doesn't break the bank. G35 would be another option but expect to pay a decent penny more.

jimjames · Jul 31, 2009

I'd recommend looking at an 2003-2004 Infiniti M45. That was before the recent styling change. You can usually pick them up with mileage between 25-60K miles for around $15K maybe a little over and higher mileage models for under $15k.

All the ones I've seen have been in great condition because they were lease returns and even though Infiniti's have good reliability records - they depreciate a lot the first few years.

The M45 is a v8 so it's not going to get great gas mileage and it's rear wheel drive...which may be a problem if it snows a lot in your area.

Timeless Fashion · Aug 10, 2009

From what I hear, what people drive in Southern California is different from the rest of the country. I am not in the age bracket as OP nor have I ever lived in Southern California, so I can't really comment on what's a cool car to drive to impress your friends/girls as a college/grad student.

If you make good money and can afford it, purchasing European imports or Japanese luxury cars is fine. However if you are student with limited income, I would have to say that a boring but reliable Japanese car from Honda, Toyota, Nissan or Mazda would be a good option for under 15K.

username79 · Aug 10, 2009

How about a 2010 BMW M5 with a manual?

Rambo · Aug 10, 2009

Originally Posted by username79

How about a 2010 BMW M5 with a manual?

username79 · Aug 10, 2009

Originally Posted by Rambo

Yes, I agree, it is a bit underpowered for a first car.

Rambo · Aug 10, 2009

Originally Posted by username79

Yes, I agree, it is a bit underpowered for a first car.

Dashaansafin · Aug 10, 2009

Originally Posted by SField

Why someone on a budget, with little income, would want to own a luxury car defies the imagination. You don't have money but are attempting to create the appearance of it. This is something a person from New Jersey would do. Be intelligent and buy something sensible that comes in under budget. Don't spend on a second hand luxury car that can easily turn into a litany of liabilities for you. Leave luxury purchases for when it would actually make sense financially, and by extension, when you wouldn't look like a douchebag poser for having one.

Spot on.

ConcernedParent · Aug 11, 2009

As things turn out, I do not have a secured parking space for the next year so it looks like it would make more economic sense to not get a car period. With that said I've decided to buy a bike for when I really do need to get around. Thanks anyways guys.

username79 · Aug 12, 2009

Originally Posted by ConcernedParent

As things turn out, I do not have a secured parking space for the next year so it looks like it would make more economic sense to not get a car period. With that said I've decided to buy a bike for when I really do need to get around. Thanks anyways guys.

Cool, bike recommendation:

johnapril · Aug 12, 2009

Honda Fit

username79 · Aug 12, 2009

Originally Posted by johnapril

Honda Fit

v0rtex · Aug 23, 2009

We just bought an '09 Hyundai Sonata from our local dealer which came in at under 15k. Had a few thousand miles on the clock which made it "used", but it's essentially a new car minus the ridiculous depreciation. Decent mileage (28-30mpg), USB/iPod hookups, warranty etc.

Looked at a ton of other cars (we originally wanted a VW) and originally had no intention of buying a new/nearly new car, but we really liked the Sonata and it beat out everything else we looked at in the price range.

Doubt it's much of a ***** magnet, but there's not much in that price range that is...

Edit: Performance sucks as it's a 4-cyl. Gas mileage is great though (25-35mpg). It's a comfortable drive at 100mph, but you'll have aged a bit by the time it gets up there.

Looking to buy first car. Recc one under 15k

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