What car / truck would you buy if you spent $20k - $25k?

[BrianSD_42]

Hi,

I have been dreaming about buying a used a Lexus 250IS. I know it isn't the best Lexus or the fastest && my buddy called it a "chick car" but I think they look pretty good.

There one for sale in Orange County:

$23,000 | 2008 | Lexus 250IS | White Pearl | 30,000 miles | Auto Transmission.

I do NOT have $25,000 but I do get $500+ / month in milage cash. If I wasn't so worried about the economy I would buy one and sell my 2001 Camry. A 60 month loan on the Lexus would be $400 per month + my insurance would go up.

The Camry is worth $7500 here in CA, I owe exactly $7000 and am making payments at $300 / month.

The main reason I am not willing to buy the Lexus is because I don't want to borrow money on a car I am not sure I will keep. I might go back to school next year, I have been thinking about it. If I do I will want to keep my payments low.

I am also worried about the world economy collapsing. As far as my job goes I make good money and can afford $400 / month.

-- Cool story I know --


What would you buy in the $20 - $25 range? (car or truck)


:vader:

 

[awdjunkies]

I may be stuck in my old ways but, for 23k.. Man that can buy you a GD STI(04-07) or maybe even a GR (08-11, but more in the $ range of an 08-09). You knew this was coming, an evo VIII- X(Depending on mileage of course).

Now if your quest is to find something a little more upscale than your boy racer image, may I suggest an Audi (B6)S4: AWD/340hp/6sp/ Manual Tranny/ awesome sounding V8. What's not to love???

Speaking of luxury vehicles, $23k buys you an E46 M3. There are tons of choices out there, it just depends on what your search/criteria is.

 

[Thai]

Brian...your passion for the economy is spoiling your lust!!

There is one thing you forgot...maintenance cost!! Unless you plan on doing the maintenance yourself, Lexus dealerships are uber expensive for even oil changes!! You gotta pay for that nice waiting area and loaner car service! Even an independent shop will charge you a lot.

For me, my next car will likely be a mini-SUV. My off-roading days are over with...i have come to that realization! Not practical where i live. I need AWD simply because my job requires that i make it in regardless of conditions. Even though we don't get snow, we get lots of rain...and here in TEXAS, everyone drives a big arse truck or SUV...so, i need more cushion and weight in my vehicles around here! And because fuel prices are unknown, i need to keep engine size (and vehicle weight for that matter) down. Maybe the next gen Subaru Forester? RAV4 (next gen)? I have been eyeing the upcoming Mercedes GLK diesel...but you guys know my fear about buying a luxury car!:dammit:

Sorry for rambling...but, yeah, for $25k, the IS250 is pretty nice...but the backseat (or lack of) is a deal killer for me! BMW/Audi after warranty = nightmare! How about a Honda S2000? Yeah, no backseat, but tons of fun without having your friends calling it a chick car or always having to look up to big brother (aka IS350).

 

[BrianSD_42]

good point Thai but i have that covered. The same place I take my truck works on Lexus vehicles also.

They are an "everything Toyota" specialty shop and only charge $75/hr

 

[Thai]

Nice...so, how much for an oil change?

 

[BrianSD_42]

$29 including the Toyota filter. It might be a few bucks more for a Lexus oil change I have asked.

I go to "The Truck Shop" in San Diego.

 

[Thai]

Wow...that is pretty cheap!! Acura dealer service costs around $35 without tire rotation...we go to Discount Tire for free tire rotation.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Yeah they have pretty good rates. what i like best is that it is a privately owned business and the owner / shop head is there everyday.

 

[Dusty Driftwood]

I have to agree that is kind of a chick car, but maybe that's because my (female) neighbor drives one. For $25K I think there are better options for me. I'd probably look at a couple different vehicles for my wife since the 4Runner is mine and I also have a 2011 F-150 as my work truck.
I would like something with all wheel drive for her when it snows so she doesn't have to drive her Accord or risk messing up the 4Runner. I'd probably look at an 09 or newer Outback or Forester, Impreza WRX or maybe a Rav4. But in all reality, I'm happy with our car situation right now. So, if I really had $25k (free money) I'd probably just save it.

 

[034RUNNER]

I like that Lexus a LOT. If I didn't live where it snows, I would daily a fun, but practical car probably. IF you're thinking of new only, well then I just have no idea.

Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe (should be under $20k, '05+)
BMW M3 (E46 - stay away from the SMG tranny)
Corvette (z06 is possible)
GTO ('05)
CTS-V ('06+)

A few others that are the same types of cars. The Lexus is probably what I would go with if I needed something very practical though. They have a great look and should be problem free.

 

[Hepar]

Before I bought my 3rd gen, I budgeted about $20-25k for a new vehicle. I was dead set on finding a 3rd gen, but if I couldn't find one in a year or so, I was going to buy a new FJ.

 

[BrianSD_42]

034Runner,

I would buy a used one, hopefully with less than 50k miles.

The cars you listed are great but not in the same class as the Lexus 250IS. The 250 is not very fast or sport but it does get pretty great mpg and looks great.

I am not looking for a sport car just something used luxury with good MPG.

I would buy the Lexus with a loan:50cal: but I'm afraid of commitment, especially to the banks. I have the credit and could finance @ 3.99%

 

[Lineman]

A hot rod for sure. Old Camaro, Chevelle, Olds 442, Cutlass, misc.

I especially like the 80, 81 Z28

 

[Clemsonfan15]

A newer Tundra. Throw a lift and tires on it and maybe some bumpers.

OR

2003 Mustang. Cams, 305 tires, exhaust, etc...

 

[Mark86]

I have had an IS for a loaner multiple times and they are tiny/low to the ground. The 250 did not feel very quick either. As for the prices at Lexus, I don't find them that different from the Toyota dealer. The only reason I service my truck at Toyota is I get a loaner car.

What type of vehicle are you looking for? Do you want a sports car, another SUV, etc?? If I had that budget, I would buy a Wrangler or Mustang.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

A hot rod for sure. Old Camaro, Chevelle, Olds 442, Cutlass, misc.

I especially like the 80, 81 Z28

Looks great but the Z28 was only rated @190hp with the auto and 165hp with a 4 speed so your average Civic will be admiring your nice looking car as they pass you by. With most V8 cars produced from '75 til the mid '80s need an engine swap.

Plus unless you got a bit of cash a bank isn't going to finance a classic car.

 

[JohnsD90]

Prolly a series 2a/3, or a defender.

 

[nated05]

Funny thing, I saw the title of this thread and the first car I thought of was a IS250. I always liked the way they look however i have never driven one. I also like the RX330-350, I tried to get my wife to test drive one before we bought her Rav, but she refused. Her exact quote "we are not Lexus people", she is a teacher at a private grade school so maybe she was afraid of what poeple might think.

 

[BrianSD_42]

I'm also really attracted to the S2000. I bet i could find a nice cherry one for that price.

 

[t4r4life]

toyota corolla type ae86 red top 16v 4age jdm motor