[RESOLVED] New car.

Well, I finally talked my 97 Dodge Stratus into running again this weekend, but I don't trust the thing, and I'm looking to trade it in. Here's the top 3 choices I'm looking at, and I'd appreciate feedback from anyone who owns/drives any of these models.

1) Mitsubishi Eclipse 3000GT - decent gas mileage, lots of speed and power, and it looks sweet. Most expensive of the 3, and would probably be an arm and a leg to insure, since I'm a 22 year old male.

2) Volkswagen Jetta - I've heard lots of nice things about it, and it seems to have a lot of room for such a small car. Gets better gas mileage, and wouldn't be as much to insure.

3) Toyota Echo - AWESOME gas mileage (40-45 mpg), and I can get one with all the options I want for about 13.5K. The only bad thing is it looks kinda stupid, and since it's a completely new model, finding parts could be a pain, if anything should go wrong.

Thanks for any input anyone can offer.

Mitsubishi Eclipse my brother owned one ... he loved it .. his wife made him get rid of it .. he says hed still wants one again

Go with the 3000GT. There are a few examples imported down here, and like you said, decent milage, and power to burn (our pursuit police are told not to bother chasing them...) Lovely looking too, but I can only hazard a guess at what insurance would cost.

The Echo's scare me. I think they are made like origami, out of a big sheet of aluminum, have a look at one after an accident, then think twice.

Good luck dude.

If you think you can afford it, go with the 3000GT. After all, you only live once....

Hey Cobra,

As a 22 year old male living in New Jersey insurance scares the S*** out of me. So while the 3000GT is a sweet car I would have to recommend the Jetta. My friend just got one and he's basically broke. The car looks sweet and handles nicely, don't know what color you are looking at but black with some tint looks good.

As an Eclipse owner, I have often lusted after my car's Big Brother. If you can afford it, buy the 3000GT. However, for less money and lower ins. you could pick up a '96-'99 Mistubishi Eclipse GSX. This car has just about everything the 3000GT has except high HP. The GSX is stock 210hp, with All-wheel Drive. Plus there is a huge after market performance parts that can be used to increase the already potent GSX. And the GSX can be found for cheaper than the Jetta. Although the jetta might have lower ins.

Cobra,
Here's what I would do:

1) Test drive each of the cars you're interested in. Don't limit yourself to the three cars you have listed - look at Honda's, Mazda's, etc... I drive a '99 Honda Civic (one of the safest cars in it's class), and get 30MPG around town, 40 Highway. It doesn't have that much power (106HP), but is VERY easy to drive...

2) Check with your insurance agent what it'd cost for insurance. The Mitsubishi, with more power, may cost a lot more than the other cars.

3) I wouldn't trade in my old car - dealers typically take the trade value off the sticker price of the new car. Selling your old car yourself may save you money.

That's my .02

Cobra have you seen the new Suberu WRX, they are more like the jetta but with the turbo power and all weel drive! They are sharp. But of course I cant afford one :-( sill paying on the old truck.

the jetta or the eclipse, i'd go eclipse though

Go with the Eclipse, it is a much better car, plus the Jetta is such a Yuppie mobile. I have a Dodge Avenger but I am thinking about getting a Mustang or a Firebird.

It would depend on who is buying. If it's your parents, get them to put up the money for the 3000GT then buy a used Toyota Supra, with the newer body style. I don't know much about cars, but I love that Supra. Thinking of getting one myself. The Nissan 300Twin Turbo is also really, really fast.

I personally prefer the VW for style/freeway driving, but for Cobra, it's all about the aftermarket! Look at the MODs you will want to do for cost/ease of install/style etc.
Also- echo the post about the civic--super reliable, very nice, neutral video-game handling (i have a 96 civic lx which is totally dreamy, though tyhe ex with v-tech engine would be preferred) - also if you can get a civic SI those are the dope.

Hey Cobra,

I'd look into the Civic Coupe HX. It has a V-tecE (E Stands for Economy) motor. It gets about the same mileage as the Echo and is friendly on the insurance. I just personally picked up a new Accord EX-L ($20,600)last month. I love thing. It gives me about 27 mpg even if I'm driving like a nut.

Of the cars on the list. I'd go with the Jetta. It's sensible and not too bulky. One of the other posts refered to the Jetta as a Yuppie class. I agree all the way but it's a good car and it'll have you driving around town with a good impression. If you're thinking "toy" go with the 3000GT for the upgradability. If you're thinking nice but still economical think Jetta or Civic! What ever decision you make BE HAPPY WITH IT!

I think you should get a car that is like your name :)

Shelby Cobra :) :) :)

Now that is a car!!!!!

No, Darren, I want to a car that I will own. Not a car that will own me. :)