Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Future new ride (long) Help me out gang :)

Hey gang, I'm beginning the process of getting a new ride. I'm planning on October or November (maybe sooner). Nothing is wrong with the Tour at all. Car runs like a top. Just, I've been with the ole girl since 97. I've modded all I want to, to get her where I want. But I love cars and I'm ready to experience something new. I'm building a list, doing a lot of web research and budget crunching. I haven't had a car payment since 2001 and that's not a bad thing.
Here's my list, and some info I've been finding out. Tell me what you guys think. Have you heard good or bad? Any insights or suggestions?

First thing, I'm going to get rims for anything I buy. I've developed mod-itis so rims are a must. Plus they set off any car. Tinted windows & perhaps upgraded exhuast are next.

1: 2004 Grand Prix GT2 or GTP. This small pic is from www.cardomain.com. The owner put rims from www.wheelmax.com on there (18's) and I'm impressed.

But this is a first year for the Grand Prix and I'm not sure of reliability. EPA HWY is 30 (for the GT2) probably 27 or 28 real world. Currently my Tour gets 23 TOPS (I have a slightly lead foot I admit, but I've never seen 25 MPG ever)

2: Mazda3. I like the looks of both the 5 door and the sedan. I'm not much for the 6, it's too "thin" in my opinion

I've read of bad rear brakes (seems they wear out faster than the fronts) and brake dust. Plus the seats are a little hard for some. But my Tour's seats hug me like a molester so I can adapt. But besides that, good reviews. but MPG isn't so amazing

3: VW GTI 1.8T

Seems this model goes through coils & windows fall off tracks all the time. Plus big doors squeak & rattle. Dealer service is rumored to be horrible as well...

4: Hyundai Tiburon GT (V6)

This car looks very good, interior is very nice. However, with sunroof, my head barely clears. I've been reading of clutches going out before 30k and even though Hyundai has 100k warranty, they don't cover clutches. Over 1k to fix if it does.. Plus back seat is useless and MPG is same as Tours

5: Ford Focus SVT

I've seen a few on the lots. I've always like the funky interior of these cars. But I'm not sure about the reliability. Anyone heard bad news on these? Plus I've had a Ford for 7 years. Maybe something new....

6: Camry Solara

These baby's do not deprciate so they're pricey. But you know Toyota. Some hate this car, others love it. I like the shape quite a bit. But I'm not sure I want to spend that much. Plus would I be the only guy in one?

7: Scion TC

This is a really good car from what I've seen. And at 16K for a nicely loaded model... I mean that's amazing. I hear it's a little thick on the road, but I've not even sat in one so I can't say. The autoshow is in March so I'll sit in one then.

I do know I want a larger interior than I have now. With my winter coat I feel like I'm a little cramped. I prefer a 4 door but room is more important.

This site is amazing for doing some research based on owners reviews. There's a lot on the Contour in there too. Seems it doesn't get too high a review...imagine that!

Well, what do you guys suggest? I know the smart thing is to run the Tour into the ground & save my money. But I want a new toy!

thanks,
N.

I personally would go with the Mazda 3 ... I like em too.

As for car review sites ... has anyone ever noticed that most owners reviews of tours all rant about the reliability of things failing ... when regular maintenance would keep it right!!!

Consumer Reports said the Mazda3 had excellent fuel economy, so I would take the claims otherwise with a grain of salt. Brakes do appear to have more problems in the first year than the average car, but is offset by much lower repair rates in other areas.

I hated how the Grand Prix drove. It's a shame when the older design is a better car (handling, fit and finish, room, comfort, and style).

I drove the Scion Tc and like you said, found the handling to be subpar. It drives like a much larger more conservative car. Headroom is also tight.

I liked the 3... I don't know what you mean about the 6 being too "thin", but the 3 has a lot going for it. Probably the nicest car for the money.

MAzda 3 or the 'Dub.

I love my Mazda3, but the brakes are strange. The rears do wear out much faster than the front, but the fronts last forever. It's got huge front brakes -- quite a bit bigger than even my Mazda6s has. It looks strange to see a car with so much brake dust on the rear wheels and none on the front.

Fuel economy, as you mentioned, isn't great. I don't care what Consumer Reports says. On the freeway at cruise (about 80-85) it gets no better mileage than my 6s gets on the freeway at the same speed -- about 27mpg. With the wife dawdling along (very slow) on her very-high-traffic freeway commute it doesn't break 30mpg.

The seats are hard, but not uncomfortable by any means. I prefer my 6 for long-trips, but I've done a number of 1000-mile trips (single-sitting) in my Mazda3 with no problems at all.

The downside of the Mazda3 is that it can get quite pricey if you're looking at the higher end. And there's usually little room for negotiation on them either. My Mazda3s cost more than my Mazda6s.

Prepare to hear everyone tell you how great the Mazda is.

I personally would side with the Focus ZX5 SVT, that is, if you can find one. If not, it would be a toss up between the 3 and tC.

-SAV

Wow, your all over the map in these choices especially with price.

A Scion TC is $17K
A used GTP is $17K
A FSVT is $10-12K
A VW 1.8T is $14K



Well and I wouldn't drive a Mazda 3, wow those cars are feminine. I was a fan of the old Protege much much more. Pontiacs interiors drive me nutz with there Satanic Orange Glow and tubular vents.

If you think the Tiburon is bad for rear seat room wait till you see a TC, hadroom is the worst.

So my vote:
FSVT - 5dr I prefer Blue or Silver.
MSP
VW

Tiburons have such a gorgeous interior as well so they are definitely worth the test drive. I love me a Solara but only in a 'vert!

<------ Waits for the SN95 Mustang fan boys to give this as an option