New car suggestions/help: 25k max w/options

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 08:23 PM

Hey Guys,
I'm getting a car for my girlfriend for xmas and my budget is 25k. She's never had a brand new car in her life, so I want it to be brand new (used cars aren't an option). The only thing that's kind of girly but cool at the same time is the new 2011 Mini Coopers (the cooper s's are too much though when optioned out).

So, right now though my top choice is a 2011 Mini Cooper hatchback. Are there any comparable cars out there at this price range that are better than the new Minis?

Thanks,
Matt

fyi - she's 21 so no need for family vehicles, just something fun (it has to be an automatic though)

blackE90 · 11-18-2010, 08:55 PM

What about a VW GTI?

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 09:06 PM

I thought of it and went to build one online, and it has too much of a boy racer feel to it. Remember this is for a 21 year old girl so things like VW GTI's and Civic SI's are out of the question (because the meaningless extra power is pointless and they are too boyish looking).

Seminole · 11-18-2010, 09:24 PM

Mazda 3 GT
New Jetta
Golf TDI
Ford Fusion
Suzuki Kizashi

All really nice handling cars and can be had either loaded (Jetta, TDI, M3) or very well equipped (Fusion, Kizashi) for 25K

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 09:28 PM

^ thanks bro for the sugestions.. i'll look into a couple of those

mdosu · 11-18-2010, 09:46 PM

wow, $25k for a gift? Why not just buy her a ring, it'll be cheaper!

Marcumac · 11-18-2010, 09:57 PM

I think pictures of the girl would help

I think you have the right idea with the Mini Cooper though. Hyundia Genesis Coupe, Mazda 3, Honda Fit, dare I say...Prius? Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Beetle.

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdosu

wow, $25k for a gift? Why not just buy her a ring, it'll be cheaper!

lol i don't want to buy her a ring yet.. we've been together 4 years, but i want to get married in ~2-3 years... so just a car for now (which is much more useable than a big diamond ring)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marcumac

I think pictures of the girl would help

I think you have the right idea with the Mini Cooper though. Hyundia Genesis Coupe, Mazda 3, Honda Fit, dare I say...Prius? Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Beetle.

lol no pics of my girl allowed on here.. yea i think mini is the best choice, although maybe a prius... i'll look into them too (didn't think of them)

and my girlfriend (as with myself) is kind of a "brand whore" of sorts, where a mini sounds way better than a hyundai or mazda, etc...

cuban335i · 11-18-2010, 10:33 PM

ehh just checked out the prius's and the cheapest one is 26k with the 2k option of nav that you can't unchoose... they definitely don't look as fun as a mini either.. scratch that lol

MarkR171 · 11-18-2010, 11:05 PM

Fiat 500?

Supposed to be starting sales in America next month from an article I read 2 days ago. $15,500 USD base price. I guarantee these things will be trendy, and being an Italian car, perfect for a young brand whore!

Year's_End · 11-19-2010, 12:09 AM

Not trying to be in any way, but you're not even married and you're buying her a car? Are you guys engaged at least? Anyways, the Fiat 500 would be an awesome choice, as would a Mini or even a Hyundai Sonata (got to kick the Hyundai image to the curb; they make good shit now).

The MkVI Golf is an excellent car, but it is more masculine looking now. The new Jetta might be up her alley.

M3_WC · 11-19-2010, 12:09 AM

Yes, Fiat 500

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/l...slers-hip-new/

hl0m4n · 11-19-2010, 12:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cuban335i

lol i don't want to buy her a ring yet.. we've been together 4 years, but i want to get married in ~2-3 years... so just a car for now (which is much more useable than a big diamond ring)

lol no pics of my girl allowed on here.. yea i think mini is the best choice, although maybe a prius... i'll look into them too (didn't think of them)

and my girlfriend (as with myself) is kind of a "brand whore" of sorts, where a mini sounds way better than a hyundai or mazda, etc...

im assuming your 21 also? dating 4 years sets you back at 17; are you guys high school sweet hearts

?

i think you answered your own question, and out of the bunch mini def sounds the way to go, gl to say the least

.

b0bab0i · 11-19-2010, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

im assuming your 21 also? dating 4 years sets you back at 17 how you guys were high school sweet hearts

?

i think you answered your own question, and out of the bunch mini def sounds the way to go, gl to say the least

.

Maybe he's a bit older? 2-3 years give or take?

koreez88 · 11-19-2010, 02:11 AM

Wait, aren't you 21? It's a bit large of a commitment to buy a 25k present for a gf at that age.

Artmasterx · 11-19-2010, 02:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Yes, Fiat 500

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/l...slers-hip-new/

+1

My wife though that were very cool (and cute), ever since she saw the 500 Abarth on Top Gear. I assume they would throw a automatic transmission in some US-bound cars. I don't know if you could get one in time for Christmas though, there may be a waiting list initially.

http://www.fiatusa.com/en/build_your_own.html

Kit523 · 11-19-2010, 03:43 AM

I think GTI would fit her better

Silver-Bolt · 11-19-2010, 09:04 AM

The new VW Jetta starts at $15900.

ragingclue · 11-19-2010, 09:33 AM

My recommendation would be the Fiesta.... It comes with some nice options well below $25k.

michaelthepsycho · 11-19-2010, 09:55 AM

VW Beetle

Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5L (very torquey and great CVT)

Mazdaspeed3

128i (a stripper at invoice is pretty close to $25k)

cuban335i · 11-19-2010, 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by koreez88

Wait, aren't you 21? It's a bit large of a commitment to buy a 25k present for a gf at that age.

yea it's a pretty big commitment but it'll be under my name just in case. And we live together, so it pretty much will be an extra car for me as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by hl0m4n

im assuming your 21 also? dating 4 years sets you back at 17; are you guys high school sweet hearts

?

i think you answered your own question, and out of the bunch mini def sounds the way to go, gl to say the least

.

lol yes we're highschool sweethearts. we've lived together over 2 years now, so I'd think by now i'd know if i want to stay with her lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3_WC

Yes, Fiat 500

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/l...slers-hip-new/

good idea! although kind of small, i'm going to check it out.

Quote:

Originally Posted by michaelthepsycho

VW Beetle

Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5L (very torquey and great CVT)

Mazdaspeed3

128i (a stripper at invoice is pretty close to $25k)

I'll check out that 128i idea of yours. That's a pretty good idea.

Thanks guys for the suggestions.. all of them really give me something to think about now.

TK-421 · 11-19-2010, 11:27 AM

Holy shit a Fiat 500 would be great. The new Jetta looks really nice as well

11-18-2010, 08:23 PM	#1
cuban335i Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,550 Posts Drives: 535i xdrive Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ iTrader: (18)	New car suggestions/help: 25k max w/options Hey Guys, I'm getting a car for my girlfriend for xmas and my budget is 25k. She's never had a brand new car in her life, so I want it to be brand new (used cars aren't an option). The only thing that's kind of girly but cool at the same time is the new 2011 Mini Coopers (the cooper s's are too much though when optioned out). So, right now though my top choice is a 2011 Mini Cooper hatchback. Are there any comparable cars out there at this price range that are better than the new Minis? Thanks, Matt fyi - she's 21 so no need for family vehicles, just something fun (it has to be an automatic though) __________________ Current: '13 F10 535i xDrive - lightly modded for now Previous: '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded
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11-18-2010, 08:55 PM	#2
blackE90 Private First Class 17 Rep 148 Posts Drives: sp blk 330i Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: east coast iTrader: (0)	What about a VW GTI?
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11-18-2010, 09:06 PM	#3
cuban335i Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,550 Posts Drives: 535i xdrive Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ iTrader: (18)	I thought of it and went to build one online, and it has too much of a boy racer feel to it. Remember this is for a 21 year old girl so things like VW GTI's and Civic SI's are out of the question (because the meaningless extra power is pointless and they are too boyish looking). __________________ Current: '13 F10 535i xDrive - lightly modded for now Previous: '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded
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11-18-2010, 09:24 PM	#4
Seminole Colonel 448 Rep 2,032 Posts Drives: Red Flyer Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: 38.8977° N, 77.0366° W iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 E90 328i [7.00]	Mazda 3 GT New Jetta Golf TDI Ford Fusion Suzuki Kizashi All really nice handling cars and can be had either loaded (Jetta, TDI, M3) or very well equipped (Fusion, Kizashi) for 25K __________________
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11-18-2010, 09:28 PM	#5
cuban335i Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,550 Posts Drives: 535i xdrive Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ iTrader: (18)	^ thanks bro for the sugestions.. i'll look into a couple of those __________________ Current: '13 F10 535i xDrive - lightly modded for now Previous: '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded
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11-18-2010, 09:46 PM	#6
mdosu Banned 314 Rep 8,496 Posts Drives: Double Vanos'd Civic-M3 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: San Francisco iTrader: (6)	wow, $25k for a gift? Why not just buy her a ring, it'll be cheaper!
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11-18-2010, 09:57 PM	#7
Marcumac Lieutenant Colonel 67 Rep 1,543 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Cincinnati iTrader: (6) Garage List 2014 BMW M235i [0.00]	I think pictures of the girl would help I think you have the right idea with the Mini Cooper though. Hyundia Genesis Coupe, Mazda 3, Honda Fit, dare I say...Prius? Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, Beetle.
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11-18-2010, 10:33 PM	#9
cuban335i Brigadier General 229 Rep 3,550 Posts Drives: 535i xdrive Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: central NJ iTrader: (18)	ehh just checked out the prius's and the cheapest one is 26k with the 2k option of nav that you can't unchoose... they definitely don't look as fun as a mini either.. scratch that lol __________________ Current: '13 F10 535i xDrive - lightly modded for now Previous: '12 e92 M3 Melbourne Red/Bamboo - ADV.1 ADV10, Volk TE37SL, OSS, Innotech F1, Arkym, iND '09 e92 335i Alpine White/Saddle Brown - fully modded
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11-18-2010, 11:05 PM	#10
MarkR171 Lieutenant Colonel 102 Rep 1,552 Posts Drives: '19 M2C \| '20 100AE ND2 Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Phx, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW M2C [0.00]	Fiat 500? Supposed to be starting sales in America next month from an article I read 2 days ago. $15,500 USD base price. I guarantee these things will be trendy, and being an Italian car, perfect for a young brand whore! __________________ 2019 M2C - Alpine White - 6MT 2023 Supra 6MT - Deposit and Wait
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11-19-2010, 12:09 AM	#11
Year's_End Lieutenant General 1138 Rep 12,444 Posts Drives: 2020 Shelby GT350 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	Not trying to be in any way, but you're not even married and you're buying her a car? Are you guys engaged at least? Anyways, the Fiat 500 would be an awesome choice, as would a Mini or even a Hyundai Sonata (got to kick the Hyundai image to the curb; they make good shit now). The MkVI Golf is an excellent car, but it is more masculine looking now. The new Jetta might be up her alley. __________________ Past: '08 E92 335i\|ZPP\|ZSP\|6AT Past: '15 Mustang GT\|401A\|PP\|6MT Current: '20 Shelby GT350\|6MT
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11-19-2010, 12:09 AM	#12
M3_WC Brigadier General 1040 Rep 3,622 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Yes, Fiat 500 http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/17/l...slers-hip-new/
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11-19-2010, 02:11 AM	#15
koreez88 Всем привет ;) 146 Rep 3,358 Posts Drives: Tesla Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (12)	Wait, aren't you 21? It's a bit large of a commitment to buy a 25k present for a gf at that age.
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11-19-2010, 03:43 AM	#17
Kit523 Major General 375 Rep 7,076 Posts Drives: F80 M3/FK8/C63S Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: B.C. Vancouver iTrader: (27)	I think GTI would fit her better
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11-19-2010, 09:04 AM	#18
Silver-Bolt Captain 26 Rep 805 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 35is Melbourne Red Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Portland, OR iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 Z4 35is [9.00]	The new VW Jetta starts at $15900.
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11-19-2010, 09:33 AM	#19
ragingclue One cam is enough 130 Rep 6,801 Posts Drives: VF Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: mulletville iTrader: (1)	My recommendation would be the Fiesta.... It comes with some nice options well below $25k.
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11-19-2010, 09:55 AM	#20
michaelthepsycho Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,644 Posts Drives: 11 Montego Blue E90 335i Step Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA iTrader: (4)	VW Beetle Nissan Altima Coupe 2.5L (very torquey and great CVT) Mazdaspeed3 128i (a stripper at invoice is pretty close to $25k) __________________ Former car 2011 BMW 335i Step - Montego Blue / Chestnut Brown
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11-19-2010, 11:27 AM	#22
TK-421 Registered Sex Offender 573 Rep 4,759 Posts Drives: E46 M3 \| 1JZ S13 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Holy shit a Fiat 500 would be great. The new Jetta looks really nice as well __________________ Stop putting stuff like painted reflectors and premium package in your signature. You're embarrassing.
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