Finally bought a new car...

[a.kitman]

uhmm i would be very surprised if your plows do a better job then ours. and its not about freedom in any way.

[Bugs ****ing Bunny]

And this is why you can't get a woman.

Man, this post's got a big old bullseye painted all across it.

[Imran Siddiqui]

they arent required during winter conditions in the us?

In most of the US, winter isn't that bad to require snow tires. I've never used them, for one.

[-Jrabbit]

Specs and price, please.

What do you need to know? It's a base model with automatic transmission and no other options. It's considered a midsize, but it's got more interior space than a Camry or Accord.

2011 Mazda6 iSport
2.5 liter, 4 cylinder, 16 valve engine: 170HP, 167 ft-lb torque
MPG 31 hwy/22 city
5-speed automatic w/manual shift mode
4-wheel disc brakes/antilock (ABS)
dynamic stability control, traction control

MSRP: $21,785 (incl. destination)
Paid: $17,570 (after negotiation/rebates/incentives)

I buy new and drive 'em for a decade or more, so I don't worry about resale value. Similarly, I got a new 2011 instead of a 2012 because they are basically the same car, but the MSRP is about $300 lower and Mazda had an extra $1,000 in rebates (vs 2012) in order to get them off their lots.

I also really liked the Hyundai Sonata (190 HP, more standard amenities), but it would have cost me a couple thousand more, since there were no rebates. I tried the Mazda3, but it's just not built for someone 6ft-2in. Interestingly, the smaller Hyundais (Elantra, Veloster) accommodate me just fine. Another car that was very fun to drive: Suzuki Kizashi. Great performance but sadly, poor mileage. Cars that failed the test drive metric: Ford Fusion (OK on the road but terrible control layout), Chevy Cruze (very touchy handling, struggles noticeably on hills). Chevy Malibu was surprisingly nice on the road, much better handling than I expected - just a bit boring.

Verdict after 2 days, 150+ miles; highway, city and suburbs: I love this car!

[Al B. Sure!]

150 miles in two days? Where are you driving? Somewhere for the holidays?

[MRT144]

Man, this post's got a big old bullseye painted all across it.

It's like dynamiting fish in a barrel.

[a.kitman]

In most of the US, winter isn't that bad to require snow tires. I've never used them, for one.

yeah i can understand that. but what about alaska and your other northen states like minnesota? how about canada are snow tires required there? just curious.

[Donegeal]

It depends on the car.

The Kelly Blue Book value of a 2011 RAV4 (the one as I've configured it) driven off the lot is $30K. The MSRP is $31855 for the same.

Mind you, the RAV4 essentially is in a league of its own for resale value. A 2006 with 75,000 miles on it and same options has a resale value of about $20,000.

Sorry. This is still crazy. $30K for a car? Does it give blowjobs everytime you drive it? For that price, I'd get 3 cars and get 30 years of driving out of them.

[Al B. Sure!]

Donegeal, why you hating on Jrabbit and his new whip?

[Al B. Sure!]

I tried the Mazda3, but it's just not built for someone 6ft-2in.

You know, I never thought about that but you're right that that is something to consider. A shame 6'2" (which is not tall at all; I'm 6'2") can be too tall for some cars.

[Donegeal]

I'm not hating on anybody. It's a nice car. So is the one Asher is talking about. I just think the dick waving contest when it comes to cars is ridiculous. I see so many people with their priorities in the wrong order just so they can have an expensive car. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a Domestic Abuse call only to pull up to a trailer with a Lexus parked outside.

[Al B. Sure!]

I'm not hating on anybody. It's a nice car. So is the one Asher is talking about. I just think the dick waving contest when it comes to cars is ridiculous. I see so many people with their priorities in the wrong order just so they can have an expensive car. I can't tell you how many times I've gone to a Domestic Abuse call only to pull up to a trailer with a Lexus parked outside.

That is true.

You can't parking lot pimp with a nice house, though

[Asher]

Land of the Free.

Most places have laws that restrict the freedom of one person when their actions endanger the lives of others.

[Asher]

Sorry. This is still crazy. $30K for a car? Does it give blowjobs everytime you drive it? For that price, I'd get 3 cars and get 30 years of driving out of them.

Some people like to slum it. If I did, I'd move to the US and take a low paying job.

$30K for a car isn't even close to absurd. If it is, you chose the wrong field to work in.

FWIW, I don't like extravagant cars. I work with people my age who make less than me and drive BMW 5-series cars. For some people it's about image.

I bought the Rav4 for winter driving, which your "$10K/10 year car" would likely fail miserably at up here.
My day-to-day car is a 2004 Mazda 3...hardly extravagant.

Anyone who bought a Rav4 or Mazda6 for "dick-waving" is a monumental idiot.

For "dick-waving" cars, look at the gaudy and useless Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, etc.

[Asher]

I'm not hating on anybody. It's a nice car. So is the one Asher is talking about. I just think the dick waving contest when it comes to cars is ridiculous.

The only dick-waving I've seen in this thread is from you.