First car final choice!

[NewlyCarCrazy]

I have just got the word this weekend will be gametime for buying a new car for college. I have two choices the mazda3 hatch or the 04 mustang coupe. I will need the car for college and general driving. Both cars are new. I have complied a list here. Please help! I would love anybody's opinion. I have to live with this choice for at least four years!

04 Mustang Base Coupe Manual

Strengths:
More Horsepower
Much Cheaper (4000$ due to rebates and last model year)
"fun" factor
Better exterior styling (IMHO)
Dependable engine
Tested design
Safety Marks

Low points:
Back seat
resale value

05 Mazda3 Hatchback Manual

Strengths:
Slightly better gas efficiency
Better ergonomics
More Utility
Cheaper Insurance
Safety Marks

Low Points:
New model
Unknown dependability
Price

[Jimmy Buffit]

"I have to live with this choice for at least four years!"

Your life is just full of fustrating decisions, isn't?

Get a 97 Accord. Get it detailed and spend about $1200 on tires and a pro "tune-up".

Write your parents a 'bogus' check for the phenomemol difference! How cool do you need to be?

Think about it...

Jim

[gbackus]

Originally posted by Jimmy Buffit
How cool do you need to be?


HA! When were you last on a college campus? Image is everything, drink Sprite :)

Just kidding, but seriously, I agree, get a used car. My first car was used and when it was totaled(not my fault, I was rear ended at an angle when some guy lost control in the rain) my parents wanted to help me get a new a car. I got an '03 Mustang GT. I am seriously regretting that decision because insurance *****, gas mileage is terrible, and whenever I go somewhere questionable I end up driving the family beater truck. Keeping that in mind, of your two choices I would recomend the Mazda. The Mustang is not a good choice if you are traveling as there's just not much room, and we college kids tend to end up living in our cars for the most part :)

[RamAirV1]

I vote for the Mustang! It's cheaper so that offsets the fuel efficiency advantage of the Mazda. Plus there is nothing wrong with choosing a car based on the fun factor. Plus you'll have less breakdowns than with a used car. And if the stang should break down, you have a warranty. If you have an opportunity to get a new car, I say go for it!

Just because you're a college student doesn't mean you have to drive a used car.

RamAirV1

[NewlyCarCrazy]

Ahh the race is not over yet! I still have what I call the "parental movement factor" which is basically getting my dad to stop whining about salesmen and just go to the lot. We have an ad with this car's vin so they can't pull anything!!!