[blue2fire]

I know for a fact that 27k is achievable for a TSX. It already comes with most 3 Series options except navigation for that money, bargain. If your friend thinks the TSX is palatable, it is perfect as a cruiser. Not too sporty but much better off for it.

As for the interior, there is a ton of difference in everything to touch, see and feel between Honda and Acura. Plus, they don't scrimp on options like leather, heated seats Xenon's and premium stereos.

[abisson]

I personally have a GTI of my own (21 years old). I absolutely love it.

My parents have had over 10 VW products over the last 16 years, and only one was terrible, and old passat full of electronics back when they were built in Mexico. The new GTI are built in Germany btw.

Anyways, I was also looking for around a ~25-30k car and the GTI was the best imo. Best interior in its class, good performance (even better with a APR chip for 500$), good looking and cheap.

Would recommend.

[mtla4]

Originally Posted by abisson

I personally have a GTI of my own (21 years old). I absolutely love it.

My parents have had over 10 VW products over the last 16 years, and only one was terrible, and old passat full of electronics back when they were built in Mexico. The new GTI are built in Germany btw.

Anyways, I was also looking for around a ~25-30k car and the GTI was the best imo. Best interior in its class, good performance (even better with a APR chip for 500$), good looking and cheap.

Would recommend.

As far as I know no Passat were built in Mexico....btw the B3 passat was a shitbox, B4 terrible, B5 was average, B6 is good.

I just received my GTI yesterday and I'm impressed as my daily/winter/grocery it's amazing. Pretty quick too.

[Bunkei]

Originally Posted by wj4

A friend is looking at a new car (meaning no pre owned here, fellas). He wants an automatic, Bluetooth, navi, HID. Speed isn't really a priority. And of course reliability, and is somewhat moderate when it comes to maintenance.

(taken from caranddriver.com)

... The entry model will be the Optima LX with the same six-speed manual transmission and 2.4-liter engine as the base Sonata. For $19,690 you get an audio system with USB, auxiliary, and Bluetooth connections, plus satellite radio; power windows and locks; dual, chrome-tipped exhaust finishers; a cooled glove box; 16-inch steel wheels; and six airbags. Equipping the LX with a six-speed automatic transmission requires $21,190, and adds 16-inch alloy wheels and cruise control to the equipment list. The next step up is the $23,190 EX trim, yielding 17-inch wheels, fog lights, leather seats with eight-way power adjustments for the driver, climate control, and keyless ignition.

For the power-hungry, the Optima EX Turbo and SX models come equipped with the 274-hp, turbocharged 2.0-liter engine from the Sonata Turbo. The former, starting at $25,190, wears bigger disc brakes than naturally aspirated models, a different grille, and wood and metal interior accents. The $26,690 SX is the zenith of the Optima lineup, expanding on the EX Turbo’s equipment with 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, HID headlights, LED taillights, wheel-mounted paddle shifters for the automatic transmission, carbon-fiber interior trim pieces, metal pedals, and illuminated door sill plates.

Fully loaded, incl. everything above + Navi + backup Camera + premium sound + heated/cool front + heated rear seats = $30,840 according to Kia's site. Kia/Hyundai's reliability has been top notch in recent years, and no one matches their warranty.

Definitely worth checking out ...

[abisson]

Holy jesus...

That's hot.