<p>I will be graduating in May with a mechanical engineering degree. I am looking around for a good car to get as my first vehicle. I am leaning towards brand new vehicles since I have never had a new car in my entire life and I plan on keeping my new car for many years. A cousin of mine says that I must get a decent car in order to keep up a professional appearance. It let’s people know that I have a good career, make a decent income, and I am spending my money in the way that I should be spending it. My brother bought a 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX last year and I am looking at getting the same thing. Does anyone have any opinions on whether or not the Sonata is a good enough car for a 23 year old college graduate to give off a professional image? Personally, I am more concerned about comfort and the longevity of the car. My cousin is the one touting the professional image thing. I could afford a more expensive car on a 50k+/year salary but I also have 40 grand in school loans to pay off. The Sonata is near the top of my price range.</p>
<p>Do you already have a job? See what others in your field are driving… a “professional image” car is more for your bankers, lawyers, and salesmen who are trying to somehow impress people people on a daily basis or at least build confidence in their potential clients. Do engineers impress potential clients with their image, or their smarts? Not that having a good car is not respectable, but is going all out on your car that necessary? You may be able to get away with a cheaper automobile, pay off your student loans quicker, and save up a nice chunk of change, and have no repercussions on your career movement. So, essentially what I’m saying, is do some research…check out what other mechanical engineers at your place of employment are driving to work.</p>
<p>Toyotas, Hondas, etc, have a better record for being low-maint. and long-lasting.</p>
<p>I would worry about paying off your student loans before getting an expensive car just to impress others. A new used car may be a good idea for you, if money is a factor and you still want something “professional.”</p>
<p>I’d have to say the camry or accord</p>
<p>Many of my fellow engineers drive vehicles that are a minimum of eight years old and have at least 150K miles on them. Some favor sports cars, others go for the economy boxes. The prestige factor (among engineers, anyway) comes from doing all your own maintenance and keeping the car operating in better than original condition.</p>
<p>Get what you like and can afford. It’s better to have a car that you’re happy with than on you buy to impress others.
Plus, the whole “professional looking car” thing is very subjective!</p>
<p>go for the golf gti. then upgrade it…tint windows, lower it, HUGE stereo,black rims, blacked out taillights,etc…well thats what i am going to do once i go to college.</p>
<p>I say get a classic mustang or t-bird for 10-20g because they’ll never depreciate and will always look good and they’re pretty simple to repair (but they can need more repairs if you pick a lemon)</p>
<p>I drive a 1996 toyota corolla, im still in HS but I can vouch for toyta’s quality, reliability, and overall good condition of the car. I laugh when I see people who spent thousands on thier car.</p>
<p>Toyota engines are rock solid, that’s all I have to say… a neighbor had a 1979 toyota rust bucket with 350,000 miles on it, and the engine still ran like a charm, but the body finally caved in…so he sold the engine for $50.00.</p>
<p>50??? :eek:</p>
<p>The more I think about it I may just get a Sonata that is used, such as a 2004 or 2005 model. It really depends on the deal. If I can’t save a significant amount, I might as well just pay a little extra for a brand new car.<br>
Right now I am driving a 1995 Pontiac mini-van with 142,000 miles on it. No major engine problems (no warranty either) but I want to downsize to a car and I want a vehicle that has a new feel to it. My mom bought a 2001 Hyundai XG300 with 50,000 miles for just under $11,000. She got $3000 off of that due to a trade-in. I suppose that would be a good deal.</p>