Evaluation Of Cars For Me
Prepared for: Me and Me only
By: Andrew Coleman
Table of Contents
Introduction. 1
Scope. 1
Evaluation. 1
Item 1. 1
Item 2. 2
Item 3. 3
Conclusion. 4
References. 4
List of Figures
Figure 1. 2005 Subaru Wrx Figure 2. 2005 Mazda 3 Figure 3. 3gen 4Runner
Introduction
1
In this evaluation report I will run through 3 cars that I think are the best cars for me. However I
need to narrow it down to one car. I will use the 2005 Subaru WRX, 2005 Mazda 3 , and a 3 gen
Toyota 4 Runner. All of the cars I will be evaluating will have low miles, cost will also be
included in my evaluation.
Scope
My criteria will be cost of repair and upgrade cost for upgrades I will compare quality suspension
parts, fuel economy, and how affordable the car is for my projected lifestyle.
Evaluation
Repair & Upgrade Costs
2005 Subaru WRX
The annual cost of maintenance for this Subaru is 600-700$. Parts range depending on quality
and availability. I will most likely be upgrading this car so I will focus on the more expensive
parts. New coil overs for the Subaru would cost $500 without installation but with a lifetime
warranty. Other parts can vary in cost with some parts costing upwards of $5000.
2005 Mazda 3
Average maintenance and repair would cost around $1200 a year on average. If I were to buy
this car I don't think I would invest in many expensive upgrades. Mostly esthetic upgrades max
cost $500 total.
3gen 4Runner
Average cost of maintenance and repair is about $556. I have owned one before they are low
maintenance bulletproof vehicles. I am considering buying another for the summer I will be
moving to Alaska to work. I think the inexpensiveness and cheap parts may come in handy. A
quality lift kit with coil overs would cost around $850 double the cost for the Subaru.
2
Fuel Economy
2005 Subaru WRX
The Subaru gets ok gas mileage at up to 20 city / 27 highway. This is not bad but it could but
better I need to take this into account because I am broke and fuel in not cheap.
2005 Mazda 3
The Mazda gets better gas mileage than both of the other cars at up to 28 city / 35 highway.
This could be huge considering I do a good bit of commuting everyday and every weekend.
3gen 4Runner
The 4Runner gets the worst gas mileage at up to 18 city / 23 highway. That being said it was
never a town car and I can't expect it to get great gas mileage.
3
Why The Car Fits College Needs
My projected life style for the next 4 years will be fast and broke I will live in denver in 2 years
and will be doing lots of computing.
Subaru WRX
The average used 2005 Subaru WRX will cost the interested party $5000-$10,000 this may
seem like a hefty price tag but Subarus hold their value extremely well.
Mazda 3
The Mazda will not hinder your budget the average used Mazda 3 will cost you $2000-$4000.
This car is cheaper and gets better fuel economy. That being said, it is a slow mom car so do
we really expect more.
4Runner
The average used 3gen 4Runner will cost you 1500-8000. With a wide range of cost and low
average gas mileage you might ask yourself why buy one. Well they are tanks, the car will run
forever with close to no problems. They are very reliable.
Conclusion
4
In conclusion after comparing all of the cars in cost and to my life; I think the best car would be
the Subaru WRX. It is a fast little car that gets ok gas mileage. Sure the Mazda 3 has more fuel
efficiency but it also cost more to maintain and is harder to work on. I will be doing a lot of work
on my car solo so I need a relatively simple car to work on as well. Over all the Subaru fits my
needs very well and I think It will make the perfect college car.
References
Car Value
Detailed Car Information
