Oji needs a new set of wheels.

[Ojisan]

Okay, so I have this sleep disorder shit that's ****ing up my senior year, but since I only need one credit and my transcript and SAT score will shoo me in to any college, I'm getting my Gov/Eco credit at the drop-out school and am going to take off until next fall to learn to drive and work. So I need a car.

I kind of want to go new on a car in the 15k ~ 20k range and have narrowed it down to these three options:

Pontiac G5 GT (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/pontiac/g5/100743972/photos.html#)

My grandfather was a hardcore mechanic, dragster, and Pontiac enthusist (back when Pontiac actually made its own engines). My mother ruled the Irving streets back in the 70s in her 74 Trans Am, and still to this day races around in her 2002 Firehawk. Tradition has it in our family that the first car is always a Pontiac. So this is the option being stressed on me. Honestly, I like the car. It's large enough and nicely styled, but the fact that Pontiac is now just another GM badge, sharing most of its cars with other divisions (Chevy Cobalt in this case) pushes my biases behind in favor of looking for a better buy. I do like the sporty styling, but the fact I've been around 300+ horsepower rear-wheel beasts my whole life makes the whole Boy Racer and Tuner Car image a total puss-fest. Between Pontiac bias and objective reasoning, I would be totally happy with this choice, but I think there's more to be had on the objective side, despite this being the best in terms of MPG.


Volkswagon Rabbit (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/volkswagen/rabbit/100777969/photos.html)

Haha, I probably wouldn't be nearly as enthusiatic about this car if it were still named Golf. I'd love to pride in the fact I drove a "Rabbit". But supurb naming aside, I recognize this as the best value. I love just about everything about it aswell as it being the cheapest of the bunch. The hatchback will give me some extra versatility, and the overall quality of build is higher than my other two choices. It's also the mid-point of MPG.


Dodge Caliber R/T (http://www.edmunds.com/new/2007/dodge/caliber/100792476/photos.html)

This little SUV/Car looking thing caught my eye as something I could see myself in. I see this as the most versatile in terms of lugging shit around and fitting in more people semi-comfortably. What sucks is, going from the 1.8 litre to the 2.4 litre gives the car a much needed 24 hp and 40 ft/lbs of torque at the cost of about 4 mpg, making this the biggest gas consumer at a still decent 23/26 mark.


While my dragster spirit isn't going to be satiated by these slow-ass entry level cars, I still find them attractive and solid choices for a first car until that 2008 GTO comes out on the Zeta-platform. I just felt like writing out this out and getting some second opinions.

[Milkymagic]

Good luck with that sleeping bullshit (doesn't sound fun), and hopefully your school situation stays a prominent course (yeah, I sound like a Hallmark).

I'd go with the Volkswagon Rabbit, being I'm not too fussy, as long as point A to point B is obtainable. But in your shoes, I would think the Pontiac G5 GT would make the finest choice, as it seems to put in a great perfomance (though so does the Rabbit). Of course, all it seems like I did was pull a "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" 50/50 option. Or in this case, 2/3.

But I'm no expert on automobiles, just judging by the information and what I presently know about vehicles. Hope that helps.

[Ojisan]

Heh, thanks for that.

I really should have put a poll. Not that it would ultimately sway my opinon, I just want to see what people here think of the three cars.

[Griveton]

The Volkswagen will give you the best run for your money, frankly. The CVT version of the Caliber is cool, but in general, I don't have too big an opinion on that vehicle.

The Pontiac seems like what you should get - due to tradition - and seems to have a decent value.

I'd say is a toss-up between those two. The Rabbit will give you a much better value (and I like the look of it) if you only consider hard numbers... but what's the value of love? :p

[soundchazer]

The Volkswagen cars are like tanks... it would take driving in Iraq before they break down.

I owned 3 different ones (Rabbit v.1, Golf and Jetta), and none of them ever let me down.

[Ojisan]

The more I think about it, the more I like the Rabbit, but at the same time, I hate to break tradition. BAH.

I even had a long conversation today with my VW loving sculpture teacher, (we've been making fun of him for just buying an effeminate New Beetle, he's even been trying to convert the included flower vase into a more masculine, telescoping cell phone holder, heh) and it really started to make me lean toward the Volkswagen.

[Barrelhaven]

Dodge Caliber -> Soccer mom minivan.
Volkswagen Rabbit -> Chick car.
Pontiac G5 -> Chick magnet.

Out of those 3, I'd go with the Pontiac. But personally, I'd pass on all of them and just hold out for that GTO. Hitchhike in the mean time.

Also, when I was sorta thinking about getting a new car last year, I was looking into the Scion tc. It might be worth it to take a peek. http://www.scion.com/showroom/tc/gallery/

So what kinda sleeping disorder do you have? Are you having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or staying awake? If it's the first one, you should try some melatonin pills. They're perfectly safe dietary supplement, and you can buy 'em over the counter at your local CVS. It's supposed to help restore your natural sleeping cycle (light/dark cycle).

[soundchazer]

So what kinda sleeping disorder do you have? Are you having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or staying awake? If it's the first one, you should try some melatonin pills. They're perfectly safe dietary supplement, and you can buy 'em over the counter at your local CVS. It's supposed to help restore your natural sleeping cycle (light/dark cycle).

A shot of tequila will have the same effect plus he will be happier. Well... that or some hawt steamy sex session. Or both... ;)

[Tyrdium]

So what kinda sleeping disorder do you have? Are you having difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or staying awake? If it's the first one, you should try some melatonin pills. They're perfectly safe dietary supplement, and you can buy 'em over the counter at your local CVS. It's supposed to help restore your natural sleeping cycle (light/dark cycle).No. Ask a doctor before you take medicine. Even if it's over the counter (unless it's Advil or something for a headache or whatever). Just send your doctor an email asking, "is this a good idea?".

[Erigion]

You need the GTI, the 200 HP version of the Rabbit.

You even get a free guitar!

<.<

But yea, if you're only planning on keeping this new car for a few years until you get the '08 GTO then I'd go with the cheapest one, which happens to be the Rabbit and it also seems to be the best value.

[soundchazer]

No. Ask a doctor before you take medicine. Even if it's over the counter (unless it's Advil or something for a headache or whatever). Just send your doctor an email asking, "is this a good idea?".

JUst for the record, Melatonin is a natural compound produced by the body to trigger your need to go to sleep, or in other words... keep the cyrcadian rythm aligned properly. In itself, it is completely non-toxic and safe for general consumption.

I would only advise against it if you have an over sensitive immune system, since the melatonin stimulates it or if you have low blood pressure or blood flow.

I have used it before, and it has helped somewhat, although my main sleeping problems have not been associated by a lack of an urge to go to sleep.

Oh... and Ojisan: do not drive your brand new Rabbitt after taking the pills since they will nake you sleepy!

[Tyrdium]

JUst for the record, Melatonin is a natural compound produced by the body to trigger your need to go to sleep, or in other words... keep the cyrcadian rythm aligned properly. In itself, it is completely non-toxic and safe for general consumption.Adrenalin is also a natural compound produced by the body. Adrenaline overdose can kill you. "Natural" does not mean "safe".

[soundchazer]

Adrenalin is also a natural compound produced by the body. Adrenaline overdose can kill you. "Natural" does not mean "safe".

What part of "In itself, it is completely non-toxic and safe for general consumption" are you not understanding? PLus seriously... even drinking too much milk can cause you problems. ANYTHING consumed in excess can kill you.

This suplement is quite safe under normal conditions.


Edit: And I can assure you Advil, which is your definition of a safe medication is far more damaging to the body than melatonin is.

Edit 2: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-melatonin.html

General: Based on available studies and clinical use, melatonin is generally regarded as safe in recommended doses for short-term use. Available trials report that overall adverse effects are not significantly more common with melatonin than placebo (20;21;18). However, case reports raise concerns about risks of blood clotting abnormalities (particularly in patients taking warfarin), increased risk of seizure, and disorientation with overdose.

Advil side effects: http://www.drugs.com/advil.html

can increase your risk of life-threatening heart or circulation problems, including heart attack or stroke. This risk will increase the longer you use Advil. Do not use Advil just before or after having heart bypass surgery (also called coronary artery bypass graft, or CABG).

Seek emergency medical help if you have symptoms of heart or circulation problems, such as chest pain, weakness, shortness of breath, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance.

Advil can also increase your risk of serious effects on the stomach or intestines, including bleeding or perforation (forming of a hole). These conditions can be fatal and gastrointestinal effects can occur without warning at any time while you are taking Advil. Older adults may have an even greater risk of these serious gastrointestinal side effects.

Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms of bleeding in your stomach or intestines. This includes black, bloody, or tarry stools, or coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Do not take more of this medication than is recommended. An overdose of Advil can cause damage to your stomach or intestines. The maximum amount of Advil for adults is 800 milligrams per dose or 3200 mg per day (4 maximum doses). Use only the smallest amount of Advil needed to get relief from your pain, swelling, or fever. Take Advil with food or milk to lessen stomach upset. Do not use any other over-the-counter cold, pain, or menstrual symptom medication without first asking your doctor or pharmacist. Advil is contained in many medicines available over the counter. If you take certain products together you may accidentally take too much Advil. Read the label of any other medicine you are using to see if it contains Advil. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Advil. If you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages a day, Advil may increase your risk of stomach bleeding. Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Advil can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result. Use a sunscreen (minimum SPF 15) and wear protective clothing if you must be out in the sun.

Seriously, Barrelhaven's sugestion is fairly safe, but only works if you have problems falling asleep. If the problem derivated from other type of disorder, it won't help much.

[Milkymagic]

PLus seriously... even drinking too much milk can cause you problems. ANYTHING consumed in excess can kill you.


So can consuming too much "Milky"

BEWARE!

Yuk-yuk-yuk!

[soundchazer]

So can consuming too much "Milky"

BEWARE!

Yuk-yuk-yuk!

:proll:

that was funny in a goofy sort of way.

http://forum.rscnet.org/images/smilies/bananallama.gif

[Tyrdium]

This suplement is quite safe under normal conditions.For short-term use, sure. This sounds very much like it's meant for long-term use. "A headache" tends to be rather short-term. I put in Advil to mean, "you probably don't need to ask your doctor if you're just taking it once or twice", not to mean that Advil is safe.

[soundchazer]

Not really Tyrdium. A lot of sleeping disorders can be corrected fairly easily if you are brought into a regular sleeping pattern.

Melatonin is just one of many options to help induce that pattern. It is a much better and safer alternative to strong medicines like valium, which are addictive and may become a crutch for people having problem sleeping.

For the record... short term in melatonin is not once or twice, but a week or two.

[Tyrdium]

For the record... short term in melatonin is not once or twice, but a week or two.Right. I meant short-term for Advil. It obviously varies according to the drug. Melatonin is clearly safer than stronger drugs, but that doesn't mean it's safe.

[Ojisan]

Actually, it is a circadian rhythm problem, probably delayed sleep phase syndrome if not non-24 hour sleep-wake syndrome, and I did buy some OTC melatonin despite reading in many places to consult a doctor first.

Problem is, it gave me horrible diarrhea the next day, so I've been too paranoid to try it again :(

At this point, being as it is I actually prefer night, I'm just going to try to adapt. Out of high school, college, and working, high school is the only one impossible to hold a 4 to 12 schedule, so I'm taking my economics online and am finishing school at mid-term in January to start working nightshift and pay for this car.

@Eri - The GTI would be awesome, but... want to give me the extra 7k?

@Barrel - The Caliber is actually smallish and more car sized than it appears in pics, so I wouldn't call it minivan-ish, but it is the ugliest. And while the Rabbit may be more "cute" and chick-ish, some girls like guys with cute things. :D

[Arkaine Deao]

Melatonin works, my little brother and I can both vouch for that, but as with any drug, a doctor should always be consulted before taking it. The best thing I liked when I was on it is the fact that it forms absolutely no physical addiction. I am not on it anymore, and I never got the shakes. Of course, a psychological addiction is always possible... just be careful, whatever you do.

[Barrelhaven]

To Tyrdium: Like SC and Deao said, melatonin is a pretty safe bet for people having difficulty falling asleep. I wouldn't be so irresponsible as to recommend something that I didn't research before hand or that I thought to be dangerous. I also talked to a med student I know who also happens to be an insomniac. She's pretty well versed in the area, and recommended melatonin as a safe option to handle relatively mild sleeping difficulties. It's always a good idea to get a professional's opinion before hand, but melatonin really isn't that big of a deal at all.

If anything, it should actually be healthier for you than detrimental, since its also an anti-oxidant, I believe.

To Oji: Bad break on the diarrhea, but are you sure it wasn't related to something else you may have eaten? I think stomach problems might've been a possible side effect, but I don't recall ever having that issue.

And yeah, those Calibers look pretty horrible. Doesn't seem like there'll be many chicks running after you and hanging off the bumper, while your cruising around in that thing. On the other hand...it does look pretty spacious in the back to be a possible shag wagon. :humping:

[Neo-Hunter]

eh, i don't know about the sleep thing but for the car are you going to need space? then go with the dodge a little pricy on gas if not go with the rabbit!

[Milkymagic]

Actually, it is a circadian rhythm problem, probably delayed sleep phase syndrome if not non-24 hour sleep-wake syndrome, and I did buy some OTC melatonin despite reading in many places to consult a doctor first.

Problem is, it gave me horrible diarrhea the next day, so I've been too paranoid to try it again :(

At this point, being as it is I actually prefer night, I'm just going to try to adapt. Out of high school, college, and working, high school is the only one impossible to hold a 4 to 12 schedule, so I'm taking my economics online and am finishing school at mid-term in January to start working nightshift and pay for this car.

Damn! I've had problems with meds so I know how it goes, hopefully you manage through that ordeal. Of course, I would like some of those pills so I can play pranks on my friends whenever they get sick. j/k!

Good luck with the night shift, being I also work it at the moment, and keep up the school plan/car money plannings. Sounds like you can make it through this!

[Ghostmaster]

I'm into cars. So personally I would get a Volkswagon, but then the dodge is a little bigger. I like Volkswagon, good security a lot of safety features. I do remember the rabbit haha.