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Low End Sedans (under $16k)

3871 messages,  Last post on Dec 30, 2011 at 10:54 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota ECHO, Chevrolet Aveo, Kia Rio, Nissan Sentra, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Kia Spectra, Suzuki Forenza, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 387

#1 of 3871 The beginning by tazereli

May 22, 2001 (9:35 am)

I opened this discussion to compare lower end cars from all the major ountries that sell cars here in States.

#2 of 3871 low end? by fangio2

May 22, 2001 (8:55 pm)

What price range did you have in mind?

#3 of 3871 by merc1

May 22, 2001 (11:44 pm)

Well there is only true "low-end" Euro car, that being VW, as far as price is concerned.
 
M

#4 of 3871 merc1 -I never thought about that before by fangio2

May 23, 2001 (8:02 am)

but I guess you are right.I wonder why no other European car has been successful here.In Europe,Renault,Fiat,Peugeot etc are plentiful in this segment of the market.
The VW really isn't inexpensive,like the Accents,Lanos,Rios,EsteemsFocus and GM j-body cars.It seems the European manufacturers have abandoned us -in this market here.
At the low end it would seem the Koreans have the most to offer.They certainly have a lock under $10,000.

#5 of 3871 by tazereli

May 23, 2001 (9:25 am)

I meant to include that the cars should be under $20K. For the sake of argument however I wanted to include VW's offerings here. Perhaps a better title would have been "who makes the best compact cars" or something like that. I want to take price out of the equasion because people should debate the cars not the price. This is a completly open forum so any compact car sold here as of today (5.23.01) may be included. I hope this clears up any confusion

#6 of 3871 fangio by mmcbride1

May 23, 2001 (12:19 pm)

If I had to guess, I'd say it's the low profit margins on these cars that keeps most Euro. competition out. You figure they have to build them (using the high labor rates in Europe), and then ship them here. Most people buying cars in this segment are very price conscious. That extra $1-2000 could be a deal-breaker on a car that the mfg. doesn't make much on to begin with.

#7 of 3871 TAZERELI by fangio2

May 23, 2001 (6:23 pm)

I think its hard to remove price as a factor.A lot of people select from this market because of price.
In my case $20,000 was the limit,I was going to spend.I had started with the idea of a Gllant with the 6 cyl engine.A good friend had a 95 Diamante and I really liked that car.I also looked at Honda LX and EX models 4s and 6s.The Toyota Altima and Camry were also considerations.
All the cars were pretty good.The HONDA LX 4cyl was the least interesting to me.I was hoping to get leather and the Accord with this option was too expensive.iI found the styling ok,but not too exciting.
The Camry 4cyl seemed more responsive;everything else about equal to the Accord.I was just not comfortable in the car,don't know why.The Gallant was a disappointment.I guess,I expected a small Diamante.Overall quality seemed lower the the Accord or Camry.The Gallant 4cyl was the smoothest of the 4s,though.
The cost of these cars with 6 cyl motors and the features I wanted was over $20,000.I did't consider VW because of cost and reports from people who owned then.Nothing real bad just more then I wanted to be bothered with.
I was on my way to the KIA dealer.I had read a review on the Optima-loaded with a 6 for around $20,000.I had never ever considered a Korean car before.A friend had owned 2 in the late 80's and early 90's.Seemed like he was getting new engines every month(Hyundai).But ,the 100,000 mile warranty helped me overcome my reservations.
On the way we passed a DAEWOO dealer.I confused it with DAHATSUI-a friend had had a Charade and really liked it -so I stopped.The KIA dealer was about a half mile up the road.
To make a long story longer ,I bought a DAEWOO.The car had every option I wanted and more.The car has a 4cyl motor,but is quick in the city and great on the highway.In fact, the only thingI would change is the tires.It has KUMHO tires,a Korean brand-h rated.I've always liked Goodyear Tiger Paws-smooth ride.For under $15,000 it is unbeatable.
 Given the state of DAEWOOS finances its somewhat of a gamble.BUT,the engine is a Holden motor(GM) and the transmission is a Toyota design,so maintenance should be no big deal.

#8 of 3871 fangio2 by merc1

May 23, 2001 (9:56 pm)

Yeah they (Europeans) have given up on the lower end of the market here. Even VW has luxury car plans/aspirations now, of which I don't really think will work, nor do I fully understand with Audi being their luxury brand.
 
M

#9 of 3871 Low end = less than $20,000?? by majorthomecho

May 24, 2001 (5:37 am)

What is this world coming to when less than $20,000 is considered the low end. $20,000 is a pretty expensive low end car.
 
In my mind, a low end car would sell for $13,000 or under.
 
America, Europe, and Japan (except for Toyota's Echo and some Suzuki offerings) have virtually conceded this market segment to the Koreans.

#10 of 3871 by merc1

May 28, 2001 (10:15 am)

The Japanese just don't make the money in the "lower" category anymore, or at least not as much as they would like to make. If the Toyota Echo doesn't do it this time Toyota will most likely give it up too and stick with the larger more profitable Corolla as their "entry-level" car. Nissan and Honda have left this segment and the Koreans are eating it up at moment. It's hard to build a car for 13K nowadays.
 
M

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