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Sedans Low End Sedans (under $16k)
3820 messages, Last post on Nov 24, 2008 at 9:45 AM
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it would be the Versa or a 2009 Fit. The current 2008 Fit isn't in that list because the current model, which was introduced in Asia around 2000 if I recollect correctly, suffers from being a little too small and twitchy on the highway. It's a true "B" car (size category = mini, not compact) and suffers from some of the B car shortcomings, like not dealing with the freeway well. The Versa, on the other hand, is a "supersize me" "B" car which blurs the differences between minis and compacts. Heck, the Versa is more spacious than my 2004 VW Golf was! Read the preview Edmunds has on the 2009 Fit for a detailed list of the 2008's shortcomings. Everything that is to be improved on the 2009 is, in fact, a real (substantive, not cosmetic) deficiency on the 2008 Fit. Don't get me wrong, the 2008 Fit is head and shoulders above the 2004 Scion xA I once had (much better ride, quieter, less buzzy, incredibly better safety gear and better crash resuls) BUT the Versa can be a lot cheaper if you shop right and has a lot more room and is a lot better on the freeway. My Versa was about 3,000 less than my Fit and it includes cruise control, floor mats, and mud flaps, while my Fit doesn't (but my fit has power windows and door locks). Of course the Versa is a dull economy car (in most people's eyes) while the Fit is a trend-setting premium micro with some cachet (in many people's eyes) so you have to weigh that as well. Apart from a guest star appearance on Heroes, the Versa hasn't made much of a splash in either pop culture or car enthusiast culture, which is a shame, because it excels at affordable high-end mediocrity.  The Versa "satisfices" me - only roll up windows and manual door locks, but it has the much more important power mirrors (so I don't have to reach across or outside the cabin); no side air bags or ABS, but it has the much more critical side curtain airbags; the Versa doesn't brag about it's features, but it has an excellent stock radio/cd player with fine sound, a solid cargo cover while the Fit has none (or an optional "window shade" style cargo cover), and a six speed manual transmission; no "sex appeal" with the Versa but it substitutes well, in terms of freeway stability and quiet, for the former Chevy Impala we had, when I have to take long road trips - and let's face it, the Impala didn't have any "sizzle" either. The kid in me loves the FTD factor (fun to drive factor) of the Fit much more than the Versa, but hey, I doubt your grandparents are as much of a kid as me (despite my chronological age I am still very much the kid in love with autos, inside) and I doubt your grandparents will be able to endure the shortcomings of the Fit, even if they VERY rarely drive it long freeway distances. So have them take a look at the Versa, but don't go crazy with the options, if you get an SL and load it up and overprice it - if you do, you might as well buy a VW Rabbit (although it is noisier) and get that "cachet" thing. Kudos to Backy for dialing back his Hyundai enthusiasm when they let him (and many of us) down with the very poor crash results on the Accent (and on the Kia Rio), despite all the airbags, which none of us expected given the outstanding results they had been getting on their larger cars, smaller SUV's, and minivans. Apparently at Hyundai, some of the advances (better CAD/CAM design? more weld points? exotic or high strength steels) in their upmarket vehicles haven't made it down to their economy cars. Right now I think there aren't any economy cars in America, with the exception of stripped Cobalts, Focii, and low end Corollas. With gas priced the way it is, people are willing to downsize but they still want well put together exteriors and interiors and some techno-goodies as well.
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Replying to: micweb (Apr 29, 2008 2:11 pm) Today I e-mailed the dealer in Pensacola, FL, asking for a quote on a Versa 1.8SL, with CVT, ABS, and possibly the convenience package. I was disappointed with the "Come drive one of many on the lot and we can find the car for you" response, a response which had no quote with it. I'll be avoiding that dealer now. My parents want a moonroof, but that sticks you into an $18k pricetag since you have to get all the packages to get it, and that won't fly. They'd just get another Civic instead. Interestingly, in my shopping endeavors, I keep running across $12k and $13k 2007 Malibu LT sedans. They aren't a lot to look at inside or out, but they offer a lot of bang for the buck since the depreciation is so rough on them. The best part is you don't take the hit, the previous owner already has. This would also be a more comfortable highway car for their trips back to Birmingham they make regularly. There's just a lot out there, and they are looking at options one at a time. |
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 29, 2008 2:20 pm) The reason I switched from American cars on my last round of purchases was concern about poor dealer warranty service. The American brands have really tightened their wallets and I don't think you get nearly the level of warranty service (fix it right the first time) from American brand dealers as you get from the Big 3 Japanese dealers. I don't mind a few defects if they get fixed. I don't like driving 10-20,000 miles with annoying but not life-threatening problems only to get brushed off by the dealers despite multiple visits. |
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 29, 2008 2:20 pm) If they want a mid-sizer, they could go with a year-old Malibu, but they could also get a brand-new Fusion for $14k, or a new Milan or Sonata for $15k, any of which would be a fine highway cruiser but with a known service history (new!), and good reliabiilty record, and full factory warranty. They really seem to be all over the place on this car decision, don't they?
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Replying to: backy (Apr 29, 2008 2:55 pm) |
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Replying to: backy (Apr 29, 2008 2:55 pm) Haha, here's the deal: When they started shopping for a car two months ago, their income was a good deal more than in it is now. Originally, they were looking for something comfortable first and foremost, with extra power a plus. Now that my mom has resigned her position at her job, the income has dropped off, but the need for a car has actually increased (she worked from home). Now, their budget has dropped off by about $10k, and fuel economy is more important. I've mentioned the Fusion and Taurus before and they just can't get past the "bling bling front end and cheesy tail lights." So, you summed it up really well actually; they're in a position they've never been in, and aren't sure what vehicle will fit their needs and budget best; a lightly used bigger car or a fuel-sipping new small car. I'm doing my best to shop around and present info to them (I like doing it so it's no biggie). Sorry if I'm all over the board as well; I just hope it at least makes for interesting conversation!
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 29, 2008 5:05 pm) FWIW, the 2006 Elantra GLS is a very smooth-riding, roomy, quiet, and comfortable small car. It has more traditional styling that some like a lot better than the 2007+ Elantras. It is Edmunds.com's top choice in used small cars. I get mid-to-upper 30s mpg with the AT cruising on the highway ('04 GT). But the later 2006 Elantras got the updated engine that went into the 2007+ Elantras! Also, it comes in a 5-door hatch (GLS and GT trims), albeit with a tauter suspension and steering than the sedan, but with a very nice sport cloth or leather interior. There's also a Limited sedan with leather. Anyway, might be worth checking out--would be very inexpensive and might be to their liking. (Note the 2004-2006 Elantras are pretty similar, but for the money they might as well get the newest one they can find.) The one big down-side is that it doesn't have curtain airbags, so the IIHS side impact test score was Poor. Might be a deal-breaker for them.
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Hello everyone, Sorry if this has already has been covered but I'm looking for my own first car and could use a little help. Mostly it will be used for commute. It doesn't need to be super cool but if it doesn't look lame that's a plus. Currently driving a fricken minivan, not swell with the girlies lol. Anyway I just need something simple and reliable. I'd like ABS, cruise control, cd player and enough room for a 6'1-2 guy like myself but these aren't an absolute must. Unfortunately I do need an automatic as I have a hand/arms disorder where I get fatigued quick so I don't want to shift a bunch. Currect top list-Kia Spectra, Hyundai Accent, Hyundai Elantra 01-04. My budget is the above listed 3-6k, does anyone have some good choices out there for me? Thanks much for any advice. Wes
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Replying to: backy (Apr 29, 2008 6:26 pm) That likely would be. Safety, especially in a small car, is pretty high on the priority list. If they go for a small car, I imagine they'd end up in a new one, since the budget allows; but at this stage, who knows? Haha - I actually looked at a 2007 Versa 1.8S tonight at our local Dixie Nissan, here in the Birmingham metro. It had PW/PL 4-sp Auto, CD, no cruise control, and the asking price is $13,990. I guess that could be negotiated to $12k-$13k - It has 26k miles. That wouldn't be a bad vehicle!
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 29, 2008 6:46 pm)
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