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Low End Sedans (under $16k)

3820 messages,  Last post on Nov 24, 2008 at 9:45 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

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


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#3800 of 3820
Re: I Have Both A Versa and A Fit, and If I Could Only Have One... [backy] by micweb
Apr 29, 2008 (3:02 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Apr 29, 2008 2:55 pm)

I agree with Backy on the Fusion, it's been showing up as ad specials, WITH an automatic, in the Bay Area for just a tad over $14k.
#3801 of 3820
All Over the Board! by thegraduate
Apr 29, 2008 (5:05 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Apr 29, 2008 2:55 pm)

They really seem to be all over the place on this car decision, don't they?
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!
#3802 of 3820
Re: All Over the Board! [thegraduate] by backy
Apr 29, 2008 (6:26 pm)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 29, 2008 5:05 pm)

Don't forget the "fuel-sipping used smal car" option. That would be their lowest overall cost.
 
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.
#3803 of 3820
00-04 3-6k choices by kgambit
Apr 29, 2008 (6:34 pm)
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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
#3804 of 3820
Re: All Over the Board! [backy] by thegraduate
Apr 29, 2008 (6:46 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Apr 29, 2008 6:26 pm)

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.
 
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!
#3805 of 3820
Re: All Over the Board! [thegraduate] by backy
Apr 29, 2008 (7:01 pm)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 29, 2008 6:46 pm)

If they go for the Versa be sure they get the ABS option. Without it, stopping distances are long, dry and wet.
#3806 of 3820
Re: All Over the Board! [backy] by thegraduate
Apr 29, 2008 (7:06 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Apr 29, 2008 7:01 pm)

Trust me that'd be at the top of the list.
 
Thanks for all the discussion!
#3807 of 3820
Re: 00-04 3-6k choices [kgambit] by backy
Apr 29, 2008 (7:06 pm)
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Replying to: kgambit (Apr 29, 2008 6:34 pm)

See my post above on the Elantra. In the age/price range you're looking at, I think that's one of the best options. The Spectra is far inferior (in that vintage), as is the Accent. ABS can be hard to find on the Elantra though. You might be able to find a Protege for near the top of your range, and maybe a high-miles Civic.
#3808 of 3820
Re: All Over the Board! [thegraduate] by jeffyscott
Apr 30, 2008 (4:34 am)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Apr 29, 2008 5:05 pm)

I've mentioned the Fusion...before and they just can't get past the "bling bling front end and cheesy tail lights."
 
Yes, that is one reason I am driving a Mazda6 . But how about the Milan?
 
With moon roof (I think you mentioned them wanting that) and auto, invoice on the I-4 is right around $20K, so with $2500 rebate plus $1000 conquest rebate, should be able to get one for $16,500 or less.
#3809 of 3820
Re: 00-04 3-6k choices [kgambit] by jeffyscott
Apr 30, 2008 (4:46 am)
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Replying to: kgambit (Apr 29, 2008 6:34 pm)

My 20 year old son was in the same boat, driving our old minivan after he totaled my old Contour.
 
He ended up getting a 2001 Focus ZX3 with 85K mi for $4400, not a great deal but he hates shopping for cars, so he took it. He is 6' and is comfortable in it. Focus has average (average is pretty good these days) reliability, according to CR. I believe back in 2000-01 the Focus was also the top rated small car in CR road tests.
 
I think youngsters find the ZX3 version more attractive than the sedan. I know my son did, as despite his aversion to car shopping, he went out of his way to find a ZX3 rather than settle for a sedan.

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