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Help Me Choose!

3288 messages,  Last post on May 23, 2013 at 6:20 PM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, Mazda MAZDA3, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 110 of 330

#1086 of 3288 Re: Honda or Subaru [kk2482] by proe

Dec 28, 2005 (11:28 pm)

Replying to: kk2482 (Dec 28, 2005 7:18 pm)
Yes, the maintenance light comes up at preset time. However, you can reset it
I have a 1996 accord and it has been problem free and my maintenance cost has been pretty low
If you go with Edmunds comparison test between Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. It seems like Prius would be better choice than Civic Hybrid.
BTW, it seems like Toyota will be the first automaker to have a hybrid in every line up in next 5 years

#1087 of 3288 Re: Honda or Subaru [proe] by kk2482

Dec 29, 2005 (10:04 am)

Replying to: proe (Dec 28, 2005 11:28 pm)
Thank you for the information Best of luck with the Honda/Subaru decision!

#1088 of 3288 I don't know where to start--help! by ftrain

Dec 29, 2005 (1:12 pm)

Replying to: pat (Sep 29, 2001 12:01 pm)
Here's the situation: My wife and I both drive small economy cars with over 100,000 miles on them. They are running okay, but not great. We have kept them longer than either of us expected because I am in graduate school and have wanted to keep expenses down while I'm on loans. But I have promised her a new car when I graduate in six months, and given that we're going to be moving to a colder climate and doing a lot more driving probably in worse conditions (especially in the winter), I think we're both going to need a new one, and I'm not really sure where to start looking.
 
I think I'm going to put a price limit of $20K on each of them, but perhaps the more important number is the monthly payment--I realistically don't want to spend more than $700 a month combined, and would like to spend less if possible. (Maybe I should lease?) I want sedans or coupes. No wagons, or SUVs, or trucks, or minivans. We would like something "fun" to drive, but I don't know how to define that. At the same time, reliability, durability, and total cost of ownership are VERY important. Probably the most important factors, actually. Given that, and past experience, I don't see myself buying anything domestic. I kind of like the looks of the new Ford Fusion, but I can't imagine buying the first generation of any American car (maybe I'm overreacting to that, though). I'm fine with only 4-cylinders. Front-wheel drive would probably be nice.
 
So, I guess I'm thinking about a Civic or Accord, or a Camry (though I have always found them boring as hell), or a Mazda 3 or Mazda 6. But are there any other obvious contenders I should add to my comparison? My wife loves the Volvo S40 or the Acura TSX, but I don't think they're in our budget (even if I got less of a car than her, I don't see how we would swing either of those). Let me know if anyone can offer advice here. I feel like there are a zillion cars out there and I know about only a few, and maybe I'm missing a chance at a real bargain from another manufacturer.

#1089 of 3288 Re: I don't know where to start--help! [ftrain] by pat

Dec 29, 2005 (5:22 pm)

Replying to: ftrain (Dec 29, 2005 1:12 pm)
The first thing you can do is scan the list of discussions on our Comparisons board. We are talking about all the vehicles you mention in one discussion or another there. Feel free to jump into any or all of them.
 
And you can use the Browse by Vehicle search on the left side of the page to find dedicated discussions on each one.
 
Don't miss our Smart Shopper board where you will be told that the worst thing you can do is shop on monthly payment alone. Check it out.
 
And last but not at all least, check out the wealth of information on Edmunds.com. You can look up specs and reviews (editors and consumers) as well as all kinds of other stuff for each vehicle and there is a general Buying Tips section that is very helpful.
 
How's that to get you started?

#1090 of 3288 Re: I don't know where to start--help! [ftrain] by kk2482

Dec 29, 2005 (6:21 pm)

Replying to: ftrain (Dec 29, 2005 1:12 pm)
For your situation: The Edmunds website listed below is excellent for comparing cars in a certain class AND researching the true cost of owning any car that might be of interest to you. It's helped me out a great deal! I have also been researching the car market for about 10 months and am looking at the same type of cars you are thinking about. Below is what I have uncovered. I hope this helps! http://www.edmunds.com/apps/cto/CTOintroController
 
2003 Honda Civic LX 4dr (approx. $12500 used & in great condition) (avg cost per mile - $0.33)
- very reliable w/ good resale value, its engine doesn’t have the pep that a Mazda will provide while keeping your gas mileage quite efficient. (Mazda’s lineup has DOHC - dual overhead cam - which helps in the stepping on the pedal w/out killing your engine) – Also, I don’t know if you’ve owned a Honda before, but the required maintenance is more frequent than other models. Maintenance is more expensive on them at times b/c the big stuff has to be done at the dealership - and if it isn't done by the dealership - best of luck - many places here in New Jersey won't touch a Honda’s required maintenance.
 
2002 Honda Accord LX 4dr (approx. $12000 used & in great condition) (avg cost per mile - $0.36)
- incredible ratings - retains its resale value, good mpg w/reg maintenance (tires/oil) you can have a smooth running car up to 150,000. Remember that it’s a Honda and maintenance that's required should be done at the dealership to maintain their warranty. I don't know if traction control is avail. w/ the 2002 Honda Accord. That’s something you'll have to check into. I know the Traction Control and the EBD (electronic brake distribution) is a necessity with the weather conditions that occur.

The Camry I haven't owned and can't comment on - however I've heard it's a good car if well maintained. I haven't heard any exciting remarks about them - mainly that they are good family cars.
 
2002 Mazda 626 I have owned a newer Mazda and can tell you their cars are fun to drive while still avg’ing 28-30 mpg for me. That’s w/ 70% hwy - 30% city. It has approx. 85,000 miles on it, and has only required the tires and oil changed ... the transmission does shift a bit harder every now and then (its an auto trans) I’d purchase another Mazda however it wouldn't be my 1st choice. Reason - I get the runaround at the dealership too often (and I’ve taken it to a dealership in several diff cities).
 
I know you didn’t list it, however I would suggest to you the 2001 Buick Regal GS (approx. $8500 used - great condition) (avgs cost per mile - $0.35) It is a fantastic option, 27-29mpg using 93octane - Supercharged V6. My sister & her husband (in their 20s/30s) purchased a brand new one. They’ve only changed the tires/oil since then - everything is perfect plus the auto trans shifts smooth as butter. They’ve put over 90,000 on it. It hasn’t required any major maintenance even at 4 yrs old. This Buick is listed as #1 for smartest sedan purchases (used car market). It also comes std w/ Traction Control & EBD Electronic Brake Distribution - the Buick has saved my sister & family a few times when driving in bad Jersey weather. (This Regal GS model automatically comes w/leather, heated seats, st.wheel controls, TC, EBD, dual zone air, and a ton more features)*also the insurance rates are lower on this car - dunno maybe b/c its more of a fam car? who knows. Best of luck in your car search!

#1091 of 3288 Re: I don't know where to start--help! [ftrain] by taxesquire

Dec 30, 2005 (9:43 am)

Replying to: ftrain (Dec 29, 2005 1:12 pm)
1stly, even though you didn't say it, "used" is the way to go. With the S40 & TSX, those cars have been out for a few years and should be available at a good price. I would also suggest you research Mitsubishi. I forget what their small car is, but I know the Galant is a good car of average quality. Best of all is that they are terrible at holding their value. A 2 or 3-year old one should be had at great savings. The only exceptions to this might be the Eclipse and their Evo.

#1092 of 3288 Re: I don't know where to start--help! [ftrain] by giantkiller

Dec 30, 2005 (2:50 pm)

Replying to: ftrain (Dec 29, 2005 1:12 pm)
"But I have promised her a new car when I graduate in six months, and given that we're going to be moving to a colder climate and doing a lot more driving probably in worse conditions (especially in the winter), I think we're both going to need a new one, and I'm not really sure where to start looking."
 
You need new and an AWD.
Toyota Matrix AWD hatchback $18,280
Subaru Impreza AWD sedan 2.5i $18,295
 
These are the only sub 20K AWD you can find.

#1093 of 3288 My Inquiring Mind - used car questions by kk2482

Dec 30, 2005 (7:08 pm)

I need to purchase a used vehicle, but I don't know what to particularly watch out for at the dealerships. I have viewed and reviewed the markets and lots physically and via internet, mostly Cars.com and Carmax for sales ads – any other suggestions?
  
I want a used sedan in the $12,000-15,000 range. Where should I draw the line on mileage? 50,000? What mileage is the peak for a promising vehicle? I need about 2 years out of this used car.
 
If I'm purchasing a car used the depreciation will just give me a better price to purchase and it won’t affect me right?
  
A few friends tell me to steer clear of Mazdas, Mazda6 especially. Is there any reason for me to stay away from the Mazda lineup? [I own 2 mazdas and have had good experience with them - it wasn't the absolute supreme best but it wasn't a bad experience at all ... in any case I wouldn’t mind owning a different brand now.]
  
ANY ASSISTANCE GIVEN IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

#1094 of 3288 So many cars!!?? by georgev1

Dec 30, 2005 (10:00 pm)

Driving a 94 MB 350SD Turbodiesel. 227 K miles, the car is awesome.
But it's time for some new wheels, my business 'owes' me one.
E320 CDI - Lexus LS or BMW 5 series??
 
What would YOU do?
 
Geo

#1095 of 3288 Re: So many cars!!?? [georgev1] by proe

Dec 30, 2005 (11:36 pm)

Replying to: georgev1 (Dec 30, 2005 10:00 pm)
I think you should wait for 2007 LS, which has much better design and better upgrade. Or, you can go with my top choice GS450h. It is GS430 with a hybrid system. You get V8 performance with V6 fuel efficiency. If I am going to spend more than $60k on a car, I would definitely go with Lexus.
 
BTW, even the current LS430 is ranked better than BMW 7 series

Messages Page 110 of 330

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