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Last post on May 18, 2013 at 3:48 AM
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Chevrolet Malibu, Nissan Maxima, Mazda MAZDA3, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Lexus IS 250, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan
#1127 of 3274 New car choices??
by newcarman
Jan 18, 2006 (3:24 pm)
I want to buy a new car in march but i am very undecided on what to buy because there are about 4 or 5 brands that i seem to like.
I cant seem to narrow it down maybe its because im thinking too much.
Maybe someone here can help me out to narrow it down.
These are the cars that i like not in order.
The Acura TL, BMW 325XI, Audi A4, Nissan Maxima, Infiniti G35.(sedan, AWD), and the Lexus IS 250(AWD) and GS 300(AWD Too expensive)
So what i would like to know how reliable are these cars?? Is the TL reliable?? How about the others??
Also based on styling who would you rate #1?? Also, reliability??
In addition, I heard that the G 35 sedan is being re styled. Anyone have any ideas on how drastic??
If i buy a 2006G35 sedan then by the end of the year it would be different styling from the 2007 .Is it worth the time and effort??
Any insightful info would be appreciated
#1128 of 3274 Re: New car choices?? [newcarman]
by taxesquire
Jan 18, 2006 (3:59 pm)
Here are some random thoughts on the group of cars you mentioned:
If you'll regularly transport adults in your backseat, downgrade the 325, A4 & IS - they're too small. On the other hand, if your backseat will go largely unused, those same vehicles will probably handle better than the others.
The GS & Maxima are the least sporty of the group.
The TL & G35 are close competitors. Those who choose the G35 usually cite the RWD as the reason for their choice. TL owners usually cite interior material differences. I drive a TL and am very happy with its reliability, handling, etc. It's navigation system is amazing - better than anything except maybe the Infiniti M34/45.
Friends of mine have complained about the torque steer in the Maxima - my father drove both the Maxima and the TL (it has torque steer issues, too), and said the Maxima's torque steer ismuch more significant.
Why do you care which car I think looks best?!? It's all in the eyes of the beholder!
#1129 of 3274 Re: New car choices?? [newcarman]
by misterjj
Jan 18, 2006 (4:52 pm)
Try the Audi A3. Many who have liked the A4 have driven the A3 and loved it. It looks say smaller but it has about the same or more headroom/legroom as the A4 due to the traverse engine.
#1130 of 3274 Can anybody tell me....
by cmschmie
Jan 18, 2006 (5:00 pm)
How much people are paying for an IS250 6spd manual?
I'd like the Sport Package (I wanna check them out with and without it) and maybe the Mark Levinson audio package (no nav, I'll use a map
)
#1131 of 3274 Re: Can anybody tell me.... [cmschmie]
by pat
Jan 18, 2006 (5:05 pm)
I think you asked in the best place when you posted in the IS 350 and IS 250 Prices Paid & Buying Experience discussion, but you might also want to check out the ongoing general Lexus IS 350 and IS 250 discussion.
#1132 of 3274 Re: New car choices?? [misterjj]
by twmark
Jan 18, 2006 (6:24 pm)
I have to agree. I really thought the A4 was loud and handled very poorly. The A3 however was a real blast to drive with endless torque.
#1133 of 3274 I think I've made the right choice...your opinion??
by stardrop
Jan 18, 2006 (6:42 pm)
I currently have a 2001 Dodge Neon 5sp (that I bought new) and am looking for a new car. Oh the confusion. I've got it narrowed down to the matrix or mazda 3 sport. I'm about 80% sold on the m3 but still have questions.
The lady at the toyota dealership (if she can be believed) told me that the repairs on mazda's are more expensive than other cars...true or not? What's your experience.
Also does the Toyota have a better resale value ( I tend to keep my cars for a while so this isn't a big deal)
You seem to get alot more car with the M3...all disc brakes, lots of power features, more hp. Can any of you give me your opinion on this matter.
There's about $2000 difference between the two, but I think that's justified with the Mazda just giving you more. What's your take??
Thanks for your comments!
Heather T.
#1134 of 3274 Re: I think I've made the right choice...your opinion?? [stardrop]
by oskwi
Jan 18, 2006 (7:20 pm)
I compared the same two cars! When I drove the Matrix/Vibe, I was very disappointed in the horsepower...or lack thereof. The car was inadequate when merging onto the highway here...although we are VERY aggresive drivers in New York State! I did like being "higher up" though in the Matrix...but the lack of power dissuaded me from buying.
The M3 does offer you more...especially warranty...4/50,000 bumper to bumper for the Mazda and 3/36000 bumper to bumper for the Toyota with 5/60,000 for the powertrain. I'd rather the additional 14,000 miles bumper to bumper that covers everything than Toyota's extension for the powertrain. In essence, your gaining 14,000 miles bumper to bumper and only losing 10,000 for the powertrain with Mazda. That's a gamble I would personally take based on my current experience with my Mazda.
From my personal experiences, my current Protege has been the cheapest car I've ever had to maintain. (I've owned a Buick, a Chevy and a Mitsubishi prior to this car) My service advisor is phenomenal and provides me with free rental cars for any/all service and always discounts the work to be done...for example my timing belt replacement was only $240 on my Protege BUT was over $600 in my Mitsubishi! (The above mentioned domestic cars were both money pits, so I ventured onto the "other side" and bought my first "import" when I bought the Mitsubishi. After 185,000 miles in four years, I had no complaints and no major repair work!)
Hope my insights have helped. Keep us posted as to your decision.
Garth
#1135 of 3274 Audi S6 versus Audi S8
by supercool
Jan 19, 2006 (10:31 pm)
What will the significant difference be between these two rides?
What's the difference between Triptronic and DSG?
#1136 of 3274 Re: Audi S6 versus Audi S8 [supercool]
by taxesquire
Jan 20, 2006 (8:11 am)
W/r/t your 2nd q. (tiptronic v. DSG), here is my understanding, based on a discussion in the VW Jetta forum:
tiptronic is just a word (1 of many) to describe a feature that allows one to "shift" an automatic transmission. Tiptronic, automanual, whatever - it's all the same.
DSG is a type of automatic transmission - actually, it's 2 transmissions in 1. 1 transmission has gears 1,3 & 5; another has 2,4 & 6 (don't know which one has "reverse"). Anyway, the benefit of the DSG over other automanual arrangments is that there should be no lag time between gears. With most automanuals, you hit the button, paddle or move the gearshift, then there is a pause and then the gear engages. WIth true manuals, there is a slight pause while one engages and releases the clutch. With DSG, there shouldn't be any pause.