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Help Me Choose!

1950 messages,  Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 6:58 PM

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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

#1687 of 1950 Trying to decide... by bfluegie Apr 19, 2008 (9:50 am)
I’m looking for a new (to me) ride. I don’t have to decide just now, but probably sometime in the next couple of months. What I am considering is a (probably) pre-owned BMW 325xi (maybe a 330xi if the deal is right, but I’m not too sure I want a turbo), G35x (I have VPP so I might go new for this), Audi A3 or A4 (I like the A3 better but they’re hard to find in the northern IN vicinity), Acura TSX or maybe TL, but it’s larger and I don’t like it as much. I might consider the Altima coupe as well, but not the sedan. While I like the sedan styling more than the Accord or Camry, I don’t like it as much as the Infinity, and the Altima sedans are everywhere. I don’t want to put my car away for the winter, so I prefer all wheel or front wheel drive. That leaves out the Infinity G-coupe (sigh) and the BMW 3 series coupe. I know several people who drive the G coupe and they either garage it for the winter or get adequate but not great driving with winter tires. I prefer the security of good winter handling. I haven’t completely ruled out a small SUV or crossover, but after 8 years of driving an Exploder I’m ready for a more responsive ride. I joke about the Explorer, but with the exception of an unfortunate “Bambi” incident I have never been left stranded. No significant repairs other than normal wear and tear either. It’s just 10 years old and it is time to move on to something else. As long as I’m moving on, I want to add some fun. I won’t be racing or pushing for maximum speed, but I do like the feel of a car that you don’t have to slow to a crawl when going around a curve. I suppose I want to feel like I am part of a driving system rather than the occupant of a vehicle.   I would consider a 2006-2007, maybe a 2005 as well. I know the Infinity was a new model in 2007 but I like the previous model as well. The BMW was a new model in 2006 and I don’t know anything about the 2005. I might be overlooking something else as well, so any suggestions for additional cars to consider (or avoid) are welcome. I’m considering a manual in the BMW or A4 but I didn’t like the manual in the ‘07 TL I drove (the clutch seemed to have a very tiny “sweet spot” and it didn’t help that the salesperson sneered a little when I lurched on a start). I don’t know if the TSX would be any better. The G35X is only available in an auto. Manual vs. auto isn’t a big factor for me so I probably wouldn’t rule out an auto BMW or Audi either. Since I’m going to continue getting older and creakier, the auto might be a smarter choice, just not as much fun in the pre-creaky years. Replies to this message: kyfdx (Apr 19, 2008 11:50 am) bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 12:12 pm) kdshapiro (Apr 20, 2008 9:06 am)
#1688 of 1950 Re: Trying to decide... [bfluegie] by kyfdx HOST Apr 19, 2008 (11:50 am)
Replying to: bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 9:50 am) One note... The 330xi is not a turbo....   The only turbo is the 335xi, which came out in 2007... Replies to this message: bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 12:12 pm)
#1689 of 1950 Re: Trying to decide... [kyfdx] by bfluegie Apr 19, 2008 (12:12 pm)
Replying to: kyfdx (Apr 19, 2008 11:50 am) Thanks. I must have been thinking of the 335xi. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Obviously my research is far from complete...
#1690 of 1950 Re: Trying to decide... [bfluegie] by kdshapiro Apr 20, 2008 (9:06 am)
Replying to: bfluegie (Apr 19, 2008 9:50 am) I know several people who drive the G coupe and they either garage it for the winter or get adequate but not great driving with winter tires.   I would garage my Ferrari during the winter not my G. I drove a RWD 330 in the snow for a few years with all seasons. It wasn't great but I limped along. I now own an AWD turbo that when it snows, says: "Let me at it".   Seems to me you need to get your priorities in order. What's more important, body style or drivetrain, manual or auto? If you decide AWD is the way to go and is most important, everything else will fall into line.
#1691 of 1950 Civic Hybrid vs. Civc vs. Fit vs. Prius by crutnacker Apr 20, 2008 (10:11 am)
Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 24, 2008 8:12 am) I'm trying to decide what I might get when I'm ready to deal. Here's what I'm interested in:   The Honda Fit -- I'm impressed with the amount of interior space in a small space, I like Hondas, and it's different than the ubiquitious Civic. What I worry about most is getting killed in the thing.   Honda Civic Hybrid and Civic -- I loved my 95 and 98 Civics and like the idea of owning a Hybrid to get better gas mileage. But I also have read of issues with the Civic Hybrid, and I'm not sure the regular Civic thrills me enough.   Prius -- I like the fact that it is different looking, has far more options (and colors) than the Civic Hybrid, and apparently is roomy inside. But I don't think I could get as good a deal as the Civic Hybrid.   The car would primarily be a commuter car, but given gas prices, might become the primary car on weekends when my wife, six year old, and I go places.
#1692 of 1950 Car for Mom by lawhitmire Apr 21, 2008 (9:25 am)
I am looking for a new sedan for my mother. She is 75 years old and is under 5' tall. She is retired and drives mostly around town (busy intersections) but occasionally she will travel distances 4-6 hours. Are there sedans that are gears for senior citizens as well as for a short person. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Apr 21, 2008 10:51 am)
#1693 of 1950 Re: Car for Mom [lawhitmire] by thegraduate Apr 21, 2008 (10:51 am)
Replying to: lawhitmire (Apr 21, 2008 9:25 am) The Ford Taurus SEL is a big, comfortable car that comes well-equipped in base form, and should be had for $20k or so. You can check it out here on Edmunds.com, or at www.fordvehicles.com. No, this isn't the rental-fleet Taurus you remember seeing for years previous!   I mention this car specifically because it has "Command Seating" that has chair height that is notably higher than most sedans; probably a mix between a minivan and regular sedan in height. It has safe, if not sporty handling, and a compliant, quiet ride.   Power pedals are also something she should look into, as they are only a $120 option on this car, I believe. They'll bring the pedals closer to her feet, allowing her to sit further back from the steering wheel, and airbag.   It also has a 263 horsepower V6 which isn't quite as smooth as that of an Avalon, but for the price, it delivers excellent power and economy (18/28 EPA) for the money, and should be good for those long trips.   I don't know what the budget is here, but this car is a real bargain, and should be inexpensive to maintain.   By the way, I have two Hondas, so I'm not a Ford salesman or anything, I just think this would be a car you should consider adding to your (her) list.   Take care, and keep us posted!   TheGraduate   *PS - The Mercury Sable is the same basic car as the Taurus, but offers different styling, if she doesn't like the look of the Taurus.
#1694 of 1950 Re: Comfort, Power, Bang for the Buck [thegraduate] by moocow1 Jun 09, 2008 (4:50 pm)
Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 23, 2008 8:44 pm) I totally advocate avoiding first run models of almost any car with a full redesign. It's just too many things are still being learned during production and affecting all the electronics in the car. They don't usually get things down until the 2nd or 3rd year imho. Now if it's just a freshening, that should be fine, but to me the best time to get a Genesis is probably 2010 or 2011.
#1696 of 1950 2009 Model Year IS 250 / 350 by epaiva Jun 27, 2008 (3:24 pm)
I can't find any information about the release date and expected changes for the 2009 IS 250 / 350. I'm currently looking for a new 2008 but I was curious about the 2009 refresh and wanted to better understand the changes.    Does anybody have any details to share? I'm surprised that this late there hasn't been any reviews or sneak pictures. I have asked Lexus but all they told me was there 2009 should come end of Oct and there weren't any news publicized yet?   Please somebody share some light on this... I'm surprised Edmunds doesn't have any updates on this yet.    Thanks!

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