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Help Me Choose!

3274 messages,  Last post on May 18, 2013 at 3:48 AM

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 174 of 328

#1730 of 3274 Re: 07 Elantra vs 04 Accord [leonfam] by backy

Sep 22, 2008 (9:56 am)

Replying to: leonfam (Sep 21, 2008 9:57 pm)
First, consider that any stats on long-term reliability on the Elantra are from a different generation of car. Going back to the Gen 3, 2001-6, the reliability is actually quite good. (I've owned two from that generation and had very positive experiences.) So you have to go back to the Gen 2, designed in the early 1990s before Hyundai's big push on quality, to get a car that has not proven highly reliable. Since you've looked at CR, you have probably noticed the Elantra is one of CR's top-ranked small cars (actually is their Top Pick in SE trim) and is Recommended.
 
The main downside to the Accord is that it has 69k miles on it. At that mileage, parts can need replacing at any time--brakes, struts, battery, exhaust system etc. So be sure to have the car thoroughly checked by a mechanic to see if there's anything that might need work soon. There is of course also no warranty on the Accord, but there is still at least 3 years (maybe more, check the in-service date from Carfax) and 30k of factory bumper-to-bumper warranty left on the Elantra.
 
I have been looking around a lot lately at used cars in this price range, roughly $12k. There's a lot of good ones out there at that price, including some 2006-7 loaded Mazda6i Sports (very nice cars and fun to drive) and 2006-7 Sonata GLS I4s, all with low miles. Interestingly, I've found the 2007 Elantras actually are priced higher than some mid-sized cars like the Mazda6 and Sonata, with similar miles. The Sonata has an advantage of ESC too. In fact I am currently trying to decide between a 2006 Mazda6i Sport with 40k miles, a 2005 Mazda6i Sport hatchback with 40k miles (red and pretty hot looking), and a 2007 Sonata GLS I4 with moonroof with 35k miles, all in excellent shape and all for around $12k. The best I've found in a 2007 Elantra is around $12.7k with about 30k miles, for a GLS with moonroof. I am also toying with the idea of getting a 2000 323i that has only 40k miles on it.
 
This is definitely not apples to apples, so it is hard. I won't drive the car much, maybe 7500 miles/year, so the extra FE of a car like the Elantra doesn't mean much to me compared to a car like the Mazda6i or Sonata I4. The Accord is a fine car too, but I'd rather get a newer car under factory warranty than get an older one with more miles.
 
Hope this helps a little. Good luck!

#1731 of 3274 Re: 07 Elantra vs 04 Accord [backy] by leonfam

Sep 22, 2008 (10:22 am)

Replying to: backy (Sep 22, 2008 9:56 am)
Very helpful. Thanks.
 
What is FE? I also won't drive the car that much..which is why $12K is the top of the budget.
 
We hadn't even looked at the Sonata. Mainly because I started looking at Civic, Fit, Matrix. Moved into Elantra and Accord as I looked into features/safety on older models.
 
I like the suggestion of checking out the Sonata. The Mazdas weren't on the list. Safety and reliability in CR didn't compare to Honda. Though, I didn't look into the 6..only the 3. It seems like the prices in my area on the Mazda's are higher than what you are finding. But..I haven't dug too deep. Probably should check some more before making a decision.
 
Thanks for helping me think more broadly.

#1732 of 3274 Re: 07 Elantra vs 04 Accord [leonfam] by backy

Sep 22, 2008 (10:28 am)

Replying to: leonfam (Sep 22, 2008 10:22 am)
Fuel economy.
 
The Mazda6 is pretty well regarded by CR, and is in fact Recommended. I encourage you to take one for a spin. They handle great for a mid-sized sedan, and the prices are a lot lower than comparable Accords. For example, I've found a 2006 Mazda6i (I4) that is pretty loaded (17" rims, ground effects and spoiler, power seat, CD changer, leather wheel with audio controls, 5-speed automatic etc.) for around $12k at 40k miles. I found a similar car that's a 2007 with 27k miles that I think I could get for about $13k with some haggling. Be sure to look for a car with the side bags/curtains--these were optional on the Mazda6 until fairly recently.

#1733 of 3274 Re: 07 Elantra vs 04 Accord [leonfam] by thegraduate

Sep 22, 2008 (11:08 am)

Replying to: leonfam (Sep 22, 2008 10:22 am)
Leonfam,
 
Listen to backy; he won't lead you wrong. A big proponent of Hyundai products, but he's been served well by them (as I have Honda) so his like of Hyundai is justified, for sure.
 
The Mazda 6 and Sonata are good choices indeed, and offer more features for the dough than the Honda will; the question will be with whether or not you like them as much, or actually like them more! They are drastically different (the 6 and the Sonata), and the Accord falls somewhere in the middle.
 
Good luck, and I'll check in a little later!

#1734 of 3274 Nissan or Infiniti by giny1

Sep 23, 2008 (12:21 pm)

Nissan Altima 2.5, 2009 model around $21,500 or a 2005 Infiniti G35x on the high end luxury side. You can get one of these, recently off lease with 30,XXX miles (still a baby), leather, Bose, for around $20,000

#1735 of 3274 Re: Nissan or Infiniti [giny1] by qbrozen

Sep 23, 2008 (12:32 pm)

Replying to: giny1 (Sep 23, 2008 12:21 pm)
well... to be specific, Infiniti is not really "high end." Its on the lower end of the luxo side of the camp.
 
As far as choosing between these two, its a matter of your needs and desires. The G35X is a ton more fun to drive, far far more powerful, a bit nicer inside, quieter, etc. But it sucks a helluva lot more gas (I'm getting 21mpg on premium in mixed driving) and of course is used.
 
So what do you want? Good gas mileage? Or a near-luxo sports sedan?
 
I made my choice. No way in hell I was getting another FWD economy family sedan.

#1736 of 3274 Re: Nissan or Infiniti [giny1] by kdshapiro

Sep 23, 2008 (1:59 pm)

Replying to: giny1 (Sep 23, 2008 12:21 pm)
I'm a proponent of buying new "appliance" type cars. After three years, when you're used vehicle is long in the tooth and 6 years old, the Altima will still be fresh. I don't know if it's consideration, but the G35 will also suck gas.
 
Good luck on your decision.

#1737 of 3274 Re: Nissan or Infiniti [kdshapiro] by qbrozen

Sep 23, 2008 (2:13 pm)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Sep 23, 2008 1:59 pm)
Flip side to that, of course, is that you may not like your "appliance" after 3 years, whereas you may still like the higher-end vehicle, even though 6 years old.

#1738 of 3274 Re: Nissan or Infiniti [qbrozen] by kdshapiro

Sep 23, 2008 (3:21 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Sep 23, 2008 2:13 pm)
But one can test drive the "applicance" to know if it is for them. Of course if you don't like the Altima, you shouldn't buy it. But I would think your thought wouldn't be as applicable, especially as gas prices rise and a six year old G35 is sucking gas down. But if one is comparing an Altima against a used G35 there are also other choice to be had.

#1739 of 3274 Re: Nissan or Infiniti [kdshapiro] by qbrozen

Sep 24, 2008 (7:51 am)

Replying to: kdshapiro (Sep 23, 2008 3:21 pm)
Sure. One would hope you like tha appliance to some degree. But sometimes you convince yourself because you feel it is financially prudent.
 
And I do speak from experience. Leased a new Accord. Got fed up within 18 months and dumped it at 27 months for a used G35X.
About 7 miles less per gallon, but I've come to the conclusion that I'd rather be happy with my ride than save $2.50/day in gas.

Messages Page 174 of 328

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