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Sedans Help Me Choose!
1950 messages, Last post on Nov 23, 2009 at 6:58 PM
You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens
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Replying to: bjc2 (Oct 04, 2008 1:59 pm) |
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Hello, I am a 22 year old from New York City and I am wanting to buy a car. I have been prowling dealerships, but I can't honestly trust someone who is selling me something. I have been looking at an 06' Maxima and a 07' Altima. I don't want to make a decision when there is maybe a better decision to be made. This would be my first car purchase and I want to make the best Decision. I am comfortable with buying a used car and that will most likely be my intended path. I already have been approved for financing through my credit union, but I am only comfortable with financing close to twenty thousand dollars. Also I have a down payment of four thousand-five hundred ready. As I said I am 22, so insurance or insure-ability is a big issue. I don't want a crazy premium or to say I want to know which car has lower or higher premiums. Which car is more reliable as far as repairs and everything. As I have said, I have my eye on a 06 Maxima(Vin:1n4b41e06c801631), but my brother has been raising questions about how it rides and how it has a too heavy for it's suspension appearance. He really thinks I shouldn't get a car period to save my money for something bigger. I need opinions, real world experience, and real data to help in this decision. I am not opposed to getting any manufacturer's car or model. I want something that is a good compromise between Cost, Fuel Economy, Reliability, Insureability, and style. Can you please help me? Thank you, |
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Replying to: dusneed (Jul 09, 2008 5:03 pm) Do not get into debt. |
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Replying to: dusneed (Jul 09, 2008 5:03 pm) If you really must have one, I'd get a beater for the cash you have on hand. Its just going to get trashed in the city anyway and you won't need it that much that it needs to be something incredibly reliable. |
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Replying to: dusneed (Jul 09, 2008 5:03 pm) I agree with previous posts that the most practical thing to do would be to get a car you can pay cash for. You should be able to find a good small economy car for your $4500. The $300+ you save each month in car payments (and extra gas and insurance) because you didn't buy a $20,000 car like a used Maxima can be used for many things, including having some cash on hand for the inevitable repairs an older car will need. However... you said style is important to you. And it is your money. So a compromise would be a small, stylish, economical, reliable, fun-to-drive, and relatively low-cost car such as a used Mazda3i. Other options would be a used Civic coupe or maybe even a Celica (my all-time favorite car from my 20s). Since you are 22, are single (yes?), and live in NYC, a small car would be your best bet vs. something like a Maxima or Altima. You might consider a small hatchback, for their versatility if not their style. You could even pick up a new hatch like a Yaris or Versa for around $13k if you get a stick, or you could get a used Mazda3, Rabbit, Elantra, Matrix/Vibe etc.
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Replying to: backy (Jan 24, 2009 6:15 pm)
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Replying to: bhmr59 (Jan 24, 2009 8:50 pm) |
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We currently have a 2004 Audi A4 and a 1999 Jetta GLS TDI. We've just recently paid off the Audi and the Jetta is in need of a new clutch, new brakes, and it tends to stall or not start with increasing regularity. So, my wife is going to take the Audi and I'm going to get a new car that will mostly be used for commuting. I'm considering the Mazda3 hatchback Grand Touring model or the Honda Civic EX-L. Though either would be a step down from my Audi, I'm treating myself to the bells and whistles so I don't feel too deprived  I'd like to get the nav system on either one, though it looks like finding models equipped with nav is difficult. Anyone have any thoughts on these two cars? I'm going out this afternoon to do test drives. |
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Replying to: vslacks (Jan 25, 2009 11:16 am)
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Replying to: vslacks (Jan 25, 2009 11:16 am) If fuel economy is real important to you, the Civic will top the Mazda3 there. But IMO the Mazda3 is more fun to drive, and as a hatchback much more versatile than the Civic. The test drive should help a lot. Be sure to drive the cars over the roads you would normally commute on. I've found both cars have quite a bit of road noise, probably moreso on the Mazda3 with the low-profile tires. I recently drove a 3 for a few days on LA freeways and would describe the ride as "punishing".. not pleasant to put up with every day. If you want a quieter ride, you could go for something like the Malibu, or maybe the Accord or Fusion. Camry and Sonata would have softer rides also, but given what you have and are looking at I'm pretty sure you wouldn't be happy with their handling. I am curious why you aren't considering the Rabbit or Jetta this time? Also have you considered getting a portable nav unit? Since the car will be used mostly for commuting, it doesn't seem you would need the nav much. That would reduce the price quite a bit and give you a better choice of cars.
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