Edmunds.com | Inside Line | Auto Observer Your Account | Help | Directory
You are here:
![[F]](http://a332.g.akamai.net/f/332/936/12h/www.edmunds.com/media/townhall/webxicons/site.gif){kind=small}
Forums
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
|
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.
|
|
|
Replying to: backy (Jan 24, 2009 6:15 pm)
|
|
|
Replying to: bhmr59 (Jan 24, 2009 8:50 pm) |
|
|
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. |
|
|
Replying to: vslacks (Jan 25, 2009 11:16 am)
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Replying to: backy (Jan 25, 2009 12:23 pm) Thanks for the responses. I hadn't considered the Malibu - perhaps out of some fear of buying a Chevy right now given the state of American auto makers. Yes, I think I probably will look at a portable nav system so that it can be used in both cars. I'm an electronics gadget guy so I think I'm probably compensating for the step down from the Audi with as many gadgets as I can Perhaps I should look more closely at the Rabbit. Frankly, I've been a bit disappointed in the reliability of our Jetta which is probably why I've shied away from them.
|
|
|
Replying to: rik4 (Jan 25, 2009 12:15 pm) |
|
|
|
|
Replying to: vslacks (Jan 26, 2009 12:28 pm) Personally, I like both the 3 and the Civic (I'm a 2-Accord owner here, but am not overwhelmed with Honda quality as of late - never been stranded, but had a few niggling issues with my 2006 Accord; misaligned gas-flap from the factory, inside rear-view mirror glass wasn't attached, and actually fell out of the housing, needed a new center console lid because the fabric came unattached around 33,000 miles, and a new CD changer was necessary at 37,000 miles; all covered by warranty). Have you test-driven anything yet? |
|
|
Hello, I'm new to car buying (I've never done it) and can use some advice. I am 27 and about to buy my first car. I just got my license and am trying to figure out what I can afford and what to get. I've heard that a car payment should not exceed 20% of your monthly salary, so I was thinking a car that costs between $9,000 and $11,000 would be best for me. Hoping for a monthly payment of $200 - $250, these are my choices that are in the same tier. 1. post-2006 Honda Civic Coupe 2. 2006 Mazda 3 3. 2005-06 Nissan Altima Any advice would be great
|
|
New? Join Now!
Forum Tools
Search Forums
Browse by Vehicle
2010 Chevrolet Malibu
2010 Nissan Maxima
2010 Mazda MAZDA3
2010 Nissan Altima
2010 Honda Accord
2011 Honda Civic
2010 Hyundai Elantra
2010 Lexus IS 250
2011 Acura TSX
Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
Today's Chats
