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Help Me Choose!

3286 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 2:50 PM

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 182 of 330

#1802 of 3286 Don't know where to start by macmacmoo

Mar 25, 2009 (8:00 pm)

DH and I want to buy a minivan. now it's up for grabs on whether we really need one or not, DS was born recently and we are sort of musing over having another DC in the next year. DH is currently deployed. when he get back in May we get to move from Atlanta to Seattle. We currently have a Honda Civic and a Saturn SL2 both are 2002's or is it 2003... anywho the thing that is given us the most want for getting a minivan now instead of later is the thought of moving cross crountry in a sedan. granted all our stuff will be going by way of moving van. its just the getting of DH, DS, and I to the other side of continent that is a little concerning. if we buy a van we will sell DH's saturn
  
Anywho we have been setting aside money to go towards a minivan for a little since it is something we knew we wanted to get at some point. basically since both out current cars are paid off we been putting aside $300 a month to "pretend" we have a payment and eventually use to go towards a down payment.
  
So I suppose the first question I have is when to buy? DH gave me the ability to be able to buy without him and all trusting my judgement and all. I'm okay with that but i prefer not to. Or do I wait till he get back and we try to do it during the two we have in atlanta before we actually move? or do we suck it up and just wait till we get to seattle... or do we just flat out don't get a mini van?
  
The next question is if we get one which one? Our biggest thing is Safety. but after that we don't really know. I suppose cost would be next. we are looking at $300 a month payment... $350 if we really really had to... We are leaning towards new and perhaps a Toyota, Honda, Kia, Hyuandai or Nissian. I'd like some comforts: power seat controls, tinted back windows, nothing too fancy. We aren't really fans of the wood looking stuff and prefer cloths seats to what ever the other thing is lol.
  
hmmms not sure what else i can add... but yelp!

#1803 of 3286 Re: Confused [bobgwtw] by backy

Mar 25, 2009 (8:03 pm)

Replying to: bobgwtw (Mar 24, 2009 8:47 pm)
Yes, I guess we'll have to disagree. But I think we should be comparing apples to apples, e.g. a gas engine Jetta to similar gas engine cars, not a TDI to other gas engine cars.
 
Reviewing the maintenance schedule for my Jetta 2.0 (gas), I don't see much in the way of pricey maintenance needed for well past 50k miles. For example, only one oil change is spec'd every 10k miles. Even if it's synthetic (not required for my car but a good idea), it's not much money. I plan on changing the oil on mine every 5k miles because I put less than 10k miles a year on the car. And I see inspections but not a lot of parts replacements. If a VW dealer charges too much for such basic maintenance, do it yourself (e.g. oil changes and filters) if so inclined, or find some other place to get the work done.

#1804 of 3286 Re: Don't know where to start [macmacmoo] by backy

Mar 25, 2009 (8:12 pm)

Replying to: macmacmoo (Mar 25, 2009 8:00 pm)
If you want a basic minivan with some convenience features and excellent safety, and spend as little as possible while buying new, the best values on the market today are 2008 Sedonas and Entourages--HUGE rebates and discounts available on those, plus closeout discounts. I have seen advertised prices on Sedonas around $15k. They are not the best minivans on the market but have capable powertrains, decent ride and handling, a good set of convenience features even in the base models, and the 10 year/100k Hyundai/Kia warranty. And they are IIHS Top Safety Picks. Not as good as the Odyssey and Sienna, but maybe $8000+ less.
 
The Chrysler/Dodge minivans are also available at excellent prices now, but I see two big problems with them: 1) a question of how long Chrysler will be around, and 2) IMO the interiors have a cheap appearance, especially on base models. Also I hate the exterior of the 2008+ Chrysler/Dodge vans, and much prefer the previous generation inside and out (in fact I own a 2007 Town & Country LX, bought used last year for $11k). The Chrysler/Dodge vans have Stow-n-Go, but that's about it.
 
As for used... that is another option to consider if you really want to save money. With minivans falling out of favor for many people today, there are excellent deals on slightly-used minivans, which can be had with a Certified warranty.

#1805 of 3286 Re: Don't know where to start [macmacmoo] by wobbly_ears

Mar 26, 2009 (11:51 am)

Replying to: macmacmoo (Mar 25, 2009 8:00 pm)
Do you really want a minivan? The reason I am asking that question is that I feel that a minivan is somewhat overkill for a family of 4. Why not go for a small MPV like a Kia Rondo? Rondo seats 5 or 7 (based on config), has tons of airbags & is very safe. Plus, it is smaller than minivan, making it easier to drive & park.
 
Why not take a look at a Kia Rondo & see if it works for you? It makes a great vehicle as a family carrier.

#1806 of 3286 Re: Don't know where to start [wobbly_ears] by suydam

Mar 26, 2009 (4:26 pm)

Replying to: wobbly_ears (Mar 26, 2009 11:51 am)
>Do you really want a minivan?< Yes, they probably do. Kids may be small now but they will grow, and you also wind up transporting their friends . . .Toyota Sienna is very easy to drive and park.

#1807 of 3286 Looking for some guidance by asp123

Mar 31, 2009 (8:28 am)

Currently I am looking at the following vechiles,
 
Altima 2.5 SL
Acura TSX
Audio A4 2.0 Quattro
Mercedes C300
 
I know that they are in different price ranges so it's a bit hard to compare... I'd like something practical but also enjoyable to drive. Any suggestions on these four or another model? Any help would be much appreciated!

#1808 of 3286 Re: Looking for some guidance [asp123] by thegraduate

Mar 31, 2009 (8:52 am)

Replying to: asp123 (Mar 31, 2009 8:28 am)
Going with a premium name brand means higher maintenance costs, therefore, less practical. If I were choosing between these cars and my price range were up to $30k, I'd probably take the Altima and get the V6 model. You do have quite a range of prices here though, so its hard to tell what is the best fit for you.
 
Do you place more emphasis on brand name, or on features? Engine power? Room?
 
Have you checked out the Mazda 6 Grand Touring?

#1809 of 3286 Re: Looking for some guidance [thegraduate] by asp123

Mar 31, 2009 (2:48 pm)

Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 31, 2009 8:52 am)
The most important thing to me is probably features, followed by engine power as a close second. Room is semi-important though not too much as 90% of the time I'd be the only one in the car. Brand name is nice but not really important. I have not checked out the Mazda 6 - thanks for putting it on my radar. I'll take a look and take it for a test drive this weekend.

#1810 of 3286 Re: Looking for some guidance [asp123] by thegraduate

Mar 31, 2009 (3:02 pm)

Replying to: asp123 (Mar 31, 2009 2:48 pm)
If its features and power on your list, check out the 3.5SL Altima (95 more horses than the 2.5SL) as well as the Mazda 6 S GT, and it'll be cheaper, roomier, and less expensive to maintain than the C300 you're interested in.

#1811 of 3286 Re: Looking for some guidance [asp123] by backy

Mar 31, 2009 (3:37 pm)

Replying to: asp123 (Mar 31, 2009 2:48 pm)
If features and engine power are important, and since brand name really is not important, another car to check out is the 375 hp Genesis V8, which starts at around $35k--in the ballpark pricewise of the A4 and C300.

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