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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

#1929 of 1950 Re: Going with Lexus [kocho] by luvfishing Sep 13, 2009 (4:52 pm)
Replying to: kocho (Sep 12, 2009 4:28 pm) You really should be fine going with either vehicle. Both Lexus and Subaru have great reliability. I have had no problems with Subarus and my many friends with Lexus vehicles also swear by their reliability.   It really comes down to what vehicle better serves your needs -- both are great vehicles for their intended use.   I do agree that Subarus are very inexpensive to maintain and repair.   Good luck - both are vehicles that offer above average value for their customers compared to the competition.
#1930 of 1950 press request by kirstie_h HOST Sep 14, 2009 (6:24 am)
A reporter is looking to interview consumers for story who are currently in the market looking for a new vehicle. Please send your daytime phone number to ctalatiedmunds.com by Wednesday, September 16, 2009. Thanks, Chintan Corporate Communications Edmunds.com
#1931 of 1950 Starting the shopping process by texasnightowl Sep 15, 2009 (7:02 pm)
I'm starting to shop around for a car to replace my 2000 Camaro (V6, 5 speed). It's in good shape actually, only 97k miles on it and the engine is strong...it's just everything around the engine starting to go. Plus I'm ready for a bit more practicality and luggage space!   I'm torn between going with something new around the $17-20k mark or going with something slightly used around the $14-15k mark.   I think I've decided to go for a sedan type car. But basically I'm looking for:   more usable space decent gas mileage more usable space good handling more usable space   On the issue of stick vs. auto, I think I want to stay with a stick. That's what I've been driving for ... lets just say a long time ... and while I've thought about going auto I don't think I can bring myself to do it yet.   I have looked around a little bit so far...and spent many hours on edmunds.com the last few weeks. What has really surprised me so far is that for all the talk about cars getting better gas mileage, etc...there are really very very few that average anywhere close to 30 or higher. I mean yeah, the Prius, Insight, Jetta TDI but below that there are an awful lot of cars that sit in the mid 20 mpg range for an average. For reference, the EPA estimates on my Camaro are 17-29 and in my normal commute I average 22. And on straight highway runs I do get 28 or 29 (at an average mph of 70-75).   Anyway, mpg aside...   I briefly thought about a small SUV (ie. Honda CRV, Toyota RAV4) but after driving the RAV4, I think I've decided against them. They do have space...but they carry a premium price new (well, and used too) and I didn't really care for the handling of the RAV4.   While at the Toyo dealership, I also drove a Matrix and Prius. There's no way I'm ready to get used to the way the Prius drives. The Matrix is maybe a possibility but I wasn't crazy about the way it handled either. It was just numb...no feedback.   The other two cars I've driven so far are a Mazda 3s sedan and VW Jetta TDI (w/DSG). Both of those I liked much more than the Toyotas...handling! But they were both autos, so I need to go back and drive the MT versions.   So, the new cars on my list right now are:   Mazda 3 sedan Mazda 3 hatchback VW Jetta SE and as a stretch, the VW Jetta TDI   (I liked the TDI I test drove, but...1 it's over the top of my $$$ range (but there is that tax credit thing), 2 high demand so little movement on price, 3 is it worth it since I only average about 12k miles a year?, 4 I don't really know how much maintenance would cost for the VW but I'm assuming more than some other models)   As for some other popular models...since I plan to keep the car for 8-10 years, if I can't stand to spend one day looking at a car, then it's off the list...ie., the current model Honda Accord and Civic, the Corolla, the Ford Focus all fall into this category.   So, given all I mention above:   1. Is there any other "new" car I should seriously take a look at? 2. What "used" cars should I consider?   Luckily, my Camaro is still running good enough that I'm not in any particular rush...I have time to look around. Replies to this message: backy (Sep 15, 2009 9:00 pm) texasnightowl (Sep 16, 2009 7:59 am) kyfdx (Sep 16, 2009 3:17 am) texasnightowl (Sep 16, 2009 8:03 am) qbrozen (Sep 16, 2009 12:41 pm) and 1 more... thegraduate (Sep 16, 2009 7:37 am)
#1932 of 1950 Re: Starting the shopping process [texasnightowl] by backy Sep 15, 2009 (9:00 pm)
Replying to: texasnightowl (Sep 15, 2009 7:02 pm) Since you mentioned "more usable space" three times, you might look at some other small hatches/wagons. The Elantra Touring is roomier than the Mazda3s, but the engine is less powerful and handling not as crisp. But it has a smoother ride, is roomier, has better fuel economy, costs less, and did I mention it's roomier?   Others to check include the Impreza wagon (FE not as good as the FWD cars, but nice little wagon and has AWD.   If you like the Jetta, did you look at the Sport Wagon? Much more space than the sedan. Also the Rabbit would be more versatile than the Jetta.   You should also look at some mid-sized sedans that fall under $20k with a stick, such as the Fusion (really nice blend of ride and handling), Sonata SE I4 (has sport-tuned suspension so it's crisper than the normal Sonata), and Optima LX. Lots of room in those. And they get excellent FE for such large cars, as good as many compacts. Replies to this message: texasnightowl (Sep 16, 2009 7:59 am)
#1933 of 1950 Re: Starting the shopping process [texasnightowl] by kyfdx HOST Sep 16, 2009 (3:17 am)
Replying to: texasnightowl (Sep 15, 2009 7:02 pm) It sounds like the driving experience is important to you.. You've probably already narrowed it down to the best choices..       Personally, I like the Mazda hatchback better than the 5-cylinder Jetta sedan.. Replies to this message: texasnightowl (Sep 16, 2009 8:03 am) qbrozen (Sep 16, 2009 12:41 pm) texasnightowl (Sep 17, 2009 7:42 am)
#1934 of 1950 Re: Starting the shopping process [texasnightowl] by thegraduate Sep 16, 2009 (7:37 am)
Replying to: texasnightowl (Sep 15, 2009 7:02 pm) One more thought... the Honda Fit with a stick is a great little handler and fun to drive. They're also tops in the class with how much usable space is available compared to outside size.   Just a thought.
#1935 of 1950 Re: Starting the shopping process [backy] by texasnightowl Sep 16, 2009 (7:59 am)
Replying to: backy (Sep 15, 2009 9:00 pm) Since you mentioned "more usable space" three times   Yeah, coming from the Camaro, usable space is important. The only somewhat flat surface you get for luggage in the Camaro is the rear deck or the back seat folded down. The cargo area is just a place to put the T-Top panels. Realistically, the trunk area in most sedans will be wonderful. At first I was going a little overboard in favor of SUV and hatchback models, but really, 99.9% of the time a trunk will be plenty. That said, I did notice that the trunk opening on the Mazda 3 sedan is kind of narrow? Because the rear glass comes so far back, there is no way to 'indent' the top opening of the trunk so it is more narrow than on some other cars.   I did think about the Jetta Sport Wagon but the dealers in my area have none right now...not sure when they will get any...and again, realistically I don't really need that type of layout. Single, no kids :>   I did have a friend mention the Ford Fusion, so I may check that one out. I looked at pics of the Elantra Touring but have not seen in person. The exterior doesn't really grab me but I may drive by a dealer for a quick look.   Thanks!
#1936 of 1950 Re: Starting the shopping process [kyfdx] by texasnightowl Sep 16, 2009 (8:03 am)
Replying to: kyfdx (Sep 16, 2009 3:17 am) It sounds like the driving experience is important to you.. You've probably already narrowed it down to the best choices..        Personally, I like the Mazda hatchback better than the 5-cylinder Jetta sedan..   Yeah, I guess it is...after all...I plan to drive it for hopefully 8-10 yrs. Might as well enjoy it.   Of the Mazda s sedan vs the Jetta TDI, I liked the pep and handling of the Mazda better (though the TDI had plenty of torque and passing ability) but I liked the more conservative refined interior layout of the Jetta. Both of those were automatics though...I need to go back and try the stick versions. Replies to this message: qbrozen (Sep 16, 2009 12:41 pm) texasnightowl (Sep 17, 2009 7:42 am)
#1937 of 1950 Re: Starting the shopping process [texasnightowl] by qbrozen Sep 16, 2009 (12:41 pm)
Replying to: texasnightowl (Sep 16, 2009 8:03 am) of those you mentioned, I think the Mazda hatch is far and away the best of the bunch. BUT, it is kind of pushing your budget for a new '10 model, isn't it?   You may want to check out a slightly used WRX wagon.   Another would be a used 2.0T VW GTI. I haven't checked, but I would think those are down in your pricerange by now.   And, last but not least, a used Volvo V50 T5. Replies to this message: texasnightowl (Sep 17, 2009 7:42 am)

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