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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

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


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#1932 of 1950
Re: Starting the shopping process [texasnightowl] by backy
Sep 15, 2009 (9:00 pm)
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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.
#1933 of 1950
Re: Starting the shopping process [texasnightowl] by kyfdx HOST
Sep 16, 2009 (3:17 am)
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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..
#1934 of 1950
Re: Starting the shopping process [texasnightowl] by thegraduate
Sep 16, 2009 (7:37 am)
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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)
Reply

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)
Reply

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.
#1937 of 1950
Re: Starting the shopping process [texasnightowl] by qbrozen
Sep 16, 2009 (12:41 pm)
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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.
#1938 of 1950
Re: Starting the shopping process [qbrozen] by texasnightowl
Sep 17, 2009 (7:42 am)
Reply

Replying to: qbrozen (Sep 16, 2009 12:41 pm)

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
 
The "sport" model hatchback would be at the top of the range...and that would be without the moon/audio or tech package. The GT model would be a no because it would be over. So it would depend what type of deal could be scored on the Sport model with the MT.
 
Luckily, I am not in a real rush at the moment, so I can sit back for a month or two and see how sales go now that C4C has been over a few weeks.
#1939 of 1950
Re: 2001 Lexus LS430 or 2009 Subaru Impreza? [kocho] by kocho
Sep 19, 2009 (5:40 am)
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Replying to: kocho (Sep 11, 2009 9:20 pm)

Thank you for all advices. I finally went with 2001 Lexus as I got 3.9% financing and car had been found to maintain at dealer regularly including major 75,000 miles maintenance. It is in excellent condition and I love driving it, very quiet, comfortable car. I don't regret it at all so far.
I might be a bit stupid to ignoring about 3 years, 36000 miles with 5 year powertrain warranty on 2009 Subaru, but it is hard to drive with standard in traffic and no good CD or audio. It might fit better for tougher terrain. I live in flat plain region of Texas.
#1940 of 1950
HELP! deciding what to buy by carfused
Sep 20, 2009 (4:57 pm)
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I'm a single woman who is looking for a dependable car! I have appx $3000 to spend on a car, I thought I was all zeroed in on a toyota camry, found one I love, all the features, good mileage, in my price range.... etc. THEN, I found an infinity I30, love it, too, good mileage, features, price etc.I read all the reviews on both cars, and both are outstanding choices, so how does one decide without wondering if she should have gotton the other one after the purchase? my biggest dilema is that I will be an out of town buyer, both cars are not within "test driving" range. so I will have to take someone elses word for the actual quality of the vehicle. I've been looking for cars that are in my area but none measure up to what Ive found that is about 160 miles from home. I'll be driving home in one of them, so what do I do ?
#1941 of 1950
Re: HELP! deciding what to buy [carfused] by kiawah
Sep 21, 2009 (3:06 am)
Reply

Replying to: carfused (Sep 20, 2009 4:57 pm)

Recognize that buying any used car is buying 'as-is'. A mechanical/electrical problem that may be hidden, could add thousands of dollars of cost to repair.
 
BEFORE purchase of any used vehicle, you need to pay to have an independent mechanic check it out and give you an indication of what is wrong. This may cost $100 or so, but could highlight problems that you would have no clue might exist. Even then, there still could be hidden defects.
 
Buying something 3 hours away, makes it even more difficult to do a sales transaction, or any followup. Personally, I wouldn't be buying a used car 3 hours away. I've always had the perception, that people don't usually get rid of cars that are running perfect. They get rid of cars that they don't want to spend any more money fixing it up. Sometimes the repair bills are more than the vehicle is worth, so they decide to dump it. As a buyer, one always thinks the car looks perfect....but I think you should plan for the fact that the vehicle has problems. You just hope that the problems are cheaper and easier to fix....as opposed to a more expensive engine or transmission problem. Has the vehicle been wrecked?
 
I'd recommend shifting your focus from the fact that the vehicle has all the features you want, to how mechanically sound, safe, and reliable is the vehicle. And then how much more money is at risk for repairs:
- new brakes and rotors?
- new struts, shocks, alignment?
- new tires ?
- new CV axles/joints needed?
- engine timing belt/water pump due for replacement? (don't take someone's word this was done, unless you see an actual receipt. This can be 750 - 1K to do).
- oxygen sensor / catalytic converter problems?
- engine condition ?
- transmission condition ?
- air conditioner condition ?
- all door windows and locks work?
 
Repairs can be multiple hundreds to thousands of dollars, get it checked BEFORE you buy anything.

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