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3352 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 8:43 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

Messages Page 211 of 336

#2101 of 3352 Re: Malibu or Fusion - making myself nuts [dispencer2] by djm2

Feb 05, 2011 (9:24 am)

Replying to: dispencer2 (Feb 04, 2011 4:34 pm)
Hi dispencer2:
 
      I see from your posting that you are considering purchasing a NEW 2011 Chevrolet Malibu in the near future. ----- As you know from my previous postings, I own a 2010 4 cylinder Chevrolet Malibu LTZ. ----- The vehicle is fun to drive, and the fit & finish are outstanding, but the engine performance leaves a lot to be desired! --------- The miles per gallon on the highway are not up to the advertised postings. --- (I only get 27mpg, and I have tried different brands of fuel and different octanes.) ---- The stock tires are "bottom of the line Goodyear tires" of questionable quality, and they do not hold air over time!
 
SUGGESTIONS:
 
      Take a look at the 2011 - XLE 2.5 ---- 4 cylinder Camry. ----- It comes with a 8 way power driver's seat, and a 4 way power passenger seat, dual zone climate controls driver / passenger, the engine is a 2.5 with DOHC / VVT and rated at 169 HP backed by 6 speed automatic transmission. ---- The vehicle is rated at 22 / 32 MPG. -----
 
      I also own a 2007 XLE V6 Toyota Camry, and I get 30MPG easily on the highway. ------ On a long trip, my Camry has reached as high as 34MPG. ---- (The Camry can be had with Michelin Tires!) ----- I am sure that a four cylinder Camry can get the posted highway mileage! -----(Hell, I could have purchased a 2010 V6 Camry, and gotten better highway mileage than the four cylinder Malibu!) -------- (Just a suggestion!) ---- NOTE: ------ This is the last American 4 cylinder vehicle for me! ---- (I might purchase a V6 American vehicle.) ----- Poor engine performance, and lack of "state of the art MPG engineering," cheap original equipment tires, and what is more important "a lack of concern from the manufacturer" has turned me completely off! ----
 
     I think the better buy is the four cylinder Camry over the four cylinder Malibu. ------ (I WISH I HAD PURCHASED THE CAMRY four or six cylinder!) ----- Heck, I wish I had purchased a Hyundai of a Kia! ------- Best regards. ----- Dwayne

#2102 of 3352 Re: Malibu or Fusion - making myself nuts [djm2] by plekto

Feb 05, 2011 (9:57 am)

Replying to: djm2 (Feb 05, 2011 9:24 am)
The way to solve the 4 vs 6 issue is to just buy a 4 cylinder Accord. The clutch is electro-mechanical without any actual linkage, so it is literally as precise and easy as a video game.
 
It accelerates in traffic exactly as quick as the 6 with automatic since there's no time spent waiting for it to wind up and get moving. Shifting is excellent and the car feels light on its feet.
 
Now, if you really want something better, consider a used or CPO 2007 CTS with manual and the 2.8L engine. Quick shifting and more than enough power, decently nice interior (I know everyone panned it vs the competition, but it is nicer than a typical economy sedan) , and you won't even have to spend $15K. If getting around town is all you want to do, the 2.8 is great as you can consistently get 29-30mpg highway with cruise control on. MPG is identical to everyone else's 6 cylinder/auto combination if you drive it conservatively. (official was 17/27 - real world is about 24-25mpg for typical commuting)

#2103 of 3352 press request by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Feb 08, 2011 (7:57 am)

A reporter seeks to interview a current car shopper about Toyota. Have the headlines of the past year affected your interest in the brand? Please send your daytime contact info to predmunds.com by Wednesday, February 9, 2010 with your comments.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
Corporate Communications
Edmunds.com

#2104 of 3352 used Altima, Sonata, Impala, or Lincoln LS by hersbird

Feb 18, 2011 (7:36 pm)

#2105 of 3352 used Altima, Sonata, Impala, or Lincoln LS by hersbird

Feb 18, 2011 (7:36 pm)

So I'm buying a car as a wedding present for my daughter, they will live in NC. I am going to spend about $6500. I'm shopping cars with asking prices from $6000-$8500. I have narrowed it down to about 4 general cars although nothing specific. A 2006 Sonata v6 with about 100k, a 2003ish 3.5 Altima with 125-150k, A 2007 Impala 3.9 with 90k, or a 2003 V8 LS with 125k. I wasn't really looking at the LS at first but some really nice examples are out there in this price range and are by far the most plush. The Impala would still have 10k miles on the factory powertrain warranty and is cheeper to insure. The Altima seems like the nicest car, but they have more miles to get in this price range and seem a bit more abused. The Sonata just seems all aound good but not great in any one area. I'm staying away from the 4 cylinder versions as they seem to have more problems as the mileage racks up and to me seem underpowered. Any thoughts or additions to my shopping list?

#2106 of 3352 2009 Accord EX-L vs 2010 Subaru Legacy vs ????? by bostonbull

Feb 18, 2011 (6:34 pm)

#2107 of 3352 2009 Accord EX-L vs 2010 Subaru Legacy vs ????? by bostonbull

Feb 18, 2011 (6:34 pm)

I have a little over $21,000 to spend on a used vehicle total including a trade in. Hoping to get the car for under $20k then tack on a grand or two from my trade to the final price. Ill pay tax, title, docs, etc out of pocket.
 
I have narrowed it down to the two models listed in the title. I want something that is super reliable, low cost of maintenance, good MPG, high resale value and powerful. It also has to be loaded, navigation isn't necessary but I would like bluetooth. This will be the first nice car I have owned and I plan on keeping it for a while. My last 2 vehicles were a 1999 and 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, both were POS!
 
I drive 50/50 city highway, ave a family of 4, and put 15-20k miles on a year.
 
I considered other cars, the 2010 Ford Fusion Sport was on the list, but the plummeting resale value scared me off. I don't like Toyota's, or GM products. The Legacy being a first model year makes me a bit nervous to be honest as does the repair cost if the AWD breaks down.

#2108 of 3352 Re: used Altima, Sonata, Impala, or Lincoln LS [hersbird] by qbrozen

Feb 21, 2011 (8:18 am)

Replying to: hersbird (Feb 18, 2011 7:36 pm)
well, judging by trade-in values, you shouldn't need to go that high on the miles with the Altima. If you can find one, an '03 with 100k is right around the same value as the '06 Sonata you listed. And, believe it or not, an '03 LS with 100k is worth even less than either of those. An '04 with 100k is more in line with the value of the Sonata and Altima.
 
If you are finding an '07 Impala V6 (I'm assuming LTZ with moonroof) for $6500, something is wrong because it has a minimum trade value of $7k
 
Another one I suggest is an '04-'05 Mazda6 loaded up with ~100k, but with the 4-cyl, which is plenty of poke and is reliable.

#2109 of 3352 Re: 2009 Accord EX-L vs 2010 Subaru Legacy vs ????? [bostonbull] by qbrozen

Feb 21, 2011 (8:17 am)

Replying to: bostonbull (Feb 18, 2011 6:34 pm)
A slightly used Fusion Sport is actually a great deal, though, thanks to the resale value. I mean, you are talking like $28k for a new 2012, while you can get a 2010 Sport with Nav with ~15k miles for around $18,500.
 
A comparable '09 is about $16k right now, so it seems the depreciation settles down quite a bit after those first 2 years.

#2110 of 3352 Re: used Altima, Sonata, Impala, or Lincoln LS [hersbird] by plekto

Feb 21, 2011 (12:54 pm)

Replying to: hersbird (Feb 18, 2011 7:36 pm)
Since you are looking at domestics as well, you should also look at similar age Buicks. They generally have slightly better engines and a bit more nice interiors than the same platform Chevrolet.
 
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=u&car_id=293369130
This has the same electronic suspension as a Cadillac and a V8 engine out of one as well. Only get the CXS - it's a completely different vehicle compared to the other trims. Different engine and suspension - it drives virtually the same as a late 90s S class, which is a HUGE improvement for GM. I'd rate it as a far better car than the 2003 LS.
 
The LaCrosse CXS from around 2006-2007 is also worth considering as it has the same engine as the Cadillac CTS, and an upgraded suspension as well. It's a total sleeper that drives better than any Buick you've ever driven before. You can usually find this for around 7-8K. Both are very pretty cars that have a bit of extra bling that would make for a nice present as well.
 
Of course, the best used deal out there is a similar aged Grand Marquis. It's cheap to fix, impossible to kill, and if you get it in a the dark blue or red color, it's 100% not going to look like a police car.
 
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=293384104
Yes, that's under 15K miles. On a car that can go 300K quite easily.
 
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=p&car_id=290959044
This is a more typical example, mileage and price-wise.

Messages Page 211 of 336

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