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Help Me Choose!

3347 messages,  Last post on Jun 17, 2013 at 2:32 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 262 of 335

#2607 of 3347 Help a college graduate pick a new car! by whatdafxup09

Apr 02, 2012 (2:42 pm)

So here's the story, I'm about to graduate college, and will most likely be moving to Los Angeles in the next year or so to continue my education. I am looking for a new or slightly used sedan or hatch. I currently drive a 2001 camry LE, and while that thing is boring, it's also damn near indestructible. My budget is roughly 23-25k. So far, I've been considering the toyota camry, subaru impreza, hyundai elantra, etc... Most important to me are reliability and that "fun" factor. Right now I'm leaning towards the subaru but I don't really need AWD, although it would be nice. Give me your thoughts on these cars or suggest something better! BTW the car will MOST LIKELY be automatic, although nothing is for certain just yet. Also, I think I'll be avoiding the luxury brands for the most part due to maintenance costs and the overall image associated with them. Thanks everyone!

#2608 of 3347 Re: Help a college graduate pick a new car! [whatdafxup09] by backy

Apr 02, 2012 (4:56 pm)

Replying to: whatdafxup09 (Apr 02, 2012 2:42 pm)
Mazda3i Touring hatch (or sedan). For that "fun" factor. Also economical.
 
Impreza is a good choice also but more expensive than the Mazda3, less economical, and handling is not as crisp. If you don't really need AWD, then... why?
 
Or used... lots of great options including TSX, G25/37.

#2609 of 3347 Re: Help a college graduate pick a new car! [whatdafxup09] by oldburbnewcx9

Apr 02, 2012 (5:36 pm)

Replying to: whatdafxup09 (Apr 02, 2012 2:42 pm)
For the most "fun" factor a Mazdaspeed3 lists for 26K to 28K but can be had for $23K to $25K in my area (Northern Virginia) per deales price listings online. This car has also be reliable but probably not a bulletproof as you current boring ride.

#2610 of 3347 Re: Help a college graduate pick a new car! [whatdafxup09] by qbrozen

Apr 02, 2012 (6:35 pm)

Replying to: whatdafxup09 (Apr 02, 2012 2:42 pm)
Well if you find your Camry boring, I have no idea why you are considering another Camry. The base impreza and the elantra aren't exactly exciting options, either.
 
Mazda3 is not a bad suggestion.
 
If you look around and lay off the options, you could find a low-mileage '08-'09 328i in your pricerange. And '09-'10 TSX would be more fun that at least the 3 options you've listed. A '10 CTS 3.6 could also fit under your cap.

#2611 of 3347 Re: Help a college graduate pick a new car! [qbrozen] by whatdafxup09

Apr 02, 2012 (7:28 pm)

Replying to: qbrozen (Apr 02, 2012 6:35 pm)
Thanks all for the input. A few responses:
1. So am I mistaken in believing that mazda has poor reliability/dependability down the road?
2. While I do like the TSX/328i/other luxury brands, I don't really like the stigma or image associated with them. Furthermore, maintenance will be far more expensive and I'll be a student for virtually the next 4 years.
3. Despite being boring, my camry has never given me real trouble. Its so ******* dependable I feel almost guilty not going with it. (the safe bet for my money). Aside from that, it's comfortable and practical but just so boring...

#2612 of 3347 09-10 Sedan or Coupe with Nice Interior by joeyh1

Apr 02, 2012 (7:33 pm)

Time to replace the 02 Bonneville. I haven't driven anything yet, but I'm thinking along the lines of a 09-10 Sonata, Altima, Mazda 6, Optima....what else should I be looking at? I'm usually a solo driver, so I could also do a decent sized coupe. I just like to have a fair amount of metal around me and a roomy driving position. In fact, a well appointed interior is probably one of my most desired points. An Azera is probably a little pricey since I'd like to stay in mid teens. I'd welcome any thoughts.

#2613 of 3347 Re: Help a college graduate pick a new car! [whatdafxup09] by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Apr 02, 2012 (8:12 pm)

Replying to: whatdafxup09 (Apr 02, 2012 7:28 pm)
1. So am I mistaken in believing that mazda has poor reliability/dependability down the road?
 
Wha....??? Why would you say this? No one has really intimated that that's an issue. I had fantastic luck with my Protege that I beat the crap out of.
 
Seriously, if you want reliability - with outside of warranty bets - your Camry is really a great bargain. If you want driving fun, within your budget, with a decent warranty ( B2B)... move on.
 
You are very smart to not consider the entry-level luxury category. The routine replacements are much more expensive.

#2614 of 3347 Re: Help a college graduate pick a new car! [whatdafxup09] by backy

Apr 02, 2012 (9:14 pm)

Replying to: whatdafxup09 (Apr 02, 2012 7:28 pm)
So you want reliable-as-a-Toyota. But fun. Up to mid-$20s.
 
How about this little number?
 
http://www.scion.com/cars/FR-S/

#2615 of 3347 Re: Help a college graduate pick a new car! [backy] by whatdafxup09

Apr 02, 2012 (10:40 pm)

Replying to: backy (Apr 02, 2012 9:14 pm)
You're right on the money save for 4 doors!! I think a sedan is more up my alley, im going for that more mature look.

#2616 of 3347 Re: Help a college graduate pick a new car! [whatdafxup09] by oldburbnewcx9

Apr 03, 2012 (2:32 am)

Replying to: whatdafxup09 (Apr 02, 2012 7:28 pm)
So am I mistaken in believing that mazda has poor reliability/dependability down the road?
YES!
 
I have a 2005 Mazda6s, 75000 miles, runs and works great. My son has a 2007 Mazda3s Hatch, runs and works great at 54000 miles. I also have a 2009 Mazda CX-9 Touring. 38000 miles, no warrenty issues. So far the best SUV/CUV I have ever owned.

Messages Page 262 of 335

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