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Help Me Choose!

3276 messages,  Last post on May 19, 2013 at 7:38 AM

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 271 of 329

#2695 of 3276 Active duty & shopping? by steve_ HOST

Jun 07, 2012 (1:24 pm)

Are you an active duty member of the U.S. military in the process of shopping for a new or used car? A news reporter is interested in talking with you. Please contact predmunds.com by June 30, 2012.

#2696 of 3276 Re: 09-10 Sedan or Coupe with Nice Interior [bobw3] by kdshapiro

Jun 08, 2012 (8:11 am)

Replying to: bobw3 (Apr 18, 2012 1:16 pm)
Actually I think you have to own a hybrid for 10 years to break even.

#2697 of 3276 First time buyer--opinions by newcargirl5000

Jul 12, 2012 (10:44 am)

#2698 of 3276 First time buyer--opinions by newcargirl5000

Jul 12, 2012 (10:44 am)

I'm a first time car buyer (previously drove a car I inherited for 10 years til it died.) I'm new to this forum and wanted people's opinions (and realize car ownership can be VERY subjective.) I'm hoping to hold on the car for a long time (I just drive for pleasure and usually only do about 3000 miles a year, but most of it is on highways.) Am looking to spend roughly $20,000.
I'm considering 3 cars (all with automatic transmission):
1) Subaru Impreza hatchback
2)the new Hyundai Elantra GT
3) Volkswagen Golf (4 door)
Am planning to buy in the spring, but am just starting my research and am planning on doing test drives for all three--and, if possible, renting them to really check them out.
Aside from the obvious pluses for each (AWD for the Subaru, great warranty for the Hyundai) I'd love opinions from folks as to which car (out of the 3) they prefer and why.
Many thanks in advance!

#2699 of 3276 Re: First time buyer--opinions [newcargirl5000] by qbrozen

Jul 12, 2012 (4:30 pm)

Replying to: newcargirl5000 (Jul 12, 2012 10:44 am)
considering your buying/owning habits, I think the 10 year warranty on the hyundai would serve you well, so that would be my suggestion.

#2700 of 3276 Re: First time buyer--opinions [newcargirl5000] by backy

Jul 12, 2012 (5:00 pm)

Replying to: newcargirl5000 (Jul 12, 2012 10:44 am)
First, unless you get much snow, I'd move the Impreza lower on your list as it will cost more and exacts a bit of an mpg penalty for AWD. But I think it's a very nice car... I live in Minnesota though.
 
I think the Elantra GT is very nice also, but for $20k you'll be looking at a base model with AT and that's it. Doesn't look like Hyundai plans to ship many of these over here, so prices will probably stay up even next spring. BTW, similar problem with availability on the Impreza... hard to find any selection in stock.
 
Re the Golf... keep in mind the Golf VII will be here sometime next year, so if you buy a Golf VI in the spring, it will be a generation old overnight. So you could wait for the Golf VII, which is supposed to have a turbo engine standard and better FE, or... you could get a slightly used, VW Certified Golf VI. You could get a very nice one including an extended warranty for $20k.
 
Based on your looking at these cars, two others I think are worth a look for you are the Mazda3i Touring hatch (Skyactiv), which is a blast to drive, and the Focus hatch, also fun to drive albeit I'd stay away from the auto on that one, but reportedly Ford has worked out the kinks on it, or most of them at least.

#2701 of 3276 Re: First time buyer--opinions [backy] by newcargirl5000

Jul 12, 2012 (7:35 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jul 12, 2012 5:00 pm)
Thanks for the replies! And backy, thanks so much for such an in-depth one! Great points. I live in NYC and nearly never drive in snow so I will cross the Impreza off my list. Re: the Hyundai, I'm actually fine with the base model with AT. But I will also check out the Mazda 3i touring Hatch (I have heard really good things about that as well!) And great points re: the Golf VI & upcoming VII. Thanks again. A lot of food for thought!

#2702 of 3276 Re: First time buyer--opinions [newcargirl5000] by qbrozen

Jul 14, 2012 (4:36 am)

Replying to: newcargirl5000 (Jul 12, 2012 7:35 pm)
considering how long you plan to keep it, I certainly wouldn't worry about what is around the corner in terms of redesigns.

#2703 of 3276 Re: First time buyer--opinions [qbrozen] by backy

Jul 14, 2012 (10:52 am)

Replying to: qbrozen (Jul 14, 2012 4:36 am)
Why not? If a redesign will get much better fuel economy than the old design, for example, that is a big benefit for long-term ownership. That is certainly the case for the current crop of compacts--the latest redesigns tend to get much better FE than the old ones, and sometimes with more power to boot. There's also the safety factor--the newer the design, the more active and passive safety features tend to be included. For example, the latest Elantra design, the GT, has 7 airbags, and the current gen entire Elantra line has ESC standard--that was not the case with the prior design.

#2704 of 3276 Re: First time buyer--opinions [backy] by bhmr59

Jul 14, 2012 (5:24 pm)

Replying to: backy (Jul 14, 2012 10:52 am)
3,000 miles per year indicates that MPG shouldn't be a high priority. As long as the MPG is reasonable, a difference of a few MPG shouldn' be a concern.

Messages Page 271 of 329

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