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Help Me Choose!

3352 messages,  Last post on Jun 19, 2013 at 8:43 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 279 of 336

#2778 of 3352 Re: Sedan [backy] by mr_gone

Aug 21, 2012 (12:20 pm)

Replying to: backy (Aug 20, 2012 9:32 am)
The 2006 Honda Civic sedan received a three-star rating for side protection for the front passenger. The 2006-11 coupe's side protection for the driver was rated "marginal" for torso protection and "average" for pelvis/leg protection.
 
I agree that we shouldn't start mentioning cars we like that have no relation to the poster's needs or stated preferences, but when he's looking at Milans, Impalas, 3s, and Corollas, clearly the 2006-07 Accord is within the range of consideration. In terms of mileage, I don't think it's essential to find one with low mileage because they hold up well, as I discussed. I also know there are many, many of them available of low and not-so-low mileage in his $14,000 and under price range.

#2779 of 3352 Re: Sedan [mr_gone] by backy

Aug 21, 2012 (12:25 pm)

Replying to: mr_gone (Aug 21, 2012 12:20 pm)
The OP is looking for a sedan and for something newer than 2006, so I don't see how crash ratings on the 2006 Civic sedan or the Civic coupe apply here.

#2780 of 3352 Re: Sedan [backy] by plekto

Aug 21, 2012 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: backy (Aug 21, 2012 12:25 pm)
The best cars to buy used for low money are big, depreciating old people's cars.
 
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp?tracktype=usedcc&csDlId=&csDgId=&listin- - gId=90459030
Here is a Buick Lacrosse CXS. This would actually be my #1 pick for the OP, because it's basically a fancy Malibu, but with the suspension and engine out of a first generation Cadillac CTS (just this CXS trim model). The engine's been tuned for low-end torque, though, so it pulls like a diesel through all of its gears. (peak torque is about 500rpm off of idle!)
 
Leather, sunroof, traction control, safety features, and on and on - the thing's loaded. But because it's a *Buick*, it suffers from old-people-itis and depreciates rather quickly.
 
(note - the other trims have no such engine or suspension upgrades and drive like rental cars - very disappointing - avoid them)
 
Edit: It drives a lot like a late 90s E Class or Volvo S60 - not wobbly or bouncy "GM" at all, and it has no power gaps between gears (a first for any GM car, IME). The transmission is a standard 4 speed unit, which is optimal as it's also one of the most reliable ever made. You don't need tons of gears if you have loads of low end power.

#2781 of 3352 Re: Sedan [plekto] by busiris

Aug 22, 2012 (12:54 pm)

Replying to: plekto (Aug 21, 2012 4:06 pm)
How does a car like that fit into his requirements for fuel efficiency?
 
Isn't this model rated at 17/27?

#2782 of 3352 Re: Sedan [busiris] by plekto

Aug 23, 2012 (3:49 am)

Replying to: busiris (Aug 22, 2012 12:54 pm)
He was looking at the Malibu and similar larger cars. They simply don't get 32mpg in real world driving, at least not without a puny engine, overpriced hybrid technology, or sacrificing ride, size, and features. A car like this (this specific model, actually) is loaded and drives as well as anything Honda or Toyota are making.
 
GM makes the most reliable automatics, and their V6 engines are top-notch. He might pay a little more for fuel, but it'll take him a long time to make up the difference since the GM car will have a much lower price versus most of the imports.
 
Now GM is very hit and miss, I'll have to admit. They make a superb vehicle only every few years, and it's usually unfortunately a top trim model of something nobody has their eye on. Or that is very low production. This is one of their gems, but since it's buried in reams of rental listings and off of absolutely everyone's radar, it's dirt cheap.
 
CTS engine and suspension. In a Buick. For the price of a new Yaris. The OP should definitely check it out.

#2783 of 3352 Re: Sedan [busiris] by bpizzuti

Aug 23, 2012 (5:44 am)

Replying to: busiris (Aug 22, 2012 12:54 pm)
Plekto only believes in large used GM sedans.

#2784 of 3352 Need Some Help Choosing A Sedan! by mark_willis

Aug 23, 2012 (11:02 am)

Hi, I've been researching cars for a couple of months now but I just can't find one that meets my needs as far as fuel economy, look, and cost to maintain. I don't mind sacrificing a little gas mileage for looks, or for power, but it is one of the main selling points for me. Also, I REALLY like the body style of the BMW 3 Series, the 2006 model or so. I also like the new Mazda3 body, just to give you an idea of what body type appeals to me. The only thing that deters me from a BMW is the cost to maintain. Also, I'm looking to buy a used car that's just a few years old, preferably no older than 2008, give or take. Anyway, any suggestions would be VERY much appreciated, as this car search is driving me crazy!

#2785 of 3352 Re: Need Some Help Choosing A Sedan! [mark_willis] by busiris

Aug 23, 2012 (12:13 pm)

Replying to: mark_willis (Aug 23, 2012 11:02 am)
"cost to maintain"...
 
If that's a significant factor in your decision, I would suggest you omit searching any traditional "luxury" brand vehicle.
 
Just because a car cost twice as much, it in no way implies twice the reliability. In fact, this type of vehicle, as a rule, requires more in maintenance costs, if or no other reason that 1- it omens with more items, ergo more items to fail, and 2- parts on higher $ cars costs more $$$.
 
Stick with more mainstream, mass produced vehicles.

#2786 of 3352 Re: Need Some Help Choosing A Sedan! [mark_willis] by backy

Aug 23, 2012 (5:21 pm)

Replying to: mark_willis (Aug 23, 2012 11:02 am)
If you like how the Mazda3 looks, why not get a Mazda3? Reliable, good fuel economy (esp. 2012+ with Skyactiv), great handling and fun to drive.
 
And since you don't like maintenance costs, I recommend you buy new or slightly-used-with-CPO-warranty. 2013 Mazda3i Sport with Skyactiv starts around $17-18k. About the same as an older 3 Series, but better FE and with a new-car warranty.

#2787 of 3352 Re: Need Some Help Choosing A Sedan! [backy] by mark_willis

Aug 23, 2012 (7:11 pm)

Replying to: backy (Aug 23, 2012 5:21 pm)
Well, honestly I'd really like a new Mazda3, but it's just a LITTLE bit out of my price range, because I'd like to get the i Touring trim if I decided to get it. The cheaper trims just don't have enough options for my taste and isn't worth it because I'm planning on having this car until it dies, so luxury is a pretty important aspect for me as well. It's very possible I will go for a 2010 or 2011 Mazda3, I was just trying to get some ideas on other cars similar to it before I make my final decision.

Messages Page 279 of 336

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