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Automotive News & Views Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous
15314 messages, Last post on Nov 30, 2009 at 9:10 PM
You are in the Automotive News & Views Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & claires
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that hang out here. My sister is looking to replace a 1998 Maxima SE (AT) shortly, so that is the frame of reference for these requirements. not that she is picky or anything, but at least she doesnt want to pay too much. She is also single, so the car is just for her. Oh, and the fold down rear seats are so she can stick a mountain bike in there. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Car must list: Have 4 doors Automatic transmission Fold down rear seats Alarm system Antilock brakes Side curtain airbags (front) Automatic door opener/window down on key fob Alloy wheels (no 15" stuff I rather like the bigger tires) Power driver seat CD (nothing fancy needed for the radio but perhaps an Ipod connection) My on the fence wish list Navi system - really want Sun roof - will miss terribly if I don't have Would like stability control Not really keen on hybrid stuff but would consider if the car still has power and was predominately gas powered. So what I'm considering are: Accord & Altima (both might be to big so I have to do some width measurements because of my garage turn) Sonata Civic - haven't sized it up. I'd like to keep the price no more than $22K $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ So, what are all of your fine opinions? I'll post my recommendations later! |
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Replying to: stickguy (Jul 12, 2009 4:32 pm) My sister is looking to replace a 1998 Maxima SE (AT) shortly, so that is the frame of reference for these requirements. not that she is picky or anything, but at least she doesnt want to pay too much. She is also single, so the car is just for her. Oh, and the fold down rear seats are so she can stick a mountain bike in there. You should really at least look at a Fusion or Milan. The 2.5 4 cylinder with the 6 speed automatic is relatively thrifty and offers some semblance of performance. The Fusion SE has a moons/toons option that gets you premium sound, SYNC, and a moonroof. Is it limited to 4 doors, or are 5 okay? The Mazda3 hatch has been very popular. |
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Replying to: stickguy (Jul 12, 2009 4:32 pm) 2007 or 2008 Volvo S60 with the six year 100,000 mile certification should be right around $22,000. Has everything you are looking for and the 2008 S60 has an iPod connection. |
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Has to be new (her issue, not mine). 5 door could work. She drove a Sonata (rental) and didnt like it (too spongy, almost Camry like). Guess she has gotten used to a firm ride and steering feel on the Maxima! She is also the one that bought a Fiat 850 spider when she was about 20. My BIL to be hated that thing, since he got stuck working on it! I suggested the Sonata, Mazda 6, Altima and Fusion, with Legacy and Volvo V50 as dark horse entrants. Subes out, doesn't want AWD. She read good things about the Fusion, but hated the high rise trunk and poor rear view (a big problem with many sedans now, after drving a nice low slung Maxima). Ny Neice has a 2006 Mazda 6, which sis seems to like. The new one is a bit bigger though, but I expect she will like how it drives. Her friend fot a deal on an Altima 2.5s last year, so that is still in the running. I think something like the Volvo would be more functional for her, but hey, it's her money. THe safe and sound offer is a nice feature too. Pretty much gas and go for 5 years or 60K (even covers wear items). Hard to beat that.
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Replying to: stickguy (Jul 12, 2009 6:35 pm) You can get a FWD S60 Special Edition for 26ish or maybe a little less with some hard bargaining. The Special Edition S60s have the sexier 17 inch wheels too. |
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supposedly the 22K is a bit flexible for something really special. Not being willing to take leather lets out most high end or Euro cars anyway.
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Replying to: stickguy (Jul 12, 2009 4:32 pm) Almost anything with a four-cylinder is going to seem noisy and cheap after having a Maxima with a VQ30DE. Why not look at a gently used Maxima or Altima V6 for around $20k? You probably won't find one with stability control, as Nissan disdains safety features and only included it on the very top model, but I think it would meet the other requirements. May be hard to find one without leather.
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Replying to: stickguy (Jul 12, 2009 6:46 pm) I run across people like that from time to time. |
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I expect any maxima is going to have leather. Not sure about the fold down seats either. Honda has the roll down windows feature, but I don't think that's a deal breaker. I don't think the 4 cyl is going to be a problem Especially the one in the 6 or Altima, since they are pretty powerful IMO. She has also had some recurring problems with the engine, and would probably be happy to get something different. |
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Replying to: woodyww (Jul 12, 2009 10:45 am) My G6 is still shuddering at highway speed. I've driven two others with the same powertrain and tire size that don't have the same problem, so at least that's probably not the way it's designed.
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