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Economy Sedans (~$16k-$20k)

1205 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2009 at 4:31 PM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Honda Fit, Mazda MAZDA3, Toyota Corolla, Toyota Yaris, Nissan Sentra, Sedan

#1136 of 1205 Re: New Car [backy] by leonfam Oct 14, 2008 (10:31 pm)
Replying to: backy (Oct 09, 2008 6:52 pm) Great thoughts on the used lux approach. Thanks for sharing. We've also cruised down that aisle (BMW 3 and Volvo S40/S60)..but ran into some bumps.   Here they are (in no particular order):   CR reliability reports for the BMW and the S40 aren't great. In our price range they come out as average to below average. Life is busy enough with having a car in the shop...   S60 dosn't have the FE we desire, though reliability is higher than the S40   For the BMW - our price range is going to mean higher mileage...heading into more risk of repairs   We plan to use it for a longer period as our kids aren't close to driving age yet.   On the flip side...I can get lots more safety, quality and comfort for my $$. Love that!   you see...(dare I be this honest?...)...the Corolla is now on the list. Safety, price and FE. Only size/price combo that has ESC. Might not be able to get it with ESC that easily in my area, but looking into it...   Other half just won't go for a Hyundai...and really, anything "mid size" is more than works for us.   CR reports 25 mpg for the BWM 3- whadda think? If true, puts it in the desired FE range.....but that is just up until 2000. In 2001 it drips to 22 mpg.   - Replies to this message: shipo (Oct 15, 2008 2:25 am) backy (Oct 15, 2008 12:49 pm) aviboy97 (Oct 15, 2008 1:58 pm) backy (Oct 15, 2008 2:08 pm)
#1137 of 1205 Re: New Car [leonfam] by shipo Oct 15, 2008 (2:25 am)
Replying to: leonfam (Oct 14, 2008 10:31 pm) With the exception of the M3, pretty much any 3-Series since the debut of the E46 in 1999 will be able to return 22-25 MPG in mixed driving and over 30 on the highway.   Best regards, Shipo
#1138 of 1205 Re: New Car [leonfam] by backy Oct 15, 2008 (12:49 pm)
Replying to: leonfam (Oct 14, 2008 10:31 pm) For the two weeks I've been driving my 2000 328Ci, overall FE is at 32.2 mpg. That includes a 360-mile highway trip and two weeks of around-town driving. I doubt I would do any better on my 2004 Elantra. I have been pleasantly surprised by the FE on the 3-Series. But I also drive it moderately. Someone who wrings it out all the time would not fare as well. But might have more fun.   The tradeoff is a car with more miles on it that could need new parts sooner than a newer, low-end used car, for all the safety, creature comforts, and handling of a luxury coupe. I decided it was an acceptable trade off for me. If it turns out the car starts being a money pit, I'll probably dump it and never go that route again. But I had to try it, at least once.   P.S. There is a huge difference between an S40 and 3-Series. Depending on year, the S40 is basically a rebadged Mitsubishi or Mazda compact. The 3-Series is, well, the Ultimate Driving Machine. Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Oct 15, 2008 1:58 pm) backy (Oct 15, 2008 2:08 pm)
#1139 of 1205 Re: New Car [backy] by aviboy97 Oct 15, 2008 (1:58 pm)
Replying to: backy (Oct 15, 2008 12:49 pm) Outside of a simple platform, (which really has nothing to do with a car) there is no Mazda in the Volvo S40. Different engines, trannys, suspension, electrical, materials, technology, tires, etc. Replies to this message: backy (Oct 15, 2008 2:08 pm)
#1140 of 1205 Re: New Car [aviboy97] by backy Oct 15, 2008 (2:08 pm)
Replying to: aviboy97 (Oct 15, 2008 1:58 pm) I would say that the car's platform has a LOT to do with a car, but I see your point about the differences.
#1141 of 1205 How does BMW by scape2 Oct 16, 2008 (1:20 pm)
even make it into this forum? No-way can you get a BMW for $12-15,000! new or even "slightly used". Unless of course you mean a 10 year old BMW Motor Trend has an extensive article about the Ford Fiesta coming to the U.S. The only thing I wish Ford would change is the geeky name.. Fiesta.. Should have stayed with a more modern, catchy name like the Verve... Replies to this message: thegraduate (Oct 16, 2008 1:25 pm) backy (Oct 16, 2008 1:40 pm) leonfam (Oct 16, 2008 9:36 pm) shipo (Oct 17, 2008 4:20 am) bhmr59 (Oct 19, 2008 3:56 pm)
#1142 of 1205 Re: How does BMW [scape2] by thegraduate Oct 16, 2008 (1:25 pm)
Replying to: scape2 (Oct 16, 2008 1:20 pm) To be fair, backy was discussing his options between a $16k-$20k car and a used BMW, weighing the pros and cons.
#1143 of 1205 Re: How does BMW [scape2] by backy Oct 16, 2008 (1:40 pm)
Replying to: scape2 (Oct 16, 2008 1:20 pm) Fiesta doesn't belong in this discussion, but in the Low-End cars discussion.
#1144 of 1205 So we have a consensus by pat HOST Oct 16, 2008 (1:49 pm)
We will all find the right forums for the cars we wish to discuss.   Or we'll just agree to get along here without worries, which would also be a wise choice.
#1145 of 1205 Re: How does BMW [scape2] by leonfam Oct 16, 2008 (9:36 pm)
Replying to: scape2 (Oct 16, 2008 1:20 pm) I am also seeing BMW's (3's) in the 12-15K range. 2001-04, 67K miles or less. And that is asking price. Today's market...whaddya think? potential for 2K less?   I also keep getting distracted by used GTI's. First car was a 72 Chevy Impala..and I've migrated down to 4-bangers since then. A little turbo and more hp sounds like a lot more fun! Stuffing the kid in the back seat holds me back..... Replies to this message: shipo (Oct 17, 2008 4:20 am) bhmr59 (Oct 19, 2008 3:56 pm)

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