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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

#1201 of 1205 Re: Mazda 3i touring man vs. Elantra SE [backy] by joegiant Jul 12, 2009 (5:31 am)
Replying to: backy (Jul 11, 2009 8:15 am) Thanks backy for your input. I think you're onto something with the labor costs 'tween the two countries AND the newer more high tech engine coming out of Japan as opposed to the somewhat dated Beta II engine in the current generation Elantra. Btw, in my research I did see that Mazda has already had a recall on that "new high tech engine" having something to do with the spacing under the hood and possible problems. Thinking the Hyundai has probably got those type of kinks worked out by now. But the Elantra IS an '09 for depreciation's sake although I suppose that's where the deals lie for those of us who run 'em into the ground and don't trade every two and a half years. The thing just screams VALUE to me. Call me whacked but I guess I just don't see the need to pay the markup on the 3i right now. Point A to point B over the great American highway. Guess that's why I've never considered Honda or Toyota much as I can't stand the thought of paying for a name badge.   Again, thanks for your comments. Replies to this message: backy (Jul 12, 2009 7:38 am)
#1202 of 1205 Re: Mazda 3i touring man vs. Elantra SE [joegiant] by backy Jul 12, 2009 (7:38 am)
Replying to: joegiant (Jul 12, 2009 5:31 am) If you like how the Elantra drives, I can see why you wouldn't be willing to pay extra for the Mazda3i. But there are some folks who see a distinct difference in how the two cars drive, or they prefer the looks of the Mazda3i, or maybe they have bought into the Mazda "zoom zoom" stuff or like the idea of buying a car made in Japan vs. the ROK. Different strokes (and cars) for different folks.   Another thing to consider, since you are price-conscious buyer, is to get a slightly used car, maybe a certified one with extended factory warranty. I have taken the used route now for every car I've bought since 2004 (which was an Elantra GT I still have). That wouldn't work of course if you are going the "cash for clunkers" route.
#1203 of 1205 Driven Both by sandman_6472 Jul 15, 2009 (3:52 pm)
We own a Mazda 3s and have recently driven both the Elantra SE and the Touring wagon and the M3 is a much smoother, quieter ride especially with the 2.3 engine. Both Elantra's were very thrashy & loud up the power band which disturbed me. Even drove a new '09 Sonata right afterwards and it was so much quieter it wasn't funny. Not quite sure how the 2.0 Mazda engine would sound as we never test drove it...we knew we wanted the bigger engine for the wife.   Was at the dealership yesterday for the 1st oil change for my kids Accent, as she's back from her Epcot internship. Also had some warranty work done. Sat in a '09 Elantra SE in the showroom and was surprised at how the seating material felt...very nice. But again, thought the Sonata was a much better car all around. But if push came to shove, wouldn't mind any of the Hyundai models for a daily driver. Haven't tried the new '10 M3 yet so I can't give an intelligent answer on the car but the wife likes it so we'll get to try it, probably in the '11 model run. But don't think that any of these choices will be bad...Hyundai has come a long way and is almost the equal of the Honda/Nissan/Toyota products. Am very interested in the new Kia Forte...think it's the real sleeper in this group of small economy cars actually...a great looking small car!   The Sandman
#1204 of 1205 sandman... by iluvmysephia1 Jul 16, 2009 (2:40 pm)
the new Kia Forte is hot looking, I agree.
#1205 of 1205 Forte by sandman_6472 Jul 16, 2009 (4:31 pm)
While at the Honda dealer last week, went over to the Kia store but they had no Forte's in stock. The SX model is what I'd be interested in eventually so was disappointed there were none to sit in and get the feel of it. Now I hear that the new Civic will be a 2012 model instead of a 2011 one. But that works for me as I'd be looking around 2012 for my next new ride anyways...if not 2013 or 2014. By then, there should be a ton of econoboxes to choose from...crazy cool   The Sandman

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