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Midsize Sedans 2.0

13339 messages,  Last post on Dec 06, 2009 at 9:28 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum. Your Hosts are pat & karens

What is this discussion about? Hyundai Sonata, Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Volkswagen Passat, Mazda MAZDA6, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Saturn Aura, Car Comparisons, Sedan


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#10785 of 13339
Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [stephen987] by aviboy97
Sep 15, 2008 (11:05 am)
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Replying to: stephen987 (Sep 15, 2008 10:10 am)

Yes, more economical and powerful then the Mazda3. At 170hp, it is rated at 30hwy and 21city, but yet, real world FE from the first owners show it at 32hwy so far, without the engine being broken in.
 
If you are looking for a mtx, they are just starting to pop up. I have two, one of which is a i Sport. It really is very very smooth and really quick. I was really pleased with my first drive.
#10786 of 13339
Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [aviboy97] by stephen987
Sep 15, 2008 (11:29 am)
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Replying to: aviboy97 (Sep 15, 2008 11:05 am)

I've driven the Honda equivalent of the 6i Sport, an Accord LX-P five-speed, and I was impressed with it in a lot of ways, but it seemed a little "disconnected" compared to our Civic. That's the same complaint I have with our '02 Accord--it feels "big" in a negative way, a bit overdamped in its responses.
 
I rented an '08 Milan recently for a couple of weeks and it was much more direct than the Accord--it felt more like the Civic, or even a little like my dad's old 3-series. If the Mazda6 has that level of steering feel and balance, it might be worth making the 100-mile drive to the Atlanta dealerships that have some variety in stock. (Our local Mazda dealer is very much a lowest-common-denominator place.)
#10787 of 13339
Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [stephen987] by aviboy97
Sep 15, 2008 (11:42 am)
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Replying to: stephen987 (Sep 15, 2008 11:29 am)

The 09 Mazda6 will feel more connected to the road then a Milan. Drive it. I think you will be pleased.
#10788 of 13339
Re: Toyota Camry 2.7L? [lucky_777] by thegraduate
Sep 15, 2008 (1:30 pm)
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Replying to: lucky_777 (Sep 15, 2008 10:56 am)

Because I'm comparing what I have in relation to what is out there; is that a problem? And, when I shopped and decided on my 06 Accord, the Camry was still all of those things (not nearly as frisky as the Accord). I use my current car as a measuring stick for what I"m going to replace it with. If I don't find something I like better I won't trade. It's that simple.
#10789 of 13339
Re: Toyota Camry 2.7L? [thegraduate] by stephen987
Sep 15, 2008 (2:12 pm)
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Replying to: thegraduate (Sep 15, 2008 1:30 pm)

Sounds sensible to me.
#10790 of 13339
Re: help me choose a sedan [ergsum] by moocow1
Sep 15, 2008 (3:17 pm)
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Replying to: ergsum (Sep 15, 2008 9:52 am)

And don't forget that the Sonata is thousands cheaper than the volkswagen. Also if you think the suspension is too spongy, you could always go for the Sonata SE model.
#10791 of 13339
Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [stephen987] by backy
Sep 15, 2008 (5:34 pm)
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Replying to: stephen987 (Sep 15, 2008 9:46 am)

Unless you really have to have a moonroof, I'd take the Accord LX-P over the Civic EX. As was noted, the 6i SV is probably not available, and it's sorely lacking in basic equipment. And the Sonata GLS actually costs less than the (rare) Elantra SE in today's world, with much bigger rebates and discounts available on the Sonata. And their FE is not much different.
 
For $14.6K for a basic year-old Fusion, I'd rather get a 2009 Sonata with a full complement of safety features including ESC and the longer warranty, and IMO a much nicer interior. You could also pick up a loaded, low-miles Fusion or Milan for that price.
#10792 of 13339
Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [backy] by stephen987
Sep 15, 2008 (6:27 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Sep 15, 2008 5:34 pm)

Well, the '08 Fusion in question is new, so even though the '09s are already on the lot, I don't think of it as a year old (though I'm sure my insurance company would if I totaled it in a week). And an '09 Sonata would cost at least $1500 more, even if you could find one here with a manual transmission, according to CarsDirect.
 
Actually, I only mention the Fusion because the driving dynamics remind me of the Civic. Everything I've read about the Sonata GLS says it's softer than the Accord, and that's the wrong direction for me. I'd be more likely to consider a Sonata SE if I could find one with the I4, but then we're back to Accord/Mazda6 prices, well beyond the bargain basement territory of the "leftover" Fusion.
#10793 of 13339
Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [stephen987] by backy
Sep 15, 2008 (6:48 pm)
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Replying to: stephen987 (Sep 15, 2008 6:27 pm)

Sonata sticks are available for as low as $13k + TTL according to the Sonata Prices Paid discussion. I think that was a very exceptional price though. Advertised Internet prices at larger dealers are more like $1500-2000 under invoice + $2000 general rebate + special rebates (e.g. $500 loyalty). Since the Sonata stick stickers at around $19k, $14.6k for a stick Sonata is very doable. But you are right, they are pretty rare. But out there, as they are not 2008 close-outs but current models.
 
Have you driven the 2008 Accord? It's softened up. I didn't find the 2009 Sonata significantly softer than the Accord. The Fusion does have a nice ride quality though. But a Fusion S is pretty bare-bones, and is one of the few cars in this class that doesn't have ESC even available. But it's standard on the Accord and Sonata--another big reason to go with one of those I think, or the Elantra SE (but good luck finding one of those right now!).
 
At current discounts/rebates, a Sonata SE I4 would start under $18k--very much in the Civic EX territory. More than a leftover Fusion S stick, certainly--but WAY more car. Shoot, if you want something cheap how about a slightly used Taurus (the classic one, not the re-badged Five Hundred)?
#10794 of 13339
Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [backy] by stephen987
Sep 15, 2008 (6:55 pm)
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Replying to: backy (Sep 15, 2008 6:48 pm)

Yes, Backy, I drove an '08 LX-P, and it was a bit soft. So is my '02, for that matter. I'm not wild about ESC as a requirement, but wouldn't rule out a car on the basis of having it or not having it.
 
As for the Taurus, it's a no-go. As I suggested in my original post, I'm looking for something more nimble and fun to drive than my current '02 Accord. By no stretch of the imagination would any Taurus (other than a first-generation SHO) fit that description.

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