- #10793 of 13330
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Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [stephen987]
by backy
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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)? 
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- #10794 of 13330
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Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [backy]
by stephen987
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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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- #10795 of 13330
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Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [stephen987]
by backy
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Sep 15, 2008 (7:03 pm)
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Replying to: stephen987 (Sep 15, 2008 6:55 pm)
You would probably be happiest with the Civic or Mazda3 then, maybe the Elantra SE. Good luck!
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- #10796 of 13330
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Re: help me choose a sedan [nick_22]
by canddmeyer
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Sep 16, 2008 (2:26 am)
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Replying to: nick_22 (Sep 13, 2008 12:42 pm)
If you want to eliminate road noise, then eliminate the Accord. If build quality is important, then eliminate the V6 Accord and V6 Camry. Sit in the back seat of any vehicle you test, so you'll know what your passengers are in for.
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- #10797 of 13330
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Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [backy]
by akirby
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Sep 16, 2008 (4:36 am)
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Replying to: backy (Sep 15, 2008 6:48 pm)
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.
The 2008 Fusion didn't have it but ESC is now available on the 2009 models.
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- #10798 of 13330
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Re: help me choose a sedan [canddmeyer]
by lucky_777
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Sep 16, 2008 (5:40 am)
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Replying to: canddmeyer (Sep 16, 2008 2:26 am)
What's wrong with V6 Camry? 3.5L Toyota V6 is a well proven engine. Most problems with 6 spd auto Camry transmissions resolved.
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- #10799 of 13330
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Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [akirby]
by backy
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Sep 16, 2008 (7:22 am)
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Replying to: akirby (Sep 16, 2008 4:36 am)
Yes, but he was looking specifically at a 2008 Fusion. ESC is optional for 2009, right? Not standard as on the Accord, Mazda6, Passat, Sonata, Aura (some trims), and Malibu (some trims)?
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- #10800 of 13330
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Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [backy]
by akirby
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Sep 16, 2008 (8:16 am)
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Replying to: backy (Sep 16, 2008 7:22 am)
I know but the way you phrased it might lead some to believe it still isn't available at all. And what difference does it make whether it's optional or standard? It's available.
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- #10801 of 13330
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Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [akirby]
by backy
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Sep 16, 2008 (9:03 am)
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Replying to: akirby (Sep 16, 2008 8:16 am)
It could make a huge difference depending on how widely available the option is. For example, ABS/ESC is optional on the Optima. But just try to find a car with that package! Hopefully it will be a widely available option, on all trims of the Fusion (and Milan).
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- #10802 of 13330
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Re: upper-level compact, or basic midsize? [backy]
by akirby
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Sep 16, 2008 (10:05 am)
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Replying to: backy (Sep 16, 2008 9:03 am)
I thought ESC was going to be required on all vehicles at some point.....?
It's easier to factory order a Ford the way you want it than an import, so getting exactly what you want is just a matter of waiting 4-6 weeks in most cases.
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