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Midsize Sedans 2.0

10961 messages,  Last post on Oct 11, 2008 at 9:39 PM

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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

#9058 of 10961 Re: Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 [thegraduate] by drwilsc Mar 09, 2008 (3:42 pm)
Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 08, 2008 11:20 pm) With the current $2000 worth of rebates, you can get a loaded 2008 Saturn Aura XR (practically the same car as the Malibu LTZ) for about $26,000. This includes leather interior, sunroof, 3.6 liter V6, adjustable pedals, and other such features. I actually bought my 07 XR, similarly equipped, for a smidge less than $25,000 with the rebates available at that time. This also buys you into the friendly Saturn dealer service network.   I have to agree that $28,000 is a bit high for these cars, they make more sense in the low-to-mid twenties, depending on the trim level. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Mar 09, 2008 10:10 pm) tenpin288 (Mar 10, 2008 7:33 am) thegraduate (Mar 10, 2008 8:02 am) and 1 more... backy (Mar 10, 2008 9:35 am) thegraduate (Mar 10, 2008 10:46 am) colloquor (Mar 10, 2008 3:44 pm)
#9059 of 10961 Re: Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 [drwilsc] by thegraduate Mar 09, 2008 (10:10 pm)
Replying to: drwilsc (Mar 09, 2008 3:42 pm) One reason my folks weren't looking at the Accord was that it had gotten too expensive. Dad thought a Chevy would be a good value purchase. At this price, he'd just get an Accord since it can probably be had cheaper than this quote.   I think they're test driving one of the best bargains on the market this weekend, the 2008 Ford Taurus. Less than $21k OTD for an SEL with power pedals, 263hp V6, giant interior/trunk, although ho-hum styling, etc. This will be mom's car, and she liked the Taurus she looked at (never got in).   They are interested in a comfy highway cruiser for traveling, including V6 power. Their other car is a 2007 Civic which they love, but don't like particularly well for trips (sits a little low, and isn't the most comfortable car in the world, although they like the 30+ mpg they get in it). That car is a hoot to drive!   My folks looked at a Hyundai VeraCruz Limited and were VERY impressed, but didn't want to spend over $30k. Dad sad the Sonata felt like it was trying to be an Accord and failed. They haven't had seat time in an Azera yet, but I suggested they take it for a test drive.   So, anyone with suggestions on what my folks should drive next (excluding Chrysler, which they will never purchase again)? The goal is $25k or less, comfortable, powerful for the highway, doesn't have to be a "fun" car.   I've suggested Azera and Taurus, as they are both available under $25k (their target price) and both have good highway power and comfortable rides. Replies to this message: tenpin288 (Mar 10, 2008 7:33 am) thegraduate (Mar 10, 2008 8:02 am) aviboy97 (Mar 10, 2008 9:20 am) backy (Mar 10, 2008 9:35 am) thegraduate (Mar 10, 2008 10:46 am) colloquor (Mar 10, 2008 3:44 pm)
#9060 of 10961 Re: Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 [thegraduate] by tenpin288 Mar 10, 2008 (7:33 am)
Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 09, 2008 10:10 pm) Dad sad the Sonata felt like it was trying to be an Accord and failed   Was the Sonata they looked at a 2008 or a 2009 model? If it was a 2008, they might want to revisit the Sonata after the 2009s are available in their area. Just a thought. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Mar 10, 2008 8:02 am) aviboy97 (Mar 10, 2008 9:20 am)
#9061 of 10961 Re: Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 [tenpin288] by thegraduate Mar 10, 2008 (8:02 am)
Replying to: tenpin288 (Mar 10, 2008 7:33 am) I suggested that idea to them, because I'd bet money it was an 08. I doubt they go for it though. My dad had a 2003 and a 2005 Accord, cars that he just got bored with because he put so many miles on them, which is why he really changed up with this atomic blue Civic.   "Whatever your mom decides she likes, we're getting." - Dad   Maybe SHE needs to see the 2009 Sonata. Replies to this message: aviboy97 (Mar 10, 2008 9:20 am)
#9062 of 10961 Re: Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 [thegraduate] by aviboy97 Mar 10, 2008 (9:20 am)
Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 10, 2008 8:02 am) Hey grad-   The Taurus is one heck of a bargain. It's a lot of car for the money. I really do believe Ford has stepped up their game. The quality of materials and over all quality of the car is pretty good. CR also recommends it as well. I don't care much for the styling, but, that is purely subjective.   Bottom line, the Taurus is great bang for your buck.
#9063 of 10961 Re: Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 [thegraduate] by backy Mar 10, 2008 (9:35 am)
Replying to: thegraduate (Mar 09, 2008 10:10 pm) The Azera would be worth a close look, as its comparable to the Taurus in size and price (big discounts available now, especially on left-over 2007s) but maybe they would like its styling better.   The Lucerne is another big car available now for around $21k to start, may be worth a look. But the Taurus and Azera have more refined powertrains than the base engine in the Lucerne.   But we are straying a bit outside the mid-sized class now, aren't we... so to get back to that a bit: have they looked at the Camry V6? Should be able to get one under $25k, especially the hold-over 2008s. There was that issue with the tranny, but Toyota has probably corrected that by now. Replies to this message: thegraduate (Mar 10, 2008 10:46 am) colloquor (Mar 10, 2008 3:44 pm)
#9064 of 10961 Re: Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 [backy] by thegraduate Mar 10, 2008 (10:46 am)
Replying to: backy (Mar 10, 2008 9:35 am) You're right about the direction I've gone (off-topic) and I apologize to other readers for that.   As far as the Camry V6 goes, my folks don't like the look of the Camry, and have not been impressed with Toyota's quality as of late (my dad's first cousin has a new Camry LE-V6; it's very "blah" in typical Toyota fashion). At least stepping to one of the "bargain-buys" of the full-sizers you get less anonymity and lower price.   As avi and backy said, those big bargain buys are a lot of bang for the buck. How's that for alliteration?
#9065 of 10961 Bs by imidazol97 Mar 10, 2008 (2:23 pm)
>big bargain buys are a lot of bang for the buck.   Those Big Bargain Buys Bring a Bunch of Bang for the Buck.
#9066 of 10961 Re: Chevy Malibu LTZ V6 [backy] by colloquor Mar 10, 2008 (3:44 pm)
Replying to: backy (Mar 10, 2008 9:35 am) I just spent 5 days in a Hertz 2008 Azera Limited with the Ultimate Package, and the Azera is one nice car. I drove from central Illinois to Charlotte, NC and back - total mileage for trip was around 1,600 miles.   The Azera handles fine - not floaty at all - much more like a European sedan. Excellent steering, handling, and a supple and complient suspension - just the right combination of ride and handling. The 3.8L DOHC V6 has plenty of spunk, and at idle, you don't even know the engine is running. The 5-speed automatic shifts very smoothly. In the mountains (including the Great Smoky and Appalachian) on the interstates through southern KY, throughout TN, and in NC, the Azera could more than keep up with the traffic - in fact, it could easily leave it behind. I really had to watch my right foot throughout the trip. Overall gas mileage, and I must note that the typical speed on the interstates even through the mountain areas was 80MPH, was 28MPG. The speed sounds excessive throughout some of the mountain ranges - which it is - but, if you don't peddle that fast, you'll be run over by 18-wheelers running at least that speed - especially down hill!   The amenities with this car are very impressive. And, I carefully inspected the interior and exterior build-quality - it, too, was most impressive. As good, or better, than I've seen from any manufacturer. Frankly, I came away very impressed, and wouldn't hesitate to buy this car.
#9067 of 10961 Test drive 08 Accord by m6user Mar 11, 2008 (10:44 am)
I just test drove a 08 Accord LX-P auto I4 today. I was actually pretty impressed. I have never been a big fan of the Accords ride, road & tire noise and transmission behavior but thought all other areas were very good. This car is addresses most of what I didn't like. However, the interior is a bit more plastic than I remember and the outside styling is OK....not ugly, not pretty...just all right. Things that I really liked was the smooth ride, good acceleration, sliding arm rest, auto down/up front windows, radio and radio controls and general roominess. What I didn't find was that there were too many buttons or controls. There has been a lot of discussion about all the buttons(to the point of confusion) but I didn't have a problem quickly figuring things out and thought they were fine. Now maybe the cars with NAV or something have a lot more but the LX-P was OK. I didn't drive it for days but from what I noticed in a short test drive, I really liked the car.

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