What Car is Right For Me? Help Me Choose!

claywaterfill

Just buy the one you are comfortable with. I believe the Jetta is the "nicer" of the two, but over the long haul, it's hard to go wrong with a Honda. I would suggest to you, like I did to staryon, to try the Corolla and Protege. The current generation Civics--according to sources like Consumer Reports--do not seem to share the bulletproof reliability of previous generations. The Protege starts around 12 grand with air and CD and is getting higher reliability marks than the Civic is now. The Corolla starts around $13,800 with automatic, air and CD and has been the reliability leader in this segment for many years. If fun to drive is the most important, I would still go with Protege as its "claim to fame" seems to be its handling and driveability. I do feel the Jetta is the best looking fo the bunch--and it gives that nice German feel. Just figure out what you are looking for and go with that. You are the one who has to drive it, so you might as well get what you like. Good luck.

diploid

Interesting to note that the Civic is still rated as one of the 'best pick' by CR in compact sedans, despite the alleged reliability flaws that's been commented by so many.

Having a 99 Civic, the only flaw I see is with Honda using cheaper materials for the newer Civic's interior.

If you can afford a Jetta, then buy it. I think it's safe to assume that if you liked the Jetta for its styling and features, you'll quickly get bored by the Civic.

dpbhyd

Hi,

I am used to driving VW-Passat(2000) model, Unfortunately my cars being totalled. I need to buy a new car in a couple of weeks. I test drove A4 (3.0) quattro and Nissan Altima and Lexus LS 300. I felt Lexus was too pricey and I dint like the Nissan feel, I was comfy with A4, but they dint have the cheesy gadgets like the volume controls on the steering etc. Which i would like to have as i listen to music a lot. Can any one of you suggest any other alternatives. I havent driven the beamer yet. I need help here.

Thanks

kw_carman

Why not a new Passat. If you had a good experience with your older one, why break the chain?

bcab

My last two mid-sized sedans have been Mazdas: '97 Milenia and '99 626, both v6.

I love the new '03 Accord, but my budget matches the i4 cyl. (auto. trans.). Living on Long Island, climbing hills is not an issue, but highway-speed entrance and passing are big!

My question is "Can a v6 guy find happiness with an i4?"

porknbeans

The V6 in your 626 had 170hp to move a nearly 3000 lb car, the Accord I-4 has 160hp moving a 3050 lb car. Numbers wise I don't think you'll notice much. The litmus test,as with all 4 cylinders, is when you have 4 people in it with the A/C on and you need to pass. My opinion is that 4 cylinders have come a long way over the last 5 years and you won't notice the difference. If you want the Accord get the 4 cylinder.

jimsxn

Help me get a 4-seater for less than 20k. Main criteria is fun-to-drive.

kiltedfool

Ok, background. I have a long commute (60 mi each way, 50+ of which is highway) on a job I just got a few months ago. New job and damaged credit I've been rebuilding for 3 years now makes financing anything tough.

Current car:
Red 93 Corsica with 47k miles on it, owned for just over a year, swapped tires and a couple of minor electrical repairs (turn signal switch, power window switch), and the A/C just sprung a leak. Cosmetically would class as clean/good.

Possible new(er) car (flyer at wife's work):
1997 Mazda Protege ES 4 DR
Excellent condition
Metallic Brown with Tan cloth interior
Automatic tranny
Power Win/Locks/Steer/Braks
Cruise
AM/FM/Cassette
Lo Jack
New Front Brakes
New Rear Tires
From picture, no moonroof

Located in Central/North Jersey, looking at $6,400 obo, which is close to kbb and Edmunds numbers.

Considering I'll be running in the neighborhood of 30k miles a year in highway commutes, no children yet (soon though), is this a good deal on this other car? Will this car keep me on the road relatively hassle free, assuming it's been maintained?

I'm expecting I'll only get about $2k in trade for my car, or maybe get $2.5k if I can find a private buyer, am I being rational?

I strongly dislike my current car and would like a move on efficiency, reliability and miles eating ability, but tight budget makes that questionable.

Thoughts? (cross posted in Real World Trade in values)

KF

sebring95

I personally would probably run the Corsica for awhile and stash away some money. You're not going to lose much if any value by stacking on some miles. It will cost you a bit in fuel and possibly some repairs (a six year old Mazda could break-down as well). A '97 Protege isn't exactly leaps and bounds nicer than anything, so throwing out $3500 to get into another small car doesn't seem prudent. Why not hang on to what you've got until the baby comes along and then maybe you'll have enough cash (or better credit) to get into something more reasonable. A nice 4cyl Camry/Accord would be much more comfortable to haul around a baby, plus still get excellent gas mileage and good reliability.

claywaterfill

About the only under-$20k 4 seater I can think of is the VW Beetle. Have you tried a Tiburon or a Mustang?

black_tulip

HP numbers can be deceiving. For example, I had an Integra(auto) supposedly with 142HP or so. The thing could barely get out of it's way. In fact, all the Honda 4 cyl autos(including a VTEC in a civic) that I have driven, needed to be revved real hard before any power would materialise. Absolutely no power at lower RPMs. If you are used to a V6 , this may quickly get tiresome. Make sure you drive the car throughly before buying.
jimsxn
You may want to try a Mazda protege. I have never owned one but have heard only good things about it.

jpelder

Kilted, I too would run the corsica awhile. Assuming you have the 3.1 engine, you won't get much better mileage with a smaller car. The corsica is not a looker, but is reasonably reliable and roomy for a family. With only 47,000 miles, it's a reasonable sacrifice to save for the family.

Jim, suggestion is the Olds Alero. Great deals right now and the new Ecotec engine is fantastic. While it is classified as a car for 5, it is really only for 4. A well built, great handling car...I recently picked one up.

lawman1967

I agree, my wife's Saturn L200 has the same engine and an auto trans. Fabulous mileage, terrific power and it makes all the right noises.

I love a good four cylinder engine, and this is one of the best.

jimsxn

Alero seems to be suffering from quality issues. How are the triple factors of suspension, transmission and power?

vcjumper

Sounds like brakes is the common trouble spot. My coworker had to have her rotor's machined at 24,000km.

mhs7386

Hello friends:

I'd appreciate your input as I cannot decide between these two. I am turning in my C240, the lease is up soon. The new version can be had in four-wheel drive. I am going to lease my next car for three years.

I like the MB exterior better than the Lexus, but the ES300 is superior on the inside, I believe.
I have liked my C240 except for two things: the seats aren't too comfortable, and the interior is on the small side. I occasionally drive with my two teenage sons in the back seat (but have a van too so size not a huge factor).

I know these cars have very different rides, would just like your opinions.

The lease payments I was quoted today had the Benz at about 25 dollars more a month.

Thanks everyone.

Matt

sebring95

it really comes down to personal preferences at this point. The MB looks a lot better to me than the Lexus, but I think the Lexus has it on interior comfort/design. The entry level luxuries are a bit of a quandry to me, but if I was looking for one I think the Audi A4 (has AWD option also) or Infiniti G35 would be serious contenders over either. Concerning size, you could also pony up a bit more for an audi A6 which is really comfortable, excellent interior, option of quattro, etc. Yeah I'm an Audi fan.

coolguyky7

Where do you spend more time...looking at the car from the outside or the inside?

tallmanswife

OK, I know the idea of AWD and good gas mileage are not necessarily synonymous --- where are the hybrids in this category? I know Toyota has a hybrid AWD minivan in Japan... gotta have AWD because of where I live (not willing to move) -- want good gas mileage, not just for the money, but for the impact.

I know about Subaru (owned one for years) and own a Buick Rendezvous now. Just looking for all alternatives and frustrated that not too many seem to exist. Am I missing something? Criteria are:
AWD
small
good gas mileage
safe for transporting kids (no trucks)
don't really want another SUV

Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Karen

lawman1967

The new FOrrester still isn't really an SUV, and they are terrific cars

sebring95

Toyota Matrix wagon comes with AWD and rated 25/30mpg. Audi A4 Wagon rated 19/28mpg. Volvo XC Wagon 18/22mpg. None are going to be worth a hoot without investing in snow tires, IMHO. A4 wagon would be my choice as you can get some luxury, good performance, and decent gas mileage and really not that much $$ in the scheme of things.

scooter36

I am looking for the best car choice for commuting. I drive 85 miles round trip everyday and gas mileage is everything. I can buy a 99 prizm w/30,000 miles for $8000, or a 90 corolla with 140,000 for $1400. If the corolla would last a couple of years and make it to 200,000 I would buy it. Or maybe a metro for $1000? What are your thoughts and opinions on these choices? Also, I can buy a insight w/6,000 miles for $16,000. Way too many choices, I'm confused. You're thoughts, please.

confuseddesi

Hi Guys

I am confused in making a choice on Honda Accord EXL and Toyota Camry XLE with leather package and moon roof option. The CAMRY seems to cost 1K more than Accord.What do you guys feel about Accords new redesign? Whether the exterior design matters in resale value?and Which one would be the better the choice? Which one has the better safety features? I use my current car mostly for City use and on and off on Long distance road trips.

Bye
too much confused

pluto5

I presume you have freeway/highway miles for an 85 mi. commute. I had a similar situation but decided it wasn't worth risking my life in one of the small vehicles you mentioned and traded for a full size sedan. Expecially after seeing what happens when someone is rear-ended in one of these little cars by a pickup or SUV. Yes, the gas mileage suffered but I walked away from one wreck in a full size Chevy. Now I wouldn't drive anything smaller than an Impala, Lumina or Taurus. You can get 30mpg with these cars if you don't speed.

alahiri

I have full no deductible GM Protection Plan on my 99 Blazer. The plan obviously does not cover tires and batteries.

Early this week the alternator shorted and completely destroyed the battery. GM only paid for alternator --- even though it is the alternator that killed a brand new battery.

Also, I am taking this 3 and 1/2 and 47,000 miles old Blazer to mechanic almost every month now. Transmission leaks, shorted alternator, fuel line contamination problems, broken sit recliner lever, weather stripes falling off, rattling interior, and the list goes on and on.

GM Protection Plan, my no deductible complete plan, that I bought for $1700 does not cover most of the expenses. On top of this GM roadside service advised me to call AAA for roadside assistance --- what a joke! My Protection Plan is supposed to include roadside assistance up to 5 yr/ 75000 miles.

Anyway, I am not too upset. I have paid off fully for this vehicle and I wish to hang on to it. But, GM and the uncooperative Chevy dealers are making my life difficult. Chevy dealers I know love to take the side of GM whenever I request them to check if the protection plan could cover a little more.

Reliability also is an issue now. If the vehicle starts breaking down too often, I will trade it in for an import. GM will lose a loyal customer, who has driven 3 GM cars, for good. I can't help. I'm really in no mood to allow GM to force extremely poor reliability and customer service on me any more.

My advice will be to stay away for GM vehicles.

marjoker

Some GM dealers go out of their way to protect the customer and bill GM...while others are rude and unresponsive. If you have the latter, forget GM and go with Toyota or Honda...unless you have a rotten dealer for either of these.
Camry vs Accord? Ask this question: "Why has Camry been the best selling sedan for many years with rare exception"?
Either car should be comfortable, reliable, and a wise choice.

sebring95

I'm not a big GM fan or anything, but they make some decent vehicles. The Blazer was not one of these. I found them quite crappy when new, and anytime you see one with many miles on them they are garbage. I know of one person that bought a '97 and within three years and 100K miles it was completely falling apart. Highway miles shouldn't wear out a vehicle like that. The newer Tahoes/burbans (which i own), the Impala, are fairly nice and well built vehicles. The Malibu is pretty good for the money. None of those vehicles would scare me as I know quite a few folks that have racked up serious miles on them. You just have to be careful with what you buy. I've owned three Camrys and the newest one was by far the worst, not only in mechanical means but just a cheaper built vehicle. But you do get what you pay for. A Blazer is darn cheap compared to some import SUV's so keep that in mine. Picking up a cheap import may not get you anywhere.

dinu01

Still puzzles me as IMO this car is one of the most un-applealing forms of transportation that exists. The Corolla too. And so is the Echo. I like their trucks though.

Reliability is great, but if you're not having fun driving it, it's no good.

That's why I chose Mazda: Same quality as Toyopet and Hon-duh, for less. Unfortunately it does not apply to ALL Mazdas, only the PRO, Miata, MPV and hopefully the new 6.

Dinu

sebring95

I agree the camrys are boring as hell. However, driving 50K miles per year on the highway, nothing is really that exciting. The V6 Camrys (especially the time period I owned mine (92-98) were very powerful, quiet, smooth, comfortable, and with the exception of my '97 model they were as reliable as it gets. But after way too many times of leaving cargo behind, or making extra trips I just went to an SUV for commute duty.

dinu01

How could you buy a truck?

Ok maybe you actually need it...

Dinu

sebring95

I've had/have quite a few vehicles including heavy duty trucks/suvs. I live very far out and 4X4 is practically required when it snows. Some 4X4's don't make it up a couple of these hills without some good tires. So I have to drive a 4X4 quite a bit anyway. I run a Cherokee which you'd be surprised at how quick these can be with just a few mods. Not going to turn high speed numbers, but acceleration is quite good and with some suspension tweaks and good summer tires the handling/braking rivals or in some instances better than a Camry. So far the Jeep has been just as reliable and cheaper on the maintenance side than the Camrys. Costs me about 4mpg. I just threw on my winter tires last week and the handling is slopped up a bit, but I can still run pretty quick. I don't do 4cyls very well. Too many hills where torque is king.

dinu01

Kirstie_H

Don't forget to join us for tonight's open, member-to-member chat, 5-6pm PT/8-9pm ET.

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/townhallchat.html

Our loose topic for tonight is most anticipated 2003 models. Hope to see you there!

kirstie_h

Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

piccololewis

From everything I have read on the internet, you should haggle with the internet manager. I am interested in the Kia Sedona. I can't get anyone to return my e-mails. I am so frustrated. If I really wasn't interested in getting a new vehicle, they would probably be calling and emailing me constantly! Ughh, just frustrated. How do I get them to respond?

dinu01

Go at about 8pm on a Monday or tuesday nite. It's usually pretty dead, especially if the weather is bad (rainy+cold).

The dealer will certainly become more helpful then.

Dinu

pat

Piccololewis, you should also cruise through the discussions on our Smart Shopper board. There are many discussions there on how to get the best deal.

And in case you missed it, we also have an excellent Advice section that contains very helpful shopping hints and suggestions.

Click on either or both of those links to get to those resources.

Good luck, and welcome to our Town Hall!

Feel free to drop me an email if I can help you find your way around.

hrushesky

I am shopping and liked the Suzuki. I am scared because I don't see them anywhere. I also am attracted to the warranty and 0% financing...I loved the ease of getting in and out. I have driven the Saturn, Toyotta Corrolla and Elantra. I enjoy shifting and drive 60 miles on country roads daily. I want a good price, good gas mileage but something with pick up and that is fun to drive... Aerio has 147 horse power and Honda has a piddily 115. Any advice? Should I look at the Protege also? Any help is appreciated. Thank you.

dinu01

look at the Protege!

You will thank me after you drive it once on country roads!

It has good financing and is as reliable as the Civic/Corolla combo. Look at Consumers Report for this. It has a MUCH better fun to drive factor as its main advantage. Drive a 5spd ES or P5.

The Corolla feels tipsy but quiet and smooth. I prefer solid, planted on the road, with road feel, a little engine noise and plenty of Zoom.

Dinu

gwashington1

The luxury board was not much help. I am at the beginning of a search for a luxury car. My first since about age 28. I would like a sports car, but at 67 and not doing enough stretching exercises, probably could not get out of one. Apparently sports coupes have gone by the wayside. That leaves, for me, I think, luxury sport sedans. The criteria are - reliability, very good looks, smaller size-but comfortable getting in/driving/getting out, road worthiness, reasonable mileage, V8(?)high horse power, available with many new electronic accessories such as GPS navigation, Satellite radio, easy hookups for computer and phone, etc., I have researched the $35,000 and under cars for other reasons with success, but not this luxury level where I expect to spend up to about $50 K to $60 K after getting the best possible price. The more car for the money, the better. My Request: Where should I start? What Brands and Models? I am trying to get opinions and facts.

coolguyky7

Check out the new Infiniti M45. It has two choices of satellite radio, a V8, and all the luxury you probably need for around $50,000 or so. However, that's about all I know about the model.

michaellno

I'm working on a replacement for our '99 VW New Beetle (lease is up next month and with 2 teenagers, it's just not practical anymore). I've narrowed it down to two vehicles. Let me run down my elimination process:

VW Jetta - too small
VW Passat - too expensive
Honda Accord - don't like the looks with the redesigned '03
Toyota Camry - "an old person's car" - quote from wife

The two I've narrowed it down to are the Nissan Altima 2.5S and the Saturn L300 (both with auto transmissions).

I know - the first thing you think is "Hey! He's comparing a 4-cyl Nissan to a V6 Saturn". Which is true, but consider this:

HP: 175 (Nissan), 181 (Saturn)
MPG: 23/29 (Nissan), 21/29 (Saturn)

So, not much difference. And, my commute is 35 miles each way, with a majority of it coming on divided 4 lane roads or highways.

Here's my thinking:

Nissan pros: looks, room inside, durability (I've owned Nissans in the past), dealer location.

Nissan cons: 4-cyl buzziness, inside cabin materials put me off (the dials and the orange lighting, specifically).

Saturn pros: 6-cyl smoothness, inside cabin much nicer (subjective opinion, I know), dent-resistant panels.

Saturn cons: dealer location, outside looks, unknown reliability (have heard both great and disturbing things about Saturns from people I know).

Prices are close enough for it to not matter in my decision making; on the other hand, the nice finance rate offered by GM is attractive, but only if they decide to extend it beyond 10/31.

Thoughts? Opinions? I'm thinking of buying and keeping for 7-10 years this time (I'm ready to get off of the leasing carousel).

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

newcar31

Mazda6?

michaellno

Thought about that. Don't know when they'll be available in the dealerships. Have seen some pictures, and I have to say that I like what I see. Two potential problems:

Since it's a brand new model, I doubt that there would be a huge selection initially, plus the issues of a first model year car concern me. As to price, since Mazda is part of Ford, I could qualify for their preferred partner program (X-plan?) and get a good price.

If I haven't made a decision before then, I might check it out.

ajil112

looking for a new ride. I drive mostly on the interstate, around 60 miles a day with a little in town driving also. My brother went off to college, and my parents didnt trust his car to go out of state, so he got my 93 accord ex and I have his 90 maxima, which is on its last legs. BTW both were excellent cars with lots of miles and not many problems. I live in Alabama, so snow is a non-issue, but I need a nice air conditioner for the summertime. I've made a couple other posts, but this is where I should have been posting all along. I am looking to spend 15k, buying slightly used. My priorities go power/performance, reliability, looks and insurance costs. Here is my list of cars--
2001 sebring -2001 stratus -protege mp3 - subaru imprezza - sentra srv -???
I'd like a manual transmission, leather, good stereo system, and a sunroof; so take that into consideration when making recommendations. I don't want a honda, I plan on fixing my car up a bit, and I don't want to be one of the 5 million customized civics around here. Thanks in advance

Ajil

badgerfan

Since you appear to have a Ford "X-plan" available, I suggest you consider Taurus or Sable. Especially with the 200 HP DOHC Duratec, they provide good acceleration, reasonably tight handling but without being punishing and at a bargain price. Mileage is close to the Saturn LS300 V-6 as well.

Don't be fooled by the "rental car" stigma a lot of people seem to have about them. I think they are well built, solid, and rattle free. Test drive one and you may be pleasantly surprised. I have a 2000 Taurus SES with nearly 20000 miles and have had zero problems to date.

wahoo2003

Between Nissan Altima and Saturn L300, I would personally choose Altima! I agree with you that the orange lighting isn't the best idea; however, this would make a great vehicle for your kids too.

BTW...why dont you take test drive 2003 Honda Accord. Initially I wasn't too crazy about the look of the car; however, the brightly lit speedometer is a great feature! After all you will be spending great deal of time inside of a car.
Anyways, good luck with your final decision and please keep us informed!

sraymond1

I am looking for a new SUV. I loved the Suburu Forester X 2003, but I have been told they are very hard to fix and very expensive to fix.
I need help! I also like the Ford escape. I don/t want to spend more then 21,000.00
Sandy

gwashington1

I looked at the 2002 GMC ENVOY during the summer when I was going to buy something. I can't remember if it was the price you want. The car was highly rated by any magazine that counts and my driving it seemed to confirm those reports. This was the only SUV that really appealed to me. If I had decided to buy, it would have been mine. They were having deals on it at the time, so that might reduce the price unless you fall for the low interest rates instead.

michaellno

Other than the looks, I have one other obstacle with the Honda: my spouse. For some unknown reason, she's got this thing against Honda's. Can't explain it exactly.

So, I took a quick look at the Accord -- loved the inside, just can't get my mind around that bubble-behind and mail-slot tail lights.

jpelder

Altima vs Saturn L - I'd take the Saturn. If looks were the only criteria, I'd choose the altima. In fact, loved the looks so much I checked one out last spring. Boy was I disappointed when I got in and drove it. Very poor interior, cheap feel, and the 2.5 was lame. The car felt very tinny.

The Saturn 3.0 is a cut above, while the HP isn't mcuh more, the torque makes a difference. (I wish it was available with the 5 speed.) Interior and overall feel are also better. I have three friends with Saturns, all who love them. The best man from my wedding is shopping for an L series to replace his '94 SC2 which has 170,000 miles.

Regarding the small SUV, I'd go with the escape or a Jeep Liberty. However, don't count out the Subaru for repair expenses or difficulty. It's doubtful you'll ever have a problem, they are tops for reliability...underrated in my opinion.