Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
I have that predicament now. My 2005 Jetta was hit by a guy running a red light this week and was declared a total loss by his insurance company. So I need to buy a car tomorrow because I won't have time for car shopping for the next few weeks after tomorrow due to a heavy work schedule. Since I just went through this process at the end of last year, when I bought the Jetta, I have a pretty good idea which cars I would want to buy. I am relating my thought process here in case it is useful for others facing this decision--and if you are reading this discussion, you probably are facing this decision.
Main requirements: Reliable (preferably with manufacturer warranty for at least 2 years); safe (must have 6 airbags, decent crash test scores, and ABS minimum); economical (e.g. I4 engine, no bigger than mid-sized); clean CarFax (not a guarantee, but better than nothing); automatic tranny (more for other drivers in family than for me); power windows/locks/mirrors, remote entry, cruise; good blend of ride and handling (not too firm of a ride, as the roads are bad in my area); styling/color I can live with (e.g. no black cars); and price ceiling of $13k before T&L (could go a bit over that if needed). Would prefer something closer to $10-11k.
Plusses: Higher the fuel economy, the better; electronic stability control; moonroof; power seat; "certified" car.
The Short List (Car / Price before negotiation / Miles / Notes), in general order of preference:
2007 Fusion SE / $9k / 37k / Does it have ABS? Why is it so cheap??
2008 Milan Premier / $13k / 20k / Loaded car!
2008 Mazda6i Sport / $12.4k-12.9k / 14-20k / Several samples available
2007 Civic LX Coupe / $12.8k / 41k / How much to certify?
2005 Prius / $13.8k / 51k / Looks/drives like new, Pkg 4, good price for a Prius
2005 Jetta GLS 2.0 / $11.8k / 25k / Not VW certified (but is certifiable), moonroof
2006 Jetta 2.5 / $12k / 49k / VW certified
2005 Jetta GL 2.0 / $11.3k / 32k / VW certified
2005 Jetta GL 2.0 / $11k / 42k / VW certified
2008 Sonata GLS / $10.8k / 39k / Hyundai certified, ESC, moonroof
A few others I saw online that were a bit out of my price range but intriguing were a 2007 Accord LX with 15k miles for $14k, a 2006 Accord SE with 25k miles for $13.5k, a 2007 Civic EX coupe with 30k miles for $14k, and a 2008 Civic LX 4-door with only 9k miles for $14k. I might make a play on some of these, see if the price will come down any.
My attack plan is to check out the Fusion, Milan and Mazda6s first, since they are all at the same dealer. If the Fusion checks out and has ABS, that could be it. If not, I'll move down the list, trying to negotiate as low as possible on the price (since I have many options and there's more where these came from).
In case anyone wonders why the Sonata is so far down the list, given it meets my requirements well and is priced reasonably: I looked at it the other day and it needs a little work (broken driver's mirror, door trim damaged, small hole in rear seat back, smoky interior). Also, it was advertised as pearl white, which I like, but it is actually plain white (which I can live with but am not excited about). It drove fine and the body is pristine, and it has a clean CarFax, so I'd consider it but there's other cars I like better.
Got to get to bed so I can hit the dealers first thing in the morning!
Oh yes... I bought a 2007 Rabbit 6AT, blue, 34k miles, 4 years/40k of VW warranty left (including 2 years of VW Certified warranty). Paid $11,050 + T&L. Got 4.09% for 60 months from Think Mutual Bank (highly recommended for folks in the Twin Cities or Rochester, MN areas--their 48 month rate is 3.99% now). Since this is an upgrade from the car that was totaled (2005 Jetta GL) and I lowered my payment about $80/month, I almost don't mind the knot in my forehead now.
Consumer Reports rates the 2006 Fusion as Better Than Average and '07-'08 models Much Better Than Average (Excellent) reliability. The Mazda6 gets similar ratings, especially '06-'08 models.
The Fusion and Mazda6 are sportier-looking than the Altima or Accord, IMO. The cars share powertrains- 2.3L 4-cylinder with 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic or 3.0L V6 with 6-speed automatic.
The '07 and '08 Altima are rated as Average (4-cyl) to Better Than Average (V6) reliability, so the '07 seems like a safe bet even though it was the first year of the current model. For a 19-yr old, the 4-cylinder is the safest bet...both for safety and insurance cost. The Altima with 175hp 2.5L is among the quickest 4-cylinder sedans. The 270hp 3.5L V6 is more power than I'd want my kid to have!
Another consideration with the '07 and newer Altima is the transmission. Instead of a conventional automatic transmission, they have a CVT. To date, the CVTs have had no reliability issues, but there's no long-term, high mileage reliability info yet. If he hasn't driven a CVT-equipped Altima, a thorough test drive is a very good idea. Some folks (myself included) don't care for the CVT's driving characteristics.
I agree that the TSX is much better looking. I'd suggest a long test drive in a TSX before making any decisions. If you have a relationship with a particular Acura dealer, they often will let you take one overnight. If the 4-cylinder has enough power for your driving style, go for it!
FYI- the 2010 TSX will be available with a 280hp 3.5L V6, if you aren't in a rush to buy!
Did I miss something?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Wonder why they would do that. I mean, the TL now gets SH-AWD, pretty much making the RL useless, and then they give the TSX a V6. What's the point? The sizes really don't differ all that much. Although, I suppose neither do the 3-series and 5-series.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
The TSX V6 and the base TL seem redundant....and the TL SH-AWD and RL are also redundant. I'd just dump the hideous TL and drop the RL price a bit! The TSX and RL are gorgeous in comparison to the TL, IMO.
I was expecting the 240hp 2.3L Turbo I-4 from the RDX to show up in the TSX instead of the V6. Perhaps it will replace the non-turbo I-4 eventually???
The technology and powertrains are near-perfect, just what you'd expect from Honda. But stylistically, Acura has really lost its way....
Just a thought.
So was I.
Would have brought the tuners back to Acura, that's for sure.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
i need some assistance from the community here. I'm looking at buying a 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SE automatic with no add on's. Since i do not have much idea about a good price to offer, i'm looking at some guidance from folks here.
I got an offer of 20,100 including dest. charges, but does not include T,T&L.
I will appreciate some sound advise from the community as to what would be a good price.
FYI i'm in the Dallas Fort worth area
Thank You
Try going here, I'm sure someone will be able to help you! :shades:
The Toyota Camry is one option (I have a long commute and Prius is not for me).
The current Lexus Hybrid cars are expensive ($55K+).
However, looks like there is a new Lexus Hybrid sedan "HS" that will be available in "fall" as per the Lexus's website http://www.lexus.com/fcv/HSHybrid.html
Does anyone have any updates on the car price, numbers that will be available or feedback?
Edmunds.com has estimated the MSRP at $32K.
I am trying to figure out if I should wait for HS or go ahead and avail the $1500 cash back currently offered on TCH.
or is there a better alternative?
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffworks.com/2010-lexus-hs-250h2.htm
Good info on this site.
If it were me, and I wanted to drop $30k - $35k on a near-lux car, I'd be looking at vehicles like a Maxima, an Avalon, or maybe even check out the new Hyundai Genesis. A hybrid on the highway will probably get about 3-5 mpg better than its non-hybrid counterparts (using the Camry Hybrid as an analog there). Not worth the extra dough. If you lived in town, the difference would be closer to 10 mpg, a big difference.
I’m starting my research to determine what my next car should be when my lease ends in September. So, if you were in the following situation, what would be on the top of your list as the “perfect vehicle” to BUY.: Single Mom with 2 kids, occasionally transport friends, so extra room is nice, but not always needed have a 50 mile roundtrip daily commute to work and are working with a budget that will nix super luxury cars I’m looking for a car that once paid off, will become the car that I can drive for many years.
Thanks!!
Without knowing the answers to the above, I suggest Mazda5.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Hard to narrow it down to one "perfect" vehicle based on what you have told us. There's so many excellent choices out there. My advice is, pare your list down to a reasonable number of vehicles and start doing test drives to sort them out. Get down to a few you like, and start negotiating. Don't narrow it down to just one "perfect" vehicle because you will be at the mercy of the car dealer then.
Right now vehicles I've been researching are Mazda 5, Honda CRV, Chevy Equinox, Chevy Traverse, Toyota Highlander and so many others, i'm just having a hard time narrowing down whether I want to stick with something smaller that would only seat 5 and stop being the friend transporter or get something that would seat 6/7..and now with gas going up again, I know I want something that gets decent gas mileage. I appreciate everyones feedback so far..thanks!
BTW, I graduated from Penn State about 50 years ago!
http://microsite.chevrolet.com/allnewequinox/
2009 Toyota Matrix 1.8L Manual (for better MPG)
2010 Mazda iTouring 2.0L Manual (just fun to drive)
2009 Honda Civic LX-S 1.8L Manual (MPG, looks)
I like the utility of the Matrix....
I like the feel, drive and looks of the Mazda....
I like the reliability, gas mileage, and looks of the Honda.
Thoughts? :confuse:
I like hatchbacks in small cars.. I might pick the Mazda, too... but, only the hatchback model (more money, bigger engine, more fun, worse mileage).
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
Another car to check out for a small, roomy, versatile car with good handling and fuel economy is the Elantra Touring.
The Elantra Touring is something I'll have to look at.... I just am a bit skeptical of anything with the Hyundai name on it... though I think they'll improved their quality since those early cars that seemed to fall apart.
1.Made by GM - Ford or Chrysler in the USA.
2.AWD available
3.Gas filler door must be on the driver side - I don't know of any passenger who fills the tank with gas. This is a rediculous design & I dont care what the reasoning is.
I don't think such a car or vehicle exists other than a large SUV.
But, I just got 30.5 mpg on my last tank...
Edmunds Price Checker
Edmunds Lease Calculator
Did you get a good deal? Be sure to come back and share!
Edmunds Moderator
I don't see how the Civic can be considered as a "versatile" vehicle.
Speaking of SUVs, though--just read a review in my local paper of the 2010 Equinox. I think it's made in the USA, it's very roomy, versatile of course (big cargo area), and best of all is rated 22/32 mpg with the direct-injection I4 and 6AT. That is comparable to mid-sized sedans and even many smaller cars. Might be worth checking out.
Would you consider buying a castle-sized dining table to seat 20, just because you have 20 kids in the house once a year for a birthday party? That seems absolutely ridiculous.
Would you consider buying a school bus because it would be really convenient for OTHER people and THEIR kids if you would spend YOUR money to drive their kids around?
I bought a Honda Fit, base model, automatic, and I'd like to recommend it as an option. I did look around a lot. I was interested in reliability, mpg, pollution, versatility (for the interior), ease of getting in and out of vehicle and getting things in and out of the vehicle.
With you and two, each of the children can choose to have ONE friend come along, and that's 5 people, the Fit will handle that quite well.
The insurance on the base model is great. The resale on the Sport model is great. You can get a lot of insight into the Honda Fit by reading the Edmunds ongoing blogs:
http://blogs.edmunds.com/roadtests/Vehicles/2009-honda-fit-sport/
You have their comments and lots of comments from other people below each entry.
You want to find the right vehicle for YOU and YOUR family. Not for everyone else. Not for occasional transporting other people or things. If you need a truck once a year, rent one. If you need a passenger van once a year, rent one or call a cab service that has that option. If you are buying something huge, have it delivered. The same way you would treat a birthday party or gathering by making do, or renting things for the day, for the event.
Use a common sense approach! If you find a car that fulfills 99% of your daily life NEEDS, you won't be disappointed.
My personal car has the fuel filler on the passenger side and my other vehicles have it on the driver's side. Walking a few feet around to the passenger side to fill up the car twice a month doesn't bother me. There are a lot more important things in picking a car, to me.
The Suburu Impreza Outback looks like it fit's my bill as well...
I compared it to the 2010 Mazda s HB in celestial blue...OMG. After test driving the Mazda... I just had to leave the dealership. I had too much of a grin on my face....
I really think the 5 door Hatchback with the 2.5L 6 speed manual may end up being my pick. It was so... fun to drive. I think the salesman knew I was in love.... that's why I had to leave... How can you negotiate when you know you want it!
Hee hee...
The practical side of me... may change my mind.... but that's really the car I want. *sigh*
Actually, all of my current cars have the filler on the passenger side. It was a pain when I had a stable that included both sides. I could never remember which was which.
In any case, it can be a bit annoying at times. I'm always concerned with blocking people in who have it on the driver's side and are at the first pump in the island. If I nose up to them, they have to reverse out. And another note, which isn't a problem for me at 6'5", but I can see it being a problem for shorter folks with bigger cars, stretching across the passenger seat to pass your money/credit card out the passenger window to the attendant (unless you live in a self-serve state).
Anyway, it doesn't have any bearing on what car i choose.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
If that's the car you really want and you can afford it, why not get it? Life is short.
Well... it really is about whether or not I can afford it. But you are correct! Life is short!