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The Galant I bought is pretty much loaded,the only things lacking are ABS, side air bags, alloy wheels, leather and a sunroof, all of which things that I could have had on the LS model (still in my $20K budget), but didn't want to pay for. I also passed on the V6 for the same reason, I really see no use for it. The 4-cylinder has plenty of power, is so smooth and quiet I have to check the tach to make sure its even running, and has plenty of torque. The automatica transmission (standard equipment) is also a great match for the engine, with ratios well-matced to the engine's torque and power bands. This car is so competent in going about its business that it is much like a 4-cylinder Accord or Camry - so good at getting you quietly and comfortably from place to place that one tends to not even think about it.
In domestics the Buick Century and Ford Taurus are also available in that range, and I would easily recommend either over the Chevy Impala, which has styling that makes me think (unpleasantly) of the old AMC Matador. The Buick has a very good quality reputation, and with GM rebates makes an attractive buy. I almost went for it, but the lack of a CD player in the base model pushed me away (I hate paying for higher trim levels).
Congrats on the Elantra GT, that is a great car that is really a terrific buy, though it is in a smaller size (and correspondingly lower price) class.
$21k max invoice price with options (not including tax, etc.)
4-door
automatic
built in N. America
My company also has to have content in the vehicle but we do in most N. American cars anyway so they're virtually all available. I think rebates can be taken from the total invoice price, so a $2000 rebate would allow me to buy a $23k car.
I've been considering:
Nissan Altima
Volkswagen Jetta
Saturn L300
but am willing to consider almost anything.
For a company car that will see highway driving, I'd go with the Chevy Impala. It is extremely comfortable and has alot more room than your choices listed, and even has better mileage. The current edition is still kinda new, but even the automotive press is waking up to it. You could even get an LS if you bargain well.
Of your choices listed, I'd take the Altima or the Saturn. The Jetta is a bit small.
What kind of work do yo do? Lots of highway travel?
What do people think about an Olds Intrigue GX. With the current rebate I could probably get one of those.
The 3.5L engine is one great engine and is now available on the GX. The car is a great value and lots of room.
Folks working for smaller companies have it easy because they usually have some say. When I first started out I made a point to be flexible. I let them give me a few suggestions and then we narrow it down. They really appreciate and take care of a vehicle they want as opposed to a POS they got stuck with. BTW, nobodys picked a taurus or lumina yet, although I'll be the first to admit they are MUCH nicer vehicles than they were in the early 90's. Well the lumina never really improved, but the Impala is a revolution.
A very solid car, lots of room and impressive fuel economy.
Nissan Altima 2.5
Honda Accord LX V6
Saturn L300 (V6)
Olds Intrigue GL
Chevrolet Impala LS
Dodge Intrepid SE
Dodge Stratus V6
Ford Taurus
Subaru Legacy
Volkswagen Jetta VR6
and the three I like the best are:
Saturn L300
Olds Intrigue
Honda Accord V6
I can get the most options in the Saturn and it is probably the most comfortable of all the cars I've driven. Also, it has a better back seat than all the others with the possible exception of the Intrepid. The rear legroom isn't great but I had enough headroom back there and I'm 6'3".
Also, I felt the Saturn to be very responsive.
I'm admittedly surprised that I like a Saturn, but I do. Hmmm.
I would probably get the Accord if I had to pay for maintenance and repairs myself but it's probably third on my list in terms of comfort, etc.
This is going to be a tough decision ..
Any info on 850s would be greatly appreciated!
-steeler _fan
Wish I could have afforded one.
If you are in that price range, you may want to take a look at the Acura as well. Now as sporty as the maxima but an upgrade over the Accord.
Keep in mind that the dealership was open until 9:00pm.
http://www.provide.net/~klkrause/dodgeletter.html
What does "4cyl 4A" or "4cyl 5M" mean? "6cyl 4A" or "6cyl 5M" mean ???? Which one would I choose?
Thank you.
The GLX GLS business refers to different models that have different costs, features and levels of luxury. The GLX is the more deluxe.
You should start by deciding if you want a stick shift or auto. Then decide if you can be happy with the 1.8 Turbo. Then go to the Edmunds site for new cars/go to Volkswagen/go to Jetta and spend some time looking at various combinations of features. The Edmunds TMV price is the price you "should" be able to get if you bargain well.
Hope this helps.
For my needs, I have chosen Jetta GLS 4A (with leather package)...Using the Edmunds TMV price, I am bidding...Goodluck to me!!!!!
I got a crash course VW Jetta 101, right here. This Townhall discussion really helped me a lot,
thank you all.
Good luck with the purchase!
I'm built similar. My wife bought a Galant with a Sunroof and I have plenty of headroom. In the past the Camrys with sunroofs were uncomfortable unless I cranked the seat back like a low-rider. If you aren't looking for a sunroof, you should have plenty of choices. Some with sunroofs drop it down to around 37" which is uncomfortable to me.
This is without a sunroof -- I hear sunroofs reduce it quite a bit.
The Saturn experience is still there -- I wasn't sure I'd like the balloon delivery 'ceremony' but it was fairly low key so I didn't mind. No one sang or anything...
Saturn has already said that some vehicles will lack polymer panels in future, which is obvious as that is a very expensive part of the engineering, compared to deciding which re-badge gets standard cup-holders. I don't know how they'll keep no-haggle while other divisions let you haggle on the same cars -- I guess time will tell.
This is getting off-topic so perhaps something should go in news and views if there is interest.
Thanks for any input.
Town Hall Chat tonight! It's "Open Mic" night tonight, so feel free to drop in and chat about whatever's on your mind.
kirstie_h
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