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I think the maza 3 skyactiv is a little more than the elantra but it's a nice looking car also.
sorry for all the questions, but you seem like you have done a lot of research.
Panoramic sun roof: think "really big sunroof", as in covering most of the roof. Meh.
I don't know that real-world price on the Skyactiv is much more than the Elantra's. There aren't the huge discounts on the mainstream Hyundais any more, like there used to be. Since you don't need a lot of back seat room, might be worth checking out the Mazda3. Also have you driven the Focus? Back seat isn't very roomy, but has very nice blend of ride and handling, and price is helped by incentives.
No I haven't driven a focus. Not quite sure I like the looks of it. I guess that's why I keep looking at the Elantra. I just love the style of that car. The xm radio is a plus too.
The thing is, unless it opens fully, like a window (Moonroofs are a joke), it's not actually anything more than yet another windshield to look out of. Except that most of them are so far back that you'd have to look sideways as a driver to see anything. (ie - if it was open, you'd at least feel the wind)
I'd end up with heat fatigue in the summer from a roasted head unless I pointed all of the vents at the roof.
Really bad idea.
However, you are most welcome to discuss the Passat here, and any other sedan that strikes your fancy.
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Does the Elantra offer much more legroom - or is there any other car in the Mazda 3's class that offers a better back seat option?
For compact hatches, I think the cars with the most rear legroom (based on my "sit" tests) are the Prius (much different kind of car than the Mazda3 of course), followed by the Elantra (based on the sedan, since the Elantra GT isn't available yet), Impreza, and Golf. The Versa hatch, subcompact in length, has tons of rear legroom also--maybe the roomiest of any of these cars. But it's a class down from the Mazda3--cheaper though! Forte hatch has pretty good rear leg room also, but for the money I'd rather go with the Elantra.
FWIW, the current Elantra hatch, the Touring, has limo-like rear leg room, but it's an old design and not nearly as nice and economical as the new Elantra.
'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've drove the Optima and was impressed with the room inside - it actually borders on being too big imo. biggest drawback for me was the dead feel in the stearing that Edmunds mentions. For the Sonata - Edumunds doesn't mention this con (dead stearing wheel). Has any compared the two - I have a hard time believing there would be a difference. I prefer the Optima style and their base packages are less confusing than the Sonata.
Is it worth test driving the Sonata? or are we really talking the same car?
I recently did a sit-test in the Mazda3 and Golf within a few minutes of each other and found the Golf to have more rear-seat leg room, with the driver's seat adjusted comfortably for me (5'9-1/2").
'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
Impreza is a good choice also but more expensive than the Mazda3, less economical, and handling is not as crisp. If you don't really need AWD, then... why?
Or used... lots of great options including TSX, G25/37.
Mazda3 is not a bad suggestion.
If you look around and lay off the options, you could find a low-mileage '08-'09 328i in your pricerange. And '09-'10 TSX would be more fun that at least the 3 options you've listed. A '10 CTS 3.6 could also fit under your cap.
'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
1. So am I mistaken in believing that mazda has poor reliability/dependability down the road?
2. While I do like the TSX/328i/other luxury brands, I don't really like the stigma or image associated with them. Furthermore, maintenance will be far more expensive and I'll be a student for virtually the next 4 years.
3. Despite being boring, my camry has never given me real trouble. Its so ******* dependable I feel almost guilty not going with it. (the safe bet for my money). Aside from that, it's comfortable and practical but just so boring...
Wha....??? Why would you say this? No one has really intimated that that's an issue. I had fantastic luck with my Protege that I beat the crap out of.
Seriously, if you want reliability - with outside of warranty bets - your Camry is really a great bargain. If you want driving fun, within your budget, with a decent warranty ( B2B)... move on.
You are very smart to not consider the entry-level luxury category. The routine replacements are much more expensive.
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How about this little number?
http://www.scion.com/cars/FR-S/
YES!
I have a 2005 Mazda6s, 75000 miles, runs and works great. My son has a 2007 Mazda3s Hatch, runs and works great at 54000 miles. I also have a 2009 Mazda CX-9 Touring. 38000 miles, no warrenty issues. So far the best SUV/CUV I have ever owned.
I don't think there is a stigma associated with a TSX, personally. It is just a European Accord.
I didn't realize money was much of a concern when spending $24k on a car. If that's the case, you should be looking at used vehicles or base economy models, such as a base mazda3, and sock away any extra funds.
'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 have. My Mazda3's engine threw a rod at about 72k miles. My property manager had a Mazda3 who's engine went at 20k, and then at 65k. The air conditioning on mine never really worked well. :sick:
Then again, while it was drivable it was an absolute BLAST to drive. :shades:
Can't for the life of me understand why AWD is desirable for you, given where you're going to live. But, to each his own.
In short, you don't have any bad choices here.
You said, "I'm about to graduate college, and will most likely be moving to Los Angeles in the next year or so to continue my education."
So do you already have a job to pay for this car or are you going to grad school? I'd say to save you money, pay off your debts, and keep your boring but "indestructible" Camry until you're all done with college and are fully employed. My apologies if I misunderstood something in your post.
The mazda 3 is looking real promising, but any input on hatch vs. sedan?
Also, I have some money tucked away for a new car, and the parental unit will pitch in as a graduation gift, as my camry with nearly 200k miles is about to die. Ill be going to medical school in LA so no, I wont have any money from a job but my parents have agreed to help with maintenance costs, that's why the cost of maintenance is important. Backy, you have a great point and I'm seriously considering something more sporty. By that same token however, the mazda 3 is sporty and can seat 5 comfortably (I like that alot). In response to the AWD, it's not desirable per say, but because I like subaru, having it standard isn't exactly a negative trait.
I think the Mazda3 hatch is a perfect choice - fun to drive, good on MPGs, not too pricey, and it's common enough (without being bland) that you shouldn't have parts/service issues anywhere. I'm not sure, but perhaps because AWD isn't necessary in LA, Subarus may be less common - they certainly have fewer dealerships overall, so if you have any recalls or work that needs to be done by a manufacturer-associated dealership, that may be an issue (might check for dealerships near the neighborhood you intend to live in).
You or your parents should call up your insurance agent as well. Tell them which vehicles you're considering - there could be a VAST difference in insurance costs between various vehicles. I've found agents to be helpful there. While they might like the extra money, they really don't like a customer being shocked/angry when they find out their premiums have just gone up a lot, unexpectedly. You're going to go up anyway, in all likelihood, because the Camry probably has you pretty low, but you should know what you're looking at in case you need a "tie breaker."
If I were your age, with your budget, I'd be driving myself insane right now trying to decide between the Mazda3 and the Elantra. I love Subarus too, but you'll have many vehicles in your future, and I'd save that for when i could enjoy the benefits of AWD.
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BTW, does the elantra gt slated for summer come in 4 door hatch or just coupe?
You have a good list there. It sounds like you're looking for just a little bit more "driving fun" than the Bonneville offered you, without sacrificing space and a nice interior. I like all of the choices you mentioned, but they are going to drive differently, so a day of test-driving might be in order for you.
What is your budget? That would help with other recommendations. You said teens, but are you OK with upper teens? So far, I'm not thinking of anything you've omitted that I'd be inclined to recommend... except...
If you like sporty, roomy, and would consider a coupe, have you looked at the 2010 Hyundai Genesis coupe? Looks to be priced comparably to the 2010 Sonata, and has lots of metal, IMO. I have NOT been inside of one, so I can't comment on the interior room, but it's a real looker (again, IMO).
The Optima is going to be the bargain of the bunch.
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http://townhall-talk.edmunds.com/direct/view/.f255528/
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Nothing says mature like a Buick.
A Buick Verano should be up your alley!
Then again, while it was drivable it was an absolute BLAST to drive.
I agree.... Mazda's reputation went into the pits when they lowered their warranty (I believe in 2005) by 25%, or from 4 years to 3 years, and equivalent ratio of loss in mileage as well.
I just can't let them get away with that until they have as many red dots as Honda or Toyota.
Could get a nicely loaded Mazda3i Touring hatch for same money as a base Verano... more fun to drive, more versatility, better economy. Not as nice an interior though.
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If your asking me what I predict Buick Verano's reliability will be..... I'll point out GM is only alive because of a massive bailout... and Cruzes seem to catch fire... which the Verano is based on... so... yeah....