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Comments
I need some advise from a person who has 2 kids (1 & 3 year old)
I'm looking for a car
Honda ODYSSEY, new RAV4 V6 or new camry V6
I'm sure honda will be big enough but it's the most expensive and most gas thirsty (not sure about RAV4)
RAV4 is in the middle but is much better (bigger) than a camry.
Any advise?
Ross
You left out Audi. I love my A3. Very sporty, great luxury, practicality of a hatch, and it looks great too!
The Saturn is a Saturn - meaning that it is going to be a more anonymous-looking vehicle over time. It can be had with the Honda 3.5L engine, however! The Saturn will most likely have a decent Dealership experience and the Jeep could be hit or miss in that department.
Are there any other choices you will consider? As stated earlier, the new RAV4 is a markedly improved version over last year's model and is similar in size to the Vue/Liberty. Of your choices, I would find the Liberty to have the superior build quality, but it would trail the new RAV4 in that department.
My personal take... I find Saturns to be great cars for people who don't like cars
There's a reason why SUV's and Minivans have been so popular with the family set. They work. There's just a lot more usable space in them than the old sedan style. Not that there's anything wrong with a Camry- it's a great car. But it's a sedan.
Between the Odyssey and the new '06 Rav4- well, the Odyssey will be bigger- and more room is always better, as well as more utilitarian. The Rav4 has gotten stellar reviews so far- and will probably be more fun to drive. The Rav's hot V6 isn't going to be available until February or so. So- if you want a xmas present for your family, you've only got one choice. But- if you want the more thrifty 4cyl- you'll be able to get it in a couple weeks.
From a style perspective- I'd vote for the new Rav4. But the Honda will make life the easiest.
Picture this - it's an errand day. You, the wife and your children have already gone to a home decorating place like Bed Bath and Beyond, gone to an electronics store, picked up drycleaning and are now leaving the mall/Target/Costco with a full cartload. All of a sudden, it starts to rain. In anything, but a minivan, you'll need to figure out how to place your cargo so it'll all fit. WIth a minivan, just toss it in the trunk and go.
A minivan is the way to go!
People see their vehicle as an extension of themselves - and very few want the image that a mini van projects.
You can use all the logic in the world and you will never change it - its just the way it is.
This is not just a "man" thing either - I know a few women who feel the same way.
The car didn't seel cause it is horrible unreliable junk.
I would like feedback on what would be the best choice for a used sedan 1996-2000 models.
My three prime factors:
1) good gas
2) easy to fix
3) reliable
As a person who knows little about cars, but wanting to learn a lot more about them (especially in fixing them), any help would be very, very appreciated.
Stewart
Here is my current list of favorites-
Mazda3 Sedan or Hatchback
Chevrolet HHR
Kia Spectra
Suzuki Aerio
The Honda Civic LX would be on the list, but no dealer in my state has been able to locate a manual transmission in a color I'd take. So, sadly, it's not a possibility.
Anyone have input or suggestions?
The wind noise is so loud I never open the roof?
Maybe moonroofs (clear glass with a separate cloth cover that slides just below it) slide between the roof and headliner and sunroofs (no glass) slide onto the roof?
I don't know, but I bet if the prior poster gives teh car model they want, they'll get an accurate response.
A new Accord V6 (leaning towards an EX, either coupe or sedan) with a set of winter tires will cost me about $4K more than a Subaru Forester (which comes with crappy Geolander all-seasons).
Help me choose! A new Honda with winter tires or an AWD Subaru?
- Rob
- Ford Taurus
- Pontiac Grand Prix
Both were extremely reliable for me. I put on ~100,000 miles on both of them. My Mother-in-law is still driving my 2000 Taurus and it has about 120,000 miles and still runs like a champ. Although I never worked on my own cars the repair bills were generally reasonable when they did need minor repair (the Grand Prix literally never needed anything beyond routine maintenance; I think it's because GM has been making that same V-6 engine for so long). If I was forced to buy a four door vehicle for <$20,000 I'd look long and hard at those vehicles. Granted they don't make the Taurus any longer but you can find gently used ones for a heck of a deal. If you want a sportier look and feel then think about the Grand Prix.
- Rob
There's a long-winded answer to a question you didn't ask.
I personally would have a difficult time as well due to the fact that Honda has perfected the traction for their cars as of 2003 and advances are installed with each new vehicle C/D notes. Hondas also - you have experience with their maintenance and expenses. Subarus - a few of my long time friends have Subarus, one living in the Colorado area says that its perfect for handling the dramatically different weather conditions, however it is more expensive in repair - which has only happened to him once for the AWD maintenance.
I do have a question for you about your Honda - does the maintenance light go off at the scheduled times? and how is the cost of its maintenance? It sounds like you enjoy the Honda through and through. I am thinking of purchasing the Honda Civic Hybrid ... any thoughts on this? Thanks!
I have a 1996 accord and it has been problem free and my maintenance cost has been pretty low
If you go with Edmunds comparison test between Toyota Prius and Honda Civic Hybrid. It seems like Prius would be better choice than Civic Hybrid.
BTW, it seems like Toyota will be the first automaker to have a hybrid in every line up in next 5 years :surprise:
I think I'm going to put a price limit of $20K on each of them, but perhaps the more important number is the monthly payment--I realistically don't want to spend more than $700 a month combined, and would like to spend less if possible. (Maybe I should lease?) I want sedans or coupes. No wagons, or SUVs, or trucks, or minivans. We would like something "fun" to drive, but I don't know how to define that. At the same time, reliability, durability, and total cost of ownership are VERY important. Probably the most important factors, actually. Given that, and past experience, I don't see myself buying anything domestic. I kind of like the looks of the new Ford Fusion, but I can't imagine buying the first generation of any American car (maybe I'm overreacting to that, though). I'm fine with only 4-cylinders. Front-wheel drive would probably be nice.
So, I guess I'm thinking about a Civic or Accord, or a Camry (though I have always found them boring as hell), or a Mazda 3 or Mazda 6. But are there any other obvious contenders I should add to my comparison? My wife loves the Volvo S40 or the Acura TSX, but I don't think they're in our budget (even if I got less of a car than her, I don't see how we would swing either of those). Let me know if anyone can offer advice here. I feel like there are a zillion cars out there and I know about only a few, and maybe I'm missing a chance at a real bargain from another manufacturer.
And you can use the Browse by Vehicle search on the left side of the page to find dedicated discussions on each one.
Don't miss our Smart Shopper board where you will be told that the worst thing you can do is shop on monthly payment alone. Check it out.
And last but not at all least, check out the wealth of information on Edmunds.com. You can look up specs and reviews (editors and consumers) as well as all kinds of other stuff for each vehicle and there is a general Buying Tips section that is very helpful.
How's that to get you started? :-)
2003 Honda Civic LX 4dr (approx. $12500 used & in great condition) (avg cost per mile - $0.33)
- very reliable w/ good resale value, its engine doesn’t have the pep that a Mazda will provide while keeping your gas mileage quite efficient. (Mazda’s lineup has DOHC - dual overhead cam - which helps in the stepping on the pedal w/out killing your engine) – Also, I don’t know if you’ve owned a Honda before, but the required maintenance is more frequent than other models. Maintenance is more expensive on them at times b/c the big stuff has to be done at the dealership - and if it isn't done by the dealership - best of luck - many places here in New Jersey won't touch a Honda’s required maintenance.
2002 Honda Accord LX 4dr (approx. $12000 used & in great condition) (avg cost per mile - $0.36)
- incredible ratings - retains its resale value, good mpg w/reg maintenance (tires/oil) you can have a smooth running car up to 150,000. Remember that it’s a Honda and maintenance that's required should be done at the dealership to maintain their warranty. I don't know if traction control is avail. w/ the 2002 Honda Accord. That’s something you'll have to check into. I know the Traction Control and the EBD (electronic brake distribution) is a necessity with the weather conditions that occur.
The Camry I haven't owned and can't comment on - however I've heard it's a good car if well maintained. I haven't heard any exciting remarks about them - mainly that they are good family cars.
2002 Mazda 626 I have owned a newer Mazda and can tell you their cars are fun to drive while still avg’ing 28-30 mpg for me. That’s w/ 70% hwy - 30% city. It has approx. 85,000 miles on it, and has only required the tires and oil changed ... the transmission does shift a bit harder every now and then (its an auto trans) I’d purchase another Mazda however it wouldn't be my 1st choice. Reason - I get the runaround at the dealership too often (and I’ve taken it to a dealership in several diff cities).
I know you didn’t list it, however I would suggest to you the 2001 Buick Regal GS (approx. $8500 used - great condition) (avgs cost per mile - $0.35) It is a fantastic option, 27-29mpg using 93octane - Supercharged V6. My sister & her husband (in their 20s/30s) purchased a brand new one. They’ve only changed the tires/oil since then - everything is perfect plus the auto trans shifts smooth as butter. They’ve put over 90,000 on it. It hasn’t required any major maintenance even at 4 yrs old. This Buick is listed as #1 for smartest sedan purchases (used car market). It also comes std w/ Traction Control & EBD Electronic Brake Distribution - the Buick has saved my sister & family a few times when driving in bad Jersey weather. (This Regal GS model automatically comes w/leather, heated seats, st.wheel controls, TC, EBD, dual zone air, and a ton more features)*also the insurance rates are lower on this car - dunno maybe b/c its more of a fam car? who knows. Best of luck in your car search!
You need new and an AWD.
Toyota Matrix AWD hatchback $18,280
Subaru Impreza AWD sedan 2.5i $18,295
These are the only sub 20K AWD you can find.
I want a used sedan in the $12,000-15,000 range. Where should I draw the line on mileage? 50,000? What mileage is the peak for a promising vehicle? I need about 2 years out of this used car.
If I'm purchasing a car used the depreciation will just give me a better price to purchase and it won’t affect me right?
A few friends tell me to steer clear of Mazdas, Mazda6 especially. Is there any reason for me to stay away from the Mazda lineup? [I own 2 mazdas and have had good experience with them - it wasn't the absolute supreme best but it wasn't a bad experience at all ... in any case I wouldn’t mind owning a different brand now.]
ANY ASSISTANCE GIVEN IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!
But it's time for some new wheels, my business 'owes' me one.
E320 CDI - Lexus LS or BMW 5 series??
What would YOU do?
Geo
BTW, even the current LS430 is ranked better than BMW 7 series
The Honda Civic is also a very good car, though not as much fun to drive or as sporty looking as the Mazdas.
I agree with you that the Fusion is a great looking car and the reviewers have given it very high marks for handling/fun-to-drive factor. If you're not buying for six months or so, I'd think it would be a pretty safe bet. It would be almost a year into production and (one would hope) any major issues would be ironed out.
Two more I'd consider, since you mention that a coupe is okay, would be the Scion tC. Another very good looking car with strong performance.
The Nissan Altima is also a good deal and it's a great driving car with plenty of power even in 4-cylinder form. They can be had for $2500 to $3000 off sticker at the moment. Six months from now, they'll probably have even deeper discounts.
Hope this helps. Good luck!
The small Mitsu is the Lancer and, at least in top of line Ralliart trim, it's a fun little car. The only downside is it doesn't do well in the crash ratings (one of the worst in it's class). The good news is that they can be bought for thousands off sticker. But they still cost nearly as much as a Civic or Mazda3 and depreciate worse than any other Japanese car line.
The Galant is a pretty good driver, too. I test drove a Galant GTS a while back, but it stickered for $27k! Even at the $22k they were offering it for, you could still buy a lot of Honda, Mazda or even (dull) Toyota.
2. In terms of mileage, I use 15,000 miles/year. So, any used car that is beyond 15,000 miles/year means you have more wear and tear on the car.
In terms of the peak mileage, for Japanese cars, I go with 100,000 miles. However, for BMW, I go with even 300,000 miles.
3. If I understand you question right. Are you saying because the new cars depreciate most in first couple years, so the depreciation on the used car you purchased will not goes down as much as the new cars? I would say that is correct. In other words if you decide to sell your car, then you should not lose too much values in two years on the premises that the car is in good condition.
4. I would only stay with Japanese cars for either used or pre-certified cars, meaning you should purchased from either Honda and Acura, or Toyota and Lexus only. Sorry, no Nissan and Infiniti.
In Canada, Mazda3 sedans are popular; they are reliable (as attested to by Consumer Reports) and relatively inexpensive to buy and operate. Have you considered buying two similar models from the same dealer? This may get you a better discount and may simplify maintenance. The Mazda3 has two distinctive models. For winter driving a good set of snow tires is recommended; AWD is useful for going offroad. The Toyota Matrix is another excellent choice. Best wishes for 2006!
That is one of the courses I am STRONGLY considering.
I drove the LS, twice. It is smooth, it is quiet and it is fast - in a fussy sort of way.
Wonderful fit and finish, quality materials, cool rear view camera- this car is sweet!
Dealer offered me an 05 430LS Silver/Ecru Custom Pkg for $55K or an 05 LS Blue/Cashmere Modern for $54K - then he made a mistake...
As I was open about maybe wanting something quick and fun like a BMW he said "You are a lot YOUNGER than many of the LS customers!?!?" hmmmmm. Now I am 51 and maybe I need to "get it out of my system" and go for the M5 or 550i or even a little 330ic ragtop.
Thus, my dilema.
I DO appreciate your answer,
Geo
Anyways, it surprises me that the Subaru Impreza 2.5i sedan is price at MSRP $18,300 only. You could get a $1.5K year end rebate if you get one now.
If I had to choose a Mazda 3s vs Subaru Impreza 2.5i, I' would take the Subaru.
I'm bias of course but I just love that Impreza driven by Peter Solberg at WRC.
I just visited a dealershop to but a used '03 TL Type-S with Navigation/Onstar. But a salesperson told me that Navigation system of this model doesn't tell me how to get to a place with its voice. It is so weird. If it can't let me know the direction with its voice, I can't understand that why it is called navigation system. She told me that I can just refer to the point where I stands and I can refer to the direction with my eyes. I think there was some misunderstanding between her and me. Can you let me know? Thank you.
Proe, why not Nissan/Infiniti? THey're Japanese.
I'd also check out Mitsubishi & Mazda - their reliability is average, but they don't hold value well, so you get good resale deals.
I don't know. Maybe just my impression, meaning if someone asks me the question of which automakers would I consider for used cars. I would not think of Nissan/Infiniti
Also, Nissan/Infiniti gears toward performance more than Honda/Acura and Toyota/Lexus, and we all know that means more wear and tear, and may be a lot more abuses