out of curiousity (after seeing a picture of the hatchback model here), I read up on the Kia Forte 5 door. Seems to be exactly what I want/need, very similar to the Focus (without the over the top telemetrics), and way cheaper.
Too bad you have to get the bigger engine to get the moonroof and sports suspension and other goodies. At this point, I am fine with a smaller motor to get better MPG!
The mazda3 with the 2.0 (new) engine is interesting too. That is how I would have gotten a sedan of that if I ever bought one.
I always have liked small hatchbacks/wagons. Definitely my next purchase, though with all the home improvements on our current wish list, I will be driving the Accord (unless I have to sell it to raise cash!) for a long, long time.
A VW can be a great car, if you have another car to drive while it isn't working
Very true. I had a 94 VW Jetta 2.0L and it was a pretty good car considering the condition it was in which was rather scary. Never left me stranded but did drain my wallet with repairs.
My 01 Jetta 1.8T was a fun car to drive *when* it was running. It spent a bit of time on the back of a wrecker. Final straw was getting it back from the VW dealer with fresh dent kicked in the quarter panel and the car promptly broke down yet again 5 miles from the dealership. One car that I was totally justified in dumping without even having to make an excuse!
Best car I've ever owned that wasn't a Honda......2004 Ford Focus ZX3....still wish I had kept little Zippy, she was a great one.
I let my son drive the Pilot tonight........I fear that was a bad decision. :sick:
It was a 2010 SE 4 cylinder with 22,000 miles. It had the roof, JBL, push button start, and bluetooth. We listed it for $19,800 and sold it for $19,000.
While I realize that the actual ‘punch’ will not happen until I take delivery, I am excited about the planning. The Purchase Order is in. My daughter and I will be picking up a new BMW in Munich on September 16th. We will be driving south, across the Alps across northern Italy, to Cinque Terre – where we will spend 2 or 3 days. Then back north, through a portion of Switzerland and back to Munich, to fly home. And await ‘redelivery’ of the car. Cheers, - Ray Very Excited . . .
The car: Model/Code: 335is Coupe Exterior Color/Code: Le Mans Blue Metallic Interior Color/Code: Gray Dakota Leather Options: iPod and USB adapter Comfort Access keyless entry Heated front seats Premium Package Satellite radio w/1 year sub. 7-Speed double clutch Trans.
It's all too tempting. I'm still waiting on my brother and his 01 9-3 convertible. Gives me time to pay off the van (Truth in posting statement: I have enough in my car account to pay off the van...)
2015 Mazda 6 Grand Touring, 2014 Mazda 3 Sport Hatchback, 1999 Mazda Miata 2004 Toyota Camry LE, 1999.
Didn't think you'd be interested fez. It looks pretty clean in those few pics, but not very detailed so you never know. Miles are lower than my wife's '99.
Heck, if it wasn't a convertible, I'd be interested myself.
How many miles does your brother's have? You might have a better deal with this 95.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
you can have it. The "wish" list at the moment (mostly house related) is way longer than the "chance in heck of paying for it" figure.
I suppose if the toy of my dreams showed up locally at a can't pass it up price, I would do it. But in general, no cars for the moment.
Definitely will be getting one winter 2012/2013 though! that will be for the wife. Something nice, she deserves it after 17 years piloting a minivan, and putting up with me!
Rode to the hotel in a ford van with 170k miles. Engine and transmission still smooth as silk. Driver said maintenance very spotty. The windows rattled but I was impressed with the drive train durability.
The radio in Dad's Canyon was acting up and it started to run rough again (about 97,000 miles on it). Had the same rough idle problem about a year ago and had to clean the injectors, so they may have just needed to be replaced.
I use the past tense because he traded it in on a 2011 Element yesterday. It drives very well for a big box. Lots of room inside, and the four cylinder engine is smoother and quieter than the one in my Altima. Would it have killed Honda to put an extra twenty pounds of sound deadening in it, though? What's that, I can't hear you over the road noise! :P
Would it have killed Honda to put an extra twenty pounds of sound deadening in it, though?
Its seems as though any Honda I have ridden in/driven is noisy on the road. My Stepdad and I drove the Accord right when the new style was introduced (08?) and we both noted how much noisier it was than his 03 Camry.
The Accord is supposed to have active noise cancellation on the higher trim levels, but that just proves that you can't work around hardware problems using software.
Its seems as though any Honda I have ridden in/driven is noisy on the road.
My '07 Pilot wasn't the quietest thing in the world. Hubby's Civic is pretty loud, especially with winter tires on. My '11 Pilot isn't too bad, fairly quiet, can carry on a nice conversation with passengers without yelling.
Both of our Fords are noisy, especially the Escort. Speaking of the Escort, my son violated some rules and lost his car for a week. He's on thin ice and knows he's just one step away from Mom selling the car.
I don't think the ANC does anything for road noise. It comes on the cars with the VCM (where 3 cylinders shut down), and is supposed to offset the odd sound from that.
I don't find my accord or Ody to be particularly noisy, except on certain surfaces where you get excessive tire noise. On fresh pavement, you pretty much don't hear anything. Or at least I am not that sensitive to it!
having the radio on reasonably loudly, and often with the moonroof open, may also come into play.
my daughter can start permit driving late this year, so at some point, will be looking for something old and cheap (hey, just like me!) eventually. At least she plans to learn on my stick, so I can hopefully get another manual tranny car (I hate buying older, higher mile automatics. never trust them!)
She liked my idea about me getting something different and keeping the accord for her to use. Just don't think anything nice will be in the budget then. Maybe a toy, or a PU, since I will have the Accord for when I need something nicer...
When my son was a baby in the mid-70's, we kept him in a travel crib in the back seat. I believe we got it from Sears --- part of their Launching Pad line of child transportation products. Ignorance was bliss.
Well, it is not really an issue until December, 2012 (the ealiest she can get a license to drive solo), so I have plenty of time to work out the details!
Did you go looking for a used car and find that prices were so high that it made more sense to buy a new car instead? Or found that your trade-in was worth a lot more than you expected?
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Since we sold the Camry, we have been talking about getting a daily driver. We have found a 2004 TL with 73k for $10,000. One owner, carfax shows slight impact on front, runs OK but may need a few minor repairs (power steering pump, and driver door actuator).
Any opinions? It's silver, non-nav, with the automatc.
After much deep thought, I have decided that if the overall situation stays the same in the next year (mostly me working very close to home, and often from home), instead of finding a used car for my daughter I will find something cheaper/older for me (but way more fun), and just keep the Accord too. She can use that most of the time, and if I need to do a bigger trip I can always hijack it back.
Should be much more fun looking at toys for me tha a used boring mobile for her!
it can also be a nice 50th B Day present for me next year. After all, I deserve it (or so I will tell my wife).
and I will have plenty of time to start looking, once I finish singlehandedly supporting the home remodeling industry in my area.
I started a list already. More suggestiong welcome! Age/miles will vary, depending on what it is and condition (and what I have to accept to get it within whatever the budget is at the time).
quick options off the top of my head:
BMW Z3, or 3 series coupe/convertible 2004ish Civic Si (the bread wagon version) Toyota MR spyder (who needs luggage room, right?) Acura RSX (always liked those) mazda Protege 5 A Mini cooper, probably a non-S Completely off the reservation, a mini pickup.
with the spyder on there, might as well add the Miata.
Others? Oh, where to begin? Mazdaspeed Protege Benz SLK Honda S2000 Chrysler Crossfire 350Z Focus SVT G35
I know you are thinking some of these sound pricey, but they really aren't. Using your '04 Civic Si as a comparator, which has a base trade value of $6k, an '04 G35 is just $8k and an '04 Crossfire sits at $7k. The S2k is kind of the outlier at about $11k... BUT an '02 S2k is at $8k. SLK230 runs right there with the S2k in value. Oh, and an '03 350Z enthusiast coupe is at about $7500.
I'll throw in a couple of more wild cards. How about an '04 C70 HT convertible for $6500 or an '04 Saab 9-3 Aero convertible for $8k? (all trade values, of course)
I'm sure I could come up with many more given the time.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
some interesting choices. Don't want anything too powerful, or gas hoggish. So taking the G and Z off the list. S2000 too hard core. Crossfire I can't stand. SLK, not going there.
I forgot about the Focus. Always liked those.
at least I have plenty of time to think about it and look!
What is your gas mileage limit? I used to get over 25 mpg in my 350z without even trying to get good mileage. Given that same car now I'm sure I could get in the 26s without much effort.
In comparison, my Volvo t5 used to return in the mid 24s.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
also, I prefer a smaller/lighter/smaller engined car if possible.
Well, a 3 series is no lighter than a 350z .... so yer kinda confusing me here. It also doesn't get much better mileage. Those rules, of course, would also push the volvo and saab off the list.
Anyhoo... yeah, I'd avoid the older GTIs, which is why I didn't suggest it. Both the 1.8T and VR6 suffer from sludge issues.
I'd still be looking at the P5. I think it is plenty fun. Not the speediest thing, but its tossable and relatively light. I've seen a couple of P5s with mazdaspeed transplants. Be nice to find one of those around here.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Comments
Too bad you have to get the bigger engine to get the moonroof and sports suspension and other goodies. At this point, I am fine with a smaller motor to get better MPG!
The mazda3 with the 2.0 (new) engine is interesting too. That is how I would have gotten a sedan of that if I ever bought one.
I always have liked small hatchbacks/wagons. Definitely my next purchase, though with all the home improvements on our current wish list, I will be driving the Accord (unless I have to sell it to raise cash!) for a long, long time.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Very true. I had a 94 VW Jetta 2.0L and it was a pretty good car considering the condition it was in which was rather scary. Never left me stranded but did drain my wallet with repairs.
My 01 Jetta 1.8T was a fun car to drive *when* it was running. It spent a bit of time on the back of a wrecker. Final straw was getting it back from the VW dealer with fresh dent kicked in the quarter panel and the car promptly broke down yet again 5 miles from the dealership. One car that I was totally justified in dumping without even having to make an excuse!
Best car I've ever owned that wasn't a Honda......2004 Ford Focus ZX3....still wish I had kept little Zippy, she was a great one.
I let my son drive the Pilot tonight........I fear that was a bad decision. :sick:
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
until I take delivery, I am excited about the planning.
The Purchase Order is in.
My daughter and I will be picking up a new BMW
in Munich on September 16th.
We will be driving south, across the Alps
across northern Italy, to Cinque Terre –
where we will spend 2 or 3 days.
Then back north, through a portion of
Switzerland and back to Munich, to fly home.
And await ‘redelivery’ of the car.
Cheers,
- Ray
Very Excited . . .
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Model/Code: 335is Coupe
Exterior Color/Code:
Le Mans Blue Metallic
Interior Color/Code:
Gray Dakota Leather
Options: iPod and USB adapter
Comfort Access keyless entry
Heated front seats
Premium Package
Satellite radio w/1 year sub.
7-Speed double clutch Trans.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
Just a guess -Mathias
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
But, I am heavily invested in home renovations at the moment, so if I bring home a toy, I may get shot.
Fezo, since it is way closer to you (isn't that handy!), you have my permission to go grab it for yourself. Do it man, you deserve it.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Heck, if it wasn't a convertible, I'd be interested myself.
How many miles does your brother's have? You might have a better deal with this 95.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
Don't worry about leaving me out - I'd gladly jump on something while stick is dickering. Neither one of us really jumps at these things....
I suppose if the toy of my dreams showed up locally at a can't pass it up price, I would do it. But in general, no cars for the moment.
Definitely will be getting one winter 2012/2013 though! that will be for the wife. Something nice, she deserves it after 17 years piloting a minivan, and putting up with me!
or she can trade it for a new kitchen.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I use the past tense because he traded it in on a 2011 Element yesterday. It drives very well for a big box. Lots of room inside, and the four cylinder engine is smoother and quieter than the one in my Altima. Would it have killed Honda to put an extra twenty pounds of sound deadening in it, though? What's that, I can't hear you over the road noise! :P
Its seems as though any Honda I have ridden in/driven is noisy on the road. My Stepdad and I drove the Accord right when the new style was introduced (08?) and we both noted how much noisier it was than his 03 Camry.
2025 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 / 2023 Mercedes EQE 350 4Matic
My '07 Pilot wasn't the quietest thing in the world. Hubby's Civic is pretty loud, especially with winter tires on. My '11 Pilot isn't too bad, fairly quiet, can carry on a nice conversation with passengers without yelling.
Both of our Fords are noisy, especially the Escort. Speaking of the Escort, my son violated some rules and lost his car for a week. He's on thin ice and knows he's just one step away from Mom selling the car.
I don't find my accord or Ody to be particularly noisy, except on certain surfaces where you get excessive tire noise. On fresh pavement, you pretty much don't hear anything. Or at least I am not that sensitive to it!
having the radio on reasonably loudly, and often with the moonroof open, may also come into play.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
She liked my idea about me getting something different and keeping the accord for her to use. Just don't think anything nice will be in the budget then. Maybe a toy, or a PU, since I will have the Accord for when I need something nicer...
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I need to have a word with my parents, since apparently the price for safety for me was $275. And they drove a Volvo!
ABS maybe, but entirely possible whatever we get won't have side bags, and very unlikely to have ESC. Not in our price range.
could be something like a Golf. Maybe a Focus. still safe. Though a Volvo is always a possibility.
maybe I should get the SAAb convertible Q found, and just let her drive the Accord.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Exactly what I was about to suggest.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
If so, a reporter wants to interview you. Please email pr@edmunds.com no later than 3pm Eastern on Thursday, May 5, 2011 and include your daytime contact information.
Any opinions? It's silver, non-nav, with the automatc.
Should be much more fun looking at toys for me tha a used boring mobile for her!
it can also be a nice 50th B Day present for me next year. After all, I deserve it (or so I will tell my wife).
and I will have plenty of time to start looking, once I finish singlehandedly supporting the home remodeling industry in my area.
I started a list already. More suggestiong welcome! Age/miles will vary, depending on what it is and condition (and what I have to accept to get it within whatever the budget is at the time).
quick options off the top of my head:
BMW Z3, or 3 series coupe/convertible
2004ish Civic Si (the bread wagon version)
Toyota MR spyder (who needs luggage room, right?)
Acura RSX (always liked those)
mazda Protege 5
A Mini cooper, probably a non-S
Completely off the reservation, a mini pickup.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Others? Oh, where to begin?
Mazdaspeed Protege
Benz SLK
Honda S2000
Chrysler Crossfire
350Z
Focus SVT
G35
I know you are thinking some of these sound pricey, but they really aren't. Using your '04 Civic Si as a comparator, which has a base trade value of $6k, an '04 G35 is just $8k and an '04 Crossfire sits at $7k. The S2k is kind of the outlier at about $11k... BUT an '02 S2k is at $8k. SLK230 runs right there with the S2k in value. Oh, and an '03 350Z enthusiast coupe is at about $7500.
I'll throw in a couple of more wild cards. How about an '04 C70 HT convertible for $6500 or an '04 Saab 9-3 Aero convertible for $8k? (all trade values, of course)
I'm sure I could come up with many more given the time.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I forgot about the Focus. Always liked those.
at least I have plenty of time to think about it and look!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
I like the Civic SI better than the RSX (cheaper, too).. I would only consider the RSX-S (which are all sticks).
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In comparison, my Volvo t5 used to return in the mid 24s.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S
I also want something that my daughter could drive. Not turning a teenager loose in a Z!
actually, I never really enjoyed any of the stick shift G's I drove, and I assume the Z is about the same. Much better car with an AT IMO.
The wagon Si I always liked though.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2025 Camry SE AWD
Corvette, I thought of the Prelude this morning, but where would I ever find a nice clean babied one for sale? Just never happens!
actually, I prefer the RSX, since I would like a hatch if possible.
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
There was one for sale not far from you, but the owner took it off the market!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Q buys something now that I would want, spends 6 months getting it all fixed up perfect, then gets tired of it and sells it to me!
2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.
Well, a 3 series is no lighter than a 350z .... so yer kinda confusing me here. It also doesn't get much better mileage. Those rules, of course, would also push the volvo and saab off the list.
Anyhoo... yeah, I'd avoid the older GTIs, which is why I didn't suggest it. Both the 1.8T and VR6 suffer from sludge issues.
I'd still be looking at the P5. I think it is plenty fun. Not the speediest thing, but its tossable and relatively light. I've seen a couple of P5s with mazdaspeed transplants. Be nice to find one of those around here.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '98 Alfa 156 2.0TS; '08 Maser QP; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '11 Mini Cooper S