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Midsize Sedans Comparison Thread
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food for thought...i've been hearing reports of 6s's (with the v-6, leather, bose, moonroof) going in the 19's. and the speed 6 going for about 23k (wish i would have waited
plus, if you get the hatchback like i did, you get great flexibility for hauling stuff while still looking like a sleek looking sedan. when i open up the hatch i still get responses from people of surprise and envy.
the new 3.5 with around 265 hp and 260 lb/ft torque should hit the 6 in mid 07 (the 08 model) which has been reviewed favorably in edmonds on the lincoln MKS. just hope they don't make the 6 too big and heavy.
can't wait to see what honda does with the new accord...saw what some were saying was the prototype at the tokyo auto show and it looked sweet.
The 2006 Mazda6 is much quieter than the 2005. What model year 6 do you have?
And in looking at the pics for the new Sebring, I still think it has rental car written all over it. Not something that will win the hearts, minds, and wallets of buyers of Asian vehicles. But hey, the rental and fleet market is pretty huge, and if D-C can sell 200,000+ models to this market, they could be very happy. What's with the creases on the hood? Reminds me of the older Pontiacs (pre current Grand Prix) that always had the creases on the sides. Although it Daimler Chrysler could equip the Sebring with a clean burning yet economical diesel (and they REALLY know diesel engines for cars), they may have a winner after all
Let me see if I got this straight, anyone willing to spend more money on a comparable sedan than your precious Fusion is being hoodwinked by "perceived" advantages. Okay, I got it. Thanks. "
Yes, Toyota may be able to sell a Camry for $5,000 more than a Fusion. But for how long? With the internet and free speech forums like these. How long before the word starts to spread? Consumers are not dumb. People will start to read these and shop other car brands/makes to compare and ask themselves Is the $3-5,000 dollars really worth it for an Accord/Camry
By the way. I never have claimed to say my "precious" Fusion is perfect. It has its flaws, all cars do. What some are having a hard time with is the Fusion is a contendor in the segment, along with the Sonata, G6, Altima, 6, Legacy, Malibu, Impala, Aurora, Choice is nice.. :shades:
Last month I bought a CR-V 2WD LX for just $19K ($400 below invoice price). The CR-V came standard with safety features like ABS, stability assist and curtain airbags. Also, I got CD, power locks-mirrors-windows. Similarly equipped Equinox would cost you a lot more (of course, Equinox comes with a V6 that produces 25 more horses than Honda's I4 - but performance is still the same since Equinox is heavier).
The point is simple: if you buy an Accord or Mazda6 now, you can get a good deal (below invoice price deals). If you buy a Camry now, you will pay well over invoice. If you buy a Camry Hybrid, you may pay over MSRP.
Otherwise, I don't think similarly equipped Camry, Accord, Altima, Sonata, Mazda6, Fusion, G6, etc. differ a lot from each other in price. Some manufacturers need longer warranties, bigger rebates and 0% APR to move inventory, some others don't. Some customers value rebates and low APR highly, but most go with Camry/ Accord because the difference in "True Cost to Own" more than compensates for lack of longer warranty, 0% APR or rebates.
LOL. Gee, you really don't like Toyota didn't ya?
Just to find out what this Fusion fuss is all about I went to the local Ford dealer and test drove the Fusion V6 SEL. My verdict: I'll pay extra 5K for the Camry thank you very much. Although I think the Fusion is mile ahead of the old Taurus (which is not hard to beat), it is still an inferior product compare to the Camcords.
Interior: I think the best part of this car is it's interior. Very elegent and refined, all the buttons are where it should be. Good quality and soft plastics all around. Although the passenger side glove compartment door is made of hard plastic but overall it's good. My only complain is the leather wrapped steering wheel. The leather is hard and feels fake unlike Sonata's near-Lexus-quality leather steering wheel. Front bucket seats could use better support as well.
Exterior: Not head turning good but is among the lookers in this class. Don't like the euro style tail light but overall is decent.
Driving dynamics: This is the area which will be the deal breaker for me. I have one word to describe it: terrible. First of all, the steering is very numb, don't have a precise feeling in it. My old 97' Accord feels more sportier than it. Second, the V6 engine is neither peppy nor smooth, lacks the "kick" in both low and high RPM. Before the test drive I think the Fusion should be fine with or without the new 3.5. Now I think that is a must. For those people who have never drive the new Camry a V6 Fusion might be fine but the reality is that the 3.0 is showing its age and it's time for it to rest.
Overall the Fusion has exceeded my expection but still wouldn't cut it for me. Like I said, maybe the extra 5K is a hefty price to pay for some pepole but for me I would consider it money well spend. Although not the ideal family sedan for me, I would definitely love to have one as a rental next time if it's possible to find one on the lot.
You may think that there is not a lot of difference in price between similarly-equipped Camry, Accord, Altima, Sonata, Mazda6, Fusion, G6 etc., but the reality is much different.
Wow...I have the about the exact opposite impression. I have not driven a '97 Accord, but the current model has very light steering. I think my '96 contour has "sportier" steering than accord. Fusion has pretty firm steering, which I would consider to be much "sportier" than Accord's and certainly not numb. If you like the lighter steering feel of the Accord, you might prefer the Milan to the Fusion.
Where did you feel fusion seats needed extra support?
2014 Malibu 2LT, 2015 Cruze 2LT,
Not that I am one to get rid of a car after only 5 years...
I felt I was on top of the seat (which I was I know) but I like the feeling of being wrap around by the seat.
2007 Camry: $28244
2006 Accord: $24954
2006 Fusion: $23903 with $1000 incentive included
2006 Malibu: $24449
2006 Impala: $25586 with $2000 incentive included
2006 Altima: $25621 with $1750 incentive included
2006 Sonata: $20665 with $2500 incentive included
2007 G6 (NO panoramic roof and NO Onstar): $26695
Difference between highest and lowest: $7579 (keep in mind that's with Hyundai's $2500 incentive)
There is only 1000 dollars difference between Accord and Fusion and about 4000 dollars difference between Accord and Sonata. Based on my test driving experience with the Fusion (haven't test drive the Sonata so I won't comment) to pay 1K more and get the Accord seems like a no brainer to me.
PS. The 06' Sonata looks like a real good bargain right now that's if you can still find one on the lot. Don't know if there are any incentives for the 07' Sonata.
Car A: $25,000.00 50% depreciation
At the end of 5 years: $12,500.00
Car B: $20,000.00 66% depreciation
At the end of 5 years: $6,800.00
Difference: 5,700.00
You've already got the $5,000.00 upfront savings, which leaves about $700.00 to make up.
5% compounding interests over 5 years will give you a total interest of $1,381.41
So, in effect, you are ahead by $681.41, and that's only taking into consideration 5% interest - I have some sound investments earning quite a bit more
Camry's TMV won't remain as close to sticker as it's today (as the newness will no longer be there) - expect the TMV to go down by $1000 in a year and by nearly $2000 in 2 years. Further, Toyota will also start offering cash rebates (typically $750). So, after 2 years Camry would cost as much as the Accord costs today.
If you want a Camry, don't settle for Accord. Just wait a year or two. At least, that's what I would do.
And, I'm surprised that Sonata's pricing is really close to Accord's - this is a sign that Hyundai is catching up. I would still pay $2000 more (and sacrifice a few options to make up for the remaining $3000) and get an Accord.
I would not be surprised in the near future a family sedan puts out more than 300 horses, if one hadn't existed already!!
I'm in the middle. I try to test-drive I4 first. If I4 doesn't feel powerful (enough for highway passing at 65-80 MPH), I start looking at V6.
At present, I really like Altima's I4 and next year I'll probably be settling for an Altima.
Not if you prefer the appearance of the Fusion (or Milan) to the Accord (and who doesn't
In addition Ford has 6 year 0%. Assuming you can earn 5% on your money, this is worth about $3000. I think you have to give up the $1000 in exchange...so the effective price difference is then more like $2000.
Or...If you would be financing the Accord at say 7% vs. the 0% on the Fusion, You save over $4000 in financing cost the fusion. This makes the net effective cost difference over $3000.
5 years ago:
Average V6 midsize sedan horsepower: around 190 HP
Average entry lux sedan horsepower: around 220 HP
Present:
Average V6 midsize sedan horsepower: around 240 HP
Average entry lux sedan horsepower: around 295 HP
That means if this trend keeps going, in 5 years the midsize sedans' horsepower will be approaching 300 with entry lux sedans close to 400. :surprise: Now that's madness. Just not long ago (probably 2 years), the BMW M5 has only 400 HP.
True, I think one should get a car that he/she truly desired.
As for the record, I don't prefer Fusion's appearance over Accord's.
I have now had the Altima for 4 months. No problems, no rattles, tight as a drum, excellent transmission and throttle response. It is still a blast to drive. So far Nissan quality control far and away beats the 2005 Avalon it replaced.
Way to go Nissan, Toyota you are now getting the bad press you deserve.
The Accord that he's referencing (94-97) has much heavier/heftier steering than the new Accord. I'd know, as I have both models. I feel like the new Accord's is more precise, while the old Accord is much happier steering on the highway (it had torque-sensitive steering back then, too).
Comparison: Avalon got 16 mpg and our Honda Pilot gets around 17 mpg.
PS. Yes, I still remember one monster stock engine with dual 4 barrel carburators. And some had "triple deuces"- 3 2 barrel carburators. Wow!
Maybe in 5 years, if and when the Fusion has earned the kind of reputation the Accord has, we'll reconsider your post.
What 3.5L do you have?
I know someone who has a new 4cyl Camry and he is barely getting 20 mpg with the anemic 4, so I don't feel too bad. He, on the other hand, is really upset. He thought he would be getting great fuel economy but the physics of a small engine working hard to pull a heavy body comes into play of course.
What has that got to do with a financial comparison? If Ford will give you 0% for 6 years you would be a fool not to take it. Therefore, you have to consider the 6 year financing in a comparison.
If you are worried about this "upside down" stuff...just set aside some of the money you save on the lower monthy payment. For instance if your payment is $275, set aside an additional $275 per month in a money market and it will be as if you have a 3 year loan.
BTW, I think some of your punctuation keys are sticking :P .
Maybe in 5 years, if and when the Fusion has earned the kind of reputation the Accord has, we'll reconsider your post.
Well put. Ford might not even be around in 5 years as we know them now.
One word of caution though. It runs on regular but it REALLY takes off on premium. These engines have really been designed for premium.
May or may not be worth the few dollars more you'll pay per tank for premium.