GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda...Who will sell you your next car?

explorerx4

i don't think anyone has ever been disappointed by having a yamaha engine under the hood, even if it was a taurus.

rockylee

I don't have enough knowledge to know if a Yamaha engine is a gooden or not ????? I do know they were awesome in my parents Jetski's.

Rocky

snakeweasel

Oh don't get me started on jet skis.

rockylee

LOL, you sound like you had bad luck ? I don't want to get off-topic, but would assume based on my experience with Yamaha they would make a quality car engine.

Rocky

snakeweasel

LOL, you sound like you had bad luck ?

Nope served for two boating seasons on a small boat station when I was in the service. Saw things that make me stay away from boats as well as jet skis. Oh the stories I could tell.

rockylee

I'm sure, but I still ike em' alot and are fun as long as one uses them safely.

Rocky

nvbanker

Rocky - you have uncommon integrity, character and insight for a liberal. :shades: I commend you on your analysis of the CTS V-6. I feel the same. Not that Ford has anything even to match that now.... Good comments.

m1miata

Ah, enough HP for me. You know the 0- a speeding ticket ain't bad speed in that car. But the price. I am thinking below $35K. The base is $30K. How much more for the 3.6? But I suppose you want the goodies. Yeah, we think differently on that stuff. I prefer roll up windows, ya know Not sure what to think of Volvo reliability. The S40 always looked like a very able smaller car. But cars like the Honda seem to outshine the Volvo and others where it comes to reliability. Maybe the '08 Accord will be snappier stylin'? Then there is the Solara. Now it is true, like the Monte Carlo, it has a few awkward moments as the eye scans the car, yet like the Monte, it too is a little different. Don't people ever long for different. And I do see the sportiness and a bit a character in the both of them. And no, I am not drinking - haven't for years --- umm, booze that is :P Oh, do ya know the Rabbit is back? Sneaked into the lots at VW dealerships without a word. Those rabbits just do that!
-Loren

imidazol97

>Oh, do ya know the Rabbit is back?

It's not listed on VW's models here at Edmunds. Are you sure.

Or did I just fall the Gullibility Museum example for the week?

rockylee

Rocky - you have uncommon integrity, character and insight for a liberal.

I guess many would look at me as a liberal, but I wouldn't classify myself as a bleeding heart one. Thanx for the compliments

I just am not thrilled with the current CTS, but am optomistic on the next generation which has been 2-3 model years late. :mad:

Ford has nothing in the Licoln market yet to match it (3.6) and Chrysler with the V-6 "300" has to much girth to move quickly

That leaves BMW, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, etc in a "league of there own"

It's sad when a Saturn Aura is going to perform as well as a CTS. It's going to have a 6-speed auto and the CTS will have a 5-speed still :surprise: The aura will make 252 hp and the CTS will still only have 255 hp.

I wouldn't think I'm the only one that see's something wrong with this picture ? :confuse:

Rocky

m1miata

RWD vs. FWD would be one difference. And the Aura would be a little more of a leap of faith for reliability, since is it pretty new. CTS has a bit more history. If they would make lumbar support standard on the base seats, and add the telescopic steering column, and then sell it for around $27K with the base engine, or just under $30K with the 3.6 V6, then they got something going. As for the Aura - good one to watch. May be interesting if around $20K with a V6. One pretty crowded market though, in that FWD sedan class. Bring on the coupes!
-Loren

rockylee

RWD vs. FWD isn't that big of a deal to the consumers in this segment. Especially in base models. The Acura TL for instance is FWD, but will out corner the CTS. The bottom line is the CTS is over priced and outdated. Sure one could wait for a bargain, but Loren is it really a bargain when compared to the competition. Even you have admitted a Sonata or Azera is of value. I do agree they are when compared to the CTS. Hell the Azera has a better interior :surprise: and as much technology :surprise: for atleast $15K less when MSRP vs MSRP is factored on loaded models. :sick:

Rocky

m1miata

The Acura I am sure is a refined car, with a great Honda engine. I prefer RWD, but realize in the real world most choices are FWD. In FWD sedans, I would say the Sonata is the bargain, Accord the old safe bet ( a little pricey, but VP is a good deal ), then the Fusion and Milan for style, or the Altima, which was the first in the price range to offer style. In the coupes, the Solara seems solid, with a nice interior. The exterior styling, IMHO goes to Accord Coupe, then G6 GTP.

If I have the bucks for the Acura, I would be tempted to go with the BMW3 series. First I would check the latest JD Powers and past ranking for reliability. And if I had the money to buy a sports car in the $40K range, I guess it would be the SLK, or the Corvette. The SLK is a wonderful mix of retro, modern day design. Cool pop top too! We have no Acura dealer around here, so I would not be considering one. Like the Audi, they seem high priced for FWD. Everyone sees things differently, and that's why they can sell more than one car type in this world. Oh yeah, like those Jag sports cars too!
-Loren

rockylee

The BMW 330i is still almost $44K when you take off i-drive and active steeering. I like the Bimmer, but not $8K better than the TL. The TL also will corner almost as good as a 330i and will out perform a similar prices 325i. The new 07' Type-S should further push the TL up the ranks and the 2009' model will be totally redesigned and I'd bet will be breath taking also. Rumor is a SH-AWD TL in 09'. The bargain might be a 06' RL which hasn't been selling as well as Acura hoped and I'd expect some very attractive leases on them and better ones on the 07's.

The 2007' Type-S is supposably going to get a bump in horsepower anywhere between 290-310 horsepower. The TL with it's current FWD is useful for us that get snow, but also want a high-tech fun to drive car.

I'm not sure where your getting that the TL is this very expensive car like a BMW 3. It's actually quite affordable for the average middle class worker and not to mention has 65% american content along with being built in Marysville Ohio, something a 3 and many of it's competitors aren't. The Audi A4 is a total waste of money, but I do find the new Infiniti to be very interesting and also a good value. I really aren't up to speed with the latest from infiniti with the G35, but it also is a vehicle that slaughters the BMW 3, Lexus IS, Audi A4, when it comes to value. So I will say confidently the 2007 G 35 and Acura TL remain the best VALUE vehicles money can buy when you factor in performance, comfort, warranty, reliability, safety, fuel economy, gadgetology, IMO.

Rocky

rockylee

Your local Honda dealership can do work and service on Acura's.

Rocky

rockylee

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/#

Click at the bottom right on 2007 Infiniti G35 :surprise:

Infiniti did a great job on the quality and fit and finish that even makes the most bleeding heart Bimmer lover drown in envy. :P

WOW !!!!!!

Rocky

baggs32

Ford has nothing in the Licoln market yet to match it (3.6) and Chrysler with the V-6 "300" has to much girth to move quickly

In a couple of months you'll be able to buy an '06 MKZ (The car formerly known as Zephyr) with a standard 265 HP, 250 ft-lb 3.5L V6 which only required regular unleaded to run at full power. For another grand or so you can have AWD too.

However I do realize the MKZ is not for everyone and loses a good bit of "sport" which it's siblings and competitors have.

lemko

...I was driving to work yesterday morning when I see this beautiful black car pulling out of a Dunkin' Donuts parking lot. It turns out it was a 2004-05 Buick Park Avenue! The Lucene's interior and Northstar powertrain with that body would make the perfect car! I tried to find a leftover last year, but no luck.

rockylee

Get on autotrader and look lemko. I guarantee you'll find one.

Rocky

19965

Our Odyssey lease is up July 10. What should our next van be? We are looking for used, 03, 04 or 05. Honda and Toyota are out unless the price is beyond a steal. We rather not have Ford or it's siblings. So that leaves GM and what else? What are best GM's? If we go Chysler or Dodge, what are the pros/cons? Thanks for helping us get started in our search.

rockylee

The Saturn Greenline is a CUV hybrid that starts out at $22 or $23K. I'm not sure if it will be out before this fall

Check em' all out is the only way one can get a good opinion.

Rocky

snakeweasel

First thing I need to ask is what are you willing to spend.

Second thing is check out all the vans that are out there.

I looked at Hyundais van and the "wow" factor that van had for me was that the center side windows (those that are fixed or maybe just crack open on other vans) actually roll down in this van. But I am not sure what the pricing will be on those.

19965

Thanks.

We need to stay under 18k. Unless of course we can find another good lease deal or sale. Ideally, we would like payments under $400.

I hadn't thought of looking at the Hyundais. I'll check them out!!

rockylee

Geely, Chery and Brickland will start bringing cars here soon. I think Geely will have 07' models available. :surprise:

Rocky

snakeweasel

If you want to stay under $18K then you are going to have to get used. Test drive the heck out of the car and have a good mechanic check it out.

rockylee

Very good advice. Is Geely bringing over a minivan this year ? I'm sure one of those will cost under $18k loaded.

Rocky

19965

So no dominating make/model/year that you'd stay away from? Just be sure it's thoroughly checked out...

19965

What countries are these from?

rockylee

Those Chysler Town and Country's vans, 19965 are very nice minivans. Do you want a full size or mini ?

Rocky

rockylee

I was being sarcastic 19965. They are the new kid on the block and there origin is China. They will be importing cars here this year with all the other company's I described above to soon follow. Honda Odyssey, Toyota Sienna, are all nice vans. The Big 3 do have nice ones also.

Like "snake" said get it check over by a good trustworthy mechanic.

Rocky

snakeweasel

Nope nothing I would steer clear of, but then I am not doing much research on vans. I would suggest going to the forums for the particular make and model you want and read up on what is being said. That will give you a good ideal about it.

m1miata

Buy with cash. With payments, you are making yet another party a little richer. Hard enough to afford the car, gas and insurance, one needs not enrich the banks as well. Keep buying with cash, whatever you can afford and work your way up. Otherwise it is deeper hole, or at best a constant digging, then scratching to get out.

I would only buy a Hyundai under warranty, as in new. American makes are great used in that they drop value so fast they are still low mileage cars when you buy at half price of new. And most of them have lower parts pricing. I bought a new Chrysler PT, since they are so inexpensive to buy new. In the $18K range on up, I would consider the Sonata, or a little more cash say the Accord or maybe the Fusion ( if bought low enough ). Just beware of trying to resell an American make in a couple of years, as it can be an expensive proposition. I would never pay more than $14K for a PT, as an example. Those fully loaded ones for say up to $30K really hurt come trade-in or private sell time. I like Korean warranties, Japan reliability, and American makes when they offer some style and value, as new, or as a great used deal. I bet you could buy an Elantra for say $15K. Some GM dealers have left over Monte Carlos, which I bet they would gladly discount. Obviously not a good resale value car, but good as in pretty safe, reliable and in the gas mileage considerations.
-Loren

rockylee

Revamped model faces tough rivals

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060621/BUSINESS01/606210409/10- 14

Rocky

dromedarius

I don't know why anyone would buy a GM minivan. They've tried and tried and tried to make a decent one, but I haven't seen one yet that compares with the Chryslers, Honda or Toyota. They are ugly (IMO), underpowered, get bad gas mileage and have terrible resale.

Speaking of poor resale, the new Hyundai/Kia twins look pretty good. They have a good engine now, the weight is down, and it gets excellent ratings for safety and all its features. However, if you're leasing, I wouldn't go Korean. And if you're buying used, Chrysler would be first on my list.

nvbanker

"It's sad when a Saturn Aura is going to perform as well as a CTS."

It sure is, but that begs the question: What are they trying to make of Saturn??? Maybe I should start a new topic.....?? :P

m1miata

It appears to be the American Opel. At which time, would it not be just as well to call these Opels? Saturn could become the GM import dealerships. Those little plastic cars are soon to be history. If memory serves me right, Opel was the biggest selling car back in say '73; in Europe that was.

And some day, could they possibly import the smaller Opels to replace the small Chevy? What would be wrong in using just a couple engines in the V6 line; say the 3.6V6 and the 3.5v6 in the lower end. Maybe add an inline 6 for the FWD medium and larger cars to come, one fine day? Just a thought.

And please give these Cadillac names again. Let's see the CTS could be the Cimar... oops, no, well the Cate....oops sorry, no let's keep the CTS. And bring back the Eldo!

jefferyg

Have you considered buying your Odyssey? If you've kept it maintained and it's in good shape it might be your best deal. At least you'll know exactly what you're getting.

But if you're in the shopping mood try on several different ones. My wife and I looked at vans a while back and the Honda is far and away a better van than almost all of the others. Granted, you can get a great price on a new Hyundai or Kia minivan, and contrary to dromedarius' post, I've talked to several people who have the chevy minivan and are getting great fuel mileage. One of my friends told me they got better than 25 almost all the time in their Chevy Venture.

The Chrysler minivans have had some mechanical problems over the years, but they are still good vans.

Another van that may become readily available is the current Nissan Quest. With the redesign for the 07 model (which I believe may already be arriving at some dealers) you might be able to get a great deal on a new 06 and I suspect that many Nissan drivers may trade in their old Quest for the new one. Also, if you need more time to shop, you can probably extend the term of your lease for another month or two.

As I said to begin with, your current vehicle may be your best deal, and I just can't see how you could go wrong sticking with the Honda.

rockylee

So many choices....Mine boils down to getting a 08' CTS, 07' G35, 07' Acura TL Type-S, so far. God only knows if I'll pull the trigger. I will admit I'm very interested in the G35 and Type-S TL. The wife likes the G35

Rocky

rockylee

http://blogs.edmunds.com/Straightline?14@@.ee90760

A great edmunds post.

Rocky

rockylee

I however am leaning torwards Acura because it is much more american made and I can drive it 4-seasons

Rocky

m1miata

Well here is the new Sebring 2007 Perhaps it will look better than the photos. :surprise: This was based partly on the Airflite? It looks like a bunch of parts. Hope I like it more sitting in the showroom. Looks busy to me, with about three car designs going on in one car. Must look better up close and personal :shades:

I think the wheels came off the train after the Charger project ended up with that strange looking Chrysler 300 as a new Charger. Then the ugly Caliber. Oh well, the show cars are something to behold.
-Loren

m1miata

Hey the G35 sedan looks as good as the Milan. OK, maybe it is better. For $23K I can get a Milan. Seriously, a nice G35 coupe in the driveway would be a good thing. Sadly, they aren't in my price range.

The new fin wars are on, I see. It is my headlamps are larger and gaudier than your headlamps. This followed by my windows are smaller than your windows, are the two dominant themes of the car world. Both are out of hand. Someone, please end the madness! :sick:
-Loren

rockylee

The G35 is very interesting. I will have to check one out when they become available. If it has enough gadgets and you can get the 4-Wheel Steering (rear active steer) I will have to consider one. The "G" has also has always been less expensive than the competition. It also had the best residuals in it's segment. I wonder if that will hold true this go around ? It will be fun and interesting. The Acura TL Type-S will also be just as fun. :shades:

So many very awesome choices.

Rocky

nippononly

that new Sebring looks a bit strange, doesn't it? What happened to the 300 styling team? They all on vacation?

I have a co-worker very interested in buying a Sebring once the new model arrives. I wonder what she will think of this car...

m1miata

The hood and the dash are the Crossfire theme. What's up with that? Hope the Sebring looks better in those showrooms, or Chrysler has bombed again on this car. -Loren

m1miata

By Big Three, I assume you mean Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.
Or the USA Struggling Two?

andre1969

I guess Chrysler tried to stick as close to the Airflite concept as possible, but making alterations that made the car more practical and cheaper to build, such as giving it a taller roofline and giving it framed door windows and a full B-pillar. The concept was also more of a fastback. Now normally I prefer a notchback sedan to a hatchback-ish looking thing, but I think in this case, it would've looked better if they left it alone.

Odd, but at this angle, I think it looks almost Toyota-ish. Like maybe the love-child of an Avalon and an Ion.

nippononly

LOL on the love child thing! :-)

Chrysler needs Sebring to be a hit, doesn't it? Sebring is like the totally forgotten "other midsize car" out there. Everybody knows Impala, Malibu, now they know Fusion, plus of course CamCordTima, but the only time they ever consider Sebring is when they rent the convertible for the weekend.

Why couldn't they have made the SEbring mimic the 300 just a bit, in down-scaled proportions? A bit more butch, a bit less frou-frou, was needed here I think.

rockylee

Well correct. 10 yrs the Big 3 will be Geely, Brickland, Chery, and maybe some India car in that 4th spot

Rocky

m1miata

Well I don't know about that, but it looks like Hyundai will knock out Nissan.
-Loren