Midsize Sedans 2.0

akirby

Can't speak to diminished value or nickel and diming on repairs, but on both totaled cars Geico paid full replacement value with no questions asked. I think it depends a lot on the individuals you're dealing with.

[Deleted User]

andres3 said:

cski said:

Andres3 said:

So, Fiat-Chrysler have their work cut out for them if they are ever going to be seen as quality, long lasting products.

I agree, my front windshield spontaneously cracked from top to bottom on the '95 Neon while it was parked when nothing hit it, and something similar happened to Edmunds' long term DART tester only a couple years back. Claims of change, but most remains the same.

I had a 99 WJ Grand Cherokee V8. I miss the driving feel, the AWD, the thickness of the leather, and the grunt of the V8. I did not miss that every issue cost $1000. It had driving feel though. It was fun to kick the rear end out a little until all the tires hooked up. It was fun to rive, and awesome in the snow, but it was falling apart. Check engine lights and flooded twilight housings were common, the trans would do scary things again, so while it still drive nicely I sold it in 2011 for 3k. It had 138k.

My 12 Optima EX has lost it's appeal. Ever since I drive that 2015 Must 2.3 T "Ecoboost". It had that feel I missed so much, and it doesn't snow much here.... and even if it does everything shuts down. I hammered it getting on the local brand new, just paved, super-wide parkway and I can confirm it feels like 310hp and 320 lb Ft. The salesperson was frightened. I was smiling from ear to ear. The ergonomics suck. Obtuse even. Lots of flat, identical buttons on the center console. I loved the engine, but the car is not appropriate for my situation.

Now, can they put that 2.3T motor in a Fusion with AWD.....then I could actually carry my family in it. I want that motor though. Wicked

akirby

I fully expect a ST Fusion with the 2.3L EB and possibly the 2.7L EB with the mid cycle refresh in another year or two.

As for the mustang egronomics - must be a personal preference thing as every reviewer has praised the interior materials and layout.

[Deleted User]

The materials were great. No problem there. Also, reviewers have hours or days with the car. I had 1/2 hour. Also, it was a stick, so I was concentrating (it has been a while). I will stick to my test drive testimony.... and also take in account that I drove the base 2.3EB. It had a small screen (with a backup camera) and surrounding that screen were about 12 flat buttons the size of a keyboard that were all the exact same size and dead flat. I can feel out my cars controls by touch, therefore keeping my eyes on the road. Sorry, but the BASE CAR ergonomics are not good IMHO.

Again, I had little time to acclimate myself with the controls, but still the power window buttons were in a weird place, and I had no idea what the toggle switches did. Also, the climate controls were small and at a glance non decipherable One item I do want to share is that brake feel was AWESOME. For 25k, you get a BMW 328 killer that will match it move for move. Hard to resist. SO, all the basics are there. Handling, engine, steering feel, and confidence inspiring brakes. Great car.

benjaminh

Well, cski and I, both long-time members of this forum, seem to have straying eyes for cars other than the ones we're married too lol. He's flirting with a Mustang, while I'm beginning to think about the new 2016 Acura ILX. The 2015 and earlier ILX was a bit of a slow poke when it came to performance, but the 2016 ILX gets the direct-injected 2.4 from the larger TLX, plus it also gets Acura's new 8 speed dual clutch transmission with the exclusive torque converter. Since the ILX weighs c. 500 pounds less than the TLX, putting the same engine in it should make it a fairly impressive performer. It wouldn't beat that Mustang, but it would likely beat any other 4 cylinder midsize car. 0-60 might be as fast as 6 seconds with the 2016 ILX, although that's not really known yet.

My problem, however, is that my current drive, a 2008 Accord EVL navi 5MT, has nothing wrong with it. And really, I still pretty much love my current drive. But at some point, when it comes time to replace the "while whale" as I call her, I might give the ILX consideration. Now that one of my kids is off at college, and since my wife has a 2013 Accord, I'm not sure I need a midsize anymore....Mostly I'm just driving back and forth to work by myself.

stickguy

I agree on the ILX. I always liked the package (style, interior) but only took a brief test drive. From seeing what they are doing to it, it sounds like a nice upgrade. Plenty of engine, nice trans, and interesting features. Of course, it always comes down to price too!

benjaminh

The rumor is that Acura is going to have a small price increase on the 2016 ILX, even with all the upgrades. But I'll believe it when I see it. I still have my HondaCare extended warranty on my Accord until the end of the year, and so that's the soonest I'll be make a trade in any case. Since my Accord only has c. 72k miles on it, and fairly recent tires, I could likely keep it going for another 3 years and 30,000 miles with mostly just oil changes....

stickguy

with all the upgrades and new content, if they keep the price increase to a minimal amount it will be a much more competitive package. And even undercut the TLX a bit.

dudleyr

Skip the ILX and just get another Accord. Basically the same engine. The new Accord engine is way underrated and dynos at almost the rated hp and has the same torque as the TLX I4. The Accord also has way more room inside and rides and handles just as well (or better) than the ILX.

The ILX just seems like a tarted up Civic to me, and I don't think it will be anywhere near 6.0 to 60.

benjaminh

You might have a point. I've considered the Accord Sport, as well as the EX and EXL....But I think of the 2016 ILX, with the new engine that is, as maybe more like a luxurious Si.

nyccarguy

We got another decent snow storm today. I was really able to get a feel for the Legacy's AWD system and see what all the hype is about. I backed out of the garage and could feel the car sink into the deep, wet, snow. Pulling out of my driveway & onto my unplowed street was a snap. The streets were plowed, but snow covered. I could really feel all 4 wheels working as they transferred power from front to back & side to side. Even the interstates were in terrible shape. I was able to pull into & out of snow covered lanes without incident. The Legacy felt very stable & secure. When I got to work, there was a line to et into the parking lot. So I parallel parked the car in an unplowed snow embankment. Then snow turned to ice & the NYC plow trucks made a few passes. Parked in snow & ice up half way up its wheels, I was able to pull out of the spot as if it were a beautiful, sunny day. Tonight I was able to have fun with the Legacy on the side roads. 7K miles & I'm really impressed.

I had to pick my 8 year old son up from hockey practice tonight after work. The ice rink shares a parking lot with one of the city's beaches which means they just plow the 1st 2 rows of spots. Afterwards I said to him, you want to see something cool? He responded: "Subies Power?"

The Legacy drove through about a foot of unplowed, thick, snow without even flinching. I really dig this car.

andres3

I have the biggest ear to ear grin driving my '14 S4 in the rain. Snow is a bit much to ask for in San Diego County, though it does happen in the mountains, though I have the wrong tires to really test it. Still, driving in the rain is one of my favorite things to do now, and too bad it doesn't rain more often.

andres3

benjaminh said:

Well, cski and I, both long-time members of this forum, seem to have straying eyes for cars other than the ones we're married too lol. He's flirting with a Mustang, while I'm beginning to think about the new 2016 Acura ILX. The 2015 and earlier ILX was a bit of a slow poke when it came to performance, but the 2016 ILX gets the direct-injected 2.4 from the larger TLX, plus it also gets Acura's new 8 speed dual clutch transmission with the exclusive torque converter. Since the ILX weighs c. 500 pounds less than the TLX, putting the same engine in it should make it a fairly impressive performer. It wouldn't beat that Mustang, but it would likely beat any other 4 cylinder midsize car. 0-60 might be as fast as 6 seconds with the 2016 ILX, although that's not really known yet.

My problem, however, is that my current drive, a 2008 Accord EVL navi 5MT, has nothing wrong with it. And really, I still pretty much love my current drive. But at some point, when it comes time to replace the "while whale" as I call her, I might give the ILX consideration. Now that one of my kids is off at college, and since my wife has a 2013 Accord, I'm not sure I need a midsize anymore....Mostly I'm just driving back and forth to work by myself.

That's the problem with Honda's, they just last too long! LOL, However, rest assured you'll get great resale value so it's OK to turn it in.

brian125

andres3 said:

I have the biggest ear to ear grin driving my '14 S4 in the rain. Snow is a bit much to ask for in San Diego County, though it does happen in the mountains, though I have the wrong tires to really test it. Still, driving in the rain is one of my favorite things to do now, and too bad it doesn't rain more often.

Come live on the East coast. You will appreciate your great weather and start to dislike rainy days .

Here is a good challenge ........ drive thru Manhattan / NYC..... 5 boro's in snow storms without accidents. Avoiding kamikaze Taxis, Buses, and all the crazy drivers with non snow/ awd vehicles........ LoL

andres3

brian125 said:

andres3 said:

I have the biggest ear to ear grin driving my '14 S4 in the rain. Snow is a bit much to ask for in San Diego County, though it does happen in the mountains, though I have the wrong tires to really test it. Still, driving in the rain is one of my favorite things to do now, and too bad it doesn't rain more often.

Come live on the East coast. You will appreciate your great weather and start to dislike rainy days .

Here is a good challenge ........ drive thru Manhattan / NYC..... 5 boro's in snow storms without accidents. Avoiding kamikaze Taxis, Buses, and all the crazy drivers with non snow/ awd vehicles........ LoL

OH! I wouldn't have any fun driving in the rain if I was forced to drive downtown, or during rush hours in the morning or afternoon on the freeways. I'm having the fun on back country canyon carving roads all over "East County" of San Diego. These are 2 lane highways at most. On the freeways you just get frustrated at everyone overreacting to the rain as if it was an oil slick.

ahightower

benjaminh said:

You might have a point. I've considered the Accord Sport, as well as the EX and EXL....But I think of the 2016 ILX, with the new engine that is, as maybe more like a luxurious Si.

If a luxurious Civic Si is what you want, get a 2015 ILX with the manual, while you can.

[Deleted User]

benjaminh said:

Well, cski and I, both long-time members of this forum, seem to have straying eyes for cars other than the ones we're married too lol. He's flirting with a Mustang, while I'm beginning to think about the new 2016 Acura ILX. The 2015 and earlier ILX was a bit of a slow poke when it came to performance, but the 2016 ILX gets the direct-injected 2.4 from the larger TLX, plus it also gets Acura's new 8 speed dual clutch transmission with the exclusive torque converter. Since the ILX weighs c. 500 pounds less than the TLX, putting the same engine in it should make it a fairly impressive performer. It wouldn't beat that Mustang, but it would likely beat any other 4 cylinder midsize car. 0-60 might be as fast as 6 seconds with the 2016 ILX, although that's not really known yet.

My problem, however, is that my current drive, a 2008 Accord EVL navi 5MT, has nothing wrong with it. And really, I still pretty much love my current drive. But at some point, when it comes time to replace the "while whale" as I call her, I might give the ILX consideration. Now that one of my kids is off at college, and since my wife has a 2013 Accord, I'm not sure I need a midsize anymore....Mostly I'm just driving back and forth to work by myself.

Hey Ben, Isn't the ILX a worked over Civic? (no offense man). I am love sick over that Mustang, but getting into my marriage a bit, my estranged wife buys trucks for her recycle business. She can only seat 3 safely in her F-250. I just can't be that selfish to buy a car that would only fit my kids in back if they had no legs. My car can seat all 5. The only muscle car with a real back seat is the Charger.... but I feel it will mostly be Charging me at the pump and charging again and again for repairs.
Ford: I love that Mustang. The fact that it had a $25k sticker and almost the options I would want made it almost a done deal.... but please put that 2.3T in a sharp looking four door, like the Fusion. I will come right down and buy it.

I know, I know, you guys thought I like the Mazda, but 184 bHP is not my idea of Zoom Zoom. I want power this time, a comfortable back seat with cup holders, heated seats, and I am prepared for a 34k sticker.

If my kids all said... dad, it's your turn to get what YOU want..... then I will be down at Ford getting that Mustang 2.3T (but with heated seats and 18" rims) for $26,900

andres3

Yeah, I don't know what Mazda is thinking with the 184 HP drivetrain. That's good enough for Camry buyers, but people wanting zoom zoom will want more oomph.

venture

andres3 said:

Yeah, I don't know what Mazda is thinking with the 184 HP drivetrain. That's good enough for Camry buyers, but people wanting zoom zoom will want more oomph.

I agree. I had a Mazda 6 GT. The one when they changed to the newer body style--2008? It had 278 HP if I remember correctly and was one of the quickest cars I have owned. Behind, probably, my 427 Corvette. It sort of surprised me.

It's a shame what they did to it.

stickguy

Well, the 6 is one of the quickest mid size sedans these days. With the base engine. Yeah the accord, Altima and Camry come with a V6, making them hot rods, but with a very small take rate. But if you need that much power, it is out there.

One of my favorite cars ever owned was my 1991 626LX. Hatchback, 5 speed. Fun to drive, fine on the highway, all with a whopping 110hp/130pd-ft torque.

I am a little surprised Mazda hasn't come out with a turbo model. They must just not see enough sales potential. Besides, with sky activ, they are positioning the brand as fun to drive well balanced and class leading efficiency. Not 0-60 bragging rights.

venture

stickguy said:

Well, the 6 is one of the quickest mid size sedans these days. With the base engine. Yeah the accord, Altima and Camry come with a V6, making them hot rods, but with a very small take rate. But if you need that much power, it is out there.

One of my favorite cars ever owned was my 1991 626LX. Hatchback, 5 speed. Fun to drive, fine on the highway, all with a whopping 110hp/130pd-ft torque.

I am a little surprised Mazda hasn't come out with a turbo model. They must just not see enough sales potential. Besides, with sky activ, they are positioning the brand as fun to drive well balanced and class leading efficiency. Not 0-60 bragging rights.

They only offer one engine.

When I was looking last year I didn't even consider the Mazda 6 that time - mainly because of the engine. They are positioning so I won't buy it. Maybe I'm the only one.

stickguy

Given that something like 90% plus of mid size sedan buyers get the base 4 cyl AT combo, you are in the minority. The Mazda and accord both do 0-60 in the 7s, so they are plenty speedy for the vast majority of people.

venture

stickguy said:

Given that something like 90% plus of mid size sedan buyers get the base 4 cyl AT combo, you are in the minority. The Mazda and accord both do 0-60 in the 7s, so they are plenty speedy for the vast majority of people.

I've been called worse.

backy

For those who really need that extra boost of power (say, more than the 184 horses in the Mazda6), there's a Charger now with... get this... 707 hp. If you want to spend over $60k for a Dodge Charger, go run down to your local Dodge dealer before they're all gone.

andres3

stickguy said:

Well, the 6 is one of the quickest mid size sedans these days. With the base engine. Yeah the accord, Altima and Camry come with a V6, making them hot rods, but with a very small take rate. But if you need that much power, it is out there.

One of my favorite cars ever owned was my 1991 626LX. Hatchback, 5 speed. Fun to drive, fine on the highway, all with a whopping 110hp/130pd-ft torque.

I am a little surprised Mazda hasn't come out with a turbo model. They must just not see enough sales potential. Besides, with sky activ, they are positioning the brand as fun to drive well balanced and class leading efficiency. Not 0-60 bragging rights.

That 110 HP wasn't required to push nearly as much weight as a current model Mazda 6 though.

If they are selling enough to stay in business, more power to them.

stickguy

of course it was lighter. I think about #2700 vs #3200 or so for a new one? definitely a lower power to weight ratio though!

I still remember my research. the Accord EX of the same year put out a whopping 125 HP, but the mazda was slightly torquier.

[Deleted User]

backy said:

For those who really need that extra boost of power (say, more than the 184 horses in the Mazda6), there's a Charger now with... get this... 707 hp. If you want to spend over $60k for a Dodge Charger, go run down to your local Dodge dealer before they're all gone.

....and watch while my insurance agent laughs so hard he spits up his coffee. 707 HP will get young killed quick.
I love the name though and the new styling. The Challenger also shares the Hellcat name.

I just want a car that has some more guts to it. Sure my car can do 131mph, but getting there is so leisurely that I could read this issue of C/D before arriving at the rev limiter.

[Deleted User]

cski said:

backy said:

For those who really need that extra boost of power (say, more than the 184 horses in the Mazda6), there's a Charger now with... get this... 707 hp. If you want to spend over $60k for a Dodge Charger, go run down to your local Dodge dealer before they're all gone.

....and watch while my insurance agent laughs so hard he spits up his coffee. 707 HP will get you killed quick.
I love the name though and the new styling. The Challenger also shares the Hellcat name.

I just want a car that has some more guts to it. Sure my car can do 131mph, but getting there is so leisurely that I could read this issue of C/D before arriving at the rev limiter.

benjaminh

Took a c. 160 mile trip in our 2013 Accord CVT today and got 39 mpg. Given that I had c. 10% city miles in there, and that hwy miles were at c. 65-70mph, I was pleased. Have they switched away from winter gas already? Also enjoyed an audio book from my smart phone through to the car's sound system. I've been doing that a lot lately for my trips, and I like how easy it is and how well it works—although that's probably true for most midsize cars these days.

benjaminh

Our other midsize car is a 2008 Accord EXL 5MT. Since I'd driven lemons most of my life before I got it, believe it or not it was my dream car. Still really like it after 7+ years and 72,000 miles. But I've just begin to wonder about when might eventually replace the "white whale" as I call her. Top options at this point include: the current generation of Accord, the next generation of Accord (due in c.2.5 years), the Acura TLX and the Acura ILX. As you can tell, I'm a Honda guy. But with not much more than oil changes I can probably keep my 08 Accord going for another 3 years and 30k miles.

[Deleted User]

I'm still stick on a non midsize sedan. Never should have driven the Mustang. The obvious compromise is from to upgrade to the Optima Turbo, but it doesn't have any of the "non-tangibles" Like driving feel and brakes that inspire confidence, that rear wheel drive wiggle when starting off. Then reality hits me in the head, and I can't have a car no real back seat.

roadburner

stickguy said:

Given that something like 90% plus of mid size sedan buyers get the base 4 cyl AT combo, you are in the minority. The Mazda and accord both do 0-60 in the 7s, so they are plenty speedy for the vast majority of people.

That's fine for a basic family sedan, but nowadays a car can't be considered fast fast unless it can do the quarter in under 13 seconds and 0-100 in less than 10.5. All my cars- including the Mazdaspeed are just not that quick. A slower car can be a ball to drive- no question. But cars with 400 or more horsepower have moved the goalposts when one is talking about what is fast...

roadburner

cski said:

backy said:

For those who really need that extra boost of power (say, more than the 184 horses in the Mazda6), there's a Charger now with... get this... 707 hp. If you want to spend over $60k for a Dodge Charger, go run down to your local Dodge dealer before they're all gone.

....and watch while my insurance agent laughs so hard he spits up his coffee. 707 HP will get young killed quick.
I love the name though and the new styling. The Challenger also shares the Hellcat name.

The sad thing is that I'd like to pick up a used Hellcat someday- and morons are going to total more than a few...

[Deleted User]

Still stuck on a non-midsize sedan. Never should have driven the Mustang. My credit is strong, my finances in order.... but my driving record is going to need time to recover. I have a feeling I will be driving the Optima until well after it is paid for. I just fell in love with the power and torque of the 2.3T. I am praying for a Fusion with it.

Like I have said before, the only domestic car I would consider is Ford. Anyway, but the time my driving record clears up I could buy a 2.3T Stang as a certified used car and keep the Kia for my girls.

stickguy

yeah, that is not a car you want to put a teenager in. My son got a 4 cyl Contour (man, we both despised that car!) and the daughter got a non-turbo Volvo S40. Hot rods, these were not.

interesting that you mentioned this. A family up the street has twin boys. They are in HS now, I think seniors (or old Juniors). But, they can drive. And the car they are using is the Pontiac Solstice the dad bought a year or so ago. Stick shift, and odd Lambo doors. Bright red. Not sure if it is a turbo though.

the "family" cars are an interesting mix. She drives a RWD Chrysler 300C (Hemi I think). And he has a 2010ish Mustang GT (automatic). And a C4 Vette in the garage that I have seen driving maybe once in 10 years (why bother?). So 4 cars, all RWD Domestics. Not that easy to do!

the kids seem to have a choice of the Solstice or GT I guess, and get the solstice.

benjaminh

stickguy said:

yeah, that is not a car you want to put a teenager in. My son got a 4 cyl Contour (man, we both despised that car!...

I almost bought a Contour c. 18 years ago. Thank goodness I didn't, sounds like. What did you despise about it? I remember Ford claimed to have spent $3 billion developing it, or something, and yet it just wasn't that impressive.

nyccarguy

"Never should have driven the Mustang"

I can't even set foot in a dealership unless I'm serious about buying a car. I'm also a card carrying member of Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous. Test driving gets me into LOTS of trouble. Back in March of 2012 I was quite content (sort of content) with my 2010 Acura TSX until I saw an ad for leftover 2011 E90 328xi BMWs. $2500 rebate, 2 $500 payment credits, plus a $500 BMWCCA rebate. So I figured, what the hay? I strolled into a dealership on my way home from work one day, test drove the BMW, & fell madly in love with a car that I had lusted after since 1995. The only thing I had left to do was find my ideal leftover 2011 328xi & get the most I could for my trade. Done and done. Oh, and I "pulled out all the stops" convincing my wife that I "needed" the car.

sda

nyccarguy said:

"Never should have driven the Mustang"

I can't even set foot in a dealership unless I'm serious about buying a car. I'm also a card carrying member of Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous. Test driving gets me into LOTS of trouble. Back in March of 2012 I was quite content (sort of content) with my 2010 Acura TSX until I saw an ad for leftover 2011 E90 328xi BMWs. $2500 rebate, 2 $500 payment credits, plus a $500 BMWCCA rebate. So I figured, what the hay? I strolled into a dealership on my way home from work one day, test drove the BMW, & fell madly in love with a car that I had lusted after since 1995. The only thing I had left to do was find my ideal leftover 2011 328xi & get the most I could for my trade. Done and done. Oh, and I "pulled out all the stops" convincing my wife that I "needed" the car.

I can so relate. Never owned a BMW but seriously considered a 3 series 2 door back in '94. I really wanted the 325, but the cost difference from the 318 was significant. I test drove the 318 with manual and it didn't feel any quicker than the Mercury Tracer LTS I was driving. It had the Mazda based DOHC engine instead of the standard Ford Escort based engine. Ended up with a black with black leather 95 Jetta GLX with a 5sp, and VR6 for less than a base 318. Yes, I know, not apples to apples. That was when I was single, and my wife will not consider a BMW, Volvo, or MB. She jokes that they all can be found parked leaking pink stuff. I haven't given up yet..

roadburner

My CCBA affliction must be wearing off- aside from a couple of Challenger SRTs NOTHING I've looked at lights my fire anymore. My BMW dealer even traded for a 2011 Alpine White/Coral Red M Sport 135i and I was underwhelmed. I spent 20 minutes in the showroom trying to will myself to like it but no joy. And on top of all this my lovely wife keeps encouraging me-telling me that it's my turn to get a car, since she and my son got their current rides a couple of years ago. I wish I had not tweaked the Mazdaspeed at all- I now like it so much that most everything else seems dull and anodyne- especially the new BMWs(M235i and M3/4 excluded).

stickguy

well RB if you are happy as a pig in slop with your current ride, then why bother to look? Might as well wait until it gives you a reason to, or something new pops up (the next speed3?) that gets you off the sidelines.

The Contour you asked? well, I actually had 2. the first was actually a Mystique. a 1995 (first year). top of the line model with a V6 and 5 speed. That was a fun car. Well made, high quality interior. Quick and sporty. real nice package. Did eat a couple of catalysts though. Other than that, it was fine.

the sons car was a 1999 (or 2000?) that we got in 2008. had about 90K on it. And I think a hard life. Ran OK. didn't look bad. trans shifted kind of hard at times. But it really seemed like a cheap, cheesy car that just did not drive well. Slow dog. essence of rental car (and this was an SE with nice alloys!). really seemed like a totally different car. I rarely drove it because I did not like it. Son did not either, but it beat walking! Needless to say, he was very happy when I bought my sisters Acura TL 8 months later for him to use. That car, he liked!

nyccarguy

@roadburner‌

Part of what made me go for the Legacy. There's nothing out there that completely WOWs me. I'm happy with the Legacy. It makes a fantastic commuter. Comfortable, AWD, splendidly finished interior, Bluetooth, & heated seats.

stickguy

bradd, you have the Prelude too. so you have fun covered also. It is hard to have one car that pushes all the buttons, so having a "fleet" that you can use for specialization is a good way to go.

if I ever have some disposable income (not being disposed of at a college...) and get a better garage/parking arrangement (meaning, I move someplace cheaper!) I still want to have a toy. though after getting in and out of some sports cars at the car show, it is more likely going to be a pickup or a Wrangler, so I can get in and out of it!

roadburner

I'm going to drive a few cars to see if I can be swayed-I still like looking-but there's not much out there that interests me. I really wish Mazda would build a Miata Coupe with at least 250 hp under the hood- that would be perfect.

roadburner

nyccarguy said:

@roadburner‌

Part of what made me go for the Legacy. There's nothing out there that completely WOWs me. I'm happy with the Legacy. It makes a fantastic commuter. Comfortable, AWD, splendidly finished interior, Bluetooth, & heated seats.

I know exactly what you mean; I've been a bit tempted by the Mazda3 sGrand Touring with three pedals. I just don't know if I can give up over 130 hp.

nyccarguy

@stickguy‌

"so you have fun covered also" HA! Literally. My prelude is buried under at least a foot of snow;)

@roadburner‌

You can't give up over 130 hp. We both know that. Might as well wait for the next speed3

[Deleted User]

andres3 said:

stickguy said:

Well, the 6 is one of the quickest mid size sedans these days. With the base engine. Yeah the accord, Altima and Camry come with a V6, making them hot rods, but with a very small take rate. But if you need that much power, it is out there.

One of my favorite cars ever owned was my 1991 626LX. Hatchback, 5 speed. Fun to drive, fine on the highway, all with a whopping 110hp/130pd-ft torque.

I am a little surprised Mazda hasn't come out with a turbo model. They must just not see enough sales potential. Besides, with sky activ, they are positioning the brand as fun to drive well balanced and class leading efficiency. Not 0-60 bragging rights.

That 110 HP wasn't required to push nearly as much weight as a current model Mazda 6 though.

If they are selling enough to stay in business, more power to them.

Chris response,

You know, I had a 2003 Protégé LX.with 16" alloys, 50 series rubber, and a 5 speed manual. I bought it new for 11,500 (remember my mother in law does payroll for the whole chain of Rosenthal dealer network, for 30 years).

So I got a family deal. Great little car,. Liked the green exterior and tan interior, the quality of the fit and finish, control feel, and steering feel. It had only 140 HP, but so did the first generation Nissan Sentra SE-R models. It had plenty of zoom-zoom handling wise but for the last year of the Protégé, Mazda could have added 30 more HP and retired the name plate with dignity and ACTUAL ZOOM. I am sick of Zoom-Zoom advertising when only one "Zoom" is appropriate and truthful. I want more power. I want that 2.3T Eco-Boost Mustang. I will now stop talking about it. Lol.

backy

Re the Contour... I leased a '95 Mystake... er, Mystique, base model. I liked its styling better than the Contour's. One reason I got it was because at the time it was one of the few mid-sized family cars you could get with a stick and ABS/traction without getting an uplevel trim. I guess now it would be considered a compact. I really liked how it drove... when it wasn't at the dealer for one recall/problem or another. It was a 2-year lease and at one point I added up the weeks it was not in my possession, but I forgot. Shame on me for getting a new design in its first year. (Except I did that with the 2001 Elantra a few years later and it was very reliable.)

[Deleted User]

(whispering in my ear) M U S T A N G........</</i>i>

nyccarguy

cski said:

(whispering in my ear) M U S T A N G........</</i>i>

RWD! TURBO! 6-SPEED MANUAL (although living where you do, I wouldn't fault you for going with an automatic)!

ahightower

Thought I'd give a little update on my car, a 2013 Accord Sport 6MT at 20,500 miles.

Fuel economy:
I've used the fuelly app since purchased new in June 2013. 56 fill-ups resulting in...
Best mpg: 31.3
Avg mpg: 27.8
This is not overly impressive given the advertised claims, but it's been basically a commuter, not a long distance cruiser. My commute decreased from 25 to 9 miles each way last April, and the avg took a hit. I simultaneously quit caring about FE because I only fill up every three weeks, and I almost never use the ECON button as I just prefer the more responsive throttle and full-blast AC. And I suppose the two or three long (200+ miles) highway trips I've taken were at somewhat higher speeds. I've seen the trip computer as high as 40 on medium distance 60ish mph jaunts, but the whole tank never ends up that high.

Reliability:
Perfect. Have had two oil changes and two tire patches. Changed the cabin air filter and cannot believe how simple it is compared to my previous car, a 2008 Mazda3 (i Touring 5MT). It's holding up very well, as I'd expect from a new car. Still tight as a drum, no squeaks or rattles. The driver's floor mat is a piece of s***, started to wear a hole through with the right heel in the first few months, ended up getting a heavy duty rubber floormat (from a Freightliner truck!) to lay over it and we're good now. Otherwise, no complaints.

Favorite features:
-All the little things that set the Sport apart from the LX still make me look back as I walk away. The wheels, the spoiler, the exhaust tips. The upgraded cloth interior is very durable. The leather-wrapped wheel and shift knob.
-Love the automatic climate control (a small luxury that makes a big difference), and the AC really kicks when it's hot - my old Mazda just wasn't up to the task of 100+ degree Texas summers.
-The rear-view camera is really useful.
-The *perfect* manual transmission, something to look forward to every day. Hill-holding feature, while of course I am an excellent driver and got really good with the footwork and/or the handbrake in my last car, it's quite nice to just let off the brake and know you're not going to meet the darn Escalade that's practically kissing your bumper. (BACK OFF, LADY!)
-Still appreciate all the leg room up front for me, and in back even with my seat nearly all the way back. We have three boys who fit comfortably enough three-across the back, so we often take my car to save fuel and lease miles on her SUV.

Mild disappointments:
-The stereo's sound quality is fine but not "good", and
-it quit displaying my iphone's text messages about three software updates ago.

Would I buy it again?:
Absolutely. It looks and feels much more expensive than it really was, and it's the perfect balance of comfort and sport. And it's going to make a great first car for the boys in a few years.