Midsize Sedans 2.0

suydam

Oh the side camera view is wonderful for parking. I don't think a light would be helpful for that. Especially recently when there are large shelves of ice protruding into the street.

nyccarguy

@akirby‌

The simple lights in the side view mirror aren't exactly simple and they are far from cheap. In certain cars, like edmunds.com's own 2015 Aluminum F150 EcoBoost, the sensors for the BLIS are located in the tail lights. It is a fantastic idea actually. The expensive part comes when you have to replace a cracked or broken tail light assembly at a cost of over $800.

brian125

akirby said:

brian125 said:

I'm sure there will be other Car companies trying to duplicate Honda's side camera viewer soon.

Not likely. A simple light in the side view mirror is easier and cheaper, like Ford's BLIS.

Not sure what it intails / cost factor for the bliss system. I have drove Fords bliss and it does not compare to what Honda's lane watch system does. I read in a article that Hyundai is in the starting phases trying to duplicate Honda's lane watch system in its upper models. Give Toyota a losing sales year to Honda . lane watch might be on there radar sooner

Honda lane watch system is class leading in its industry. State of the art technology. Nothing compares right now. Just a matter of time before a lot of these car companies copy cat Honda's system. I'd like to see this camera on both sides of the vehicle.

Fords bliss outside mirror light system ........................ is so yesterday. But its better than having nothing.

akirby

LW doesn't work if you don't put on your blinker or activate it manually. It requires you to look at and interpret what is on the camera taking your eyes further off the road and for longer. There is a reason having video on that screen while it's moving is illegal. You already should be checking your side mirrors so there is no added step for BLIS - if you see the light as you're checking the mirror then you know it's not safe.

LW only works on the passenger side. BLIS works on both sides. It's still up to the driver to decide if there is traffic close enough to the car - BLIS does this automatically.

The BLIS sensors may be more expensive than the camera. Not sure.

It's a neat feature but I don't think it's as useful as BLIS for the reasons mentioned above.

akirby

I also don't think it's any more "state of the art technology" than a backup camera, much less "class leading".

brian125

I'm sure most Honda owners with Lane watch don't drive this way. Try doing this on a highway trip. Driving my 2013 Accord from NY to Boston to visit my daughter I left the lane watch system on side mirror mostly highway with traffic so it worked well. I found periodically glancing at the mirror and seeing cars 6 maybe more behind me as I weaved in and out from the left to the middle lane..... very satisfying . A birds eye view with full coverage. Honda's Lane watch can view up to 75 feet behind your right side. I find the side Camera leaves you more confident changing lanes than looking for a tiny light on your mirror. By glancing in the mirror I now see 75 feet behind me at all times . Regardless you still have to turn your head and look but I feel more confident on that left side.

Ford's bliss system needs a voice alert or chime inside the vehicle to go along with its light . That would makes this system so much better.

New vehicle technology with Satellite guided laser Cross Traffic alert systems, Braking , features is now putting these Camera's front , back, and side of vehicles. Subaru has eyesight and Cross traffic options on there vehicles this year.

I'd like to see all vehicles with Honda's lane watch systems on both sides with not only camera's watching your sides and back but also light indicators on side mirrors with voice alerts and vibrating seat alert.

Just a matter of time before all vehicles have these options.

I might be asking to much to soon..

akirby

With properly adjusted mirrors and proper technique these become backups. You still need to look.

thebean

akirby said:

With properly adjusted mirrors and proper technique these become backups. You still need to look.

The Lane Watch is particularly important for me after 2 cervical fusions that have left me with decreased range of motion.  It's difficult to turn quickly to check my right blind spot.  The LW is so much more efficient for me.  So, don't dismiss it out of hand for anyone but yourself.

akirby

That's a bit of a special situation.

benjaminh

What's interesting is that Lane Watch really is exclusive to Honda at this point. I don't think even top line Acura models get that feature.

thebean

benjaminh said:

What's interesting is that Lane Watch really is exclusive to Honda at this point. I don't think even top line Acura models get that feature.

The TLX has it but I think it's going to be on other Acura's as they are updated, such as the 2016 RDX.  Probably not feasable to retrofit it on existing models.

benjaminh

"The TLX has it but I think it's going to be on other Acura's as they are updated, such as the 2016 RDX.  Probably not feasable to retrofit it on existing models."


I don't think the TLX has Lane Watch. I'm not seeing it anyway....Take a look:

http://www.acura.com/Features.aspx?model=TLX

There's the Forward Collision Warning and the Lane Departure Warning and even Lane Keeping Assist, plus Blind Spot Info, but no LaneWatch that I can see.

Kirstie_H

Are you looking to buy a vehicle equipped minimal technology features? Or did you recently buy a car with minimal technology? A reporter wants to hear your story. Please contact pr@edmunds.com by Monday, March 16, 2015.

mtnman1

Had an opportunity to drive both the Legacy and Camry in the last few days. Both were short trips at this point. Having never driven a vehicle with a CVT I was impressed how well it worked in the Legacy Limited 2.5 with a slight feeling as if it was actually shifting gears. Lowering my expectations on engine power since my Fusion has a 6 cylinder I felt acceleration was reasonably strong onto to the expressway.Got up to 70 miles per hour fairly quickly. The ride was very smooth and the interior very quiet. Barely noticed the bumps in the road. It was raining and the roads were wet. Could hardly hear any tire noise in the cabin. The leather used on the seats felt very substantial and it was easy to find a comfortable driving position. With my long legs I often have a difficult time having the seat far enough back and being able to pull the steering wheel out far enough to allow my elbows to rest comfortably on the door and center console. Legacy's steering wheel came out quite a bit. Liked the blue lit background on the speedometer. Very easy to see.

The next day I drove a Camry XSE. It was a dry day and we immediately pulled onto a 4 lane highway with a speed limit of 55. Accelerated very well and the ride was smooth. It seemed the Tire noise radiated more into the cabin, but I am not sure if it was the road surface that caused that. In the Legacy I was driving on strictly blacktop over concrete surfaces versus the Camry which seemed to be strictly concrete. I will have to try to take both on different routes and request that I go on my own without the salesmen. As in my Highlander, I couldn't get the steering wheel to come out as far as I would like to be 100% comfortable. Had to move the seat in a little closer than what is optimum for my driving comfort. It's something I can deal with but would prefer not to. The XSE has leather trim with suede inserts in the seats which is very nice. I liked the center stack better on the Camry than that of the Legacy. Nice big knobs while the Legacy had two tiny knobs for the radio. Legacy had a nicer sounding stereo system which is important since I spend a lot of time driving every day for work. Kind of had a lot of hard plastic surfaces but looked good.

I will have to go back and drive both for a longer period of time and on different road surfaces. I have to give the edge to the Legacy at this point. I have ruled out the Fusion, Malibu, and I just don't care for Hondas. With the Marysville plant in Central Ohio about every other car is a Honda in about 3 different colors. Too much. I won't try the Mazda6 due to the poor review by CR on the fairly loud interior noise. Would have most likely driven it but I have to have a quiet interior when I am driving. Might consider testing the Sonata. Or I might just keep my Fusion one more year since it has just about all the important attributes I like in a car. Great handling, smooth ride, fairly quiet interior, and the best Factory sound system I have ever heard in a mid sized family sedan.

stickguy

having driven the both, cost independent, I greatly preferred the Legacy. But, from what you are looking for, I would recommend you take a look at the Sonata too (speaking from experience since I own one!)

thebean

benjaminh said:

"The TLX has it but I think it's going to be on other Acura's as they are updated, such as the 2016 RDX.  Probably not feasable to retrofit it on existing models." I don't think the TLX has Lane Watch. I'm not seeing it anyway....Take a look: http://www.acura.com/Features.aspx?model=TLX There's the Forward Collision Warning and the Lane Departure Warning and even Lane Keeping Assist, plus Blind Spot Info, but no LaneWatch that I can see.

You're correct - I was mistaken.  Thanks for making that correction.

explorerx4

mtnman1,
Since you already have a Fusion, you should look at another one. Your car has the PI Duratec V6, which has plenty of power. It's much better than the previous version of the same engine I had in a 2007 Fusion.
I have a 2013 Fusion Titanium with a 2.0 Ecoboost 4cylinder. The power is similar, and gets much better mileage than the V6.
The Sony stereo is pretty good. You should at least try one.

akirby

Just a clarification - PI = performance improvement not Police Interceptor.

nyccarguy

@mtnman1
I'm glad you liked the Legacy. I feel the power is definitely adequate. But if there is any doubt, the give the 6 cyl a test drive. Good luck. At the end of this month, I'll be at 6 months of ownership and cross over the 10,000 mile mark;)

hondafaaanatic

brian125 said:

New vehicle technology with Satellite guided laser Cross Traffic alert systems, Braking , features is now putting these Camera's front , back, and side of vehicles. Subaru has eyesight and Cross traffic options on there vehicles this year.

I'd like to see all vehicles with Honda's lane watch systems on both sides with not only camera's watching your sides and back but also light indicators on side mirrors with voice alerts and vibrating seat alert.

Just a matter of time before all vehicles have these options.

I might be asking to much to soon..

Pretty soon, the cars will be driving themselves....

jpp75

hondafaaanatic said:

brian125 said:

New vehicle technology with Satellite guided laser Cross Traffic alert systems, Braking , features is now putting these Camera's front , back, and side of vehicles. Subaru has eyesight and Cross traffic options on there vehicles this year.

I'd like to see all vehicles with Honda's lane watch systems on both sides with not only camera's watching your sides and back but also light indicators on side mirrors with voice alerts and vibrating seat alert.

Just a matter of time before all vehicles have these options.

I might be asking to much to soon..

Pretty soon, the cars will be driving themselves....

Agreed, for the most part they can now. Not that I recommend it but when the Q50 first came out someone posted a video of him sitting in the passenger seat and letting the car drive itself down the highway. Jump to 1:27 to see him in the passenger seat.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zY_zqEmKV1k#t=85

The biggest obstacle is going to be getting all the cars to "talk" to each other in a common language.

mtnman1

"Pretty soon, the cars will be driving themselves...."

That will be a very sad day for people who get pleasure from driving. When that day comes what point will there be to have different cars. Might as well have a Box like a transit bus but smaller. Would just have different levels of luxury in your Box. You could just tell your friends that you just ordered a new 2035 Box in the future. They would ask you what does it look like and you could just reply it looks like a box. Could just have a bed in it so you could go and take a nap while the car drives and a TV so you can catch up on shows or watch movies. Hopefully that will be at least 25 years from now and I will be 84. Driving might not matter to me by then.

explorerx4

My left front tire/fender were hit today while my Fusion was parked.
It was about 375 miles back home, so on a stretch on nice I-80 in PA, I let go of the wheel for about 1/2 a mile with the cruise set to 72.
The car tracked perfectly straight, so I guess there is no alignment issue.
PA has put a lot of work into the Interstates from the New York border, headed toward Ohio.

mtnman1

Today I test drove the Subaru Legacy Limited again then walk across the lot and Drove a 2015 Mazda6 Grand Touring. Both dealerships are owned by the same company and I was able to work with the same salesman. Again I was totally impressed with the Legacy. Found out a neat little plus for it was it had memory driver seat! I had that on my 2004 Mercury Mountaineer and loved it. It's frustrating that on our $40K Highlander Limited it was not available. Anyway, the Mazda6 is a sweet looking car. Had good power and was able to take it hard through an S Curve and it handled like my Fusion. I like the fuel mileage it could get and also the fact that CR rated as excellent in reliability. I loved the LED running lights. What I didn't like was I had a difficult time finding a comfortable driving position, the noise level right after coming out of the Legacy, and the seats were rather short in my thighs. My Fusion comes within a couple of inches of my knees but the Mazda seemed to come about 4 inches from the bend in my leg. While the noise was not terrible the Legacy seemed so much more luxurious and cabin noise was much less though the engine was a little more noisy.The Legacy had a much more comfortable ride. There were 2016 Mazda's on the lot and I sat in one. I liked the dash better than the 2015. Both cars look good, but at this point I have to give the edge to the Legacy. When I got back in my Fusion I realized that I still really love the car so I am not sure if I would regret giving it up. It hits all the important marks for me. Rides well, reasonably quiet cabin, good power especially as compared to the others, good looking, great sound system, very comfortable seats, and most of all it's paid for. The only negative is I only get about 21 mpg overall. That is the very great thing about the Mazda is the fuel mileage.

nyccarguy

@mtnman1 - I would NEVER buy a car based on its fuel economy alone (FE is actually far down on my list and I driver 20K miles per year). It is just a recipe for disaster.

It seems that you really dig the Legacy. That's great. You are taking your time and going on multiple test drives to make sure you do really love it before you part ways with your Fusion which you like. Take a test drive in a 6 cylinder Legacy 3.6R Limited and tell us what you think. The H6 is smoother and quieter than the H4 you test drove. With the CVT, your mileage will not suffer as much as you think. Either way, you are going to have to pump the same 18.5 gallons of gas in it every time.

mtnman1

nyccarguy said:

@mtnman1 - I would NEVER buy a car based on its fuel economy alone (FE is actually far down on my list and I driver 20K miles per year). It is just a recipe for disaster.

It seems that you really dig the Legacy. That's great. You are taking your time and going on multiple test drives to make sure you do really love it before you part ways with your Fusion which you like. Take a test drive in a 6 cylinder Legacy 3.6R Limited and tell us what you think. The H6 is smoother and quieter than the H4 you test drove. With the CVT, your mileage will not suffer as much as you think. Either way, you are going to have to pump the same 18.5 gallons of gas in it every time.

You're right that Fuel Economy should never be at the top of your list for buying a car. I have never based my decision solely on that otherwise I would be looking at a Prius. I have to own a car that is a pleasure to drive and I wouldn't be caught dead in a Prius. Butt ugly. Regardless because of my job and having to drive more I still feel I am going to go with the 4 banger. My Company keeps cutting back on our allowance and cents per mile. The Mazda6 had many great features besides great fuel economy. It is a beautiful car and I'm still not discounting it as a possibility. I will probably drive it again as it is the top rated Mid Sized for reliability by CR. I think the controls on the steering wheel are easier to use along with the large knob down by the center consol to switch to radio, Navigation, etc. without actually taking your eyes off the road. I found myself fumbling around the Legacy while driving trying to even find the fuel gauge. The Mazda also had LED running lights which were very sharp plus the duel exhaust was a nice touch though it means nothing. I'm sure like with any new car there is a learning curve to get used to all the controls. If I had to choose this very moment it would be the Legacy. Either way I think I would be happy with either one.

The Auto Show starts this weekend in Columbus and my Subaru/Mazda Salesman has given me two passes for admission and also Vip Passes to the Dealership's booth. My Wife and I are thinking about going downtown to it and that way we can see all the vehicles up close and personal without driving all over the place.

benjaminh

mtnman1: The Accord isn't on your list to consider? For most, it's one of the top midsize cars right now.

suydam

I was going to suggest Accord also. We've taken ours on several long trips and it is comfortable and gets great mileage.

explorerx4

Since you like your Fusion, you should at a new one. The 2.0 has the same horsepower as your car, but lots more torque. I drove 'up' to my sister's in PA on Sunday. 370 miles in 6 hours including a couple of stops, but not for fuel, 27 mpg. On the way back down, same 6 hours to get back, average just under 31. In PA, I put the cruise on 72 and it never downshifted once, no matter how big the hill.
You could also look at a hybrid model if you are leaning more towards fuel mileage.

suydam

You will get 36-40 highway (depending on season) with the Accord and 27-28 city. So quite a bit better. But if mileage isn't as much of a priority another Fusion would make sense since you like the one you have. Or try Fusion hybrid.

mtnman1

I appreciate everyone's input. I don't care for the Accord appearance wise. Just a personal preference. Plus with the Marysville plant right here in central Ohio there are so many Honda's around that I can't even look at them. Kind of getting tired of the latest Fusion design but I won't rule out test driving one. Look at the mileage results in the latest CR and the fusion does very poorly. I would try the Hybrid but I want the 19" H spoke wheels if I get one and they aren't offered for the Hybrid. Don't want to spend the money on a Titanium Hybrid. I'm looking to get my max down to around $28,000 before Tax, Title, and closing costs. I have them down to invoice for the Legacy so far. Just spent $40,000 for a Highlander 3 years ago and I am nearing retirement. Want to be smart while at the same time not sacrificing some Luxury. The Legacy was the top rated Mid Sized Sedan in CR. It had a Luxury Car ride according to the magazine. I can say without a doubt that they were right. Plus I really thought driving position was easily found when I have driven it and I think it and the Mazda 6 are the best looking of all of them. I am going to the International Auto Show which opens in Columbus, Ohio this weekend so I can look at them all in one place..

benjaminh

mtnman1: Here's a thought I don't think you'll go for, but please hear me out. What about considering the car I'm thinking of for my next ride: the Acura TLX. I admit that it's a bit above your price target, but not by as much as you might think. The "base" model starts at $32k, but I think that with some good negotiation you might be able to get that down to c. $29.5. The base model is pretty lavishly equipped with heated power memory seats, smart entry/pushbutton start, moonroof, premium stereo with satellite radio, LED headlights, universal garage door opener, electronic parking brake, Integrated Dynamic System (Sport +, Econ, etc. modes), 8 speed dual-clutch transmission with exclusive torque converter and paddle shifters, fancy alloy wheels, luxe interior, etc. Here's the only video test online of this base TLX model, but check out this interior and drive compared to a Subaru:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5EqHTKpabs

I think the guy testing this is wrong about a couple of minor things. The interior trim is "fake" wood and aluminum, although it looks pretty good. And the standard seats, as with a base BMW, are "pleather" not leather.

But anyway, if you own the car for six years, that would be only about $300 to $400 more a year than some regular midsize cars with lots of options. About a dollar a day to go from a regular ride to this seems worth it to me. The combined EPA mpg rating on the TLX is 28, compared to 30 for the Subaru. Heading for retirement I think you might appreciate the luxury of the TLX. The Subaru is no doubt a good car, but based on the Subarus my parents and sister have owned they are not particularly "special." For Subaru I think of their tagline from long ago: "Inexpensive. And built to stay that way."

The standard warranty of an Acura is also longer: 4 years/50 k miles bumper to bumper, plus 6 years/70k miles for the engine and transmission. And I think the TLX definitely sets you apart a bit more than a Subaru or other mainstream midsize car.

suydam

The Acura is more expensive, worse FE, and you like the Legacy. Go with what feels right to you. There are so many midsizers out there it can drive you crazy.

thebean

suydam said:

...Go with what feels right to you. There are so many midsizers out there it can drive you crazy.

This is the best advice you can get.  Lots of great choices out there and no bad picks among the ones you have mentioned.  Get what you like since you are going to have it a long while.

ab348

suydam said:

The Acura is more expensive, worse FE, and you like the Legacy. Go with what feels right to you. There are so many midsizers out there it can drive you crazy.

I would agree. Plus it sounds like benjaminh is either on Acura's payroll or is otherwise just a huge cheerleader for them. The Legacy is a very nice car if you don't mind the engine.

suydam

I think benjaminh is a Honda Accord fan, as am I. But not everyone likes them. Heck, I didn't like them before the 2013 design.

benjaminh

I am a fan of Honda/Acura, but not a blind one. The cars have their strong and less strong points, just like most brands. As I said above, I'm just thinking about the TLX for my next car, but since I'm not going to be in the market for a while I haven't yet done a test drive.

I'm sure the Subaru is fine. Great mpg plus AWD. It's an impressive combo for sure.++ Went to the website and looked at the pix, and it seemed like the higher end models of the Legacy look quite nice now compared to most Surbarus of even 5 or so years ago:

http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/legacy/photos-videos.html

mtnman1

The Subaru Legacy pictured is the Limited which is the one I would buy if I do. Same color inside and out. I really think I most likely will buy the Legacy if I do buy. If I can decide before they quit getting the 2015's in. 2016 models are due out in June the salesman said. Won't be any real deals on them at first. I never cared for Subaru before until I went and saw it up close and drove it. I had to take my Fusion in for Maintenance today and saw the Salesman that sold me the car. While there he mentioned that they have $3000 in rebates as well as 0% financing in addition to the deal he would give me for a new Fusion. I might give them a close look since there many to choose from. The thing I am finding with Mazda 6 and the Legacy is that all the dealerships have maybe 12 on the lot at most. One of the two Silver Subaru's sold today at the Dealership I have been working with according to the salesman. There is one remaining. I can only find one other in the State in that color and trim.. If you look online at what a ford dealer has for Fusions in inventory they will list 70 cars and Honda will have just as many Accords to choose from. Toyota dealerships show over 30 Camrys in stock.

Was going to the Auto Show tomorrow, but we have the NCAA Basketball Tournament going on this weekend and the Arena is two blocks from the Convention Center where the Auto Show is going on at the same time. They were reporting on our local news at 6 tonight that parking was going to be very difficult to find. I think we will skip it. Maybe instead I will take my wife over to the Subaru/Mazda dealership then drive back towards home to the Ford dealership.

explorerx4

In the Columbus area, it looks like the Fusion incentives are $3000 or $1500 and 0% for 60 months. Sync and Sound discount of $490 is already built into the bottom line sticker.

benjaminh

Are there a lot of Fusions on the lots that are built in the US now? Isn't that factory now up to full speed? A Fusion 2.0 with a $3000 incentive sounds like a great deal.

wave54

Just watched MotorWeek, a weekly show on PBS, and they had a 10-model 2015 mid-size sedan comparison. Big surprise is most of the top sellers are in the bottom 5 spots. Camry came in last!

https://www.cars.com/articles/27000-midsize-sedan-challenge/

brian125

wave54 said:

Just watched MotorWeek, a weekly show on PBS, and they had a 10-model 2015 mid-size sedan comparison. Big surprise is most of the top sellers are in the bottom 5 spots. Camry came in last!

https://www.cars.com/articles/27000-midsize-sedan-challenge/

How do I get on there payroll? I would be a superstar

My golf buddy leased the 2015 Chrysler 200. Great lease price...... hates the vehicle.

Chrysler 200 has good gas mileage and looks good. There are many negatives on this vehicle. Bad brakes , Terrible 9sp trans, very low ground clearance for a family sedan, Ride is rough, Handling is clumsy, Cramped cock pit, headroom is terrible, egress is terrible. Taller than 6' you hit your head getting out of vehicle. His 200 has been back to dealer 4 times with problems.

How is the 200 not last in these ratings.

Cars 8, 9, and 10 are all better choices .

Id like to take the best from each vehicle and make 1 great midsizer. The 2016 kia optima will be out soon and should be on par with the new redesign 2015 Sonata. I'm sure it will be a good bang for the buck like its brother.


http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1096715_new-2016-kia-optima-sedan-to-debut-at-geneva-motor-show

brian125

Here is the projected look of the 2016 Kia Optima. I don't know what to make out of this look.

@cski what do you think ? Trade yours in for a 2016 .

http://www.leftlanenews.com/kia-optima-2016.html

ab348

If those sketches are anything close to actual, good luck seeing anything if you're driving it.

mtnman1

benjaminh said:

Are there a lot of Fusions on the lots that are built in the US now? Isn't that factory now up to full speed? A Fusion 2.0 with a $3000 incentive sounds like a great deal.

Check out Ricart Ford's website in Columbus. Titaniums discounted by more than $6000. I can get a Hybrid SE from the dealership I bought my Current Fusion from that lists for 33,585 for 28,285 with Rebates and discount. I saw the car yesterday and spoke to the Salesman I bought from about it. Pretty loaded up with Luxury Package, Moonroof, My ford touch w/Navigation, etc. Ruby Red w/Black Leather. Sweet looking. I may go back and drive it if it hasn't sold already.

We decided to go to the Auto Show today. My wife was wowed with the 2016 Mazda6 Grand Touring in Soul Red w/Black Leather. I was too. The Legacy was in the next display area. Looked good but kind of bland when compared to the 6. Still like it though. Just aggravating that there are so few available.

ab348

mtnman1 said:

We decided to go to the Auto Show today. My wife was wowed with the 2016 Mazda6 Grand Touring in Soul Red w/Black Leather. I was too. The Legacy was in the next display area. Looked good but kind of bland when compared to the 6. Still like it though. Just aggravating that there are so few available.

That Motorweek/cars.com comparison test noted above had some interesting comments about the Mazda. Seems like it doesn't provide a quality feel.

stickguy

hey, I'm #1! or at least, my car is. Pretty fair writeup I guess, though the limited has way more goodies and features. I have also never noticed the brakes to be grabby, and the steering certainly seems comparable to most mid size cars. It works for the application for sure.

backy

I got my first ride in a 2015 Sonata yesterday. My son decided to get rid of his 2004 Elantra GT before anything major breaks on it and before the expensive 120k service, and while it's still worth something, so I went with him as he ventured into the new car world for the first time. He wanted a sign & drive lease with low payments, and our local Hyundai dealers are offering great deals on those post-auto show so we went to the dealer with the lowest advertised lease deal and biggest inventory first. First he drove an Elantra SE, but when he found out the Sonata SE would be only ~$30 more a month he decided to take it for a spin. I rode shotgun. I thought the car was very smooth and quiet, even over some bad roads, and the passenger seat was very comfortable for me--Hyundai added a height adjuster for 2015. My son liked how it drove, and said it handled well for its size, but after talking with the sales manager (who advised him to not get more car than he needs--same advice I gave him) and thinking it over, he went with the Elantra. He got a good deal on that I think, after all rebates including College Grad and my $250 VIP new car bonus, just $174/month sign & drive for 36 months (only 35 payments), 12k/year. And that was with Tier 4 credit (classic case of a young person with almost no credit history). As we went over all the features of this $20,300 car (backup camera, Bluetooth, color touch screen, 16" alloys, fog lamps etc.) with the sales rep, I remarked, "You have a nicer car than your dad!" Made me think back to the first car I bought: a new 1976 Corolla 2-door sedan with AM radio and 3-speed AT, and 2-55 AC. That car cost only $3600, but it would equate to nearly $15k today, so in hindsight my son's Elantra isn't all that more expensive than my first car in 1976. But a lot nicer!

stickguy

sounds like a good deal. at least it is fixed cost you can budget, unlike an old car that you never know when it is going to do something bad to you! Even buying something you can easily spend more than 6K (total of payments) over 3 years factoring in repairs (including tires and brakes) and depreciation, plus you are still dealing with an old car.

that's why when my recent college grad son got FT work, he leased a car to replace the 175K mile Acura. Needed reliable, and he did not have much cash to put down at the time. so it was the way to get manageable payments while he saved up some money and payed down his student loans.

next car, he will likely buy.

nyccarguy

backy said:

I got my first ride in a 2015 Sonata yesterday. My son decided to get rid of his 2004 Elantra GT before anything major breaks on it and before the expensive 120k service, and while it's still worth something, so I went with him as he ventured into the new car world for the first time. He wanted a sign & drive lease with low payments, and our local Hyundai dealers are offering great deals on those post-auto show so we went to the dealer with the lowest advertised lease deal and biggest inventory first. First he drove an Elantra SE, but when he found out the Sonata SE would be only ~$30 more a month he decided to take it for a spin. I rode shotgun. I thought the car was very smooth and quiet, even over some bad roads, and the passenger seat was very comfortable for me--Hyundai added a height adjuster for 2015. My son liked how it drove, and said it handled well for its size, but after talking with the sales manager (who advised him to not get more car than he needs--same advice I gave him) and thinking it over, he went with the Elantra. He got a good deal on that I think, after all rebates including College Grad and my $250 VIP new car bonus, just $174/month sign & drive for 36 months (only 35 payments), 12k/year. And that was with Tier 4 credit (classic case of a young person with almost no credit history). As we went over all the features of this $20,300 car (backup camera, Bluetooth, color touch screen, 16" alloys, fog lamps etc.) with the sales rep, I remarked, "You have a nicer car than your dad!" Made me think back to the first car I bought: a new 1976 Corolla 2-door sedan with AM radio and 3-speed AT, and 2-55 AC. That car cost only $3600, but it would equate to nearly $15k today, so in hindsight my son's Elantra isn't all that more expensive than my first car in 1976. But a lot nicer!

Congrats! Sounds like a great deal on a very well equipped car. I'm a big proponent of leasing inexpensive, reliable cars for young people. Could he have pushed the 2004 Elantra for another 2 - 3 years? Sure, but now his costs are completely fixed. $174 per month for the next 3 years is fantastic for someone just starting out.

Good job convincing him to not get more car than he needs. The only problem with leasing is that it is very easy to get on that "well, it is only $x more per month" slippery slope. That's how my wife ended up with her 2007 BMW X3.

We walked into a Honda dealer (literally walked as it was 1/4 mile down the street from our apartment). It was the summer of '07 and I thought we could strike a deal on a V6 Accord that was due to be replaced. I drove an Accord and a CRV. Anyway, my wife didn't like the Accord (too many she said) and I didn't like the CRV (felt like I was sitting on a Toilet and it ad ZERO pickup). I tried to get a number out of the salesman who I guess was afraid I'd shop his price, so he told me CRVs are selling like hot cakes. Selling price is MSRP, leasing "in the 4s." I pushed further. What does $4s mean? Are we talking $405 or $489? Anyway, we left.

I looked into the Passat wagon. Very nice car. Lots of features. Got an honest to goodness email quote from the dealer breaking down everything (cap cost, residual, $0 down, 15K per year with tax included). But it was the last day of the month and they needed me to come down today not to buy, but to get the credit app in so thy could hold the price. I didn't check my email until late that night & missed my chance. Went to the dealer Monday & VW credit is pushing financing rather than leasing that month. $398 per month became $445.


I got a hold of a BMW dealer tat had an X3 with not too many options. $471.67. Done;)