Midsize Sedans 2.0

shabadoo25

Part of the hybrid purchasing reasoning for some folks is to announce to the world how green or frugal they are.

A hybrid version of an otherwise regular car doesn't do that in the way the distinct Prius styling does.

m6user

A lot of them do but in conversations I've had with people a lot of them say that they love the 50mpg but just couldn't live with the styling. The Fusion and Camry use different systems and don't even approach the avg mpg the Prius does. I'm just saying I think you could use the exact system Prius does and put a more mainstream, maybe even sporty, body on it and it would attract a lot of people.

m6user

I'm sure there are some people that fall into that category but I don't think the majority want to "announce to the world" anything. They just like to use less gas and emit less polution. The hybrid versions of regular cars just don't come close to the mpg of the Prius.

metro3

Time to trade and frustrated over options. Accord EXL-V6 vs Camry XLE V6. Accord has better handling and excellent fit and finish. Camry quieter ride but smaller, fit and finish not as nice, handling and brakes are not as fun to drive. Drive 25K /yr for sales job and want the the most reliable, comfortable ride possible with high residual value after 3 years. Currently driving '08 Accord EX-l I4. Road noise is horrible and I am done with 4 cylinder sedans.
Would appreciate input for a vehicle around $32-35K that addresses the above comments.
Somewhat concerned with Toyota based on negative PR over the past months.

berri

Avalon

shabadoo25

Acura TSX.

dash5

Drive 25K /yr for sales job and want the the most reliable, comfortable ride possible with high residual value after 3 years.

Based on that, both are reliable as you'll find. Which is more comfortable when you test drive them? My biggest problem with the Camry is I really dislike the interior look. Considering how much time you'll spend in it I'd base it on comfort and interior overall.

As for other options I'd try the Ford Fusion, Altima and Hyundai Sonata. Actually for 35k you could probably get into a nice Maxima too.

akirby

Fusion or Taurus?

backy

Your idea may be tested in the not too distant future. Hyundai has said they plan to bring a hybrid version of the next-gen Elantra to market. That would be along the lines of your idea of a smallish hybrid sedan with a mid-sized interior. Whether it's sporty enough for you is up to you.

m6user

That's pretty much what I had in mind....something with some style period. The Prius is just so butt ugly IMO I know it's the most aerodynamic design and everything but c'mon. I'd gladly sacrifice a reasonable amount of mpg, say 4-6 mpg from what the Prius gives to have something that looks and handles a little more mainstream.

rhduke00

For the money you're willing to spend you can buy a Hyundai Genesis Sedan. I recently bought a 2011 V-6 (3.8) with the premium package for $30927. This price was before taxes, title, and license and included a $1500 owner loyalty and $500 retired military discount. I realize that this car is not a midsize sedan but if you're willing to do without the tech package it can be had for a top of the line midsize car price. It placed first in a recent Car and Driver Comparison where it was favored over the Toyota Avalon, Lexus ES 350, Buick LaCrosse, and Ford Taurus. Do yourself a favor and test drive one.

Link to CD article

sandman_6472

That car looks great...a mini Sonata which is a good thing! Totally impressed here with the sleek design & crease down the side...it really has come of age. Now if it drives/handles as well as the Sonata, it could give the Civrolla some steep competition along with the Chevy Cruze. Along with the other contenders in this class, it should be quite interesting, as I see the Civrolla twins loosing many sales in the next couple of years. But like I said in the Cruze forum, I'll wait to form an opinion once I drive them all. Even though I get C & D and the Trend, I'll take their "reviews" with a grain of salt because in the final analysis, the only opinions I value are my wife's & mine as to our next purchase in 2012. It'll be her d d, so she must be totally satisfied with "her" choice.

Looks like this segment will be the hot one in the foreseeable future...so I'm stoked that we'll be participating.

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

xmech

I know it's not based on Prius mechanicals, but how about the Chevy Volt?

m6user

It's nice looking but it's a plug-in and MSRPs almost twice what the Prius does but that is the type of styling I was talking about. If the Prius can get avg 50 with the present body, could they put a body something like the Volt on it and still come in at...say 45 mpg avg. That would be a tempting midsizer.

akin

As another posted also mentioned as well, for that price range you can easily get the Hyundai Genesis V6 with Premium & Nav package. This vehicle is competitively compared to vehicles costing $40k - $50k range. You should check one out and test drive it.

dash5

http://www.kia-newoptima.com/

Good stuff. The wheel choices are interesting, and, it looks really good with tan interior. Cant wait til October. Or I guess December for the turbo.

mz6greyghost

Click me!

There needs to be a "yawn" smiley on here, since that's the only thing that comes to mind when seeing this.

thegraduate

Here's what plays in my head when I see the new VWs...

Click me!

ergsum

It appears that the Sonata (20,639) is the 4th highest selling non-truck vehicle in the US for the month of September after Camry (30,769), Accord (24,127) and Corolla (21,060). 6th overall for all vehicles.

explorerx4

the numbers after next month should be interesting after the Sonata recall.
Not bashing it, just wondering how big an effect it will have on future sales.

fushigi

Most, if not all, sedan hybrids sacrifice a good chunk of trunk space to make room for the battery pack. That may be another thing that turns potential buyers to hatchback hybrids like the Prius.

mickeyrom

Maybe they should just build all hybrids as hatchbacks.Also,the Prius gets better mileage than the other hybrids.Maybe that has something do do with it.Don't you think?

m6user

There's good looking hatchbacks and then there are others. Lexus is going to bring a hatchback hybrid that looks like a regular hatchback(similar to to a Golf or something) and appears to be using the Prius drivetrain/battery tech. It may get few less mpg but certainly(IMO) looks worlds better than the Prius. However, because it will be a Lexus you know where the price will be.

Hyundai/Kia has proven you can make an affordable but striking midsize car....why can't we have an affordable and striking hybrid that gets 50 mpg like the Prius or very close to it. The Hyundai/Kia midsize hybrids will be interesting and like Back suggested earlier, the promised new Elantra in a hybrid form should really be good combo of good style with huge mpg.

sandman_6472

Sales should be fine...just look how well the Camry did in September after all their troubles. And Hyundai has been very proactive with this issue, so there should be no problem. Way to go Hyundai!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

kcokie

I am looking at the 2010 Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Mazda 6.
I want good pick up, low road noise, and good handling in bad weather.
I like a 4 dr (I think), but nothing too grandma looking either.
I also want reliability. I'm getting rid of a Dodge Caliber with under $30K...definitely looking for upgrade (but a horse and buggy would be an upgrade from the Caliber). :lemon:

Please help me decide. I've researched till my eyes go crossed.
What is your experience with these cars? Or is there another car comparable in this category that you like better? My price range is $20k...someone made me an offer on a Honda Accord for $18K..($25K msrp.) I haven't jumped yet....just want to make sure I'm getting the right thing this time. :blush:

dash5

I've driven the 2010 Accord a lot and it's a very nice car, at least the EX model. I think all the mid-sized in this segment are very good cars so it's a matter of personal preference. For 20k though it will be a base model, I'd say check out the 2011 Sonata and upcoming Optima just for the value you get. I'd also make sure I looked at the Ford Fusion.

My personal list is the Optima, Fusion and Altima.

sandman_6472

Great car in this level...a few more features than the LX model & definitely worth the price. EX has a bit more features but bumps up the price. Also agree with the above choices but also check out the Ford Fusion...many folks seem to like it so maybe check it out. There are so many choices in this segment that you should have no problem choosing a few that meet all your needs.
This is also a great time to buy as the 2011's are already hitting the lots and they want the 10's gone. If you can hold out till the Thanksgiving - New Years time period, even better time to buy!

The Sandman :sick: :shades:

rdm925

Mazda 6
As an owner of a 2007 Mazda 6i, I recommend the Mazda 6. I have 68,000 trouble free miles. It is sportier and better looking than the Accord, and I'm sure you can find good deals on them. I prefer not to drive the same car as everyone else. Check it out. :shades:

m6user

If you have, in fact, got a solid offer for a brand new Accord with a MSRP of $25 for $18k plus ttl, I would jump on it. That is a fantastic price as it would probably be the Accord 4cyl auto EX model. The only other car that would be comparable equipmentwise, is currently available and would be similar to the $18k street price would be the Hyundai Sonata GLS.

sandman_6472

If it is in fact for the EX model, run, don't walk, to the dealer...NOW!

The Sandman :sick: :shades: