What Car is Right For Me? Help Me Choose!

karl7777 · November 2002

I need to get a new (or used) car.

I want a very safe AND very reliable car for the cheapest possible price. Manual or automatic. I'd also like this car to last for a long time. (Yes, I know I'm asking for the moon.)

I drive about 10k a year, never do much faster than 45mph, no kids, don't haul anything.

I just need to get to and from work. I live in the Northeast (USA), so I do need to contend with snow storms and the like.

thanks in advance! Karl7777

porknbeans · November 2002

If you could answer a few more questions, I bet that you would help us give you some really good suggestions.

1. How much do you want to spend? (my cheapest price may not be the same as yours)
2. What are your driving habits? (hard or casual or somewhere in between)
3. What are your expectations? (high style? low road noise? corners on rails? etc.) Or is it as simple as your message stated: a basic car to get you from point A to B.

I'm just trying to get a better picture.

karl7777 · November 2002

Thanks for responding to my post.

1) Price - That's really my question. How much DO I have to spend to get a "very safe and very reliable" car?
2) Driving habits - Very casual. I just drive to and from work and run errands. I rarely get over 45mph.
3) Expectations - That this car will last a long time (150k+), that it won't break down a lot as it gets older, and that it gets at least a "very good" rating in crash tests.

All suggestions welcome.

coolguyky7 · November 2002

If you are looking for reliablity, stick with Hondas, Nissans, and Toyotas as they typically do very well, but that doesn't mean I'm excluding other models as well that have a tendency to do just as well.

porknbeans · November 2002

Sorry for the delay in getting back to you on this. I would agree with coolguyky7 on this one. I would even be more specific as to say go with a Toyota Corolla or the Chevy Prizm (same thing different badging). Probably 1-2 years old so somebody else takes the depreciation hit. Another idea would be the Honda Civic DX or HX. Both of these vehicles will offer you excellent reliability, good gas mileage, good road manners and handling for their size and pricepoint and good resale even 10 years down the road. Good luck and let us know what you choose to do.

jimsxn · November 2002

are selling for appxtly the same price (or about $1,000 apart). Help me select....Maxima is available with 5 spd but Regal GS has a supercharged engine.

Criteria - family vehicle with comfort for 4 (including a car seat) and a little fun sometime...

porknbeans · November 2002

Also take a look at the Mazda Protege. A nice car on par with the others I suggested.

porknbeans · November 2002

Here's my take, the Buick has 240hp out of a supercharged engine in a 3520lb car that has a lazyboy suspension that has been slightly stiffened. It is an attractive and conservative package that has all of the goodies. The Nissan has 190hp out of their engine in a 3001lb car that has (for me) a comfortably firm ride. It is an attractive package that has all of the basic goodies (I'm assuming a GXE). My dad owns a Buick and from what I've seen on it and others is that the fit and finish aren't that good. From what I've been able to find out the Buick is as reliable as the Nissan. The choice is ultimately yours, but I would have to say the Nissan. The safety of the added handling is a plus and the smiles that it will bring when the other seats are empty are worth something also. I'm also looking to buy a Max to replace my wifes car in the spring for our family of 4.

jimsxn · November 2002

I am leaning toward Max too...being a control freak that I am. Also, I would probably go for SE...people say that the suspension of SE is considerably better than GXE and the price difference (used) is not that much.

casmiras01 · November 2002

Which one would be better to get I have seen both of these cars advertised for around the same price. My max I want to spend is around 15k. The millenia seems a hell of a lot bigger, but the g20 seems like its more reliable and less maintenance. The repairs on the millenia when it does break down is through the roof. I am leaning on the g20 but it seems I can get a lot more car on a millenia.
What do you guys think pros on cons on both cars, please try to give me some objective responses.
Thanks

cmp1223 · November 2002

I'm 16 and will be getting my first car soon. I was wondering if I could get a little input. My dad has graciously given me $12,000 for a car. I have about $2000 myself, and will make 1-2 grand in the upcoming summers. Minus tax, I'm looking at about a $14000-$15000 spending range. I'm looking at sedans with side air bags, V6, 40-50K miles, and japanese/german for reliabily. ANyway, here are my choices, which would you choose:? 99-20 Accord EX-V6, 98-99 Passat GLX V6, 2000 Camry XLE V6, 2000 Maxima. Anu other considerations?

Thanks so much
-Chris

the_big_h · November 2002

I would pick the maxima and get it in manual transmission....

may get kinda rough when you first start driving in manual, but after you learn it you'll really appreciate the extra control you have with a manual transmission.

sure is nice to have your own car at 16... I had to ride the damn school bus when I was 16... :-(

idletask · November 2002

Why not a Hyundai Elantra? It has good fuel economy, Edmunds long term test proved it to be dependable, it is well built all around and will do the job just fine. What's more it's right in your budget... as a new car, not a used one.

Sure, it cannot provide the thrills of a V6, but hey, you're 16, you're just starting to hit the roads, try and master a "small" 4 pot first before thinking higher... And while we're at it, take it with a manual, too.

And don't forget the Ford Focus.

fushigi · November 2002

I'd second the vote for the Elantra; my wife has an '01 and it's been flawless in over 20K miles so far. Yesterday, we topped off the tank and drive for 90 miles before the guage got down to 'F'.

Anyway, some things to consider:

- Check insurance rates as some models will be more expensive than others. That V6 you want may cost more in insurance premiums.
- Gas and other maintenance items like tuneups are typically a bit more expensive with a 6 cyl vs. a 4.
- Modern 4 cyl engines have plenty of power.

Good luck.

campo002 · January 2003

I am interested in buying a vehicle in the near future. I want a 4 door, reliable, cheap to maintain (parts), safe, and affordable to insure type of car. I would also like the car to get good gas mileage and not require premium gas. I am also looking for ample trunk room.

pluto5 · January 2003

Suggest a 97-99 Lumina Sedan as meeting your criteria.

vcjumper · January 2003

What is your ballpark budget for purchase price?

andre1969 · January 2003

...from what I've heard, although don't the brakes tend to be expensive to fix? Engines and drivelines are sturdy, though.

One point of caution though...if you're tall, you might not like the Lumina. I'm 6'3", which isn't THAT tall, but the seat on the Lumina doesn't go back far enough for me to get comfortable. They're pretty tight in back too, compared to cars like the Taurus, Intrepid, Impala, etc. At least in my observations.

maltb · January 2003

I have a base model Mazda6 4cyl. It seems to qualify for your needs so far. Mileage has varied from 25-28mpg of lead-footing and my highway driving is generally at 80-85mph, sometimes higher.

krenar · January 2003

what do u think, should i get nissan maxima or subaru wrx? I want either an 02 max or any year wrx.

dinu01 · January 2003

Pure driving excitement

or

Looking luxurious?

Dinu

porknbeans · January 2003

I'm guess you've never had to experience pure driving excitement with 4 people in a WRX. Don't underestimate the excitement that you can have in the Max.

The WRX and the Max are very different vehicles. The WRX is a powerful, fun and exciting car as long as you don't haul more than 2 adults with all of their gear. Yes you can fit more in but comfort becomes an issue (IMO). The Max is a 4 door sedan for 4-5 adults and all of their gear. The WRX has all wheel drive the Max is front wheel drive. What are you looking for? What are your expectations , wants and/or needs?

maltb · January 2003

Not sure about krenar, but I tend to reserve my fun driving times for the moments when I am alone or with one person. Having 4-5 adults through S-turns seems odd to me.

porknbeans · January 2003

Agreed, however does krenar need a vehicle that can do both? IMO, the WRX is a wonderful vehicle but it can't haul 4 adults as comfortably as the Max can. The trade off is that the Max isn't as sporty as the WRX. Not trying to stroke somebody's fur the wrong way just asking for clarification.

maltb · January 2003

the decision should come down to his needs/wants based on how he uses a vehicle.

cjs2002 · January 2003

Sorry about changing the subject but I couldn't figure out how to post under nissan so this is what I was gonna post.....

Greatings and Salutations,

I've been searching for a new car for over a year now. I originally went out with my grandfather, since I'm only 19 and it seamed to me that no dealership wanted to pay me the time of day. well anyways he took me to a Nissan Dealership, and to say the least I wasn't to thrilled. but then when I walked through the doors and say the new Altima I about did a flip. yet now I'm in a delema I like the Altima 2.5sl very much but keep on looking and keeping up with the newest info for many of the other sedans. yet I keep on goin back to the altima but still have my concerns about getting the best car. I currently have a 92 buick lesabre and have 160,000 miles on it and it still runs great. but due to the fact that I want a new car and that my dad is taking this one I figured it was time to look. I've researched hundreds of sites. Yet I've found cars that I like but I'm afraid because like the Infinity G35 is rear wheel drive. and My father tells me I don't want a RWD car in the winter and they are horrible. Can anyone give me there opinions on what type of car I should go for .... THANX

ultima · January 2003

Kind of hard to just recommend a car not knowing your priorities?

At 19, why do you want a sedan -- why not a coupe?

What is your budget? (since you're looking at the G35, are planning on dropping $30,000?)

What's most important to you -- looks, mileage, resale, performance, insurance, or ???

My personal favorites (in particular order) are:

Nissan Altima
Honda Accord Coupe
Infiniti G35 & Coupe
Acura RSX
BMW 3-Series (Used)
Toyota Highlander (SUV)

ultima · January 2003

YIKES... Just read my post -- here it is again (correcting my original TYPOS):

Kind of hard to just recommend a car not knowing your priorities?

At 19, why do you want a sedan -- why not a coupe?

What is your budget? (since you're looking at the G35, are you planning on dropping $30,000?)

What's most important to you -- looks, mileage, resale, performance, insurance, or ???

My personal favorites (in no particular order) are:

Nissan Altima
Honda Accord Coupe
Infiniti G35 & Coupe
Acura RSX
BMW 3-Series (Used)
Toyota Highlander (SUV)

cjs2002 · January 2003

coming from a big sedan like my buick I love how roomy and comfortable the ride is. being who I am and knowing I like to oppose the common trend I wanted to try and stay away from coupes... mainly cause they kill my insurance. but thanx for the segestion. my priorities when I look at cars are as follows...

Ride comfort
exterior \ inerior looks
inside comfort ... PL, PW, PS (power locks...)

I've gone out and looked at tons of cars and find my self unable to deside what car has the best features for the money... and as for the price of the car... well its my first so I've got plenty saved up so if I see somethin I may like I can at least look at gettin it... what other cars and manufactuars should I take a look at... thanx again

newcar31 · January 2003

"coming from a big sedan like my buick I love how roomy and comfortable the ride is."

Have you looked at the Toyota Avalon? If you liked your Buick, I'm sure you'd love the Avalon. You should also check out the Infiniti I35. These things have tons of features. You could easily pick up one of these for less than $30K.

ultima · January 2003

I've never driven the Avalon, but read some reviews that -- I think -- wrote it was kind of mushy in the handling department and a bit gutless... What's been YOUR experience?

Also -- I don't know why I didn't think of it earlier -- a MAXIMA would work too... But NOT the new one... Can't say I'm too crazy about the exterior.

newcar31 · January 2003

cjs2002 liked his Buick, and I heard that the Avalon is kinda Buicky. Maxima wouldn't be bad either, but again, cjs2002 said he liked the ride in his Buick. The Maxima ain't no Buick.

cjs2002 · January 2003

I do like the ride yet as time goes on things change so I also had to change.... I like the ride of the altima ... though its not as soft as the buicks... its not bad either... question... I hear that there is alot of road noise on altimas... is there anything I can have done that would help in this department... and whats this I hear about aftermarket leather... how can I go about seing if the dealership near me will do it.. and is it really better leather...?

ultima · January 2003

I can tell you first hand, the "aftermarket" leather is MILES better than the stock leather from Nissan.

I had this done to my Altima 3.5 SE V6 -- I have the invoice... Total cost was $850. The Dealer doesn't actually do it, they sub-contract it out to a local company... I would ask the Dealer if they can tell you who does their leather work, maybe even show you some work (if they have any on site), go to the company and ask to see some of their work, or even ask the Dealer for the phone numbers of a customers who had it done and ask them.

As for the "road noise", I personally don't notice it whatsoever, but certainly if you're coming from a Buick, you might. As far as I know there's no easy way to correct this, if in fact you find it bothersome in your test drive.

The bottom line is you're going to have to go test drive all the vehicles you're interested in -- preferably on the same day -- to try and get as close to a back-to-back comparison as you can.

Articles and paper specs are nice -- but your butt in the driver's seat is still the best comparison you can do, IMHO.

go2nate · January 2003

We just purchased a Mazda6, and like you we started car shopping several months prior. Our journey took us through the following dealerships and we test drove these vehicles:

Lexus - ES300 and IS300
Acura - Cl
MB - C240
Volvo -S60
Audi - A4
BMW - 325i
Nisson - Maxima and Altima
Toyota - Solara
Honda - Accord Coupe
Hyundai - Tiburon and XG350
and
Mazda - Mazda6

As you can see our budget (and likes) was from the mid 30's to the low 20's, from sporty to luxury, and I kept trying to ask my wife, "what are you looking for?" (decisions, decisions). Toward the end of the year it came down to 2 (or 3) vehicles (we decided to go for the under 25k price), and those choices were Honda Accord Coupe (w/navi), or the Camary Solara. Unknown to my wife, I still wanted to see what these new Mazda6 looked like (I hadn't seen it in any of the showrooms yet). It was about mid December when it hit our showrooms (at least that's when I found out it hit our showrooms). I took a test drive and I was hooked, on the looks and the ride. That's when I called my wife (she was out of town), and told her she needs to take a look at the Mazda6.

I can say with all sincerity that she never even thought about owning a Mazda. But shortly after she took the ride and saw it for herself, we started to edge out the Solara as a contender. The other issue became a matter of looks. Did we want the coupe (w/navi), or did we want a sporty looking sedan?

What's my point? Like the post above from Ultima, take a test drive and see (and feel) for yourself, but don't purchase without first giving the Mazda6 a try.

Good luck!

go2nate · January 2003

I have two post in "Accord vs. Mazda 6" (or vice versa) which discusses aftermarket leather. They are post #563 and 569.

The aftermarket leather is of much better quality and most dealerships will offer it to you (and for the same price) if they think that's all they need to get you to buy their car. Be sure to tell them you're not going to pay any more than what's on the sticker price of the car you're looking at.

ultima · January 2003

I've not yet driven the Mazda 6, but have heard/read good things about it.

Didn't suggest it only cause he'd said he was coming from a Buick and liked the "size" of the Altima -- the Mazda 6 is much smaller, so that's why I was hesitant to suggest it.

I would like to note, however, that when I started my search for a new vehicle, I'd planned on purchasing an SUV (Toyota Highland) or SUT (Nissan Frontier Quad-Cab), and ended up with the Altima... So ya never know.

By all means... Mazda 6 is worth checking-out.

myphantom6 · January 2003

I know exactly what you mean. I think most of us have some idea what we want but once we get out there it's really hard to choose. Two of the main things I heard my wife say was, "I want leather seats" and "volume controls for the radio on the steering wheel". And as I mentioned before we started out looking at a Lexus, and ended up with a Mazda6 we never even heard about? Go figure.

Now, take a guess at two of the features the Mazda6 had? :-)

Determining what you REALLY want is what I think is the key to narrowing things down. If one is undecided about whether you want luxury, size, sportiness, leather, cloth, 6 disc CD, or single disc., it's going to make anyone's search more difficult. And let's not forget the bottom line question which is, "how much is all of this going to cost me after tax, title, and license". And "will I be able to fill it up EVERY week"?

ladysview1 · January 2003

I have waded through 88 messages in category of Lexus ES300 vs Infiniti I35 and I'm still not ready to run out and buy either car. I prefer a timing chain to a timing belt (even as a lady I know the difference is in cost of the change due to the fact the engine needs to be removed to change the belt vs the chain). I am looking for a car with the classic, elegant lines of the old Acura Legend. I have owned an '88 Legend since it was brand new. Hated the dealership service department, love the car. It still hums, literally. If it had air bags I'd probably keep it! Any advice will be greatly appreciated. I plan to spend up to $35,000.
Thanks.

kps1992 · January 2003

Right now we are trying to decide between these two vehicles. We have an offer for the Jetta 19100 out the door (includes all fees and tags and taxes). There exists the possibility of a 03 Accord for less than invoice ($16k range). This car will be used primarily by my husband for his 80 mile daily round trip commute. Although it will be a commuter car, we need it to act as a safe backup to our family van - Honda Odyssey. Not really sure which to choose. They both seem to have their merits.

maltb · January 2003

Being a big fan of diesels, my heart pulls that way, but I think both drive-trains will go the distance for you.

How did you narrow down to these two contrasting choices?

kps1992 · January 2003

We've always been intrigued by the Tdi. We like the way it handles but it does have a rather spartan interior (GL version). The fuel mileage is a huge plus. We originally looked at the Jetta TDI sedan, but decided that that for the money, the wagon was more practical (and not as common on the road).With the Accord, we had always felt that was a bit overpriced until we stumbled upon the dealer who might let one go for about $1500 under invoice. The Accord definitely seems cushier inside. Fuel mileage isn't too bad. We do like the fact that Honda's have a decent reliability record.

jimsxn · January 2003

I think both the cars (ES300 and I35) are a bit over the top and do not compare well to the old Legend in style.....but it is only my opinion.

Why not look at an Audi or a well-equipped Passat? If you are partial to Japanese FWD cars, do take a look at new Mazda 6 - well equipped.

jimsxn · January 2003

I am actually kind of leaning toward Jetta wagon myself - but the one run on gas (1.8T). Regarding diesel, they say that VW have had to retune their latest diesels to burn the dirty diesel available in N. America. They also say that better technology is just around the corner and the current one will become obsolete soon.

That said, a black Accord is really good-looking and will definitely give better service than Jetta.

maltb · January 2003

It sounds like the wagon might be the way to go. Your hubby will probably hit himself when he tries to go to home depot and bring something home in the accord. Good mileage + a small wagon = superior practicality.

BTW, this is just my independent take. I work for a competitor.

ladysview1 · January 2003

No one seems to have an answer for my search for a classic looking sedan under $35,000. Thanks Jim of Canada for your input. What if I broaden my search to include used cars (no older than 1999) and up the price to $50,000. What would be the best looking, best performance & maintenance, best resale value car to buy?? What about a BMW 7 series? I've tried to search through the JD Powers ratings, but get confused with all the info. Thanks.

pluto5 · January 2003

smg5 · January 2003

Hi,

I'm looking for a sedan that's $30-35,000. I currently drive a Ford Explorer, and want as much winter weather protection as I can get, so I prefer a car with AWD and traction control. I have no sense of direction, so I'd also like a navigation system. This is where everything gets confusing -- because I basically end up with no options by process of elimination.

Audi requires the 3.0 engine to get the nav system, and that's around $40,000. And if I give up on the nav system, is the 1.8T underpowered? Another Audi problem: it appears that if you get sports suspension, you don't get all weather tires. Would I really have to buy all weather tires on top of the sport suspension, or can you opt out of the high performance tires?

The GLX 4-Motion Passat has almost everything I want, at the right price, but I'd have to give up on the Nav System.

The Acura is very nice, but has no AWD.

The BMW is too $$$.

Any thoughts for me? Anyone with experience on an after-market navigation system? And is it true that the Audis and BMWs are in the shop a lot with minor problems and check engine light issues?

Thanks for your suggestions!

smg5 · January 2003

Let me add this one to the above list. Why haven't I seen it compared to the A4, TL, etc. on the message boards? It is an AWD in the same price range, but there hasn't been a lot of posts about it ...

riptide · January 2003

That's easy -- take a look at Volvo S60 AWD. It starts around $32K and has NAV as an option.

What Car is Right For Me? Help Me Choose!

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