What Car is Right For Me? Help Me Choose!

lexusguy · April 2004

Not exactly. The Prius is designed for extreme fuel economy, so yes, a regular gas engine with the same hp and torque as the combined engines in the prius would be faster. However, toyota is designing the 400h with performance in mind, and the extra fuel economy as an added bonus. They know that someone who is spending $45K+ isnt going to mind the $1.70 or whatever for 89 octane. Electric motors make 100% of their torque immediately, and so they can fill in the gap while the V6 winds up to its optimum powerband. The 400h is expected to be significantly quicker than the RX330. Thats why they're calling it the 400h, its supposed to have similar performance as if their old 4.0L was in the engine bay.

jrock65 · April 2004

"Infiniti engines suffer from poor transmition programming and tall gearing, not necessarily "overrated" power. How much bigger is a G35 than a 3 series? If Infiniti can get their autobox right this time, 280hp in the M35 should have some serious performance. How much faster is the FX45 than every german SUV except the Cayenne turbo? Thats an example of Infinti's supposedly overrated 315 horsepower showing its taillights to the vastly more expensive ML55AMG and X5, of which the ultra performance version isnt even sold anymore."

Well put. I'm tired of hearing how BMW horses are superior to "other" horses, blah blah blah. There's much more to acceleration than just horsepower, such as programming and gearing, as you mentioned. With the 330i, BMW spent their money on these aspects. And with its $8000 premium over the G35, you'd hope that they spent their money on something.

In any case, I expect the RL and M35 to be class leaders in terms of 0-60, with the 530i, E320, and GS300 about a 3/4's of a second back. That gap will surely close when these three up their V6 engine output.

merc1 · April 2004

I think everyone should wait until all these cars are actually tested. None of the German cars in the segment are just going to sit by and watch the hp ratings soar past them. You can bet that the E320 and 525/530i will get some type of engine upgrades for 2005 or 06'.

jrock65 - It isn't BMW's fault the Infiniti can't get a 340hp car to outrun a 290hp car. If you're going to boast about hp the 0-60 times need to back it up. BMW doesn't even brag about hp and yet in most cases they're either as fast or faster than their competitors, right now. Gearing and what not are just excuses for Infiniti not being able to make the hp advantage mean anything in the real world. When BMW or MB do make a point about hp they blow the other cars off the map, usually sucking out their windshields.

M

jrock65 · April 2004

merc1,

What are you talking about w/ "bragging" and "backing things up" and "BMW's fault"?

The current M45 and 545i Auto both run 0 to 60 in about 5.7 secs.

The G35 Auto runs in the low 6 second range, with the 330i maybe a tenth of a second or two behind it.

I'm sorry, I'm just not impressed at all by BMW's supposed technological superiority at squeezing the most out of their horses. It's a different model for achieving performance based on each company's cost/benefit analysis. Infiniti uses higher output engines with less efficient gearing, and BMW usese relatively lower output engines with more efficient gearing. In the end, more or less the same straight-line performance.

merc1 · April 2004

I simply mean that even before BMW upgraded to the new 545i the 340hp M45 couldn't really outrun the older 290hp 540i model, but Infiniti made such a big thing about the M45's hp advantage.

Ditto for the Q45 vs the LS430. This has been well documented.

"Infiniti uses higher output engines with less efficient gearing, and BMW usese relatively lower output engines with more efficient gearing. In the end, more or less the same straight-line performance."

In the end that means BMW has a more efficient drivetrain. There is no way around it. What is the point of boasting about more hp only to wind up with more or less the same performance? There is no point is having a killer engine and then hindering it with poor gearing and/or an inefficient transmission. Makes no sense. Audi has had similar problem too with certain models.

M

jrock65 · April 2004

"Gearing and what not are just excuses for Infiniti not being able to make the hp advantage mean anything in the real world."

I don't see you your point here. Infiniti doesn't need to make excuses. The G35 competes very well with the 330i in terms of "real world" power. Maybe Infiniti is overstating hp, BMW understating hp, or both, but it doesn't matter.

Now, if Infiniti is charging more for the G35 than the 330i for its 35 hp advantage, then I could see the point, but we all know that that's not even close to being the case.

jrock65 · April 2004

"Infiniti made such a big thing about the M45's hp advantage."

Yep, it was all marketing. Obviously, it didn't help the M's cause.

"In the end that means BMW has a more efficient drivetrain."

I don't disagree with you. But my point is that it doesn't matter, as long as real world performance is similar.

boomsama · April 2004

well the 530's styling is beginning to grow one me, and the more I see it on the streets, the better it looks.

lexusguy · April 2004

"well I reallllly need some help on deciding for a next car, probably sometime next year. I'm thinking of the RL and GS because of Japanese reliability + fit and finish (RL looks good as well). The A6, well I like it, except i've heard a lot that its reliability isnt so good..."

The same could be said for the 5. The Audi actually had a much better interior with better fit and finish than the new 5 series, despite dating back into 1998. Also, the active steering thing is just a plain bad idea. There was more than a few times where I was driving the car, and I would either steer too much or not enough into a corner because the ratio kept changing on me. I rarely parallel park, and when I do, I really dont mind my car's 2.5 or whatever turns lock to lock. Its not that hard. Maybe if the AS was used only up to 5mph or something it might be more useful for people who have to parallel park every day, but otherwise its totally useless, and could be considered almost dangerous if you're not paying attention to how far the computer decides to turn the front wheels at 26mph, or 37mph.

maxhonda99 · April 2004

I don't think the average car buyer is going to pick one car over another because of a few-tenths of a second difference in acceleration. And I would bet that's about all a advantage the M35 will have a 530i.

The G35 is bigger than the 330i, but not too much heavier. I believe the difference is about 100lbs, despite the size difference.

maxhonda99 · April 2004

"Enjoy trying to figure out how to turn on the air conditioning, and driving your 5 to and from the shop"

Did I say somewhere I'm buying a BMW 5? How did you get onto air conditioning from power & performance?

lexusguy · April 2004

I think its going to be more than a few tenths. Nissan is going to want under 6.5, if they want to be competitive, and that beats the 530i by a large margin. IF Nissan uses a proper six-speed auto, thats fast and has a short first gear, 280hp could = a really fast car. Just as an example, my XKR has 370hp, and all that muscle is entirely brought down by a sluggish 5-speed slush box with a 1st gear thats too tall. If you floor a 350hp Vette, you can light up the rear tires and then pull 4.5-5 second 0-60s. The supercharged XKR likes to take its sweet time until about 30mph or so, when the trans decided, hey I think this guy wants to go fast!

pat · April 2004

A number of posts have been moved here from another discussion -- welcome everyone. We're trying to help boomsama decide what to buy in these recent posts.

maxhonda99 · April 2004

lexusguy,

All I'm saying is look at the acceleration difference between a 330i and G35. Despite the horsepower difference between the 2, the 330i is only a few tenths of a second slower. And again, the weight difference between the 2 is negligible.

You're right the M35 could be a fast car(faster car than the 530i), but looking at Nissan's track record, I doubt it it will be considerably faster. Look at the Q45 vs. LS430. The Q45 has a supposed 50bhp advantage yet is about the same in acceleration. Personally I think their engines are overrated in terms of power. Even magazines have said Nissan seems to overrate power.

And you keep missing another point I have made, by the time the M35 comes out, the 3.0L I6 in the 530i will probably be replaced by a bigger Inline 6.

lexusguy · May 2004

Then get the M45, it will be the same price as an updated six cylinder 5 series. (probably cheaper, if that 5 is heavily optioned) From what Ive read of even a very early M45 test mule, its a MAJOR handling upgrade, even from the G35. 1400 percent rigidity increase. The gearing ratios have also been revised. I smell a hit.

maxhonda99 · May 2004

What are you talking about?

lexusguy · May 2004

where was I unclear?

maxhonda99 · May 2004

Huh. Where do you get this idea I am looking to buy any Infiniti?

pat · May 2004

This has just been posted: Used Car Best Bets.

Enjoy!

kiffeee · May 2004

We have started to car shop and need to order our car by 30 June. We have always bought our cars useing the the manufacturers wholesale cost to dealer as a starting point and never payed more then $ 500 over wholesale.

However, I havn't been able to find 2005 prices on the web as of yet and will be going into the dealer blind. Anyone have an idea how I can prices for Volvos and Acuras?

Also Volvo has a discount when you buy with overseas delivery.Is it possible to negotiate my best deal and then tell them I want overseas delivery and reap an additional discount?

Kiffeee

acurasalesman · May 2004

Invoice prices can be found on Edmunds.com
All you have to do is go to the home page and then click on the "New Car" button. Follow this through to your particular model and trim level... and you'll get all the information that you need.
However, I wish you the best of luck on getting an Acura for $500 over wholesale. Acura is a high-line import that is in limited production. Most new Acuras sell for sticker price or very close to it.

setzer · May 2004

A posted a while ago a list of new cars for my aunt. Since then, I've changed the list and I want people's opinions now.

Toyota Camry Solara
Chrysler Sebring coupe
Nissan Altima
Honda Accord coupe
2005 Subaru Legacy sedan
2005 Pontiac G6
Acura TSX

lexusguy · May 2004

The Solara is all new for '04. Theres' a raging debate about EX V6 coupe vs. Solara, but if you want the drop top, that answers that question. Dont bother with the Chrysler, the Sebring is a Dinosaur compared to the new Honda and Toyota. The Altima's interior has been redesigned, and looks MUCH better. The first ever Altima SE-R went on sale this year also, so if you're looking for a seriously quick alternative to Camry or Accord...

The Legacy for this year does a lot of things right, and a lot of things wrong. They've certainly done a lot to move the car up from being like a 3rd-tier player.. but it still is just not on the level as the big guys from Japan, and it has Subaru's REALLY annoying practice of THIS ENGINE ONLY option packages. For example, the 2.5L Turbo 4 is considered the performance engine, and yet Subuaru's advanced LSD is only available with the 3.0L flat six, which is only available with an automatic. What? What genius thought that one up?

The G6 I havent heard much about, but I was entirely underwhelmed by the "new" Grand Prix, so my guess is it will probably be the old Grand Am minus body cladding and some more curvey lines. Yawn.

The TSX is a rather interesting choice, as it doesnt really fit with the above mentioned cars. The TSX will lose stop light races to most of the V6s, but its in a handling class way above any Solara. If you're really interested in the TSX, I suppose the Altima SE-R could qualify as competition, but then I would also look at cars such as the G35, IS300, and maybe a 325i.

setzer · May 2004

Thanks! That really makes it A LOT easier!

lexusguy · May 2004

You bet. As it turns out, the G6 is essentially the Pontiac version of the Chevy Malibu. As it will most likely be stuck with the Malibu's 3800 III 200hp OHV engine, I'd pass on that one.

lbeasman · May 2004

Hello everybody-new to the Edmund's site. Very good info.
I' am in a dilemma--Need a good reliable econobox. Got a 10 yr old Windstar to get rid of but also paying on an '03 Dodge Durango. Obvious $$ is tight. Looking for something closer to
< $15k
Issue to debate--What should I get?---4 dr base Chevy Aveo or Saturn ION 1.
They are real close in pricing.

lexusguy · May 2004

How about a Hyundai? If you've seen the 2004 IQ survey, the "little Korean that could" has better IQ than Chevy and Saturn, costs less, and has a 10 year\100,000 mile that Chevy and Saturn cant match. Also, the Chevy Aveo is really a Korean Daewoo anyway, Im not sure if you know that.

lbeasman · May 2004

yeah I knew it was a Korean car.

lexusguy · May 2004

Well, if you're gonna get one, you might as well go for the good one

paul j. · June 2004

My dealer is offering to sell a "new" Z4 which was used as an auto show car and received "some small scratches on the fender" while at the show. The scratches have been repaired but the car still carries a "damage disclosure" note on the proposed sales contract. The odometer reads 32 miles.

Anyone have any idea how this situation affects the selling price of such a "new" car? Thanks.

paul j.

pat · June 2004

That sounds like a question that the folks hanging out on the Smart Shopper board would love to tackle. Click on that link, find a likely discussion and ask there as well as here.

Good luck!

sharonf · July 2004

My mom is finally going to get rid of the 93 Acura Vigor she loves due to more and more mechanical problems. We've been looking at and test driving new cars and have narrowed down the choices to the following four:

2005 Mercedes C230 Kompressor
2004 BMW 325i
2004 Lexus ES330 "special edition sport design"
2005 Jaguar S Type 3.0

Any opinions, advice, information on these choices would be greatly appreciated. It seems there are pros and cons to all....so hard to know what to get!

lexusguy · July 2004

As a Jaguar owner.. I dont recommend Jaguar. I know that probably sounds wierd, but I've owned Jags since '96, and if you're going from an Acura to a Jag, I think you're going to be unpleasantly surprised about the problems that are going to crop up rather early in the ownership experience. Electrical failures galore. Is there a reason that the '04 Acura TL, or '05 Infiniti G35 arent on that list? The ES is a great car, but if you're looking for a "fun" driving experinece as with the 325i and to a lesser extent C class, the ES and Jag arent it. The TL and G35 offer GOBS more power than the BMW and Mercedes, and in my opinion, handle just as well.

If bad weather handling is an issue, the '05 Infiniti G35x offers AWD, combined with 277hp and 270lb.ft. of torque, something Germany cant beat, not unless you get an E500 4matic or A6 2.7T Sline, for only about $45K+ for the Audi, and $60K+ for the Mercedes.

sharonf · July 2004

Yes, that's one of the things that's scaring her about the Jag....horror stories of them always being in the shop. It's just always been that car that she's always wanted....although...that was really some of the older models that she loved....she's not "in love" with the S-type. May I ask if your current Jag is a late model?
The reason the Infiniti is not on the list is she doesn't like the look of the car...and the Acura...a combination of not liking the news lines of the car..and the problems she's had with her current Acura.
And yes, the driving experience between the Mercedes and Bmw is totally different from that of the Jag and Lexus...that's where they each have something comes in. The latter two are much more luxurious inside...and the Jag has a more distinctive....not like every other car on the road look to it. The first two have more handling and responsiveness on their plus list rather than interior luxury.
I imagine we'll be out testing them all again today! Thanks for your input!

lexusguy · July 2004

I've owned three Jaguars, a '94 XJS-V12 convertible that I bought in '96, a '98 XK8 convertible that I bought in '00, and a '00 XKR that I currently have that I bought two years ago. If you've noticed a pattern here, its that I have always bought the cars two years old, and I havent kept any for long. The initial depreciation hit on Jaguars is BRUTAL, and it kind of stays that way. You can buy a '98 or '99 XJR sedan, Jags top supercharged $80K+ car, for literally in the teens now. I also havent kept any of my Jags past 35K miles, because they just become too much of a pain in the [non-permissible content removed] after that. Reliability on my '94 XJ was the worst of the trio, but interestingly enough I liked it the best. Sure the V12 was a maintanence hog, and the power was only about as much as a standard XK8, but it was a JAGUAR, whith a Jaguar engine, and a beautifully crafted interior. Neither my XK8 or XKR have retained that feeling. The V8s are Ford sourced. The plastics and vinyls have no business being in a Jaguar. The interior of the initial run of the S-type was absolute garbage. They have improved apon it since then, but it's still not nearly as good as it should be. Quite frankly I think the ES330 blows it away in that respect. If she doesnt like the styling of the new TL thas one thing, but comparing it to a '93 Vigor with its.. lets just say not great 5 cylinder is hardly fair. Acura is way above Jag, BMW, and MB in terms of long term reliability, pretty much almost as good as Lexus.

Kirstie_H · August 2004

Depending on whether you're buying new or used, or trading in after a few years vs. keeping your vehicle for years to come, the cars on our list can be a bargain or a bust:

Top 10 Cars With the Best Residual Value for 2004
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/102467/article.html

Top 10 Cars With the Worst Residual Value for 2004
http://www.edmunds.com/reviews/list/top10/102471/article.html

kirstie_h
Roving Host & Future Vehicles Host

mirth · August 2004

...if you're buying new, buy from the "Best" residual list so you'll lose less money over time, and if you're buying used, buy from the "Worst" residual list so you'll pay less money up front.

opalope · August 2004

ok 2002 preowned civic from honda dealer auto lx round 30,000 miles 12,000out the door or new hyundai elantra auto for 12,800 out the door?i like elantra and the price is nice but im not sure about the long term reliability if i felt better about that id buy it in a heart beat.if theres anyother cars im missing please let me know i cant go over 13,000 otd.thanks for helping me out i actually posted in the wrong section last time so hopefully you guys will help me out thanks soooooo much in advance.

pat · August 2004

Hi opalope. While you are waiting for some feedback here, I think you will find our Low End Sedans discussion very helpful. It is a discussion about sedans under $15k - there's lots of good reading there as well as some very helpful folks who may not see your post here. Have fun and good luck!

poet_locksmith · August 2004

This actually is a question about a type of VW beetle. I was driving around town and saw a VW in a used car dealership's parking lot. It was strange looking to me, so I took a friend over to see it. He's fairly mechanical when it comes to cars. He said it a regular old VW, but the hood is like a Rolls-Royce. I'm wondering if anyone else has seen one like this and where I could find one for a nice price if I was going to buy one.

sweet1plum2000 · August 2004

I am interested in purchasing a 2002 to 2005 four door sedan that is not a cookie cutter copy of another. I love the Dusty Rose color I have seen on something I didn't recognize. It had four doors, about medium size for the sedan, whaler rear spoiler, headlights like the Celica, and a hood scoop on the front. I see small cars with sports packages, but what about the sedans? Any clue? The one I did see was a 2003, or 2004 model something. Thanks for any feedback. Very pretty car. Wish I knew.

pat · August 2004

Hi poet_locksmith - hit the New Cars and/or Used Car tab at the top of the page and follow the links to the Volkswagen pages. You'll find pictures of all the models.

I wonder if you are talking about the Phaeton? You can join a discussion on any VW model by using the Browse by Vehicle search feature on the left side of the page.

Good luck!

adak · August 2004

I'm trying to find a new sedan with non leather interior and adjustable lumbar support for both driver and passenger seats. I currently have a 98 Volvo S70 and maintenance is just too high. Volvos do meet my requirements but I prefer to not buy another if there are other choices.

Kirstie_H · August 2004

A reporter is doing a story for Parade magazine (the magazine in most Sunday papers nationwide). She is looking for someone who, this year, traded in their SUV, pickup truck or minivan for a car, preferably a domestic car, but thats not necessary.

If you have done this, or someone you know has, and would be willing to speak with the reporter, please e-mail pkrebs@edmunds.com by 5 pm PT today. Thanks!

machaan · August 2004

I wouldn't reccomend 1, 2 and 4 to my mother if she were 70; unless she enjoys spending time at dealership for unscheduled service.

kris10 · September 2004

I am currently looking to purchase a new car. I'm looking at 2004's and hoping to get a good deal on one. I have done a lot of research and have narrowed it down to 4. I want a car that is comfortable, safe, gets good gas mileage, powerful, quiet, looks nice, and drives well. I was hoping you all could give some much appreciated advice/feedback and if you have one of the cars listed below, how much you paid for it and likes/dislikes/problems! I have it narrowed down to:

2004 Pontiac Grand Prix GT2
2004 Chevrolet Malibu LS
2004 Nissan Altima 3.5 SE
2004 Toyota Camry LE V6

I have only driven the GT2. I plan on test driving the others very soon.

Thanks!
Kristen

kkoan · September 2004

Hello

I am trying to see what would be the best bet in buying a sedan. My cieling is $14500, can't go past that. Basically I am a first-time buyer and I want to make the smartest decision possible. Do I go for the reliability of Honda/Toyota or the value of Hyundai/Kia? Any feedback would be appreciated.

Now, here are my deal options (all auto tranny):

1) '05 Toyota Corolla CE out the door - $13,5k -like the deal because reliable car plus 3 yr bumper/5 year powertrain warranty

2) '04 Honda Civic VP out the door - $14,4k - reliable and great mpg but only 3yr bumper warranty, no powertrain

3)'04 Kia Spectra - $10,5k out the door - cheap price, great warranty but I've heard it makes too much noise and warranty service is suspect. Plus really bad depreciation rate. Still good value though

4) '04 Hyundai Elantra $11k out the door - again cheap price but bad depreciation rate, not as reliable as Honda or Toyota?

...thoughts?

bh628 · October 2004

Hi, I am not sure where to post this. Been driving an '86Chevy Celebrity,with bench-like seats, and need a new car desperately. I want a midsize car, preferably $19-$23K. I am a new-car buyer, feel uncomfy w/used. My husband's 88Toyota is better quality than my car, so I tried imports. Fell in love with the '05 Toyota Camry LE, BUT inadequate thigh support. I have VERY long legs. I am 3" shorter than my hubby, yet my waist is about 4" taller than his. So the seat pan is too short, and I have back pain from inadequate thigh support. I had a Camry LE test drive recently, and adjusted the seat back backwards, to push my tush back and used a pillow from "Relax the Back" to put my back upright, which usually keeps me comfy. (I also rented the car for the weekend, before i got the pillow)Could not get comfortable!

Adjusted the seat pan upward in front, but still not supportive/comfy. Got severe back spasm when I got out of the short test drive! I am soooo dissappointed, because I loved the car. Does anyone have any more ideas or a mid-size sedan that has more thigh support? The Toyota salesperson said people who are comfy with domestic cars don't like import car seats, but I don't know where to start! I loved the idea that the Camry is very crash-worthy, dependable, smooth, and i like the layout of the interior. I thought about the Avalon, but it's too big, pricey, and I don't like buying used cars(a used Avalon would probably be in my price range). I also have carpal tunnel, and so have to be careful to buy lighter weight doors and watch ergonomics. Can't drive those Mazdas or Nissans with the wiggly shift gear. Hope you can help!!! Judy

badgerfan · October 2004

For a good bargain, current Taurus seats are very comfortable, and if you are coming from an old Celebrity, even a base Taurus will run circles around it in every way, but I would spring for one with the Duratec V-6 engine if you can afford it over the Vulcan base V-6, though it is adequate as well.

We once had a 1983 Celebrity, replaced it with a 90 Taurus kept for ten years and now have a 2000 Taurus. Have been very happy with it. You may be able to get a leftover 2004 model with huge rebates and keep your cost well under $20K.

Ford is also introducing the 2005 model year Five Hundred and I would bet this will have comfy supporting base cushion seats as well. The 500 is more "state of the art", but will be somewhat pricier as well, especially until supplies increase and dealers are willing to deal.

maxhonda99 · October 2004

Yes, Toyota's generally have shorter lower cushions than other cars out there. Have you tried the Honda Accord? the Accord has a longer lower cushion than the Accord.

You may also want to check out the Ford Taurus and Chevy Impala.

What Car is Right For Me? Help Me Choose!

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