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Midsize Sedans Comparison Thread
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Comments
When we received our Mass registration renewal in Jan '06, it came with an offer to test drive any Ford and get a $100.00 Gift card. I did drive a V6 Fusion but was not impressed, especially the cheap hard plastic inside trim.
Since I did not make a copy of the offer coupon I do not have the phone number or website to check the status of the offer. Anyone out there have the info ?
Thanks
If anything you should be complaining about the view out the rear end.
Well, a client of mine has an MDX and her master (brake) cylinder completely failed. She was shocked and so was I. I have a Pilot and have 75k and have never had a wrench to it. U never know!
May be Sonata sold more in North West than other area?
Once again, if someone test drive both LE and LX , and pay $2,000 more for LE. That person is buying a better name plate, not a better car period. My test drive on LE confirmed that LE is only 2/3 car of LX. Engine,handling, brake, interior, exterior,safety features,price,warranty.....I just could not find anything I like more on Camry over LX, other than modern dashboard design which covered with cheap looking silver plastic.
I would say Sonata will be sold close to Accord's, and close to 2/3 of Camry's in December so.
Lets talk about this at the end of this year.
Yes you are right in principal but the LX is a V6 and the LE you drove was a 4c was it not? Yes the V6 LX is below the price of a 4c LE but what the majority of commuter drivers want is a nice 4c.. not a V6.
Just as you believe I am biased in my liking of a Camry after 16 yrs in them I also recognize your bias in liking the Sonata. That's OK because that's why there are choices. I admit that the Hyundai is a good vehicle but they still have to do tricks to get butts driving them off the lots and not defecting to other makes. Loyalty rebates say 'Please don't leave us we'll pay you to stay'. This strategy btw didn't work for GM. This isn't a very proud way for a world class manufacturer to try to keep it's client base.
Engine & Trans-very close to each other, but Camry is little better on pick up and smoother.
Handling-Camry also has little better handling too.
Interior-Camry has better looks and comfy, but Sonata is more roomier. Over all, I like LE's interior better than GL.
Brakes- GL's brakes works even better than LX which is better than Camry.
Safety- GL had more standard features.
Sound-Did not have cd with me, can't say by FM sound.
Exterior-goes to Sonata, but it will be depends on a person's taste.
Warranty-don't ask
Price-I can get a GL Auto for $13,950 if I want to.
I can get a LE auto for $21,000 if I want to.
Overall, I would say LE is better car than a GL by little and more refined. However, I did not see $7,000 diffrences. $2,000, I might take Camry, not $7,000.
I can get V6 GLS for $15,500 which is better car than LE and cheaper by $5,000.
Or decide that, although the new Hyundais are OK, they just don't like the brand Hyundai.
Just like my brother. Would never buy a foreign car. Period. And at 40 years old never needs to work another day in his life.
Toyota and Honda are not stupid like GM and Ford where Chevrolet and Ford cars and pickups had about half the entire market in the USA. GM and Ford just kept building what their management thought people should have.
Toyota and Honda do market research and build the quality vehicles people WANT .
After all, we are talking about apples and oranges, the CamCord twins have NEVER been the cheapest...only the best overall for over 20 years. Quality, reliability and value come at a higher price, whether you want to buy in to the better autos is up to you and your wallet.
I did see three 07 Camry's in the same area once.
Yesterday, I saw two 07 Camry's in the same parking lot.
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I think Hyundai is on a mission to prove that wrong. The Sonata's repair and reliability record is already better than many expensive cars with "legendary quality".
Bob A.
My parents bought a new 1983 Olds 98. They had Caddy's in the past and looked at Caddy's then. They found same wheelbase and drive train in the Olds, plus more standard equipment in the Olds for several hundred dollars less (1983 dollars). The higher price of the Caddy didn't make it a better value; the clear value winner was the Olds.
Camry and accord are defnitely looking behind their back with panic at this point
Toyota and Honda cost more than DaimlerChrysler, Hyundai, Nissan, etc. because of their reputation. I have been lucky with DaimlerChrysler and others can be lucky with Hyundai, Nissan, GM, or Ford but the FACT is that Toyota and Honda have the best reputation built over the past 20 or 30 years. Volkswagen has earned the reputation of being the LEAST reliable.
~alpha
Please give examples.
When you last bought a car did you purchase based on reputation or were other factors more important? And has your vehicle satisfied your expectations, I think you already said "yes".
Would you have bought a DC product based on its reputation of 30 years ago???
Fitzmall (one of the best resources for low pricing to consumers) previously had the '07 Camry at several hundred dollars over invoice. Now, the Camry is priced at $1000 over invoice.
Looks like there's good demand for the vehicle, AND Toyota is doing a good job managing the supply/demand relationship. Not necessarily good for the consumer, but its promising in terms of incentives/resale issue which Hyundai has yet to dig out of especially with all the cash they're stuffing in the Sonata to hit sales projections. The Sonata is a great car, I wish they didnt do this....
~alpha
Shoot, I should wait few months more. It almost looks like that AD is aims for Camry LE buyers because that's what the MSRP of a LE. It's funny to see things happens so quick. I just wrote about people might buy Azera instead LE yesterday. I did not think they will come down on the price this much tho. I was thinking about $2,000 more for SEs than LEs. Anyway, now it feels like my LX was not the deal of the century anymore.
Everything has come down in price since I cross shopped it with the Camry LE 4 - now at $19,250 (from $20,900 a week ago). One dealership has 37- 2007 Camrys on the lot. Another dealership had less- a total of 9 units - but interesting enough only 2, CE, 1 LE 4 and 6 V-6s. (not to mention that both my local Honda dealership and Toyota dealer had a ton of SUVs). We finally hit $3.00/gallon for the cheap stuff and $3.20 for premium. The V-6 market is probably hurt by that coupled with the 37+ days of rain in N. California. Azeras were going for about $3k off MSRP. I will be heading shortly to my local Toy dealership since its empty.
Did you buy the Sonanta, and now want to buy the Azera?
In Portland OR, I can get V6 GLS W/O moon for $15,500 after Loyalty rebate. $16,000 W/O rebate.
Don't forget to test drive Camry before you make decision tho. You will appreciate Sonata's value way more by doing that.
I called up the dealership with that AD. They said its already sold, but they will have more on next Friday's AD.
Its very attempting, but I already trade up my Sonatas 3 times and just bought my wife 06 Sedona. I better not to.
I think there are also special lease rates going on the Azera, just an fyi. Maybe check the hyundai website.
As far as the Camary LE - three dealerships are now pushing a $237/mo lease per the ads.
Isn't this mid size market so good with pricing now given the level of choices. Altima is next on board, and then Accord for the 2008 model year. By this X-mas, the Sonata, Accord, new camry, and new altima, the prices should be most ideal.
The other interesting option is the '07 Elantra, which is a mid-sized car based on interior room. Actually has close to the room of the Accord. (Hyundai likes to point out it has more room than the Acura TL--why they make that comparison I am not quite sure.) But it will sell for considerably less than the Sonata. Only a 138 hp I4 available initially, but lots of safety features (not ESC) and luxury (e.g. heated leather seats) available.
I just placed another call to my salesperson regarding the Sonata, but I did not hear back yet. I will wait, because other dealerships have the same car. It definetly is a good price, but I want to make sure what taxes/fees are included. There should be only regular tax/license (unique to my County), CA Tire Fee, and $45 doc fee. I now get the print-out because my local Toyota dealership screwed up the paper work 3 times, and the person had to get the manager in.
The last statement is just silly. The altima will likley remain entrenched firmly in 5th place again just ahead of the Fu / lans and the Sonata.
Guess that's why we all get to CHOOSE what we buy!
PS:I also think the Acura TL might be in big trouble with the new Camry.
The TL is more fun to drive, has a classier interior and looks infinitely better. I don't see the people who drive TLs giving the Camry a second look.
A more logical comparison would be the Lexus ES.
Huh? TL in big trouble? Have another drink. Sure the new loaded Camry is a nice car, but it is still a Camry. And the TL (and Accord) will be redesigned in a couple years and will obviously up the bar in their respective classes.
But with $4 -5 gas, everything changes.
For you it might not be but for others it's in the mix. The previous Camry..yep you are correct. This one is a different story,.
I want a mid-size sedan (but I guess I'd consider a Civic or Mazda3). I want a 4-cylinder automatic (I don't know how to drive a stick). I want front and side-curtain airbags and ABS. Reliability is a significant concern for us. Low total cost of ownership is imperative. Good gas mileage is critical. I would love something sporty, but value and price is paramount (unfortunately). My wife and I need to keep the payments down on this one because we really need two new cars, so even though we're only getting one now, we need to keep room in the budget for a second payment probably starting next year. Realistically, we need to spend no more than $20K, because the monthly payment needs to come in under $300--as close to $250 as possible.
I love the sound of a Japanese car for all you hear about reliability, but I'm starting to doubt that we can afford them. I'm wary of American cars because of their renowned problems and low resale value. (But I also imagine us keeping this car for 7-10 years, so maybe resale is irrelevant?) I've thought most about Accord or Camry, but they feel priced out of our reach (which is actually kind of depressing, since I always have thought of Accord/Camry as being the great middle-of-the-road sedans for the masses). I've wondered if Fusion/Milan might be something to take a risk on, though. Then Mazda 6 seems attractive because its so sporty. And I guess Hyundai Sonata is a wildcard--I just don't know about buying from a company that seems relatively unproven.
Based on what I'm saying, does any particular car sound like an obvious choice? I guess what I'm finding overwhelming is just that any one of the cars I'm mentioning seems like it actually would be the right car, but I don't see how that can be because I've thought they are more different than that. Am I considering the right things about the cars, or am I not asking an obvious question?
Maybe I need to give up on these and aim down to a Civic or something in that class.
I'd love any feedback. Thanks.
* Mid-sized car (but a compact is acceptable)
* Reliable (big concern)
* Good gas mileage (what is "good"?)
* 4 cylinder automatic
* ABS and side curtains
* Low total cost of ownership over 7-10 years
* Sporty would be nice
* Most important: value and price
Here is a thought: a Certified used Accord or Camry, equipped with ABS and side bags/curtains, with an extended warranty. Maybe the Accord would be the best choice because it is a little sportier than the Camry. The I4 models are pretty fuel efficient for their size. Another option would be a used Mazda6. Not quite the reliability record of the Camcord, but sportier and probably not as expensive.
For a new car, I think your best bet based on your criteria would be the Civic or Corolla, but the Mazda3 would be sportier.
Your requirements point directly to the Sonata. The I4 has 162 HP, handles very well, has the best standard safety package in the group. I think the reliability is about the same as Accord and Camry, and probably better than the rest. Give it a drive. You won't believe how much car you get for $15K.
For those who say this car is unproven, that's not quite true. This body style and engine are now over a year old, and have been very solid and reliable.
if you go with the larger cars (6, altima, accord, camry) these cars tend to weigh quite a bit more which combined with an auto takes any chance at sportiness away (at least for me). if you do want a larger car, though, horsepower will not be enough for that sporty feeling if you stick with a 4 banger. you'll have to go with a car with sporty handling so possibly sonata, but more likely accord, fusion or mazda 6. i just bought a mazda 6 w/ a v6, but priced out the 4 bangers at the same time, and you can get an 05 for around 16K w/ airbags and leather in either the wagon, hatchback, or sedan body styles. but resale and reliability is midpack at best. but consumer reports' difference between average and above average is only a few percentage points, so i wasn't too fixated with these ratings.
Yes, there are many factors but I'll let others help establish Hyundai's history. I'll look again when I hear from folks who have their cars for ten years and 200k miles.
Sonatas are too good to be true because of how cheap they are
my 2 cents
I should have said 2007 vice 2006.5.
Another one to consider is a 2006 Camry LE. Toyota dealers are discounting the 2006 models still in stock to make room for the 2006.5 which came out in March. You should be able to get a 2006 LE for well under 20K.
In any case, believe, that the Sonata 4 cyl, new Optima 4 cyl, or 2006 Camry 4 cyl can be had for less than a new Civic LX. The 1.8L Civic will beat Sonata, Optima, and Camry in fuel economy, however.
The Optima is a nice car, but you have to move up to the EX to get ABS, which is one of the requirements. At that price, you could get a new Accord LX or Camry CE, or even a Sonata V6 (although that would blow the fuel economy requirement).
Also the Sonata and Optima do not have the reliability track record of the Accord and Camry--that was also one of the key requirements. Folks, listen to what the person states as their requirements--not what car you would buy for yourself, but what car best fits their requirements.
This goes to your budget statement. You want to keep your payments under $300 and close to $250 per month. At 6% which is a common interest rate now for top credit scores you can finance $15000 and have a 60 month loan for $300/mo. If you want it closer to $250/mo then you have to scale back your purchase to ~ $12500.
This all depends on how much money you want/can put down; whether you have positive or negative equity on any trade; whether you pay local TTF up front or roll them into your loan; your credit score; finally the financing source and possible financing incentives.
At 3%, 4% or 5% the rates will allow you to 'buy more vehicle'. At 7% through 12% you'll have to look at less vehicle.
One GREAT source for the budget conscious, which btw I use all the time, is a 2-3 y.o. Certified Toyota or Honda. Check out Consumer Reports here. Most Toyota's and Honda's will last you 12-15 yrs with normal care. A 2-3 y.o. vehicle with normal 30-50K miles will last you well into the 100K range and likely up to 200K miles. Both of these can offer 'new vheicle' finance rates/terms even on a 3 y.o. vehicle with 50K miles on it. Instead of paying 20K for a new one you could pay $13-15K and still keep it 10+ yrs.
You can also look at a new Sonata if that is your criteria and still get into the same payment range.
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Well, a sterling record for 10 years is reassuring, but the most recent year or 2 are by far the most important years. Savvy car buyers know what's going on now, and aren't much interested in moth-eaten history. Things can and do change overnight. It's smart to use sites like Edmunds to keep abreast of things before laying down your hard-earned bucks.
OK, Tallman1, I'll give you this much: If someone is too lazy or don't have time to do the research, putting their new car buying choice in the hands of historic records may be the next best thing. I will instruct my wife to do it that way when I die.
Making it personal drives away potential new owners. Friendly hint. A buyers personal choice neither make him 'good or bad', 'smart or lazy', 'industrious or lazy'.
These are often ad hominem attacks and do nothing except express your frustration.