Cars, Automobiles, Vehicles

[Anileve]

Ok, one more time I turn to experts for help in deciding on a perfect purchase. This time it's a car. I have been doing some research and I wanted to know what all of you think about vrooom vroom.

 

I was thinking about a Used car with lower mileage, economical and sturdy. No more than 10K

 

I have decided on these models:

 

2003 Hyundai Sonata GLS

 

http://www.internetautoguide.com/reviews/4...2003/index.html

 

 

2002: Toyota Echo (love the red)

http://www.edmunds.com/media/reviews/top10...ta.echo.500.jpg

 

2000 Subaru Legacy

 

2002 Mazda Protege

 

And as a last option a Toyota Corolla.

 

I didn't want a Honda or a Toyota for two reasons. First they are the most stolen cars in NYC (and probably everywhere else) and second, they are Everywhere! All you ever see on the road are those two.

 

I was also concerned about fixing costs, hopefully a car that does cost an arm and a leg to fix and the parts are cheap. My preference so far is the 2003 Sonata.

 

What will you kind people suggest?

[Zartonk]

I will go with the Mazda...

[vava]

With used cars you need a couple of other factors to make a good decision (in no particular order):

 

1 - Mileage

2 - General condition of the car - repair records, work on warranty etc. (make sure you get an inspection)

3 - Dealer/person you're buying from

4 - Warranty, if there is one (or an extended warranty that may be available - at what cost etc.)

 

Of course Sip would probably have some better tips for evaluating #2, but it's probably the most important factor.

 

You also need to figure out if you're buying the car outright, or financing - which may have an impact on your ultimate decision.

 

So....your list:

Other factors aside, Hyundais have improved a lot over the past years - but check the fit and finish of the one you're looking at... (a family friend had a similar model and was generally satisfied except from small items that would break, or creak)

 

I'm not a Toyota fan in general, although they do a lot of things right. The echo is a good car by all accounts, it's just not to my taste (I'd prefer a Yaris, though)

 

I love Subarus - they're built like tanks. Is it a wagon? I would own one, but couldn't get a good rate from them on a purchase finance option. It's my favourite of the bunch, but it's also the oldest....

 

Finally, I can't say anything bad about the Mazda Protoge - they're all over the place up here in Montreal. I don't know anyone who's remotely disatisfied with theirs... all in all you have some good choices.

 

Have fun!

[Sip]

If you can get a Mazda 3 in your price range, I would HIGHLY recommend one.

 

 

.. and thanks vava

Edited June 22, 2006 by Sip

[Azat]

Subaru Legacy is a awesome car, but they have a negative connotation. Click and Clack ALWAYS recommend the Subaru Legacy

[aSoldier]

Legacy...

[Anileve]

With used cars you need a couple of other factors to make a good decision (in no particular order):

 

1 - Mileage

2 - General condition of the car - repair records, work on warranty etc. (make sure you get an inspection)

3 - Dealer/person you're buying from

4 - Warranty, if there is one (or an extended warranty that may be available - at what cost etc.)

 

Of course Sip would probably have some better tips for evaluating #2, but it's probably the most important factor.

 

You also need to figure out if you're buying the car outright, or financing - which may have an impact on your ultimate decision.

 

So....your list:

Other factors aside, Hyundais have improved a lot over the past years - but check the fit and finish of the one you're looking at... (a family friend had a similar model and was generally satisfied except from small items that would break, or creak)

 

I'm not a Toyota fan in general, although they do a lot of things right. The echo is a good car by all accounts, it's just not to my taste (I'd prefer a Yaris, though)

 

I love Subarus - they're built like tanks. Is it a wagon? I would own one, but couldn't get a good rate from them on a purchase finance option. It's my favourite of the bunch, but it's also the oldest....

 

Finally, I can't say anything bad about the Mazda Protoge - they're all over the place up here in Montreal. I don't know anyone who's remotely disatisfied with theirs... all in all you have some good choices.

 

Have fun!

I really have my heart set on 2003 Hyundai Sonata V6 , maybe because I am seduced with its Jaguar like looks, something about it so smooth and comfortable. Also the fact that they are underestimated and badmouthed. Always want to defend the weak and fragile and prove everyone wrong! Yeah!

 

Echo is not good for my fiance, he's 6'3 so the roof will sqash him, Yaris will be just as bad. But I will get Echo for myself only soon.

 

Subaru sounds great in terms of its durability and power. Especially in Canada where it's like North Pole for the most part it's a wonderful asset. However, Subaru's Legacy is a gas guzzler and it's a little expensive so for our budget we can only get a 2000 or '99. How about Subaru Impreza the wagon? I don't like Subaru Forresters either. I have to say though, for some reason I just can't warm up to the wagon style. I have a permanent image of Orthodox Jewish mothers picking their cute little kids with curly sideburns. There is nothing wrong with that but it's just not me.

 

I heard that Mazda Proteges have noisy engines and their parts are expensive. I don't really know much beyond that. I think Mazda6 recieved good ratings.

 

It's becoming increasingly difficult to make a decision. Everyone and their mother keep chanting "Honda, Toyota, Nissan," it's so sickening that there really isn't much choice left. And I am sad that American cars are so terrible. MY shadow is so reliable, with 140,000 miles it has a powerful engine and I had to take it to the shop for repairs only 3 times. Even my mechanic tells me to get one of those three. There isn't even one person who says otherwise. Toyota Corollas are sooo booring and so are Camrys and Hondas.

 

So basically we want something unique and at the same time reliable and sturdy. For some reason with our budget we can't fit those two in.

 

By the way how much should I trust Consumer Reports?

 

And have you ever seen this site? http://www.carsurvey.org/

[Anileve]

If you can get a Mazda 3 in your price range, I would HIGHLY recommend one.

.. and thanks vava

I don't think Mazda3 is within my price range. I don't really care for the SUV's. I have driven them and some of them are fun to drive but I wouldn't want to own one, especially in NY.

 

Sip, you are an expert in cars what would you recommend for my price range. No SUV's by the way. How expensive are Mazda parts and how noisy are they really?

[Anileve]

Subaru Legacy is a awesome car, but they have a negative connotation. Click and Clack ALWAYS recommend the Subaru Legacy

Why do they have a negative connotation? Azatyushkin, what cars have you driven?

[Accelerated]

I got a Mazda 6 and its teh sex!!!! Go with Toyota if you wanna be safe (and boring), otherwise Mazda is the way to go. And forget the way the Sonata looks, it still has a Hyundai badge on the bonnet!!!

[Anileve]

I think I kind of like the looks of Mazda3.

 

I test drove Mazda Protege. The ride seemed to be a little wabbly and choppy. The brakes are a little hyperactive. Camry was most spacious for my fellow, but it's a little too big. With cars it's a little complex with us, he is really tall and I am quiet short, so it's hard to find a middle ground.

 

Maxima was probably the best ride but the 6 cylinder is not economic for us.

 

Altima was not bad, but prior to 2003 its body design is very boring.

 

Corolla is a little too tight for the tall one, but I really liked it. It's compact, fast and smooth.

 

One car that we find very interesting is the Toyota Matrix. It's a unique design and tons of trunk space which is very benefitial for both of us. Has anyone tried it?

[Anileve]

I got a Mazda 6 and its teh sex!!!! Go with Toyota if you wanna be safe (and boring), otherwise Mazda is the way to go. And forget the way the Sonata looks, it still has a Hyundai badge on the bonnet!!!

But it looks sooooo sweet! Everyone says it's not worth it, but it got some very good Customer Reports reviews. Accel have you seen or test driven it? By the way, don't forget I am not a speed lover like you. I just want something reliable, versatile and interesting. You know?

[Sip]

... One car that we find very interesting is the Toyota Matrix. It's a unique design and tons of trunk space which is very benefitial for both of us. Has anyone tried it?

 

My mom has one ... it's a great car ... basically a toyota corola with a cooler body. The best thing about that car is the gas milage which is about 35-40MPG. There's also the Pontiac Vibe which is basically the exact same car with a slighly different body (tail lights are a bit different).

 

The inside feels like a small SUV and you feel like you are sitting higher up than a regular car. All in all, if you like the matrix's look and feel, you can't go wrong with it.

[vava]

We considered getting the AWD version of the Matrix-Vibe. FInally we decided the extra cost wasn't worth it, but it's a really good car. Plenty of room, good economy, and it's available with a more powerful engine and AWD if you get the upmarket version.

[Anileve]

My mom has one ... it's a great car ... basically a toyota corola with a cooler body. The best thing about that car is the gas milage which is about 35-40MPG. There's also the Pontiac Vibe which is basically the exact same car with a slighly different body (tail lights are a bit different).

 

The inside feels like a small SUV and you feel like you are sitting higher up than a regular car. All in all, if you like the matrix's look and feel, you can't go wrong with it.

 

Sip jan, do you feel comfortable in the driver's seat? I read comments that the seat can be slightly uncomfortable? Also how is the dashboard? Is it enough space for you?

[vava]

Sip jan, do you feel comfortable in the driver's seat? I read comments that the seat can be slightly uncomfortable? Also how is the dashboard? Is it enough space for you?

 

I think to judge these kinds of things, you really just have to drive it. What may be "comfortable" for some, may not be for you.... Also most cars now have 6-10 way adjustable seats, so be sure to play with it until the seat suits you. Check the controls - are they easily accessible? Are the intuitive to use? Are they lit at night? The last thing you want is to search for the controls blindly while driving. Seat comfort comes more into play if you plan on lots of long trips, but IMO, vibration, engine noise etc can have a greater impact on comfort than just the seat.

[Anileve]

We considered getting the AWD version of the Matrix-Vibe. FInally we decided the extra cost wasn't worth it, but it's a really good car. Plenty of room, good economy, and it's available with a more powerful engine and AWD if you get the upmarket version.

Vavachka, what did you guys decide on?

[vava]

We looked long and hard, drove many vehicles both new and used. We wanted something that wasn't too large, (we do, after all, live in the city) but would offer us room for our gear/activities/dog. AWD was a must. Our short-list also included the Escape, the Legacy Wagon, the Korean CUV twins (Tuscon/Sportage) and the Element AWD, as well as the Vibe/Matrix AWD.

 

Finally, we bought an Outlander - not a very popular car, especially here in Canada. They only started importing them here from Japan in 2003. The AWD system is great, especially for our snowy roads - plus on weekends these days, I'm always going out to the country, and it handles great on dirt roads.

 

Engine economy is good, considering the weight & the fact that it's AWD. On highway I pull out 28 mpg depending on how fast I go, and combined mileage is somewhere around 22 mpg. I consider it a wagon, although many people call it a compact SUV - I guess becuase the cockpit is pretty high. Visibility, safety ratings and reliability are all positives, and we've been very satisfied so far - we even have room for all our gear, plus the dog. Drawbacks are probably engine power - it certainly is no sportster - and the interior trim is rudimentary. Apart from that, I'm pretty happy wiht our choice

[Sip]

Not sure if we have the Outlander here in the US.

 

Eve, I like the seat of the Matrix ... it's not bad. Actually, it feels quite big and roomey for a small car as Vava said and it almost has that sit high up suv feel to it. I know my mom loves it. Given your size and frame, I think you wouldn't have any trouble getting very comfy in the matrix.

 

But given a choice between the matrix and the mazda 3, I would probably pick the mazda 3 myself due to the looks and styling. Also, the engine (the basic engine on both) on the mazda 3 is a bit more peppy (1.8L 126 HP vs 2.0L 150 HP). But amazingly enough, they both sound almost the same to me when trying to accelerate.

 

By the way, have you checked out the new Toyota Yarises yet? I think they would be fun to drive around very crowded urban environments and the price on them isn't bad at all brand new.

Edited June 26, 2006 by Sip

[Anileve]

We looked long and hard, drove many vehicles both new and used. We wanted something that wasn't too large, (we do, after all, live in the city) but would offer us room for our gear/activities/dog. AWD was a must. Our short-list also included the Escape, the Legacy Wagon, the Korean CUV twins (Tuscon/Sportage) and the Element AWD, as well as the Vibe/Matrix AWD.

 

Finally, we bought an Outlander - not a very popular car, especially here in Canada. They only started importing them here from Japan in 2003. The AWD system is great, especially for our snowy roads - plus on weekends these days, I'm always going out to the country, and it handles great on dirt roads.

 

Engine economy is good, considering the weight & the fact that it's AWD. On highway I pull out 28 mpg depending on how fast I go, and combined mileage is somewhere around 22 mpg. I consider it a wagon, although many people call it a compact SUV - I guess becuase the cockpit is pretty high. Visibility, safety ratings and reliability are all positives, and we've been very satisfied so far - we even have room for all our gear, plus the dog. Drawbacks are probably engine power - it certainly is no sportster - and the interior trim is rudimentary. Apart from that, I'm pretty happy wiht our choice

 

Is it a Mitsubishi Outlander? Does AWD require more gas? I think I also read that AWD takes away from the speed, now here I go sounding so well versed in the mechanics department. "Gear"? Is that a new name for the "little ones"?

[Anileve]

Not sure if we have the Outlander here in the US.

 

Eve, I like the seat of the Matrix ... it's not bad. Actually, it feels quite big and roomey for a small car as Vava said and it almost has that sit high up suv feel to it. I know my mom loves it. Given your size and frame, I think you wouldn't have any trouble getting very comfy in the matrix.

 

But given a choice between the matrix and the mazda 3, I would probably pick the mazda 3 myself due to the looks and styling. Also, the engine (the basic engine on both) on the mazda 3 is a bit more peppy (1.8L 126 HP vs 2.0L 150 HP). But amazingly enough, they both sound almost the same to me when trying to accelerate.

 

By the way, have you checked out the new Toyota Yarises yet? I think they would be fun to drive around very crowded urban environments and the price on them isn't bad at all brand new.

 

I don't think that many cars will be much of a problem for me. The only one I can think of is the old Oldsmobile (1978?), my feet couldn't reach. I am concerned for both of us, because the tall one will be driving around as well.

 

Mazda3 does look appealing, but it's a little steep for our budget. It's impossible to find anything under 10K. And we are not interested in financing.

 

Yaris is a little too small I think, but it is very smart. DID YOU GUYS SEE THE SMART CAR BY MERCEDES, IT'S COMICAL!

 

We'll test drive it today hopefully and I'll update tomorrow. Shopping for cars is not as much fun as I thought. Too many options and that makes it so difficult to make a decision.

[MosJan]

MERCEDES ok now your talking

 

Ani JAn Honda & Toyota are just fine and

if you wish to have a Car that will last you long time and will not gave you many problems yes! go for them

if you get a 4x4 then i have me a new best friend in East cost can i borrow you 4x4 or can you take me to hunting/fishing ??

 

but if you dont mind some problems get a MERCEDES or BMW Audi

 

just got a R350 - 2 weeks a go and i Love it - nice car it's an SUV/ Mini Van / super nice drive & it's an "4X4" 4Matic

kids love it nice and big

[Zara]

OK. The title of this topic is really general soooo...I'm just going to post here.

 

While I was driving home today I saw someone driving one of these on the street! What the heck is this thing? I am so confused.

 

 

 

 

 

http://picasaweb.google.com/LarryWorldCrui...021688032827490

Edited March 8, 2008 by Zara

[Sip]

Looks like a variation of a "Smart Car" to me .. for more info you can see here. They have had them in Europe for a long time and now they are showing up in the US. Basically they are glorified (but street-legal) golf carts But I am not sure what exactly you saw as it might also just have been a modified electric golf cart?

 

The smart car seems like will be a hit in major urban areas (like New York and San Francisco) but otherwise, we'll have to see how people overall react to them. I personally don't know if I could pass up a Toyota Prius over one of these given the prius gets better gas milage and is a lot more useful as a car (though more expensive of course).

Edited March 8, 2008 by Sip

[AVO]

Its an electric car, works with battaries, you just plug it in the socket and its charged. I think you get ~50 miles from one charge.