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In the past I've toyed around with the idea of trading in my 1999 Ford Contour for a newer, more fuel efficient sedan, but now I've decided to hold off until May 2009 so I can buy a new car as a graduation gift to myself. I purchased my Contour at age 16 while working full-time to make the down payment, monthly payments, insurance, and gasoline expenditures, and while it saddens me to part with it, I must also face reality that it is now a decade old, has just under 100,000 miles, and is sorely outdated in relation to the rest of my peers who drive brand new vehicles that their affluent parents purchased for them, making me feel "inadequate" in comparison.
I've decided that I want a smaller vehicle, and my top three priorities are safety, value, and fuel efficiency---not necessarily in that order. I don't currently earn much money as a big-box retail salesperson, but hopefully I'll be making around $40,000 as an entry-level accountant in 2009, and that should afford me the ability to purchase a vehicle in the mid-teen range.
Here's what I've been considering:
Honda Fit.
Ford Focus. http://www.forumauto.net/photo-auto/ford-focus-2008-pic25.jpg (broken link)
Mazda3.
Toyota Yaris.
Toyota Corolla. http://www.used-car-buffalo.com/vehicles/2008ToyotaCorolla.jpg (broken link)
Honda Civic.
Nissan Sentra.
Ideally I would love to own a Toyota Prius, Smart Car, or a Mini Cooper convertible, but none of these vehicles would be within my anticipated budget range upon graduation.
I like the Focus and the Mazda myself.
Personally, I would let somebody else take the big ding in depreciation and get a used one that is a year or two old. Don't start trying to keep up with others now (especially if it is Mommy and Daddy's dollars they are playing with) because it will be a never ending race. Get one you like, and that fills your needs.
I think the best looking sedan of the bunch is the Mazda 3. I'd take that - or the Honda Fit. The other cars, though certainly reputable, just look so run of the mill. Good luck with whatever you choose!
A guy in my area has a smartcar.........the day i saw it i had to do a double-take.........looked like a little golf cart w/doors and windows. I guess he's only one of 8 people in Ohio that has one. Anyway, i believe an article in the paper said he only paid 13k for one. I would be afraid that i would die in one of those little cars though, too many trucks and SUV's out there to worry about.
Considering that you keep your cars for a while, as do I, go for a Toyota or Honda. In particular, I endorse your idea of the Honda Fit.
I have test driven a 2007 model and loved it. Having done some research, I think I'll be purchasing a 2009 Fit when they are released in the Fall of 2008. It will replace my beloved 1992 Honda Accord LX (165K miles), of which I am the original owner/only driver.
(For those of you who are thinking I'm down-grading -- I have looked at the new Accord and they are super classy and comfy. However, they are just too much car for me nor are they fun or practical enough. )
I have to use rentals a lot and I say, knock that Mazda out of the mix. I got caught in a downpour one time and the windshield wipers did no good at all. To slow to keep up with the downpour. I had to come to a dead stop in the middle of the interstate because I could not see a THING! I have refused them as rentals ever since.
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I purchased my Contour at age 16 while working full-time to make the down payment, monthly payments, insurance, and gasoline expenditures, and while it saddens me to part with it, I must also face reality that it is now a decade old, has just under 100,000 miles, and is sorely outdated in relation to the rest of my peers who drive brand new vehicles that their affluent parents purchased for them, making me feel "inadequate" in comparison.
Fit!!!
)
