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I'm looking for some straight, honest opinions. We have an old Neon (LOL) that was all we could afford at the time, I've been told to try to sell it outright but I'm a bit leery of that since I only speak English and I'm NOT trying to be petty, I also am leery about the whole experience of selling privately.
I'm very petite -5', husband is 6'4" - I want something I can see out of to drive, reliable, cost effective, etc.
I have previously owned: Toyota Corolla that I had for 20 yrs., a Nova, and (don't shoot me, I was only in High School) a Gremlin.
I am so confused as to how to figure out the best price, I always thought a new car was a waste of money but I don't know that for a fact.
How to decide? Went to a couple dealerships, felt like home sitting in a Corolla and I like how the seat height adjusts, sat in a Fit, liked the visibility but it was rock hard seating, have heard that Hyundai is the way to go but haven't actually checked them out.
We want basic transportation that is reliable, will get us to and from the occasional road trip but mostly it would be close in driving.
I would so appreciate opinions pro and con and any tips anyone has to offer.
Mazda3 - best handling in its class, stylish interior, dependable.
Kia Forte - brand new so this model is unproven but incredible package for the money
Honda Civic - still a top car in its class and a better car than the Corolla all around
The Fit is a very good car. My dad has one. Impressive room and fine handling. Those seats that feel firm at first may be much more comfortable over time than seats that feel soft at first but end up too soft later.
The Hyundai Sonata is a very nice car for the money but is a good bit larger. Consumer Reports recommends the Elantra but I have no experience with it.
I think only the Ford Focus is worth considering in this class for an American brand. It shares some underpinnings with the Mazda3.
I would test drive a couple of Hyundai's. Their warranty can't be beat and from everyone and everything I hear they are the new Toyota minus the Toyo tax.
There is a new Hyundai Sonata coming for 2010 that looks great (the current one looks good too imo) - I'd personally spend my money on a Hyundai over just about any Honda or Toyota save the Civic. The quality is on par with the Japanese cars if not better, they get 5-star safety ratings, the warranty is certainly better (5 years bumper to bumper, 10 years, 100k mi powertrain) , and old models are proving themselves to be reliable as mileage increases.
We'd really need to know what price range you are targeting to be able to give you more pointed advice. How long do you plan to own the car, what do you use it for, who primarily drives it, etc.
Honda Civic. I am partial because I own one but I am very very happy with this car. I have zero complaints. Honda makes a better car than the other car and has proved themselves time and time again. Someone mentioned a Malibu and that's just a bad idea. For the cost of those ugly, poorly built newer GM's you could get a nice Honda.
I'd say Honda, Toyota, Hyundai in that order. Stay away from the domestic junk. Your already heading in the right direction, I'd try Honda first. Good luck and please keep us posted!
There is a new Hyundai Sonata coming for 2010 that looks great (the current one looks good too imo) - I'd personally spend my money on a Hyundai over just about any Honda or Toyota save the Civic. The quality is on par with the Japanese cars if not better, they get 5-star safety ratings, the warranty is certainly better (5 years bumper to bumper, 10 years, 100k mi powertrain) , and old models are proving themselves to be reliable as mileage increases.
We'd really need to know what price range you are targeting to be able to give you more pointed advice. How long do you plan to own the car, what do you use it for, who primarily drives it, etc.
There is no new Sonata for 2010. Same design updated for 2009.
I would avoid Hyundai anyway. I owned 2 2003's and they were horribly built.
I like Nissan, but if you if I had a choice between the ones you provided, I'd go with Honda. Actually, I'd buy a Hyundai before a Toyota. Toyota USED to build quality. Now they just build crap and are relying on their once stellar quailty to sell cars.
There is no new Sonata for 2010. Same design updated for 2009.
I would avoid Hyundai anyway. I owned 2 2003's and they were horribly built.
I like Nissan, but if you if I had a choice between the ones you provided, I'd go with Honda. Actually, I'd buy a Hyundai before a Toyota. Toyota USED to build quality. Now they just build crap and are relying on their once stellar quailty to sell cars.
And as for your ownership experience, I wouldn't have recommended the brand in 2003, but do today because of the notable improvements in the brand since then. It was really the 2004 and onward cars that represent the best improvements of Hyundai imo.
I think Honda and Toyota quality is slipping, and the cars are not that great, especially for what you pay for and for three year warranties.
Last edited by Sayantsi; 10-13-2009 at 11:00 PM..
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