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Whats the best bet on buying new and the car holding up mechanically over the years? I like the fusion but many people tell me it will be junk down the road. On another note what are your thoughts on replacing an 03 acura rsx catalytic converter with an after market cat? new is just too expensive. thnx
If I were buying a new car today I think it would probably be the Altima - which is not on your list. In the past the Camry has had the best long term reliability but I think its a close race between them all now.
Re the Cat, Magnaflow are supposed to be ok, around $200 at Amazon.
Ford has come a long way, and overall they seem to be making excellent cars.
That being said, Im still hearing anecdotal evidence that some cars are having issues. But not on the Fusion. I thought long and hard about it, bought a 2012 Camry. 30k miles in about 18 mos. Loving it, and dont regret it.
Yes, I really like the new Fusion but most people seem think that down the road it will be a mechanical nightmare compared to the others. It's probably too early to say the new fusions are mechanically sound, I would think any new car is good for at least 5 years these days. The Mazda 6 is an option as well or replace the cat and put about $1500 into my 03 rsx with 150k miles and get another year or so out of it.
You know, just about any car being made now will make 200k very easy. Save maybe for a couple of cvt's. Im not sold on them yet. Problems tend to just be around NVH, etc.
easy to 200k? thats a bold prediction. so you would have no issue buying a 2014 Fusion? There are some great deals around here now, sticker price down under 19k. A few mechanics have told me to stay away from it so im leary.
Always tough to predict reliability, but I don't think you can go wrong with the Accord. Hondas have a proven track record of reliability and, when you factor in the resale value for the Accord, it's a pretty safe bet. Close second is the Camry and only because of its resale value, which is less than the Accord. Most Camrys are as reliable as an anvil, but not as much fun to drive as some alternatives. I also see some cost cutting, mostly on the interior, in the most recent update and that may affect durability. The Sonata is a nice car (though I prefer the Optima - mechanically the same, but more sporty), but I don't think Hyundai is at the same level as far as reliability. I really like what I see in the Fusion, but Ford reliability is always a crap shoot. I'm not sure how I feel about them making a turbocharged motor. I'd be more comfortable with it if it was naturally aspirated. Time will tell how that one holds up...
I would say the Accord and Camry would be the top choices, based on past performance.
The problem is past performance is not always indicative of future returns.
I have not been impressed with Toyota for a few years now, and would definately feel more comfortable myself with the Accord. I also might be willing to take a shot on the Fusion. Ford has been making noticably better products for a few years now.
I am not sold on the Koreans yet, but it might just be personal bias. I know many people who own, and love their Sonata. (None near 200K however).
They all seem like solid cars, and all have done a bang up job designing them. If it were my choice, I would take the Fusion based on looks, and faith that they have really put it together right.
However, if I had to be completely rational about it and recommend it to a friend or family, I would recommend the Toyota. It is now in the third model year of the current generation, and has generations of reliability to back up any claims made. Honda has the same thing going, but I am still leery of the CVT transmission.
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