Topic: Dcent amout of room for a decent price?

[triple_b]

I am looking for a new car very soon.  I currently own a lowly '95 Dodge Neon, and am looking for an upgrade in power and size.  I am not sure if I will purchase or lease, but I can probably only afford $400/month either way, so I may have to lease to get a car I actually want.  I'm not sure that is a smart way to do it, but I'd prefer not to go used because of the higher financing costs and less warranty coverage.  Also, for some additional info, I tend to drive only about 10,000 km a year, although I might drive a bit more with a newer car and with some other changes in my life it could push that up into the 15-18K range.

Here are the cars I have some interest in, and I would welcome thoughts on these and suggestions of others that might be similar.

Nissan Altima 3.5S - Maybe a bit out of my league at the moment.  I drove a 2.5S and liked it, but the 3.5 is only about $20-25 more a month, so how could I not go for it?  Lots of room, nice power, decent mileage. Nice car, but I'm not sure I'd get much movement from MSRP...maybe 1000 off at best?  I'd have to lease it, but the rates are nice and the high residual makes it semi-affordable.

Mazda 6 GS V6- I hear you can get some great deals on the sedan, not sure how good though. Is 1.5-2K off MSRP attainable? With a good deal and the great rates, it comes in my range.  I'd probably get manual in this car, and have to learn how to drive stick  Not as nice as the Nissan (IMO), and a bit smaller.  Crappy mileage too, kinda surprisingly so. But, I can get $800 off with their graduate program, which I can't get from anyone else due to the time frame of my graduation.  Plus, the dealer is a block from home

Chevy Malibu Maxx LS - haven't seen it up close in person, but it sounds like its really versatile and lots of room for "stuff".  Only decent power, and only a 4 speed auto, but gets nice mileage for a V6.  Warranty leaves a lot to be desired (how do they get away with only 3 yrs powertrain?) and reliability may be a question mark.  Might be a bit more affordable than the other 2, but its hard to tell because Chevy's website doesn't give the leasing details that the other sites do.  (on a side note, it annoys me that GM seems so caught up in advertising all these specials and incentives but then makes it so hard to figure out how much the car will actually cost). Exterior styling, while better than the sedan, is hardly exciting.  Available remote starter is really cool (I live in frigid Winnipeg)

Honda Accord - nice but less affordable than the others due to price and the somewhat lower residuals on their leases.  V6 is way out of range here.  I prefer the Altima anyway.

If I wanted to avoid leasing, I'd have to aim a lot lower...and not many of those cars have the room I am looking for.  One that stands out to me is the Hyundai Elantra GT hatch.  Haven't seen the interior up close, but I like the exterior styling.  Good mileage, and 0% financing for 60 months.  I'd probably go manual on this car too, just to get more out of the engine.  138 horses isn't what I was looking for, but its really affordable and the warranty is the best in Canada.  The Mazda 3 Sport is nice too, but I think its too pricey right now due to its popularity (and higher rates).  It might be a little small as well.  I'm not really interested in any of the compact sedans, they are mostly too small and too wimpy.

I guess my other alternative is to resign myself to not getting a V6 and just get a 4 banger mid-size sedan.  That just seems wrong though ;)  I'm worried I'll regret that decision later.

Anyway, thanks for "listening" and I'd appreciate any discussion or input.

[Mdxtasy]

It seems like all you are focused on is the monthly payment.  Leasing gets you into a nicer car for the same monthly payment but will also put you into a category of higher fuel consumption, higher insurance rates, and at times, higher maintenance costs.  Is your $400/month including all the expenses or is there room for an extra $200/month for insurance and gas?

Anyway, if it were up to me....I'd be looking at the Accord first.  But from the sounds of your post, your mind is pretty set on the Altima.

[saint11]

hyundai sonata's with the v6 are considered to be mid size also have 0% financing. fit and finish is pretty good and it is a real nice commuter car.

[S60]

Have you checked out Volvo's new V50,some good
lease offerings on this vehicle,within your monthly price range.

[ovr50]

The only real negative I've ever heard on the Altima 3.5S is that it has some torque steer. Other than that, fine car and would fill your want list quite well.

[stodge]

I checked OttawaHyundai and they weren't offering 0%. Are car companies doing better these days? I used to see ads for 0% more frequently, but nothing recently. Admittedly I do like the look of the Sonata and Altima. Does Honda every offer 0% or are they fairly comfortable that they don't need to offer that percentage as people will always buy Honda?

(Sorry - offtopic and lots of questions )

[Mdxtasy]

I don't think Honda has ever offered 0%.  They've got 2.9% on some models now...that's a great rate from Honda.  No wonder they sold a ton of Civic's.

[Snowman]

Honda 0%....that would be a key indicator that the end is near.

[neil]

2004 Elantra GT is 0% for 60 months, and 1.9% for 72 months.  We are finding with the new 72 mo programs many are switching from the lease to purchase.

0 down on $21000 plus 14% tax is $352, total cost of borrowing is only $1400 for 6 years.

The Elantra GT, the Aerio, Mazda3-5door etc are good compromise cars for compacts.  They give lots of cargo room with the hatch.  My wife and I made that conscious choice almost 3 years ago for the sake of fuel economy first, and cost of course vs a larger car/minivan.  They are a good alternative with an attractive price point.

4cyl Sonata's have 72 month financing at 0%.

[triple_b]

Mdx: I have considered the costs; insurance should be pretty close between the models.  Gas won't be a big factor as I should get comparable mileage with any of those cars as I do now. I only get 36-38 mpg (mostly highway) although I used to get well over 40.  You'd think with all the oil I am losing it would help the mileage, not hurt it ;) Anyway, any of the above save maybe the Mazda 6 should be in the ballpark.  Maintenance wise, I'm not sure.  I don't know how to figure that out.  As for the Accord, its nice and if I was purchasing it would rank higher.  The combination of the expensive V6 models and the lower residual % than Nissan make it tough to swallow.  

Thanks everyone for the comments.  The Sonata seems OK, but looks badly underpowered.  I hear the 2006 is going to have more like 235 HP with the V6, which would be a big step in the right direction.  I can't/won't wait a year or more for that though.  The Volvo is too pricey but looks like a nice car.  If I could spend that much I'd probably look at an Accord V6 or a Altima 3.5SE though.

I guess it comes down to making the call on which is the better move, leasing or buying.  My heart says lease, my brain says buy.  

[Mdxtasy]

Volvo offers low rates for leasing so you might be able to get into one for the payment.  

I priced out a V70R that lists for over 60K and the payment was not more than cars costing less with higher interest rates.

[Shnak]

I think that the Accord 4cyl would be perfect for you... good price, well equipped, lots of room and awesome fuel economy! Give it a try, the amount of power that engine develops is really surprising!

[neil]

I agree with Shnak.  Specs are one thing, but it's what your bum feels behind the wheel that ultimately matters.  And remember, HP is not the most important #, look at the torque.  And where it peaks.  That is the difference many overlook on specs.  

[Drivesideways]

You're right Neil (welcome back, BTW).  I tried both the VR6 and the 1.8T in the GTI and the 4-banger felt better, even if it wasn't quite as quick off the line.  A car has to be balanced. I think this is especially true in front-drivers. An extreme example, but imagine a V6 stuffed into a Civic...it's just not right.

There's lots of fun to be had in a 4-cyl Accord or Altima...just keep it light.

[triple_b]

I finally pulled the trigger on my purchase.  Well, actually it was a lease.  I ended up with the Altima 3.5S (as Mdx seemed to predict)

Ended up negotiating just under a grand off MSRP, which was my target price.  I'll pick ut up on Wednesday!  It is black.  I wanted smoke, but nobody had any in stock.

[ovr50]

Triple - congrats on your decision and your soon-to-be new car. The black Altima 3.5S is a very nice package and just looks great (just keep it clean, as you are well aware!!). Look forward to seeing pix once you get it.

[WW]

Congrats. I hope you enjoy your new Altima. I am also looking forward to seeing your brand new car so post pics.

[Mdxtasy]

Great choice.  They are a pretty good car.  Congrats on the purchase.

[inco]

Way to go BBB - is that the Better----? Anyway of all the cars in that range I think the Altima is the best choice. Love the look and the black is one sinister looking car. Enjoy.

[Snowman]

Good choice B3. Enjoy you new ride.