Topic: What to buy???

[davidm]

Let's not forget the 4 cylinder Mazda 6 here.  Pretty good pep in a slightly smaller and more sporty package (especially the hatch) than the Altima.  Altima is a big car, my father-in-law has one (after a 90's Camry) and wants something smaller (and he used to own a 70's Buick Riviera).

[tenpenny]

stay away from the sonata its untested - remember never buy a car in its first year of production - you are the test pilot - so never know what this car will be like - it may be a complete dog - then again it might not - do you really want to find out - although you might like spending time getting it fix - because it won't cost you being a least car - just your time.

If you worried about gas prices - then get a Corrolla - its describe as baby Camry.
.

I believe he said that he would be leasing the car anyway, so whatever happens to go wrong with the new Sonata would most likely be covered under warranty. First year that a car is in production is a not a reason to fully dismiss it, especially when it's being leased. Not sure what hyundai's warranty's are like, but i think they have some of the better ones in the business

You must value your time at $0.  For me, any trip to the service shop is a pain in the butt.  I have to leave home after the school bus, go to the dealer, drop the car off, get a ride to a rental place, rent a car for the day (yes, my employer pays it, but it's not the cost, it's the inconvenience), try to leave work early, return the rental, get a lift back to the dealer.....

Thank god I have a subie, and this only happens twice a year.  Having a car that needed to go to the dealer more often would really p&ss me off. 

[AVToller]

I'm retired and don't face the same issues as you expressed, Tenpenny, but I agree that it is the aggravation not the cost that is a major factor for me. Were I to buy anything other than Big 3 or Toyota, I would have to travel 90+ km to the dealer, and either stay until the car was repaired or rent a car, etc. That was a major consideration in ruling out the Mazda3, all Hyundais, and especially VW. The only way I would buy out of town would be if the car had a well PROVEN reliability record. Fortunately I'm able to cover both bases by getting my Yaris locally. My time might be worth $0, but it is still priceless! 

[boytoys]

I'm not sure if it's feasible, but if you want to wait and see the new Civics, could you rent a car for a week or so?  It would cost, I know, but you might like the Civic enough to warrant it?

Of course, if you end up not liking it, you're out some good money.  Maybe something to consider, at any rate.

Other than that, I would second the Sonota and the purchase of an 05 Accord.  I especially like the Accord, and imagine you be right at home in one. 

I can lease u mine for a week or two in the mean time...since i will be on my bike again...b'cos of the gas price ..It's a nice ELEMENT !

[GTI-Gabe]

Have you thought about a Jetta 2.5L?

You should be able to get it for $400/month with the first package (sunroof, chrome trim and alloys)
and PDI/Freight included.

Current rate is 4.3%
Warranty is 4 years/80k kms
Residual for 20k kms/year is 49%

[jeeper]

I, for one, will echo other coments above.

Go for the Sonata, I think you can get an excellent deal in one of these vehicles and the warranty will be there if you ever need it.

[Wetson]

I'm happy with my 05 Accord sedan.  It's got a 4 in it and sips gas.  Lots of pep to.  The ride is a little bit noisy but I've gotten used to it.  The awesome sound system in it covers it up.  It's worth a look if you can swing a few extra $$$  The best thing to do is test a bunch of different makes and do some serious talking with the sales professional about price etc....

[karebear]

So after much debate I ended up getting the Altima 3.5 S.  Yes, the Sonata was a good drive and all, but my time, like yours, is valuable and I would much rather go with a tried and tested vehicle.   

So far, the Altima has been good.  Does not compare to my Accord (I do miss it  ). I just need to get used to it I suppose.  Not as luxurious and powerful.  I find it's not too smooth when you're hitting about 150 km/h on the highway.. I begin to feel some rattling below.  But that may be incentive for me to keep my lead foot of the gas.  It does feel rather large, but not too much so compared to the Accord coupe.  Overall, I think it was a good buy .. but yes, I still miss my Accord. 

[ovr50]

karebear - Congrats on your new Altima 3.5S. I'm a bit surprised you say it's not as powerful as the Accord as the 3.5 Nissan engine is a good V8 with lots of power.

Can you post pix for us. Thanks, and enjoy your new car.

 

Edit - opps, yep, I meant V6 above. 

[wing]

I think Ovr meant good V6, that feels like a V8