Buying a used car... What would you choose from these 3 models?

[soli528]

Looking for opinions from those who own or have driven one of these choices.
If you know of any perks like transferrable factory warranty, or any caveats such as recalls, please list those as well.

If you have another recommendation, figure in the following:

Looking for a sedan, budget is around $15-17K.
I'm 6'1", 190lbs.
Would like to average around 30 mpg.
Drive about 15K miles/year
Will have infant car seat in back seat (needs four doors and safety is paramount).
I'm 37, have no delusions of grandeur.

[Curt]

What are the three models?

[Tone-Control]

I'm a Chevy guy. Maybe go drive a Malibu. Seems to fit your needs.

[soli528]

Ummm. what are the three models?
(see poll) ;)

[Boobala]

The Camry will out-live you. Get it.

[Curt]

(see poll) ;)

Doh!

[Joe Dirt]

None of the above; Mazda3 FTW

[soli528]

None of the above; Mazda3 FTW
I don't know a thing about Mazdas. What do you like? How's their safety, reliability, maintenance costs, etc...

[mprvise]

My wife and I looked hard at two of your three plus a few others last year and ended up with a Mazda 6. Great car and zero troubles so far.

[bigdaddy]

You're too tall for the mazda & the 3 isn't even in the same calss as what you mentioned.

If you want a cushy comfy ride get the camry. If you want a more responsive ride get the honda.

[mprvise]

My wife and I looked hard at two of your three plus a few others last year and ended up with a Mazda 6. Great car and zero troubles so far.

Forgot to mention I'm 6'2" and 170lbs and am super comfortable in the 6.

[Joe Dirt]

I don't know a thing about Mazdas. What do you like? How's their safety, reliability, maintenance costs, etc...

I have a 2003 protege5 with 160,000 as my daily driver. Other than oil changes etc. The only thing I have done is timing belt/water pump at 120,000 miles. The mazda 3s are chain drive so no more timing belts. Safety, maintenance is right up there with the other jap models. If you test drive one of the S models I think you would really like it. I will be getting a 3 when my pr5 hits 200,000 in about a year and a half. I have driven many of them and can't think of a better car for the money

[dets1]

i took my '97 accord in for a checkup. i told the mechanic to go thru it and replace whatever was needed. at 135,000 miles i was expecting a bill for about $700. i picked up my car to the tune of $79. oil change, grease job, tire rotaion and a few filters. i asked the mechanic what was up- he told me "just drive it. that's all you do with hondas".

[soli528]

Looking at the poll results so far explains why you see at least one accord at every intersection!

[Faraldi]

I also like the idea of a Mazda.

I drive a 1996 Mazda Protege with 160K miles on it. Got it a little over a year ago and put 20K miles on that thing, many of which were done with a couple of amps and a manager who weighs 350lbs.

I get, on average, 32mpg.

Our other car is a Mazda5 (kind of wagon/minivan looking thing). Great quality cars.

Overall, I don't think you'll go wrong with any of them on your list. Take a look at insurance costs. That might be a help in deciding. I think Camry's have a higher theft rate (or they did at one time) thus a higher premium.

[VicAjax]

personally, i'd get a low-mileage 2003 BMW 5 series... the last year for the E39 (imho much better than the E60/61)

but between those three... i'd probably go with the Honda. I've owned both an Accord and a Camry, and both were great, reliable cars. but Toyota seems to have had some safety issues of late, so i'd stick with Honda.

[nezzjo]

Honda Accord.

I have owned:
1987 Honda Civic Hatchback(320K miles)
1995 Honda Civic 2 Door (280K miles)
2005 Honda CRV (drove for 43K miles and gave to son to drive, he still is driving and has 100K and still going great)
2007 Honda CRV (drove for 60K and traded in for 2010 Volvo XC60)

Trade in on 2007 Honda CRV was great! Resale value on Honda is very good.

[germs]

if you're dead set on an import, buy the Accord.

if you can afford new, go with Hyundai.

[saijo]

definetly not HUNDAY

[Jon C]

i took my '97 accord in for a checkup. i told the mechanic to go thru it and replace whatever was needed. at 135,000 miles i was expecting a bill for about $700. i picked up my car to the tune of $79. oil change, grease job, tire rotaion and a few filters. i asked the mechanic what was up- he told me "just drive it. that's all you do with hondas".


... unless you fail to replace your timing belt every 60k or so, in which case you often end up buying a new engine:cool:... it's critical preventive maintenance on them (as with many other cars)... at 135k you should have replaced it at least once, if not twice (along w/ water pump & ancillaries as long as you're in there).

[bigdaddy]

... unless you fail to replace your timing belt every 60k or so, in which case you often end up buying a new engine:cool:... it's critical preventive maintenance on them (as with many other cars)... at 135k you should have replaced it at least once, if not twice (along w/ water pump & ancillaries as long as you're in there).

It's 90k or 105k depending on the model year. The 2008 models have a timing chain.

[más_fuerte]

Honda Accord. These things will last forever.

[Boris Bubbanov]

Which 69 year old matron with turquoise hair would I rather go on a romantic date with?

The one that looks like Ethel Merman?

The one that looks like Toby Fields?

Or the one that looks like Joan Rivers?

These are not choices. These are forms of corporal punishment IMO. :eeks

[Targ]

I would buy something built in America, our country is in trouble and we build some good cars.

I'm not into the everyone in it for themselves mentality.

[LHanson]

I would buy something built in America, our country is in trouble and we build some good cars.

I'm not into the everyone in it for themselves mentality.

Well, a lot of the Honda and Toyota stuff IS built in the USA.

OTOH, the country is FULL of used Chevy Impalas. Great cars- a friend had one, traded it for a Camry, and traded the Camry for another Impala after a couple of months. He was a big guy.

[mannish]

anything except the hyundia

[Targ]

Well, a lot of the Honda and Toyota stuff IS built in the USA.

OTOH, the country is FULL of used Chevy Impalas. Great cars- a friend had one, traded it for a Camry, and traded the Camry for another Impala after a couple of months. He was a big guy.


Thus my post, I would buy something BUILT in America... I don't care if the fat cats get any payout, I just want the American workers to get paid.

[captain_bob]

Honda

[soli528]

Not to dismiss anyone's advice to buy American, but can you really say that there's a Big 3 vehicle that is as safe or reliable or inexpensive to maintain as an Accord or Camry?
I can't make a decision in the name of patriotism that may end up being a worse decision for my family in the long run. It's a global economy, and that's not going to change. Also, Honda, Hyundai and Toyota (as mentioned) provide a lot of US jobs.
In any case, even if I was basing my decision on buying American, I would be looking at Ford, can't believe no one is suggesting that.
And why all the Hyundai hate?

[soli528]

Which 69 year old matron with turquoise hair would I rather go on a romantic date with?

The one that looks like Ethel Merman?

The one that looks like Toby Fields?

Or the one that looks like Joan Rivers?

These are not choices. These are forms of corporal punishment IMO. :eeks
:rotflmao
Are you saying that the choices in the poll are equivalent to those elderly ladies? Okay, give me a suggestion that meets the criteria in the OP!

[2000 POSTS!!!]

[Rabidclam]

Hondas/Acuras will NEVER die and they're a heck of a time to drive :)

[pmcqueen]

And why all the Hyundai hate?

my question as well..
hyundai's newer lineups have been stellar. I guess people just associate the brand with "crap" by default. probably with good reason considering the older hyundais are most definitely crap.

but seriously, those of you who are anti-hyundai, go drive a new one. they're probably the best bang for buck vehicles on the road right now.

[yodude]

To me, the Camry and Accord are on the same place, with regard to quality and performance. Flip a coin. Both retain value, good gas milage and last forever. The other one is in a different league

[Boris Bubbanov]

:rotflmao
Are you saying that the choices in the poll are equivalent to those elderly ladies? Okay, give me a suggestion that meets the criteria in the OP!

[2000 POSTS!!!]

For my 4 door, I am afraid I got a 69 year old gal also.

She looks kinda like Ingrid Bergman. Not too bad. I am way too cheap to try for better still. :p

I got a Honda S-2000 so I have nothing to whine about.

[Fuzzles]

I would be looking for a new or used Subaru in your price range to try out as well. You can get a low mileage Outback sport or Impreza for around that same price or brand new for a couple grand more. We just went through all this for my old lady and drove all of them, ended up with a 2010 Outback Sport she loves. I am 6'3" tall.

[Boris Bubbanov]

And why all the Hyundai hate?

You're the one using the "H" bomb here.

I didn't see anyone else use this incendiary word.

People expressed their dislike for the car, but you chose to escalate.

Right back at you - why did you do that?

[soli528]

You're the one using the "H" bomb here.

I didn't see anyone else use this incendiary word.

People expressed their dislike for the car, but you chose to escalate.

Right back at you - why did you do that?
eh, semantics. was referring to a couple quotes, also when I posted that no one had chosen the Sonata in the poll.
definetly not HUNDAY

anything except the hyundia

[whaiyun]

Camry. Flat out lasts longer than any of the rest. and are more problem free. (that gas pedal issue aside lol)

[Telecaster62]

I'm a Honda guy and have had wonderful experiences with my Civics and Prelude. However, today they are overpriced for what they are. Toyota is in the same boat. I'm currently driving a 2002 Mazda Protege5 and it's a great little car so I'm warming up to Mazda. My wife drives a 2006 Hyundai Sonata that she absolutely loves. She picked it over the Accord and the Camry. Zero problems with the Sonata or the Mazda. The new Mazda6 is very, very nice as is the new Sonata. Anyone out there trashing the Sonata knows absolutely nothing about cars. If budget is an issue I'd go with the Sonata over the Accord and Camry. The resale on Hondas and Toyotas has begun to suffer as better American cars and the Koreans have made a bigger dent in the market.

[LHanson]

Thus my post, I would buy something BUILT in America... I don't care if the fat cats get any payout, I just want the American workers to get paid.

And I'm with you. The driveway has 3 Fords and a Chevy.

[whaiyun]

The American/Canadian workers got paid WAY too much in my opinion. They're salary was exceptionally high for their line of work. AND the unions kept asking for more benefits and more money. It's ridiculous. Sorry if I'm offending you guys. I'm glad people's families are getting good benefits and what not. That's good but hell. The quality of the cars were completely crap.

That being said, I'm glad Ford and some other companies are doing their best to do better and compete with the foreign automakers.

[Boobala]

The fault I find in most American cars is not the quality of the Union workmanship, but rather the poor quality of the non-union design and engineering.

[speakerjones]

I gotta go with the Accord. The 3 Hondas I've owned have all been stellar vehicles, and ridiculously cheap to own. My wife's RAV4 on the other hand is a lump of crap. Nothing but problems. I wish she still had the Elantra she had before it (her sister has it now, and it's still running great).

[Explorer241]

Thus my post, I would buy something BUILT in America... I don't care if the fat cats get any payout, I just want the American workers to get paid.

How does buying a USED (what the OP is looking for) American car help the American worker?

[Boris Bubbanov]

The American/Canadian workers got paid WAY too much in my opinion. They're salary was exceptionally high for their line of work. AND the unions kept asking for more benefits and more money. It's ridiculous. Sorry if I'm offending you guys. I'm glad people's families are getting good benefits and what not. That's good but hell. The quality of the cars were completely crap.

That being said, I'm glad Ford and some other companies are doing their best to do better and compete with the foreign automakers.

You lost me. Are the Fords crap or not crap? Kinda looks to me that Ford recently found a way to make money even while providing the workers the kinds of wages and benefits - to assure these workers and their families will not become dependents on society's welfare system. I really wonder what happens to the typical Mitsubishi or Hyundai employee and his family when they cut him loose after many years of service. Sure, it pays more than Walmart, but will these workers spend their golden years working at Walmart because they never got paid enough at the plant?

The fault I find in most American cars is not the quality of the Union workmanship, but rather the poor quality of the non-union design and engineering.

+1

I was raised with a copy of the Society of Automotive Engineers magazine in my paws as I bounced on my father's knee. But the basic design engineering and parts procurement and all the management related aspects of the US label car manufacturers has been a disgrace and a considerable embarrassment to me, given my family background. The guys built magnificent cars when we gave them a design that truly excelled.

[Dan Gardner]

I looked at '08 Accords not too long ago, and found about about chronic brake problems with the model. I've always trusted Hondas for their reliability so this was a bit of a shock to me - I had two previously, and paid for nothing more than gas, tires, and scheduled maintenance on either. I actually walked away unscathed from a direct hit from a tractor trailer on my Prelude. The 2008 Accord issue is something about needing a break job every 12-15K miles. Google will help you find more info on this.

I don't know anything about your other two choices, so I can't speak to their relative merits.

Hope this helps...

DG

[Texas Jeff]

Looking for opinions from those who own or have driven one of these choices.
If you know of any perks like transferrable factory warranty, or any caveats such as recalls, please list those as well.

If you have another recommendation, figure in the following:

Looking for a sedan, budget is around $15-17K.
I'm 6'1", 190lbs.
Would like to average around 30 mpg.
Drive about 15K miles/year
Will have infant car seat in back seat (needs four doors and safety is paramount).
I'm 37, have no delusions of grandeur.

Will you be hauling guitar/amp gear in this sedan? Just curious why a sedan if you will be.

[j2b4o]

The Hyundai is by far the best value in the bunch. You will likely never ever pay for a repair, maintenance is equal to a Honda or cheaper. It's also a brand new model so you won't be driving a car that was first released 7 yrs ago. Honda makes some great cars but since 2002 they haven't really done much at all in the design department.
With the price the warranty the looks and handling of the sonata Id have a hard time spending the money on something else just because of a symbol on the hood.

[Doodad]

I don't know a thing about Mazdas. What do you like? How's their safety, reliability, maintenance costs, etc...

Soli, we have a Mazda 3 if you want to check it out and give it a spin.

[soli528]

Will you be hauling guitar/amp gear in this sedan? Just curious why a sedan if you will be.I used to drive an Explorer, my current car is a Saab wagon, always thought I needed all that cargo for lugging gear, etc... and I suppose I did when I was doing a lot more soundman gigs, hauling a full PA & wedges, etc... but I'm kinda out of that scene now, sold most of the PA, etc... The drummer I play with is able to get his whole kit into the trunk & seat of his acura, and the bass player regularly hauls his 4x10 & rack rig in a small Saturn. All I've got is a modest board, guitar and a 1x12, or a small rack with a modeler & a FRFR wedge. I'm looking at sedans primarily for gas economy and just a smaller, more nimble ride in ATL traffic.

The Hyundai is by far the best value in the bunch. You will likely never ever pay for a repair, maintenance is equal to a Honda or cheaper. It's also a brand new model so you won't be driving a car that was first released 7 yrs ago. Honda makes some great cars but since 2002 they haven't really done much at all in the design department.
With the price the warranty the looks and handling of the sonata Id have a hard time spending the money on something else just because of a symbol on the hood.I really like the new Sonata (2011) too, but unless I could work my trade in and haggle to the tune of a few grand it's still out of the budget.

Soli, we have a Mazda 3 if you want to check it out and give it a spin.Thanks bud, I'll drop you a line if I'm up your way.

[BarryJ]

Interesting timing for this thread, and I'm starting to shop for pretty much an identical spec'ed vehicle, and this is my exact list with the Ford Fusion and Mazda 6 thrown in. I've been a Ford loyalist for over 20 years - but more due to family affiliation than any particular love for the vehicles.

I'm wide open for any other suggestions, though - and this is coming from the stance that I will drive it until the wheels fall off (I've had my current car for 8 1/2 years now!). So reliability and longevity are very important (and I'm not buying new again). For those discounting the Hyundai Sonata, I'd like to hear some input - I'll gladly listen to criticisms as long as it has to do with the car itself.

[mprvise]

Interesting timing for this thread, and I'm starting to shop for pretty much an identical spec'ed vehicle, and this is my exact list with the Ford Fusion and Mazda 6 thrown in. I've been a Ford loyalist for over 20 years - but more due to family affiliation than any particular love for the vehicles.

I'm wide open for any other suggestions, though - and this is coming from the stance that I will drive it until the wheels fall off (I've had my current car for 8 1/2 years now!). So reliability and longevity are very important (and I'm not buying new again). For those discounting the Hyundai Sonata, I'd like to hear some input - I'll gladly listen to criticisms as long as it has to do with the car itself.

When we were shopping for my wife's Mazda 6 we drove just about everything in the class. She liked the 6 the best (after having two Accords previously). However I liked the Subaru Legacy we drove - by far the most fun. I've got a 2006 Subaru WRX wagon to haul my gear around and have had zero problems with it. I'd add the Legacy to the list for sure.

[soli528]

I like the Legacy too. So far my father's day plan is to drive one of each of the choices, with a Subaru and a Mazda 6 thrown in if possible. I like the Fusion as well but it's considerably smaller, no?
It also occurred to me last night as I was discussing this with the wife, the only way buying American helps the US is in buying a new car right? By the same token, the only way buying an import hurts the US is to buy one new... am I off-base here?

[JoeB63]

I looked at '08 Accords not too long ago, and found about about chronic brake problems with the model. I've always trusted Hondas for their reliability so this was a bit of a shock to me - I had two previously, and paid for nothing more than gas, tires, and scheduled maintenance on either. I actually walked away unscathed from a direct hit from a tractor trailer on my Prelude. The 2008 Accord issue is something about needing a break job every 12-15K miles. Google will help you find more info on this.

I don't know anything about your other two choices, so I can't speak to their relative merits.

Hope this helps...

DG

I was considering (this week) buying an Accord for my son to drive, but I read up about this brake issue, plus reports of very high road noise and uncomfortable seats, so I'm no longer considering the Accord (I've had 3 other Hondas and have been very satisfied with them). Now I'm likely to get him a new 2010 Ford Fusion. You definitely get more for your money (given the current $2K rebates) with the Ford than with any of the imports, and it looks like people like that car.

[Targ]

How does buying a USED (what the OP is looking for) American car help the American worker?

Simple, it holds resale value up, providing confidence in new car buyers that they are not tossing there money into a pit. They are more likely to buy American if they feel there is going to be a better resale market.

As for all of you who think they are above the whole "buy American" thing.

I hope you never have to learn that lesson the hard way, when some third world engineer puts your lazy American butt in the unemployment line because you "cost to much" Because they ARE willing to work for peanuts. I BET you aren't.

Problem is no one cares about anyone but themselves anymore, and it will ruin this nation.
I am unemployed, and STILL try to buy American made. But go ahead and try to save your pennies as the nation sinks, I'm sure it won't be your fault.

[soli528]

Where was the computer you typed that on made? Just making a point that everything we use everyday is based on a global economy, and we as a nation will adapt. I hope your situation improves, sincerely. Just trying to buy the best car for the family, not really considering much else in this decision.

[Targ]

Where was the computer you typed that on made? Just making a point that everything we use everyday is based on a , and we as a nation will adapt. I hope your situation improves, sincerely. Just trying to buy the best car for the family, not really considering much else in this decision.

I built it from parts that were laying around at a friends house.

Not trying to single you out, but maybe we should all consider it more.

The management of the big three can't figure out why they can't sell cars anymore, but refuse to see that they laid off their own clientele...
And those Koreans and Chinese they hired to replace the Americans don't buy American (big three) cars... This isn't rocket science.

"global economy" So how much does the Indonesian that performs your job charge per hour? Are you ok with "leveling the playing-field" wage wise with him?
And don't run to the cost of living argument, because you don't consider that as a factor for the rest of us. Remember, it's a "global economy" so you can just adapt.

[It's Time!]

Instead of buying a used car, why not lease a brand new Hyundai Sonata for like $199 a month?

[Targ]

I like the Legacy too. So far my father's day plan is to drive one of each of the choices, with a Subaru and a Mazda 6 thrown in if possible. I like the Fusion as well but it's considerably smaller, no?
It also occurred to me last night as I was discussing this with the wife, the only way buying American helps the US is in buying a new car right? By the same token, the only way buying an import hurts the US is to buy one new... am I off-base here?

see post #55

[Texas Jeff]

We interrupt this program to bring you a special report from AutoGuide.com

http://www.autoguide.com/auto-news/2010/06/domestics-beat-imports-in-initial-quality-reports.html

Now back to your regularly scheduled program.

[Boris Bubbanov]

I like the Legacy too.

So do I.

But I'm holding out for a George Fullerton Signature model, with a big fat V neck and some smaller frets.

Nice guitars! :)

[Targ]

So do I.

But I'm holding out for a George Fullerton Signature model, with a big fat V neck and some smaller frets.

Nice guitars! :)


Lol, guitar humor :)

[tennisplayer]

Bought the wife, daughter, and son all Accords. Why? Because I don't want to get phone calls in the middle of the night saying my car won't start or whatever. Get the Accord.