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]

Originally Posted by Curt

Ummm. what are the three models?

(see poll)

[Boobala]

The Camry will out-live you. Get it.

[Curt]

Originally Posted by soli528

(see poll)

Doh!

[Joe Dirt]

None of the above; Mazda3 FTW

[soli528]

Originally Posted by Joe Dirt

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]

Originally Posted by 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]

Originally Posted by soli528

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.