If you were shopping for a new car, what would you get?

[Mrs Mitchell]

What would I buy? Citroen C6
Why? It''s beautiful. It has hydraulic suspension. It is exquisitely engineered. It''s elegant and understated. It''s beautiful. Really beautiful.

I had planned to buy one last year, but then took the decision to give up my job and re-train, so my plan is on hold. It is beautiful, though. I don''t know if you could even get one in the US. But it is beautiful.

 

[zoebartlett]

Mrs. Mitchell -- I haven''t heard of the Citroen. I hope you get one someday!

I''ve driven a Ford Escort, a Subaru Impreza and another model, a Mazda, a Honda Accord, a Toyota Camry, a Corolla, and a Prius. I really like the Camry best of all, but it''s just too big for me. The Accord is the same way. I haven''t had issues with any of the cars mentioned, but most of those were my parents cars that I used when needed. When I looked at cars (my first brand new car), I focused on the Civic and the Corolla because Toyotas and Hondas consistently ranked high. I went with the Corolla because I liked the base model better than the base model of the Civic.

I''ve never driven a Nissan but we may look into the Sentra and the Altima (although I think the Altima will be too big).

 

[purselover]

Date: 3/9/2010 7:14:04 PM
Author: Amethyste

Date: 3/9/2010 7:07:15 PM
Author: ArtistJess
i''ve been lusting a kia soul lately.

Oh wow!!! That''s the car I drive at the moment... Alien green. It''s really nice actually!!!

But I just bought the Soul - so I won''t be car shopping for a while...

But, I would look for a Mini Cooper - but I am dreaming - they are really expensive.

Also, I would go to the Suzuki dealer and test drive a SX4.
The Scion Xb kinda talks to me too...

We just traded our Mercedes for a mini last Friday - DH is obsessed with it he thinks it''s the most fun car ever. I highly recommend one, especially the S!

 

[gemgirl]

Our next car is a Honda CRV. Four cylinders will be better on gas than our six cyl Tribute. But I''ll never part with our Tribute. It''s a great SUV.

 

[CurlySue]

I drove a Honda Civic for 10 years until I traded it in and bought a Volvo C30 this past October. I LOVE my C30. It is fun to drive, has great safety features, and the warranty, roadside assistance, and maintenance programs are fantastic, especially since I live less than a mile away from our dealership. I also love that its styling has a little bit of personality!

With all that said, I think Hondas are great cars, and one of their models will always be in the running when I am making a car-purchase decision.

 

[RaiKai]

Date: 3/9/2010 7:14:50 PM
Author: Gypsy
We just turned in our Camry's and bought two Mazdas. Our logic probably won't help many but it boils down to this: Life is too short and our commutes are too long to hate our cars. So we both decided what was most important to us (and despite our commutes, gas efficiency wasn't at the very top of either list) and went out to find cars that fit our needs. I got a new 2010 Mazda 3 Grand Touring (Fun driving experience, interior appointments, compact car, with decent gas effeciency and a good crash test rating were my desires) and John got an a new 2009 RX-8 Grand Touring (he wanted a sports car with bells and whistles that wouldn't break the bank and Mazda had a clearance offer on 2009 RX-8s).


We're both very happy with our cars. VERY happy.

I recently bought a 2010 Mazda 3 (the mid-range version LS) as well. I don't have a long commute, however I did want a fun car! I test drove a lot of cars, and the Mazda 3 was just the one that fit for me to drive. Comfortable, but very nice to drive (had a good "road feel") lots of room. Great visibility which is so important to me - hate blind spots! Good sized car inside and out (I don't like driving anything massive, nor do I want something too small inside). Very stylish cockpit interior and comfortable seats (important!). Lots of reasonably affordable extras or options though I just went with the LS package which had all the things I wanted. Not long after my coworker bought the hatchback version as she liked mine so much.

They have done well in reviews since they first came out. The original Mazda 3 was likened to one of the BMW series by Motor Trend, etc...but much more affordable. A BMW is my dream car one day....so I really quite liked the Mazda until the dream car is affordable!

My stepfather used to be adamant about never buying a new car again, he would buy used and repair them. That was until, a few years ago, my mother was test driving for a new work car and they went to the Mazda dealership. He came home with a Mazda 3. My mother came home with a top of the line Mazda 6 (leased via her job perks). A few years later my mother got a Nissan via work again and via her lease agreement on the Mazda bought it out and gave it to my grandma. My stepfather went out and bought a new 2010 Mazda 3 and sold the old one for a really great price (as in it really kept a lot of value). He adores his Mazda(s) and won't let anyone else drive them.


My husband used to have a totally top of the line Mazda 6 that he bought when he came back from one of his tours. He bought it as it resembled one of the BMW series. He LOVED that car, but did trade it in as he really had a long time lust for a Toyota 4Runner. He is happy I got the Mazda so now we have both.

However, at the end of the day, test driving really is the key. I test drove lots of "great" cars like a Civic, Corolla, Jetta, Yaris, etc and I just did NOT like how they felt to drive.

 

[Arkteia]

Me and my husband have always been alternating Hondas and Toyotas. This time I decided to downsize and buy a Prius. Then this issue with Toyotas...OK, I''ll wait. I still want a Prius. This is one of the very few ways I can be eco-friendly.

 

[ang3199]

I have a Subaru Legacy and it has been a fantastic car, I''m very pleased with it. The AWD is great for our PA winters and gas mileage is great! Although I would not buy the 2010 model because I do not care for the look of it.

 

[honey22]

Whatever it is it has to have top of the line safety features. Full side and curtain airbags, DSC, ESC, traction control, all those other 3 letter words.

We bought our new car about 18 months ago. I was amazed when a friend with two little girls bought a brand new Honda Civic cos ''she liked the Civics'' and it didn''t have all these features. Why on earth would you pick a car for it''s looks etc, over the safety features when you have the most important thing ever in your car - your kids!!!

They are moving to make ESC - electronic stability control and similar features compulsory on new cars in Australia and so they should.

 

[beadchick]

Honda Element! I know they look like a toy, but they have really great safety ratings, the orange and green ones are very cool looking IMHO, and so far, the honda fit that I will trade in to get it in a couple of years is making me happy. I had to pay full price for it b/c was 2007 when it came out but I''ve never had a repair bill on it!

 

[whitby_2773]

we have a volvo XC70 AWD. it's perfect for us and when we replace it, we'll probably get another one. the only other car i'd consider is the volvo XC90, which is the SUV.

i love volvos

 

[zoebartlett]

Date: 3/12/2010 7:03:50 AM
Author: vanillalatte0816
I have a Subaru Legacy and it has been a fantastic car, I''m very pleased with it. The AWD is great for our PA winters and gas mileage is great! Although I would not buy the 2010 model because I do not care for the look of it.

I''ve driven a Legacy before and I liked it. I love the Forester too.

 

[zoebartlett]

Date: 3/12/2010 2:02:47 AM
Author: crasru
Me and my husband have always been alternating Hondas and Toyotas. This time I decided to downsize and buy a Prius. Then this issue with Toyotas...OK, I''ll wait. I still want a Prius. This is one of the very few ways I can be eco-friendly.

My husband has a Prius and he really likes it. I like it too, but I don''t like the sloped back. From the outside it looks fine, but when you''re driving, it''s not easy to see out the back window.

 

[Bleed Burnt Orange]

Realistically? A BMW 135i Coupe. Infinti G37S. Lexus IS350.

Unrealistically what I would LOVE to buy: Range Rover sport. BMW M3. BMW X5. <--- kinda realistic BMW M5, M6.

I only drive a Nissan Altima Coupe (V6) at the moment though.

 

[radiantquest]

I just bought a Honda Civic. I have no complaints. I agree that you do get a lot of features standard. Mine is the EX and it comes with USB port, moon roof and audio controls on the steering wheel. Of course the regular power everything and it was all standard for under $20 K. I do want something bigger though. I read through and it seems that no one has mentioned this one. I like the Ford Edge. I think that it looks really sharp, comes with lots of goodies and is a safe vehicle.

My MIL has a Nissan Murano. She was over for dinner the other night and had me parked in so I took it to the store. Very nice features and I like the lines, but I DO NOT like the way it rides. To me it is in the same group as a CRV and the CRV rides so much smoother. I have never driven an Edge, but I see a ton of them.

 

[So Excited]

I have a 2008 Acura TL Type S and my Fiance has a 2009 Subaru Legacy Spec B....

We both LOVE our cars!!! I love all of the gadgets and extras in my Acura (not to mention the extra power because of the Type S and we put on an intake) and he loves the Spec B for the EXCELLENT handling and AWD and instant torque and speed because of the Turbo...(that also has suspension parts for a little better handling and a performance tune) We live in WI so we get enough snow to need something that can get through it.. I honestly wouldn''t trade the Subaru for a FWD truck or suv.

Unfortunately, both models are now in the "new'' body style and we don''t care for either ones "look" so I wouldn''t know where to start on shopping for a "New" car... I like the Infinity FX50, but I can''t justify the price tag for the little bit of extra space over my Acura...

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I honestly have NO idea what I''d get. Haven''t thought of getting a new car nor do I desire one so I''m not familiar with what is out there these days.

Kids are in sports and it''d be a serious risk buying a new car and having them covered in dirt or whatever. Even in my older car, I have to line the seats with blankets whenever they''re done with practice. It''s kind of a pain.

Someone did post something about heated seats. . .my car''s seats heat up and it''s SO nice.

 

[trillionaire]

VW Eos in Black.

I''m a sucker for a hardtop convertible!

Saw one the other day and stopped to stare and daydream...

link to pictures...

 

[sugarpie honeybun]

Had an Audi A4 for many years and loved it. When our son was born, we needed something with more room in the back and decided to be more frugal and looked at a new Subaru Outback and Honda CRV with AWD. We ended up with the CRV (top model, heated seats, etc) and love it. My only complaint is that it doesn''t have great pickup, but I think that''s because I was so used to the Audi''s turbo engine.

In my next life, I''m buying myself a brand new white Range Rover with light tan leather interior. Yum. Yum.

 

[noelwr]

Tuesday I''m test-driving a Lexus RX 300. 2nd hand, of course.

 

[Dancing Fire]

a mid-life-crises sport car.

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 3/9/2010 7:30:04 PM
Author: ZoeBartlett
Why don''t Mazdas or Nissans rate higher? I love them and I''ve had friends who have both and they love them as well. I''m just wondering why they''re not quite as high up in ratings as Toyotas and Hondas. This isn''t meant as a slight to those cars, just a question.

I think a lot of it has to do with how the whole fleet rates, as well as resale value. Honestly, I was just burned out on ''responsible'' cars... we don''t have kids, weren''t spending that much (relatively speaking... for us it is a lot, especially two cars at the same time), and we spend a LOT of time in our cars. My car has every three letter feature you can think of and makes me smile. Personally... Toyotas bore me... driving them puts me to sleep, and Hondas are expensive IMO for what you get. I like leather seats, dual whather controls, and a bunch of other bells and whistles-- including a better engine, and I love the fact that my Mazda gives me all that at a price that I can afford without sweating. To each thier own. Hope that whatever you get Zoe, it makes you as happy as my car makes me.

 

[ArtistJess]

Date: 3/9/2010 9:34:10 PM
Author: Maevie
I''ve always wanted a Honda Civic or Accord - I don''t have a car right now (have never owned one before) but in the next couple of years, this is what I will almost certainly buy

both my mother and father bought brand new accords this past week.. mom''s is silver and dad''s is gold. they save up for 5 or so years and always seem to buy at the same time. the last time they got matching chevy impalas but the colors were switched. mom''s was gold and dad''s was silver. my friends all crack up at their matching cars.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

Date: 3/12/2010 7:12:38 PM
Author: So Excited
I have a 2008 Acura TL Type S and my Fiance has a 2009 Subaru Legacy Spec B....

We both LOVE our cars!!!

We''re a Subaru/Acura family as well and cannot say enough good things about both brands!

 

[kenny]

Date: 3/14/2010 12:41:31 PM
Author: ChargerGrrl

Date: 3/12/2010 7:12:38 PM

Author: So Excited

I have a 2008 Acura TL Type S and my Fiance has a 2009 Subaru Legacy Spec B....


We both LOVE our cars!!!

We''re a Subaru/Acura family as well and cannot say enough good things about both brands!

I always thought you''d have a Dodge Charger.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I think Ford bought Mazda awhile back. Maybe that is why they aren''t as popular as Toyotas or Hondas. I had a 626 and it was a nice car. The transmission went out when it was 7 years old. That seems soon but I don''t really know much about cars. My mom had a Maxima and that was a fun car to drive! I loved it. I would not discount them when deciding.

 

[marcy]

An Audi A6 but they don''t have red anymore.

 

[Haven]

Date: 3/9/2010 9:34:10 PM
Author: Maevie
I''ve always wanted a Honda Civic or Accord - I don''t have a car right now (have never owned one before) but in the next couple of years, this is what I will almost certainly buy

DH and I both bought brand new 2007 Honda Civics (EX models) back in November of 2006 and WE LOVE THEM!

I was driving a 2005 Chevy Equinox LT and DH was driving a 2003 Chevy Blazer. We were just getting disgusted wasting all that gas driving around in our larger-than-we-needed cars, so we shopped around for a while and happily converted to Honda drivers.

SO, I''d buy another Civic all over again. My needs as a driver are very minimal though. I need a sun roof, iPod plug in, and a big enough back seat for tall people to sit comfortably. And room for the dog. We also chose the Civics because they''re cheap and we didn''t want to carry car payments, so they were what we could afford.

 

[Haven]

Date: 3/12/2010 7:15:21 AM
Author: honey22
I was amazed when a friend with two little girls bought a brand new Honda Civic cos 'she liked the Civics' and it didn't have all these features. Why on earth would you pick a car for it's looks etc, over the safety features when you have the most imp

One of the reasons we chose to buy our Civics was because they rated so well in safety. I wonder if they're made differently in the US.

 

[tina sparkle]

i used to drive a bmw x3, now i drive a ford escape hybrid, 35 mpg''s. i love my car, and the fact that i''m helping my country and american workers at the same time.