Which car

[Gypsy]

Meh, car shopping. Sick of driving a car I dislike (Camry, too big and too ''family'') and want to get something I like, that''s affordable, but still sensible since I commute 100 miles round trip a day (so decent gas mileage, safety and reliability). John is HUGE on safety.

We have a few we''re looking at. I fell in love with the Lexus ES when I test drove one but can NOT justify the new price. Loved our old Volvo S40 (except fo the reliability), and am looking at the Hyundai Sonata (bang for buck).

So the ones we are primarily looking at are the Lexus IS or ES Certified Pre-owned, a new Volvo S40, or a new Hyundai Sonata V6 SE. I hate car shopping so I did some car shopping already and some test driving and am leaving the rest up to DH, who is about to kill me for the long list of honey do''s I keep throwing at him (honey, don''t forget to do this when you bargain, and this, and this and this).

Feel free to suggest cars. Not interested in buying an American car unless it''s a Ford and it''s got serious bang for buck ditto with European (I consider Volvo, which is American European an exception because it would be John''s car not mine in reality).

Here are my thoughts:

Like Certified Pre-Owned warranty and details, like the financing deals right now, love the car, happy with the size. I fully admit this is my preference but not sure it''s the right thing to do.

S40, my husband loves this car. I would drive it for 6 months, then we''d get another new car for me. (Think Lexus). Don''t like the warranty and the price of servicing, but if we can get them to throw in a free extended warranty and a year of free service total cost of ownership plus husband satisfaction are worth a second look.

Hyundai, it''s the ''responsible'' choice. But so was my Camry and I really hate the car, I don''t take care of it at all and it shows. I don''t like the ''comfort'' handling of this car, and do feel like I''d settle. Do like the price though and the safety. Plus the dealership is REALLY working for their money. But then again so did the Toyota dealership we bought from, and once I bought the car I never gave it a second thought. However the car has been with me everyday since.

Other: Looked at the Honda Civic LE but for the money the Hyundai just seems better. Nissan Altima is a maybe, will have to consider it. Am considering waiting a while longer to see what comes up, not 100% sold on buying a car right now.

 

[trishy]

i would love to get a prius... or honda''s version of hybrid. those gas efficient cars are just the coolest... not to mention you save the planet. im not a car person, so if one of the cars in the pole were hybrid, i apologize

 

[cindygenit]

Hiya Gypsy!! I''m not a car person either

I voted the second option. Get the volvo, and then get something else you REALLY want.

Definitely DO NOT get the hyundai. It sounds like it will be a Camry #2 for you LOL

Maybe you can get the volvo, wait a bit, and then get yourself that Lexus?

I also really like Prius, but I am definitely biased by my favourite girly show Gilmore Girls

 

[kenny]

I bought a 2010 Honda Insight Hybrid a few months ago and love it.
So far I have driven 1844 miles and my average mileage over the entire time is 52.9 MPG, as seen in the pic below that I just took of my dash board.
Keep in mind I am a hypermiler and your mileage will depend on how and where you drive.

When comparing cars you should not only compare the price of the new car.
Edmunds.com has a new car comparison feature they call TCO, or True Cost to Own.
TCO factors in list price, scheduled maintenance, reliability/repairs, resale value/depreciation, fuel cost, federal tax credits, insurance, finance charges, taxes and fees over a period of 5 years.

For both cars I chose their cheapest trims:
2010 Honda Insight LX 4dr Hatchback (1.3L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) MSRP $19,800.
2010 Hyundai Sonata GLS 4dr Sedan (2.4L 4cyl 5A) MSRP $19,900.

Here is the TCO of two cars:

Sonata: $41,980, with average cost per mile 56 cents.
Insight: $34,115, with average cost per mile 46 cents.

Here is a Link to select cars for you to compare.

Plus in some states you may be able to get a carpool sticker to drive the Insight alone in the carpool lane and rebates or tax credits.
The Insight is cheaper than the Prius and I think it looks LOTS better.
Yes, the EPA on the Insight is 40MPG and on the Prius it is 50 MPG, but look at the mileage I'm getting in my Insight . . .

. . .

 

[vespergirl]

I had a Saab 9-3 (4 door sedan - very sporty) that I had to trade in because of my growing family, but that was my favorite car ever. It also ranked as the top safety pick in it''s class.

I am now driving a Volvo X90 (SUV) that I also love - it''s the safest car on the market. It drives more like a truck than a sports car, though, but I think that''s just the tradeoff when you go to that type of car.

If I were you, I would check out the Saab 9-3. I was leasing mine for about $300 per month.

 

[lilyfoot]

The 2-door Altima is really sporty looking. That was our rental car in Puerto Rico, and it could definitely handle the (rough) roads there. Here at home, I just bought a Nissan Sentra, and my boyfriend drives an Altima (4-door version).

Nissan''s are very reliable, but fun to drive at the same time. You should definitely consider at least going and test-driving them! Plus, the interiors are very nice, IMO, and hold up well over time.

 

[asscher_girl]

Hey Gypsy!
I voted pre-owned Lexus. My hubby bought a 2006 Lexus GS 430 certified pre-owned in February and loves it. It came w/ a 125,000 mile warranty and it only had 35,000 miles on it when he bought it. Got a great price too! You really can''t beat the cert pre-owneds, they are really nice and well taken care of.

Also, what about Acura? Between DH and I, we''ve had 3 Acuras and we love them. I currently have a 2004 TL and still love it. I don''t drive much now (live a lot closer to work) so I''ll probably keep it for at least another 3 yrs.

Good luck w/ your car search!

 

[TooPatient]

Look for something you both like. Sounds like that isn''t on this list.

If that isn''t an option, get the one your husband likes (since he''ll be the one driving it) and then get the one you like when the time comes.


DO NOT get the Nissan Altima. We had it as a rental car and it was AWFUL. The seats were made for shorter people (I''m only 5''2"). It was even uncomfortable for me.
It was SO bad for B (caused much back pain) that we went out the next day and bought a new car even though we had planned to just test drive and research fo a week first.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Had a Sonata as a rental the month of July in Cali. In one word, yikes.

cheeers--Sharon

 

[KatyWI]

I was always a Japanese compact kind of girl, but then I went car shopping 6 months ago and fell MADLY in love with my Jetta. Have you ruled VW out?

 

[charbie]

Just an FYI about the Lexus ES- it is basically a suped-up Camry. If you don''t enjoy your Camry- in a little bit of time you''ll probably feel the same way about the ES.

My mom drive an IS and is on her second one- she loves them. They are a lot sportier, and great on mileage. If its just a commuter car, that would be my choice. I like something a little bigger, because if i''m spending a ton of time in a car, the IS gets a bit cramped.

Just my $.02!

 

[Pandora II]

I have a Prius and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.

We weren''t sure at all before it arrived and we will definitely be getting another one when we have to change cars (DH''s company scheme).

 

[mochi]

I also have a Prius and I LOVE it! I get 53mpg on the average. Had a Camry before this car which I also loved, but the gas mileage was in the mid 20''s. Next car will be another Prius for sure.

 

[E B]

Another vote for a hybrid! I drive a Honda Civic Hybrid and love it. Have also heard great things about the Toyota Prius.

 

[DianaBanana]

While not on your list...I''m voting for an Audi. I love my A3, it''s not a huge car but very roomy on the inside, handles like a dream and gets great gas mileage, if you''re not a hatchback lover like me, there''s always the A4. It''s a luxury brand but these models don''t carry as big of a luxury price tag. Plus, turbo is a good thing, a very good thing!!

 

[MagsyMay]

My family has always had Lexus pre-owned and have had a variety of styles. They really are a great value and will last forever if you take care of them! My Dad''s ES has 150K miles on it and still looks and drives like new! I say go for the IS if you want a sportier look. I love them!

 

[ms.halo]

I''m a big fan of certified pre-owned cars, so I pick the Lexus. Saves you so much money off the lot...

 

[lilyfoot]

Date: 10/27/2009 9:42:10 AM
Author: TooPatient
Look for something you both like. Sounds like that isn't on this list.

If that isn't an option, get the one your husband likes (since he'll be the one driving it) and then get the one you like when the time comes.

DO NOT get the Nissan Altima. We had it as a rental car and it was AWFUL. The seats were made for shorter people (I'm only 5'2'). It was even uncomfortable for me.
It was SO bad for B (caused much back pain) that we went out the next day and bought a new car even though we had planned to just test drive and research fo a week first.

Hmm, I'm 5'7 and my BF is 6'3, and we had no problems with the 2009 Altima coupe rental we had. We also have a 2006 4-door Altima and 2009 Sentra at home which we both find extremely comfortable to drive .. Weird!

Gypsy, I'd probably go with option #2 (the one your husband likes). But won't you be in this same situation 6 months from now, when your husband takes that car? lol

 

[Gypsy]

Great insights everyone.

I wanted a hybrid for a long time, but I've been hearing a lot about natural gas vehicles and other alternatives coming on the market, so we've decided to wait a couple of years to see what's on the market and how it's performing before going that route. We have some concerns about the impact of the battery recycling of the hybrids on the environment, plus a few other concerns. It's something we've seriously considered, but also decided it's not right for us, right now. Natural gas is sounding pretty good, but we want to see what happens with it first.

VW's are nice cars, but my husband doesn't like the Jetta, and I'd like this to be something we're both happy with so that's why I'm not looking at those. As for Audi, well... a few family members have owned them and they seem to have some repair issues, with my commute I really need something pretty reliable or something John likes so he can get the new car.

I think the IS is lovely I really do. As for cramped, we're hermits and I rarely use the backseat except for vet appointments, so I'm okay with it. When we were Camry shopping I was thinking about backseats, and now I'm baffled as to why I cared. LOL.

John's going to go car shopping today so we'll see what he thinks. Right at this moment I'm voting for just waiting for a few months and seeing where we are. Gives me a few months to think about what I want and either come to terms with the Hyundai as the best deal, or the Lexus as the 'personal choice' option, or to find something that suits me better.

 

[sunnyd]

Date: 10/27/2009 12:31:08 PM
Author: lilyfoot

Date: 10/27/2009 9:42:10 AM
Author: TooPatient
Look for something you both like. Sounds like that isn't on this list.

If that isn't an option, get the one your husband likes (since he'll be the one driving it) and then get the one you like when the time comes.

DO NOT get the Nissan Altima. We had it as a rental car and it was AWFUL. The seats were made for shorter people (I'm only 5'2'). It was even uncomfortable for me.
It was SO bad for B (caused much back pain) that we went out the next day and bought a new car even though we had planned to just test drive and research fo a week first.

Hmm, I'm 5'7 and my BF is 6'3, and we had no problems with the 2009 Altima coupe rental we had. We also have a 2006 4-door Altima and 2009 Sentra at home which we both find extremely comfortable to drive .. Weird!

Gypsy, I'd probably go with option #2 (the one your husband likes). But won't you be in this same situation 6 months from now, when your husband takes that car? lol

Agreed. I'm 5'4 and feel like I'm drowning in space in my friend's Altima. I'm a huge fan of Nissan in general. Said friend and her hubs have owned 5 since I've known them, and nothing has ever gone wrong with them. That will be my next car when my Civic gets old.

ETA: Doesn't Toyota own Lexus? So like Charbie said, the IS and the Camry are basically the same car, the IS just carries the Lexus name.

 

[joflier]

I voted lexus preowned. Everyone I know that has a lexus is extremely happy with them. I say no to Hyundai. Drove one for awhile. I think their good cars, but no comparison to volvo or lexus. And you don''t like your camry, and I think that''s a step up from hyundai.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I would rethink the Prius. My parents just bought their second one. I drove my mom''s a lot this summer and it is really fun to drive. I felt like I was sitting higher for a sedan and you can fit a crap load in the trunk. If you have 100 mile commute I would totally go with one. Plus resale value is so high if you decided to get something else in a few years you won''t be out much. My FIL has a sonata and loves it. It is actually his second. You can get them CHEAP. I have driven it before. Not as fun as the Prius but not horrible. Volvos have really gone downhill since Buick bought them.

 

[MonkeyPie]

It may not be in your options, but I would get a Mazda 6 - sporty, fun to drive, very peppy, and great on gas.

 

[Camille]

Def biased, even if no longer own it Lexus.

 

[Callisto]

Have you thought about hatchbacks at all? I was looking at similar cars (altima, civic, etc) and then saw the Toyota Matrix and the Pontiac Vibe and really liked that they were very spacious (my SO is 6''3" so it had to have headroom), some of the most gas efficient non-hybrids on the market, but were still fun and youthful looking. I too did not want a "family car" quite yet.

The pontiac is an american car but the engine is EXACTLY the same as the ones in the Toyota. The interiors are nearly identical as well. The only real difference is the name and a slight difference in the exterior. There''s so much trunk space too with the hatchback. It''s great.

Just an idea, to me it was a good combination of sensible, affordable, and stylish.

 

[Haven]

I don''t know much about most of the cars you mentioned, but since you said you looked at the Civic LE I figured I''d share my Civic story.

DH and I set out to buy two new cars at the end of 2006. We wanted new, affordable enough to pay them both off within a year, really safe, and reliable. We looked at a lot of cars, my family owns Toyota dealerships so we got all the info we could about them, and we went on a lot of test drives. We were trading in two Chevys, a Blazer and an Equinox LX.

In the end we each bought a 2007 Honda Civic EX. We''ve had them for nearly two years now and we LOVE them. I average 32 mpg, DH averages 28 right now, the difference is due to our driving styles. They''ve been extremely reliable, much more so than our Chevys, and they''re nice enough cars for us. (My only vanity requirement was a sunroof, which they have. I gave up leather seats and actually much prefer the cloth to the leather.) We''re not really car people, though, so we just want safe, cheap, and reliable, which is what we got! I really like my Civic and plan to drive it as long as it keeps running.

 

[ChargerGrrl]

Hiya Gypsy- good to see you!

I''m with asscher girl on the Acura bandwagon. I''ve had 2 and LOVE them. However, I would recommend the TSX in this case since you mentioned that your Camry is too big.

 

[kenny]

We also have a 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid and although it is $5000 more than the Honda Insight Hybrid it is worth it.

The Civic has a much nicer ride and interior than the Insight.
EPA rates them both at 40 MPG.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

I recently bought a Nissan Altima Hybrid and I love love love it! With the rebate and my haggling skills I got one brand new for 21K, money well spent. I get about 39MPG on average and the car is fantastic.

I highly recommend.

 

[MustangGal]

I''m on my second Hyundai, and love them! Not sure if I would recommend the Sonata if you''re tired of a Camery though. I had a Tiburon, 4cyl, it got around 30mpg+, looked great, and I drove it 50 miles a day commuting. Now I have the mommy version, the Santa Fe, and get 25mpg on a mid-sized SUV. Never had any issues with either car, and love the 10 year warranty.