10k-20k budget

[alphatarget1]

I owe my dad money for the LGT he bought me. So now that his car is aging gracefully I need to get him a new car. Criterion are

Fuel efficiency
Safety
Interior design (subjective? good materials)
Versatility

So far I have looked at Honda Fit, Saturn Astra, Nissan Versa, etc, all the hatchbacks. He wouldn't mind a wagon either (if you own one you'd love its versatility). Ideally an American car would be nice if it fits our criteria, seeing how domestic carmakers are struggling. Anyway, what are your suggestions?

 

[theeedude]

Mazda3

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: senseamp
Mazda3

new or used?

 

[alphatarget1]

Crap, just looked at the interior gauges and they're in red. My dad hates that.

 

[theeedude]

I considered used, but got new.
There is a redesigned one coming out. You should be able to get a new one for under 20K.

 

[theeedude]

Oh, OK, just read it's for your dad. OK, yeah, maybe it's a bit too sporty for him.
If you want American car, try Pontiac Vibe (twin of Toyota Matrix), built in Fremont, CA

 

[alphatarget1]

wow, a Pontiac without red gauges! I can't believe what I'm seeing!

If only GMAC still has 0% APR for 72 months I'd jump on it.

 

[theeedude]

Not sure about 0%, but you can get one for 15K or so
http://www.carsdirect.com/buil...POC101A0&restore=false

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: senseamp

Not sure about 0%, but you can get one for 15K or so
http://www.carsdirect.com/buil...POC101A0&restore=false

The 36 month 0% APR thing some manufacturers (including mazda) is tempting indeed.

 

[TangoJuliet]

I just bought a 09 Focus Coupe SES - automatic, moonroof, premium speakers, satellite radio, heated leather seats, 17" tires for $17,600 plus 0% financing. I could not pass up all of those features for a used Civic, etc for $15,000

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet
I just bought a 09 Focus Coupe SES - automatic, moonroof, premium speakers, satellite radio, heated leather seats, 17" tires for $17,600 plus 0% financing. I could not pass up all of those features for a used Civic, etc for $15,000

That's a damn fine deal, and worth looking into for this person as well, perhaps in the Sedan version.

OP, how long will the owner keep this car? Until the wheels fall off? Or another target area of years / mileage?

I say this because it would help to know whether long-haul longevity and/or resale are priorities.

Lightly-used Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu (current gen only), TSX, G35 Sedan, etc, etc. There are lots of options out there if he is more comfortable in a larger-than-compact car.

If he goes the compact route, it's hard to beet the Civic and Focus.

 

[desy]

By looked at do you mean on the web or test drove it.
You really need to get in them.
Vibe, Focus or Astra are the only decent small NA cars

 

[alphatarget1]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet
I just bought a 09 Focus Coupe SES - automatic, moonroof, premium speakers, satellite radio, heated leather seats, 17" tires for $17,600 plus 0% financing. I could not pass up all of those features for a used Civic, etc for $15,000

That's a damn fine deal, and worth looking into for this person as well, perhaps in the Sedan version.

OP, how long will the owner keep this car? Until the wheels fall off? Or another target area of years / mileage?

I say this because it would help to know whether long-haul longevity and/or resale are priorities.

Lightly-used Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu (current gen only), TSX, G35 Sedan, etc, etc. There are lots of options out there if he is more comfortable in a larger-than-compact car.

If he goes the compact route, it's hard to beet the Civic and Focus.

No more Focus wagons right? If we were to get the Focus I'd rather wait for the Euro Focus.

 

[Mermaidman]

Are you only considering small cars? If not, you can get a big (safe) Impala for cheap! V6, full-size comfort, 19/29 MPG.

For example: loaded 2008 LTZ for $16K!

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: Arkaign

Originally posted by: TangoJuliet
I just bought a 09 Focus Coupe SES - automatic, moonroof, premium speakers, satellite radio, heated leather seats, 17" tires for $17,600 plus 0% financing. I could not pass up all of those features for a used Civic, etc for $15,000

That's a damn fine deal, and worth looking into for this person as well, perhaps in the Sedan version.

OP, how long will the owner keep this car? Until the wheels fall off? Or another target area of years / mileage?

I say this because it would help to know whether long-haul longevity and/or resale are priorities.

Lightly-used Ford Fusion, Chevy Malibu (current gen only), TSX, G35 Sedan, etc, etc. There are lots of options out there if he is more comfortable in a larger-than-compact car.

If he goes the compact route, it's hard to beet the Civic and Focus.

The previous gen. Malibu's share the same epsilon platform as the new model only with a fugly body style and only 200 HP vs 260 for current gen. Style has a price here has the newer one feels cramped and visibility is worse. Power comes at a price as well, the old pushrod V6 gets 22/24/32 and still has plenty of pep to get you on the onramp. Also since the newer gen. is so much better looking the older (04-07) models can be had for a sweet price..

 

[Mermaidman]

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
The previous gen. Malibu's share the same epsilon platform as the new model only with a fugly body style and only 200 HP vs 260 for current gen. Style has a price here has the newer one feels cramped and visibility is worse. Power comes at a price as well, the old pushrod V6 gets 22/24/32 and still has plenty of pep to get you on the onramp. Also since the newer gen. is so much better looking the older (04-07) models can be had for a sweet price..

It's a pity the Malibu Maxx never caught on. I agree the previous Malibu was ugly inside and out, but the Maxx offers great utility. It would've been interesting to see a wagon version of the current Mal.

 

[BUTCH1]

Originally posted by: Mermaidman

Originally posted by: BUTCH1
The previous gen. Malibu's share the same epsilon platform as the new model only with a fugly body style and only 200 HP vs 260 for current gen. Style has a price here has the newer one feels cramped and visibility is worse. Power comes at a price as well, the old pushrod V6 gets 22/24/32 and still has plenty of pep to get you on the onramp. Also since the newer gen. is so much better looking the older (04-07) models can be had for a sweet price..

It's a pity the Malibu Maxx never caught on. I agree the previous Malibu was ugly inside and out, but the Maxx offers great utility. It would've been interesting to see a wagon version of the current Mal.

We don't call them wagons anymore, we call them "crossovers"..