2012 Camry SE, Fusion SE, Sonata SE, what would you get?

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ballmode

Lifer
Aug 17, 2005
10,246
2
0
Three cars, all 4cylinder models, all prices within hundreds with each other and optioned almost identical.

I am helping my Dad get a new car and will basically get this as a second car as he drives his 06 Accord to work.

He doesn't like the new Accord as its too big, but is open to getting one of the three aforementioned. Malibu is a no go, and the 4 cylinder altima is going to have a refresh next year, so we don't want that either.

Fusion doesn't seem like a good buy to me as the new one comes out next year. The Camry is a new model and the SE model has a stiffer suspension to give it a pulse unlike any other Camry before it.

Sonata is the wild card, but I'm afraid of the resale value.

Suggestions?
 
LTC8K6

LTC8K6

Lifer
Mar 10, 2004
28,520
1,575
126
Fusion should have great deals since it's being updated.

I know my local dealer is advertising $6K off the sticker for SELs.

I think there is a $3K cash back deal on Fusions as well.
 
adlep

adlep

Diamond Member
Mar 25, 2001
5,287
6
81
HI
Allow me to make a decision for you as I was exactly in the same boat as your dad. At the end I have replaced 06 Accord with 09 Accord and it has been a great mistake. The car feels like a big, poorly made plastic bathtub with super uncomfortable center armrest and the small armrests on the door. For the life of me, I can not find a comfortable position in the car and I will get rid of it.

Having said that, I am now driving a rental Mazda 6 and the car feels wonderful. A little bit bigger inside than the 7gen Accord but not big enough to loose the coziness.
Being your dad, I'd get a 2010/2011 Mazda 6 Grand Touring or Turing with premium wheels, the nicer gauges, trip computer and maybe leather seats.
The power deliver with I-4 and auto tranny is surprisingly smooth. The car is very quiet on the freeway. The engine revs at around 2800 rpm at 85mph +
The interior design is nice. Overall a better and bigger car than 7+ gen Accord and WAY better than stupid 8gen fat plastic cow Accord (fuck you Honda btw).
 
E

endlessmike

Senior member
Jul 24, 2007
385
0
0
I looked at both the Fusion and Sonata last summer. I'd say the Sonata SE is probably closer to a Fusion SEL than a Fusion SE considering what it comes with.

The interior of the Fusion doesn't stack up to the other newer Fords, but the new one coming out should fix that. If they're running good deals on the current model, might be worth checking out an SEL, but if you're worried about resale value I'd think an outgoing style will likely take more of a drop.

Oh, the Sonata SE has a slightly stiffer suspension and 18" wheels compared to the GLS, not sure what sort of ride your dad is looking for but that is something to consider.

BTW we bought a Sonata GLS with the popular equipment package. Very happy with it for what it is - larger comfortable family sedan with some decent options for the price.
 
A

A5

Diamond Member
Jun 9, 2000
4,902
5
81
Since it doesn't sound like he has to buy right now, I'd really consider waiting for the 2013 Fusion. Looks like a really nice car, but the price may bump up some from what it is currently.
 
SpatiallyAware

SpatiallyAware

Lifer
Sep 7, 2009
12,960
3
0
ballmode said:
Three cars, all 4cylinder models, all prices within hundreds with each other and optioned almost identical.

I am helping my Dad get a new car and will basically get this as a second car as he drives his 06 Accord to work.
He doesn't like the new Accord as its too big, but is open to getting one of the three aforementioned. Malibu is a no go, and the 4 cylinder altima is going to have a refresh next year, so we don't want that either.

Fusion doesn't seem like a good buy to me as the new one comes out next year. The Camry is a new model and the SE model has a stiffer suspension to give it a pulse unlike any other Camry before it.

Sonata is the wild card, but I'm afraid of the resale value.

Suggestions?
Click to expand...


Wait, what? He is buying a new economy 4 door sedan and will continue driving his 06 to work? Please explain
 
mmntech

mmntech

Lifer
Sep 20, 2007
17,501
12
0
Sonata
/thread

Not that there's anything wrong with the Camry and the Fusion. They just feel very dated to me. The Sonata offers excellent bang for the buck, drives better, and is more luxurious IMO.
 
evident

evident

Lifer
Apr 5, 2005
12,128
748
126
I third the sentiment that you guys already have an 06 accord, which is an awesome daily driver and midsize sedan, why do you need another car in the same class?

I doubt you could go wrong with the new camry sonata or fusion. the new malibu looks like crap though.
 
child of wonder

child of wonder

Diamond Member
Aug 31, 2006
8,307
176
106
I plan on buying a Sonata 2.0T Limited in the next year or two. The Camry and Fusion are nice, but with how many miles I drive I prefer the performance and gas mileage of the 2.0T over the V6's the Camry and Fusion offer.
 
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cbrsurfr

Golden Member
Jul 15, 2000
1,686
1
81
child of wonder said:
I plan on buying a Sonata 2.0T Limited in the next year or two. The Camry and Fusion are nice, but with how many miles I drive I prefer the performance and gas mileage of the 2.0T over the V6's the Camry and Fusion offer.
Click to expand...

The 2.0T in the Sonata only gives an illusion of performance. 0-60 in 7.0s, 45-60 passing 3.7s, 15.4 in 1/4 mile. Pretty sad given it's rated at 274HP/269 lb-ft. It's closer to the 4 banger Camry which is 7.8/3.9/15.9. V6 Camry is 5.8/2.8/14.2.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests..._volkswagen_passat_se_family_court/specs.html

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...swagen_passat_vr6_sel_comparison/viewall.html
 
merlion

merlion

Senior member
May 2, 2003
252
0
0
When I was shopping for a car last summer, it came down to the Sonata SE and Camry SE. At that time the Sonata was better equipped, and less money. After driving both, it was an easy decision to choose the Sonata. It has been a very good car over the last nine months, and I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

With that being said, that was also the previous version of the Camry, and the new ones are much improved in my opinion. Especially so in the interior. It would come down to personal preference between the Camry or Sonata at the moment. I would not consider the current Fusion, although it is a decent car for sure.

If you can wait until the new Fusions hit the market, then I would wait until then to decide, and after having driven each. The only thing with the Fusion at that point will be with it being new, and most likely in demand, it will provide less negotiating opportunity.
 
child of wonder

child of wonder

Diamond Member
Aug 31, 2006
8,307
176
106
cbrsurfr said:
The 2.0T in the Sonata only gives an illusion of performance. 0-60 in 7.0s, 45-60 passing 3.7s, 15.4 in 1/4 mile. Pretty sad given it's rated at 274HP/269 lb-ft. It's closer to the 4 banger Camry which is 7.8/3.9/15.9. V6 Camry is 5.8/2.8/14.2.

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests..._volkswagen_passat_se_family_court/specs.html

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests...swagen_passat_vr6_sel_comparison/viewall.html
Click to expand...

Sweet! It's nice to know when I test drove a 2.0T SE it was all an illusion.
 
B

ballmode

Lifer
Aug 17, 2005
10,246
2
0
We got the Camry, we test drove all of them and my dad liked the easy controls, the SE suspension in the Camry was very similar to Accord in feel without being harsh.

We could have gotten the Sonata but something about brand new model stood out to my Dad.

My dad drives about 45-50 miles a day, the accord suits him fine and when he goes around town he will take the Camry. He retires in 3 years so he will get rid of the accord or give it to a family member and just drive around retired in a Camry :)
 
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