Cars to look at for $22K?

[Pandaren]

The Camry has come in dead last in every recent midsize sedan shootout against Malibu, Accord, and Altima. And this was before the new Mazda6 came out.

My advice is to drive the Camry to see if you find the handling and ride acceptable. Most reviewers criticize the Camry for sloppy steering and worst-in-class interior design/quality. I'd take good handling and interior quality over an extra 100 HP in a family sedan.

 

[JACKHAMMER]

Having driven both the Camry and the 6, I really don't see it as a contest -the 6 is leaps and bound better. Though, if the extra power and being a little cheaper persuades you, at east Camrys have above average resale.

 

[SickBeast]

I own a Civic EX and love it.

To me, Honda is a better brand than Mazda (although I do think the Mazda 3 is nice).

I find the Corolla way too dull, along with most other Toyotas (plus I find that Toyota owners are the worst drivers on the road for some reason).

If you can get a 4-door Si Civic for $22k, I say you should do it.

My friend got a new VW Rabbit and I prefer the Civic for many reasons. He had to replace the clutch within a few months of owning it, plus it was broken into for his GPS.

 

[vshah]

Originally posted by: krunchykrome
$22K, I'd buy a new Civic Si. If you're budget was a few grand more, I'd get a WRX.

i'm a little biased seeing as i have one but i agree :thumbsup: definitely test drive it and ask me any questions you might have 🙂 (i have an 07 si sedan)

 

[EightySix Four]

Cobalt SS if you're looking for something sporty.

 

[thomsbrain]

Have you looked into the Subaru Impreza 2.5 GT? This is a "new" model designation that is identical to last year's WRX but has been renamed to slot in between an updated WRX (it got more power, etc), and the cheaper 2.5 models.

 

[A5]

Originally posted by: Pandaren
The Camry has come in dead last in every recent midsize sedan shootout against Malibu, Accord, and Altima. And this was before the new Mazda6 came out.

My advice is to drive the Camry to see if you find the handling and ride acceptable. Most reviewers criticize the Camry for sloppy steering and worst-in-class interior design/quality. I'd take good handling and interior quality over an extra 100 HP in a family sedan.

Yeah...saw that when I was doing some reading today. Maybe they'll do a better job next time 😛

Civic Si: Traffic here (Atlanta) SUCKS, and I don't feel like dealing with a manual every day for the next 5+ years.

Impreza GT: Way too expensive - $26,000 invoice.

Cobalt SS: Maybe if I lived at a track, but I can't imagine it's any better than a basic Cobalt as a DD.

 

[Fenixgoon]

^try the cobalt SS. it can't hurt 😛

 

[BlackTigers]

Originally posted by: A5

Originally posted by: Pandaren
The Camry has come in dead last in every recent midsize sedan shootout against Malibu, Accord, and Altima. And this was before the new Mazda6 came out.

My advice is to drive the Camry to see if you find the handling and ride acceptable. Most reviewers criticize the Camry for sloppy steering and worst-in-class interior design/quality. I'd take good handling and interior quality over an extra 100 HP in a family sedan.

Yeah...saw that when I was doing some reading today. Maybe they'll do a better job next time 😛

Civic Si: Traffic here (Atlanta) SUCKS, and I don't feel like dealing with a manual every day for the next 5+ years.

Impreza GT: Way too expensive - $26,000 invoice.

Cobalt SS: Maybe if I lived at a track, but I can't imagine it's any better than a basic Cobalt as a DD.

But the "SS" makes it fucking awesome.

 

[evident]

^ but it's still a cobalt at the end of the day. how is its impressive track skills going to do as your DD when you're cramped in a plastic box?

 

[CptCrunch]

The camry's powertrain is great, powerful and good MPGs, however the rest of the car, IMO, is crap.

Have you driven the new malibu? What about the altima?

 

[Knavish]

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
The camry's powertrain is great, powerful and good MPGs, however the rest of the car, IMO, is crap.

Lol this sounds like what someone would say about an oldsmobile or buick about 15 years ago. (I'm thinking of the Delta 88 or Lesabre) Toyota just needs to start another brand or two (like Scion) and their trip to the dark side will be complete.

 

[Funyuns101]

Originally posted by: CptCrunch
The camry's powertrain is great, powerful and good MPGs, however the rest of the car, IMO, is crap.

Have you driven the new malibu? What about the altima?

I'll agree to that. The Camry is a very well built car that will get you from A to B. It's just kind of boring. But boring sells well. Plus coupled with their 0% financing - it's a good deal.

OP, you can check out the SE version that is supposedly slightly more fun to drive. I don't think their back seats folds down though if that matters to you.

The Altima and Accord are a little more lively to drive and I'd recommend you take a look at those.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: A5
What do you guys think about a Camry LE V6? I can get one for ~$20,600 before TTL through USAA. At this point, it's pretty much between this and the Mazda 6i Touring (~$21,700). I think I like the accessories and styling better on the Mazda, but the extra 100 HP in the Camry is pretty tempting.

what good is an extra 100 hp when it still feels like you're driving a bowl of pudding?