Looking for advice on the behalf of my parents..

[Taejin]

we're just looking for a solid family sedan that has better reliability (ie some cars have more problems than others) around 15,000 to 18,000 dollars.

I think at the moment we're looking at the Honda Accord LX.

I don't know much about cars, and my parents are fairly computer illiterate. What I wanted to ask from you guys was just suggestions around the price bracket I stated above.

Thanks

EDIT: Although my parents already have price quotes and etc, I was wondering if anyone knew a good website where I can compare car prices. Or just any website that would help in differentiating between cars and costs =)

 

[steppinthrax]

Originally posted by: Taejin
we're just looking for a solid family sedan that has better reliability (ie some cars have more problems than others) around 15,000 to 18,000 dollars.

I think at the moment we're looking at the Honda Accord LX.

I don't know much about cars, and my parents are fairly computer illiterate. What I wanted to ask from you guys was just suggestions around the price bracket I stated above.

Thanks

You can do pretty well with that. I would look at the Camry (a used one with low mileage). Accord is good but Camry is more conservative especially for an older couple.

 

[ValValline]

You can't go wrong with either Toyota/Lexus or Honda/Acura. I would also add Mazda to the list. The 6 is a great car.

 

[elbobbo]

Ditto on the Camry.

Lightly used V6 camry will give them the pep they need on the highway, good gas mileage, and reliability.

But then again, "There are 3 volkswagen's for under $17k"

Jetta is reliable, good gas, and the base model, Brand New, is in their/your price range.

 

[desy]

Add Fusion Sonata Altima and Aura to the list and go test drive em all and buy the one they like the best.

 

[Taejin]

Although my parents already have price quotes and etc, I was wondering if anyone knew a good website where I can compare car prices. Or just any website that would help in differentiating between cars and costs =)

 

[GoatMonkey]

Camry and Accord are the best choices for people who view their car as an appliance. They are consistently high in Consumer Reports, J.D. Power, etc.. They may be somewhat uninspiring and boring, but they do their job of hauling around a family safely and reliably in reasonable comfort. Unfortunately (for the buyer), the damn things don't depreciate very fast. You should be able to find one around 2005 with pretty low miles in that price range though. I just did a quick search on Autotrader.com and found several 2005 Accords near me with a V6 and less than 30k miles (looks like 20-25k miles is average) for around $18-19k.

 

[Summitdrinker]

why not 2000 to 2002 mercury grand marquis...............................................
as about as solid as any car made

too big?

 

[programmer]

carmax.com will give a good idea of pricing for used cars. carsdirect.com is fairly good for new cars.

Also, if you are buying new, there are a lot of "buying services" around to negotiate for you. Some are better than others, but check out costco, sam's, AAA, USAA, etc... about their programs.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Edmunds.com

 

[Gibson486]

Edmunds will basically tell you what not to pay over, so that is a goos start.