need help finding a good commuting car

[thespeakerbox]

I'd budget myself at about 16K max, but lower would be better.

I'm still stuck at new vs used considering all the deals that may be available out there. Seems like the reliable recent year cars such as the camry, civic and accord are holding their value too well, and make buying new a decent option.

These are my major concerns:

Safe
Comfortable
Reliable

I think im leaning towards a sedan because of the insurance cost i'd get with a coupe + the whole safety issue.

What would you guys recommend?

 

[Jumpem]

Fit if you live where it's sunny, Impreza if it snows.

 

[slugg]

I personally like the Mazda 3. MSRP is at around $16k. You could probably haggle your way to $16k out the door with some options. You should test drive one and see how it feels - it's pretty good considering it's a little commuter 4 door.

 

[boomhower]

For as midsize car a slightly used Fusion seems to be the best deal going.

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: boomhower
For as midsize car a slightly used Fusion seems to be the best deal going.

As long as you never plan to sell it. American resale value is horrible... as are most of the cars.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: boomhower
For as midsize car a slightly used Fusion seems to be the best deal going.

As long as you never plan to sell it. American resale value is horrible... as are most of the cars.

Ford and GM's better products seem to have about the same % of price retained as Nissan, Mazda, BMW, Audi, Mitsubishi, etc. About the only two makers that stand out with exceptionally high resale are Honda-Acura/Toyota-Lexus, and the only super low resale are the Korean cars. That said, no sane person should ever look at a vehicle as an 'investment', unless it's a classic or collectible (McLaren F1, '68 Camaro, whatever).

Chrysler is a whole other ballgame. Bad vehicles, bad resale, bad fuel economy, bad, other than their trucks, which are respectable.

Ford and GM have continually improved over the past decade, while some of the other makers are either slipping or just staying the same. IMHO Audi/VW, while admittedly not my style, have also made some very nice strides.

I'd be just as happy in a Fusion, Mazda6, Malibu or Altima, and have respect for the Accord / Camry, though they're a bit bulky for my taste. Honda and Toyota have a strange lack of a midsize, with what used to be midsize models moving into the full-size arena, leaving the Corolla and Civic back in compact-land.

 

[Jumpem]

Originally posted by: Arkaign
That said, no sane person should ever look at a vehicle as an 'investment', unless it's a classic or collectible (McLaren F1, '68 Camaro, whatever).

I am always concerned with resale value as I only keep a vehicle for about three years (when it hits 100k and the extended warranty is up).

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: Jumpem

Originally posted by: Arkaign
That said, no sane person should ever look at a vehicle as an 'investment', unless it's a classic or collectible (McLaren F1, '68 Camaro, whatever).

I am always concerned with resale value as I only keep a vehicle for about three years (when it hits 100k and the extended warranty is up).

I'm not a fan of leasing per se, but isn't that a situation where a lease makes sense? Of course, sounds like you drive ~33k miles a year, which might be an issue.

Just an example, from Edmunds.com, using the basic TMV value for each, with 100k miles, white paint, and 'outstanding' condition :

2006 Ford Fusion (i4 SE Model), dealer retail $10,699, trade-in $8,680
2006 Nissan Altima (2.5S Model), dealer retail $10,552, trade-in $8356

That's so close that I wouldn't think it would make a difference either way. Both cars were roughly identical in new price as well. To make it more interesting, here's another one :

2006 Honda Accord (2.4L LX Model), dealer retail $11,247, trade-in $8742

Looking at prices on Autotrader, these prices seem in line with what people are asking.

 

[LeetViet]

Toyota Yaris! Better mileage than the Fit and cheaper.

 

[thespeakerbox]

My fiancee really likes the focus SES, but im still hestitant to buy american. I like the corolla S a more.

 

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: thespeakerbox
My fiancee really likes the focus SES, but im still hestitant to buy american. I like the corolla S a more.

I've got an '08 Focus S Coupe, now with 29k miles, and it's been problem free and rock solid. Has exceeded all expectations. Works really well with the 5-speed auto, 2550lbs w/ 2.0L 140hp/136tq is a good matchup, a little better power/weight than the 2770lb 1.8L 132hp/128tq matchup in the Corolla S. The XRS bumps things up to a 2.4L with 158hp/162tq, but it's a bit thirstier and more expensive.

The Focus is a lot more lively to drive, the chassis is very tight and well balanced. Weak spots are the interior plastics on the glove box and door panels, mediocre brakes, and so-so exterior styling. Fuel economy, noise insulation, and handing are excellent in the class. Even the stock audio system is very nice, with an Ipod jack, Mp3 folder browsing with display of track/artist/etc, etc.

All the Focus models, and all the Corollas other than the XRS, are available only with the 4-speed auto or 5-speed Manual. While passable, I don't recommend the 4-speed autos if you can help it. The XRS has a 5-speed auto that is a lot smoother day to day. Either car will be the most rewarding with the 5-speed manual.

 

[thespeakerbox]

I wouldnt mind driving the 5 speed, but the fiancee cant drive manual and has no willingness to learn. lol

I've also come across some nice deals on 06 Lexus IS models for around 24K, which is marginally higher than what I would be paying for an 09-10 focus or corolla. The downside to the lexus is age and any repair costs. I also might check out the a newer 08-10 mazda 3 or an 08-10 subaru impreza, although I havent heard much about their reliability.

 

[desy]

What class mid or compact or sub-comp?
How far are you commuting?
How much money?r talking of going up to 24 thats a big diff
How important is FE , resale, image, any brand loyalties? you mentioned Toyota and Honda, both excellent manufacturers, but everybody makes good cars and both of those have had their misteps too
The 3 is fine the subie suffers gas mileage due to awd but depending on the driving conditions could be a real benefit, and safer cause of the accident you avoid

 

[DesiPower]

You can get an Escape too if you shop around! nice little SUV

 

[yh125d]

I'd go for a slightly used Fusion (like I did). You should be able to get an ~08 SE 4 cylinder model with under 30k miles for maybe 12-14k? depends on your area


I thought about buying a Honda or Toyota for more than the 10k I spent on my Fusion, but I'm glad I didn't

 

[KIAman]

Under 16k commuter car and you need it to be safe, comfortable and reliable?

New Civic or slightly used Camry. Both are safe and reliable but Camry will be more commuting comfortable while civic is newer.

Instead of reliable, if you need "Reliable enough" along with rock solid warranty, Hyundai Sonata.

 

[thespeakerbox]

Originally posted by: desy
What class mid or compact or sub-comp? I'd be happy with a mid to compact
How far are you commuting?150 miles a day
How much money?r talking of going up to 24 thats a big diff I originally planned to stay around 16k, but now may decide to go up if there is a stellar deal
How important is FE , resale, image, any brand loyalties?
fuel eco. is important, resale , image and brand loyalties dont matter so much to me. However, safety and a nice driving experience are at the top of my list.