Need input on new commuter vehicle options

[dbk]

Accord v6 touring.. It gets pretty impressive real time mpgs on the highway..perfect cruiser..loaded with Honda reliability..maybe just exl v6 if you want to be frugal

I have a Sport 6mt and i sometimes miss the v6 pull on the highway.. Perfectly fine banging gears on local roads though. Check out driveaccord.net

I think any of the well known midsize sedans will be good for you..it's all about comfort since you are mostly on highways. Maybe a Camry is better? Go test drive them..id lean towards v6 cars though (just my personal preference for cruising).

You could go luxury but it's gonna cost more and you will prob end up regretting it (since you are cost conscious like you said earlier)

 

[JulesMaximus]

Your points are well taken. I was a toyota guy for a long time, but the reliability of other makes has caught up quite a bit, and across the board the Toyota line-up is just . . . milk toast . . . IMO. Honda used to be that way too but they are finally starting to realize that one way to even further expand their market share is to improve interior materials and technology. Which they have done quite well in the 2014 accord IMO. Ford was ahead in that movement (in the every day, joe schmo car sector), though their implementation in sedans has been iffy until lately.

Its crazy, really. 5 years ago I would have never even considered Ford for anything other than a truck. Times change.

The 2015 Camry has been redesigned with a more upscale interior and I really like the style of the exterior of the car too. I think they are due out in the next couple months. I bought the top of the line XLE model hybrid and I'm very pleased with the car. Paid $28k for it OTD after trade in on my 10 year old Maxima. Like you, I put a lot of miles on the car (I'm just shy of 30,000 miles already) so I want something that is trouble free and cheap to maintain and operate. I have had zero problems with it. Very happy so far.

My driving is very mixed, some freeway, some surface streets and I average about 38mpg (regular unleaded). My last car had a 3.5l V6 engine and my average fuel economy was 20-21mpg at best (premium fuel only).

Zee German cars require premium.

I like the Ford Fusion but was so put off the last couple times I stepped foot in a Ford dealership that I vowed never to do so again. Their high pressure sales goons really put me off.

 

[smackababy]

If that was my price range, I'd get a Lexus IS250. They start at like $35k, so you have a little room to add options. Or, if you want a hybrid and don't mind a hatchback, the CT. That is if I was buying. I wouldn't considering anything German. The reliability just doesn't seem to be there.


edit: for $40k, you can get a fully loaded CT Hybrid. That is what I'd get, for sure. In fact, once my A5 lease is up, I am looking at buying either that or an IS350.

 

[Imported]

If that was my price range, I'd get a Lexus IS250. They start at like $35k, so you have a little room to add options. Or, if you want a hybrid and don't mind a hatchback, the CT. That is if I was buying. I wouldn't considering anything German. The reliability just doesn't seem to be there.


edit: for $40k, you can get a fully loaded CT Hybrid. That is what I'd get, for sure. In fact, once my A5 lease is up, I am looking at buying either that or an IS350.

You could get a loaded IS350 F Sport for under $42k before TTL around here.

 

[smackababy]

You could get a loaded IS350 F Sport for under $42k before TTL around here.

Trust me, I know. =) I have been researching this for awhile.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

If that was my price range, I'd get a Lexus IS250. They start at like $35k, so you have a little room to add options. Or, if you want a hybrid and don't mind a hatchback, the CT. That is if I was buying. I wouldn't considering anything German. The reliability just doesn't seem to be there.


edit: for $40k, you can get a fully loaded CT Hybrid. That is what I'd get, for sure. In fact, once my A5 lease is up, I am looking at buying either that or an IS350.

Ever sat in a CT - they are tiny. Hatch space is non-existant.
Not worth $40K when you can have a Focus Titanium for $24K that is fully loaded and has the equivalent technology while handling better and MPG difference is not that substantial.

Interior Volume:
CT - 86 cubic ft
Focus - 90.7 cubic feet

Luggage Volume
CT - 14 cubic feet
Focus - 23.8 cubic feet

Horsepower
CT 98HP + Hybrid = 134HP
Focus 160HP

0-60mph
CT 10.4 seconds
Focus 8.7 seconds

1/4 mile
CT 17.6 @ 78mph
Focus 16.4 @85mph


I'm honestly amazed that Lexus is able to sell these - people wised up and refused to buy the HS Hybrid for its absurd cost.

 

[teatheif]

I too live in NH and commute 50 miles each way. I drove a 2002 WRX and then a 2009 WRX. Back in April, my engine threw a rod bearing and I decided to buy a new car. I looked at some of the cars you did and ended up getting a Ford Fusion Titanium Hybrid. Now, I do not drive it like you should drive a hybrid ( RTE 3 is my raceway), but I avg around 40 mpg with my crappy driving habits. My 2009 stage 2 WRX was getting 21 mpg. So, I am saving on gas. I never thought I would say this about a Ford, but I do enjoy driving it. I think I am going to repair the WRX and use it for the winter and some weekend fun.

 

[HitAnyKey]

The Corolla served you well. Get another for that commute. Cheap, reliable and practically invisible to everyone. Why take chances with used expensive cars. Remember fancier cars need more expensive everything i.e. Tires, service, insurance, etc.

Trust me you will miss the reliability and relatively cheap cost of ownership with anything other than a car in that class (Civic is a great choice too).

Good luck with your search.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

So I test drove a couple BMW 328i's tonight on a whim. A used 2011 six cylinder and a new 4 cylinder turbo. Holy cow the turbo 4 could move. That thing was awesome. So fun to drive. I would love to own/lease one simply for the fun factor, but honestly the big take away for me was that it was too small. Interior specs are almost the same as my 03 corolla, but the cabin felt cramped to me. I think it would be downright claustrophobic with my kids car seats in the back.

Still - damn fun car to drive. It was immediately apparent to me why people like them.

I'm hoping the the local Honda dealer can get a 2014 hybrid on their lot for me to test drive. They are very hard to get but it honestly looks like the best fit. At least if I am going to buy. Going to try the fusion hybrid soon too.

 

[bigi]

If you deal with snow, consider AWD CX-5 by Mazda. You should get the Touring for ~$25K and get 25/33 MPG.

Also, the higher seating position is much more preferred vs sedans, IMO.

 

[JCH13]

I live in NH. We have 6 months of winter and the AWD will be much better in the snow. Particularly as (correct me if I am wrong) the 2WD 328's are rear wheel drive. I would be surprised if the local BMW dealer even stocks 2WD models.

The 2 series would be more fun to drive, but I have 2 small kids and I need a useable back seat.

Speaking as a fellow NH resident - don't let 2WD discourage you. Even RWD. Just get good snow tires, don't drive like an asshole, and you'll be fine. Unless you need to climb ridiculously steep hills. Driving in NH for the last 11 years, the first 6 with a RWD sedan, and the last5 with a FWD hatch, the only terrain I couldn't conquer was an 18% grade hill on a 10in warm powder day. You'll be fine.

Unless you're lucky enough to live near the one(?) BMW dealer in the state I wouldn't get a new BMW. You'll be hosed on driving to warranty work.

In your position I would get a mellow commuter car for DD'ing because racking up all those miles on a luxury car is going to make your wallet REALLY hurt. I might not go for a Corolla, but rather a Civic, Mazda 3, or Focus, something where the designer actually gave a crap about driving dynamics. Then take the extra budget ($40k can buy an awful lot of car(s)) and buy something used and fun to drive in the summer months (pick your poison here). Assuming a 2-car solution is viable for you, of course.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Unless you're lucky enough to live near the one(?) BMW dealer in the state I wouldn't get a new BMW. You'll be hosed on driving to warranty work.

There are at least two BMW dealers in NH. One in Stratham (only a couple mile from my house) and one in Nashua. There is also a used BMW center in Manchester.

As mentioned in prior posts I think that I am probably going to go with the accord. Either the 4 Cyl or hybrid. Either that or the fusion hybrid. I'm leaning towards the Honda because of their reputation for reliability. I have been driving a Corolla for 12+ years now, and I am inclined to get something that will serve me that long again.

 

[JCH13]

There are at least two BMW dealers in NH. One in Stratham (only a couple mile from my house) and one in Nashua. There is also a used BMW center in Manchester.

As mentioned in prior posts I think that I am probably going to go with the accord. Either the 4 Cyl or hybrid. Either that or the fusion hybrid. I'm leaning towards the Honda because of their reputation for reliability. I have been driving a Corolla for 12+ years now, and I am inclined to get something that will serve me that long again.

Sounds like a good plan to me.

I would be out 95 minutes of driving to get to any of those dealers!

 

[smackababy]

Not worth $40K when you can have a Focus Titanium for $24K that is fully loaded and has the equivalent technology

Yeah, I'd happily pay the extra $16k to pass up on a Ford that happens to be one of the ugliest cars ever made. Lexus sells luxury cars; Ford, not so much. Plus, Lexus is easily the best brand in terms of reliability.

 

[Sho'Nuff]

Yeah, I'd happily pay the extra $16k to pass up on a Ford that happens to be one of the ugliest cars ever made. Lexus sells luxury cars; Ford, not so much. Plus, Lexus is easily the best brand in terms of reliability.

There is something to be said for the "driving experience" that a BMW provides. I used to think that was marketing mumbo jumbo. After driving two 328i's yesterday I think otherwise. The difference between driving my Corolla and driving the 328i is nothing short of eye opening. I'm sure the same would be true with regard to a focus.

Not saying it is necessarily worth a 20k differential in price. But I can see how some could value it that highly.

BTW - the BMW dealer informed me yesterday that the majoroty of their business is leasing new cars and selling certified pre-owns. Only 30% of their new car customers purchase a vehicle. When you consider that all maintenance (except tires and tire care) is 100% covered for 4 years (longer than most leases), reliability is no longer a concern. But of course, you have to be willing to shell out a payment with no equity return. Which IMO is not s much of a concern when you consider that a new car is (and most used cars are) a depreciating asset. You either get wacked with depreciation when you buy, or you get wacked with lease payment.

 

[Demo24]

Yeah, I'd happily pay the extra $16k to pass up on a Ford that happens to be one of the ugliest cars ever made. Lexus sells luxury cars; Ford, not so much. Plus, Lexus is easily the best brand in terms of reliability.

Nothing terribly luxury about the CT200, other than price. It's basically a tweaked Toyota Prius/Matrix conception and from what I recall regarded as having rather terrible driving dynamics. I'd much rather get a Fusion hybrid that gets roughly equivalent mpg, larger, and better driving.

 

[NutBucket]

But it looks great! (yeah, that's about all I like about it) I was considering one instead of the CR-Z but no MT and price. The back seats are TINY.

 

[teatheif]

I looked at the Honda Accord Hybid and test drove one at Auto Fair Honda in Manchester. I came away with "Meh, It's an Accord". I definitely felt the Sales Manager at Auto Fair was quite sleazy. I ended up buying my Ford Fusion Hybrid at Ford of Londonderry. I had a good experience with them.

 

[fr]

Don't buy a Lexus hatchback.

 

[Scarpozzi]

So here's what you need to consider.

1. How long do you generally keep your cars?
2. How many miles per year do you drive?

Example: For me, I drive about 12k per year and keep my cars 8+ years.

What you should look at is, if you were to BUY the BMW....take the MSRP cost of that vehicular and divide it by the number of years YOU expect to keep it. (*say 8-10 years if you follow your current pattern of long-term ownership) That will give you an estimated cost per year (not counting tax/insurance/etc) and help you see the difference between a BMW/Camry/Corolla, etc

Then factor in maintenance and resale value....multiply the number of years you expect to own the car by the number of miles you drive per year and get a picture of how many miles it will have in X years. 15k miles is standard for most insurance estimates. If you expect to sell the vehicle in a few years, you should be able to multiply the number of years by your cost per year estimate, then add estimated mileage when you sell the vehicle.....then go out and see what private sellers are asking for the same model/mileage/age now. That will tell you how easy it will be to sell and what your actual costs are likely to be if you only keep it for 3-4 years.

I hope that way of thinking helps you make a decision easier. I'm reluctant to jump in too quickly and definitely like buying used over new in most cases to let someone else absorb the quick depreciation the first 2-3 years.

Don't buy a Lexus hatchback.

How can you say that, you don't know what message he's trying to send.