Hi Everyone,
I had a few threads here a few months ago, before moving, about wanting to trade my 2011 Corolla in for something that, you know, actually can accelerate, and can handle better on the highway. I tried some various fixes for my car, such as messing with the tire pressure, but ultimately, I think a heavier, more comfortable car is really just going to be the answer to what upsets me about my car literally every time I drive it. And yes, I'll say it, perhaps I could deal with the car requiring me to stand on the gas just to get to 65, or clutch the wheel and hope for the best when going between two cars on the highway, but there's only so much I'm willing to hate a car every day just to save money and stay with a "reliable" Toyota. To be honest, I feel like I'm driving a shopping cart, and I'd also prefer something that would be safer in an accident than a small car.
I want a midsize car, I am young, a bit better off now (more income) than I was a few months ago, and can comfortably afford about 12k more after my trade for a new car (but spending less is ALWAYS welcome). I do not want something ultra flashy, expensive, expensive to insure, etc... Not looking for a MB/BMW/Infiniti, etc...
Whatever I get MUST be an automatic, as comfort is a necessity with all of the highway/city driving I do. I do not want to go back to shifting (as much as I loved my old RSX...). I also strongly prefer to have NAV, but it is not a requirement.
I've looked at the following vehicles:
Honda Accord EX/Sport - EX feels sluggish with the CVT, kind of large feeling, and overall meh. The Sport still (obviously) has that large feeling, but the performance is MUCH better (despite only having 4hp more). Something to do with the tuning of the CVT, perhaps? I worry on this one about costly CVT issues down the road, alongside DI issues. Oddly this would lower my insurance.
Nissan Altima (2.5 SV) - This feels like a good balance to me (nicely equipped for a good price (esp Nav), good balance of accel and great gas milage, and comfortable), but there are TONS of reported issues with them, CVT, power steering, etc... Also, this is expensive to insure, I'd love to know why?
Toyota Camry (2.5 XLE) - Meh, do I have to get another penalty box?
Hyundai Sonata - IMO the styling is a little eccentric and feminine for my tastes. The ride felt unrefined, and there is no way that feels like 198hp. Would prefer it over my Corolla, but not for what they're asking on them.
Ford Fusion - Another one with (only interior for this one) styling that I just don't like. Why does the tach have to be digital w/Nav? The 2.5 feels sluggish, and reliability worries me on "Ecoboost" models.
Chrysler 200 Limited - I can't shake the feeling this is a good deal for all you get, but a terrible long-term purchase when it gets re-designed. I can understand some flaws (visibility being one) as to why this car gets panned, but the V6 is so nice, and it's a nice looking car inside and out. You can get one fully loaded (I think I'd pass on the 18" wheels, go 17" to save $$$ next time tires are need) for so cheap. I'm sure there's another reason not to get one, but I hear the reliability has improved. Something about this one makes me smile every time I see it.
Chevy Malibu - Styling just doesn't get my heart racing, nice ride, but pretty much an American Camry.
Nothing German/Expensive to fix is in the radar for me, nor is a Kia. So am I being ridiculous? Am I over-worrying about every car's problems, or has the marketplace competition heated up so badly in the midsize market that it has forced expensive reliability nightmares down the road? I'd love to hear some thoughts about not only which car to get, but the topic of the shifting market/reliability.
I had a few threads here a few months ago, before moving, about wanting to trade my 2011 Corolla in for something that, you know, actually can accelerate, and can handle better on the highway. I tried some various fixes for my car, such as messing with the tire pressure, but ultimately, I think a heavier, more comfortable car is really just going to be the answer to what upsets me about my car literally every time I drive it. And yes, I'll say it, perhaps I could deal with the car requiring me to stand on the gas just to get to 65, or clutch the wheel and hope for the best when going between two cars on the highway, but there's only so much I'm willing to hate a car every day just to save money and stay with a "reliable" Toyota. To be honest, I feel like I'm driving a shopping cart, and I'd also prefer something that would be safer in an accident than a small car.
I want a midsize car, I am young, a bit better off now (more income) than I was a few months ago, and can comfortably afford about 12k more after my trade for a new car (but spending less is ALWAYS welcome). I do not want something ultra flashy, expensive, expensive to insure, etc... Not looking for a MB/BMW/Infiniti, etc...
Whatever I get MUST be an automatic, as comfort is a necessity with all of the highway/city driving I do. I do not want to go back to shifting (as much as I loved my old RSX...). I also strongly prefer to have NAV, but it is not a requirement.
I've looked at the following vehicles:
Honda Accord EX/Sport - EX feels sluggish with the CVT, kind of large feeling, and overall meh. The Sport still (obviously) has that large feeling, but the performance is MUCH better (despite only having 4hp more). Something to do with the tuning of the CVT, perhaps? I worry on this one about costly CVT issues down the road, alongside DI issues. Oddly this would lower my insurance.
Nissan Altima (2.5 SV) - This feels like a good balance to me (nicely equipped for a good price (esp Nav), good balance of accel and great gas milage, and comfortable), but there are TONS of reported issues with them, CVT, power steering, etc... Also, this is expensive to insure, I'd love to know why?
Toyota Camry (2.5 XLE) - Meh, do I have to get another penalty box?
Hyundai Sonata - IMO the styling is a little eccentric and feminine for my tastes. The ride felt unrefined, and there is no way that feels like 198hp. Would prefer it over my Corolla, but not for what they're asking on them.
Ford Fusion - Another one with (only interior for this one) styling that I just don't like. Why does the tach have to be digital w/Nav? The 2.5 feels sluggish, and reliability worries me on "Ecoboost" models.
Chrysler 200 Limited - I can't shake the feeling this is a good deal for all you get, but a terrible long-term purchase when it gets re-designed. I can understand some flaws (visibility being one) as to why this car gets panned, but the V6 is so nice, and it's a nice looking car inside and out. You can get one fully loaded (I think I'd pass on the 18" wheels, go 17" to save $$$ next time tires are need) for so cheap. I'm sure there's another reason not to get one, but I hear the reliability has improved. Something about this one makes me smile every time I see it.
Chevy Malibu - Styling just doesn't get my heart racing, nice ride, but pretty much an American Camry.
Nothing German/Expensive to fix is in the radar for me, nor is a Kia. So am I being ridiculous? Am I over-worrying about every car's problems, or has the marketplace competition heated up so badly in the midsize market that it has forced expensive reliability nightmares down the road? I'd love to hear some thoughts about not only which car to get, but the topic of the shifting market/reliability.
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