Looking for a new sedan

[bigmike]

Any recommendations under $30k?

I've ruled out the Impala and Malibu - test drove them and wasn't happy. Not interested in a Toyota either. The Jetta appears to have very little dealership service support, from what I've read.

I prefer 4 cyl, but would entertain a 6 if maintenance is not a big pain. I'll be test driving a Civic and I already own an Accord. I might be willing to trade my Accord in. My wife hasn't been happy with the 2.4 and we've contemplated going to the 3.5 V6, but I want to keep my options open to some new ideas.

Any comment on the Ford Fusion or Taurus? Nissan Altima?

Thanks for any suggestions!

 

[millerbl00]

Just bought a 2007 Ford Fusion. Paid $10500. 27 city 32+ hwy. 4 cly. Its been the best car I have had in a long time. Just remember to change the transmission fluid often with the correct fluid.

 

[addyguy]

Fusion all the way. They look like a really awesome car from a fairly solid company.

 

[Trav]

I keep looking at the Hyundai Genesis for my wife.We gave her old Solara to my daughter and was considering a new camry but now the wife wont have any part of it.

 

[CivicFan]

If the upper limit is $30k then a couple year old Infiniti, Bimmer and such would be where I would look.

 

[5sfe91]

depending how much money you want to keep, if you want a lot of change left go with a ford, if not go nissan

 

[Bill in Utah]

Not happy with a Ford being built in Mexico so it would be out.

Trade in your ONE YEAR old car? Ouch... You will loose big time on that.

How is the wife not happy with a Accord? Don't see very many of the new body style but it seems it would be a nice vehicle.

I'd have a hard time taking the hit..

Bill

 

[bretfraz]

There is a lot out there for $30K. Help us with some more info.

1. Sounds like you want more power, correct? So, next car needs a V6?

2. The Accord is pretty big for a midsize. Want something similar size? Smaller? Larger?

3. Only brand new or will you consider used?

4. Besides the two Chevys and another Accord, any other cars that are permanently off the list?

5. What about coupes? Crossovers?

 

[barlowc]

Originally Posted By: bigmike
Any comment on the Ford Fusion or Taurus? Nissan Altima?


Go drive an Altima if you haven't already. I have a 2.5 S Coupe and love it. If I were in the market for a sedan for my wife, I'd 100% get another Altima. The CVT transmission is so smooth and Nissan now gives you a 10 year, 120K mile warranty on it.

 

[brandini]

I'll sell you my 07 Mazda 6 2.3!

PS built in Michigan next to the Mustang!

 

[millerbl00]

It made be made in Mexico but its the best car I have had in years.

 

[mpvue]

a friend of mine has a altima w/ the CVT, he loves it and is reporting excellent mpgs.
I like the mazda6 as well.

 

[SrDriver]

How about a new Hyundai 2011 Sonata made in Montgomery Alabama.

Link To Web Site

Starting price under $20,000.

2011 has the new high tech engine and Hyundai has that 10 year 100,000 warranty.

We have had three of their vehicles and the only time they have seen the dealer is for normal service, tire rotation, etc.

 

[Deltona_Dave]

Wife has 2007 Altima 2.5S with the CVT. Very smooth, decent power for a 4-Banger. Handling is great and has plenty of room. Bought it in '08 with 20K on the clock for about 17K IIRC.
Gets an average of 28 mixed hwy/city.

 

[willix]

I think taking a look at the mentioned Fords would be a wise choice. 30k gives you excellent haggle power to get some bells & whistles. There are some real "other" choices that make it difficult. I never thought I would ever say this after renting a Sonata back in 96' what a POS. But I am actually very impressed at what this Hyundai car has evolved into. Same for the KIA. Ruling out Toyota seems like a hasty move. IMO

 

[bigmike]

Originally Posted By: Bill in Utah
Not happy with a Ford being built in Mexico so it would be out.

Trade in your ONE YEAR old car? Ouch... You will loose big time on that.

How is the wife not happy with a Accord? Don't see very many of the new body style but it seems it would be a nice vehicle.

I'd have a hard time taking the hit..

Bill



Bill, I know it's not a wise move. However, with what my wife puts up with, I'm willing to do this for her and she never asks me for anything.

We both like the Honda in alot of ways, but the 2.4 has some noticeable problems with idle shaking. It annoys both of us and we considered maybe going to the V6. I wouldn't do it but the dealer here has quoted us a very good price.

 

[The Critic]

The Altima is great, but only in the 3.5SR V6. The four-cylinder doesn't have good driveability with the CVT IMO, but the V6 is phenomenal. Plus, for 2010 they retuned the V6 to run on 87.

With a heavier foot, I would expect lower 20s mixed. My dad was able to get 31 on a recent tank with his light foot, so the car is capable of decent mileage.

Also, for the money I REALLY like the 2010 Maxima in the base model trim. The base model comes extremely well-equipped and you can find many volume Nissan dealers selling them for about $25k or less. However, the Maxima still requires premium but the interior quality is heads and shoulders above the Altima.

 

[bigmike]

Originally Posted By: bretfraz
There is a lot out there for $30K. Help us with some more info.

1. Sounds like you want more power, correct? So, next car needs a V6?

2. The Accord is pretty big for a midsize. Want something similar size? Smaller? Larger?

3. Only brand new or will you consider used?

4. Besides the two Chevys and another Accord, any other cars that are permanently off the list?

5. What about coupes? Crossovers?


1. Yes, more power would be good. I have a 177 HP 2.4 now and wouldn't consider going much less unless the car is a little smaller.
2. Similar size as Accord is fine. I'm not too picky on size though.
3. New would be preferred.
4. Nothing else is really off the table for me. I'm open to test driving just about anything. I'm hoping some discussion will help me narrow some things down. Test driving vehicles takes a long time! I spent 4 hours at the local GM dealership just looking at vehicles.
5. It's gotta have 4 doors. No SUV or trucks. Cross overs - maybe.

 

[asiancivicmaniac]

Originally Posted By: The Critic
The Altima is great, but only in the 3.5SR V6. The four-cylinder doesn't have good driveability with the CVT IMO, but the V6 is phenomenal. Plus, for 2010 they retuned the V6 to run on 87.

With a heavier foot, I would expect lower 20s mixed. My dad was able to get 31 on a recent tank with his light foot, so the car is capable of decent mileage.

Also, for the money I REALLY like the 2010 Maxima in the base model trim. The base model comes extremely well-equipped and you can find many volume Nissan dealers selling them for about $25k or less. However, the Maxima still requires premium but the interior quality is heads and shoulders above the Altima.


Ditto, and have you considered a Subaru?

 

[brandini]

Look at an 06-08 Mazda 6, you can get a 2.3 I-4 or a 3.0 V-6 and they're built on a non-stretched frame of the same year fusions. The 03-05 years have fewer features, smaller brakes, only a 4-speed auto (vs the newer mazda 5-speed), don't have Coil-on-plug ignition, and are a little boring looking.

I have an 07 Mazda 6 4-popper with 60k and an atx and I love it. It's worth about 10.3K averaged from all the nada and Kbb sites.

One thing to note, the 2010 Mazda6 dropped down to a McPherson strut front end rather than the previous double wishbone front. Advatage to turning radius but it's not gonna stick in the twisties as nice as the older cars. The 2009+ cars have bigger engines but get as good mpg as the older ones, it's really a size decision.

Another question, does the $30k have an expiration date? Buy used! A car like the ones you are looking at is not an investment, they depreciate, so let someone else take the biggest hit.