Used midsize sedan with reliable automatic tranny?

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Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
Originally Posted By: gregoron
Thanks all for the replies. Unfortunately, I'm looking for 4 banger econoboxes so no V6 for me.


The Impalas tend to be very cheap compared to the others.

Are you sure you can't get a V6?


I live on an island where the longest drive is an hour away. I can't justify a V6. Plus the repair and maintenance on two cylinder banks is higher than a single one whether I or a mechanic does it.
 
Stick with the Camry or Accord for long-term reliability and satisfaction. The Camry's 6-speed and Accord's 5-speed auto are very reliable for late-model vehicles (the Fusion transmission is good too, but Ford's overall reliability is less than Toyota or Honda).
 
Originally Posted By: 147_Grain
Stick with the Camry or Accord for long-term reliability and satisfaction. The Camry's 6-speed and Accord's 5-speed auto are very reliable for late-model vehicles (the Fusion transmission is good too, but Ford's overall reliability is less than Toyota or Honda).


+1
 
Originally Posted By: macarose
Here you go.

I co-developed a long-term study to help folks answer this very question.

http://tradeinqualityindex.com/

Look on the right side and you will see the midsize sedan segment.

Hope this helps!


macarose,

That was a very helpful website. I do see that the Camry and Accord score well in powertrain and drivetrain reliability for used cars. Very intuitive charts and dashboard graphics. Thanks!
 
Originally Posted By: chrisri
How about Acura TSX 2.4? A friend of mine had a Euro Accord ( similar car),it was a blast to drive.
His was manual though.


That's a good suggestion. I'll look into that too. Thanks.
 
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Camry or Accord hands down.

The VW 2.5's are gutless, and I mean GUTLESS


That wasn't my impression when I drove one. Its no rocket but it is certainly sufficient. I would put a Versa or Accent under the "gutless" category.
 
My 2011 Camry never had the shuddering torque converter issue that some others have, but I will say that I didn't like the programming much. There's an odd "dead space" in the accelerator pedal where the first half inch or so produces no response from the engine. It was somewhat hard to drive smoothing in traffic. That programming was one of the reasons I sold the car. Despite numerous visits at the dealership for software flashes, it was never to my liking.

I traded it for the Honda in my signature and am far more satisfied. Our CR-V has essentially the same powertrain as a 2012 Accord (2.4L K24 engine and 5-speed auto trans) and it's been flawless. I highly recommend the Accord.
 
Originally Posted By: Nick1994
Camry or Accord hands down.

The VW 2.5's are gutless, and I mean GUTLESS


What? The 2.5 in my MKV Jetta is very good. It isn't the most powerful engine, but it's smooth throughout the powerband, unlike a 4 cylinder. While mine is a manual, its fun to drive. The earlier 2.5 was only rated at 150hp whereas 08+ were 170.Not to mention yhe 2.5 is cheaper (imo) to maintain than say the turbo 4 options. I know earlier autos (not the DSG) mated to the 2.5 were prone to valve body failures that cost about a grand to fix. Not sure about the newer ones. The later DSG's are great too mind you don't mind the higher maintenance cost.
 
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Originally Posted By: Delta
While mine is a manual, its fun to drive.


This makes a big difference. I used to own a 2007 Toyota Corolla LE with a 5-speed manual. Even Corolla fan boys didn't know you could buy an LE with a stick. It was quite an enjoyable car to drive. Given the bad rap the Corolla gets about its "fun to drive" factor, I believe nobody drove one with a clutch and some sticky tires. Mine would hold a corner better than most sedans out there and it was quite fun to sling around with the engine on full boil because of the manual transmission.

I don't long for manuals as much anymore, but they certainly have the potential to transform how a car drives.
 
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: Delta
While mine is a manual, its fun to drive.


This makes a big difference. I used to own a 2007 Toyota Corolla LE with a 5-speed manual. Even Corolla fan boys didn't know you could buy an LE with a stick. It was quite an enjoyable car to drive. Given the bad rap the Corolla gets about its "fun to drive" factor, I believe nobody drove one with a clutch and some sticky tires. Mine would hold a corner better than most sedans out there and it was quite fun to sling around with the engine on full boil because of the manual transmission.

I don't long for manuals as much anymore, but they certainly have the potential to transform how a car drives.


It’s funny that this was the last post since 2015 when I started this thread. I actually ended up with a six speed manual 2014 Toyota Corolla L in my signature. Yes, it is fun to drive as long as you keep the RPMs up and work the gears, which I like doing.
 
Maybe check out the more recent Malibu's 14+? CR has them rated near perfect. For me, once the price difference between the good brand and the off brand gets close to a catastrophic repair, and the difference in resale when I'm done with them is going to be $1k or less, I think its good deal to go with the Chevy and let your money work for you in that time period.
 
The Camry, as boring as it can be the transmissions in those can live a long life. They can be sensitive to fluid level and Toyota calls for a special jig to set up the fluid level beyond the level standpipe. A fresh fill of ATF WS/MaxLife every 30K will keep it running for a long time.

The post-2008 Honda efforts aren't bad, and it seems like the joint Ford-GM 6F/6T collaboration has much less issues than the old AX4x and 4Txx series. Again, the occasional fluid change does help keep trouble away but engineering flaws will surface.
 
Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
2012-2013 Impalas get the 3.6 vvti v6 and newer 6 speed auto. Great combination.




This, solid combo, cheap to run and QUICK.
 
Originally Posted By: IndyIan
Maybe check out the more recent Malibu's 14+? CR has them rated near perfect. For me, once the price difference between the good brand and the off brand gets close to a catastrophic repair, and the difference in resale when I'm done with them is going to be $1k or less, I think its good deal to go with the Chevy and let your money work for you in that time period.


What? CR has the Malibu ranked dead last in their category and the only car not on it's recommended list for that size.

The Impala comes in first place in it's category. Big difference between these two models as in night and day.
 
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