Which model commuter car...??? Year end savings

Status
Not open for further replies.
Joined
Jul 25, 2016
Messages
31
Location
Stafford,��NY
Greetings;

I am thinking about replacing my 2001 Honda Accord 4 cyl 5 speed manual with 165K miles. 15 years old and upstate NY salt is starting to take it's toll.
I am thinking about year end savings that I can get and here are my options:
2016 New Nissan ALtima with CVT Transmission 4 Cyl - not sure about the CVT though $16K
2016 Certified Altima with CVT Transmission with 2,000 miles and certified warranty $15K
Used 2013 Hyundai Sonata with 2.4L $12K
Used 2010 Toyota Corolla 1.8 auto for $9K

Any other ideas..?

I could also put some money into the Honda and keep driving it as the rust is not too bad, needs suspension bushing work ?struts and exhaust work. I do like my Honda and it costs nothing to drive it.

I am looking for fuel efficiency, RELIABILITY and somewhat comfortable as I have a 40 minute commute each way on 75% Interstate.

Any ideas or other suggestions my friends..?

Thank You
 
I'm a Toyota fanboi and would argue that way (rather than Nissan); but if the rust isn't that far advanced I'd think about just fixing your Accord. Cheap money and another year or two on a commuter car. Learn how to spray Fluid Film and maybe slow down the rust progression, and keep it all the longer.

I'm not sure how those new cars will feel to your Accord. You might not like how it "feels". I've found I really like driving my old Camry, it has the right sized commuter car feel to me. If it had a bit less road noise I'd probably prefer it over my newer Camry, TBH.
 
What would it cost to fix the Accord? If the drive train is solid I'd go that route.

If I had to pick from that list I would go with the new Altima or used Corrola depending on miles and condition.
 
Originally Posted By: supton
I'm a Toyota fanboi and would argue that way (rather than Nissan); but if the rust isn't that far advanced I'd think about just fixing your Accord. Cheap money and another year or two on a commuter car. Learn how to spray Fluid Film and maybe slow down the rust progression, and keep it all the longer.

I'm not sure how those new cars will feel to your Accord. You might not like how it "feels". I've found I really like driving my old Camry, it has the right sized commuter car feel to me. If it had a bit less road noise I'd probably prefer it over my newer Camry, TBH.


I could not agree more and that is the hard part, I still miss my 1993 Toyota Tacoma and my 1996 Camry that I should have never sold.
 
A new Altima for 16K?
Sounds pretty cheap although I'm not so sure about the durability of the Nissan CVT.
Does anyone know what the bottom dollar is on a new '16 Prius?
That would yield fuel economy and reliability in spades and as a bonus you get the Batmobile rear end look.
 
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
A new Altima for 16K?
Sounds pretty cheap although I'm not so sure about the durability of the Nissan CVT.
Does anyone know what the bottom dollar is on a new '16 Prius?
That would yield fuel economy and reliability in spades and as a bonus you get the Batmobile rear end look.


Yep...2016 Altima New - looking to dump them before they close their books. Not keen on the CVT though, despite everyone going to them I don't have to like it..:-)
 
My daughter has a 2013 Corolla, and reliability ratings are good. But I don't like the overly assisted steering and mushy feeling brakes on that car. Also, it's an economy car, and that's evident in the plasticky interior. I like how the Altima drives, have rented a couple of them on vacation in the past 3 years. But reliability ratings haven't been so great. Hyundai Sonata reliability (I think) is o.k. the last few years, but I haven't driven one.

If I was commuting I would stay with a midsize car like Accord, Camry, or Mazda 6. Ford Fusion and Kia Optima have good reliability as well. Even with these, reliability can vary year to year, so a little research is useful.

A midsize car doesn't cost much more than a compact in the long run, is safer, and can provide better long term satisfaction (IMO).

If buying used, service records, a CARFAX, and an inspection by a mechanic you trust are all very worthwhile.
 
Well and how much weight has a new accord put on in 15 years? I love the build quality of those marques from 15 years back... and would rather have an old camry than a new corolla.
 
An accord to corolla is a massive downgrade in many ways. I'd stick to a midsize as the comfort level is superior and long term they hold hold up better making you want to hang onto them like your Accord.

The MPG pentalty is very narrow it seems with recent economy vs mid size cars.
 
I've been trying to buy a replacement for my 1997 Nissan pickup. I just can't get over how expensive vehicles are now. The Nissan Frontier is worth about 18 grand and they are sticking to their $21,000 price tag. My alternate mid-life crisis vehicle that I'd like to get is a Chevrolet SS but even they're $43000 used.

I can't get over the dealers tacking $700 - $900 to the deal at the end and acting like it's normal. I'm just frustrated with the whole process and it has taken the fun out of the deal.
 
I took a stroll through CL last night and was surprised at the decent cars available. In my area anyway as well in South TX. Cars with 5 years or so under 10k with 80k miles were plentiful. I was looking for something a bit sportier than the Scion Xb as the Transit can be the principle dog hauler and grocery getter. Scions 2010-12 around 8k if under 100k. Simple 2.4 PP and good sound system.
Maybe fix the Honda and keep looking. If one is in no hurry a available deal is more likely and have the $$$ in hand for faster and better leverage. Harder to balance need verses want when one needs it right now.
 
No car payments is good. Figure out cost to keep what you have for another year..more than buying something else? Than id go for the corolla, great reliability and easy to work on and fix. I wouldnt buy Nissan..let alone one with a CVT...
 
At my company I can get a closer parking spot with an electric car (and free recharge). Or an expectant mother (hard to pass as that). Or Employee Recognition (I am a contractor).

So I might consider an electric car if I needed a car.

My belly however says I need a long walk to parking space.
 
I'd keep the accord and run it for another 100k unless it's Nickle and diming you to death. If you can do most of the repairs yourself you'll save a bundle.

My 97 civic will probably run for another 20 years. Minor rust on the back quarter panels.
 
Hyundai Sonata hands down if buying through a Hyundai dealer and it is a certified used car because the warranty can't be beat and it is a great vehicle.
 
You could do the necessary repairs and keep driving.

Or, if you need a better vehicle replace your Honda with a similar but rust free one from the South or from the West coast. Fly one way, drive it home. Then mile it out before the rust worm finds it.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top Bottom