Very OT, but I hope some here would not mind. I think this is a group of financially savvy, value-oriented, practical
and helpful individuals (possibly closer to my age-group, around 50?). That's why I thought of posting here vs. some
car forums which tend to be dominated by car enthusiasts.
My trusty Japanese family cars are getting old and want to replace now. Considering new or certified used, with a budget
of around $25-26k or lower. May look at used from private parties, but really as a last choice. We would like to keep the
car for a long time (> 10 years).
Primary needs
* Comfort: Becoming more important as both of us age. Includes good comfortable seats, low noise, climate control
* Reliability, in terms of maintenance costs
* Safety
* Space for family. We are not big, but don't want cramped back-seats. Trunk-space mid-range.
* This factor is at the border of primary and not essential. Driving performance. Not looking for
top-class acceleration and maneuvering complex turns at fast speeds, but good acceleration (my old trusty
Accord is quite weak in joining freeways or passing cars), better than average 'road grip', etc.
Not needed
* AWD or FWD. We drive mostly in SoCal, no real off-roading
We are beginning to test-drive, but there is nothing like hearing from others who have driven their cars
a bit longer than 15-20 minutes.
Any pointers, including suggestions for better forums to post, are welcome.
BTW, has anyone here bought direct from sites like cardirect?
Comments
http://www.streetsideclassics.com/showcar.php/atl/1866
Regards,
Ted
1. Honda Accord V6
2. Kia Optima
Derf
Thanks for the pointers about negotiations.
This was the period of time, circa 2010, that the likes of Hyundai were making a big push and started to make great looking and quality vehicles, at a price point a good bit under the Accord.
I think they hit Honda blindsided and it did not take long for them to eat into Honda's market share and quickly. Fortunately, Honda was able to react, and by about 2012, Honda put an Accord back on the road that in my opinion was the very best car in its class. I do not see them resting on their laurels again!
Mona
I do believe Volvo is now owned by Hejiang Geely Holding Group of China, with the purchase from Ford in 2010. 'Course, I do not know whether this affects quality, which it should not.
I suppose with Volvo and some other brands, is one's ability to obtain service repairs properly if traveling in areas not close to metro areas. I presume there are many more techinicans (familiar with the product) and dealerships available for Honda, versus Volvo.
https://autos.yahoo.com/news/best-used-cars-for-2014-232135033.html
We also rented a 2014 Impala on a trip to Arizona last spring. Picked it up in Phoenix and drove north to the canyon - about 4 hours. Speed limit's 75 out there and we took advantage of it. Great driving car. Didn't want to leave it behind when we came home.
Never bought a "foreign" (branded) car. However, the 08 Fusion was a Mazda under the skin, as Ford had a partnership with Mazda back than - believe they had partial ownership. Apparently Ford learned a lot from the partnership, as the car has only gotten better.
It's hard to go wrong nowadays. In the past, the Chrysler products we rented were falling apart. However, from what I've read, they have really improved the quality since Fiat bought it. Certainly nice lookers.
Enjoy the hunt.
So that makes the question even more pertinent. I would safely assume this is not the same Volvo as of years past.
A close second with the Scion B, which has outstanding engineering and is widely used as a taxi in Chicago, I've noticed. I've ridden in them and been quite pleased. Didn't pursue it once my son saw one and declared "you're not buying a box to drive, dad."
(sigh)
David
http://www.edmunds.com/volkswagen/passat/2015/features-specs.html?style=200705177
http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2015/features-specs.html?style=200709381
http://www.edmunds.com/toyota/camry/2015/features-specs.html?style=200693838
http://www.edmunds.com/mazda/mazda6/2015/features-specs.html?style=200674228
http://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion/2015/features-specs.html?style=200697195
Passat is on my list too. Like the way it drives -- more German, although they seemed to have toned down. Good space and look. Considered TDI, but may just look at 1.8L turbo instead, as mileage is good (not as good as diesel), and diesel brings some unknowns for me in terms of maintenance, California emissions, easy availability for fuel on the road, etc. My only issue (perception?) about VW is lower reliability vs Honda/Toyotas.
So if you are not pressed for time, buy car at end of quater, shop around, email many dealers for prices, and talk to managements to come up w/ these deals. Make sure you bring the emails from other Dealers into the car dealer that you want to get it from.
I think we got this Honda for this price because we have many Hondas before, and they give us ? 250 dollars off the final price sale also because we own many Hondas before - some sort of incentives if you are a loyal customers. I think many companies like Honda/Toyota, GM Ford also have the same deals if you previously have their car the past few yrs
If you live near Dallas go to GILLMAN HONDA DEALERS - they may give you the best deals
The wifey got one honda in the 1990s, I got one in college, we got another Honda in 2002, and we got this new one in 2012. Hondas are excellence IMHO.
edmunds usually give you cheapest price of what others paid previously
http://www.edmunds.com/honda/accord/2015/?sub=&ps=