[williamgoody]

Ok, my Aunt want to buy me a car. I don't know why, but she does. SO! If you guys could throw me some advice as to what might be a good choice I'd appreciate it. I've always ben partial to Hondas but I've always owned used cars as well. Since we're looking at a newer car (maybe last year's models), Have things changed? I need something pretty much mid sized (four doors) that my Aunt and Mother can get in and out of (they're in their 80's and 70's respectfuly), that's dependible and will last a good long time, good on gas, and can take the 100plus miles I will be commuting everyday (50 to and from work).

Any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[tom hankins]

I've had an Acura 3.2TL for a couple years now and this thing is nice. Took it to Florida on one trip and to Texas on another and got over 31 mpg on the highway while travling between 90-100 mph. It's small but seats 4 and has good power( i think 225 HP) The new hondas look good too. My niece has an accord thats good looking.

 

[blessingx]

If you like Hondas, obviously consider Toyotas also. And I think Mazda (partially owned by Ford by the way) is finacially usually the best buy of the three similar Japanese makers. Those Proteges are great for the price point. Seems best buy lists keep rotating the manufactures. Also consider Oldsmobile. Although the lines are being discontinued, they're still GM parts, there's a hell of a lot of them out there, and GM seems to be making concessions to keep selling them until the end. Cousin just got probably the best deal of anyone I know on a new Alero. I'd start looking in that direction first if I was shopping.

 

[miroslav]

How about one of these:

http://www.desimonebmw.com/new_bmws/03_525isedan.html

There`s a new series 5 coming out this year, so a price drop of used ones is expected.

 

[drewski]

If you're looking in the under $20K range, my brother just bought a Toyota Matrix and he loves it. It's basically the Corolla but in a sporty station wagon body. It has plenty of room and you can just throw your bike or whatever in the back. It gets decent gas mileage and has decent acceleration. His was fully loaded and it was less that 20K out the door. But if you don't mind a more conservative vehicle, the standard Corolla is a great reliable car- not fancy or won't turn any heads, but will run forever.

If you want to spend more than that, I agree with Tom Hankins- the Acura TL is a great car. It's solid and handles really well. And the type S is even better- it has smooth acceleration and sticks around corners. My friend let me drive hers and I had to do everything I could to not go out and buy one! It's a lot of fun to drive.

Good luck!

 

[grinch]

if you commute 100 miles a day, i would seriously consider getting a hybrid honda. i don't have any experience with them, but i always stated that if i was a commuter i'd definitely look into them.


p.s. the matrix is definitely a wrx wannabe. but yeah, i think they are pretty cool.

 

[bootman]

Check out cars direct.

 

[screwdriver]

i would have to 2nd the suggestion of an acura TL.

or they have a smaller one in the lineup now using the accord platform - the acura TSX with a base price on the $26,000.

 

[mbriant]

It would be hard to go wrong with either a Honda or Toyota. Personally I'd put Nissan and Mazda at tied for a very close second.

 

[williamgoody]

Guys, thanks so much for the suggestions so far, I really appreciate it. Please keep them coming.

Drewski, are Toyotas really that dependable of a car?

 

[MERTON]

the toyota is the most dependable vehicle you can buy... other than lexus (which toyota makes)... how much is your aunt gonna spend? will she buy me a new car?

i really wouldn't mind a civic with a/c and an automatic... they're only $11,000.. come on.. she can do it!!!

 

[gerG]

Ooooh, this is tough without some price targets.

Check out the new Mazda 6. Wonderful combination of performance and functionality for a reasonable price. It is also under-hyped, so you can probably find a deal.

How about a Cadillac CTS? Cool ride with great handling. I am just embarrased to admit that I actually like a Cadillac.

Toyotas have historically been very reliable. Lately they all seem pretty boring as well. The Lexus is300 is fun, but for the price I would go for an Audi A4.

Volkswagen Pasat is a great car, and a great value. Take one for a test drive.


gerG

 

[drewski]

I defintely think so. I have two Toyotas, and each of my brothers have two as well. Out of the six Toyotas that we've had, not one of us has ever had any major problems. One of them even has 170K on his Camry and it still runs great- never had any major service done on it, just routine maintenance. Of course, I know many other people with Hondas and Nissans that have had good luck also. Mazdas are also decent cars, but I've heard that they're more expensive and harder to maintain.

Any idea what budget you're looking at?

 

[williamgoody]

I'm not sure about budget. My cousin and her husband just bought a Camry for around 20K, and I mentioned this during the initial conversation, and she didn't flinch. So I guess around 20K is a good number.

 

[elnero]

I'm gathering if your aunt is buying it for you your not really looking for anything too exotic or expensive.

I'll suggest Toyota as well. A Corolla is probably one of the best buys out there. We have a 99 Tercel that has never given us any real problems. I'd go with a Corolla though, it would be a bit bigger and more comfortable than the Echo.

Edit: Camry would be even better.