A quest!

[andiyana]

Updated: 6/5/08If you're wondering why I have crossed out some of the cars you guys have recommended most, and why I am still seriously consdering an 'O8 Focus, I promise it isn't because I'm not listening. It's primarily because the deadline is getting tighter here all the time, which unfortunately is forcing me to rule out cars I could probably

Comments

[i_m_pk]

#1-- Don't forget the increased price of Car Insurance in your calculations for how much you can pay a month

#2-- DO NOT buy an American car. Over the last 10 years (so this goes especially for used cars) they have gotten consistently worse ratings than Japanese cars (from consumer reports)

#3-- Honda & Toyota have the best reliability records, however, IMO my two Nissans were both more fun to drive than Raven's two Toyotas and our friend Jamie's Honda

#4-- From my experience, the Nissan Sentra is a super affordable car that's extremely reliable, and the '07 redesign looks pretty slick.

[andiyana]

Thanks. Since you are around-ish, can you get on AIM or google, plz? I need some help and you are one of the few that may know how to provide it.

#1 - It's figured in, which is why I don't want to push the top of my range *too* much, or at all, if I can help it ;)

#2 - Augh, but I just shortlisted the Cobalt and I sort of love it. But I am going alphabetically, so... yeah... lol

#3 - I already am leaning strongly towards a Nissan, my grandma's Altima is pretty sweet, and the Maxima was at least a nice ride too before it started falling the hell apart. Still bigger than I am comfortable with and the Altima is too much coin.

#4 - Noted. Sounds like what I need. :)

[i_m_pk]

Sorry, I posted and went to bed :(

#2-- I know you like the Cobalt, but seriously, don't. Chevy & Ford are pretty terrible companies right now. Ford is making efforts in improving the quality and reliability of their vehicles, but they've only made a lot of breakthroughs in the last year or so (the 07 & 08 Fusion get good reviews) and that isn't enough data to improve their overall scoring.

New #1-- When I was researching for my new car, the Fit got terrible reviews. The Versa did OK, and the Toyota Matrix was the best. Also okay (and I know this goes agains my no American Cars rule) was the Pontiac Vibe--it was made with the Toyota Corolla engine & body as a joint "project" between the two companies. It's also pretty fun to drive (I rented it once).

[andiyana]

Oh, I like the Cobalt, but I am by no means married to the idea of owning one. They're just one of many cars I'm kinda looking into. The Focus is admittedly a little more of a tempter, but I promise I'm not ignoring your warning about American cars. This stage is more about filtering out what I really don't want, or can't afford.

So far, I'm finding that owners kind of love their Fits, but I haven't read any professional reviews yet. I am kind of liking the Versa, but apparently all they have around here is the hatchback... *sigh*. Vibe and Matrix are on my to-do list, though. Thanks for the tip :)

[bitter_suite24]

I'm no real help with cars. I took my dad and brother with me when I got what I'm currently driving. I can speak about the Subaru Impreza sedan (which I currently drive) and the Legacy sedan (which I drove before you knew me) though. I like both, and I like Subarus in general as does my brother. I never had any serious problems with them, and my current car gets pretty good gas mileage. My whole family actually drives a Subaru. Dad owns a Chevy Trailblazer, but he still my old Outback unless there's snow/ice. It still runs; it just needs a new alternator. So my vote is for a Subaru. Also, I got mine new, and it was less than that mini convertible.

[andiyana]

Thanks for the input. Like I said, ANY feedback is welcome. This is kind of like, a MAJOR purchase, so I'm probably not going to be like, "Yeah, whatever. You don't know what you're talking about anyway." Driving experience is just as important as buying, and in the long ruh, probably MORE important

[i_m_pk]

My friend Ben has a Subaru Impreza too, and it's super fun to ride in...granted, he has a manual and drives like a maniac. But it's a very nice car. My aunt & her family only drive subarus because they live in the Rockies and need the 4wheel drive.

Also, they don't rank as badly as American/German/British cars. (Probably has something to do with being Japanese)

[andiyana]

*sigh* Manual is so not the ideal solution right now, but I will be checking out the Impreza. I don't know if I *need* 4WD but it can't hurt. Although one of my coworkers was trying to sell me on a Jeep v. Mini for that very reason. I was like, bitch plz... if people keep driving Jeeps, there will be no snow in PA to make that 4WD necessary. Grar. SUVs can bite me. U

Ummm... anyway... now German and British cars are off-limits, too? Soooo not fair. I do love the Mini, and it will be ever-present on my list, but I don't think you're really worried about me buying one, are you? And the Beetle is mainly there because despite their weird popularity, they are also pretty cheap. And a Rabbit? Come on now... ;)

[seyrah]

I echo the sentiment: do NOT buy an American car. Especially a Chrysler.

Buy a Honda or a Toyota. They generally rank highest on reliability and safety.

My brother has a Fit and loves it. It has kickarse gas mileage, too, for a non-hybrid.

I have a Prius and it gets 52 mpg. Optimally, everyone should be driving them, but they are very in demand right now and not cheap. The actual hybrid I'd love to have is a Honda Insight, though; if you can find one of those (which is rare), they are so cute and sporty-looking. I'm really eager to see Honda's new redesigned hybrid which is going to be out in 09 or 10.

[andiyana]

Yeah, I think the odds of my getting an American car are pretty slim. I am still entertaining the idea of a few, but overwhelmingly, I am drawn to imports. Not necessarily Japansese, but they are kind of dominating the list

[andiyana]

*sigh* Not a single Honda Insight of ANY model year within 100 miles of here. I really do like them, but there are none to be found :( I guess I will have to wait awhile to buy a hybrid, but anything even remotely fuel-efficient would be an improvement over my now-officially-dead Nissan. Which means I've got to keep slogging it out, sadly. There is a rumor my dad may get involved in the process which would be useful. He's owned more vehicles than anyone I know AND he taught me to drive. That should mean something, right?