OT: Mid-sized sedans, $25-35,000

[SHUSource]

I know this is oft-discussed here, but things change constantly. I think the time has come to buy a new car, and I'm looking at sedans between $25,000 and $35,000. I'm pretty thrifty, so the closer I stay to the low end of that range, the happier I'll be. I keep my cars a good, long time, so I just want something that'll keep me pretty happy for eight or ten years with few headaches.

Here's what is currently under consideration:

• Honda Accord
• Mazda 6
• Acura TLX
• Hyundai Sonata
• Kia Optima

I'm a true Honda believer, but the Accord design is kind of dull, and the redesign is long overdue. I know it'll be next year if I buy one now. But you can't beat the reliability.

The Mazda has me really intrigued, and everything I've read makes me feel even better about it. Good looking car, fun to drive, and I'm even seeing that it's reliable. Is that true? If so, that might really work.

The TLX is pretty sweet, and it's probably the one I actually want, but I just don't know if I want to spend the $$$ (not that it's that much). Can anyone make the case for it?

I like the Sonata, but we've got one (a 2011) already, and that's not the car we're replacing. It's been an excellent value so far - very reliable, even if little things break, like the shift handle. I just don't know if I want anther one.

The Kia isn't really a strong contender. I could probably eliminate it here. Am I leaving any good choices off the list? The Subaru Legacy, perhaps? The Ford Fusion? No Volkswagens or Nissans, please - their omission is not mistaken. Also, no Camrys. I know it's a great car, but they put me to sleep.

I appreciate the input - thanks!

 

[famousbill19]

Love my 2013 Accord. Underrated feature- Honda's smartphone connectivity is the most intuitive I have seen so far. Sounds like a small thing until you get a car (like my 2014 Toyota Sienna) where it is awful. Nearly 100k miles, I have put nothing into it but tires, oil and a battery.

 

[RU31trap]

Nissan Altima (best bang for the buck)

 

[Jackson206:)]

Own a TL; wife has a Mazda 6. Mazda is more fun to drive, loaded with options. Power not as good as TL but all in all, I would go with Mazda.

 

[RUsojo]

I was very surprised with the Hyundai Sonata and ultimately chose it. I'm a tall guy and I was very surprised with the space it provided. It drives well and hold up well too. Only negative I've experienced is it's piss poor in bad weather (snow).

Can't provided anything further on your other options.

 

[AntiG]

The 256hp model of the Subaru Legacy would probably be good for consideration

 

[FanuSanu52]

Kia Optima is the second best-looking car on that list behind the Mazda 6. I'd throw it a test drive before eliminating it, though maybe you have other reasons? I'd drop the Sonata - two Sonatas is a depressing way to go through life.

The Fusion worth a look, as is the Chevy Malibu.

 

[rutger80]

It's towards the upper end of your range, but I'd look at the Infiniti Q50. Leased Infinitis for a lot of years and was very happy with them. My son has an Acura TLX and loves it.

 

[daneman100]

The 256hp model of the Subaru Legacy would probably be good for consideration

Top rated midsize by consumer reports. Premium edition is on the low end of that range and delivers amazing value and performance.

 

[Scangg]

I have a 2015 sonata sport. I like it and the sport model looks a little "cooler" for a great value

 

[AntiG]

Top rated midsize by consumer reports. Premium edition is on the low end of that range and delivers amazing value and performance.

Plus would have the best AWD in the business, so good for the sloppy roads we get here.

 

[SHUSource]

Love my 2013 Accord. Underrated feature- Honda's smartphone connectivity is the most intuitive I have seen so far. Sounds like a small thing until you get a car (like my 2014 Toyota Sienna) where it is awful. Nearly 100k miles, I have put nothing into it but tires, oil and a battery.

That's interesting, about the connectivity. Not a bad thing. I just love how they're so "set it and forget it." That reliability is so seductive...

 

[SHUSource]

Own a TL; wife has a Mazda 6. Mazda is more fun to drive, loaded with options. Power not as good as TL but all in all, I would go with Mazda.

Interesting. I'm telling you, that Mazda is really coming up in my estimation.

 

[Ole Cabbagehead]

No, no. You are doing it all wrong. If you have a job and can scrape together like $3,500 you can lease a new Range Rover Sport. That's the obvious move here. Worry about the rest later.

 

[miketd1]

Phone connectivity should be seamless or there's no point.

FWIW, wife loves her CRV's phone connectivity. Also, when I drive her car it's very easy to switch to my phone.

 

[mal359]

Why not a Chrysler 200?

There's still about six month's worth of inventory at most dealers, in spite of the car being discontinued in December. That and they're going for as low as $15k in some markets, now.

 

[SHUSource]

Nissan Altima (best bang for the buck)

We (she) had a 2006 Maxima before the Sonata, and I hated it. It handled incredibly well, and was powerful (6-cyl), but the transmission was embarrassingly unresponsive and the steering radius sucked. Also had some problems with it. A buddy also had his engine crap out at 30,000 miles. I know it's anecdotal, but all this was enough to scare me off Nissans for good.

 

[KeithK7624]

Nissan Altima (best bang for the buck)

Was going to suggest the Altima or Maxima. Both great cars that will last 200k+ miles. Maintance is inexpensive, they run well, nice ok the inside and out.

 

[SHUSource]

I was very surprised with the Hyundai Sonata and ultimately chose it. I'm a tall guy and I was very surprised with the space it provided. It drives well and hold up well too. Only negative I've experienced is it's piss poor in bad weather (snow).

Can't provided anything further on your other options.

Yeah, I'm 6-3, and I love the room in ours. It's a great car; just don't know if I want two of them. Maybe, though.

 

[LETSGORU91]

Honda CR-V. I know it isn't a sedan, but roomy, comfortable, ample cargo space, and all wheel drive. I have a 1998 with 210,000 but decided it was time for another, so the new one is a year old. As an added bonus, it is a solid car. I t-boned a knucklehead who blew a stop sign at 30 mph and it took the impact well.

 

[scarletrat]

Have you considered an Audi A3? Not sure if that may be too small, but is within the price range. I don't own an A3 but have heard good things about it. I owned an Acura TL for 9 years and loved it--TLX are nice and Acura has Honda reliability (I've owned 2 Acuras in past with very little issues and fun to drive)

 

[SHUSource]

Kia Optima is the second best-looking car on that list behind the Mazda 6. I'd throw it a test drive before eliminating it, though maybe you have other reasons? I'd drop the Sonata - two Sonatas is a depressing way to go through life.

The Fusion worth a look, as is the Chevy Malibu.

Wife drove an Optima for two weeks while the Sonata was in the shop (branch smashed the hood and windshield during Sandy), and we liked it a lot. Nice surprise! It looks like you have to spend $35 K before you get the nicer options, and that's a lot for a Kia.

 

[SHUSource]

No, no. You are doing it all wrong. If you have a job and can scrape together like $3,500 you can lease a new Range Rover Sport. That's the obvious move here. Worry about the rest later.

I'm pretty strictly anti-SUV. I'm sure it's nice, but isn't reliability a pretty big issue for Range Rover? Not leasing, either. Next car, possibly.

 

[FanuSanu52]

Wife drove an Optima for two weeks while the Sonata was in the shop (branch smashed the hood and windshield during Sandy), and we liked it a lot. Nice surprise! It looks like you have to spend $35 K before you get the nicer options, and that's a lot for a Kia.

Ah .. there you go, figured there was a good reason you had all but eliminated it.

I agree, then; Optima not worth top-of-your-range kind of money.

 

[SHUSource]

Why not a Chrysler 200?

There's still about six month's worth of inventory at most dealers, in spite of the car being discontinued in December. That and they're going for as low as $15k in some markets, now.

If I was buying two years ago, this would've been on the list. It's a good-looking car, but I did see that they canned it. Any idea why? Didn't realize they were selling them so cheap!

 

[SHUSource]

Honda CR-V. I know it isn't a sedan, but roomy, comfortable, ample cargo space, and all wheel drive. I have a 1998 with 210,000 but decided it was time for another, so the new one is a year old. As an added bonus, it is a solid car. I t-boned a knucklehead who blew a stop sign at 30 mph and it took the impact well.

It's probably the only SUV I'd consider, mostly because of the affordability and the Honda thing. I'm afraid my wife might want children if we got one, though... [winking]

 

[MV9000]

altima or if u want to get a little flashier the q50 is a beautiful car.

 

[FanuSanu52]

If I was buying two years ago, this would've been on the list. It's a good-looking car, but I did see that they canned it. Any idea why? Didn't realize they were selling them so cheap!

Basically, bad sales, doubling down on better-selling segments like SUVs and trucks.

http://www.autoblog.com/2016/01/28/dodge-dart-chrysler-200-death-followup-opinion/

 

[SHUSource]

Have you considered an Audi A3? Not sure if that may be too small, but is within the price range. I don't own an A3 but have heard good things about it. I owned an Acura TL for 9 years and loved it--TLX are nice and Acura has Honda reliability (I've owned 2 Acuras in past with very little issues and fun to drive)

That might be an easy sell for my wife. In a previous life, she had an A6 and loved it. She certainly misses it more than her ex-hubby. On the other hand, we're steadfastly anti-Volkswagen. I had an '01 Passat, and it was, by far, the biggest POS I ever owned. I'm afraid their rampant unreliability extends to the Audis, though I don't know if that's based in reality or not. Maybe we'll check it out.

 

[Raritan83]

Had a 16 Accord EX-L since the summer after coming from Acura TSX. Really liked my TSX but couldn't justify spending the extra $ on the Acura for essentially the same features.

Was down to the EX-L and Mazda 6 Grand Touring. Loved the interior of the Mazda but to me on 19' the ride was rough and the cost was a few thousand more so opted for the Accord. Really good choice so far.

Also considered the Hyundai but take a look at the resale if you are going to buy.

 

[SHUSource]

altima or if u want to get a little flashier the q50 is a beautiful car.

They are pretty nice, for sure. The Nissan association scares me a little, though.

 

[SHUSource]

Had a 16 Accord EX-L since the summer after coming from Acura TSX. Really liked my TSX but couldn't justify spending the extra $ on the Acura for essentially the same features.

Was down to the EX-L and Mazda 6 Grand Touring. Loved the interior of the Mazda but to me on 19' the ride was rough and the cost was a few thousand more so opted for the Accord. Really good choice so far.

Also considered the Hyundai but take a look at the resale if you are going to buy.

I really don't think the Accord is ever a bad bet. This is good to read. Do you mind if I ask what you wound up getting the EX-L for?

 

[SHUSource]

Top rated midsize by consumer reports. Premium edition is on the low end of that range and delivers amazing value and performance.

Maybe I ought to look closer at it. Our neighbor had one, and I like it, but I've never driven it (or been in it).

 

[RUMBA-JK]

Might be hard to believe - but even look at the Chevy Malibu or Chevy Cruz - a few years ago, never would have mentioned this - but the reviews have been respectable and a rental or two have left me with the impression that they might be worth a test drive.

 

[Raritan83]

I really don't think the Accord is ever a bad bet. This is good to read. Do you mind if I ask what you wound up getting the EX-L for?

I started considering it mainly for the leather. I have a 2 year old and figured I am going to see my share of milk and food spills plus puke and they would be easier to clean.

It was close but then after playing around with the Edmunds instaquoiting, Paul Miller gave me a fantastic quote (much lower than most), I took it to Route 23 Honda, they had my color and matched the price and I had an EX-L for about $500 more than I was getting quoted for a EX.

 

[SHUSource]

Might be hard to believe - but even look at the Chevy Malibu or Chevy Cruz - a few years ago, never would have mentioned this - but the reviews have been respectable and a rental or two have left me with the impression that they might be worth a test drive.

The Malibu is not a bad looking car. I really never considered it, but you're not the first person I've had talk it up. I'll take a closer look.

 

[SHUSource]

It was close but then after playing around with the Edmunds instaquoiting, Paul Miller gave me a fantastic quote (much lower than most), I took it to Route 23 Honda, they had my color and matched the price and I had an EX-L for about $500 more than I was getting quoted for a EX.

Funny you mention that. More than 20 years ago, I had a deal for a Honda all worked out with the dealer up in Newton. I went home and was going to pick it up the next day, but I felt like I could've done better. So I called Route 23 Honda (which was actually way closer to home), where I had started the search, and told them what I got, and said if they could do better, I'd by their car. And they did - by quite a bit. I'm sure all the people are different now, but I always had a good impression of them. When I called Sussex Honda to call the deal off, they asked what Route 23 was doing for me, and then told me there was no way they could beat it.

 

[KJB32812]

Not a fan of the Altima/Maxima. Buy CPO and go with an Acura or a Lexus. We had an Acura and I thought it was incredibly boring. Absolutely love the Lexus brand.

Infiniti will give you the best engine and probably the best performance but they aren't as reliable as the Acura or Lexus.

 

[Raritan83]

Funny you mention that. More than 20 years ago, I had a deal for a Honda all worked out with the dealer up in Newton. I went home and was going to pick it up the next day, but I felt like I could've done better. So I called Route 23 Honda (which was actually way closer to home), where I had started the search, and told them what I got, and said if they could do better, I'd by their car. And they did - by quite a bit. I'm sure all the people are different now, but I always had a good impression of them. When I called Sussex Honda to call the deal off, they asked what Route 23 was doing for me, and then told me there was no way they could beat it.

My family has gotten so many cars at Route 23 it isn't funny. Father can literally walk in and every finance manager, service staff and about 4 sales people know him by first name immediately. Knock on wood no bad experiences yet buying or service.

 

[RUevolution36]

I have a 2013 G37x...dealer tried to get me into a Q50 every year...the new one is great to look at, the new 3.0T engine is a beast...but the handling has gotten sloppy compared to the G (both with standard power steering and the divisive direct adaptive steering package). plus, I am not a fan of their pleather, which is standard kit in your price range. if i had decided to get something new, i would go with the Lexus IS300. yes, i know the germans make a better sports sedan, but my wife distrusts them, so it'll be japanese brands from here until forever.

i think that the accord is a perfectly serviceable car...the tsx is essentially a kitted out accord with the option of getting AWD. handling was kinda lazy on both, and they're both huge. the subaru was a decent drive, but it felt heavy. not big, but heavy. felt a tendency for more understeer than the others on the list. mazda 6 is really nice, but i dunno...can that tiny 4 banger stand the test of time? not a fan of the kia or the hyundai. no steering feel at all.