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

[RUfinal4]

with the Hyundai and Kia you should be able to get a similarly equipped car for a few thousand less.

You mentioned you keep your cars a long time so resale value shouldn't matter. Once you pass 100,000 miles the value left is not really as important.

I compared the Accord, 6, Optima, and Sonata on Edmunds for the highest end models for 2016 that were all around 35k

Performance - Mazda 6 has a weak engine which leads to good gas mileage. Accord has the 278 hp with the other 2 around 245. The torque (acceleration power) is highest on the Korean cars. They share the same engine.

many of the safety features and even dimensions are similar for all 4.

I would say test drive them and see which you like. You may get some better high end bells and whistles in 1 vs another.

Personally if the Kia Optima didn't have the Kia logo on it I would think it was a sharp looking vehicle worthy of competing with the luxury brands based on appearance.

 

[RUSK97]

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]

Oh, good god, stay away from SUVs then!!!

 

[RUSK97]

My sister has a small fleet of four Fusions; they're base SE models, but they've been bulletproof. And they drive very nicely IMHO.

 

[RU86]

Have a 2016 Honda Accord V6. Great car which averages 30MPG. Highly recommended.

 

[LETSGORU91]

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.

Route 23 stiffed me on a car before..

 

[Abro1975]

I saw a BMW i8 today on Bloomfield Ave in Montclair. Maybe the sharpest car I've ever seen on a street.

 

[SkilletHead2]

I saw a BMW i8 today on Bloomfield Ave in Montclair. Maybe the sharpest car I've ever seen on a street.

I used to draw cars like this when I was in the fourth grade.

 

[RU4Real]

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.

It's a great car, but practically speaking is not in his range (I own one).

The only A3 under 35k is the 1.8 FWD model. It's pure entry level, they're not easy to find and frankly isn't a very interesting car.

The 2.0 AWD runs 35k without nav and a nicely optioned model is over 40k. On the plus side, it's wicked quick and handles beautifully.

Of the cars on OP's list, I would definitely go with the Mazda 6.

As per a previous comment, the Fusion is a nice vehicle and is also a solid performer with the 2.0 turbo engine, but it gets ****** gas mileage compared to the competition and Ford's Sync infotainment system sucks sweaty balls.

 

[daneman100]

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).

3 people have bought one on my recommendation. All have thanked me.

Whatever you do make sure you call the company and tell them you are considering their car, you would be surprised what extra incentives you can get.

 

[RU4Real]

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

Since Subaru uses multiple types of AWD systems across its product line, this statement is not accurate.

 

[rutgersal_rivals139582]

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.

because the car is trash.

 

[GoodOl'Rutgers]

Not in the market myself, but I know a guy who said the Chevy Impala is surprisingly competitive among peers.

Car and Driver liked it a lot

 

[rutgersal_rivals139582]

OP:

You know you want the Honda Accord, so just get it. Just change the oil, and you'll get 300K miles easily and most cost effectively. Fun to drive, easy on the gas pump, and lots of room as well as trunk space, make the Accord the car to beat. Can fit 5 reasonably sized people easily. Plus parts are easy to come by, since they're so popular. In addition to making Car and Drivers 10 Best Cars it is also the kbb.com buy of the year. Best car of the bunch by a country mile.

 

[TheHandOfChaos]

I have a 2016 Chrysler 200 and Im very happy with it.

 

[TonyVolt]

This is why we will always suck. We have a bunch of bitches as fans who like Altimas and Accords. Jesus. You live once.

 

[RU4Real]

This is why we will always suck. We have a bunch of bitches as fans who like Altimas and Accords. Jesus. You live once.

I give this post my highest five star rating.

 

[DirtyRU]

I'm on my 3rd Mazda 6. Big fan. They have all held up nicely, but my latest one is by far the sharpest. It's a 2015. It's the middle model of the 3 (Touring maybe? I forget what they call it). The downsides of mine are no nav, no fog lights and no sunroof. The upside? It's a SHARP-looking car with plenty of other features. I went with the middle model because I really wanted the 6-speed manual transmission, and they only make it in the base and middle models. The V4 has plenty of pep, trust me. This is coming from someone who used to own and drive a 2001 Mustang GT with a V8.

The stock rims on the 6 are beautiful 19" with low-profile Dunlop tires. I got the silver model... and it's a sharp silver, it's not that rental car silver. Not too light. I got the black leather interior, and I tinted my windows and got block R NJ tags. It has Bluetooth, auto-down and up on all 4 windows for the driver-side door, which I love. I will try to post a pic or 2. Anyway, very happy with the car and of course since it's my third Mazda6 I am very happy with Mazda in general. I think you get a lot of car for the price tag.

 

[wcfan10]

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 appreciate the input - thanks!

Out of the above I'd go for the Honda Accord. I'm on my second Accord and I just love the reliability! Long-term it will be your best value... Yeah the design isn't the greatest...

 

[TonyVolt]

You have to be a real loser to have an Accord for 200,000 miles and then buy a new one. Talk about not living a superior life. Or how about this winner, "I like Fusions." Then we wonder why our endowment sucks. Losers.

 

[FanuSanu52]

I saw a BMW i8 today on Bloomfield Ave in Montclair. Maybe the sharpest car I've ever seen on a street.

Or not on the market if you're talking that first photo :stuck_out_tongue_winking_eye:

 

[FanuSanu52]

You have to be a real loser to have an Accord for 200,000 miles and then buy a new one. Talk about not living a superior life. Or how about this winner, "I like Fusions." Then we wonder why our endowment sucks. Losers.

Much better to ride around on a white short bus, heh?

 

[fg7321]

The best part about owning an Accord is the resale value. We have owned 4 of them so far . I gave my son my 2003 he drove it back and forth to Colorado and put 50k miles on it. He hit a deer at 65 mph and the insurance company fixed it as he did not total t since it was still worth about 6k at 150k miles. Two years later he rear ended someone and again the car was still not toatalled it now had 175k miles on it. the insurance company gave us a check after deductible for 2k. I then sold the Wreck on craigs list for $1900 with people bidding up the price.

 

[RUSK97]

You have to be a real loser to have an Accord for 200,000 miles and then buy a new one. Talk about not living a superior life. Or how about this winner, "I like Fusions." Then we wonder why our endowment sucks. Losers.

Ok boss, what's your ride?

 

[mal359]

You have to be a real loser to have an Accord for 200,000 miles and then buy a new one. Talk about not living a superior life. Or how about this winner, "I like Fusions." Then we wonder why our endowment sucks. Losers.

Look at these pathetic cucks not spending $200k on a Ford F750 Momfucker, Extra Masculine Edition.

 

[Andy117]

My sister has a small fleet of four Fusions; they're base SE models, but they've been bulletproof. And they drive very nicely IMHO.

I loved my AWD Fusion.

 

[theRU]

Malibu is a sweet looking car, i like it

 

[RU2055]

Ok boss, what's your ride?

Yugo

 

[RUaMoose_rivals]

OP seems to favor foreign brands. Left off the list:

Chevy Impala
Chevy Malibu
Buick Regal (Mother has one and loves it)
Ford Taurus
Dodge Charger (If I were in the market, this would be my first look)

 

[miketd1]

Some folks aren't car enthusiast like some folks aren't sports fans.

So invest in whatever gives you pleasure and don't let anyone guilt you into pretending you're someone you're not.

Good luck!

 

[RUMBA-JK]

Based on your criteria -
(A.) sedans $25,000 - $35,000. & pretty thrifty, so stay to the low end of range,
(B.) keep cars long time - want to keep happy for 8 - 10 years w few headaches.
and you other comments - like
- I'm a true Honda believer,
- The Mazda has me really intrigued...
-like the Sonata, but we've got one (a 2011) ....
would suggest -

(1.) Yes - Honda is a pretty safe bet - if you want a V6 - buy now - since next-gen will get oomph from a turbo-4 ... everybody has their own opinion - but current Honda Accord design is not likely to get decidedly dated in next 8-10 years - - and it generally is a fool-proof reliable vehicle. Also - just for curiosity sake - you might test drive a civic sedan - civics have been growing in size - and creature comforts - might be an interesting surprise.

(2.) Mazda scores well in this category - often gets the reviewer's nod as 'the driver's car' in this bracket. - There are Mazda's in rental fleets - call around and rent one for a weekend - drive it all over - drive it to some place 100 miles away - see if it is a car that just keeps getting better the more you sit in the driver's seat.

(3.) reboot your brain on the Sonata - you like it - you like your experience & will assume you generally are OK with the dealer - remind yourself that with the rapid rate of improvement that Hyundai has been pursuing - a 2017 Sonata is a dramatically - vastly - different & even better - car from a 2011 - In this price bracket you get a lot for your $ and you get durability. PLUS - if you have a decent relationship with your Hyundai dealer - you & the wife - drive into the dealer with both the Sonata - and the car that you wish to replace - push them on price & other perks - leverage the idea of making you an all Hyundai household -

There are lots of other very good options - and you could spend every weekend until Memorial Day in Car dealer show rooms - but if if car shopping is generally a 'task' to be accomplished and then get on with life - would say - narrow the options like above & then pick what provides the best gut feel.

 

[DirtyRU]

Here's a photo of my Mazda 6 before I got the tints on the windows.

 

[newwavedave1]

Owned a 2013 Cruze and was very pleased. Had a great ride and plenty of power.

 

[RAC’emUp]

The Ford Fusion Energi, their hybrid plug in. We are averaging 75 MPG. Coolest car I have owned and that includes, Acura, Cadillac and Volvo S80.

 

[theRU]

OP seems to favor foreign brands. Left off the list:

Chevy Impala
Chevy Malibu
Buick Regal (Mother has one and loves it)
Ford Taurus
Dodge Charger (If I were in the market, this would be my first look)

its amazing that people still refuse to consider Ford or GM... Whats also amazing is some of the same hypocrites who say these brands dont deserve a look because of past betrayals are also driving VWs and Audis

 

[RU4Real]

its amazing that people still refuse to consider Ford or GM... Whats also amazing is some of the same hypocrites who say these brands dont deserve a look because of past betrayals are also driving VWs and Audis

Or maybe you just don't know anything about vehicle dynamics.

I was on a biz trip two days ago and took a brand new Malibu off the National lot. It looks okay from the outside, but the interior execution is crap and it drives like a Radio Flyer wagon.

Car enthusiasts know what they're talking about. The fact that you seem to have some kind of problem with that doesn't change the facts.

 

[RUb-it-in]

Went through 3 Acura transmissions 6 or 7 years ago. They had a lot of trouble back then.

 

[theRU]

Or maybe you just don't know anything about vehicle dynamics.

I was on a biz trip two days ago and took a brand new Malibu off the National lot. It looks okay from the outside, but the interior execution is crap and it drives like a Radio Flyer wagon.

Car enthusiasts know what they're talking about. The fact that you seem to have some kind of problem with that doesn't change the facts.

WTF are you talking about? Vehicle dynamics on 25k loaner cars? OK boss. Point is the 25 malibu looks better and even is executed better than the 25k camry or accord.

The guys price point is in econo box territory and you are talking about driving dynamics. My point was people dont want to look at a ford or chevy because of reliability issues from the 80s and 90s but will look at an Audi or VW despite the fact they committed outright fraud.

Oh and i forgot you are an AUDI lover or employee, no wonder you are so salty.

 

[RU4Real]

WTF are you talking about? Vehicle dynamics on 25k loaner cars? OK boss. Point is the 25 malibu looks better and even is executed better than the 25k camry or accord.

The guys price point is in econo box territory and you are talking about driving dynamics. My point was people dont want to look at a ford or chevy because of reliability issues from the 80s and 90s but will look at an Audi or VW despite the fact they committed outright fraud.

Oh and i forgot you are an AUDI lover or employee, no wonder you are so salty.

You're funny. All this angst. Why is that?

First of all, why can't we talk about vehicle dynamics in the 25-35k range? For one thing, it's definitely NOT "econobox territory". The fact that you actually said that shows you have no clue what the hell you're talking about. But putting aside your own personal failings for a moment, some of the greatest handling, most fun to drive cars in all of automotive history have been among the least expensive, in their time.

And saying the Malibu "looks better and even is better executed than the camry or accord" is further evidence of your soft-headedness. The Camry may be as ugly as your dog, but it's among the most reliable cars on the market. And the execution of the Accord is brilliant - they're just not much fun to drive. That said, they're more fun to drive than a Malibu.

Your shrillness over the whole "dieselgate" thing is kinda funny, too. All manufacturers game the EPA (and its peers). It's an age-old and important sport, like tossing the caber. Go back and research all the manufacturers that have run afoul of eco-testing over the last 40 years (the catalytic converter age). It's a long list.

The fact remains, that in spite of your rather uneducated ranting, a 25k Jetta will drive circles around anything on your list.

 

[bossnj1]

I've had a Mazda6 since Sept 2013 when I bought the redesigned version similar to the current models. Absolutely love it- handles great, fun to drive, great looking car, more than adequate acceleration. And though the power won't wow you, the trade off is great gas mileage without the use of CVT.
That said, the BEST thing about it is that it has personality, unlike (IMO) the Accord/Camry, run of the mill looks and handling. Good luck car hunting!

 

[i'vegotwinners]

a little OT, but back in the day you could see a car from a block away, and instantly identify what make/model it was.

today, if you removed all the identifying trim from the car, i wonder how many people could differentiate any similar sized models from the others, from 5 feet away.