@ aj725 there are some fun cars in that range. The Nissan Maxima I drove a couple of years ago was fun to drive, and i think it will come in around that price point loaded (or a late model lease). The Mazda 3 in its sport mode is fun, and the Mazda 6 is also fun. There is the impreza WRX, but that will probably kill you on insurance. There is also the Scion (toyota), they have some neat, sporty cars and aren’t that expensive. Some of the Subaru Legacy Sedan models are fun to drive, don’t be afraid to check them out as well, even though you say you don’t like subaru.
S/he would probably have issues with that Passat TDI if s/he put gasoline in it (it uses diesel).
Mazda 3
Ford Focus, manual transmission, without touch screen option
Recently went through the car-buying process. (Got a '12 Honda Pilot). “True Car” was helpful for seeing what a particular model was going for in my area. I was pre-approved for a loan with my bank, BUT the dealer had better rates, so I went with the dealer. (I assumed that dealer’s rates would be higher, but not always true if you have good credit.) I found a leased car that had been traded in and also recently marked down because it was end of year and dealer wanted it off lot. Price was very good, (saleman showed me same comps I’d seen on line. . .) no negotiations required. Painless really. (And I hate/dread buying cars. I put it off. The vehicle I replaced was a '99) I really like Hyundais, Hondas, and Toyotas for their reliability. Right now we have 3 Hyundais (Two '01s and one '09). Love them. I’ve had my '09 for 5 years and have had NOTHING done to it but oil changes, new battery, new tires. Never a problem. The other two are old, very high mileage, and still dependable. Like my newer Honda, too. In your situation, I’d probably pick the Elantra. Fwiw, S lives in a very snowy place with super long winters. He uses snow tires/front wheel drive. It works. But if you really want 4WD in a smaller vehicle, you should look at Subaru. Don’t forget registration/insurance/taxes. Some states charge property taxes on cars, too.
" cars do not accelerate too fast but Lexus is better looking and MORE PRESTIGIOUS! AWD vs Hybrid."
Ahem, I think that’s prestigiosity. @Hunt?
No one is talking Honda Fit? Mine is older, but am very happy with it, and is fun to drive with great gas mileage. The 2015 is redesigned. I bought it for the hauling capacity and better visibility than many vehicles sold these days.
“Ahem, I think that’s prestigiosity” . Of course I am throwing a bone to the CC crowd.
This Lexus is like Brown University while Impreza is Miami of Ohio.
Maybe good to have a Lexus if you are a real estate agent:)
This was discussed before, but I forget the response and can’t find the thread. Which car buying service gets better pricing- USAA or Costco? I dont think AAA is that competitive. Anyone know?
I thought about the Fit too, but I was thinking AWD. Looks like Honda HRV is coming out May 15 for under $20000. It is based on a Fit.
My neighbor hates her Honda Fit. She says it feels very light and plasticky and is difficult to see well due to pillars, etc. I am OK with my Honda Accord which was bought used from Hertz for under $20k. Believe it was 2-3 years old and had 30k miles.
Would agree that you should line up your financing via pre-approval fromn credit union or bank before you shop. If you can buy the entire car for cash, better yet.
We were able to put our car on credit cards. One gave 2% cash rebate and one was 0% interest for 18 months. We saved so we could pay off the entire balance in month 17.
I would always ask to work with the internet sales person at the dealership when I went for test drives. They were NO pressure because I made it clear I was only there for tsg drive and NOT to purchase.
It is important to be willing and able to walk away if the dealer refuses to meet your reasonable offer or make you a reasonable offer.
I was going to email the 3 Honda dealers in our city and ask them to give me a quote for their best price on a new 2015 Honda CRV with x, y, and z options, at the end of the month and quarter but just before I sent out the email, a car unexpectedly entered our household.
I have never been successful charging more than 5,000 on a credit card during car purchase, but frequent flyer miles add up. OP, do let us know what you choose.
It is important to only talk about payment options and terms AFTER the final price is settled. I believevwe may have had to write a check for a portion but were allowed to put a sizable amount on two credit cards.
We have also charged college tuitions, retirement funds, photovoltaic system and many, many other things to our CC for 2% cash back and other rewards. It does soften the purchase price a bit to get these rebates, points and other incentives.
I test drove the Subaru Impreza and it felt a lot like my 2007 Honda CRV. The Subaru Crosstrek was smoother and more comfortable. I need to test drive the Honda HRV when it comes out to compare.
Read this whole thread and appreciate the input, as we’ll be doing hard looking soon. I second and third that you want to check insurance costs early. This is very dependent on where you live. Here, AAA told me Honda is among the highest rates.
We used to go with new cars, thinking reliability was better. Last purchase was 2002, used, 10k miles, great price (via the dealer,) and we loved it from day one, still do. We stuck with the dealer for all the initial service, for the expertise. (Good, reputable folks.) There have been some pricey repairs, but only as it got much older, which is expected. If I could still get a Saturn, I would.
Having old cars, we rent for longer trips, and we really liked Ford Focus (and one of the low end Chevys.) Good mileage, good fit, good feel. Unless there is some amazing sweetheart deal on new, whatever brand, we’ll be going for used. A car that’s been treated well, hasn’t been in an accident, looks good, has good pro ratings, this makes sense for us.
Yes, the interior of my older Fit is not high end, and I don’t like the upholstery… However the seats are well contoured and very comfortable for my sore back. I think fittings have gone a bit more upscale with later editions.
Lookingforward, I did that for a few years, drive the older car at home and rent for longer trips. Very cost effective.