So, if we aren’t friends on Facebook, you wouldn’t know that two weeks ago during the rogue snow storm in Boston, I totaled my car. I basically lost control of the car because the roads hadn’t been salted or plowed or sanded or anything for that matter (probably because the week before the city spent $6 million on a snow storm that never happened) and I had a little meeting with a telephone poll. I was literally going 5 mph because I knew how bad the roads were and my husband had just said, “be careful, I hear the roads are bad.” Here is the final product:
So, now I’m on the hunt for a new car. My budget is around $14,000-$15,000 I’m primarily looking at used cars but in my searches of consumer reports, I’ve learned quite a few things about used cars. Through my endless visits to car dealerships (Ira Mazda, Michaud Mitsubishi, Stoneham Ford, Hyundai Village, and finally Ira Toyota) I think I’ve narrowed down my list of potential cars to three (and thank you consumer reports for the original list to start with).
In no particular order:
1) Hyundai Elantra
This is a sporty little compact car. According to consumer reports one of the best cars made currently. I can get it with an iPod hook-up (my only original request). The thing here is that I might be able to get a brand new one – which gives me a 5 yr 60,000 mile bumper to bumper and a100,000 mile power train warrant. Pretty good, right?
2) Toyota Camry
Again, a little sporty. I can get this car with leather, heated seats, sunroof, ipod hook up and bluetooth phone capability (used 2007 model). I drove this car and it is amazing. Very nice. However, then I looked up on Edmunds and it has 5 recalls out for it. The salesman said all issues must be fixed before the car can be sold. Do I believe this? Will they be fixed?
3) Ford Fusion
Again, this would be a 2008/2009 – I can get it with Microsoft Sync – so I can just say “Call Austin” and it will! This car also drove very well and I really did like it – my only issue on this car is the lack of warranty. With it, I will only get the remainder of the stock warranty.
What to do?? Opinions please on all three of the cars? Do you own one? Would you never and why? HELP!
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Sounds as if you drive like me, especially in the snow
I’d reccomend a Subaru – i know you’re not a lesbian, but neither am I and there’s a surprisingly sporty/cool hatchback – with all-wheel drive – also very reasonable!
Thanks, Sam. I’m actually driving that exact car as a rental right now. Subaru Impreza Outback Sport (I think). Unfortunately, I don’t think I can find one of those in my price range
So my mom has had a hyundai for about 10 years, and it is only a base model. She adores it and has had no major issues at all. The brand new warrenty aspect is nice. Does it have all wheel drive? That is key.
I am sure you know that despite the recalls, Consumer Reports still favors Toyota above all. There is so much scrutiny over them right now, that no dealership will sell you one without it being fixed. The Camry gets my vote.
Me, I am OBSESSED with Suburu right now, so if anyone out there wants to throw one my way, I would be happy to test it out for a year and tweet my bliss with it! Just saying….
Thanks, Renee. No, the Hyundai does not have AWD just front-wheel same as the other two cars…this is such a hard decision!
I’ve heard really good things about Hyundai as a company and how they are an up and coming hybrid of Toyota and Honda- they are a emerging force in the auto industry- (according to NPR). I vote for the Hyundai!!
I like your choices and would also vote for a Subaru (want one as my next car), but I would also suggest a Honda Accord. We liked how Hondas drove a lot better than the Toyotas. They are consistently on the top 10 for Car & Driver and recommended by CR too. Buying a Toyota right now would just make me too nervous given the alleged cover-up.
I drive a Nissan Altima. They are very reliable and good in the snow. I would consider the Altima or atleast test drive one.
Also, I have a friend who has a license to buy cars at auction prices (usually saves about $3-4k at your price point). Let me know if you would like to consider going through my friend to get your car.
Hope to see you on March 12th at the Vault, btw!
Thanks, guys. Beth, I did test drive the Honda – wasn’t a fan..it just didn’t feel right to me.
Chris’s mom has the Camry and she says it handles terribly in the snow. Not to mention that if the car still has a warranty and you have to fix it at the dealership their prices are really high.
How come the Caddy isnt on this list?
How about a Jetta — I hear those are cute cars!
Hey Erin, sure I’ll add the caddy to the list right away!
I hate this car shopping process~
btw…there is a problem with my time stamps..I think I fixed but I’m not sure!