i've read positive reviews of the Optima as well, but man, $30K for a Kia?!?! you can buy a really nice (used) car, late model/low miles, for $30k.
Need Car Advice/Suggestions
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i've read positive reviews of the Optima as well, but man, $30K for a Kia?!?! you can buy a really nice (used) car, late model/low miles, for $30k.
If I had it to do over again I'd have given more consideration to the Sonata. Bigger, more comfortable and smoother than the Elantra and doesn't cost much more at all.
It is really hard to fathom we live in a world where a Kia costs $30k. But they really HAVE improved their quality a ton. I wouldn't have a worry at all about buying a Kia nowadays. In fact, I'd buy a Kia before I'd buy a GM or Chrysler product.
Side note, the Fusions are SWEET.
I have a Mazda 3 hatch. I like it's styling inside and out, and it handles very well for an economy car. The mileage is below average for the size of the car, and the road noise is loud. No reliability issues thus far. Price aside, I'm sure some of the others you're considering are better cars, but it's probably worth a comparison to one of the older VWs/Volvos.
have you considered the new chevy malibu with the T-assist? very nice looking cars. great fuel economy. Hyundai genesis too. ps I sell cars and would not buy a vw due to maintenance costs.
I bought an optima EX about a month ago, and outside of the engine being a little under-whelming, it's a great car.
Not sure where you're getting those numbers though.. you can get a pretty much fully loaded EX (sunroof/panoramic roof; tech package/back-up camera; heated/cooled leather seats;etc) for under $26k or so... I'm guessing the 30k+ numbers are coming from the sports edition
I used to work for a German company. The germans find it quite humorous that we pay a premium for VWs. Over there they view Chrystler/GM as a superior brand to VW.
Yeah, when I was looking I was looking at the SX, fully loaded which, I just quickly built on their site, it came out to $32,130. But you are right an EX or EX turbo cost around the 25 - 28k mark fully loaded.
As far as spending 30k on a Kia, fully loaded there aren't many options that a used premium car would have that the Kia doesn't and the Kia comes with 10 year 100K limited powertrain warranty. Plus your maintenance costs will be considerably less with a Kia versus a premium car.
I had a mazda3 and thought it was a great car. If you get the top tier trim level you won't have the noise issues and a manual transmission gives you close to 30 mpg. Although if you like performance I'd go the route of the mazdaspeed3 and the manual, won't get the fabulous mpg but very fun to drive.
I would concur to try the Mazda 3 and Altima.
If stepping down from a truck, you might also look at a Nissan Juke/Rogue, just to have a little more height than a sedan.
If stepping down from a truck, you might also look at a Nissan Juke/Rogue, just to have a little more height than a sedan.
They do view cars differently in Europe. A Brit friend of mine just spent $8000 on modifications for his 15 year old Ford Escort.
u are better off paying cash for whatever you can afford than driving what you really want... you will be skeptical now and thank me later.
i have driven avg 10 year old cars since I was 15, and avg around $400 per year in maintenance, that is less that many people pay in interest/depreciation in 1 month...
spreadsheet the $$ out if you dont believe me. Cars are a black hole money pit the newer they are...
i have driven avg 10 year old cars since I was 15, and avg around $400 per year in maintenance, that is less that many people pay in interest/depreciation in 1 month...
spreadsheet the $$ out if you dont believe me. Cars are a black hole money pit the newer they are...
while that may be true, there are few things that make me happier than what I drive, id much rather lose the money and be happy than drive a pos forever.
Amen. Everyone knows cars ar money pits. You are either a car person or someone who views a car as a way to get from point A to point B. There are fewer things I enjoy more than driving a brand new car. It's one of those things that's just worth it for me. I'm willing to cut back in other areas if need be. I still go for a drive, just to go for a drive.
If you have the financial means to drive a nice car by all means do so. I'm quite aware of the costs associated with car ownership and when I have the means to drive a newer vehicle I like I won't hesitate to spend the money on it because to me its worth the cost.
I'm sure you could eat Ramen for every meal but do you really want to?
Really? This seems to go against most of what I've heard. The Mazda3 with the Sport or Grand Touring trim is a nice ride and most online magazines reviews back this. You get all of the bells and whistles, bose stereo system, nice engine, good economy.
Have I owned one? No. But I was once very serious about buying a Speed3. Just decided to go another direction because of the frontwheel drive.
As much as I liked the handling and power of the speed3, it's just not a good daily driver. Rough, premium gas, plain interior, etc. A lot more fun than a gti but drawbacks come with that sport. You also have to switch the tires in the winter.
Agreed. There is just something exciting about a brand new car that makes it all worth it. Some people say you should buy a car that is two years old someone else pays for the depreciation. I'd rather buy a brand new car and just drive it a couple extra years!