Buying a new car

[Yasa]

Thanks for the tips everyone. Next time I'm home I'll take the KIA and Honda out for a test drive. I think I'm going to avoid the Acura only because it's a bit smaller and a bit more expensive for what I'm looking for.

The Optima has a lot of trim options and the interior is pretty nice. Plus heated steering wheels? Yes please.

[billybob123]

Kia and Hyundai have another bonus going for them, other than "car of the year", it's that they have a full bumper to bumper warranty for 5 yrs. Most cars bumper to bumper warranties only last 3.

[3 Justin 3]

Originally Posted by -TC-

you are comparing a Kia and a Ford to an Acura....wow.

Let's see, resale, build quality, powertrain, fit and finish, engineering....is there any area where a Kia or a Ford is better...bigger maybe but that's it.

Buy a Civic or an Acura and you will be happy. Buy a Korean or an American car and you probably won't.


BTW, I drive a Lexus and rent cars probably 35-40 times a year. I would never, ever buy a Korean or an American car. Ever. They aren't even close, for all the reasons I already mentioned.

Buy Japanese, or if you can afford it, German. They are just better cars all around.

No way a German car is more reliable than Korean or even American car. Even if they are for the brief 3-4 years you have warranty as soon as you have a problem you will be paying out the ass to fix it.

Hell, I rag on Chevy a lot, but my Cobalt I bought brand new has had no issues other than ones that are my fault.


As for OP, I have a huge hard on for the Ford Fusion because of the styling and that'd be my choice.

[Yasa]

Originally Posted by 3 Justin 3

As for OP, I have a huge hard on for the Ford Fusion because of the styling and that'd be my choice.

Yep, same. I love the rip-off Aston Martin front grill. But I also really like the look of the Optima.

[blankall]

Originally Posted by Yasa

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I'm not a fan f the Mazda 3, and I'm looking for something a bit bigger, but its worth a look.

I agree with what you saying. Definitely worth a look though. The discounts are that big. May be a moot point if you can't find any stock to start with.

[RedMileDJ]

Originally Posted by Francis's Hairpiece

My wife and I have been looking at the Elantra as well. I'm in the same boat, being over 6 feet and not petite. Good to know I will fit. Thanks.

In most vehicles I have to move the seat all the way back, because of my height and size.

In my Elantra I actually had to move it all the way back and then UP 2 spots. I was quite surprised.

[Kjesse]

Its really hard to pick a new car these days as even if you're willing to spend the extra up front, the German cars have the downside of extremely expensive repairs once out of warranty compared to everything else on the market.

The old stigma that North American cars are crap is fading away, I'd say they're now near or on par with the Japanese in terms of quality. I still prefer the German cars but my next purchase will likely be Japanese. That being said I think Ford has some great product out these days. I used to love all things GM (think 80's) but can't see myself buying another one again. For whatever reason, to me they look like junk. Compare to in the 80's where I thought Fords were junk, now I think they're great.

As for the Korean cars, they've made huge strides in the last 10 years, and by offering excellent warranties, are breaking their stigma. I can't say I've ever sat in a Kia, but they get the styling right, at least. I don't think I'd ever buy one, as just because its a Kia and I can't break out of my brand-conscious stigma against them. Same goes for Hyundai, which has been around much longer, but still, can't see myself ever buying one.

I also find the OP's original comparisons a little odd, I wouldn't compare an Acura with a Kia at any time, but then again that's brand stigma for you. I don't even know what an Acura ILX is.

[Yasa]

Originally Posted by Delgar

I also find the OP's original comparisons a little odd, I wouldn't compare an Acura with a Kia at any time, but then again that's brand stigma for you. I don't even know what an Acura ILX is.

I can see why it's odd to put those 3 (or 4 if you add the Accord there) in the same category. But basically what I did, because I'm not a car guy, is start with price, then go for interior and exterior looks. All 4 of those picks are in the same price range and the only few that I like inside and out.

I'm not really comparing each cars compression ratio, valve timing or transmission gearbox-o-tronmatics. I just...like the way they look.

[billybob123]

Do you have young kids? That's another consideration. Some cars make it impossible to securely attach a car seat. I have taken out and put in my children's seats probably 100 times into rental cars, and some are way easier than others. The previous gen Fusion and the new Malibu were the two easiest I've ever had. The Sonata was easy too, so I'd assume the Optima is easy as well. The midsize cars seem to be best for my family, since my wife has a 3 - series BMW and it's tough to wrestle the stroller into the trunk and the two kids into their car seats, esp the 9-month old's bucket seat. Can't wait for her to be forward facing.

My current car (Avenger) is out of warranty and I'm leaning towards the Fusion or Optima as well myself.

Good luck with your choice, Yasa, and let us know what you choose.

[Hugh Jahrmes]

ILX just the new CSX?

[TorqueDog]

lol @ -TC-. Drives a Lexus and rags on Ford for 'fit and finish'. Heh.

I was helping a friend pick out a car recently and one of the cars on the list was the Ford Fusion. I've loved the look of it since I laid eyes on the thing, and hoped the drive wouldn't disappoint. It didn't. Handles incredibly well, the interior is unbelievably nice, especially for a car of its class. It's practical, attractive, and if I was shopping in that segment, it would be very hard not to give the Fusion a serious look.

I'm not really familiar with the particular Kia you're looking at, but if the progress of their parent company Hyundai is any indication, it's also a brand worth a look. Hyundai is doing some great things... have you seen the Equus? Make room, Mercedes, the new kid is in town.

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

I was helping a friend pick out a car recently and one of the cars on the list was the Ford Fusion. I've loved the look of it since I laid eyes on the thing, and hoped the drive wouldn't disappoint. It didn't. Handles incredibly well...

I had a lot of fun driving up to and back from Panorama in mine. The twistier the road, the more of a blast it was.

[badradio]

German cars are absolutely better than US cars, your kidding yourself if you think otherwise... Sure US cars have gotten better, namely ford, but still not even close... the build quality is unmatched...

[Red John]

Originally Posted by Delgar

I used to love all things GM (think 80's) but can't see myself buying another one again. For whatever reason, to me they look like junk.

[-TC-]

Originally Posted by Sliver

. I think writing off Korean cars is just as ridiculous now because they have undoubtedly turned the corner and are now a compelling option in every price range in which they compete.

Second, this isn't 1998. No respectable car enthusiast writes off Ford. They are making great cars.

I mean, good for you I guess, but how does that help a guy looking at an entry level Acura, a Kia and a Fusion?

Also, German cars aren't better than many American and Korean cars if value, low cost of ownership and reliability are primary concerns, which they usually are in the price range he is ...however, if you're not a car guy you probably wouldn't care or notice. I did rent a Sonata in Arizona for a week last year and really liked it..

I am absolulutely certain I wouldn't buy American or Korean...because I drive many different cars in many different conditions and have been doing so for years. I speak from experience, if you don't trust that....ok.

A guy looking at an Acura could look at a Golf....lovely little car, amazing handling, beautifully built.

I categorically write off Ford, they are way behind...but don't trust me, read Automobile, C&D, etc....or maybe we are all wrong


Oh, and before I bought my Lexus, I drove a steady diet of Honda (1990 Civic Si, 99, 04, 09 Accord) and a 77 Rabbit GTi that was the tits....


I'd say I'm pretty well informed about cars, I also race karts so I know a bit about dynamics too.

[TorqueDog]

... Lol wut? Do you actually read your own posts?

[Minnie]

Originally Posted by -TC-

I categorically write off Ford, they are way behind...but don't trust me, read Automobile, C&D, etc....or maybe we are all wrong

I'd say I'm pretty well informed about cars, I also race karts so I know a bit about dynamics too.

You're funny.

And I stayed at a Holiday Inn last night...

[Sliver]

Originally Posted by -TC-

I am absolulutely certain I wouldn't buy American or Korean...because I drive many different cars in many different conditions and have been doing so for years. I speak from experience, if you don't trust that....ok.

A guy looking at an Acura could look at a Golf....lovely little car, amazing handling, beautifully built.

I categorically write off Ford, they are way behind...but don't trust me, read Automobile, C&D, etc....or maybe we are all wrong


Oh, and before I bought my Lexus, I drove a steady diet of Honda (1990 Civic Si, 99, 04, 09 Accord) and a 77 Rabbit GTi that was the tits....


I'd say I'm pretty well informed about cars, I also race karts so I know a bit about dynamics too.

Lol. Okay read Car & Driver yourself. I'll post the article tomorrow, but the Ford Focus ST just beat the VW GTI in their latest comparison either this month or last. That's the same GTI you just recommended as you told us to read C&D. Are you starting to see why everyone is laughing at you for not knowing what you're talking about?

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Sliver

Lol. Okay read Car & Driver yourself. I'll post the article tomorrow, but the Ford Focus ST just beat the VW GTI in their latest comparison either this month or last. That's the same GTI you just recommended as you told us to read C&D. Are you starting to see why everyone is laughing at you for not knowing what you're talking about?

They were comparing the MK6 model which is 4 years old, and the ST. Plus the SVT came with summer tires vs all seasons on the GTI. The interior in the GTI is much nicer than the ST and all around when you consider resale value, the GTI is the better car to buy.

[burn_this_city]

http://www.caranddriver.com/comparis...omparison-test

Here's the article if anyone is curious, I wish they would mount the same tires on both vehicles in any comparison considering what a difference it makes.