Speaking of Cars

[TheCalvinator24]

I'm getting the itch to replace my 2002 Olds Intrigue that has 133,000 miles on it. I'm thinking new because the interest rates on used cars are usually a rip. I want something that gets 28+ mpg on the highway. I'm not that worried about the city mileage because the majority of my miles are commuting (48 miles every M-F). I average 18,000 miles/year.

Under $30K is pretty important. Closer to $20K is better.

I would have gotten a Camry, but I hate the latest body style.

Suggestions?

[Beebs52]

I'm getting the itch to replace my 2002 Olds Intrigue that has 133,000 miles on it. I'm thinking new because the interest rates on used cars are usually a rip. I want something that gets 28+ mpg on the highway. I'm not that worried about the city mileage because the majority of my miles are commuting (48 miles every M-F). I average 18,000 miles/year.

Under $30K is pretty important. Closer to $20K is better.

I would have gotten a Camry, but I hate the latest body style.

Suggestions?

I can't help you since we've only been buying older models. There was a lovely 2007 Lexus on Carmax's floor for $48,000...

Oh, we only spent $13,000.

[Bob Juch]

I'm getting the itch to replace my 2002 Olds Intrigue that has 133,000 miles on it. I'm thinking new because the interest rates on used cars are usually a rip. I want something that gets 28+ mpg on the highway. I'm not that worried about the city mileage because the majority of my miles are commuting (48 miles every M-F). I average 18,000 miles/year.

Under $30K is pretty important. Closer to $20K is better.

I would have gotten a Camry, but I hate the latest body style.

Suggestions?

Think Saturn.

[TheCalvinator24]

I'm getting the itch to replace my 2002 Olds Intrigue that has 133,000 miles on it. I'm thinking new because the interest rates on used cars are usually a rip. I want something that gets 28+ mpg on the highway. I'm not that worried about the city mileage because the majority of my miles are commuting (48 miles every M-F). I average 18,000 miles/year.

Under $30K is pretty important. Closer to $20K is better.

I would have gotten a Camry, but I hate the latest body style.

Suggestions?

Think Saturn.

The Aura XE is something I'm considering.

[jaybee]

There are some good, well made, sporty yet practicle cars out there right now. In no particular order:

Pontiac G8 - Based on a proven design from GM's Holden division in Australia. Can be a typical V6 sedan or a very sporty V8. Starts in the mid-20's.

Saturn Astra - Also a proven design from a European Opal. Base models start under 20K.

Honda Accord - As good as it gets. Reliable, sporty, economical and holds it's resale value forever. Low to mid 20's.

Chevy Malibu - Good competition for the Accord at a slightly cheaper price. (after dealing) There is even a two-mode hybrid available. Loe to mid 20's

Don't forget almost anything from Hyundai - Except for their smallest entry level model all are new versions. Quality has become first rate in the last couple of years. Prices stay a few thousand less than competition for the same features.

To be fair I need to include the Camry, even if you don't like the way it looks. The new Accord is a love it or hate it style too.

You can do some serious dealing on all brands, especially domestic models. Expect to pay right around invoice (~89% of MSRP) minus any available rebates.

[kusch]

I'm getting the itch to replace my 2002 Olds Intrigue that has 133,000 miles on it. I'm thinking new because the interest rates on used cars are usually a rip. I want something that gets 28+ mpg on the highway. I'm not that worried about the city mileage because the majority of my miles are commuting (48 miles every M-F). I average 18,000 miles/year.

Under $30K is pretty important. Closer to $20K is better.

I would have gotten a Camry, but I hate the latest body style.

Suggestions?

Why do you say rates on a used car are usually a rip? Do you usually let the dealer find your financing or make your own arrangements? You should not find rate difference from new to used. You may, but you should not.

And to reply to your question, I say look for a Honda.

[silvercamaro]

There are some good, well made, sporty yet practicle cars out there right now. In no particular order:

Pontiac G8 - Based on a proven design from GM's Holden division in Australia. Can be a typical V6 sedan or a very sporty V8. Starts in the mid-20's.

While hanging out with the guys at Firestone, I picked up a recent copy of (I think) Motor Trends magazine. The Pontiac G8 was selected as their Car of the Year.

[marrymeflyfree]

The Aura XE is something I'm considering.

I just sold my 2nd Saturn, an Ion. They had some crap years in the middle, but their older and newer cars are pretty well made. I never had any issues with my two, and both got a LOT better resale than I'd have guessed. (I was going to price the Ion $2500 less until I checked kbb and ebay...)

The new Aura's look really nice, imo.

[TheCalvinator24]

I'm getting the itch to replace my 2002 Olds Intrigue that has 133,000 miles on it. I'm thinking new because the interest rates on used cars are usually a rip. I want something that gets 28+ mpg on the highway. I'm not that worried about the city mileage because the majority of my miles are commuting (48 miles every M-F). I average 18,000 miles/year.

Under $30K is pretty important. Closer to $20K is better.

I would have gotten a Camry, but I hate the latest body style.

Suggestions?

Why do you say rates on a used car are usually a rip? Do you usually let the dealer find your financing or make your own arrangements? You should not find rate difference from new to used. You may, but you should not.

And to reply to your question, I say look for a Honda.

It's still possible to get 0% financing on some new cars.

Compared to that, the 6.9% or so that I've seen for used is a rip.

I like the Accord, but according to the local expert I contacted, it's not worth the extra money.

What's really getting me is that I've never owned a 4-cylinder, but I can't get the gas mileage I want if I don't.

I would get the Vue Green Line, but it isn't available here.

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

The 2008 Chevy Malibu was a finalist for the 2008 Motor Trend of the Year award.

Jeff drives a 1998 Chevy Malibu and has had very few problems with the car. He recently took it in for service for a cooling issue, but in the ten years that we have owned the car, it has never really had any other issues. Jeff isn't as meticulous about getting the oil changed as I am, so he probably gets the oil changed once a year.

[peacock2121]

I'd go with the Accord.

I have owned 3 Hondas - the first being an Accord. I have been nothing but happy with their reliability and how they do not seem to mind being driven and driven and driven.

[MarleysGh0st]

What's really getting me is that I've never owned a 4-cylinder, but I can't get the gas mileage I want if I don't.

So what would the problem be with buying your first 4-cylinder? You wouldn't be craving the extra power of a 6 or 8-cylinder to be exceeding the speed limit, would you?

I like my Saturn, particularly because they can throw all the road salt they want on those plastic body panels and they won't rust. That may not be as big an issue, down in Texas.

[marrymeflyfree]

What's really getting me is that I've never owned a 4-cylinder, but I can't get the gas mileage I want if I don't.

So what would the problem be with buying your first 4-cylinder? You wouldn't be craving the extra power of a 6 or 8-cylinder to be exceeding the speed limit, would you?

The car we just bought is a 4 cylinder turbo, and it has some real oomph! It does not feel like a 4 cylinder at all, especially on 'take off'. We were told that Audi did some big time tweaking on this engine, and it gets about 200 horsepower. It's great, but it is cutting into the sales of their V6 version of the same car - the V6 engine only gets 55 more horsepower. That's not a big difference considering the huge jump in price.

The only difference is that the V6 engine is quieter. I don't know if it is the turbo or what, but the 4cyl that we got sounds a little like a diesel engine at low speeds. I kind of like it, actually.

[Bob78164]

I'm getting the itch to replace my 2002 Olds Intrigue that has 133,000 miles on it. I'm thinking new because the interest rates on used cars are usually a rip. I want something that gets 28+ mpg on the highway. I'm not that worried about the city mileage because the majority of my miles are commuting (48 miles every M-F). I average 18,000 miles/year.

Under $30K is pretty important. Closer to $20K is better.

I would have gotten a Camry, but I hate the latest body style.

Suggestions?

I do like my three-year-old Prius, and I can predict with considerable confidence that it will exceed your mileage goals. Most of my driving is surface streets, and I usually average 45-50 mpg on a tank. When I get a lot of highway driving (non-rush-hour variety) in, I often exceed 50 mpg. And it has plenty of oomph when I want it. --Bob

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

Paul Allen's Ferrari is up for sale on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari- ... enameZWDVW

[silvercamaro]

Paul Allen's Ferrari is up for sale on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari- ... enameZWDVW

Hmmn. I can't decide whether I'd rather have a Ferrari or Play-It pins.

[jaybee]

Paul Allen's Ferrari is up for sale on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari- ... enameZWDVW

Hmmn. I can't decide whether I'd rather have a Ferrari or Play-It pins.

Save up your money - You've only got about 6 months until that new Camaro hits the market.

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

Paul Allen's Ferrari is up for sale on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari- ... enameZWDVW

Hmmn. I can't decide whether I'd rather have a Ferrari or Play-It pins.

As of right now, the Ferrari is less expensive.

[silvercamaro]

Save up your money - You've only got about 6 months until that new Camaro hits the market.

I hope you're right. I heard it wouldn't be available until "the first quarter" of 2009.

I need a Canadian to keep tabs on that lovely GM factory....

[mikehardware]

We're pleased with the 2008 Ford Focus SE we got for Hardwareson for the 3 hour drive to college. It drives very well for a small 4 cylinder automatic, has side airbags, and the price was right. He's getting around 31 MPG on the highway drive.

[PlacentiaSoccerMom]

Paul Allen's Ferrari is up for sale on eBay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ferrari- ... enameZWDVW

Hmmn. I can't decide whether I'd rather have a Ferrari or Play-It pins.

As of right now, the Ferrari is less expensive.

The Ferrari went for $69,999.00

[TheCalvinator24]

Thanks for all the input.

I decided on the Saturn Aura.

I would have loved to have gotten a Vue Green Line Hybrid, but they aren't available in our area.

I am awaiting a return call from the contact from the dealership.