TWMG, I’d like to note that discussing the age of the “platform” is meaningless. The Camry has been on the same platform since it was first brought to market. It’s been substantially revised over the years, but there is a clear lineage from the original to today’s Camry. The only way the age of the platform makes any difference is if it is never revised or updated. Which is the problem the Detroit 3 used to have. Come out w/ a new platform, then do nothing with it for 10 years until it costs less to start over from scratch. Lather, rinse, repeat. Starting over from scratch every time is not a good thing. So calling the Fusion an “old platform” doesn’t mean anything because it was updated for 2010MY.
ETA: VWs are known for mediocre if not poor reliability. I wouldn’t buy one.
True, the MY2010 facelift for the Fusion was fairly significant, and they brought out different engines and transmissions. You’re right, it’s fairly imprecise terminology, which is why I also included the bit about safety ratings being a significant indicator of how “new” the model is.
Speaking of old platforms, there’s always the Chevy Impala, which is going to be around until 2014 according to GM - it’s still handily outselling the Malibu. They’ve gone ahead and put in the 3.6l DI V6 in it as the only engine option for 2012. I’ve always been fond of GM’s “how big of an engine can we force into this awful car that’s seen at least 3 presidential administrations” approach to product development, I’m definitely going to be shopping for these at the fleet auctions in 3 or 4 years.
The ancient 2.5l I5 engine has been mostly problem free in other applications, I guess I wouldn’t really want to buy a used one but for a 3 year lease I’d consider it, especially with a manual transmission.
see the thing is, a “platform” is not a collection of parts. It’s a set of key dimensions which define such things as suspension and structural hardpoints and drive the tooling required to build the car. Two models of car sharing a “platform” need not share any parts, though they nearly always do to some extent. The “architecture” denotes the actual parts defined by the “platform.”
yeah, well, I don’t think many have been purchased by customers not named “Avis”
there’s far, far more to a car than just the engine.
Hey, no argument from me here. It’s a useful way to refer to different cars, that’s all.
Oh believe you me I’m well aware of VW/Audi’s quality reputation. However, that particular drive train combination has generally been shown to be reliable. If the rest of the car delivers good value I’m willing to live with occasional minor problems, especially under warranty.
First off, don’t let anyone try to talk you into buying your current car for the lease residual. I worked for Saturn for 8 years, and love Saturns to the end of the Earth, but the values sharply declined after they were shuttered. The bad news about that is your current car is worth far less than what your lease buy price would be. The good news is that there are a lot of those coming off lease right now and are a fantastic used car buy. You can find a low mileage 08 or 09 AURA for $12-14K. GM is servicing these vehicles and new parts will be available till at least 2019.
I drive an 09 AURA and love it to pieces. Fortunately I was able to get one of the very last ones (there are no more new Saturns available anywhere) and I purchased instead of leased like I had done my previous cars. If you would like to lease again, I can recommend the Chevy Malibu. It’s a clone of the AURA. I’m anticipating keeping the AURA for another 10-12 years unless something bad like a total loss happens. When it comes time to replace, I’ll probably go all electric.
AFAIK the requirement is 15 years after the model year.
ETA: I can’t remember if that’s the requirement for the manufacturer to provide parts to the customer, or the supplier to keep parts on hand. no real difference in practice, anyway…
One thing I should have mentioned: The majority of buyers who buy these midsize cars go for the 4 cyl model. If you are looking at V6 models, it would not hurt to also look at the domestic full size offerings - Buick Lacross already mentioned, also the Ford Taurus and the new Dodge Charger/Chrysler 300. The base model V6 versions get about the same fuel economy as the V6 midsizers and larger, longer cars are more comfortable.
Elendil: don’t discount the Ford Fusion. The car has been significantly revamped recently and I had the happy opportunity to drive one with the 240hp V-6 engine as a rental recently and I took the time to price out the car on Ford’s website because I was curious and its a helluva lot of car for not a lot of money.
The rental I had was silver with black stitched leather seats, steering wheel and shifter knob, had powerfully cold a/c, a great stereo, the SYNC system for mobile devices, a lot of acceleration, a HUGE trunk and just generally felt like a very well-built car all around. I had it for a week. Its a good car. Test drive one with the SEL package and the V-6. Its a pleasantly good-looking, above average performing car. Mileage wasn’t great for me but since it was a rental, I was always putting my foot into it!
There’s a reason Ford was the only American manufacturer that avoided the bailout. They are building solid cars these days. Seriously. Check out the Fusion.
yes, that’s now. but had they not secured that $23bn in 2006 and 2007, they’d have had their hand out just like GM and Chrysler. Prior to their current product offensive, all that they had that people were even remotely interesting in buying were the Fusion, Mustang, and F-Series.
When Saturn was being shuttered, we were instructed to inform customers that GM would be continuing to supply parts for a minimum of 10 years. That’s why I said at least 2019.
This has been a great thread. Especially the info about Saturns. My L200 is going to be needing parts for a while yet. But I believe I will find the information about other cars to be helpful in the not too distant future.
To the OP; does your current Aura have a 4 speed or 6 speed transmission, as they had XE with both, IIRC, though most 2008s would be stuck with the 4 speed. If you can find a used 2009 (or '08) with the 6 speed, for the same price as buying your lease, that would get you the same car, but with a tad better gas mileage, and smoother acceleration.
4-speed, but I’m ready for another car. Test-drove the Chevy Malibu yesterday and liked it; very similar to the Aura, as I expected. While I was there I got some info on a Corvette on a lark (I’ve always loved 'em from afar), but it would nearly double my lease payments, so that’s not going to happen. There was a Toyota dealership just down the road, so I stopped in for a test drive of a Prius (my eco-conscious teenager asked me to at least consider one). I waited for half an hour with no sales rep able to speak with me, so maybe I’ll go back another time.
Well, if you want to appease your eco-sensitive kid, and are the type to lease vehicles, the Chevy Volt has very good lease deal - $350 month, with $2500 down for 36 months, especially when you factor in how much cheaper electricity is than gas (and the Volt still gets close to 40 mpg when in gas mode). Of course, the Volt is not available in all markets yet, and is a bit smaller than a Prius.
I considered about a dozen cars and did my research, and then test-drove a Chevy Malibu, a Buick Regal and a Toyota Prius. I liked the Malibu best, and now have one. The Regal seemed too cramped and had poor gas mileage, and neither of the two local Toyota dealerships could commit to getting me a Prius with the features I wanted any sooner than three months from now.
