We need a new-ish car to replace my worn-out Sundance, and I am getting increasingly frustrated with trying to figure out what to buy. Here are my criteria:
-standard transmission
-four doors
-comfortable seating for 8 hour drives
-up to $12,159 USD ($15,000 CAD)
-2000 or more recent
-peppy engine - preferably around 150 hp
-good, reliable car that we can reasonably expect to last for the next ten years
I am having a hell of a time finding something that is both peppy and comfortable - car makers seem to have it in their tiny little brains that as soon as you move out of the econobox range of cars, nobody ever wants to drive a stick. I test-drove a very nice Hyundai Sonata, but man, driving an automatic like that is bo-ring. I like my car to jump when I come off the starting line I mean stop light.
I have no problem with something smaller and sportier, but then it seems we have to sacrifice comfort (smallish seats, kinda hard, etc.) Something like a Honda Accord or Toyota Camry would probably be perfect, but their reputation precedes them, and even the used ones are priced out of our range.
I got a 2004 Hyundai Elantra brand new for 9,500. No rebates or anything. I love it. Its a stick with A/C, a decent stereo, cloth interior and power windows and locks. The only thing I do not like about it is the trunk opening. The trunk is huge but the opening is on the small size so you cannot fit large boxes in it. You can get lots of stuff in, just not big things.
It’s peppy enough, in fact I just got back from paying a speeding ticket
I recently drove it down to Phoenix(about 8 hours) and enjoyed the drive. I was totaly comfortable the whole way. It will hold 5 adults reasonably well and 4 people fit confortably.
The seats are confrotable and the interior is well thought out. The only thing I can really think of to complain about is the trunk opening and that is a really minor point. According to Consumer reports it is supposed to be reliable and I have had absolutely no problems with it so far. The fit and finish straight from the dealer was perfect.
I looked at a bunch of other cars but nothing came close for the same money. I am extremely happy with the car.
Have you tried Saturn, yet? They are pretty decent as far as non-Japanese cars go although they are on the pricier end of American vehicles.
I know they sometimes get a bad rep but if you want a Camry sized car that’s foreign, Kia will probably make something in your price range and you could even get a newer model.
If you are willing to get a smaller car, try a used Corolla or Civic.
I’d think about either a 2000-2002 Corolla or a newer Echo (new loaded 2005 models are just a little over what you’re looking at). You could also pick up a Toyota Matrix 2003 or 04 for around that price. You should easily be able to also pick up any 1999-2002 Civics for that price and maybe 1998-1999 Accords/Camrys.
And don’t let the 108 HP Echo engine get you down. Since the vehicle weighs in at ~2200 lbs is actual rivals my 180 HP Matrix.
Comfort is going to be a personal thing. I’ve sat in my Matrix seat for 35 hours + spread over 2 days on a drive up north.
Gotta echo the Hyunday Elantra recommendation… they are not the prettiest cars on the road (YMMV) but they have wonderful build quality (for the price) and warranties (10 years). Given the price tag, they are very hard to beat. I’d go for the 5 door sedan version of the Elantra to resolve the smallish trunk opening problem. Plus, it gives it a bit more of a spacious feel inside.
A Ford Focus is a good domestic alternative. Much under-rated for handling characteristics. Try to opt for a model with a sport suspension and beefier wheels and tires.
Stay away from the used VW/Golf or Jetta. Much as I love them and the way they handle, they are not very powerful in the 2.0L - 4cyl version (the 6cyl is excellent but more expensive) and they tend to be hard on the wallet as they age.
The Pontiac Grand AM (being replace by G6) may be worth a look. It’s a bit big on the outside for the inside dimensions but it’s a relatively problem free GM staple and it’s body side pannel styling is ribbed for your driving pleasure.
Good luck.
I drive an Echo and I straight-up love this car and would have recommended it if you hadn’t stated a preference for a car the size of a Camry. The Echo is a SMALL car. I could see my family using it on a trip but not routinely. The gas mileage is amazing. Bad things-it’s an automatic and none of the models at the dealership were standard.
My brand-new Echo was 14K two years ago. The popularity of this car exploded shortly thereafter around IL and I have a friend that was trying to buy one (same options) being quoted ridiculous prices like 18K…I mean, what??? For that price you could get a low-end Camry.
I have a Mazda 3 and I love it - it’s plenty zippy even with the automatic transmission, though I bought the hatchback that comes with a bigger engine. Consumer Reports likes it a lot too, and you could probably get the sedan version in your price range:
This is the model that replaces the Protege, which someone else already mentioned, so if you are going for a used car, that would be the comparable model to look at.
Or you could try the Pontiac Vibe, which is essentially a rebadged Toyota Matrix. I’m not sure what the pricing is of the one versus the other, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you were able to pick up a Vibe a little cheaper.
I would think that might match what you’re looking for – I’m reasonably satisfied with my Vibe, it’s four-door, the seats are comfortable, you’re getting the Toyota quality, stick shift isn’t unusual, and a 2003 or 2004 model would, I think, be in your price range.
The only sticking point would be the engine, which I think is in the 130HP range on the base model. However, the Vibe GT (which again, isn’t an uncommon car) has ~170 horses (supercharged, I think), so that might be the thing for you if you’re willing to pay for it.
Well, I went out and test-drove a 2003 Toyota Corolla. Good car - this one has 14,000 km on it for $14,900 (that would be 8700 miles for $11,996 USD). The car was basically brand new. We’re not quite ready to buy yet, but damn, that’s a good deal.
The Vibe’s an interesting idea - how do you find the size, zut? It looks kind of small.
Not many available here - there’s only one in the local classifieds - a 2004 173 hp GT for $22,900 ($18,437 USD). That’s a little pricey for me, but it sure sounds fun to drive.
How about the Subaru Legacy (non-Outback)? They can be found in standard transmission and as they aren’t as sought after as Toyota or Honda the resale tends to be lower. However, parts commonality between models is high, as is reliability and serviceability. If you don’t mind going a little smaller, the Impreza and Forester are good as well.
Otherwise, I’ve heard good things about the Mazda Protoge. I wasn’t too impressed last time I test-drove one, but there are a lot of them out there, and they’re certainly more reliable than the Neon. As Bearflag70 said, it’s basically a Civic without the pricetag. The “6 series” Mazda is not so impressive in my experience, but may have improved with the most recent generation.
But I hate their friggin’ commericals. “Zoom zoom zoom” right up the ass. Ugh.
I have a 2004 Hyundai Elantra GT. It is 5 doors (that’s hatchback, it’s cute, I call it my fake Audi), leather interior, CD/MP3 player, dual front and side airbags, side impact beams, traction control, ABS, crusie control, power doors and windows, power moon/sunroof, heated mirrors, very roomy, very reliable. Mine is an automatic, but if you’re looking for pep you may want a standard. It has GREAT mileage 26 mpg and very pretty interior colors (upholstry and lighted displays - I personally LOVE the CD player, it changes colors on the display randomly). I have the 10 year, 100,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and with everything extra you can get on it (without customizing); it cost around $14,000 brand new. You could probably easily get a used one for less than $12,000.
Subaru Legacies are more expensive than Hondas here, and they don’t drop in value for a long, long time. The most recent model we could afford would be a 1999. Which isn’t too old, I guess, but we could get a 2003 Corolla for about the same money. (My husband really, really wants a new Legacy. That’s just not happening any time soon.)
So far it’s really down to the Elantra and the Corolla.
The Vibe is built on a Corolla chassis, so, passenger-room wise, if you were reasonably satisfied with the Corolla, I would think you’d be satisfied with a Vibe. I compared the two in a test drive, but honestly interior passenger room wasn’t on the top of my list so I can’t speak for certain on the comparison. Interior cargo room was at the top of my list, which is why I went with the Vibe.
I checked real quick on Yahoo for cars in my area (Detroit), and there are three 2003 Vibe GTs, with asking prices of $14,995, $12,995, and $12,000 USD, so it’s possible that this might still fit within your price range, assuming comparable prices north of the border. Base models are less, of course, if you’re willing to accept a bit less pep (I’ve got the base model, and I think it’s got reasonable pickup at high speed with one person in the car – there’s a noticeable dropoff at lower speeds and with lots of cargo, but your call on the tradeoff between price and gas mileage on the one hand and engine power on the other.).
my 2001 vr6 vw jetta is a fucking tank. no problems over 50,000 miles. nothing. well, on the inside door handle, there’s a rubbery plastic coating on the hard plastic, and it’s peeling. but that’s it.
service does run a bit high, and vw dealers have an attitude, but the cars are solid, at least in my limited experience.
but to each his own. i’d never consider a hyundai or saturn. those things are homely.
vw has a redesign coming out this spring for jettas and golfs, so the a4 style will probably be on sale. but they’re still not bidget vehicles, really.
as an aside, the new style is too zoomy and generic for me. i think german car design hit its apex in the late 90’s.
