Thanks for the replies and advice everyone, and I’m looking forward to researching literally all the suggestions I’ve received so far.
Regarding the electric car suggestion (thanks DSeid), I’m glad that was brought up, because I think I’d be an ideal candidate for one, but I’m not sure how economical they are. Basically, 90% of my driving is within 10 miles of my home, I do have a place I could plug in a car, and I have access to a different vehicle I could borrow almost whenever I wanted to if I need to take a longer trip. I appreciate the steers on the MiEV & Leaf, and I’ll take a closer look, but over the long run is an electric vehicle cost effective compared to an economical “regular” car? Also, how expensive or difficult to maintain are they?
I’m intrigued by the Focus ST that a few people mentioned, and I’m definitely going to take a closer look at that one. The only thing I kind of don’t like about it, is that some of the features seem kind of flashy to me, and I could do without things like 2-tone seats and fancy wheels and that kind of stuff. Maybe if I pursue it more seriously I can custom order like azraiel mentioned and avoid any of the Fast and Furious looking options.
My recommendation also. Price is in your range, it gets about 40 mpg in town. My 2011 has both blue tooth and iPod interfaces, a 6-CD/MP3 changer, a JBL sound system. The rear seats flip forward, giving you tons of space for hauling reasonable loads. I’ve stuck eight foot pieces of lumber in there, which pretty much takes the entire interior length. And I’ve carted home a 6’ christmas tree without a problem. The ride and handling are decent. It has seat warmers, AC, cruise, auto temperature controls, front and rear wipers, and steering wheel controls for the music and blue tooth.
Another place to start is with the annual April issue of Consumer Reports Magazine. Find cars that have strong reliability ratings. Look at the reliability data - for example, while generally Toyota reliability is excellent, some Toyota models and years are to be avoided. Since you’ll buy new, look for recent data trending.
Starting with reliability data will give you many options for a new car. And if you want a model that isn’t very reliable, you’ll at least be going in with your eyes open.
Consumer Reports does not accept advertising dollars from any outside company, so I tend to trust their data more. The April issue focuses on cars, new and used.
Take a look at the Hyundai or Kia lineup. There are several options in your price range and they have 10 year/100,000 mile warranties for the original owner.
Someone mentioned Consumer Reports: If you don’t want to wait for the annual car issue just buy an online membership. It’s only something like $12 for a year and you’ll have access to everything else they review.
New vs. Used: There difference is shrinking and I don’t think you need to worry about depreciation all that much if you intend to keep the car for 10 years. Get gap insurance if you’re worried for those first couple years. Also, the prices I’ve seen on the Ford Focus do not follow what someone posted up thread. A base focus starts at around $16K (not $23K); a little more if you move up to the SE trim which is where you can get the hatch. the 2011s I’ve seen for sale are also a couple grand higher, but that could depend on region. Also, the Focus was redesigned in 2012 so 2011s might be quite different from what you’re looking at now. Ford also has 0% for 60 months right now on the 2012 and 2013 Focus and several other manufacturers have similar incentives right now. Check edmunds for this month’s incentives.
I like the Hyundai Accent or Elantra hatchbacks but they are a hot item in my area and don’t have the good incentives right now like some of the other companies.
If you’re thinking electric you might consider a 2-3 year lease. Not the most cost efficient but the technology will probably be vastly superior (or have faded away) in that time. I’ve had a Nissan salesman recommend leasing the LEAF over buying.
I know I’ve mentioned it in a couple other threads but if you happen to have a Suzuki dealer near by you might take a look. Their SX4 Crossover is a hatch with AWD (also available as a sedan w/out AWD) and they are going for $4-5K discounts due to their bankruptcy. They come fairly well equipped, but might not have the iPod interface. Not great gas mileage but with your miles probably only a difference of $150 or so a year. Unlike Saab, Suzuki is saying they will honor warranties and since their cars will still be sold elsewhere parts will be available. It’s still a bit of a risk, of course, but from what I’ve read they are at least on par with Hyundai. Their other sedan is the Kizashi and gets pretty high reviews. Apparently it has several luxury features at a mid-size car price point. Suzuki has 0% for 72 months on 2012s and for 48 months on 2013s.
Take a close look at Kia. Same company as Hyundai, so same quality and warranty. I got a Soul this fall, and I love it. Runs good, and has gotten good reviews from others. I’m averaging about 27.5 MPG in a combo of high speed and city driving.
Plus, it has the UVO music system, which is a MS based system with a Jukebox where you can add your own MP3s. Very cool. Has Bluetooth and all those bells and whistles.
And, despite being smaller than my Saturn, it is far, far more roomy inside, and when the back seats are folded down, you can fit lots of stuff in there.
And it is priced well. I got a Soul+ model, with leather and a sun roof, for about $23K. The base model starts at something like $15K.