# Recommend me a new car **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [August 1, 2013, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092 "2013-08-01T16:59:59Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/21 "2013-08-01T23:11:30Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > My advice is fiscal - buy a car at least 2 models years old. Let someone else take the huge initial depreciation hit. Why, how does that help? So, yes, after 2 years a new car has taken a hit in it’s _depreciated value_. So? Does that equal a equivalent decrease in it’s\* retail price\*, a decrease that is MORE than the decrease in value of getting a car two years old? We have checked this out several times on this board, and you can check it out yourself. The reduction in RETAIL price for a 2 year old car is not that much. Combined with that you also have to pay higher used car financing. If a person can buy a new car with excellent credit, and intends to drive it for 8+ years, it’s better to buy new. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/22 "2013-08-01T23:13:00Z")
> [@MostlyUseless](#): > > Toyota first. They scream reliability if not excitement. My Camry is the first car I liked enough to hold onto for a while and it is completely reliable. . Never buy a car from a Toyota dealer. Ever. they are the worst rip-off artists in the business. This includes the Prius, note. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 11:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/23 "2013-08-01T23:21:40Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > If a person can buy a new car with excellent credit, and intends to drive it for 8+ years, it’s better to buy new. > [@DrDeth](#): > > Never buy a car from a Toyota dealer. I happen to agree that a new car is a better deal, given the limited markdown on used cars. But I’m not sure where your second bit of advice leaves someone who wants to purchase a new Toyota automobile. If not from a Toyota dealer then where? ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [August 1, 2013, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/24 "2013-08-01T23:56:23Z")
> [@Doctor\_Jackson](#): > > My advice is fiscal - buy a car at least 2 models years old. Let someone else take the huge initial depreciation hit. IME buying a used car is buying someone else’s headache. That was back when cars were not as well made and well maintained as today, but I’d rather buy a new car. My first car was an ancient rustbucket that sucked cash out of me, so I’m kinda sensitive on the issue. My plan is to drive my new car until it falls apart like the Deacon’s One-Hoss Shay. I’d probably still be driving my 1990 Civic if it hadn’t been totalled in a wreck in '98. While your advice looks good for the present day, and for people who like to buy new-to-them cars often, it doesn’t quite fit me. My sibs, yes. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 12:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/25 "2013-08-02T00:01:31Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I happen to agree that a new car is a better deal, given the limited markdown on used cars. But I’m not sure where your second bit of advice leaves someone who wants to purchase a new Toyota automobile. If not from a Toyota dealer then where? I assume buying serivces, like the one Costco has - mentioned in this [thread=697175]thread about new car buying[/thread]. Per the advice in that thread, and my own experience, I will have pre-approved financing from my credit union before talking money with any dealer. And I’ll work up from dealer cost. Gawd, I miss Saturn’s business model! ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 12:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/26 "2013-08-02T00:02:40Z")
Great suggestions, folks! Keep 'em coming! ---
**Author:** ![Ulfreida](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ulfreida/32/8014_2.png) [@Ulfreida](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ulfreida)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 12:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/27 "2013-08-02T00:12:27Z")
There is really nothing that beats a Honda Fit for headroom, cargo room, mpg, zippy handling, reliability, and price point. Best car I have ever owned. Unless you want a car which can carry more than four human passengers, there is no other car. At least for those, like the OP and myself, for whom a car is a practical necessity, no more. I get 39 in town with some super-miling. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 4:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/28 "2013-08-02T04:23:57Z")
> [@Typo\_Knig](#): > > I assume buying serivces, like the one Costco has - mentioned in this [thread=697175]thread about new car buying[/thread]. > > Per the advice in that thread, and my own experience, I will have pre-approved financing from my credit union before talking money with any dealer. And I’ll work up from dealer cost. Gawd, I miss Saturn’s business model! Yep. ---
**Author:** ![toofs](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/4491bb/32.png) [@toofs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/toofs)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/29 "2013-08-02T04:48:03Z")
2014 Mazda 3. Free from Ford, the chassis is new and pure Mazda. Their Skyactiv technology is a total re-think of how to build engines and transmissions. [Motor Trend First Drive.](http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1307_2014_mazda3_first_drive/viewall.html) [Autoblog.com First Drive.](http://www.autoblog.com/2013/07/12/2014-mazda3-review-first-drive/) [Car and Driver.](http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2014-mazda-3-first-drive-review) ---
**Author:** ![d1a1s1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f6c823/32.png) [@d1a1s1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/d1a1s1)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/30 "2013-08-02T05:32:50Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > VW Sport Wagon TDi. > > Space for everything and everyone. Great mileage. Good engine for hauling things (torque). Great styling. > > You’re welcome. 🙂 Agreed! Anyone pushing Hyundai just doesn’t know any better. ---
**Author:** ![littlespeedysuperbike](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/53a042/32.png) [@littlespeedysuperbike](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/littlespeedysuperbike)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 5:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/31 "2013-08-02T05:58:27Z")
Mazda2 or Mazda3. Everyone else chose to isolate the driver from the road. Mazda decided to connect you to it. The other compacts won’t feel like your Civic. The Mazdas will. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 10:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/32 "2013-08-02T10:32:37Z")
> [@Typo\_Knig](#): > > Great suggestions, folks! Keep 'em coming! Pretty sure you’ve been given every reasonably priced car option under the sun at this point. If all you’re looking for is cheap/reliable transportation, those are you choices. ---
**Author:** ![Ibanez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a4c791/32.png) [@Ibanez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibanez)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 11:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/33 "2013-08-02T11:01:57Z")
I’ve been doing research for awhile on a new (used) car, my criteria is the same as yours. I’ve narrowed it down to Mazda 3, and VW Golf. My hindbrain wanted a Mini or a Ford F150. If the Mini wasn’t so damn small (back seats) it be on the list too. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 1:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/34 "2013-08-02T13:29:19Z")
> [@d1a1s1](#): > > Agreed! > Anyone pushing Hyundai just doesn’t know any better. Well, that’s helpful. ---
**Author:** ![Rand\_Rover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/db5fbb/32.png) [@Rand\_Rover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rand_Rover)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/35 "2013-08-02T13:49:10Z")
I’m a Honda guy, so I generally interpret “what type of car should I buy?” as “what type of Honda should I buy?” (unless someone has truly niche needs/wants). So, you made this thread super easy for me. 🙂 Enjoy your new Civic. ---
**Author:** ![Typo\_Knig](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@Typo\_Knig](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Typo_Knig)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/36 "2013-08-02T14:52:59Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Pretty sure you’ve been given every reasonably priced car option under the sun at this point. If all you’re looking for is cheap/reliable transportation, those are you choices. True, but I’d appreciate any personal experiences. As well as any comments on ICE vs Hybrid vs All Electric. It may not be “Kirk vs. Picard” or “vi vs EMACS” 😉 , but it would be a helpful discussion. ---
**Author:** ![steronz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/steronz/32/11765_2.png) [@steronz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/steronz)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/37 "2013-08-02T15:12:55Z")
You’ll have to drive some hybrids and see if they’ll work for you. The first generation Prius was an engineering exercise; an expensive car sold at a loss. The 2nd generation Prius from 2004 was a transition; early cars were sold at a loss, later they started making a profit. The third and current generation is profitable, but the signs of cost cutting are everywhere. It’s a competent car, but getting out of it and stepping into, say, a cheaper Mazda3, you go, “Oh, right.” If mileage is super important to you, you won’t care so much. Otherwise, you’ll be hard pressed to justify the price. Hybrids (and diesels for that matter) are still a tough sell financially, with break even points often being 8 years down the road. The Prius probably has the shortest ROI, but you’ll have to do the math yourself. Last time I had to make that decision, I ended up buying a Corolla instead. My 2 cents. ---
**Author:** ![perfectparanoia](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/a5b964/32.png) [@perfectparanoia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/perfectparanoia)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/38 "2013-08-02T15:15:32Z")
What’s wrong with your Civic? I love mine and the gas mileage is good. I have all the things you are looking for (the trunk rocks, btw). ---
**Author:** ![Sudden\_Kestrel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecd19e/32.png) [@Sudden\_Kestrel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sudden_Kestrel)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 3:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/39 "2013-08-02T15:15:57Z")
> [@d1a1s1](#): > > Anyone pushing Hyundai just doesn’t know any better. Well, if you have to _push_ it, you’re doing something wrong. I’ll stand by my Hyundai recommendation. I’ve owned new Saturns, Fords, and Suzukis, and my Hyundai is my favorite so far. (OK, I loved my Saturns, but that’s not really an option for **Typo Knig**.) ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [August 2, 2013, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092/40 "2013-08-02T15:31:55Z")
> [@Typo\_Knig](#): > > True, but I’d appreciate any personal experiences. As well as any comments on ICE vs Hybrid vs All Electric. It may not be “Kirk vs. Picard” or “vi vs EMACS” 😉 , but it would be a helpful discussion. Ah, gotcha. 🙂 I don’t own either a hybrid or electric. My personal opinion is that they are not as economical a choice as a standard ICE car. There are various factors that might make sense to you with respect to purchasing a hybrid or pure plug in and you’ll have to decide if the premium you pay for those will be something you will recoup in the time that you own the car. You’ll also pay a premium price for a diesel car and diesel fuel is more expensive in many parts of the country than premium unleaded. So that’s a consideration as well in terms of the better mileage vs initial expense + price of fuel + how long you’ll own the car. If I had to decide right now, and I’m kinda-sorta in that position because my daily driver is soon going to my daughter. So I’m considering getting another car to commute to work so I can keep my “weekend fun car” pristine. So, right now, I’m leaning towards a VW Golf TDi or GTI. I really like the look of the VW SportWagon but I really don’t need the extra space of a wagon. I do love the look of a hatch and I prefer German design cars as a whole. I’m also considering the Audi A3, but it’s the same platform and engine as the VW so the premium price may not be warranted. Also, the A3 is a bit of a chick car. 🙂 My commute is about 30-45 minutes in traffic, so spirited driving is simply not going to be possible. A TDi, in that case, makes better sense than something like a GTI. Given that the VW TDi is being offered with the same sport suspension and brake kit as the GTI, that is probably the car that makes the most sense for me. But this isn’t about me. Given what you said you wanted from a car, I’d recommend the VW SportWagon TDi (as I’ve suggested before), for it’s utility, engineering, engine, fuel economy and reasonable price in the segment. Depending on how good of negotiator you are, you may be able to get one for an excellent price. There is no shame in buying one that is a year or two old if the mileage is low and it’s in good condition (no accidents, etc.). But you’ve got to like that sort of car and maybe have an appreciation for it’s understated teutonic appeal and build quality. That’s my thought process on the subject. Your priorities may or may not be similar. Make of it what you will. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/recommend-me-a-new-car/665092.md?page=3)