# What cars should I consider? Indecision! **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [March 8, 2005, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545 "2005-03-08T16:18:15Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Early\_Out](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Early\_Out](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Early_Out)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 1:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/21 "2005-03-09T13:47:09Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Japanese cars (Accord, Camry, Mazda) have softish suspensions. The Accord has a stiffer, more taut ride than the Camry. I bought a 2004 Accord EX (new) essentially via email (using the techniques described by [this website](http://www.carbuyingtips.com)) for $22,250. It’s the 4-cylinder (the reviews say that, unless you’re routinely hauling four adults around, the 4 has plenty of power), and has all the goodies (XM radio, heated leather seats, power everything). I’m over 6’1", and there’s plenty of room for me, and the seats and steering column have lots of adjustment options. Consumer Reports puts the Accord at the top of the list, for good reason. They’re reliable and hold their value well. I’ll be amazed if I’m not still driving it a decade from now. OK, it’s not really exciting, but a BMW Z4 or a Porsche Boxster, love them as much as I do, would have trouble hauling my _groceries_, to say nothing of my bicycle, camping gear, what-have-you. Maybe when I hit the lotto, and can afford a second, nice-weather, top-down, fun car… ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 2:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/22 "2005-03-09T14:05:46Z")
Ja, I can see how the Mazda3 would be not the best choice - I’ve got its predecessor, the Protege5, and I love it. However, SpouseO’s 6’6", and it’s tight for him in the passenger’s seat. He’s got it all the way back and still his legs almost touch the console. I don’t know if he’s ever driven it, but I can see how adding a steering wheel would bring up some lack of space issues over the longterm. Pity, really - I love my car. But I’m 5’6", so it’s not an issue. It does have more room than the Civic, however. You know what you need? A Honda CRX. Most legroom I’ve ever seen in a car. When I put the seat all the way back, it’d be cavernous. SpouseO had all kinds of space. Sadly, they don’t make 'em any more, and I don’t know that a used one would hold up as long as you’re looking at. SpouseO drives a Nissan XTerra, which he likes. ---
**Author:** ![Arwin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/51bf81/32.png) [@Arwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arwin)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 2:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/23 "2005-03-09T14:17:06Z")
> [@Figaro](#): > > I did, and I absolutely loved it. I’d go for the hatchback version with a 5-speed if I did that, and I’ve given it a lot of thought. It’s fun, it’s cute, and it’s built like the Volvo it’s based on (S40). > > It was a tight fit for me, though - not enough leg support or room in the front, and I couldn’t even fit in the back. For a while I was pretty sure I’d buy one, but the more I think about it, the less sure I am I want to be driving around in a car I have to fold my lanky self into every day. I personally was quite charmed with the Smart ForFour, which is a very small car, but when you sit inside, four people like you can sit comfortably on all four of the seats (I’m 6’4" myself). It’s also a car with some amazing handling and speed (obviously depeding on your version), for such a small and lightweight car, with at the same time great mpg ratings (it blows away the Opel Corsa in that respect for instance, even if on paper they give similar ratings - my ex-gf had the opportunity to try both right after one another last summer). And it looks awesome, particularly also on the inside, with lots of fun stuff. You have all sorts of great options too, among others one that can turn the rear seat into a kind of lounge space by folding the front seats. That car redefines clever use of space if you ask me and the way it drives … great fun, and also one of the safer small cars around. Though if you use it to the max, the 1.6 version will still do 205km/h or something. Crazy. On the other hand, at least over here, that Corsa (say the Maxx 1.4) is some amazing value for money, comes with cruise control standard, and has pleasant seats and controls, and it feels like a bigger car in the way it hugs the road. But the ForFour, I even loved the seats, they’re almost like sports seats, give really good side-support etc. Really fun car. I think it shares its underbody with the Jazz/Fit which is also a good car, perhaps even more clever in some ways, but can easily lose the rear so loses some of the handling. ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/24 "2005-03-09T15:39:04Z")
Arwin, I’m not sure where Figaro lives, but judging from the cars he mentions I’m guessing it’s the USA. Those cars you just mentioned (Smart ForFour, Opel) are not sold here. ---
**Author:** ![Madd\_Maxx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Madd\_Maxx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Madd_Maxx)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 3:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/25 "2005-03-09T15:51:46Z")
> [@Snickers](#): > > Ja, I can see how the Mazda3 would be not the best choice - I’ve got its predecessor, the Protege5, and I love it. However, SpouseO’s 6’6", and it’s tight for him in the passenger’s seat. He’s got it all the way back and still his legs almost touch the console. I don’t know if he’s ever driven it, but I can see how adding a steering wheel would bring up some lack of space issues over the longterm. Pity, really - I love my car. But I’m 5’6", so it’s not an issue. It does have more room than the Civic, however. > > You know what you need? A Honda CRX. Most legroom I’ve ever seen in a car. When I put the seat all the way back, it’d be cavernous. SpouseO had all kinds of space. Sadly, they don’t make 'em any more, and I don’t know that a used one would hold up as long as you’re looking at. > > SpouseO drives a Nissan XTerra, which he likes. I drive an 03 Xterra and I’m only 5-10 and I could use a bit more leg room sometimes. I’m surprised your hubby is comfortable at 6-6. I really do love my truck though. If it’s 4wd they are a blast to drive offroad. I bought it new from the dealer and paid about 22k, but I got it loaded. ---
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 4:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/26 "2005-03-09T16:28:26Z")
I sold my 98 Volvo S70 to get a 2005 Mazda3 S sedan. The maintenance costs on older volvos are through the roof. I spent $2500 in two months (would’ve been closer to $4000 if I’d gone through the dealership) and got $3000 in trade in. ---
**Author:** ![Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/13edae/32.png) [@Stranger\_On\_A\_Train](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stranger_On_A_Train)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 5:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/27 "2005-03-09T17:26:34Z")
> [@asterion](#): > > Have you considered a Subaru? I’ll admit I’m only 5’10", but I have been in some small cars where my head is tight against the roof. My Impreza, on the other hand, surprised me from the first moment I got into it on the dealer’s lot at how roomy it seemed. I’m not sure what the price tag on a somewhat-used Subaru is, but you could a new one, fairly nicely equipped for about your 25k limit. I’m not going to bash Subarus–I’ve owned several and I love 'em ('cept for the POS Justy)–but they don’t seem to agree with tallish people. Even though there’s plenty of headroom, the seating position and petal reach just doesn’t seem to work for anyone taller than 6’1" or so. > [@asterion](#): > > I’m not sure what to say about the handling–I’ve never felt out of control driving mine, thanks to the all-wheel drive, but it’s definitely not the sportiest handling. Though I don’t think I’d call it mushy. I’d get the 6-cylinder if possible. My little four-banger generally has enough power, but I wish I had a couple more cylinders or a turbocharger in there at times. I have a '99 Legacy GT 2.5 and the handling on it is fantastic (once I replaced the crap factory Bridgestone Potenza RE92s with Dunlop SP 5000s); on par with an Audi S4 or a BMW 330xi. (Not quite as refined as an M3, but close, and AWD to boot.) I’ve slalomed it though mountain passes at twice rated speed with complete confidence. As for the engine, the old DOHC 2.5l generated 162bhp; respectable, but not inertia-defying. The newer SOHC 2.5l generates 165bhp with proportionally more torque in the naturally aspirated version. In the WRX STi (turbo), it generates 300bhp and 300ff-lb of torque, which is quite impressive. (The “standard” WRX with a 2.0l turbo engine generates a quite enjoyable 227bhp with 217ft-lb of torque.) I believe the 2005 Legacy GT (turbo) uses the same 2.5l engine as the WRX STi, though detuned for lower compression, putting the car at 0-60mph in 7.0 seconds; definitely no slugabed. The flat-6 is only available in a few models–the Legacy Outback LL Bean and the H6 VDC model, I think–and is more intended for people who need towing capacity rather than just speed. The WRX I drove had almost no discernable turbo lag, so that’s really not an issue, and the engines are renowned for being “bulletproof” even with the higher compression ratios and crank speeds. Great cars, but if you’re tall, definitely make certain it seats you comfortably. Stranger ---
**Author:** ![Snickers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/5daacb/32.png) [@Snickers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Snickers)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 7:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/28 "2005-03-09T19:08:07Z")
> [@Madd Maxx](#): > > I drive an 03 Xterra and I’m only 5-10 and I could use a bit more leg room sometimes. I’m surprised your hubby is comfortable at 6-6. I really do love my truck though. If it’s 4wd they are a blast to drive offroad. I bought it new from the dealer and paid about 22k, but I got it loaded. Huh. Dave’s is a 2002 model - don’t know if that makes a difference (I imagine not). I have noticed that sometimes he does somewhat cramped, but figured that was due to the different seating arrangement of the higher vehicle. ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/29 "2005-03-09T19:59:34Z")
A few caveats. VW has had significant quality issues for the last few years. To a lesser extent, so has Saturn- however, the “buying process” at Saturn is very pleasant. Toyota makes a very good car. Their dealers however are the worst crooks in the business. :mad: Do not buy direct from a Toyota dealer- you _will_ get ripped off. If you must buy a Toyota, get a used one, or buy from a Broker. The PT Cruiser seems like a good compromise choice for you. ---
**Author:** ![neutron\_star](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/51bf81/32.png) [@neutron\_star](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/neutron_star)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 8:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/30 "2005-03-09T20:16:37Z")
I’m not a car guy, but I am the same height as the OP and my wife and I just bought a new car last week to replace a shitty Neon. We got a Toyota Matrix. It’s like a Corolla, but it’s a hatchback that’s a little taller and has more room inside. For its size, it seems to get good mileage and is quite peppy. ---
**Author:** ![Figaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Figaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Figaro)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 9:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/31 "2005-03-09T21:47:55Z")
> [@Stranger On A Train](#): > > I’m not going to bash Subarus–I’ve owned several and I love 'em ('cept for the POS Justy)–but they don’t seem to agree with tallish people. Even though there’s plenty of headroom, the seating position and petal reach just doesn’t seem to work for anyone taller than 6’1" or so. > Stranger Hmm. Yeah. I test drove a legacy last night, and found the leg support in the driver’s seat really lacking. Even with the seat adjusted for maximum “bucket,” the front edge of the seat wasn’t even touching the backs of my legs. I have this problem a lot. Thanks! ---
**Author:** ![Figaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Figaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Figaro)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 9:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/32 "2005-03-09T21:58:07Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > A few caveats. VW has had significant quality issues for the last few years. To a lesser extent, so has Saturn- however, the “buying process” at Saturn is very pleasant. From what I understand, Saturn can afford to make the buying process pleasant, because their no-haggle routine nabs them far bigger margins than traditional dealers. I don’t know if it’s still this way, but 10 years ago they were making double digit margins on many cars, whereas traditional dealers often make only 2-5 percent. I agree about VW - frustrating, because their cars are so engaging to drive and have so much in the way of upmarket features. I don’t understand why they can’t get their quality issues sorted out. I’ve had two different mechanics warn me off of VWs, neither of which has any dealer or manufacturer affiliation. ---
**Author:** ![asterion](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/4da419/32.png) [@asterion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/asterion)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 12:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/33 "2005-03-10T00:52:45Z")
> [@Stranger On A Train](#): > > I’m not going to bash Subarus–I’ve owned several and I love 'em ('cept for the POS Justy)–but they don’t seem to agree with tallish people. Even though there’s plenty of headroom, the seating position and petal reach just doesn’t seem to work for anyone taller than 6’1" or so. > > Stranger Hmm…I did not know that. I actually found that I had to sit closer to the wheel in the Subaru than I did in my old Volvo because after an hour or so of driving, my back would start to hurt. I pulled the seat up closer and somehow got rid of that problem. Not sure why it was happening or why that fixed it. As I said, I’m only 5’10", so generally leg room isn’t as much of a problem as head room. In my experience, if I can get my head in there comfortably, I can get the rest of me in there as well. I still think a Forester would be worth at least test-driving if **Figaro** hadn’t already said that it’s hard to get a Subaru in his neck of the woods. ---
**Author:** ![sleestak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sleestak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleestak)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/34 "2005-03-10T02:22:49Z")
I have a 2004 Hynudai Elantra. I love it. It is inexpensive, very nice and is quite peppy enough. There are only two things I dislike about the car. The stereo and the trunk opening. The stereo that came with it is ok but not great. The problem with the trunk is that is huge inside but the opening is kinda small. You can get tons of stuff in it, just not very big things(and when I say big things I mean things like TVs) I am not sure about the heighth issue being only 5’8. I have had 5 people in the car fairly comfortably and three of the four people were over 6 feet. Slee ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 8:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/35 "2005-03-10T08:17:37Z")
> [@Figaro](#): > > From what I understand, Saturn can afford to make the buying process pleasant, because their no-haggle routine nabs them far bigger margins than traditional dealers. I don’t know if it’s still this way, but 10 years ago they were making double digit margins on many cars, whereas traditional dealers often make only 2-5 percent. Not really. IF you go in there with a CR invoice and are a skilled and expert car buyer, and can say NO to all the extras they want to sell you- then yes, you can get a better deal that Saturn. But it’ll be a headache at the very least. Saturn dealers make a little more, but they don’t make all that bonus profit on the crap extras such as “sealant” “undercoating” 'extended warranties" and the scads of othe rrips offs a normal car dealers tries on you. Remember- there are so many ways for a car dealer to scam you- a lemon, high financing, lowball tradein, worthless extras, high dealer mark-up, and more. :mad: ---
**Author:** ![Merkwurdigliebe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/74df32/32.png) [@Merkwurdigliebe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Merkwurdigliebe)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 9:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/36 "2005-03-10T09:35:11Z")
A few notes about my VW… I was in the market for a car similar to what you want a few years ago. Out of the blue, I decided to test-drive a VW Jetta. I was utterly impressed. Its the little things that add up to be greater than the sum of the parts. I don’t know about reliability issues, but I haven’t had a problem with mine in… oh… 90,000 miles. If you want good gas mileage go for a TDI, and don’t be discouraged by the “small” designation. These things have room for plenty of tall people. All I’m saying is give it a try. I bet you’ll like a VW. I can’t say I know much about the reliability of anyone else’s but mine has been perfect. I plan on driving it untill it dies 10 years from now 😃 Oh I have diesel too. Its lots of fun. ---
**Author:** ![Figaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Figaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Figaro)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/37 "2005-03-10T15:41:04Z")
> [@Merkwurdigliebe](#): > > A few notes about my VW… VW is the one major brand I haven’t test driven yet, mostly because of build quality concerns, but also because I owned a VW (1981 Rabbit) when I first moved to town and quickly learned to hate the local VW dealer. Bad service, and on two occasions I even suspected them of deliberately causing problems with my car so that they could fix them. I’m not the paranoid sort, but they gave off a real stink of dishonesty. I think you’re right, though, that I should at least drive one. I loved my old VW, cramped and falling apart as it was. There might be a good deal to be had on a Jetta too, since the new '06 model is due out soon and they’ll be looking to unload the '05 quickly. Has anyone out there driven a Scion TC? ---
**Author:** ![Figaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Figaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Figaro)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/38 "2005-03-10T15:42:26Z")
> [@neutron star](#): > > I’m not a car guy, but I am the same height as the OP and my wife and I just bought a new car last week to replace a shitty Neon. > > We got a Toyota Matrix. It’s like a Corolla, but it’s a hatchback that’s a little taller and has more room inside. For its size, it seems to get good mileage and is quite peppy. Thanks for the tip on the Matrix. I drove one last night, and it’s at least a possibility. Not really roomier than the Mazda 3 hatchback, though, and less fun to drive. But very useful cargo space. ---
**Author:** ![chefjef](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@chefjef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chefjef)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 3:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/39 "2005-03-10T15:50:55Z")
I think that VWs have more head room that you think - at least from my experience. The Subarus are good too for headroom ---
**Author:** ![Figaro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ea666f/32.png) [@Figaro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Figaro)\ **Post date:** [March 10, 2005, 3:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545/40 "2005-03-10T15:54:18Z")
Incidentally, I notice there are lots of Hyundai fans out there, judging from the responses so far. I visited the dealer 2 days ago, and I am seriously considering the brand, but I can’t find a car that I like totally. The Sonata is stodgy and not very comfortable to drive, plus my head was literally rubbing on the roof liner. And the Elantra I drove just didn’t seem bolted together as well as the Mazda, Toyota, and Honda examples I’ve drive, although I liked the hatchback GT model a lot. **Does anyone have insider scoop on the new '06 Sonata?** It’s a completely new car, much bigger, very nice looking, and a great deal at the expected prices. The dealer said it would be out next month. The only thing is, it’ll be the first Hyundai built in America in a completely new factory, so there’s no telling if the quality that has helped Hyundai reach the top of the heap recently will carry over. Any info would be great. Thanks. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-cars-should-i-consider-indecision/293545.md?page=3)