buying a new car, weigh in

[dom]

It's that time again fools. No worries, I won't be posting $40,000-$60,000 cars financed by parents.

My old ass car had its two ball joints (front) sheer right off and the drive draft is destroyed on the right side. I sent it to the junk yard this morning. Because I didn't plan this, and don't have saved money; i've had to narrow my choices to three cars.

I've only visited one. I'll post updates on each subsequent car.

(1) Hyundai Sonata (red); $27,000

Checked this one today. I haven't checked the other two yet but I pretty much left love stains in the car. I did most of the paperwork but I told them I wanted to check out the next two.



(2) Jeep Compass (black); $TBA - Aunt works at a dealership. Waiting to see if she can get me a deal.



(3) Ford Focus (grey?); $TBA (going tomorrow). This one is interesting: the 2012 model stole the hearts of the industry. I sent an e-mail to a dealership about APR %. If it's <5 it will be considerably cheaper than the Sonata.





Disclaimer: images taken from google

[Majorharper]

Whats your max budget? are you open to any other brands?

[Love]

Nissan and Honda are the 2 brands we were looking into for our last car purchase ( 2 or so months ago ). We went with a Nissan Altima but yeah one thing I got from that entire deal was that Ford isnt really seen as a reliable brand.

I myself have a Ford Focus and it gives me more trouble than I would like. My dad's Grand Vitara hasnt given him any problems ever and our Altima is the same although that is a pretty recent purchase, we however know a lot of people with Altimas and they seem to hold their own.

Out of those 3 I would say go with the Jeep Compass for the added utility it offers and because as far as I know ( which isn't exactly much but is not nothing either ) they make decent cars.

I did a quick google search and the Hyundai brand seems to be doing some quality work but I don't have much experience with this brand at all.

So in summary:

Jeep
Hyundai
Ford

[SM-Count]

Sonata >= Focus > Compass

I have a bias against American cars though, but if Focus is quite a bit cheaper than Sonata I'd go with Focus. Sonata has good longevity, very nearly 0 problems in the first 5 years and very few in the first 10 from what I've read when I was checking out cars. I didn't buy it (got a really nice deal on a camry) but it was on my short list. I'm a college student going from suburb to city on highway every day though.

[dom]

Nissan and Honda are the 2 brands we were looking into for our last car purchase ( 2 or so months ago ). We went with a Nissan Altima but yeah one thing I got from that entire deal was that Ford isnt really seen as a reliable brand.

I myself have a Ford Focus and it gives me more trouble than I would like. My dad's Grand Vitara hasnt given him any problems ever and our Altima is the same although that is a pretty recent purchase, we however know a lot of people with Altimas and they seem to hold their own.

Out of those 3 I would say go with the Jeep Compass for the added utility it offers and because as far as I know ( which isn't exactly much but is not nothing either ) they make decent cars.

I did a quick google search and the Hyundai brand seems to be doing some quality work but I don't have much experience with this brand at all.

So in summary:

Jeep
Hyundai
Ford

I am not a big fan of fords either. I completely ruled it out until I saw industry reviews for the 2012 model. I'm going to go check it out tomorrow but it's definitely #3 on my list. The big thing is, however, it's $6000 cheaper than the Hyundai.

My aunt had a Nissan Altima (she worked at a Chrysler dealership and then the owner made her go revamp his Acura/Nissan dealership). She said she liked it and it was a good car but it was just "blah". That's the feel I get from it too. It's a solid car but for the price it's nothing super special.

The Hyundai, priced comparatively, is super equipped (heated seats, mirrors, a million different computer controlled breaking, stability, and traction things), etc.

Originally I wanted to get a Honda Accord/Civic, but the insurance is exactly double that of the Hyundai.

Sonata >= Focus > Compass

I have a bias against American cars though, but if Focus is quite a bit cheaper than Sonata I'd go with Focus. Sonata has good longevity, very nearly 0 problems in the first 5 years and very few in the first 10 from what I've read when I was checking out cars. I didn't buy it (got a really nice deal on a camry) but it was on my short list. I'm a college student going from suburb to city on highway every day though.

My ranking is about the same as yours, but I haven't checked out the Focus yet. On paper, I would agree, in person it may be different. I tried the whole Hyundai line up and when I got behind the Sonata I got "that" feeling.

Interestingly enough, a Genesis 2D Coupe is only $2000 or so more and the insurance is cheaper (than the Sonata). I don't quite understand that as it's a RWD and much more like a sports car. I wouldn't want to drive that thing around in Winter though, reference below:



For the record. The compass is the cheapest, or at least on par, with the Focus. It's a mini crossover and therefore looks more expensive. The reviews on it are poor to mediocre. The only reason i'm interested is because it's cheap in insurance and I might get a good deal.

As a personal preference, i'm more of a car guy. The ride is so much more comfortable. A lot of people claim the SUVs and Crossovers offer more room, and they do by volume. But I find that sitting in a more vertical position in a SUV/Crossover is less comfortable than the "sitting on the floor" feel of a car.

Whats your max budget? are you open to any other brands?

I don't really have a car-cost max. I do, but it's with insurance and car payment combined. Iooked at all the cars in the bracket:

Hyundai Sonata, Dodge Avenger, Kia Optima, Ford Focus, Mazda 6, and Nissan Altima.

I looked at the reviews and compared insurance costs. There are 3 categories, the top are the cheapest and best reviews, middle are middle, bottom are more expensive and worse reviews.

Ford Focus (great price/value, amazing reviews)
Kia Optima (amazing price/value, great reviews)
------------
Hyundai Sonata (mediocre price/value, amazing reviews)
Mazda 6 (mediocre price/value, good reviews)
------------
Nissan Altima (mediocre price/value, mediocre reviews)
Dodge Avenger (poor price/value, mediocre reviews)

On paper the Focus is better than the Sonata. I am really not a big fan of Ford and the dealership here has bad service (but those 2012 model reviews kind of made me erect).

I refuse to drive an Optima.

I loved the Sonata driving experience.

I hate Mazdas.

I cut out the bottom 2 due to poor price/value and reviews.

*Price/Value: I gave them values based on MRSP + insurance costs + options. Example: While the Avenger has a low cost and cheap insurance, I would not be surprised if the horn does not come standard and would have to be purchased as an option.

[Skyve]

Wtf Focus aren't suppose to look good like that.

[Majorharper]

I'd suggest taking a look in the volks jetta GLI or the regular passat, both very reliable cars in a decent price range (although passat can easily become expensive with add-ons). Otherwise maybe have a llok at the subaru legacy? Idk.. The impreza wrx is a nice beefy sedan, nothing ape shot like the wrx sti, but it still has a nice little turbo in it which makes it a fun car to drive. There is also the kia forte but idk much about that one..

[Skyve]

I'd suggest taking a look in the volks jetta GLI or the regular passat, both very reliable cars in a decent price range (although passat can easily become expensive with add-ons). Otherwise maybe have a llok at the subaru legacy? Idk.. The impreza wrx is a nice beefy sedan, nothing ape shot like the wrx sti, but it still has a nice little turbo in it which makes it a fun car to drive. There is also the kia forte but idk much about that one..

kk maybe he doesn't want to be rallying in the depths of the snowy mountains of mysterious Switzerland guy.

[Love]

After watching some FF reviews I am kinda getting into it as well. No1 can tell how reliable they will be long term but it all seems to indicate that they're indeed introducing some great value with this new generation.

[dom]

I'd suggest taking a look in the volks jetta GLI or the regular passat, both very reliable cars in a decent price range (although passat can easily become expensive with add-ons). Otherwise maybe have a llok at the subaru legacy? Idk.. The impreza wrx is a nice beefy sedan, nothing ape shot like the wrx sti, but it still has a nice little turbo in it which makes it a fun car to drive. There is also the kia forte but idk much about that one..

kk maybe he doesn't want to be rallying in the depths of the snowy mountains of mysterious Switzerland guy.

+1

VW/Subaru? NOPE.

If I really wanted to go german, I could get a pre-cert M3 for ~25-30. Subaru? I'm not a lesbian.

edit: 2008 65,000 KM @ 20k
http://www.bmw.ca/ca/en/usedvehicles/ce ... earch.html

If it wasn't for high APR % on used cars, I might consider it.

[Gaigemasta]

The black Sonata looks more than it's worth, drives great and is just pretty good in general

[dom]

The black Sonata looks more than it's worth, drives great and is just pretty good in general

Huh? That's a Genesis Coupe

[Gaigemasta]

sorry I was referring to my ex's mom's car. She has a '11 black Sonata, looks great

[CrimsonNuker]

Was gonna ask you if you considered a Civic/Accord on msn
My parents were thinking about getting me a Civic later this year, but I guess I'll have to be looking into other cars as well.

[XMoshe]

The Jeep obviously, mainly because I personally would get stuck in the other two. I guess it would always be possible they have alot more space than that the pics show ofcourse. Also I'm not sure how the Jeep would work out with todays gasprices x)

[Majorharper]

You're mad, my uncle got the 2011 subaru wrx sti, and its mad ape shit crazy with 4x4 in winter, fine then find a lexus isF or a friggen merc e63 amg while ur at it lmao. Volks are under rated imo, seriously... A TDi can make you save so much on gas its unbelievable, but go for the hyundai if you have to... Just please dont go ford pleaseeeeee...

[*BlackFox]

I haven't checked the other two yet but I pretty much left love stains in the car. I did most of the paperwork but I told them I wanted to check out the next two

So you've already decided, Eh? lulz

[dom]

By most of the paperwork, I meant I got the pricing.

I decided against the ford because although it's reviewed really well, I just don't like the way it looks and its not the class I want. I would hate to regret a purchase for the next couple years.

My aunt contacted me and we ruled out the Compass. She set up a Chrysler 200. I didn't tell her, but I was concerned about its reputation. Regardless, the price was really low but because of Chrysler financing, the monthly payment was only $80 less than the car I bought.

I through out the Hyundai Sonata GL idea and got a Hyundai Sonata GLS. Came up to 32,000. Expecting pick up sometime next week (they need to find a red one). I will post pictures then.

[pipigrande]

I'm also buying a car soon, however, I'm planning to buy it around August or September. Supposedly at that time of the year new models are coming out and arriving to Canada which means older models will get cheaper.

Why don't you wait till summer to buy a car and save a few thousands of $$?

[dom]

I'm also buying a car soon, however, I'm planning to buy it around August or September. Supposedly at that time of the year new models are coming out and arriving to Canada which means older models will get cheaper.

Why don't you wait till summer to buy a car and save a few thousands of $$?

Because I can't bus or walk to work.

[Mirosuke]

^ reason? too far? waste of time?

[Avalanche]

Lets see:

1) The Hydundai, my sister just got the Sonata Turbo in black, great car. Got some heavy pickup to it too, things major quick. Also has an economy mode for highway, getting 30ish MPG which is cool.

2) Jeep? No. Especially the compass. If you want a Jeep get a Cherokee.

3) The new Ford Focus is a great car. I haven't driven one yet but Ford did this car right.

However, out of all of THOSE choices, I would buy the Sonata. Why? Because it has the best warranty, they have maintenance packages where you don't pay a dime out of pocket for anything that goes wrong with the car till 100k miles. Also, it is the best looking, the most comfortable, and the fastest (if you got the turbo, but the other models are good too).

BTW is 27k for the fully loaded one with leather? My sister got a '12 Sonata Turbo fully loaded (except the leather) for like 24k, 27 seems a tad bit hight.

[CrimsonNuker]

I'm also buying a car soon, however, I'm planning to buy it around August or September. Supposedly at that time of the year new models are coming out and arriving to Canada which means older models will get cheaper.

Why don't you wait till summer to buy a car and save a few thousands of $$?

I thought the old models get real cheap at the end of the year

[dom]

Lets see:

1) The Hydundai, my sister just got the Sonata Turbo in black, great car. Got some heavy pickup to it too, things major quick. Also has an economy mode for highway, getting 30ish MPG which is cool.

2) Jeep? No. Especially the compass. If you want a Jeep get a Cherokee.

3) The new Ford Focus is a great car. I haven't driven one yet but Ford did this car right.

However, out of all of THOSE choices, I would buy the Sonata. Why? Because it has the best warranty, they have maintenance packages where you don't pay a dime out of pocket for anything that goes wrong with the car till 100k miles. Also, it is the best looking, the most comfortable, and the fastest (if you got the turbo, but the other models are good too).

BTW is 27k for the fully loaded one with leather? My sister got a '12 Sonata Turbo fully loaded (except the leather) for like 24k, 27 seems a tad bit hight.

The prices in Canada are a bit higher (couple thousand). I am not sure how purchase is made in the US, but here I had to pay 13% tax (about $3700) plus freight (about $1550) on top of the sticker price. There's about $1000 in add ons. The lien, registration, and license plate fees amount to about $250. 32,000-3,000-1,500-1,000-250=25,500.

The sticker price is $26,499, the actual dealer invoice cost is $24,628. Essentially, they made $900 on me.

[Ryoko]

If your spending 27K have you considered getting yourself a mildly used luxury car <30k miles

Acura, Infinity, Lexus

Spose theres nuffin like a brand new car with 0 miles. Always the expensive way to go though.

[Avalanche]

Ah I forgot, everything is more expensive in Canada, lol. If you could afford the Hyundai, get it. The Ford Focus isn't a bad choice either but as with an Ford product you buy, beware. I don't even see the Jeep as an option. btw, how much is the Genesis 2.0 there? That is also a fun car and a coupe

[dom]

Ah I forgot, everything is more expensive in Canada, lol. If you could afford the Hyundai, get it. The Ford Focus isn't a bad choice either but as with an Ford product you buy, beware. I don't even see the Jeep as an option. btw, how much is the Genesis 2.0 there? That is also a fun car and a coupe

When I was doing research I noticed the trims were different in the US and Canada. For example, the base model with a manual transmission is the GL. In the US, the lowest model is the GLS. We don't have the SE either, and the 2.0T is the turbo one.

We have:

GL
GLS
2.0T
Limited

There aren't many options here either. Unless you get the limited, the leather seats aren't even an option. When I wanted to get them, they told me they get a third party guy to come in and do custom upholstery - he charges 2,000-3,000 but it will not look like the Limited leather seats. The different trims have a different set of options. From what I understand, the trims in the US don't include as much but offer the options.

The one I took has everything minus the LED mirrors, moon roof (only have sun roof), leather seats, and the turbo from the 2.0T trim.

If your spending 27K have you considered getting yourself a mildly used luxury car <30k miles

Acura, Infinity, Lexus

Spose theres nuffin like a brand new car with 0 miles. Always the expensive way to go though.

The biggest thing for me to research was the cost of financing over the different terms. When I was considering used luxury cars, the cost of regular maintenance and the APR % on used car financing inflated the cost. The car I got has a bottom line of $32,000, but for the most part that's $32,000 worth of car (freight and HST applies to all new cars in Ontario) because of the 0% APR.

Because of the cost of financing alone, I would have to settle to a car a couple grand cheaper, and adding in the cost of maintenance, reduce that even more. The insurance + maintenance + finance + car cost for the Sonata is great; in a used luxury car I would have to aim for something in the low 20s for the same long term affordability - if not lower.

My car was destroyed so I had no foresight into buying a new card. If I had cash on hand and >=25 in age (insurance), getting a used luxury would have been a more appealing prospect.

[.curve]

I will say I recently purchased a 2012 Honda and I feel like I'll have this car for a good while of the rest of my life. Hondas have a reputation for being good, reliable cars so I greatly recommend them.

[Skyve]

I will say I recently purchased a 2012 Honda and I feel like I'll have this car for a good while of the rest of my life.

Think that's what we all say when we get a new car.

[dom]

Before you stalkers go crazy with the address, I don't live there.