Looking at new cars and would like some feedback :)

[Granny]

Mike and I have started talking about the need to buy a new DD to replace the Ram.

He favors luxury and I'm still a sport and speed freak.

I'm open to input on any make and model in my price range.
I want to keep it under the 30k range which I know at todays prices will limit me on alot of the bells and whistles.

Maybe something like this....

2012 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus |Iconic Muscle Exceptional Value| Dodge (http://www.dodge.com/en/2012/challenger/sxt_plus/index.html)

[Intropy]

Any criteria at all? Doors, drivetrain, etc? How will it get used? Honestly for a DD I think $30K gives you WORLDS of options.

[Emilie@GZP]

Mike and I have started talking about the need to buy a new DD to replace the Ram.

He favors luxury and I'm still a sport and speed freak.

I'm open to input on any make and model in my price range.
I want to keep it under the 30k range which I know at todays prices will limit me on alot of the bells and whistles.

Maybe something like this....

2012 Dodge Challenger SXT Plus |Iconic Muscle Exceptional Value| Dodge (http://www.dodge.com/en/2012/challenger/sxt_plus/index.html)

wanna buy a "New" 3000GT? :lol:

We are putting the 13k mile 95 3000GT up for sale, but in the meantime, it's relegated to daily driver duty. It is not in collectible condition, but it makes a DAMN good DD. :p

[Granny]

Any criteria at all? Doors, drivetrain, etc? How will it get used? Honestly for a DD I think $30K gives you WORLDS of options.

It needs to have room for the Grandsons and a car seat with plenty of room in the front for Mike. Four door would probably be best.
Something with reasonable HP to move along and ATX because it needs to be comfortable to drive on trips.
Around 30MPG.
We both have work vehicles so it would be driven mainly on the weekends.

[Granny]

wanna buy a "New" 3000GT? :lol:

We are putting the 13k mile 95 3000GT up for sale, but in the meantime, it's relegated to daily driver duty. It is not in collectible condition, but it makes a DAMN good DD. :p

LOL

I have words at least once a month with Hubby on why we are not parting mine out.

[Granny]

So far this seems to be in the lead...

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicles/2013/sonata/

Of course we are looking at the 274HP TT :)

[dbest671]

It needs to have room for the Grandsons and a car seat with plenty of room in the front for Mike. Four door would probably be best.
Something with reasonable HP to move along and ATX because it needs to be comfortable to drive on trips.
Around 30MPG.
We both have work vehicles so it would be driven mainly on the weekends.

The Challenger backseats are a joke... kind of like the 3000GT.

Does it have to be "new"? I was going to say a used 300C SRT8, comfy, luxury, and it has balls. But then I read 30mpg... we averaged about 20mpg in the 2006, but it burns premium also. All and all I loved that car, and was sad to see go... but the replacement was "more my style" :)

[beepbeep]

GL, Karen. I have no advice to offer. Can't wait til you get something. How exciting!

[DocWalt]

Sonata is a great choice. I'd go with the Kia Optima over the Sonata, purely on looks (same car, Kia has less options though IIRC).

[Intropy]

So far this seems to be in the lead...

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicles/2013/sonata/

Of course we are looking at the 274HP TT :)

Ugh, if you want to get your doors blown off by Camry's I guess. The SE 2.0T is a dog of a car.

[DocWalt]

It's a hell of a lot more interesting than a Camry... at least IMO.

[Intropy]

It's a hell of a lot more interesting than a Camry... at least IMO.

Yeah, exactly my point. Camrys are dull, uninteresting cars and will run circles around that Sonata in nearly every metric you can think up.

[Granny]

The Challenger backseats are a joke... kind of like the 3000GT.

Does it have to be "new"? I was going to say a used 300C SRT8, comfy, luxury, and it has balls. But then I read 30mpg... we averaged about 20mpg in the 2006, but it burns premium also. All and all I loved that car, and was sad to see go... but the replacement was "more my style" :)

As much as I love the "New Muscle cars" I don't think it's going to be an option because of the MPG. We really want something easier at the pump. Fueling the Ram the past several years has taken the fun out of road trips or stopped them completely.


Sonata is a great choice. I'd go with the Kia Optima over the Sonata, purely on looks (same car, Kia has less options though IIRC).

We will probably make a trip to the Kia lot to have a first hand look at their turbo model as well.


Ugh, if you want to get your doors blown off by Camry's I guess. The SE 2.0T is a dog of a car.

LOL
Can't say my first thoughts were about getting my doors blown off but I'm interested in hearing why you prefer the Camrys.
I have only looked at them on line and my first impression was they were boring as well but that's not the objective here.
We will probably keep this car for the next 15 years and what it has to offer performance wise is a very important consideration.

April has a new Hyundai Accent with 138 HP. Quick little car but when weighed down with a full load of passengers and luggage it becomes a little sluggish. It's fine for her and Jerimiah but we need something more passenger friendly in size and power.

As my Hubby keeps gently reminding me...."This is the sensible car"

[AdamVR4]

So far this seems to be in the lead...

https://www.hyundaiusa.com/vehicles/2013/sonata/

Of course we are looking at the 274HP TT :)

Have you test driven one yet? My wife couldn't find a comfortable seat position in a Sonata in 2010. That was a manual, so if you're looking at autos, you probably won't need to be so picky.

[UTRacerX9]

I don't think any new car you'll buy is a good choice. It's much better IMO to buy a car that is 2-3 years old (still with years of factory warranty available) and avoid the major depreciation hit from buying a new car. By doing this, you open yourself up to a LOT more options. What about an SUV with a V6? For that amount of money, you could get...

Cars for Sale: 2009 Acura MDX in Arlington, TX 76017: Sport Utility Details - 326726711 - AutoTrader.com (http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=75070&endYear=2013&modelCode1=MDX&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=577994&startYear=2008&makeCode1=ACURA&maxMileage=45000&searchRadius=300&maxPrice=30000&showcaseListingId=326741567&listingId=326726711&Log=0)

[Granny]

Have you test driven one yet? My wife couldn't find a comfortable seat position in a Sonata in 2010. That was a manual, so if you're looking at autos, you probably won't need to be so picky.

Mike sat in one when we were at the dealership when April was buying her car. I did go with her to test drive an Elantra.
We definitely are going with ATX.
Thanks for bring that up because any negatives I would like to hear as well because it maybe something I wouldn't notice otherwise.

This is in the beginning stages. So far I've only visited the manufactures websites and looked at what is out there.
After I get a feel for what we want then off to the dealers to look and test drive.

[Granny]

I don't think any new car you'll buy is a good choice. It's much better IMO to buy a car that is 2-3 years old (still with years of factory warranty available) and avoid the major depreciation hit from buying a new car. By doing this, you open yourself up to a LOT more options. What about an SUV with a V6? For that amount of money, you could get...

Cars for Sale: 2009 Acura MDX in Arlington, TX 76017: Sport Utility Details - 326726711 - AutoTrader.com (http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/vehicledetails.xhtml?zip=75070&endYear=2013&modelCode1=MDX&sortBy=derivedpriceASC&showcaseOwnerId=577994&startYear=2008&makeCode1=ACURA&maxMileage=45000&searchRadius=300&maxPrice=30000&showcaseListingId=326741567&listingId=326726711&Log=0)

We are not totally ruling that out either. The only down side would be that you can "usually" get cheaper interest rates on new cars.

That is a beautiful SUV but it's rated at 17 MPG. I wouldn't mind just trading up on my truck but there again the MPG is a killer.

[Intropy]

Can't say my first thoughts were about getting my doors blown off but I'm interested in hearing why you prefer the Camrys.

I think you're getting the wrong idea. :) I don't prefer the Camrys, and I'm not pitching one. I'm just pointing out that they are a better car in practically every way, since you seemed to care about performance. They are faster, get just as good gas mileage, and are only negligibly heavier despite having 1.4L displacement over the Sonata.

About the only thing the Sonata has going for it is that I'd rather be seen in a Sonata.

[Granny]

Noted
Thanks. :)

[onebadmollafolla]

Anymore, Hyundai make a pretty solid car. I think you'd be happy with it.

[2turbosandmanyrepairs]

Have you thought about a Volkswagen jetta? You can easily get one for under 25k. They get 30mpg and have 190hp so they're quite quick. Or you could look at the passat. It's a little bigger, a little more expensive and a tad slower because it has the same engine as the jetta but it's heavier.

[VR-4 0wnz j00]

Honestly, why dont you just get a GS430 or something along those lines. They have 300hp V8, good fuel economy, and all the luxury you could want. They are pretty quick too.

[daisy]

I drove the Kia Optima while in Hawaii and fell in love. Plenty of room, drove great, plenty of power and good fuel economy for a turbo 4 cylinder.

[nodoze]

the good on the camrys - price , warranty , comfort . im 6 ft 240 lbs and thought it was comfortable enjoyable car to drive , not fun but enjoyable
bad - interior is bland to me , lack of power atleast in the s model my parents bught.

the good on the sonatas (read as a 2011 model year) - friend bought one , more leg room than camry in the rear it seemed. Was better optioned , interior was atractive , exterior was attactive. Seemed to have plenty of power in the v6 version (not the gas mileage you wanteds though , only 25 mpg average)
the bad - price , his optioned nicely was close to 32k , my parents toyota was only 23k

[Granny]

The deed is done. I didn't think we would be moving that fast on a decision.
It's been an exhausting day and I'm whipped.
I'll post pics tomorrow. :)

[VR-4 0wnz j00]

Aww, come on. Just tell us already!

[Granny]

First of all I want to thank everyone that contributed to ideas on a car.
Believe it or not Mike and I spent the better part of the day looking at said cars.
Bill we even went to look at the Buick you suggested.

I know I didn't make the popular choice but I felt like I owe everyone an update on our decision.

This is my post on FP today

Went for a 266mi trip thru WV today.
33MPG pulling mountains with a lot of acceleration and deceleration thru small towns and such.
Not to mention we could smoke anything in our way.
With the suspension controll it handles thru the tight curves like a champ for a midsize car.
Turbos are quick and smooth but I do miss hearing the BOV...LOL
Mike Cook is giving it a bath after it's first road trip.

We do have to say we are disappointed in the guidance system. Some of it could have been from the area but we finally had to give in and hook up the Garmin.
You can preprogram it from your computer and send it to the car before your trip...ehh

I think Mike said it best "It has enough power to get you in trouble but not enough to get you killed."

And I do have alot of fun with the paddle shifters...

It is what it is..lol

[DocWalt]

your post about which car you picked got eaten lol. I did see it when it was still there, nice choice IMO.

[Granny]

Thanks
Yea...dealer links don't last forever.

[beepbeep]

But your pics should.

#postuporbanalready

[Granny]

Yes Mam! :salute:

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/026.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/017.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/9029884f.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/ce49997d.jpg

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/4635465b.jpg

[UTRacerX9]

Looks good. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Hyundai has come a long way the past 5-6 years or so. We just got rid of our Tiburon GT a few months ago, it held up pretty well, but there were signs that it was starting to go, so I'm not sure about the long term longevity of their products at this point.

Bottom line, you get a lot of bang for the buck with Hyundai.

[Granny]

Looks good. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Hyundai has come a long way the past 5-6 years or so. We just got rid of our Tiburon GT a few months ago, it held up pretty well, but there were signs that it was starting to go, so I'm not sure about the long term longevity of their products at this point.

Bottom line, you get a lot of bang for the buck with Hyundai.

The car is loaded with extras. Heated leather seats, electric sunroof, Bluelink, ESC w/traction control and the list just goes on. That was the things Mike wanted.

For example we looked at a turboed Kia and the sticker price was 6k more!

My boss bought his Daughter a new Tiburon GT several years ago. She has beat that car to death and it's still going. Now at over 200k it's starting to have issues but I could live with that.

[TT4ME]

:Clap:

[nodoze]

my friend bought an 97 tiburon in 04 with 80k on it ,let it get junked due to a hail storm in 09 , it had 180k on it , replaced timing belt as maintnence and wheel bearings...... one every six months .....

[beepbeep]

It's niiiiiiccccceeeee. Glad you have something that makes you happy.

[Granny]

Not looking forward to car payments again.
We've been putting off buying something for a few years now.
Truck will be 13 years old soon.
Sometimes you just have to quit thinking about it...lol

[BigTyla]

Good choice, and the fuel savings you'll experience will soften the blow of your new car payment a little. Not much, but every bit helps. :)

That's why I don't mind the 19 mpg my '02 Explorer gives me. It's paid for!

[AdamVR4]

Yes Mam! :salute:

http://i392.photobucket.com/albums/pp10/R3KGT/026.jpg

Ah, I remember that little climate control guy. It immediately reminded me of the VR4 :)

[Granny]

Good choice, and the fuel savings you'll experience will soften the blow of your new car payment a little. Not much, but every bit helps. :)

That's why I don't mind the 19 mpg my '02 Explorer gives me. It's paid for!

I don't think my truck gets even that anymore. Lol
Now I'm just waiting for Mike to stop wanting to go for rides everyday.

[Granny]

This is for the record and you heard it from me first. LOL

Up until now I don't think Hyundai has been know as a leader in the performance area.

What took it over the top for me was the twin-scroll turbos.

Conceptcarz has a really good artical on the technolgy. Check it out!

2011 Hyundai Sonata 2.0T Images, Pricing and News (TWIN-SCROLL, GDI, Turbocharged) | Conceptcarz.com (http://www.conceptcarz.com/z18264/Hyundai-Sonata-20T.aspx)

I can see this as the future in all turbo charging. It is a very controlled power..I don't know exactly how to explain it but if you applied it to 500HP it would be awesome!

[Granny]

Justin..Bit me!

Hyundai Sonata vs. Toyota Camry Review (http://www.newcars.com/reviews/hyundai-sonata-vs-toyota-camry-sedan.html)

No Camry is going to beat me today!

[Intropy]

Ha ha, well as long as you love it that's the main thing. How about a REAL review though, and some dumb car shopping site. ;)

2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T vs 2012 Toyota Camry SE V-6 vs 2012 Volkswagen Passat VR6 SEL Comparison - Motor Trend (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1112_2011_hyundai_sonata_se_vs_2012_toyota_camry_s e_vs_2012_volkswagen_passat_vr6_sel_comparison/viewall.html)

[Granny]

Ha ha, well as long as you love it that's the main thing. How about a REAL review though, and some dumb car shopping site. ;)

2011 Hyundai Sonata SE 2.0T vs 2012 Toyota Camry SE V-6 vs 2012 Volkswagen Passat VR6 SEL Comparison - Motor Trend (http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/sedans/1112_2011_hyundai_sonata_se_vs_2012_toyota_camry_s e_vs_2012_volkswagen_passat_vr6_sel_comparison/viewall.html)

LOL!
I have so much fun with you.
I saw that too but they are talking about a 2011.

It's Hubby's car....My passion will always be my 3K
You know that about me..lol