H

Well, I'm finally a test away from getting my license (to drive). I've been semi-car shopping for the last couple months, but have only found two cars within my range that I really like.

I want to get a new car 2007/2008. It has to be a car. I don't like the size and fuel consumption of SUV's and trucks.

Currently I'm considering the 2007 Ford Mustang (start at 25k CAD) and the 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer (start at 16k). I have limited myself to 30k (CAD) for a car, but would preferably like to stay lower. Anyone have suggestions for some nice cars in the 12-30k (CAD) range? Or feedback on either of the two I've considered thus far?

Edit: I'm also liking the Nissan Sentra and Dodge Avenger

Rai

What size of car do you want? What will you be using it for? How much power do you need? How much space?

The way my dad put it to my brother (who is also looking for a car).... what is the number one quality you need in a car? Reliability, affordability, size, fuel economy, insurance costs, safety, speed...

I think it was the 2007 Dodge Caliber that caught my brother's eye, but I'm not sure about that... Personally I drive a Honda Accord (2004, it's a little older now) and am quite happy with it. My best friend recently bought a 2007 Pontiac G5, which is also a very nice car from what I've seen of it. I've also had good experiences with Saturn IONs (in the 2004-6 range)... however my biggest peeve with this car is that the controls are centered on the dash, under the rear view mirror... while they were very easy to get used to, it's enough to turn me off it (and I believe the Toyota Yaris has a similar set up, which is why I threw away that idea when I was looking at cars). I could give you every single car that's within your price range and the pros and cons to them based on my personal opinion... But a little more of what you're looking for would be helpful. Another car my brother almost bought was the Volkswagen Golf...

I realize you want a Mustang, but personally I think that's a really poor choice... especially for a new driver. My personal opinion that the car is highly overrated and if you insist on getting one, wait until you can afford the GT. But besides that, insurance will be astronomical on that car for you and for fuel economy it's not that great anyways. Actually, just decided to compare it to the 2008 Land Rover LR2, and it gets worse fuel economy. (I'm looking at this website, so uses American figures, and yeah... http://www.fueleconomy.gov/). It's also not that practical of a car... my neighbour is actually selling his Mustang (it's a couple years old now, 2005, I believe, with a LOT of after-market mods on it...) because all the factors involved in keeping it doesn't make it worthwhile.

Of course, I don't expect my opinion to have an impact, but I like sharing it anyways

removed

Do not buy a Mustang. That's all the advice I have for you.

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markscns

For the same price as the Mustang, you might also consider looking at Ford Fusion. Insurance would be much lower, and it's a very high rated car.

In the 12, 13 range you may need to look towards a foreign car like an Elantra GLS. They start out around $13,000 I believe they also come with a ten year 100,000 mile warranty. You can also get a Chevy Cobalt below $20 k as well.

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FredFredrickson

Toyota Yaris Sedan S
$14Kish will last you 300,000 miles and gets about 40mpg highway. can't get better than that. plus the 's' is sporty!

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removed

Speaking of Hyundai, I recently got to ride in a (rental) Hyundai Sonata. Amazing car -- even the 4 cylinder version has a nice kick to it, and this thing was almost as comfortable as my Chevy Impala. Very nice car, but it does cost most than the Elantra you suggested..

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NovaRod

I like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda 3 for solid dependable transporation at a good price.

I currently have a Civic and it blows away everything else I've ever owned for pure enjoyment and dependability. I can always count on it to not have things break. With Ford, GM, and Chrysler you can't make those claims.

FWIW...NovaRod (72 Nova too!)

PS: Isn't the Ford Fusion a re-badged Mazda 3?

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H

Blah. I had a long post. Highlighting my thoughts on the discussion so far. Clicked a link and *poof*, it was gone. Worst part, I had gone through each car and was on the last one. To sum up the basics, I don't like hatchback cars. But I like cars with a bit of a distinct look... hard to explain.

Anyways... I'll be using the car to get to and from work, normal weekend stuff and the occasional travelling. It's gotta be good in sun and rain (we get lots). I can work from home when we get snow.

Mustang is cut from my list. The fuel economy killed it more than anything. After seeing it's similar to my parents SUV's, which I refused to buy because of the fuel economy, I've decided no (See Rai, you're opinion and sharing of the fuel economy site helped my decision). Besides, poor fuel economy is bad for the atmosphere. Insurance costs aren't too bad here. But the Mustang would definitely get me a more expensive bill.

Kayla

Bike.

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