Out of these 5 cars, which would you believe is best for me?...

[thomsbrain]

out of that list, Mazda3, though i can't understand why cars like the Civic, Corolla, Matrix, Fit, Yaris, Versa, Accord, etc aren't on your list for that kind of money.

the Lancer and Jetta should be crossed off your list if you are concerned about quality parts.

edit: I expect your Dad's accord was the V6. tell him they fixed that issue on later V6 models, and it never affected the 4 cylinders.

 

[RossMAN]

Kia Rio

 

[AnonymouseUser]

Originally posted by: z0mb13
neither one, buy my car!! think of all the ladies!!

BMW 330CI

Got tired of the ladies, huh?

 

[z0mb13]

Originally posted by: AnonymouseUser

Originally posted by: z0mb13
neither one, buy my car!! think of all the ladies!!

BMW 330CI

Got tired of the ladies, huh?

nah, I will still be hunting for ladies, but not here

 

[HardcoreRobot]

id really prefer you weren't on the road

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: Ricemarine
Link of cars

yeah, um, still trying to sway my dad from buying me the dang expensive toyota camry since I believe I'm still not mature enough to handle a 22k + fees car, but I'm just seeing if most of you actually think the camry would be the best choice for me.

-A commuter car
-Automatic tranmission
-4 door sedan
-For someone that just passed their drivers test?
-Parts made in Japan (big must, dad's expectation), or at least high quality (if you think so)

-Reliable...

I'm trying to steer my dad from giving me an expensive car, but in the worst case scenario, my dad would have the camry, and I take another car that we have (which most of you will probably agree that its the best option).

The mazda 3 fits that description, and is the cheapest of the ones I'd recommend. Probably reliable, but its rather newish.
The camry would be more expensive, but would def be a step up from the mazda in terms of size and refinement. Even though its a new model, its almost definitely the most reliable.

Theres a reason you rarely see lancers on the street, and thats cause theyre crap.
Volkswagens are not known for reliability.

The subie is a bit more performance oriented, which doesnt seem like your priority.

So if you want to spend less, get the mazda. If you want to spend a bit more, get the camry.

And consider the mazda 3 hatch...hatchbacks are sweet, you can fit SO much more in them.

Although my recommendation outside of your list is to get an older car, and keep it for a year. Something 2000ish. In that year, you'll learn a lot about what goes wrong over time, and how to deal with it. You'll also get a good idea of what you REALLY want in a car. A year later, you'll be able to sell it for very close to what you bought it for, and know exactly what you want to get afterwards.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: Ricemarine

Originally posted by: quikah
Most likely he doesn't want you driving the honda since he probably thinks they are unreliable since it had problems. Also, he may want you to drive a new car since they have more safety features. Just ask him why he wants to buy you an expensive car? If he really wants you to drive a new car, suggest something cheaper, like a Yaris or maybe a Mazda 3i.

VW has had a lot of electrical problems, so not sure how reliable those are these days.

He says that he prefers the camry because its reliable and safe?...
In the end, he actually started liking mazda, but then said that "I don't know any good dealerships that have good mechanics, so I will stick with toyota."

So, I just told him straight up. Don't buy me a new car then, I'll use one of the older ones we have.

So I guess I'm done unless my dad actually goes to buy one of those other 4 cars...

Never go to a stealership for repairs...they rip you off. Find a private mechanic, and talk to him. If he treats you like a person, remembers your name, explains to you exactly what the problem is, and generally chit chats with you about your life, he's a keeper. If he's strictly business, he's not to be trusted.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

I'd put all of those cars ABOVE the new Camry when it comes to reliability. People have a false sense of superiority when it comes to Toyotas when the fact of the matter is that they've gone to the sh!tter compared to other foreign cars in the last 2-3 years, ESPECIALLY with the latest refresh.

I'd go with the Mazda3 or the Jetta.

 

[destrekor]

impreza wrx sti FTW!
oh, wait.. well regular Impreza is great too

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
I'd put all of those cars ABOVE the new Camry when it comes to reliability. People have a false sense of superiority when it comes to Toyotas when the fact of the matter is that they've gone to the sh!tter compared to other foreign cars in the last 2-3 years, ESPECIALLY with the latest refresh.

I'd go with the Mazda3 or the Jetta.

The new camry just came out a month ago - long term reliability is necessarily unknown. Its absurd to claim that the new models are unreliable, because that statement is based upon absolutely NOTHING. But historically, it's been one of the most reliable models ever, from one of the most historically reliable companies. You can always find people with individual stories that will disagree for ANY car, or you can call into question the legitmacy of studies, but in the end, their reputation for reliability didnt come out of nowhere.

Even if toyota is losing it a bit, they are still quite reliable. You have to maintain any car, nothing will be bulletproof automatically. You're taking a chance with any car, and a toyota will break down like any other car eventually. But it's a good bet.

 

[mrSHEiK124]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
I'd put all of those cars ABOVE the new Camry when it comes to reliability. People have a false sense of superiority when it comes to Toyotas when the fact of the matter is that they've gone to the sh!tter compared to other foreign cars in the last 2-3 years, ESPECIALLY with the latest refresh.

I'd go with the Mazda3 or the Jetta.

The new camry just came out a month ago - long term reliability is necessarily unknown. Its absurd to claim that the new models are unreliable, because that statement is based upon absolutely NOTHING. But historically, it's been one of the most reliable models ever, from one of the most historically reliable companies. You can always find people with individual stories that will disagree for ANY car, or you can call into question the legitmacy of studies, but in the end, their reputation for reliability didnt come out of nowhere.

Even if toyota is losing it a bit, they are still quite reliable. You have to maintain any car, nothing will be bulletproof automatically. You're taking a chance with any car, and a toyota will break down like any other car eventually. But it's a good bet.

Over the past 5 years, I've started to hear more good things about the other foreign car manufacturers like Honda and more bad things about Toyota. Most people automatically think "RELIABLE" when they hear Toyota, and that might've been the case through the 90s but IMO now they're 1. Overpriced and 2. Not as reliable as they used to be. I know a lot of people with 98-03 or whenever it was Siennas, my family included, and they all had tons of reliablility problems and horrible build quality on the interior, the kind of interior you'd expect from Chevy, not from a Japanese manufacturer.
My point? Buy a Honda, Mazda, Nissan, or a Subaru.

 

[Captante]

Hmmm ... I know at least a dozen people with '01 or newer Toyota's & not one of them has had a significant problem with their cars, (including me), but it is fair to say that compared to when they were all actually built in Japan, they have gone down a bit in reliability... of course the same can be said for all Japanese cars built in North America.

 

[Tom]

do you live in Japan ?


Ford Fusion is just as good as an import, and you can get a better deal.

 

[Vette73]

The NEW Camry has had lots of problems and growing pains. I would pass or wait and see until next year to see if they get better.

I would look at the Subaru or mazda

 

[mwmorph]

Mazda 3 is very engaging to drive and pretty fun

The Camry is imho the easiest car to drive bar none. Excellent visibility and seating position I have ever exprienced, very predictable and comfortable under normal driving conditions, somewhat boring though.

Mitsu Lancer is fine, nice and decent but nothing really exemplary at anything.

VW Jetta, good dynamics and driving manners but reliability/quality is not even average.

Suburu Impreza, good if you need the awd, Otherwise it is a very dated design. The general underpinnings has been around since about 2000. It still drives quite nice and is a nice compromise between a 3 and a camry.

Also you should look at a Focus for your fist car, cheap insurance, cheap repairs, extremely inexpensive(ford dealerships will deal to get you in one), very perdictable and easy to drive. Not engaging at all and reliability is more average than anything but otherwise, an excellent small commuter. I was impressed when I drove one and liked it for basic a to b driving.

Out of all of them though, Id go for a Camry, but then take my words with a grain of salt, I and my Immediate family have been using Toyota Camrys as daily drivers for 17 years now. We've gone througha few(3-1989,2002,2007) Camrys in that time, but each has performed very well for A to B driving.

Originally posted by: Tom
do you live in Japan ?


Ford Fusion is just as good as an import, and you can get a better deal.

I love Ford but the Fusion is a horrible car. Auto 4 cylinders get loud when asked to do actual you know, accelerating and otherwise have horrible rearward visibility due to the high(elevated) decklid. Furthermore, the interior materials felt cheap and even though its on the same platform as the Mazda 6, it is not close to being as fun to drive nor does it preove to be more comfortable.

Good looks, horrible performance and design.

 

[BD2003]

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
I'd put all of those cars ABOVE the new Camry when it comes to reliability. People have a false sense of superiority when it comes to Toyotas when the fact of the matter is that they've gone to the sh!tter compared to other foreign cars in the last 2-3 years, ESPECIALLY with the latest refresh.

I'd go with the Mazda3 or the Jetta.

The new camry just came out a month ago - long term reliability is necessarily unknown. Its absurd to claim that the new models are unreliable, because that statement is based upon absolutely NOTHING. But historically, it's been one of the most reliable models ever, from one of the most historically reliable companies. You can always find people with individual stories that will disagree for ANY car, or you can call into question the legitmacy of studies, but in the end, their reputation for reliability didnt come out of nowhere.

Even if toyota is losing it a bit, they are still quite reliable. You have to maintain any car, nothing will be bulletproof automatically. You're taking a chance with any car, and a toyota will break down like any other car eventually. But it's a good bet.

Over the past 5 years, I've started to hear more good things about the other foreign car manufacturers like Honda and more bad things about Toyota. Most people automatically think "RELIABLE" when they hear Toyota, and that might've been the case through the 90s but IMO now they're 1. Overpriced and 2. Not as reliable as they used to be. I know a lot of people with 98-03 or whenever it was Siennas, my family included, and they all had tons of reliablility problems and horrible build quality on the interior, the kind of interior you'd expect from Chevy, not from a Japanese manufacturer.
My point? Buy a Honda, Mazda, Nissan, or a Subaru.

I've heard the same, but it's more of a "not as bulletproof as they used to be" kind of thing, rather than that theyre actually unreliable. Its all relative.

Even honda and nissan have models that have reliability problems, like the new quest. Crappy interiors are subjective and have little to do with reliability.

But if there is any single car known for being quality and reliable, its the camry. Theres a reason its the best seller.

You won't go wrong with any of those brands you mentioned, but you won't go wrong with a camry either. I wouldnt put toyota on a higher tier than the other japanese manufacturers, but I certainly wouldnt put them any lower.

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124

Originally posted by: BD2003

Originally posted by: mrSHEiK124
I'd put all of those cars ABOVE the new Camry when it comes to reliability. People have a false sense of superiority when it comes to Toyotas when the fact of the matter is that they've gone to the sh!tter compared to other foreign cars in the last 2-3 years, ESPECIALLY with the latest refresh.

I'd go with the Mazda3 or the Jetta.

The new camry just came out a month ago - long term reliability is necessarily unknown. Its absurd to claim that the new models are unreliable, because that statement is based upon absolutely NOTHING. But historically, it's been one of the most reliable models ever, from one of the most historically reliable companies. You can always find people with individual stories that will disagree for ANY car, or you can call into question the legitmacy of studies, but in the end, their reputation for reliability didnt come out of nowhere.

Even if toyota is losing it a bit, they are still quite reliable. You have to maintain any car, nothing will be bulletproof automatically. You're taking a chance with any car, and a toyota will break down like any other car eventually. But it's a good bet.

Over the past 5 years, I've started to hear more good things about the other foreign car manufacturers like Honda and more bad things about Toyota. Most people automatically think "RELIABLE" when they hear Toyota, and that might've been the case through the 90s but IMO now they're 1. Overpriced and 2. Not as reliable as they used to be. I know a lot of people with 98-03 or whenever it was Siennas, my family included, and they all had tons of reliablility problems and horrible build quality on the interior, the kind of interior you'd expect from Chevy, not from a Japanese manufacturer.
My point? Buy a Honda, Mazda, Nissan, or a Subaru.

I've heard the same, but it's more of a "not as bulletproof as they used to be" kind of thing, rather than that theyre actually unreliable. Its all relative.

Even honda and nissan have models that have reliability problems, like the new quest. Crappy interiors are subjective and have little to do with reliability.

But if there is any single car known for being quality and reliable, its the camry. Theres a reason its the best seller.

You won't go wrong with any of those brands you mentioned, but you won't go wrong with a camry either. I wouldnt put toyota on a higher tier than the other japanese manufacturers, but I certainly wouldnt put them any lower.

http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2006133
Lexus 1
Toyota 5
Acura 6
Honda 7
Infiniti 10
Suburu 17
Nissian 21
Mazda 22
Mitsu 26
Suizuki 3rd from bottom(lost count)

 

[Revolution09]

I voted for the Mazda 3... nice car *thumbs up*

 

[raildogg]

Any reason Honda Accord isn't on that list?

Get a Honda Civic, by the way. Great for gas too.

 

[EarthwormJim]

I personally don't think a brand new car is a good first car.

You'll be paying extremely high insurrance, and since you're so young do you really want that much debt right away?

 

[ultimatebob]

That JDPower study makes no sense. For example, how can Mercury have such a lower number of reported problems than Ford when they share parts in almost every model line? Same thing goes for GMC and HUMMER.

 

[Vette73]

Reason why to NOT buy a NEW Camry!!!!!


The new camrys have problems. They are not like the old Camrys.

 

[edblor]

Mazda3 hands down

I miss mine, and it was by far the best overall car I have owned. I love my RX-8, but it's not as practical as the 3.

Cheers,

Ed

 

[mwmorph]

Originally posted by: Marlin1975


Reason why to NOT buy a NEW Camry!!!!!


The new camrys have problems. They are not like the old Camrys.

They probably used a preproduction(aka alpha version) press test car that was a) not final design in terms of refinementand b) beat up.

Funny only car.com mentions the camry interior problems.

Yahoo has build quality as one of the pluses
http://autos.yahoo.com/newcars/toyota_camry_2007/4775/model_overview.html

edmunds

We tried out each of these versions during the press introduction and came away impressed by the new Camry's quiet and comfortable cabin, its high degree of interior and exterior build quality, and its overall refinement. Sound familiar?

automobile.com

The Sonata, as much as I am impressed with fit and finish and value for money, completely pales in comparison as soon as you step inside, which makes sense considering the price premium needed to move up to Camry interior quality. Truly, from a design standpoint to the materials used, its almost in a different class. I suppose, factoring in that this new Camry will also be represented as a Lexus, being the basis for the new ES 350, its interior is forced to be rise up to premium expectations, and after leaving the current ES 330 behind in design and layout, at least, the Camry trumps everything currently being sold in this class, other than VWs new Passat; which, next to the Camry, should only be compared to Audis, BMWs and Lexi.

Road & Track

Interior styling looks two parts Avalon and one part Lexus, exhibiting a definite jump in quality and a more contemporary touch.

Now comon, Automobile.com you can say is iffy, but R&T, edmunds and yahoo must know what they're talking about right? Besides Car.com seems like a ripoff of cars.com.

And if you want to jump at the camry build quality, dont even get me started about BMW, I was looking at a few Z4 3.0i the other day(a $40k car) and it dosent even have body panels with even gaps, hell the gaps between the bumpers and the fenders is about 3x as wide as on my 2002 Camry and my Camry's hood lines up fine with a even gap everywhere.

 

[raildogg]

Well, I test drove a Camry a few months ago and it is quite on the inside. I was not impressed by the aluminum looking panels on the interior. Acceleration on the 4-Cylinder does not seem all that fast and driver involvement is not what the car does best. It was comfy however. The car feels big and I prefer cars that feel small. It was not that fun to drive. This is the reason why I want a Honda Accord or a Civic Hybrid - due to their driver involvement and they feel smaller than they actually are.

Plus, there are tons of Camrys on the road.