Recommend me a new Vehicle -- **too Confused**

[gsethi]

Its time for another car in the family:

Current vehicles:
2006 Infiniti G35 Sedan << This is what I am driving currently and Wife will be getting it
2008 Honda Accord EX Sedan << Still keeping it

I drive about 20k miles per year. Gas mileage is a concern but not much.

Price Range: Doesnt matter but would like to Stay under 25k

Current options for new:
2011 Fusion (~20k-22k)
2011 Camry (~22k-23k)

Used Options:
2010 Fusion with 6k miles for ~17k (base SE model)
2010 Edge fully loaded (no nav) with 15k miles for ~24k (SEL model)
2006 Infiniti M35 with 63k miles for ~17k
2006 Audi A4 Convertible with 60k miles for ~16k
2008 FX35 with 7k miles for 28k (MISSED THIS DEAL )

Suggestions pls ??
Always wanted a convertible but I drove one the other day and felt too small. Yes, I liked it but I have a feeling that I will get bored of it within a month or so. Also, I need Trunk space and it is too small in it.

M35 just because I have a G35....but it will be almost the same as G35

2010 Fusion but its BASE model. Would rather spend the extra for SEL model. Test drove one and loved the features over SE model.

2010 EDGE....I have a strong desire for this but the FORD NAME and resale value/reliability concerns ? Would rather spend the extra ~2-3k over new Fusion/Camry and get this.

What do you all say ?

 

[PhoKingGuy]

FWIW a bunch of my traditional indian family friends (never drive anything but toyota/lexus) have all been getting rid of them for Ford products in the past year or so.

Just a couple weeks ago I convinced one of them to test drive a Fusion Hybrid before signing on a Camry Hybrid, he ended up buying the Fusion on the spot.

 

[punjabiplaya]

why are you keeping the Accord? kid?

 

[brblx]

fusion.

M's going to cost too much for upkeep. and 2009+ FX's are a lot nicer than the old ones, no way i'd consider a 2008. camry blah. edge blah.

first actually decide on a market segment. midsize car or small SUV?

 

[WackyDan]

Edge: If you don't mind less fuel economy. I've had two Edges as long term rentals. One was basic trim level, and another was loaded. Both handled very well, and were very comfortable.

 

[calvie]

The new Focus looks very nice.

 

[mayonnaise]

I'm shopping for an 07 G35X right now, I was looking at the M's as well, but after having driven an 06 M45 decided against it. I was pretty disappointed with pretty much everything, especially the steering and overall road feel.

 

[gsethi]

We just need a 3rd vehicle. Keeping the Accord as we need it.

Midsize Car or Small SUV is the confusion...either will work. It will be mostly used to commute to work but I want a nice car (dont care much for gas mileage).

Drove the Focus but I like the Fusion much better than Focus.

Current narrowed options are:
2008 EX35 with 33k miles for ~24k (Fully loaded with NAV etc)
2010 Edge with 15k miles for ~24k (Fully Loaded but without NAV)
2011 Camry SE for ~22k (I4) or ~24k (V6) - Its still a CAMRY
2011 Fusion SEL for ~22k (I4) - Its a FORD.

Leaning heavily towards the EX35 at this point. 33k miles is nothing on the VQ35 engine and car is in excellent condition. (My current 06 G35 has 85k miles with 0 problems so far).

EDGE looks good, is bigger but lacks the refinement provided by Infiniti.

Still deciding...

 

[punjabiplaya]

I'll put another +1 for the Fusion. The EX isn't worth the cost and fuel.

 

[Demo24]

If mpgs is a consideration then the EX doesn't win there, it's also fairly small inside. Edge would be a better choice just for the space and it would get better mileage. Why not a fusion hybrid?

 

[PhoKingGuy]

EX is ugly as hell, I dont know why anyone buys those. Even in OC, land of the mini lux SUV, I think ive seen like 3-4 of them max, all with dealer service stickers on them.

Get the Fusion and be done with it, you wont regret it.

 

[mayonnaise]

I crossed the EX off my list a long time ago after finding out that it's about as big as a sedan inside.

 

[Doppel]

You are cross shopping so many totally different cars that you're obviously not anywhere close to getting a car.

 

[mmntech]

The Camry is very vanilla. Bland, not exciting. I'd go for the Fusion or Edge. Skip the Audi. Maintenance on those things costs a bundle and they require premium gas.

 

[Jumpem]

Wait for the 20102 Impreza coming in the Fall. AWD + 36mpg.

 

[compman25]

Wait for the 20102 Impreza coming in the Fall. AWD + 36mpg.

He'll be dead by then.

 

[brblx]

I crossed the EX off my list a long time ago after finding out that it's about as big as a sedan inside.

it's a hatchback G. do people not know this?

 

[gsethi]

We cant wait till end of the Year as we need a 3rd car now. I know that the EX is small (as big as our G35 Sedan).

80&#37; of the time, this new car will be used by single driver.
Remaining 19% of the time, it will be me and my wife only.
Theres only that 1% of the time that someone will be sitting in the back seat.

The only reason EX is on my list is because it is much much luxurious than the Fusion at the same price range.

I dont care about the Gas mileage much (as long as its similar to my G35 or better...thats why EX came on the list).

This new car will be my daily driver and I want it to be fun and little luxurious. I do agree that Camry is BLAND (very bland at it), so its coming off my list.

 

[angry hampster]

How about a Mazda6? Same platform as the Fusion, and wonderful driving dynamics.

 

[Zap]

first actually decide on a market segment. midsize car or small SUV?

This.

You are cross shopping so many totally different cars that you're obviously not anywhere close to getting a car.

This.

80% of the time, this new car will be used by single driver.
Remaining 19% of the time, it will be me and my wife only.
Theres only that 1% of the time that someone will be sitting in the back seat.
...
This new car will be my daily driver and I want it to be fun and little luxurious. I do agree that Camry is BLAND (very bland at it), so its coming off my list.

Now we're getting somewhere.

Since 99% of the time it will not hold more than 2 people, you don't have to limit yourself to mid-size cars or crossovers.

You said earlier that you need trunk space. What for? What will you have to hold in your trunk? Note that the 99% of the time you don't have rear seat passengers means you instantly have extra storage space.

Fun and luxurious for $25k? How would you define that? For instance I define "fun" as great acceleration, but others might define it as lightweight cornering. I define "luxury" as leather interior and power seats/windows/etc.) but others may define it as having very low interior noise, cushy ride, every electronic convenience known to the automaker's marketing department.

 

[brblx]

for your desires, i'd go with the 6 or fusion, preferably with a manual and, in the fusion's case, an upgraded engine (can't stand the 4 cyl though all i've driven have been autos).

EX really isn't much nicer than one of the higher trim fusions. especially the brand new fusions. with the EX you get a power column, maybe extra luxury options like nav or heated seats, and a worse stereo (fusion basemodel stereo > anything infiniti offers. seriously). really aren't any cool toys in that car like, say, a new M or QX.

if you like the driving dynamics of your G, definately hit a mazda dealership. i bought my 3 while working on the infinitis, and it really gave me the impression of a G sedan morphed into a front-driver semi-upscale econocar. wouldn't touch a G on a road course (especially a stiffer, sportier coupe), but would probably rape it in autocross.

but anyhow, yeah: 'fun and a little luxurious' with room for occasional rearseat passengers says midsize sedan to me. you'll get more car for your money than if you try to buy into the compact SUV (read: short tall wagon) market. and i think you'll get the most for your money by buying either american (read: ford) or japanese. so there we go, i just narrowed your search: mazda6 or fusion. you can check out the other jap makes, but i find the new altimas to be pretty behind the times and the maxima, while nice, is a bit expensive new. accord is competent in every way and stands out in none- typical honda. but they do drive well, might be worth a test drive. i find them pretty dated inside, though, imo camry wins there, but loses big time in performance and handling.

otherwise, you have the euros, your lesser jap makes, and chevrolet. and i think chrysler might still make a car or two.

oh, and the koreans. i guess you could drive a sonata. i just find it hard to rec hyundai for someone who wants some driving enjoyment. i haven't driven the new elantra, but the forte its based off is quite nice (for the market) and handles fairly aggressively. sonata still feels too soft to me, imo all the hubbub about the car is aesthetically based.

 

[ShawnD1]

Fun and luxurious for $25k? How would you define that? For instance I define "fun" as great acceleration, but others might define it as lightweight cornering.

fun = lack of things to complain about

"god damn this car is slow"
"why is the cornering so shitty?"
"I can't pass on the motherfucking highway!!!!"
"What the god damn hell is that rattling sound???"
"I HATE THIS CAR SOOOOOO MUUUUUCHHHH"

Most fun car you'll ever drive is a Geo Metro. Even driving in a parking lot feels like you're traveling at the speed of light. The car is shaking, the warning lights are going crazy, your wife is yelling at you to slow down, and the speed gauge falls off as it approach 15mph.

 

[Zap]

Most fun car you'll ever drive is a Geo Metro. Even driving in a parking lot feels like you're traveling at the speed of light. The car is shaking, the warning lights are going crazy, your wife is yelling at you to slow down, and the speed gauge falls off as it approach 15mph.

LOL! Actually I've been in a Geo Metro once, and found it rather basic but quite roomy for front passengers, plus with rear seats folded down it could carry my bike.

 

[Zargon]

the local ford healer here has been pushing fusions lately, knocking off 3-4k off the MSRP

had me tempted to trade the wifes car on one