Opinions on New Car

[Takk87]

Hi.

My car died a few days ago. I've always driven a rather old V6 Oldsmobile, and I'm pretty used to it. Unfortunately, the ability to find people who know how to repair it for some reason has become quite difficult.

That said, I think it's about time to look for something new. I'm still interested in a V6 or, at least, something with some power. Gas mileage doesn't hurt, either.

With that in mind, I've checked out a few dealers and makes. I've found that basically all of the available V6 start around ~25kish. That's fine in and of itself, but it creates a bit of a dilemma for me.

That dilemma is that there are 2 sports cars available for approximately the same price: The Camaro and the Mustang. These cars get comparable, and even in some cases better, gas mileage than the other normal family V6s. Additionally, they definitely have the power I was after. The additional fun electronic features catch my eye, too.

So I'm trying to decide - Camaro, Mustang, or other? I've been looking at 2011s only, though I could consider a 2010 as well. Looking at brand new preferably, as I'm sick of repairs. Trying to keep things under 35k.

Any suggestions or opinions? I've test driven a lot of cars, and I'm favoring the Camaro a bit, but the internal visibility is a bit of a downer, and the Mustang is really nice and seems to handle a bit better. I really don't care about make.

I need to make a decision within the next week or so. Any thoughts are welcome.

Thank you very much!

(Edit note: I'm really, really not a car person. I don't know much about the inner workings of these beasts)

[LBcarfan]

Seeing as how I'm really favored towards Chevy (always have proven to hold up and perform better than Fords- just observations from different friends' experiences) I would go with the Camaro. and I think the new Camaro is much nicer looking than the new Mustang. I would consider looking into the 2010s, they're only a yr old so wont have much use on them, but you wont have to deal with the instant depreciation of buying brand new.

[Takk87]

Any thoughts on the visibility? Its pretty horrible. Mustang seems marginally better, but at least has the option for a rear camera.

I do like the looks of the Camaro better, though.

[Herk_FE]

If you insist on financing a vehicle buy one that is 1-4 years old it will usually qualify for a banks new car financing APR and quite a bit of the depreciation has been taken out of it. The second you drive a 2011 vehicle off the lot you are instantly upside down. Good negotiations on a used vehicle 1-4 years old will ensure if something catastrophic happens in your life you can dump the car in favor of something cheaper.

Also in that same price point 3-4 years old you can get a sporty luxury car like a Acura TL, Lexus IS or Infiniti G35. The great thing about luxury vehicles is they tend to depreciate less and are usually driven and maintained better then there non luxury counterparts.

Oh and if repairs are a issue and you are buying a car for the warranty if you buy a used car from the vehicles manufacturer dealer there are usually warranty options available. Even if you don't there are some good extended warranty programs out there that for 1500-2000 more will give 5 years bumper to bumper excluding normal maintenance (brakes, tires, oil changes, batteries)

Just some food for thought....

[Takk87]

Good thoughts. I'm actually not buying it for the warranty - just the hope that a newer car will have less problems than an older one. I could technically get my old car fixed just fine. I'm just sick of it not being dependable, and the frequency I need to get it fixed.

The deprecation is a very good note, and something I'm bearing in mind. Its also one reason I was potentially looking more at the 2010s. But I don't want to go much older than that.

Thanks for the good thoughts.

[Herk_FE]

Originally Posted by Takk87

Good thoughts. I'm actually not buying it for the warranty - just the hope that a newer car will have less problems than an older one. I could technically get my old car fixed just fine. I'm just sick of it not being dependable, and the frequency I need to get it fixed.

The deprecation is a very good note, and something I'm bearing in mind. Its also one reason I was potentially looking more at the 2010s. But I don't want to go much older than that.

Thanks for the good thoughts.

A 2010 still depreciates instantly and if is a new car has much less price flexibility. A used car say 2006-2009 under 40K miles will have been purchased by a dealer at a much lower cost. This means they have more room to move the price.

New cars can be plagued with just as many issues as used cars depending on your luck. The cost of ownership on a new car far outweighs the minimal benefits it provides. You are paying approximately 7-15K on the purchase price just to be the only person who has sat in the car and put miles on it.

[Takk87]

Originally Posted by Herk_FE

A 2010 still depreciates instantly and if is a new car has much less price flexibility. A used car say 2006-2009 under 40K miles will have been purchased by a dealer at a much lower cost. This means they have more room to move the price.

New cars can be plagued with just as many issues as used cars depending on your luck. The cost of ownership on a new car far outweighs the minimal benefits it provides. You are paying approximately 7-15K on the purchase price just to be the only person who has sat in the car and put miles on it.

Less price flexibility I'm fine with. The price I'm fine with. And my previous car I bought used with about 40k miles on it, and it just has had issue after issue with parts wearing out. A new car, at least, shouldn't have the wear out issues.

And I wouldn't necessarily be paying 7-15k to be the only person who has really put miles on it. I would also be paying to get *exactly* what I want. Exactly the features, style, color, etc. And a guarantee of at least good condition, without worry of previous incident or wear. That alone is pretty worth it to me.

So, long story short: Lets put the price piece out of the picture for now. Any other thoughts?

[Herk_FE]

Have you looked at the 2010-2011 Fusion Sport?

Fusions are getting stellar reviews and my test drive of one really impressed me. Also I think the Hyundai Genesis coupe is within your grasp at your price point as well. The Genesis has a stellar warranty and has received very high marks in all the car magazines.

If you are looking for reliability a Accord V6 coupe also comes to mind as honda's are consistently reliable vehicles with a proven track record.

If I was going to get a mustang I would go to the 2011. The 2010 V6 engine was a weak performer and they made some serious upgrades for 2011.

I like the look of the camaro but myself and my friend have both test driven one and walked away thoroughly unimpressed. The car gets great reviews but my hands on experience was much to the contrary on both the camaro and the equinox.

[Takk87]

Originally Posted by Herk_FE

Have you looked at the 2010-2011 Fusion Sport?

Fusions are getting stellar reviews and my test drive of one really impressed me. Also I think the Hyundai Genesis coupe is within your grasp at your price point as well. The Genesis has a stellar warranty and has received very high marks in all the car magazines.

If you are looking for reliability a Accord V6 coupe also comes to mind as honda's are consistently reliable vehicles with a proven track record.

If I was going to get a mustang I would go to the 2011. The 2010 V6 engine was a weak performer and they made some serious upgrades for 2011.

I like the look of the camaro but myself and my friend have both test driven one and walked away thoroughly unimpressed. The car gets great reviews but my hands on experience was much to the contrary on both the camaro and the equinox.

I actually did look at the Fusion. I really, really enjoyed driving it as well. The deal breaker, though, was backing up. Did you try to look out the back window/back up in that thing? At least at my height (I'm pretty short - 5' 5"), with the raised back end and then headrests...I could *not* safely back it up. Really depressing, it was an exceptional car otherwise. Sorta the same thing that happened with the Camaro for me. That visibility sucks, though the Fusion was, possibly, even worse for me.

I tried to look at Hyundai, but they didn't have anything in stock to try that interested me. I may have to revisit that at another dealership - thanks tip! I haven't hit honda yet, either - I'll look at the Accord.

I had forgotten that part about the Mustang. Been comparing it to the Camaro so long they are starting to blend, since the Camaro changed so little between the years. Good thought, then - definitely 2011 if I go for it.

Thanks again for the feedback.

[Herk_FE]

Originally Posted by Takk87

I actually did look at the Fusion. I really, really enjoyed driving it as well. The deal breaker, though, was backing up. Did you try to look out the back window/back up in that thing? At least at my height (I'm pretty short - 5' 5"), with the raised back end and then headrests...I could *not* safely back it up. Really depressing, it was an exceptional car otherwise. Sorta the same thing that happened with the Camaro for me. That visibility sucks, though the Fusion was, possibly, even worse for me.

I tried to look at Hyundai, but they didn't have anything in stock to try that interested me. I may have to revisit that at another dealership - thanks tip! I haven't hit honda yet, either - I'll look at the Accord.

I had forgotten that part about the Mustang. Been comparing it to the Camaro so long they are starting to blend, since the Camaro changed so little between the years. Good thought, then - definitely 2011 if I go for it.

Thanks again for the feedback.

Yea I am around 6 ft and had no issues. Did the model you tested have power seats? Did you try raising the seat height to give you a better view? I also know there is an optional rear camera with the nav package on the fusion.

[Takk87]

Originally Posted by Herk_FE

Yea I am around 6 ft and had no issues. Did the model you tested have power seats? Did you try raising the seat height to give you a better view? I also know there is an optional rear camera with the nav package on the fusion.

Yes. I adjusted my seat to the right location in reference to the pedals and steering wheel, for drive-ability and safety.

Rear Camera is a nice addition to any car. But I don't think that it should be depended on absolutely; there are also the sides behind you to consider.

[gurus]

You can get a good idea on

Free car sale on http://www.bestcarfinder.com

It is the mostly used site these days. I found it very helpfull to choose my dream car. Very reliable one.

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by gurus

You can get a good idea on

Free car sale on http://www.bestcarfinder.com

It is the mostly used site these days. I found it very helpfull to choose my dream car. Very reliable one.

I was starting to enjoy the conversation between TAKK 87 and HERK FE and then you came along like an idiot with a first post in this forum.

Get a life,,, HERK FE gets very upset with someone trying to promote a website for personal gain,,, right Herk ?

[Herk_FE]

Originally Posted by Ray paulsen

I was starting to enjoy the conversation between TAKK 87 and HERK FE and then you came along like an idiot with a first post in this forum.

Get a life,,, HERK FE gets very upset with someone trying to promote a website for personal gain,,, right Herk ?

That guy is spamming, in your case you have a semi helpful website that in an effort to attract hits you give borderline bad advice sometimes IMO....


*edit*

To clarify we have diametrically opposed viewpoints you view a car as an investment. I view a car as a necessary piece of transportation that under no circumstances should be purchased with debt. Your opinion and viewpoint is shaped by your experiences as a person in the auto industry which I make no claim to understand fully the inner workings of. Mine are based on a financial philosophy which although have not always adhered to in my life do now and see the folly in my previous choices to finance vehicles. That being said my first piece of advice to almost anyone on here is gonna involve asking if 1. what kind of vehicle can they pay cash for 2. why they are financing 3. do you "need" this vehicle.

Yours will probably be very different and I respect that...

[Shpuker]

Then you've got me, who thinks of a car as a piece of art, a fine tuned machine, and a part of you. Which is why I's suggest getting a 2008-2009 Pontiac G8