First Car

Looking to buy my first car. I'll be commuting a decent amount to work so I'd like something with good fuel economy. The cars I've been considering are the Hyundai Elantra and Sonata, Mazda3, and the new Dodge Dart. I like all three but I've read so-so reviews of the Elantra's driving (which happens to be the vehicle I'm leaning towards at the moment because of reliability/warranty). The Mazda3, I've heard, is a bit smaller (I'm 6'2" so I want some room) so it's a little lower than the other two. I like what I've read about the dart but my concern is reliability. I realize there isn't much data given that it's a new car but do any of you have an opinion on whether the dart would be a good choice? I'm also looking for a nice interior with good sound system(which it seems like these three have). Thanks for your input.

I can probably afford up to about 25k.

P.S. I know there are also the honda civic/accord and toyota camry/corolla but those cars are kind of ho-hum imho.

Welcome to AF!

Out of the cars you listed, I think you'll be most comfortable in the Sonata. I'm only 5'11" but I have a 35" inseam and the only one out of the list that my legs didn't feel cramped in was the "new" Sonata (the most current body style) - although the Dart wasn't around when I was last car shopping.

I'd be leery of the Dart only on account of the fact that new models of cars always have kinks that need to be worked out - and I don't want to be part of the test category. ;)

Let us know what you decide!

Something else I should mention is that I'll be putting a good amount of miles on this car, somewhere between 20 and 30k this year most likely. Would it be better to spend less money on a car if I'm going to be "abusing" it like this? I had been considering getting nicer packages since I'll be spending a lot of time in it but perhaps it's better to get a cheaper one and then get rid of it in a few years. Any thoughts are welcome.

P.S. I am probably going to stay away from the Dart because of Dodge's (Chrysler and Fiat's as well) previously bad reputation. I know they have been turning things around but I'm not sure I want to be a guinea pig for a new model.

Well, most cars today can handle 20-30k a year without much worry. The only place I'd be "worried" is that resale will be lower due to high mileage... but that's for years down the road (pun intended). If you want to get some nice-i-ties to make your driving more pleasant, I don't see a reason not to!

Thanks, Speediva. Another question that I have then is would spending a little bit more to get nav/leather seats, etc. substantially help the resale value? I probably won't keep the car more than 3 or so years (trade it in at that point). I'm just looking at the best way to maximize my purchase/keep it from devaluing as much as possible while putting a decent amount of miles on it.

Hmmmm... You *MIGHT* be able to get a few hundred extra bucks if the car is fully loaded, but honestly most gadgets don't really add to resale value.