Looking for car around 10-12K, opinions wanted

[ozzthecarseeker]

Hi,

I'm looking for a new car for me and my wife. We're just married, no kids right now, so I'm looking into the smaller sedan category. I'm going to use it to commute to work. Since I work in projects I can't say I will be commuting the same distance every day, but the workplaces are likely to be half an hour to an hour away. We like low mileage, but a little bit sporty is also nice. Our price range is around 10-12k.

My wife feels that American made cars will be cheaper in maintenance, so she would prefer that. I on the other hand do not really have any preference and would go for an Asian car as well. What are your opinions on this?

I'm currently looking at the Mazda 3 and the Hyundai Elantra. My preference in these two definitely goes out to the Mazda 3. What would be good American alternatives to these cars?

I've looked at the Chevrolet Aveo, but that one doesn't even have electric windows and car locks from what I've read...which to me is going a little bit too cheap since we're living in 2010 now..

Any advice is welcome!

[Herk_FE]

Does it have to be brand new?

[ozzthecarseeker]

No, not at all. We are actually looking for a used car instead of a new car.

[Ray paulsen]

Ford Focus or a Fusion 4cyl is your best buy in the smaller sedan category price range $10 - 12 K in todays market.

Yes I assume it would have to be used " unless post 2 knows something that I don't " I would sure like to know where you can buy a brand new sedan in this price range ?

[Herk_FE]

What are the most important features to you in the car you are looking for?

Fuel economy? Ride Comfort? Safety? Luxury?

10-12K can buy a very wide range of vehicles...

Is there a number of miles you don't want to go higher then? Is there a year you don't want it to be older than?

[Herk_FE]

Originally Posted by Ray paulsen

Ford Focus or a Fusion 4cyl is your best buy in the smaller sedan category price range $10 - 12 K in todays market.

Yes I assume it would have to be used " unless post 2 knows something that I don't " I would sure like to know where you can buy a brand new sedan in this price range ?

There are a couple vehicles that come in under 12K new

Aveo and Versa as well as I think Kia has a model that comes in around 12k

[Ray paulsen]

Originally Posted by Herk_FE

There are a couple vehicles that come in under 12K new

Aveo and Versa as well as I think Kia has a model that comes in around 12k

Let's go with the Aveo - MSRP base for a manual plain jane $11,965 - invoice $ 11,486,,, now let's add the fine print and you tell me where I can buy one for $12K out the door plus tax ?

For starters I will be surprised if the poster had a base manual in mind ?

[Herk_FE]

Originally Posted by Ray paulsen

Let's go with the Aveo - MSRP base for a manual plain jane $11,965 - invoice $ 11,486,,, now let's add the fine print and you tell me where I can buy one for $12K out the door plus tax ?

For starters I will be surprised if the poster had a base manual in mind ?

Who pays MSRP? You are just being argumentative.....LMAO

I went ahead and hopped on my banks car shopping service just to make sure I was correct....


A 4dr LS Aveo Sedan currently has $2500 customer cash and comes down to under 9k before TTL.

The Base Cobalt has a 3K Dealer incentive making right above 10K before TTL

The Kia Forte has 1500 in dealer cash making it about 11.5K before TTL


But please make baseless claims you haven't thoroughly researched some more it's really helpful.

[ozzthecarseeker]

Thanks for all the replies. We are looking for a used car, not a new one. A manual would be ok however, since I'm from Europe and used to manuals.

If I ordered our wishes by priority, it would be:
1. Fuel economy
2. Ride Comfort
3. Decently built
4. Safety
5. luxury / sporty

Like the ford focus has a very cheap interior and I have had a European version as a lease car and wouldn't quickly go for one again.

The Chevrolet Aveo...if I read it correctly it doesn't even come with electric windows or locks...now I'm not looking for a huge luxury, but I think these options should be standard in all cars from 2007 onwards. We're not living in the 80's/early 90's anymore.

Is there a number of miles you don't want to go higher then? Is there a year you don't want it to be older than?

I'm looking for a 2007-2010 model, lower than 50k mileage.

[Herk_FE]

Perfect

Based on your desires my recommendations are as follows

Midsize Sedans

Hyundai Sonata

Ford Fusion

Honda Accord

Compacts

Honda Civic

Mazda 3

Nissan Sentra

Hyundai Elantra


Sub Compact

Honda Fit
Scion XB
Scion TC

I would test drive those and see what feels the best and has the best features for you. All of these models have good predicted reliability and fairly low cost of ownership.

[ozzthecarseeker]

Thanks!

I think I'm looking for a compact then, because I was looking at a Mazda 3 and a hyudai Elantra.

I think I will go check some out in the area and look for a test drive in both.

[ozzthecarseeker]

So I'm looking at two Mazda 3's right now. Which one would you think is the better one?

2007 Mazda 3 s touring: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...e&aff=national

2009 Mazda 3 i Sport: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail...5&aff=national

[Herk_FE]

I think the 2007 is the better value its been driven considerably less miles per year and is a nicer model. The hatchback will give you utility the sedan would not.

I would try and get a out the door price of about $1k less then the listed price.