New car choices - Honda, Nissan, Subaru, ..

[vdub1.8t]

Hi Everyone,

Please help me chose a new car.

I am looking for something reliable, relatively moderate cost to operate, fun to drive, sporty, manual transmission, best bang for the buck, under 33k MSRP Cdn before taxes.

My choices so far are

2008 car's

Nissan Altima V6 coupe
Honda Accord V6 coupe
Subaru Legacy Touring 4cyl non turbo


Any other recomendations in the Japanese and European line ups?



Thanks

Donald

[VR43000GT]

opcorn:

Originally Posted by vdub1.8t

Hi Everyone,

Please help me chose a new car.

I am looking for something reliable, relatively moderate cost to operate, fun to drive, sporty, manual transmission, best bang for the buck, under 33k MSRP Cdn before taxes.

My choices so far are

2008 car's

Nissan Altima V6 coupe
Honda Accord V6 coupe
Subaru Legacy Touring 4cyl non turbo


Any other recomendations in the Japanese and European line ups?



Thanks

Donald

Personally, I would go with a 2007 Legacy. The 08's are nice but I think the 07's look much better. And I pick Subaru because the one you have chosen is known for reliability, good gas mileage and has AWD, and to me, looks by far the best. Good luck.

[knightjp]

I would have to agree...

Subaru would be the better choice of the lot. It may not look as flashy as the other 2 (that Accord coupe looks nice), but it is the best handler.
Reliability.... Anything Japanese is reliable. Honda has a rep for being a reliable car here in Middle East. Over here with extreme temperatures, it proves to be cope alot better. And this is the rep almost anywhere in the world.
Subarus are great.... just as reliable and better on handling, plus they get my vote because, over here in the middle east, they tend to be a rare sight on the roads. Honda and Nissan cover the streets here.

[VR43000GT]

Originally Posted by knightjp

I would have to agree...

Subaru would be the better choice of the lot. It may not look as flashy as the other 2 (that Accord coupe looks nice), but it is the best handler.
Reliability.... Anything Japanese is reliable. Honda has a rep for being a reliable car here in Middle East. Over here with extreme temperatures, it proves to be cope alot better. And this is the rep almost anywhere in the world.
Subarus are great.... just as reliable and better on handling, plus they get my vote because, over here in the middle east, they tend to be a rare sight on the roads. Honda and Nissan cover the streets here.

While some of the Japanese manufacturers are known for reliability does not mean that anything Japanese is reliable. Take a look at DSM's, 3000GT's have had their share of problems, RX-7's and RX-8's, even some of the Nissans from the last 18 years have had cars that come with a reputation that is not exactly reliable. Doesn't mean all Mitsubishis or Nissans or any other brand don't have reliable cars, but definately not all are reliable.

[drdisque]

The Altima is quick in a straight line, but the handling is a little sloppy and the build quality isn't as good as that of the Honda. The Honda is fast and handles a little better, but it has very little in the way of feel or emotion. The Subaru is much slower as it only has the 4 cylinder and it is AWD, but it will probably handle the best and will provide a lot of fun driving "feel". It's really a judgement call regarding what you value.

[BlackGT2000]

Personally I have a thing for the new Accord Coupe. Its got what it takes to measure up with the other two performance wise, but it looks better to me. I am sure the feel on the car is above par for its class too. Just my opinion. I would vote for the accord.

[BP2K2Max]

those new accords are sweet.the new altima coupe's are pimpin too. i like the legacy's but i would have to get the 2.5 turbo. i'd take that over either of the other two, the accord would be my next choice.

[silentscreams85]

I would take the Legacy. Very classy looking and reliable.

[sickcallawayc12]

From what you asked, I would take the Accord here, V6 (6 speed manual?) coupe is strongly preferred. I think it will be the best value based on what you want.

You are looking at 2008 models so I don't think reliability should be too huge an issue here, but I would put the Nissan last if I had to pick. Subaru and Honda are about equal IMO. Personally, I like the Legacy the most here, but I think it will be the most expensive of the three to maintain because of the AWD. Plus I hear the flat Subie engines are tough to work on (dunno if that qualifies for the new Subies also though). Also, AWD adds to the vehicle's weight so if you aren't getting a turbo Subie, I wouldn't call it "sporty" unless you add aftermarket suspension upgrades cuz Legacies can be much better cars with this. Yes the Legacy will handle the best, but probably not by that much. I think all three have great looks.