Advice Needed on a New Car (Vanity)

[MarkL]

Hi All,

I'm in need of some advice on a new car.

[MarkL]

Hi All,

I'm in need of some advice. My little 2000 Toyota Corolla has just about had it... It's got 178,000 miles, and I've just been informed that I need to have the engine rebuilt. The "Check Engine" idiot light came on, and when I took it in to the dealer, they informed me that the diagnostic informed them that one of my cylinders is missing, and the "bad cylinder" is down nearly 50% on compression. The plug for that cylinder is also badly fouled, and I've been burning quite a bit of oil for more than a month now (about a quart every 2 weeks). They don't know if the problem is with the head, maybe a bad valve and oil seal, though that seems a bit excessive for a seal problem, or if it's a problem with the cylinder wall and rings. Of course, they can't know for sure without disassembling the engine, but even the cheapest fix looks like it's going to cost nearly double of the blue book value of the car. That, besides needing other work on the car, like a new clutch and tires simply doesn't make it worth fixing.

I would normally get another Toyota Corolla, since I've had 2 so far, and both have been terrific, lasting 10 years or so, but I've now got an issue with arthritis in my knees, and it's getting hard to get in and out of such a low-sitting car (and extremely painful). So I'm having to think about something new...

I'm sort of gravitating to a used car, something around 2007 that has the seat higher off the ground. I need something relatively small, a 4 door with some covered storage, so a pickup won't work for me. I was thinking of something like a PT Cruiser or an HHR, but I'm not that crazy buying a Chrysler or Chevy at this point. Or maybe a small SUV, but prices are just so darned high and the mileage leaves a lot to be desired. I would like to get at least 29mpg highway with a manual transmission, and keep the amount down below $10,000 with at least a 12/12K powertrain warranty (so I'll be buying from a dealer, Enterprise, or CarMax probably).

Any advice on vehicles that will fit my needs would be very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Mark

[rabscuttle385]

Get a Hyundai Sonata.

Rumor also has it that the new Fords are quite nice, too.

[umgud]

I’d say a small SUV for decent seat height. Most the small or even compact sedans are going to be pretty low slung.

[lmr]

Don’t Help the economy until Obama is out of office, until then... Walk.

;-)

[martin_fierro]

I hear Pontiac and Oldsmobile have renewed their commitment to building quality cars.

[Tuscaloosa Goldfinch]

I rented a Sonata a few years back when my car was in the shop and I liked it.

My suburban has 220K miles on it, I plan on driving it till it falls apart.

[Adams]

Want a high seat hight, but in a car? Try a used Chrysler 300 with the 3.5L V6. There should be plenty of them in the price range you ar elooking at.

[grey_whiskers]

It's a shame you couldn't have done something under "Cash for Clunkers" but Brett Favre is already with the Vikings. :-)

Sorry, I sympathize but cannot help : I drive an econobox myself. Possibly a Kia Sorento (21 city / 29 Hwy)?

Or a Hyundai Elantra (23 city / 31 Hwy)?

Cheers!

[americanophile]

No government motors (GM) or Chrysler.

[aliquando]

Don’t buy a new one. Buy one coming off of a two year lease. You will save a bunch!

[Abby4116]

Get a Hyundai Sonata.

My 2004 Sonata has been wonderful. Other than the scheduled maintenance and oil changes, it has needed no work. Original Michelin tires, brakes and even battery - very happy with it.

It gets 25 mpg combined ciy/highway.

[azsportsterman]

Harley Sportster 883. you can buy brand new for under $10K, great gas mileage (50+ mpg), seat height is perfect, and it’s easy to find parking.

[Falconspeed]

Hyundai Sonata. I ‘second that motion.’ Great car.

[MarkL]

Harley Sportster 883. you can buy brand new for under $10K, great gas mileage (50+ mpg), seat height is perfect, and it’s easy to find parking.

Sorry, but I prefer Italian V Twins, and already have a Ducati Supersport 900 SP.

But I need something to drive like right now, where there's 8" of snow on my driveway. I spent a year where the only transportation I had was a bike (a KZ-550 at the time), and it was no fun driving that in the snow. Hard to start too! And I have no wish to do that again.

Mark

[Falconspeed]

I have a Hyundai Elantra with 240,000 miles and no problems. The arthritis will put you in the next car up, the Sonata, which is a little roomier.

[Falconspeed]

I have a Hyundai Elantra with 240,000 miles and no problems. The arthritis will put you in the next car up, the Sonata, which is a little roomier.

[MarkL]

Get a Hyundai Sonata.

Thanks, but I'm still looking for somethign "smallish," and it looks like the Sonata is quite a bit larger. The overall length is about a foot and a half longer than my existing corolla, and I'm not sure how well it would fit in my garage at this point.

Thanks though!

Mark

[Reaganez]

If you are used to Toyota NVH(Noise,Vibration,and Harshness) Hyundai will blow chunks. Stay away.

You can get a 2006-07 Ford Escape with 75k miles or so for $12k.

You can get a 2006-07 Ford Fusion with less than 40k miles for $12k or less. Higher quality ratings than either Toyota Camry or Honda Accord,it is a little smaller than either of those two(but bigger than a Corolla) but higher quality ratings.

I would get the HHR over the PT Cruiser.

I own a 2003 Honda Accord and my next car will be a new Camaro V6.

If you have read some of my recent postings I am rooting for the General to do well.

But in your specific case,with your budget and requirements in mind I would strongly recommend on of the two Fords. Very high quality and counter intuitively not very good re-sale value.It takes time for reputation to catch up to reality. Bad for new Ford buyers but good for you.

Specialty niche vehicles have lower quality than large volume mainstream product. Ergo retro micro-vans like the PT Cruiser and HHR will have lower quality compared to their mainstream brethren.

Although later model PT cruisers improved quite a bit.
The power-train on the HHR is fine but trim/interior fit/finish leaves something to be desired.

Again, I would go with either the Ford Escape or Fusion.

[goseminoles]

Don’t get anything other than another Toyota. And buy a used one-2007 or newer.
Smart people don’t buy new cars.

[Reaganez]

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-toyota-secrecy23-2009dec23,0,5601716.story

This is a Los Angeles Times four page expose on Toyota's safety problems over the last 10 years and their cover ups.

Toyotas are for people stuck in 1989 and/or worship the Japanese.

Toyota's overall quality is still ok but falling.

They just announced they will reduce their budget for parts purchase 30%. This is the across the board cuts Detroit did in the 70’s and 80’s and led to a nosedive in quality.

But I guess some people believe the Japanese are so damn brilliant they have to make the best product regardless of mounting evidence to the contrary.

[goseminoles]

Hey, I liked 1989. I made the Toyota comment just from experience. Camrys have treated my family well. Lexus is a fine auto too. I’d never buy a Hyundai like others suggest. Same with Kia and Mitsubishi. Those are crap cars.

[Stephen25]

I suggest visiting Edmonds.com. they are a great site, they give the invoice price of the vehicle, and the actual cost of all the extras you may want. if you do your research and know what you want, you will pay thousands off msrp. They have a TMV true market value price, which gives the dealer some profit, which is fair, but doesnt rip the buyer off. I have bought all our vehicles at the TMV price. and saved thousands every time. no games. Just call the dealer, ask for the fleet manager, and tell them what you want. of course you can test drive vehicles before you deice, but do not buy anything at that time.

i recommend toyota, and also, a new vehicle. if youre going to buy a 2 year old car you may as well get a brand new one because the price diff. is insignificant if you do it ruight., without any potential mystery problems.

[jacksonstate]

Ford.

No bailout money.

I have three Fords.

Mustang 93,000 miles

Ford Explorer 135,000

Ford F-250 195,000

No serious problems with any of the three.

[Reaganez]

But it is 2009 not 1989 and personal experience based in the distant past in not scientific.

Look at the facts.

And Toyota's resale value is so good you might as well buy a new one vs a two year old one.

If you are not buying Toyota,Honda,Volkswagen or a super “in style” car you are better off buying a slightly used car.

I,on the other hand,am willing to buy new because I do all my own maintenance. I always use premium fluids and filters. I always use top tier gas. I don't abuse my cars.

No mystery problems due from poor maintenance,I like that piece of mind.

No mystery problems from car abuse. Many people who lease abuse their cars. Many people with poor credit poor job history that get their cars repossessed abuse their cars.

And yes Hyundai,Kia,and Mitusubsi are not at the front of the line.

[Outlaw Woman]

Remember the Flintstones? (sorry couldn’t resist) Yaba Daba Dooo

[Lancey Howard]

Definitely check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jHFT1X1JDI

[green pastures]

I have a 2004 Toyota Corolla. In that year, they have a seat adjustment that allows you to raise/lower the driver’s seat. Now, let me clarify— the version I have has a dial to do this and is not electronic. So it’s not like you can really adjust it while sitting in it (at least not much). But it is definitely higher up and easier to get in and out of than the Tercel I had for 10 years before that, and the ‘92 Corolla that my Mom has.

I would guess that models after 2004 have that feature as a minimum, and possibly even have the electronic version that is easier to adjust while in the seat. I know of other cars that have this feature. I’m guessing by know it’s advanced further. (Like they probably have an iPod jack and that streaming title’artist of songs on the radio now that they didn’t have in my car... :-( )

Regarding your comment, “I would like to get at least 29mpg highway with a manual transmission,”— if you’re facing knee troubles, I would recommend you consider an automatic transmission. Manual shifting can be harder on the knees than getting in and out of the car. At least in my personal experience.

Good luck in your search for a good vehicle...

[ctdonath2]

Buy used.

[rabscuttle385]

Thanks, but I'm still looking for somethign "smallish," and it looks like the Sonata is quite a bit larger.

Then try the Accent. Avoid the Elantra.

[eyedigress]

Any Honda Accord. Best car ever

[oldenuff2no]

I would look for a rental return ford escape or Toyota rav4. We are running a big Ford suv and a F350 super-duty. My diesel pickup has over 250K on it and is as strong as it ever was. Our excursion is also a diesel and it has a little over 150K and has never had any problem at all. I'm starting to look for a rig for my teenage son and we will be checking out the used ford escapes and Toyota rav4’s. We are in a situation that I am going to need him driving as soon as he is legal so I'll be buying his new rig and letting him drive it around the ranch for the next couple of years. He is fourteen and already drives my truck around the ranch.
just for giggles and grins, at what age do you let your kids drive on their own???

[eyedigress]

14

[rabscuttle385]

I have a Hyundai Elantra with 240,000 miles and no problems.

What year is it?

My dad bought a 2006 (GLS, IIRC) with ~20,000 miles from Enterprise in 2007 for $19K with sunroof, leather, Lojack, the warranty, roadside assistance, etc. and has had no major problems with it, aside from a recall (a malfunctioning electrical switch) that was promptly taken care of by the dealer.

[LIBERTARIAN JOE]

If you're going to buy used, check your state's sales tax laws... Georgia charges sales tax on used vehicles. You can avoid the tax by purchasing from a private seller but you have to be careful to have the vehicle thoroughly checked out to avoid buying someone else's problem auto.

I recently bought a classic muscle car on-line and was unpleasantly surprised to find out about the tax - not only do the GA gov't parasites charge tax on the car (7%), they also charge it on the shipping.

As far as the make goes, there's really no choice is there? We're down to just Ford now. As for models, the Fusion and Focus are great cars. Personally, I've got a '93 F150, a '96 Escort and a '07 Fusion with a combined total of well over 300k miles and well under 2 visits to the repair shop between them.

[Neidermeyer]

Before you sell find a REAL MECHANIC ,, you can check the cylinder bore visually through the spark plug hole using a borescope just as you would with a rifle .. if the bore is good and doesn't have deep vertical gouging you have either a head problem or stuck piston rings ,, for stuck rings or leaking past valve guides go get some AUTO-RX at auto-rx.com ,, it WILL clean the ring lands and drainback holes and the valvestem seals etc. etc. if they aren't physically damaged this will fix the oil consumption problem.

Worst case if it is a head is a simple head replacement ,, maybe $1500 if you have a mechanic do it or $400 as a DIY using the best parts.

[RU88]

I've owned Corollas, Camrys, and Accords and can say that all were quality cars. My advice would be to go for a Toyota Camry. The seating is a little higher up than the Accord and the drive is a little more cushy. The 2009 Accord I currently own is a lot stiffer than the Camry but a little more responsive. It's really six of one or a half dozen of the other between Camry and Accord. Both high quality cars that will be dependable for years to come.

[Neidermeyer]

NEW HEAD from a reputable rebuilder $125

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/00-01-02-03-04-05-06-07-08-TOYOTA-COROLLA-CYLINDER-HEAD_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem2ea9dac81aQQitemZ200418183194QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Gasket sets and head bolts are equally cheap ..

This is a $250 weekend project ,, not a catastrophe.

[njmaugbill]

one word.

FORD.

[Erik Latranyi]

As you can tell, there are no shortages of opinions on buying a car. It is like the “I want to buy a pistol...” threads with a million opinions.

I gathered that you may have garage issues, so size must be kept small.

You should consider where you live and if you need all-wheel drive or not.

I would prefer you buy American so the money stays in this country (regardless where it is assembled), but you have to find what you really like.

I suggest you go to the rental places and do a one-week rental of your finalists so you can really live in them for yourself before you buy.

[libertarian27]

Look at Honda CR-V’s.
They are higher off the ground, 4-wheel drive and built with Honda non-union American worker quality.

[Peter Horry]

I am looking at a Kia Rondo and Scion xB, Edmunds shows most specifications but don’t think they have seat height.

You will probably find a Kia for less if buying used, but find the Scion xB for less if buying new. You will need to perform the old entry-exit test, anything that doesn’t meet your requirements is not a good deal..

[alfa6]

You might look at a Nissan Versa. It would be roughly the same size as the Corrola but it seems to sit quite a bit higher.

My daughter has one and I have used it on several 800+ mile roadtrips and I found that getting in and out of it was quite easy, unlike my Dad’a Taurus where I almost have to have a rope attached to a pole so I can pull my self out of the Taurus:-) Also gets about 25/30 mpg FWIW with an auto tranny!

Also you should be able to pick one up new for about 15K I would think.

Regards & Good Luck

alfa6 ;>}

[mewzilla]

Since Toyota ruined the Scion xB, IMHO, take a look at the Nissan Cube :)

[NittanyLion]

I’ve driven the HHR and PT Cruiser as rental cars and thought they were both junk. I suspect after driving a Toyota you would not like either of these cars. Good luck with your search...hope you avoid Chrysler and GM.

[knowshon]

I wish u the best Mark L, but u need to narrow ur focus down a bit.

[Peter Horry]

Unlike Mewzilla, I find the 2008-2010 more to my liking. Cars.com can be useful for searching cars, in your area, that meet your criteria. This will give you an indication of what to expect in your price range. Below is an example for the Scion xb.

2008 Scion xB $10,404- 90,856 mi.Blue, 4 door, FWD, Wagon, AUTO, 2.4L I4, Stock# P5872-0. Dealer: Kings Mazda (Cincinnati, OH ~ 319 mi. away)

2008 Scion xB $10,480- 75,128 mi.White, 4 door, FWD, Wagon, AUTO 4SPD, 2.4L I4, Stock# P41565. Dealer: Atlanta Toyota (Duluth, GA ~ 467 mi. away)

2008 Scion xB $10,750- 61,700 mi.Super White, 4 door, FWD, Wagon, AUTO 4SPD, 2.4L I4, Stock# 006652. Dealer: North Coast Auto Mall (Bedford, OH ~ 495 mi. away)

[Peter Horry]

Unlike Mewzilla, I find the 2008-2010 more to my liking. Cars.com can be useful for searching cars, in your area, that meet your criteria. This will give you an indication of what to expect in your price range. Below is an example for the Scion xb.

2008 Scion xB $10,404 90,856 mi.Blue, 4 door, FWD, Wagon, AUTO, 2.4L I4, Stock# P5872-0. Dealer: Kings Mazda (Cincinnati, OH ~ 319 mi. away) 888-625-4308 Email DealerFree CARFAX ReportClick for Specials 23 2008 Scion xB $10,480 75,128 mi.White, 4 door, FWD, Wagon, AUTO 4SPD, 2.4L I4, Stock# P41565. Dealer: Atlanta Toyota (Duluth, GA ~ 467 mi. away) 866-906-8094 Email DealerFree CARFAX Report 32 2008 Scion xB $10,750 61,700 mi.Super White, 4 door, FWD, Wagon, AUTO 4SPD, 2.4L I4, Stock# 006652. Dealer: North Coast Auto Mall (Bedford, OH ~ 495 mi. away)

[frankenMonkey]

Tons of great cars coming off of leases. Try CarMax for some examples.

[rabidralph]

Check out used Ford Flex or the Edge. But mileage is around 17/25 for both. Cars.com has great listings. Also pick up the free used car magazines at your local convenience store. I hope you can find something.

[rabidralph]

A friend of mine has one of those Scions that looks like the HHR. She loves it and it rides very well.