Looking for a new car... Opinions?

Mike McDonald

Mike McDonald

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Getting a promotion at work, means it's time to hang the keys on old Clifford, 2000 Ford Explorer. I can finally afford something nice, and new, or kind of new. I want some opinions, I've got it down to these:

2008 Saab 9-3 Aero
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2011 Kia Optima EX
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I have some others in mind, but those are the two I really like. Or if you have a suggestion under $25k, that'd be cool too.

What do you guys think?
 
A civic or something reliable? A kia seems cheap to me and SAAB is really close to going out of business considering they said a few days ago they can't pay their employees. Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Nissan maybe?
 
Hyundai Sonata.
There are different versions, different levels of spec. Go look. You can find some pics on hyundai-forums.com ...find the thread on tinted windows, there are some good pics there.
There's also the ix35.
 
I like the sonata suggestion. You could also get a VW GTI for under $25k
 
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually like the looks of the Kia Optima and Forte.
 
Before you buy a hyundia or a Kia talk to your insurance agent. Both of those brands tend to run more for insurance then honda's or toyota's as the replacement panel for the body cost more. Both hyundia and kia make good vehicles.
 
Skip Kia for sure if you are going for a classy look.

Just my opinion I guess.
 
Get an Acura TL. One of the best looking and reliable sedans out there for sure.
 
The Saab's resale will be in the toilet when the go under, look at what happened to Saturns. Possibly look at highend vehicles a few years old, then you get good value for your dollar. Lexus, Acura, Infinities are all great cars but there value is much higher then putting money into something that won't be worth anything in a few years. Just some of my thoughts.
 
You can get a Genesis Coupe for $22,500. I own 2 Hyundais, a 2005 Elantra and 2008 Tiburon, and neither has had to back to the dealership for any kind of warranty work including the niggling little stuff you sometimes have to take new cars back for. And only Kia has an equal warranty.
 
After owning an '11 Hyundai Sonata, I have to suggest the Sonata.

Look at the '10s and the '11s and see which you like better.

The '10s have a nicer interior. but the '11s in my opinion have a nicer body style.
 
TornadoRed said:
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I actually like the looks of the Kia Optima and Forte.
Click to expand...
:) You're not the only one saying that these days. The KIA SUV in particular. I think the reason might be the same as with Hyundai. (They are related companies.)

Hyundai hired a German designer that had previously worked for Audi. Look at the body styling and shapes and so on of the new Hyundais (the ix35, especially) and you'll see some resemblance to some of the Audi SUV, and the Sonata to BMW and Mercedes saloons.

Think about what that means in terms of corporate attitude. It means they have done what they considered necessary to achieve their goals.

Since getting a Hyundai recently, I've learned a bit about Hyundai as a company. They are *serious*, they are rigorous in achieving the goals they set. Not simply sales - excellence in engineering, manufacturing, corporate management and employee development.

One little example of engineering and their approach in general... the i10, the little car of the range, had a 1.2 liter engine that has been considered quite successful with its combination of fuel economy, performance and reliability. Last year, with a "facelift" version of the i10, they included a new version of the engine, Kappa2. 1.25 liter, slightly increased output, slightly improved fuel economy and lower emissions. I think most companies (like Ford and VW, for example) would have simply kept that same engine for at least a few generations of the car.
 
I have had a Saab before and loved the car. However, Saab resale values tank compared to competitiors and sometimes parts availability can be tough (engines are GM sources, but Saab specific parts can be tough). Hyundai/Kia share many of their platforms/engines. However, both Hyundia and Kia have distinct styling.(the Sonata and Optima share many components but have different style directions) The new Sonata has a multi step paint process that rivals Mercedes in quality. I always think of Hyundai as a Honda with a 10% percent discount. These are good values with reliability to match their Japanese competitors.
 
Just my 2 cents....

The new kia optima is a nice looking car, alomg with the new Hyundai's. Plus it setems you get a nice engine, good gas mileage, and 100k warranty ..... I never thought I would get excited about these car companies. From personal experience, my VW gti was terrible. It always had problems and trying to get them resolved sucked. I own a civic si now. I have 45k miles and besides routine maintenance I haven't spent a penny and I get 30-35 mpg. I know the civic is smaller than what your looking at, maybe an accord? As always be sure to test drive all of them and choose what you like best!

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk
 
Whatever you choose, buy something thats one or two years old. You'll save a boatload of money
 
For < $25k I would get a 2011~2012 Jetta TDI. German Engineering and 30/42 MPG. Diesels also have great resale value. The professional reviewers might not like it as much but owners love them and Jetta sales are up 70% this year! Also, free maint for the first four years. I got a 2.5 SE for my daughter and it is a super little car. 6-months down the road not even a whisper from it problems wise. Rear legroom is almost as good as a BMW 7-series. The seats are the same material as my now gone MB GL450 ($65K vehicle) - not cloth like most other cars in the price range.

Jose
 
Seriously people, i think it's time to drop the prejudice against Kia. They make excellent and reliable cars, and now they look great too. And the dealer i go to has some of the most lovable salesmen and technicians. Yes, i said lovable with salesmen in the same sentence. My next car (after my Forte) will probably be another Kia.

I havent tried it, but im pretty sure you wont be disappointed by the Optima.
 
Any of these all within a few years old. Are you looking for something sporty, fun, and makes you happy everytime you drive it? Or are you just looking for something reliable? If its the latter.. go with a Corolla or a Kia, Hyundai, etc. Otherwise, get something with proven power and resale.

VW GTI
Subaru WRX
Mazdaspeed 3
Civic SI
Mustang GT
 
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