Car advice-

[Nephythys]

Anyone else look at how many cars are out there and just wanna beat your head against a wall? Or throw a dart?

I mean really!

My '99 Pontiac Montana is in the shop all the time it seems- driving me nuts. And now, as the cold weather comes in I start having heater/radiator troubles. BLEAUGH!

I want a new car. My car guy told me Hondas and Toyotas are in the shop the least (in his experience) so I started looking at what they have to offer and right now I am leaning towards an Accord.

I have kids but I am so over the mom-mobile thing. I loved driving a smaller car- and I have not heard a single bad thing about the Honda Accord yet.

Any advice? Knowing what to look for, what to avoid, red flags, green lights and other useless metaphors?

[Nephythys]

Looking at this one in blue. New, 2008 model.

Price $21700



This blue in fact-

[Capt Jack]

accords are very decent and historically reliable cars. Ive driven them and know folks who own and swear by them.

consider a certified used one. the price is better and you can get a very decent car for somewhat less than "new" premium pricing. accords and hondas in general also seem to retain their resale value better than many cars on the market currently

its also the end of a model year, so you may be able to find some good deals while they try to sweep things clear for next years model.

[DreadPirateRoberts]

Originally Posted by Capt Jack

accords are very decent and historically reliable cars. Ive driven them and know folks who own and swear by them.

consider a certified used one. the price is better and you can get a very decent car for somewhat less than "new" premium pricing. accords and hondas in general also seem to retain their resale value better than many cars on the market currently

its also the end of a model year, so you may be able to find some good deals while they try to sweep things clear for next years model.

I second Capt Jack. Consider a used one, let someone else pay the depreciation, you'll save money and get a good car.

[Moonliner]

Originally Posted by Capt Jack

consider a certified used one. the price is better and you can get a very decent car for somewhat less than "new" premium pricing.

That might be true if you tend to trade out your car every few years but if you tend to keep your car to the bitter end then starting out new and keeping up with routine maintenance can yield a better deal in the long run.

[Kevy Baby]

Originally Posted by Moonliner

That might be true if you tend to trade out your car every few years but if you tend to keep your car to the bitter end then starting out new and keeping up with routine maintenance can yield a better deal in the long run.

This is a very good reminder.

I had a Toyota Camry that I leased new and eventually purchased. I put 212,000 miles on that car and really didn't have to spend a lot on it. When I did have to pay for repairs (above and beyond tires, brakes and oil changes), they really weren't all that unexpected. The car ran great, gave me good service and I was able to still get $3,000 for it when I sold it.

When I sold the Camry, I purchased a used Lexus ES 300 (for those who don't know, Lexus is built by Toyota). I wanted a "nicer" car, and thought this would be a safe way to go.

Unfortunately, I have had more problems than desired with the Lexus. I have spent a fair amount of money on repairs in the 50,000 miles I have had the car - possibly more than I spent on the Camry the whole time I had it). BTW: the Lexus had 76,000 miles on it when I bought it.

YMMV

[JWBear]

Get a Mini!

[Nephythys]

Got to fit 5 in the car

[JWBear]

Originally Posted by Nephythys

Got to fit 5 in the car

There's room in the hatchback area for a small child....

[NickO'Time]

We have a Honda Element( Hummer Escape Pod) and the Pilot. I have 66,000 and no problems as of yet. All the maintenance is done, so no issues at all.

The only crappy part is the Windshields on the Element, they crack at the A- frame too easily. I am on my third. Luckily for me, their was a class action lawsuit and I got the first two paid for.
No engine problems whatsoever. Get the Accord, you won't regret it Nephy!