Buzz

iTrader: (1)

Toyota isn't #1 for no reason. Go and check them out. I have had multiple Toyota's over the years with well over 400,000 km on them and rarely an issue or expense other than maybe brakes or regular maintenance. Keep in mind....not all japanese imports are the same. Hyundai is also one to check out.

gemini8026

hey guys, I went out test driving a few vehicles. The one that caught my eye the most was an 09 ford focus 5 speed sedan. The interior when loaded out is suprisingly feature filled. All the bells and whistles, for a pretty decent base price.

They have some 09 rebates and offer 3 year 0% financing.... Its a strong contender. IM ALSO debating some other options, but the focus with its financing seems the best option. However, the depreciation factor is also very strong on it, and im aware the new car factor wears off quickly

P.S - on ALL the 4 cyl's ive driven, theres no comparison, ALL OF THEM drive so much better with a 5 speed where you can put the power to the ground so much better. these econo auto's really feel like slush box's!

John__Taylor

iTrader: (3)

So NICE to hear that these days

In my 17yr olds circle of friends, he is the only one who can drive a standard. Keep in mind they have "wear" items like throw out bearings, discs, etc, but you will have warranty, and also it is usually much cheaper to replace a part than on an auto. Besides, mileage is generally better, and the fun factor is there

Oh, the Focus has a pretty damn big aftermarket parts supply to draw from also (high volume car)...cough, no pun intended

Adnan

i would really trust the new focus...looks good and all but im just skeptical about i
considering it would lose 1/2 its value as soon as you drive out the lot.
I would personally look for a mazda 3 hatch 04-05 model and like someone mentioned
negotiate the warranty

TragicMagic

What about the Pontiac Vibe? I know to some its not the most aesthetically pleasing. However, this vehicle was designed cooperatively between General Motors and Toyota - see Matrix. From what I've heard on the vehicle, its a pretty good deal. Just might be something else to consider.
You may find you get the best of both worlds with this car - added reliability, and perhaps a savings when repairs are necessary.

The other thing to find out is how much your insurance company will want to insure each particular vehicle... If one turns out to be a $40 less a month premium, it might sway you in that direction. I'd definitely check that out.

Good luck.

Edit: There's a video I watched on Car and Driver television (or a show similar, can't remember) where they park a 4WD 4-banger beside a 2WD V6, and demonstrate the 4WD ability to out accelerate the larger engine vehicle. Happened to be starting on loose sand, but it was kinda cool.

With some decent after-market upgrades you might have a nice looking ride.

Adnan

personally i no longer a fan of the vibe..the previous generation at least
i always thought due to shared drive train with Toyota it might also have a better overall quality but i was pretty disappointed when i test drove a 03 top of the line model
a while back.

the car was in a excellent condition exterior wise but the interior was pre maturely aging...buttons were popping here and there,some panels were loose and were getting awfully noisy during my 10 min test drive