(no subject)

[danaeris]

CARS! I have to keep reminding myself: no rush to make a decision on these things... I won't be buying a car for at least a month. But, here's a poll anyway, complete with a silly question at the end for those of you who know nothing about cars or who just feel like answering a silly question.

[Poll #494530]

Comments

[tactisle.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the new '05 Mazdas are a real deal in terms of bang for the buck (Mazda is now owned by Ford, and has thefted much nice technology from Ford's European division and Volvo for this year's line. I hear the new Mazda3's handling rivals that of the BMW 3-series, if you don't mind mickeymouse interior style.)

It's good that you mention Hyundai... The other day I caught a conversation between a Korean doctor and his well-traveled patient about how Hyundai is now the #1 import carmaker in both India and China, totally outstripping the Japanese brands. They have recently built a factory in Alabama, so expect them to stay cheap despite the falling dollar. And they come with a 10/100K warranty, standard. They're actually good cars now.

But... don't buy a used Mazda, because they've really just recently started not-sucking. Same (in my opinion) goes for Volkswagens before 2001, and all used Ford and GM products. (except the F-150 and Econoline, which I don't think we're in the market for here. *grin*)

Also, there's a big difference between buying a used car from a used-car dealer (i.e. someone's trade-in), and buying from a Certified Pre-Owned dealer (i.e. someone's leased car). It's easier to get a CarFax report on a leaser, for starters.

(can you tell I've been shopping for a car my own self?)

[nathanjw]

I've been helping alphacygni shop for a car this weekend, too. She's pretty much sticking to Hondas and Toyotas in the '94-'99 range, for price and reliability reasons. It's been an experience. I've only ever bought from friends or friends-of-friends before, myself.