new-used car

Corey Bit Spank · 12-12-04, 01:12

My mom is looking for a car, it has to be 15k or less.

I was looking at the Elantras for her even though i'm not the biggest Hyundai fan. But they've come a long way, and they seem to be better cars than anything Chrysler, Ford, or Chevy is putting out right now. Sad but their small cars aren't very reliable.

What say you?

(I changed this to this form, haha, no you are not losing your mind)

scottabir · 12-12-04, 01:16

I didnt have any problems with my 01 hyundai tiburon. It was very reliable, I too think they have come a long way in quality and looks. My grand parents have an Elantra and absolutly love it.

White95Max · 12-12-04, 01:33

My neighbors have a 2004 Tiburon, a 2004 Sonata, a 2004 Elantra, and 2000 Elantra. There must be something good about them. The warranty of course is good.

scottabir · 12-12-04, 01:37

do they own a hyundai delaership

Corey Bit Spank · 12-12-04, 01:47

haha. I'm also looking into slightly used 2004 Malibus.

They don't hold their value very well but they seem to be solid cars. And the 3.5 is quiet. It'd be a good car for my parents.

black2003z06 · 12-12-04, 02:22

As a Chevy Tech I can give some insight into the new Malibus.

Chassis is much improved over the previous malibu. In my opinion the previous chassis was down right horrible.

Engine is the same basic architecture as the 3.1 and 3.4 liters. They were pretty reliable with the exception of the leaky intakes.

Interior I think GM is making baby steps with their interiors, they are getting better.

My major complaint with this car is the electric power steering system. For those who are not familiar the new malibu does not have a traditional power steering pump driven by the engine. It instead uses an electric motor at the base of the steering column for assist. They have had their problems with the sensors inside the column going bad and the whole column must be replaced.
I also don't feels this system give much feed back from the road.

Just my opinions

Glassman · 12-12-04, 02:50

try www.getauto.com

grimmster · 12-15-04, 06:30

I've had no problems with my 2000 Sonata. And the newer style (2002+) are very nice looking inside/out

jvcn · 12-15-04, 06:58

I'll repeat a recommendation I often make. Why not a used but manufacturer certified luxury car? You can find Acura TLs and Integras with 3 year Acura certified warranties below $16,000 (which means they can usually be talked down to below $15k). If you have it properly checked out by a good mechanic first, such a vehicle is likely to be reliable and a terrific value. And the 100,000 mile warranty should help as well.

EricZ · 12-15-04, 08:05

I don't think you could go wrong with a Honda Civic. They're virtually bulletproof and they hold their value better than Hyundais.

medic · 12-15-04, 11:24

My main complaint about the malibus and most gm cars I've drive is the lumbar support. it just seems to be in the wrong place and at least with the malibus I've had it's not adjustible. Not bad for a short drive, but when you put about 1000 miles on a car in a weekend for your job it gets to be a real pain.

Corey Bit Spank · 12-16-04, 08:51

Quote:

Originally posted by jvcn
I'll repeat a recommendation I often make. Why not a used but manufacturer certified luxury car? You can find Acura TLs and Integras with 3 year Acura certified warranties below $16,000 (which means they can usually be talked down to below $15k). If you have it properly checked out by a good mechanic first, such a vehicle is likely to be reliable and a terrific value. And the 100,000 mile warranty should help as well.

My mom hates leather so there is no point in doing that.

Really really hates leather. It's the route I would take if it were me though.

She may end up keeping her car now. She's going to buy my brother a car, rather than buy a car for herself that she doesn't want to drive for the next 8 years.