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burtonwar... burtonwar...
 
January 06, 2009 05:43 PM

What car should I buy question? (Details below)

I'm considering buying a new car in the next few months. What would you recommend with the following requirements?

Made by one of the big three, preferably GM (a family thing)
Good gas mileage (currently 28/33 in my Pontiac Vibe, open to another Vibe)
Open to hybrids
Top price of $25,000 (can get employee pricing on GM and maybe Ford)
Not looking for tiny cars like the Chevy Aveo
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jazz jazz
 
 January 07, 2009 06:18 AM
To narrow down what you might like, it would be nice to know where you live (i.e., a congested city, snowbelt area, etc.) and also if you would consider leasing and/or you don't mind the immediate depreciation hit on a new car. If you would consider a resale vehicle, several manufacturers offer certified pre-owned programs on their entire range and give them a comprehensive warranty but they have already taken much of this depreciation hit.

Based strictly on the priorities you have listed, however, I have posted some reviews. These will cover general price ranges and, in some cases, prioritize the vehicles on desire (safety, fun-to-drive factor, etc.). Once you find some vehicles in your range -- if you are considering new, especially -- I recommend going to the manufacturer's website where you can "build" your car with the options you like and get a quote (this will usually be the MSRP -- Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price -- for your area BUT, with the economy the way it is, there is a lot of haggling to be had and specials to be found!).

Personally, I have had too many problems with American cars and have not been impressed with the quality or durability of the interiors.
That being said, the Ford Fusion and similar Mercury Milan are based on the same platform -- albeit slightly stretched -- as the last generation Mazda 6. I previously owned a 6 and enjoyed it. You can get into a 4-cyl. Fusion for as little as ~18K but even a well-equipped V6 model would come in under 25K. A hybrid and all wheel drive will soon be available, but this might lift the price above your maximum.
The car getting all of the raves, however, is the newest Chevy Malibu. It is available with a hybrid (might be over your price point) but is sleek and sexy...I can't believe I just said that!

I hope this helps!
Source(s):
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/green_machines/2...

http://www.automobilemag.com/reviews/editors_notebook/0812_2009_ford_fusion...

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/car_shopping/family_four_door...

http://www.ford.com/vehicles/vehicle-showroom#/ford/ford-fusion-2009

http://www.automobilemag.com/features/awards/0711_2008_chevrolet_malibu_all...

http://www.chevrolet.com/2009malibu/

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/2008-Chevrolet-Malibu/

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tracebooks tracebooks
 
January 06, 2009 05:55 PM
Funny thing. When I researched this for myself last month, using the government's EPA ratings and a variety of other factors, I settled on the Plymouth Vibe. I wanted something for which parts would be less expensive; something with good gas mileage; big enough for my family. The Vibe was my top pick.

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burtonwarp... burtonwarp...
 
January 07, 2009 04:22 PM
I think you mean Pontiac Vibe, but yeah, I've been really happy with mine that I think I might get another, maybe the bigger engine this time though.

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spoon spoon
 
January 06, 2009 05:57 PM
Since you have had a hatchback with your vibe my suggestion would be to check out the Mazda 3... I have been a huge fan of Mazda's for how long they last (family has always had them and easily put 200,000 miles on each one before replacing it with a newer model. The other nice thing is you can get your Ford discount on the Mazda brand (and if you care about 'buying american' most Mazda's are built right in Michigan)

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vandal913 vandal913
 
January 06, 2009 06:40 PM
I would have to second spoon's motion to go with a Mazda. I have a Mazda 6 and love it.

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easyeboy easyeboy
 
January 06, 2009 06:34 PM
You should check out the Chrysler 300. It's an excellent car, and if you get a 2008 model you can probably get it within your price point. It's a great performing, nice car, and very reliable.

Check out the Chrysler 300
http://www.chrysler.com/en/2008/300/


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bmlhailsto... bmlhailsto...
 
January 06, 2009 06:46 PM
These people are all crazy. I would never personally buy a car from the Big 3, although I've owned a few used ones in the past. Buying new would be insane.. However, I would probably go with a Ford since they're far more reliable than anything GM or Chrysler has been spewing out. I'd recommend the new Ford Focus which has been shown to be an excellent car with pretty good gas mileage.

Or possibly, wait until next year when Ford will be revealing a ton of new Hybrids, perhaps you'll find one you like.
Source(s):
www.ford.com


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bmlhailsto... bmlhailsto...
 
January 06, 2009 06:47 PM
What I meant to say there was, These people are all crazy, don't buy a Mazda or a Plymouth. Mazda's are alright, but certainly not from the Big 3, and certainly not as good as a Ford Focus. I'm not even sure Plymouth is still a real company, but if you say so, I would never buy a car from a company I hadn't heard from in 10 years.

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