Author Topic: I'm looking for a new car  (Read 2766 times)

Tbill

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I'm looking for a new car
« on: August 20, 2015, 08:37:30 AM »
I'm expecting to get punched in the face here so that I can go about my business.
My 2001 Honda Accord has about 205k miles on it. I've done almost all the maintenance myself. It's been a great car and I would estimate that its only cost me about $2500 to maintain over the last 150,000 miles. However the issues it has are starting to pile up faster than I care to repair them and I want something different. I would like to get a hatchback or something big enough that I can put my bike inside of it without using a bike rack, so the Honda Fit and Matrix have been on my short list. I test drove a Fit, expecting to love it but I dont really care for it. I could drive one, I  just dont love it. I drove a Matrix and like it. So a Matrix is a top contender. It seems I could get a great one under 10k that would last years.

I also drove a Honda Element and love it! The Elements seem pretty scarce, I've stumbled upon one that is real nice. Its a 2010 model EX - leather with 36,000 miles - Super new for 15k. Its in mint condition. The bluebook value is around 19-20k for private party sale. i I'm really tempted to buy this car, but I'm struggling with the feeling that however a good deal it may be, I'm buying more than I need. Punch me in the face or tell me to buy it.

neo von retorch

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Re: I'm looking for a new car
« Reply #1 on: August 20, 2015, 08:45:13 AM »
What year Honda Fit did you drive? I love the 2007/2008. I kind of like the 2009-2014. I haven't tried a newer one. The older ones seem to the most fun to drive, though.

Tbill

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Re: I'm looking for a new car
« Reply #2 on: August 20, 2015, 08:48:31 AM »
It was a 2009, it was kinda ragged out though. I just didnt like the dash, its so long and and seems cheapy. Maybe I've just been spoiled with my accord and need to get over it.

ohana

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Re: I'm looking for a new car
« Reply #3 on: August 20, 2015, 08:54:13 AM »
You are buying more than you need, that's true.

Cost of ownership will be greater for the Element than the Fit.  I think I read (in MMM) that the Element is just a fancified mini van, isn't that right?  If you're okay with that, get the Element.  If you get 10 years out of it (probable given your last vehicle), that 15k is worth it.

RWD

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Re: I'm looking for a new car
« Reply #4 on: August 20, 2015, 08:55:47 AM »
I also test drove a 2009 Honda Fit and wasn't thrilled with it. Poor seating position, cheap shifter, and imprecise handling. Hard to beat for cost of ownership though.

I'm of the opinion that $15k isn't too much to spend on a car, depending on your finances (you should be able to comfortably pay cash). That said, the Element gets pretty poor fuel economy compared to the Matrix and Fit. 20/25 mpg for the Element (assuming 2WD version), 26/32 mpg for the Matrix, 27/33 mpg for the Fit (all 2010 models).

Some other cars to look at (in no particular order):
Pontiac Vibe (rebranded Matrix)
Nissan Versa
Ford Focus
Kia Soul
Mazda 3
Scion xB