[likearock00]

Alright guys, I have a mission today. My sister just moved to Atlanta yesterday. The old Ford Taurus broke down last night at midnight on her way from college in NC to Atlanta and she has no idea what is wrong with it. Now that she has a job it is time to buy a cheap new sedan. I'm sure my dad will want me to price a Ford Focus for her, but we need some other choices too. Do ya'll have any other choices that are better AND cheaper than the new Focus? Let me know what your ideas are!

 

[civilzues]

Cobalt

 

[FenwickHockey65]

Cobalt.
Or if you're really desperate...Aveo. :lmao:

 

[montrealvue]

A stripped down Civic or Corolla. You can get a Cobalt cheap but it won't ever be as reliable.

 

[paul8488]

Yeah, why not an XFE?

New it's not cheaper, but what about a slightly used Vibe? I think that the Vibe is an excellent car for anyone... great size, lots of room, great power to economy ratio, nice looks, impressive safety, nice list of standard features...

If not, Suzuki Reno? Is that blasphemy?

 

[prowlerjc]

I think the Focus would be the best bet for a cheap sedan.

 

[Michael_S]

Better and cheaper?

Used. If you look hard enough, you might be able to find a recent Fusion or Malibu with side curtain airbags (which really help the side crash ratings on both) and an extended warranty for less than a Focus.

You give up some fuel economy though, so it depends how far and often she drives. If she drives a lot, a used Focus or Cobalt with an extended warranty may be cheaper. But I would bet the new Focus has better crash ratings than the Cobalt or the older Focus.

 

[ifcar]

The Focus isn't all that cheap anymore. Too many people are looking for its fuel efficiency. Go for the cheaper Nissan Versa and Hyundai Elantra first, and/or used. Both are comfortable, quiet, economical, and safe, and so far have good reliability records.

 

[Corr69]

A stripped down Civic or Corolla. You can get a Cobalt cheap but it won't ever be as reliable.

And explain to me why again?

You must be a Consumer Reports junkie.......I have tonnes of friends with Cobalts, and they all seem to be excellent, reliable cars.


My friends 02 Corolla on the other hand....sure he abuses it, but all my friends abuse their cars......2nd engine, 2nd tranny, no lie.

 

[mikmak]

Toyota are definitely flying closer to the envelope when attributing drivetrains to roles these days (or so the rumours go).

Mazda 3 runs pretty close but aint as ugly.

 

[PA Dweller]

A stripped down Civic or Corolla. You can get a Cobalt cheap but it won't ever be as reliable.

Why do you even post here?

Likearock00, go for a used Impala.

 

[AMERICA 123]

Pre owned - used - maybe better yet GM certified pre owned or Ford or even Chrysler - is worth considering.

There are some very attractive used car prices out there at or below the cost of a new Focus - in the 1 -3 year old range.

Too many to list.

If you are willing to trade just a little mpg - you can get quite a bit of car for less money.

 

[Smaart Aas Saabr]

And explain to me why again?

You must be a Consumer Reports junkie.......I have tonnes of friends with Cobalts, and they all seem to be excellent, reliable cars.


My friends 02 Corolla on the other hand....sure he abuses it, but all my friends abuse their cars......2nd engine, 2nd tranny, no lie.

Well, the oldest Cobalt is THREE YEARS OLD this is a brand-new car :lmao:

Maybe I am weird but if my car broke down on the side of the road the first thing I would do is open the hood and find out what happened. I mean if it's a silly stupid thing like a $10 electrical part blew up...

 

[oppositelock]

Mazda3.

It's what I got (Speed version) and I'm in love with it. 263HP, handles like a dream, awesome hatch functionality, great fuel economy (for a car with this much power).

Regular 3 is really nice as well. It's what I'd get.

 

[likearock00]

Maybe I am weird but if my car broke down on the side of the road the first thing I would do is open the hood and find out what happened. I mean if it's a silly stupid thing like a $10 electrical part blew up...

It's at a Ford dealership now. They will call and let my parents know what is the problem. It's a 1998 Ford Taurus and it was at 12:30 last night....not much you can do.

Mazda3.

It's what I got (Speed version) and I'm in love with it. 263HP, handles like a dream, awesome hatch functionality, great fuel economy (for a car with this much power).

Regular 3 is really nice as well. It's what I'd get.

I'd love for her to get a Mazda3. Problem is that they are expensive new and do not depreciate at all. The Focus has 2K off which would bring the price to around 15k. I'd love to find something even cheaper than that!

 

[CJ Thunder]

I think that the Vibe is an excellent car for anyone... great power to economy ratio,

Its got to have an engine made in the states then because my gfs mom has a Matrix and I want to just vomit everytime I have to drive that car. No room for my legs, knees come up to steering wheel, paint is peeling off radio and aluminum foil is peeling off the door handles. It does get around 35 on the freeway but only when I do 65-70 and lets not get started on acceleration...


So is the vibe different?

 

[AMERICA 123]

Why do you even post here?

Likearock00, go for a used Impala.

That would definitely one of the top choices to consider.

 

[mbukukanyau]

No brainer, Cobalt XFE

 

[AndrewGS]

Any pics of your sister?

 

[t-rex]

Any pics of your sister?

G-d I hope she looks nothing like her brother!


But as for the car situation...

Hyundai Accent is a great value. Depreciation is atrocious, but if she plans to keep the car for a good while, it gives you great bang-for-the-buck. Reliability's a notch below the big-league players, but the it's from junk.

Aveo and Accent would be my top two picks for a price-sensitive small sedan. I'm sure you can get into either one for well under $13k. I'd go with the Aveo just 'coz it's a nice-looking little sedan (better looking that Cobalt imho)...