Carshopping - Probably going to get a 2012 Kia Optima - open to other car suggestions

[Shadow(of)Death]

I probably won't buy for another month-ish, but tomorrow will be going to test drive a few different makes/models/trim levels.

In addition to the Kia Optima, what other cars should I look at in a similar price range?

I'm pretty anti 2-door cars. So it would have to be pretty sweet to convince me otherwise. And while I wouldn't mind a truck or SUV, I don't really want the associated gas bill.

I would be willing to go slightly used as an option. The reason why I'm probably not considering a 2011 slightly used Kia Optima is just because the price difference doesn't justify it for me.

Thanks

 

[SexxxGodSteve]

maxima
g37

 

[kMz.]

assuming: 20-25k used & sedan

 

[Shadow(of)Death]

maxima
g37

Perfect examples of awesome cars that represent payments greater than I want to make at this time.

 

[KiLLeR2001]

if you cant afford a good car fuck off.

 

[FngrBANG]

No, I think you would fare far better in a Honda Odyssey...

It's what I'll be getting pretty soon...

and I know how you guys strive to be like me!

 

[eyecu]

anything newer gen hyundai is the best bang for your buck

 

[Shadow(of)Death]

assuming: 20-25k used & sedan

Can't drive this because one of my bosses drives one.

I did look into a few used BMW models, but all the ones I was at all interested in were about 30k. And really, at that point I prefer just saving some money and getting a new car that is less luxurious.

I guess I would be more inclined to hear about good used cars for 20k or less, and new cars for 25k or less.

We can wait on a more luxurious care for a few more years when I'm making significantly more than I am right now.

 

[Shadow(of)Death]

anything newer gen hyundai is the best bang for your buck

What would be the most comparable Hyundai to the Optima?

if you cant afford a good car fuck off.

I'm driving a 99 Altima with 90k miles. I think a 20 to 25k car is a pretty good upgrade.

 

[Shadow(of)Death]

No, I think you would fare far better in a Honda Odyssey...

I think the new design is actually pretty cool - no joke. But a 25 year old bachelor driving one is not so cool.

 

[drake]

whats your price range ?

 

[jonb]

Can't drive this because one of my bosses drives one.

So what

 

[KiLLeR2001]

I'm driving a 99 Altima with 90k miles. I think a 20 to 25k car is a pretty good upgrade.

What the fuck. That's low mileage for that old of a car. Why not just keep it and save your money?

 

[kMz.]

I guess I would be more inclined to hear about good used cars for 20k or less, and new cars for 25k or less.

08 bmw 328i/528i, 07 audi a4, 2010 audi a3, 07 lexus is250/is350

 

[reZolut]

if you cant afford a good car fuck off.

what do you drive again?

 

[FngrBANG]

I think the new design is actually pretty cool - no joke. But a 25 year old bachelor driving one is not so cool.

<--soon-to-be 43-year-old husband & father of three

 

[Georb]

Wait for the 2013 ford fusion, I saw one in the car show and it did not disappoint.

 

[KiLLeR2001]

what do you drive again?

What difference does it make? I've rebuilt my car from the ground up. Most parts are no older than 5 years. Engine currently has 25k miles.

Baus status.

 

[Obskure]

This thread is missing an in-depth car analysis by our very own NGFM

 

[Shadow(of)Death]

What the fuck. That's low mileage for that old of a car. Why not just keep it and save your money?

Because it's just a matter of time before it starts having real problems that cost money to fix.

Already the gas gauge drops to a quarter tank faster than it really is - keeping me paranoid always about how much gas I really have. Sucks for car trips.

Makes a strange sound when idling after the car has warmed up. Spent $500 and had the car in and out of a shop for 3 weeks. They "fixed" it for a few months. I think they just set the computer to idle the care higher, which also gets rid of the sound.

Headlamps are extremely dim.

Tires are less than 5 months from needing to be replaced.

There is probably a leak somewhere in the radiator or something because the fluid will drain its self over the course of a week, but only sometimes. Other times it will last several months.

Due to several extremely harsh/long winters the protective coating is separating from the roof and quick becoming an eye sore.

The chrome cancellation is coming off from around the windows.

So nothing major. More cosmetic than anything else. Very clean and reliable for its age. But frankly I can afford a new car and would enjoy that very much. I've continually put this off, and now the time is right.