Need Opinions Please!

[4EYED85GT]

I am looking to buy a car to use as a daily driver. I have been driving my Mustang everyday for the past month and its just not gonna work with a 54 mile one way commute with no a/c and gas costs. I want something that gets decent gas mileage (mid 20's hwy), adequate room for family of 4, will get out of its own way, and is somewhat sporty looking for a 4 door sedan. I am looking for something in the 2005 -2008 range with less than 40k miles (fewer the better) and no more than $15k. I have already gotten approved through my Credit Union and now just have to look for something.

I have been on Cars.com and have been doing research on the following cars: Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Chevy Malibu. I kinda like the looks of the Fusion but would want the 6cyl. The Altima seems to have the most HP for the money.

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated, especially if anyone has any of these cars or is familiar with them. I havent gotten out to go drive anything yet, just done some research on specs and prices.

[inferno50]

i think any one of them would make a nice ride. the only one i would be a little concerned about is the mazda because of the price of parts being so high.

[Ranger50]

Buy a BMW 3 series and forget about the mileage, even if it is a few years older.

[85_SS_302_Coupe]

You could probably save a bit of gas if you'd ease up on those holeshots out of your driveway :lol:

I like the Fusion myself. Nice looking car and they've had great reviews.

[4EYED85GT]

Yeah, I had originally looked at BMW 3 Series and for the money I would have to get an 04 with 80K miles. I would be at 100K a year into having it with a few more years to pay on a loan. Thats when I figured I should get something like I mentioned in which I can get a car thats only a couple years old with as low as 20K miles for the same money. It would just be hitting 100K when its paid for.

[redfirepearlgt]

I've had the Ford Fusion V6 for a rental and it will get out of its own way and likely go around the 318,325,328 series Bring Money With (BMW) you cars. We are getting the Four cylinder version Fusions for company cars and even with a 100 lb compliment of tools and tech manuals, as well as a weeks luggage for travel they are running as well as the Chev Impalas we had prior to.

As far is GM, if you can get a G6 or a Grand Prix for a decent price they run well too. My wife had a G6 four door and loved it. It would scoot right along for a 6 beater. Only problem I ever had was with the brake lights. They would stay on and not go off. Pontiac fixed the problem and we never had another.

Sorry but not a fan of over priced german engineering, and yes I am of german heritage.

[NXcoupe]

We had a fusion for a rental, and my wife has talked about them ever since. Talk to 05yellowGt on here, his wife has a fusion sport and my wife took a test drive in it. We are now looking at fusion GT's and she will probably have one sometime next year. They really are sweet looking cars with a lot of room and run so well. Very comfortable, I'm a big guy and I fit well in it too.

[BLUE91LX]

Hey TIM. I like the FUSION the most out of the cars that you mentioned, but its what ever you like the best that matters.

[4EYED85GT]

I appreciate everyones opinions! Still havent gotten to go drive anything yet due to busy weekend and getting someone to watch the 19 month old (he is a handful) while we go test drive some vehicles. Seems that everyone likes the Fusion and it is also what I am leaning towards. I have been searching alot on Cars.com and there seems to be a bunch of them in the area at different dealerships. I kinda like the redfire metallic color, still debating on the tan or charcoal interior. I am noticing that it is hard to find one with the leather interior and a moonroof.

Once again, thanks for the input.. hope to get more opinions!

[331TwistedWedge]

i have an 04 maxima ... if you stay on the highway, you may get close to 30 mpg ... 3.5 liter v6 ... i actually ran mine once at e20, 14.60's ... lol ... it has some pep ... you can find a 2004-06 way under $15k ... smooth a$$ cars ...

[Blackballed]

The wife has a Toyota Camry and we like it. My mom has the fusion sport 4cyl 5 speed. I like the fusion way more. It has way more options and the 18 wheels look great. I would go the fusion route.

[Katmandu]

Yeah, I had originally looked at BMW 3 Series and for the money I would have to get an 04 with 80K miles. I would be at 100K a year into having it with a few more years to pay on a loan.Dude, 100k on a Bimmer isn't shit!

I bought a 97 318i a couple years ago w/142k on it. Only paid around $4500 for it... It got around 28-30MPG driving 75-80MPH.

I got rid of it last year.... The ONLY reason I sold it was because it was a manual. I had a severe back injury last year and lost (temporarily) use of my left (shifting) leg. BTW, that's the only reason I sold my Cummins.... :mad:

Anyways, I ended up trading my 318 (even up) for a 94 BMW 530i (auto trans). My 530i (3.0L DOHC V-8) flys! It get's 22 MPG at 75-80MPG. Probably get 25-26MPG if I drove slower. BTW, it has 188k on it and it's sold as a rock.

I'd be looking at 2000-04 3 and 5 Series BMWs.

[Katmandu]

2004 BMW 530i w/66k for $14,500..... :bigthumb

http://tinyurl.com/28wqogx

Several more 530i's under $15k....

http://tinyurl.com/2evru6u

[331TwistedWedge]

2004 BMW 530i w/66k for $14,500..... :bigthumb

http://tinyurl.com/28wqogx

Several more 530i's under $15k....

http://tinyurl.com/2evru6u

that is fat! ... the m-series are the whip :bigthumb

[Katmandu]

Here's some absolutely killer deals on some 3 Series (under 15k)....

http://tinyurl.com/3ah3qtk

[Blkcobra01]

My wife has a 08 v-6 Fusion they are definately nice cars peppy lots of room do good in the winter it averages 19 mpg city dont do much highway driving in it.

[facemelter71]

Cost of ownership for BMW is high.Parts are rediculous when some thing goes wrong.I thought Volvo parts were pricey.

[Katmandu]

Cost of ownership for BMW is high.Parts are rediculous when some thing goes wrong.I thought Volvo parts were pricey.That's a pure falicy.

Now.....IF you are foolish enough to go to the dealer for everything, then yes, BMWs will cost you.

I just replaced the AC Compressor on my Bimmer for $80. Just recently had the rear rotors and pads done for under $300 INSTALLED. Yes, I bought my own parts. Parts are plentiful and cost NOT any higher than any other cars.

Labor costs is completely dependent on where you have your work done. I usually do my own work but when I can't, I have very good local mechanic that charges $60/hour.

One point to consider is BMWs rarely suffer from mechanical breakdown and are extremely durable. You may pay a bit more in the begining for one but they're worth it IMHO.

[facemelter71]

Pure falicy? Sure.Ok. I deal in parts all day every day.Let me know when your done smokin the gonja.

[Ranger50]

Pure falicy? Sure.Ok. I deal in parts all day every day.Let me know when your done smokin the gonja.

You are joking right?

I just went and surfed over to Pelican Parts and priced some brake pads and rotors just to compare to what I know brake pads and rotors go for normally. While they maybe a few dollars more, they are comparably priced. Just because you can't run to Retard Auto for parts doesn't mean chit for availability or price.

I mean if I want cheap Miata parts, I don't necessarily run to the Mazda dealer for parts, I will try a place like Keith@FlyinMiata or surf over to GRM to find an answer. Not everything is available locally at "WalMart" parts stores.

Brian

[Ranger50]

BTW, I was looking at E36 parts.

I would love to put a 5.0/T5 in a 4 door E36.......

Brian

[Katmandu]

Pure falicy? Sure.Ok. I deal in parts all day every day.Where are you getting your parts from ??

Like Ranger50 stated above, Pelican Parts has BMW parts comparibly priced parts.

As I also stated above, I bought an AC Compressor for $80 for my 530i and rear pads AND rotors installed for around $300. I don't find that expensive at all.

[facemelter71]

Well I dont feel like starting an argument over cost of ownership of a german car VS a domestic.But whatever.

[facemelter71]

BTW, I was looking at E36 parts.

I would love to put a 5.0/T5 in a 4 door E36.......

Brian

Working on that project now.Only its a 2 door.

[Katmandu]

Well I dont feel like starting an argument over cost of ownership of a german car VS a domestic.But whatever.At least tell us where you're buying/selling parts from/for.

What's your frame of reference ?

[4EYED85GT]

Finally purchased a Fusion today after a weeks worth of looking, driving different ones, and dealing with some typical car salesman. It's funny how you can tell a car salesman upfront that you have your own financing lined up and that you are not interested at all in them trying to beat your rate and the jackass still comes back with some bogus monthly payment for 6 years! Whats even crazier is when the guy knows that I am an Army Recruiter which is basically a salesman myself ( I just sell the Army). You can bullshit a bullshitter but you cant snowball the Snowman!

Anyway, finally found what I was looking for which was an extremely clean Fusion with a V-6, leather, and sunroof. The salesman was awesome, respected my loyalty to my credit union and didnt try to bullshit me like most do! Was able to come down nearly 2K on the selling price! Its an 07 Fusion (silver with black leather interior) with 30K miles. I really like it and the wife does also as she hadnt even been in one until she took me today to pick it up. I actually made the deal last night, just had to go to credit union today to get funds for the dealer and pick up car today!

A BMW did sound nice originally but I like the idea of driving something with 30K miles and still some powertrain warranty left rather than a BMW with twice the miles! The Fusions seem to be pretty popular cars, I'm sure it will make a great daily driver!

Thanks for all the opinions and advice on the matter! I do appreciate it!

[Katmandu]

Good deal! :bigthumb

[beefcake]

Finally purchased a Fusion today after a weeks worth of looking, driving different ones, and dealing with some typical car salesman. It's funny how you can tell a car salesman upfront that you have your own financing lined up and that you are not interested at all in them trying to beat your rate and the jackass still comes back with some bogus monthly payment for 6 years! Whats even crazier is when the guy knows that I am an Army Recruiter which is basically a salesman myself ( I just sell the Army). You can bullshit a bullshitter but you cant snowball the Snowman!

Anyway, finally found what I was looking for which was an extremely clean Fusion with a V-6, leather, and sunroof. The salesman was awesome, respected my loyalty to my credit union and didnt try to bullshit me like most do! Was able to come down nearly 2K on the selling price! Its an 07 Fusion (silver with black leather interior) with 30K miles. I really like it and the wife does also as she hadnt even been in one until she took me today to pick it up. I actually made the deal last night, just had to go to credit union today to get funds for the dealer and pick up car today!

A BMW did sound nice originally but I like the idea of driving something with 30K miles and still some powertrain warranty left rather than a BMW with twice the miles! The Fusions seem to be pretty popular cars, I'm sure it will make a great daily driver!

Thanks for all the opinions and advice on the matter! I do appreciate it!

Dayum, Should have come to see me. :(

You'll like it though. Picked the wife up a 10 from the dealership a couple months ago.

[redfirepearlgt]

Good to hear. Sounds like a nice little ride.

[BLUE91LX]

Enjoy the new car.

[Dirtyd0g]

I wanna see $50 calipers for a BMW....Last time I put a set on one they were about $200 each. Rotors, well they are like anything else, a few bucks more because of low volume. Calipers,hoses and stuff like that changes it.
Alan

[Katmandu]

I wanna see $50 calipers for a BMW....Last time I put a set on one they were about $200 each.. Calipers,hoses and stuff like that changes it.
AlanYear ? Model ? Engine ?

[Dirtyd0g]

Any, The one I did recently was an88 but I don't remember the model 325I sounds right.
Alan

[2007ShelbyCobra]

pics?

[Katmandu]

Any, The one I did recently was an88 but I don't remember the model 325I sounds right.
AlanDamn! You're right! No $50 Calipers!

So how's $45.50 sound ???

Here's PROOF in the pudding! :bigthumb

http://tinyurl.com/38oqsx3

Next part ?

[facemelter71]

94 530I front Caliper VS 07 Ford Fusion Front caliper.

[Katmandu]

94 530I front Caliper VS 07 Ford Fusion Front caliper.
2007 Ford Fusion Front Caliper = $64.99

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/Brake-Caliper-Front/_/N-8knro?vehicleIdForService=111989367&_requestid=1178531


1994 BMW 530i Front Caliper = $54.99 :eek:


http://www.autozone.com/autozone/parts/1994-BMW-530I/Brake-Caliper-Front/_/N-j0uphZ8knro

Damn ! The German import part is $10 CHEAPER than the domestic part!

Next ?

Never said who you work for Face, or where you get your parts from... ??


.

[facemelter71]

Found a caliper for 25 bucks.Your 530 caliper from Pelican is like 200 bucks.Since you like that place.Those are both rebuilt units.

And 10 bucks for 13 year newer car is pretty good. And your E30 caliper also said for M42 engine only.That is ONLY a late 91 E30.And a late E30 with an M42 is pretty rare.

Also on top of that,that 94 will make up that 10 dollar difference in the rotors and pads. And you keep refering to your 300 dollar rear brake job.Dude,thats not cheap by any means.I guess if I had some extra cash floating around I could buy some replacement pads and rotors for a BMW.I mean I hope those are slotted or some thing.You cant compare German car parts to domestic.Lets talk other parts.PCV valve hoses.Good luck getting aftermarket.Those are molded,and usually become soft and gummy after some time.PRICEY.

Even at that,lets compare 07 to 07. How about 09 to 09.

.34 cents a mile compared to .64 cents a mile.
after 10k miles.Math.Thats 3k worth of money out of your pocket for a BMW.And thats the base 530.

[Katmandu]

Found a caliper for 25 bucks.Your 530 caliper from Pelican is like 200 bucks.Since you like that place.Those are both rebuilt units.I use any source I can avoiding the Stealership at all costs.


And 10 bucks for 13 year newer car is pretty good. And your E30 caliper also said for M42 engine only.That is ONLY a late 91 E30.And a late E30 with an M42 is pretty rare.Dude. Read the last line. It also fits the car you asked to find the price of front caliper for. The 1988 325.

318is (1991), 325e/es/i/is/ix/iC (1984-91) as needed
318i (1991-92) Convertible Manual Transmission, with M42 Engine (E30) 1
318i (1990-91) Sedan Manual Transmission, with M42 Engine (E30) 1
318is (1990-91) Coupe Manual Transmission, with M42 Engine (E30) 1
325e (1984-88) Coupe with M20 Engine (E30)

You're still avoided the question of who you work for and where you buy your parts from.


.

[facemelter71]

Didnt click on what ever other link was in the link you sent.Just read was on the page. And with a BMW you will end up at the Dealership at some point in time looking for some thing aftermarket does not offer.Shit even a blower motor for an E30 is hard to find at a decent cost.

Also for your E30 pelican caliper your out the 40 bucks Core untill you spend more money to send back your old one.Plus shipping cost to get it to you.True,almost anyone will charge you core,But your spending more on shipping to and from.

[Katmandu]

Also on top of that,that 94 will make up that 10 dollar difference in the rotors and pads. And you keep refering to your 300 dollar rear brake job.Dude,thats not cheap by any means.I guess if I had some extra cash floating around I could buy some replacement pads and rotors for a BMW.

You're right again. :rolleyes:

I actually misquoted my rear brake job.... I just found my receipts.

-Rear pads (Performance Friction Carbon Metallics).... $35
-Pair rear rotors............................................ .......$70
-Labor for Installation...................................... ......$65
Tax............$15
-----------------
Total........ $185

[Katmandu]

Even at that,lets compare 07 to 07. How about 09 to 09.If I had more time to debate this I would.... but I don't have the time.


.34 cents a mile compared to .64 cents a mile.
after 10k miles.Math.Math based on what ?? Figures pulled out of the air ????

You're still avoiding the question I keep asking..... :rolleyes:


.

[facemelter71]

I think it was edmunds.It was cost of ownership per mile.Its not some figure I crapped out.I looked it up last week but gave up on posting it since you feel the need to try to say its cheaper to own a BMW then a fusion. But im also comparing a 13 year old BMW to an 07 Fusion.It would be better to compare a BMW to a Benz or Volvo.

[facemelter71]

Oh,nice job on finding the reciept.I wouldnt want you forgetting your 300 dollar brake job.

[Katmandu]

I think it was edmunds.It was cost of ownership per mile.Its not some figure I crapped out.I looked it up last week but gave up on posting it since you feel the need to try to say its cheaper to own a BMW then a fusion. Dude. Go back and re-read my postings.

I never said a BMW was CHEAPER to own that a BMW. You're just shit-talkin now. :rolleyes:

WHY have you avoid the question all this time about WHERE you work and WHERE you buy your parts from ? Simple questions.

[Katmandu]

Oh,nice job on finding the reciept.I wouldnt want you forgetting your 300 dollar brake job.No need to be a dickhead. None. :rolleyes: