Car Shopping

Soon2BMrsSikes

I know we've talked about this before, but now it's my turn to get a new (used) car!

I think I've narrowed it down to 5 cars: Hyundai Elantra, Ford Fiesta, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Altima, and Honda Civic.

If I got a Fiesta, it would obviously be brand new. If I got any of the others I would probably look for an 08/09. I own a 2003 Civic now.

So here's what I'm looking for:

-4 door (This will be our family car once we have kids)

-It's gotta be a car- no trucks/vans/SUVs

-Somewhat spacious. The one problem I have with my current Civic is how cramped it feels. Plus I'll need to be able to put a carseat in the backseat and still sit comfortably in the front seat

-Good gas mileage

-Under $16,000

So what do you ladies think? Do any of you drive the cars I listed above? Is there another car that I didn't list that I absolutely must consider?

dora12

Well the nissan altima and nissan sentra are pretty good on milage and spacious. Here where I live most the dealerships have those two cars under 13k.

Although I got to say the new Ford fiesta is really nice!

evarenee

Personally I'm a used car shopper.DH and and I are on our 20th and 21st cars. He comes from a family that is always looking. I am a huge fan of Nissan. I have an Altima and my parents have a 09 Sentra. We have never had any major problems on either of or vehicles beyond normal oil changes and tire stuff. I used to drive 100 miles each way to work in a brutal commute. 

Side note: I've also had my Altima for a while and it can hold a lot of stuff. 

ring_pop

I hear ya on the crampiness of the Civic. I hear Nissans are better for space. I don't really know much else about the other cars though, my family is a Honda/Toyota family.

ring_pop

FWIW the next car I would like to buy is a Toyota Matrix. I absolutely love my mom's Matrix.

evarenee

FWIW, I also love Toyotas! You can drive them forever.

katsblaze

I am jumping in late, but where you mentioned car seat, I wanted to add.  So if you are looking for room I would go with the altima.  I currently have a G6 and both car seats fill the back seat. Now if there was only one car seat it would be a big difference.  I will be car shopping in the spring, and I have to admit, I might be in a minivan next.  Can you say soccer mom?

Ciaram22

I have an '07 Honda Civic and it is so much nicer than my sisters '00 civic. I swear the thing is twice the size on the inside and my FIL who is 6'0" can sit in the backseat comfortably. I love that car. I haven't tried a car seat in the backseat yet but I'm sure it will be just fine since my FIL fits back there.

Soon2BMrsSikes

Thanks for all the great info ladies!