My car just died and I need to run out this weekend and get a new one. What would you recommend? I was thinking about a Saturn but I have heard mixed reviews. What do you think of Saturn’s and what other types of cars are safe, affordable, w/good mileage? Thanks!
2007-10-31 07:33:47 · 11 answers · asked by Nev 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Buying & Selling
I don't like to advertise, so I'm not going to give any specific make or model. Here are some general tips from someone who has bought many used and new cars over the years, for both himself and others:
Any small car will have good mileage, simply because of their light weight. Of course, some will do better than others.
No small car is as safe as a larger one, though, of course, some small cars are safer than others.
You need to determine affordability for yourself; one person's "affordable" may be another's "expensive"!
Also, keep in mind that getting a "small" car may be counter-productive if you need to haul lots of kids, luggage, etc. Headroom is at a premium in small cars (believe it or not, but, at only 5'10", I have actually hit my head on the roof AND the windshields (!) of some small cars!!! Needless to say, they didn't even merit a test drive!).
Given the short time you are allowing yourself - - which, BTW, is never a good idea; and, for heaven's sake, don't tell the salesman that you're under any kind of deadline! - - the best thing you can do is to ask your friends and relatives, and, if possible, ask if they'd let you sit in their cars to see how it suits you. Don't be afraid to ask questions or even to write down the pros and cons of each car (I love my big car, but it's hard to reach the radio buttons (granted, not a big deal), and the trunk has a metal bar that, if I'm not careful, cuts me when I open it, among other minor problems; on the other hand, it has 70,000 miles on it after 8 years, and only one towing (after the sixth year) for a $200 repair (the most expensive repair it has had!)). Also, visit the library for consumer magazines (to be frank, I've never found them to be useful) and new car guides, which will also help you narrow down the price range when you visit the dealer.
Whatever you do, DON'T SACRIFICE COMFORT, especially if you'll need to be in the car for long periods, such as with multi-hour commutes!!!
Good luck!
2007-10-31 07:52:40 · answer #1 · answered by skaizun 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Saturn's aren't bad little cars = however. they are plastic and having owned one, I don't consider them as safe as some other models. Subaru has one of the best safety ratings in the industry and a sporty look and feel. My boyfriend has survived 3 accidents in Subaru's without a scratch. Personally though, if you're looking safe, affordable and good gas mileage - check out the Mazda 3. I have been driving one for about a year and get 31 highway miles to a gallon on open highway and was in a high speed accident and walked away without a problem. Can't speak any higher than that !
Good luck with your car shopping!
2007-10-31 07:39:39 · answer #2 · answered by rose1077 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
first of all, NO TO SATURNS!! They are horrible cars. They rust fast, and they always burn oil after awhile. I had 2 of them and learned my lesson, my sister N law just had one and sold it because it was rusting and it had an oil leak all the time and she had to put a new starter on it and new muffler. I dont recommend them. I would however recommend a honda of any sorts. The Honda Civics are great cars and more and more of them have a lot more air bags and better on safty and always good on gas miles... and they last FOREVER...My husband has a 1992 honda and that thing is still going strong, but now he made it into a drag car and I own a 2007 honda crv (because we plan on starting our family soon) and I couldnt ask for a better vechile than the honda crv... I love it and its convient... good luck and I hope you get the right car...
2007-10-31 07:54:33 · answer #3 · answered by determined for baby #1 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Toyota Corolla. Best gas mileage car on the road other than a hybrid.
Has excellent maintenance record.
You can't go wrong.
My 2004 LE gets 43 mpg hwy and averages 33 around town.
2007-10-31 12:56:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The last 4 cars I have had were Ford Taurus. These cars have great mileage, 2nd safest car next to Toyota Camry and are inexpensive. Thay are very comfortabel, and nobody wants to steal them.
2007-10-31 07:53:48 · answer #5 · answered by Bill P 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A hybrid would be the best choice for low milage.... Some hybrids are much cheaper than they were once.... So, it would definitely save you on gas, and affordable as well.
2007-10-31 07:42:36 · answer #6 · answered by Jason V 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
if i had to buy another one right now id buy a Nissan,i have one of them and that has been the best car i have ever owned,no problems from it at all,and the cost to operate it has been really good,and its cheap to insure.but those cars are very dependable and wont let you down,Saturn's are alright but not as good as a Nissan is,those cars have a good reputation of holding up well and lasting really good,that would be my choice,mine is twenty years old right now though and i dong have any plans on replacing it right now good luck with it.
2007-10-31 07:42:04 · answer #7 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Stick with the Saturn. All the others will let you down and are very expensive to maintain. Actually I refuse to buy new cars. There all overpriced and loss there resale value way to fast.
2007-10-31 07:43:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
How about a civic hybrid?? ...safe, fairly affordable & GREAT mileage per gallon.
2007-10-31 07:41:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
well what ever car you get if you live in ca i can insure it i own an insurance comp ill get u a good deal :) and get a Honda they are the best cars for your money
2007-10-31 07:56:30 · answer #10 · answered by Mark M 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋