Tim240z Posted December 23, 2002 Share Posted December 23, 2002 Looking at either the New Accord, or the new Mazda 6s. This will be to replace the Volvo 850 (1996) family car which is getting a bit long in the tooth (100k+). Anyone driven either of these yet? I haven't driven either yet. Both have 3L V6 engines, with the Mazda 20hp down on teh accord, but has more standard features and is a few grand less. The Mazda styling is really nice too. Opinions? Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted December 23, 2002 Share Posted December 23, 2002 Tim, I know you didn't mention this brand, but My money right now would go to a VW Passat or Jetta. Bang for the buck, performance, quality of workmanship, Its all there... The wife and I actually talked about maybe acquiring a used Sedan and ditching the civic, and the 2000 Jetta was the only car I drove that really tickled my fancy for the price range... And the Passat... Oh baby... Nice, roomy, PEP!! Quiet, silky smooth ride... Did I mention pep? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted December 23, 2002 Author Share Posted December 23, 2002 Mike, Thanks for the suggestion. The Passat is quite a bit more money, does not have as many standard features (at least the ones that I am interested in), but does have more HP and torque. However, I have never been a big fan of VW (or Audi for that matter), and considering the Passat's lineage, I just can't bring myself to even look at that as an option. Closed minded of me, I know, but comes down to personal preference I suppose. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZR8ED Posted December 23, 2002 Share Posted December 23, 2002 Hey what about the Nissan Altima? It is a direct competitor with the Accord. When I got down to comparing apples to apples, I just could not ignore the Altima. Standard features/optional equipment, the Accord just didn't match up. I bought an 03 Altima 3.5. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZR8ED Posted December 23, 2002 Share Posted December 23, 2002 BTW don't just look at hp comparisons. The Altima has only 5hp more than the Accord... but almost 40 ft/lbs more torque. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted December 23, 2002 Share Posted December 23, 2002 If you're looking at an automatic, then buy the Accord. If you want a stick, the Mazda 6 has one with the V6 in a 4 door. I've driven both and I think the Accord is better handling and faster, even though the Mazda sounds and feels faster. Honda just has a way of making cars that are extremely competent feel very supple and ordinary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pparaska Posted December 23, 2002 Share Posted December 23, 2002 John, what about the V6 Altima? Not that I'd buy a new on, but it looks tempting to get a year old one, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Aaron Posted December 23, 2002 Share Posted December 23, 2002 You could always do a custom streched 4door V8 powered 240z. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted December 24, 2002 Share Posted December 24, 2002 The Altima is interesting but I've dealt with 4 Nissan dealers here in SoCal over the years and ALL are flaming assholes. Unfortunately, that's kept me away from new Nissan products since 1986. If you have a good Nissan dealer nearby then, by all means, check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruxGNZ Posted December 24, 2002 Share Posted December 24, 2002 Pssssst, John... remember there are little kids looking over the shoulders of some of the members here . !M! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted December 24, 2002 Share Posted December 24, 2002 Are you set on brand new? (Zero percent financing from so many manufacturers for up to 60 months is hard to say no to.) I'd take into consideration whether they are equipped with timing belts or chains since that is a 35k mile cost you can afford if you go chain. Faced with a similar dilemma, we were looking at a V6 Camry with sport package and 5 speed. Was a special order, so no break on price or financing. What we did instead was buy a lease return Bimmer. 1995 325is, 5 speed, tan leather, 32k miles. Figured after 5 years we were either going to have a used Japanese car or still have a BMW. We have put 50k miles on the car now in 4 1/2 years. Expenses are: New set of Michelins at 60k, thre brake light switches (seem to be faillure prone, still work but trigger an error on the dash and after the 3rd, they tripled the price from $8 to $24, but the new one seems to have lasted longer...) and a right rear wheel bearing. Still get complements on the car, it's moderately quick, smooth as butter on the road, and styling is superior to all of the other cookie cutters on the road IMO. Monster 4 wheel discs, the silky smooth inliner, timing chain cam drive, and RWD all added up to a winner both at the time, and long term from what I can tell. Besides, if the wife wears it out, will make a really cool drag car back-halfed with 500+ hp! Your cars a '96, huh, never owned anything that new... I'd go Honda over Mazda all the way, however, for reliability and resale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted December 24, 2002 Share Posted December 24, 2002 Sorry Mat (and progeny.) Those Nissan dealers are really stupid and mean! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CruxGNZ Posted December 24, 2002 Share Posted December 24, 2002 It's okay... just try explaining what a flaming @sshole is to a little one that knows how to read, but doesn't know she can't use those words at her age . FYI, I don't have any offspring (that I know of), but I had a little cousin that was interested in what I was reading at the time. I also know a lot of members here have kids. Not trying to police this place, just trying to be nice is all. Happy X-mas! !M! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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