Help me pick a car

[Dave Gray]

^ I doesn't seem less expensive.  It's as if there are more mechanics involved and it's more complicated, but that you don't get any added use from the complicated mechanisms.  And when the hinge is a little piece of plastic or metal, it's just a matter of time until it fails.

[Brian Fein]

Yes, so you replace it.  The parts are cheap, sometimes cost less than a dollar, and easy to fix.  Every part has potential to fail eventually, no matter what car you buy.

[Spider-Dan]

So what did you decide on?

[BigDaddyFin]

I believe the Chevy Cruize would fit your criteria quite nicely, if you want to stretch and go new I would direct you to the Ford Fusion that's coming out, the Cobalt was 4 doors decent gas mileage and even for a small 4-cylinder it had a hell of a blast.

[Dave Gray]

So what did you decide on?

I didn't.  I'm just thinking for the future.

I think what I'm going to try to do is stretch my car out and get my wife a car instead.  Her criteria is different.  I believe she wants a cross-over, like a Honda CR-V.

[wyvernmcd]

Just adding my 2 cents:

My car is a 2010 Honda Fit.  I have about 50k miles on it and have no major mechanical issues so far. I am averaging about 34 MPG (give or take). I know it is a little on the smaller car size but one of the things that I do like about the car is the adjustable back row seats and the multiple storage compartments it has. The only drawback I have with it is the wheel lug nuts (factory ones) are crap and very easy to spin off (which happened to me when my wheels were stolen). Other than that, no major issues.

My last vehicle was a 1997 Ford Ranger and the only reason why that died out was due to me being lazy about the radiator fluid flush that it needed and parts (apparently) started to corrode which eventually caused the engine to fail from multiple overheating problems. I probably had lots of years left on the truck but it kept eating gas and my budget so I probably was due for a change in either case.

Don't know if that helped any.

[bsmooth]

My car just went through a pretty big maintenance session.  Now that the car is about 10 years old, I think this might be the last time I do considerable maintenance on it.  Next time, I think I'll be looking toward a new vehicle.  I'm looking for a good fit for me, but I'd like suggestions.

Here's what I want:
- A car that is about 2 years old
- 4-door car (probably a sedan)
- Good on gas (a hybrid would be cool)
- simplicity in engineering (I hate overdesigned gauges, compartments, use of computer panels when not needed, mechanical parts where not needed, etc.) -- This is a pretty big one.  I don't want to go super low-tech, like roll down windows, but I want sturdy, simple mechanics over stylized, sexy ones.
- An American Car is a plus

What is your price range? I would consider looking at a VW TDI car. Those engines can easily go 3-400,000 miles and get gas mileage on par to hybrids.
Plus on a positive note, you do not have to live with the stigma of being a hybrid owner.

[Denver_Bronco]

Toyota Camry SE- sweet whip. I picked up a 2010 this year. Love it!

[Pappy13]

Check this out. It may help you decide. My son just bought a Kia Optima, but it's probably a bit sportier than what you are looking for. The Ford Fusion seems like it might be a good fit for you if your looking for a good American made hybrid sedan.

http://usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/cars-trucks/Ford_Fusion-Hybrid/