Car shopping

[mooncat_chelion]

Well, in the next few months I will be looking to get a new car. I'm currently driving the husband's old Nissan Sentra, which is promised to his sister come spring, and my former Neon is bye-bye.

I had initially thought to, perhaps, go with a Dodge Caliber but so far all I've seen are some pretty horrid reviews. I don't need much from a vehicle, but it needs to be reliable and not wretched to drive. I don't even care if it's ugly. Hm, maybe a Honda Fit, or some such. I was really intrigued by the amusing test drive of the Ford Fiesta, linked in ionotter's journal (video here), but Car and Driver also gave it a pretty decent review.

Sadly I can't wait til Summer for it to be available in the States.

*lurks on review websites*

Comments

[javarod.livejournal.com]

I'd suggest staying away from anything Chrysler, during their Daimler ownership, their quality went into the toilet. Starting 2011, their product line is going to be heavy switched to Fiat products, their new owner, which should be a good thing, but likely will be a bit bumpy.

Ford's line is looking quite good, especially the Fiesta, which as i understand is highly rated in Europe, and its going to be brought here basically as it is there.

Toyota and Honda are good as they always are, and from my experience, GM products are good, but not great. Our Cobalt is alright, but has a lot of dumb little problems (malfunctioning hazard lights, seat fabric unfastened, mis-stitched sun visors, etc). Get a good deal, and you'll get your money's worth... just barely.

Hyndai and Kia have been coming up fast, my experience with Kia has been good, though the low price shows through in spots.

Hmmm, maybe ifn you can't wait for the Fiesta, and know you want it, check with Ford, they do have some on the road for word of mouth reviews (people that are very social online), so maybe they can put you into one sooner, but go to Ford directly, not to your local dealer.