Need New DD...~15k

[BriK]

Really? I hated driving the one we rented. It stumbled over its self trying to start from a stop every time. It got good gas mileage and was reasonably comfy, but it also had bad blind spots (hatch). Might just be me, or the one I drove, but it was just annoying to drive.

I had a Focus rental a couple weeks ago and had the same thing. I assume it was due to the auto Start-Stop-- engine was "stopped" when at a standstill, then "started" when I got going again.

[rose0529]

I had a Focus rental a couple weeks ago and had the same thing. I assume it was due to the auto Start-Stop-- engine was "stopped" when at a standstill, then "started" when I got going again.

This one kept running when stopped, just stumbled when it got going again. May have just been that car, but I think I've read reviews with the same complaints. just my .02

[Murlo26]

The focus I drove was a newer one, 2012, didn't have any issues I noticed except being really dirty, like close to unacceptably dirty for a car on a lot.

Otherwise, fun to drive, good gas mileage and great interior and features. No weird stumbling issues at all.

Im going to stop at a ford dealer to check a few out and see a fusion or two.

Subaru is also still on the list.

[Trogdor]

being really dirty, like close to unacceptably dirty for a car on a lot.

Yeah... Honda's been making our lot a fucking disaster! They're building a new service department, which has left a giant dirt patch next to us. Detail comes out every morning and sprays the cars down. When this gets covered again by dust and turns in to mud. So they basically go from dirty, to clean for about 10 minutes, to muddy.

[Tachyon]

I am am interested to see what you end up going with, Dave. I am in about the exact same boat... want to replace my old POS with a 1-2 year old car in that 16-20k mark.

So far my short list is:

New Focus hatch
Hyundai Elantra Coupe
Mk VI Golf 2.5 (am a sucker for the Lamborghini engine)

Let me know if you run across anything that surprises you (in a good way) while out test driving cars.

[Murlo26]

I am am interested to see what you end up going with, Dave. I am in about the exact same boat... want to replace my old POS with a 1-2 year old car in that 16-20k mark.

So far my short list is:

New Focus hatch
Hyundai Elantra Coupe
Mk VI Golf 2.5 (am a sucker for the Lamborghini engine)

Let me know if you run across anything that surprises you (in a good way) while out test driving cars.

Will do!

Yeah... Honda's been making our lot a fucking disaster! They're building a new service department, which has left a giant dirt patch next to us. Detail comes out every morning and sprays the cars down. When this gets covered again by dust and turns in to mud. So they basically go from dirty, to clean for about 10 minutes, to muddy.

I meant the inside more than the outside, you could tell plenty of employees drive it and never clean it...get it detailed up for next time I come back, hard to tell if I would want that particular one with how dirty it was.

[Murlo26]

I know I have asked this before, but I will ask again since it relates to this thread.

I need to get approved for my loan now so I can seriously look for a car.

Was planning on doing a credit union or at least talking with one, so I can get setup for the amount etc. Then go buy a car.

I am leaning towards the Hyundai sonata, half way decent looking car, drove nice, decent features and roomy and still 35mpg. Seems like a win win.

[turbotalon1g]

^Did you try the kia version? I think its a lot more badass looking and from what car & driver said comes with a lot more features standard.

[Trogdor]

I know I have asked this before, but I will ask again since it relates to this thread.

I need to get approved for my loan now so I can seriously look for a car.

Was planning on doing a credit union or at least talking with one, so I can get setup for the amount etc. Then go buy a car.

I am leaning towards the Hyundai sonata, half way decent looking car, drove nice, decent features and roomy and still 35mpg. Seems like a win win.

If you're still interested in the one we have, we work with about 50 different lenders, banks and credit unions. Typically speaking* when you work with a dealer who uses multiple lenders you get a better rate than you would as a private person. We can beat or beat just about any rate.

*I've seen someones personal credit union beat our rate about 4 times in the 9 months I've been here. One was a bank employee, another was a loan against her 401k.

If you'd like, Dave, I can get some basic info from you and I can see what kind of financing I can find you.

[Murlo26]

If you're still interested in the one we have, we work with about 50 different lenders, banks and credit unions. Typically speaking* when you work with a dealer who uses multiple lenders you get a better rate than you would as a private person. We can beat or beat just about any rate.

*I've seen someones personal credit union beat our rate about 4 times in the 9 months I've been here. One was a bank employee, another was a loan against her 401k.

If you'd like, Dave, I can get some basic info from you and I can see what kind of financing I can find you.

PM me, if you want to try and get some basic info :)

Aaron, I have not yet, haven't had time with all the other shit going on lately. Last weekend was track weekend and this weekend is the cruise, been busy.I will though before I buy.