Car Shopping

[V8 Cat]

Re: Car Shopping

I believe the Saturn Aura is Saturn's version of the Malibu.... I think it actually hit the market before the Malibu. Both are nice looking sedans to me.

This is true, but there might be some minor differences as I read an article in some sort of car review and the tester had gone over both but preferred the Malibu for some reason that appeared not to have anything to do with styling or price. Believe it or not he did not list the reasons. I've never tried to do a comparison on-line because I like them both. I was sort of surprised because with the Saturn you supposedly get a great dealer experience akin to Lexus, Infiniti,etc.

[2K2BIRD]

Re: Car Shopping

David,

We have been driving our 08 Focus SES for about a month now and have over 3000 miles on it thanks to a 2200 mile trip to South Dakota. So far we have really liked the little car. It delivers gas mileage as advertised, sits confortably, manuevers well and accelerates as well as can be expected for a 140 hp 4 cylinder engine. I think the SES is an attractive package with the fog lamps, spoiler and 16 inch wheels.

Of course, one thing to remember is that it is a little car compared to the Montego or even the Fusion. I think it rides good for a little car but it can't be compared to what you are used to I'm sure. If you keep in mind what it does well and not have expectations that it can't fulfill then you'll like it a lot.

I'm glad we made the trade.

P.S. The car looks great in silver. It was my first choice because of the ease of keeping it clean, but we are happy with the Vista Blue.

[MintTbird]

Re: Car Shopping

do yourself a favor and look @ the fusion... just so you have something to compare it to... im sure the focus feels great as you are comparing it to a 7 year old car? how will you like it in 7 years? it may be perfect for you but look around a bit!

[yelobird2002]

Re: Car Shopping

My 08 Focus is everything I hoped it would be. I stepped out of a 06 Mustang GT and have not regretted it one moment. Yes the Fusion is nice, and yes the Taurus is nicer than the Fusion, but neither get 27 - 35 MPG which is what you stated you were looking for. The Focus achieves those goals easily. Go for it.

[David M 7173]

Re: Car Shopping

We are still debateing, first I have to see if it will haul my Rascal scooter. Our Montego is a 2005 and a very nice car. The trade difference would buy a lot of gas. Lynn I wish they still made the wagon. I am going to look at a couple of more things before we make up our mind. Thanks Paul and Yello Bird for your info. We definitly will trade only because of fuel economy. Our Montego is averageing 24-26.
David

[Skip]

Re: Car Shopping

David:

Just to muddy the waters a little for you, here is what I posted on another thread.

Skip

I recently retired. After nearly 35 years of having the benefit of a Co car, I was suddenly put in a "must purchase a car" situation. I started planning early in the year, and although I really would have preferred a nice sedan, some type of utility vehicle was a must to carry folks and my wares to shows. I looked at and drove many vehicles. My qualifications were:

1) Must have at least the cargo space of an Explorer.
2) Must have three seats.
3) Must be a domestic product (read that as Ford, GM, maybe Chrysler).
4) Must meet my budget/price requirements ($30K or less on the road).
5) Must ride and handle as much like a car as [possible.
6) Had to pass the wife, mother and mother-in-law test: easy to enter and exit, no high step-up.

As you might expect, this limited a lot of stuff right out of the gate. I did drive Explorer, Expedition, Tahoe, Jeep Commander, Cadillac SRX, Trailblazers, etc, just to give myself as broad a spectrum as possible. I considered the Flex, but it did not meet my timing or price range. And it's length was a factor, and the styling hasn't grabbed me as yet. I like the Edge, but it is not big enough. The cargo area and third seat in the Pacifica left a lot to be desired. I even considered buying used, but most of what I looked at was too pricey for a 2-3 year old vehicle with the mileage range I was looking for. The decision finally came down to two choices: Ford Taurus X or GMC Acadia/Saturn Outlook. I liked all of them, especially the larger cargo space in the GM vehicles. But a 10% premium in price, 20% less poorer fuel economy (from my own driving experience) and the highstep-up made the Taurus X the winner. It's not as sexy looking as the Edge and some of the imports, and is almost an also ran in the Ford line-up because of virtually no advertising (sound familiar to you retro Tbird owners?), but it fit the bill for me. I purchased an Eddie Bauer in Merlot with chrome wheels. It really looks sharp. I've gotten a lot of positive comments on it from friends and strangers, including "what kind of vehicle is this?". (Again, sound familiar?). Even my GM, Chrysler and import friends have remarked positively on it (and they weren't just being nice-that isn't their style). My dealer tells me they have even had some interest in them after folks have seen mine around. And the ultimate positive comment: My wife has drive Camrys since 1983 and says the Taurus X drives and handles comparable to them (I geuss this is positive, at least that's the way I'm looking at it. Note that the Camrys were purchased before she was my wife-her next car will likely be something else). I'm not the dyed in the wool Ford guy most of my friends think I am, but I've had more Fords than GM or Chrysler products in my 40+ years of buying cars. But I did feel that if I was going to buy a new car at this point and time, a Ford should be prioritized as much as possible. And so far, it appears to have been the right choice.

[2FAST4U]

Re: Car Shopping

David, why don't you just keep the Montego?...I have a Five Hundred and I'm very pleased with it. It's one of the best cars safety-wise and it does not take that much gas for a rather large sedan...I wouldn't trade mine for anything right now as "it gets the job done" !
Claude.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Car Shopping

The trade difference would buy a lot of gas. We definitly will trade only because of fuel economy. Our Montego is averageing 24-26.
David

David,
Wow, I'm getting confused. The gas mileage sounds very good; especiallly for the size and comfort of the Montego. Have you worked out the math on this?
Claude

[David M 7173]

Re: Car Shopping

Well everyone, We have decided to keep the Montego. The Focus is not enough car to handle the weight of the Rascal on the rear bumper. And Claude you are right The Montego is a good looking car and very much under rated.
David

[MintTbird]

Re: Car Shopping

i loved my 500 i just drive sooo much for work i beat it up... look @ an hhr you may like them as well...