This fall, I'll be a little over 300 mi. from home away at school. My parents want me to start looking for a newer car because the Explorer doesn't get the best gas mileage. The price range is about $15K. I'm looking for a car with decent gas mileage. I'm not really into the import scene, but if it is a must, I could go that route. I'm been looking around and here are a two cars I have in mind right off the bat and they are the Ford Fusion and Mazda 6.

$15,000 is the max cost for the car, so any suggestions. What would you guys pick up. Anything more reliable than another, which I know it is. I've always been told that imports ( Toyotas, Hondas, and Nissians) are very reliable, but are a pretty penny to repair.

What do you'll think?

KB

Edited June 16, 200718 yr by kbkid

The Fusion and the Mazda6 are the same car, BTW.

What do you consider "good" gas mileage? What other requirements for the car do you have?

Why are they the same car? I mean I know Mazda is owned by Ford, but what other characteristics do they share?

Good gas mileage would mean better than my 17 mpg if I'm lucky in my Explorer. Nissan Altimas, Maximas, things along those lines are what I've been looking into lately as well. Automatic, Power everything, decent trunk space and 4 door are things I've been looking into as well.

They're the same car in that everthing involving the chassis and drivetrain are identical. The sheetmetal is the difference between them. Think along the lines of the Mazda pickup and Ford Ranger.

Based on the criteria you listed, I'm guessing that you're looking the in '03 and older range on those cars to find them in you price range? Go ahead an throw in the Camry and the Accord with that group and I'll think you'll pretty much have the bases covered. There are Domestic models out there that might fit what you want, too, but since you're looking used, I'd stick with the imports. They tend to hold together a bit better on average. That said if you can find a domestic that has been well cared for, you can get a pretty good deal. All the ones that are beat to hell devalue the ones that are in good shape.

Actually I've seen a few Fusions and Mazda 6s for around $15K with under 20K miles on them. Most come from large Ford dealers in my area.

I'm looking for some actually 03' and newer if I can. I've found a ton of Altimas loaded with about 30K-40K miles. Maximas seemed to be a little out of price range unless I get one with higher than 50K miles. What domestics should I look into besides what has been mentioned.

The Altima is probably the front runner now because they seem to have all of the criteria (sp?) I wanted.

Keep them coming and I appreciate the input so far.

Actually I've seen a few Fusions and Mazda 6s for around $15K with under 20K miles on them. Most come from large Ford dealers in my area.

I'm looking for some actually 03' and newer if I can. I've found a ton of Altimas loaded with about 30K-40K miles. Maximas seemed to be a little out of price range unless I get one with higher than 50K miles. What domestics should I look into besides what has been mentioned.

The Altima is probably the front runner now because they seem to have all of the criteria (sp?) I wanted.

Keep them coming and I appreciate the input so far.

On those 20k mi Fusions from the large dealerships, I would say beware. They might call them "program cars". Run like hell if they are as I know how I treat rentals. At that mileage I am interested in local trades only.

Thanks M5 for the input.

So do you guys think I should stick with the import route? The Hondas, Nissans and Toyotas all seem to do fairly well in the long run. I'm also looking for something that will get me through these 4-5 years of school.

what about vw ?

For some reason I get the image in my head of the VW being a "chick's car". I know thats not true but who knows. What did you have in mind?

A diesel Jetta gets amazing mileage. Like 40+. Here at least, diesel is cheaper than gas as well.

golf / jetta diesel. 1.9TDI's are nice engines.

i forgot when was the last time i popped the hood for maintenance.

Diesel is honestly something I'm looking at for a possibility...........not sure yet tho.

J