posted 07-04-2014 07:09 PM                  

I am looking for suggestions based on personal experience please.

Given the recent recall issues I won't consider a GM product even though I have had good experiences with them over the years.

As much as I would prefer to buy something Made in the USA where the money stays here, I will likely need to consider other options.

My price point is something under $25,000.00 MSRP including all shipping & taxes.

What I am looking for is a basic commuter car with the following criteria (along with what I don't want).

I am looking for:

A coupe with an automatic transmission that gets no less than 25 mpg around town on regular gasoline only.

Air conditioning, cruise control, tilt wheel, power windows.

Standard AM/FM stereo with CD changer (prefer multiple CD's)

I would like/prefer to have: (but not a necessity)

A fabric or vinyl interior.

Remote Start.

Alloy wheels.

Something that would be comfortable to drive long distances if needed.

I do NOT want:

A diesel or hybrid.

A sunroof.

Anything with more than two doors so that rules out most of the choices in this category.

posted 07-04-2014 07:26 PM                  

One more thing I want and that is Front Wheel Drive as I seem to prefer it for driving in the snow.

posted 07-04-2014 08:07 PM                  

Everything in your list except Remote Start leads to a 2014 Honda Civic LX Coupe. Check it out in your area online. This is what I found locally.
http://www.hondauniverse.com/new/Honda/2014-Honda-Civic-228f737c0a0a00de3f55f6dffc bf330d.htm

Good Luck in your search.
I just traded in my 2010 Buick Lucerne for a 2014 Dodge Charger.

posted 07-05-2014 08:24 AM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by MeanGene:
Andria,

VW Beetle - I have the Turbo Diesel Passet(45+ mpg)

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I wonder how the mileage would be if I put regular gas in that Diesel.

Other than the Diesel aspect of the car, how it it otherwise as far as reliability etc...

I just went to the VW site, the base price of a Beetle is about 27K so it is more than I want to spend right off the bat. I seem to recall not that many years ago that the "New Beetle" was being advertised for "Under $2,000.00 Again"

Gene, I do appreciate your taking time to reply.

posted 07-05-2014 03:35 PM                  

quote:

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Originally posted by JeraneW:
Looked at a Scion auto today at our local dealer. Sticker is about 27K with few options. Honda had several AT CRX that start around 18K Since Scion has only been out for two years, I would stick with a tried and true CRX for my money. I didn't know the Scion had a "jump" seat that I would not need. Good luck on the hunt.

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posted 07-05-2014 05:06 PM                  

The Beetle has a lot going for it, so you can keep doing your own thing too.
1.8T/2.5L

A driver’s car. For exceptionally stylish drivers.

$20,295*Starting MSRP

33*Hwy

24City

Beetle

R-Line 2.0T

Take a look at its racy side.

$24,995*Starting MSRP

31*Hwy

23City

posted 07-05-2014 06:39 PM                  

The only match in the area that had what I wanted was this one. I also learned the gas motor is turbocharged which is not anything I want to deal with but I do Thank You for the suggestion.

Beetle

2014 R-Line

VIN: 3VWVT7ATXEM632908

posted 07-06-2014 08:29 AM                  

I tend to keep my vehicles for more than five years so long term maintenance is a concern.

As much as I would love to go with a rear wheel drive "fun" car, I already have one. What I need is basic transportation that won't cost an arm and a leg, isn't cramped, holds it's value relatively well (just in case), and will protect me in the event of an accident.

I am staying away from the small cars like the Fiat 500 & Smart car as much as I am staying away from four doors, mini vans, Hybrids, and rear wheel drive cars.

The only reason I am considering a new car at this time is mostly because of the outrageous asking prices of five year old cars that already have over 100K miles on them.

There are many more choices in the 25K to 30K range but I want to stay under the 25K price point if possible.

I want something I can get into and out of easily (easier than the Prowler) and has the ability to carry more than one passenger on that rare occasion when I need to.

The Nissan Altima Coupe could be a contender but it was discontinued in 2013. Yes there are still some around on Dealer's lots but they still want upwards of 30K for a two year old car.

The Miata interests me as well but it is more difficult to get in and out of than I want and the price point is in the 30K neighborhood. Yes it's a convertible but the current models have a folding hardtop.

I would consider a Mopar product but the only two door they currently offer is a convertible and as much as I love convertibles, I want a coupe this time around.

I have not ruled out the Honda Civic just yet but am still leaning toward the Scion TC at this time. I'm still looking but hope to have found something before winter hits.

posted 07-06-2014 03:52 PM                  

I too was looking for a coupe when I bought my mustang. It was to be my daily driver and didn't want the extra noise of the convertible, cowl shake and expense.

Well when I got to the dealer the coupe was already sold and the blue convertible was still available and the asking price close to the same. I drove a long way to look at them so went ahead and drove the convertible. I was impressed with the ride and noise level for a convertible and no cowl shake. Didn't like the color didn't want a convertible but the price was right so I bought it.

Now what am I getting at? Just because it is a convertible does not mean you have to put the top down, last year the top was down -0- times and this year once when the blue angels were in town practicing so we parked downtown dropped the top and watched the planes fly overhead, put the top up and drove home.

JUST BECAUSE IT GOES DOWN DOESNT MEAN IT HAS TOO!

Don't plan on putting it down either. Have 2 other convertibles so no need on my daily driver.

Good luck finding what you want but you are right, a little too late since the kids today don't care what they drive and a 4 door is ok with them and that is who use to buy the 2 door cars, OH, THAT BE US.......... LOL

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Larry & Sue Mayes