STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Metric · Gucci

Car recommendations?

CarrieS · Marc Jacobs

I have a Honda Civic EX and it's my baby! I think the best thing about it is that it gets great gas mileage (which is soooo important nowadays because of gas prices going up). I consider it peppy and it's very easy to handle, especially on the snowy roads I've got right now.

kealoha · Kate Spade

I have a Toyota Corolla that gets awesome gas mileage--especially w/gas prices approaching $2.40/gallon in Hawaii. A friend has the Matrix & loves it--easy to park & great gas mileage.

Mia · Kate Spade

My parents have a 2005 Corolla and I drive it a lot and think it is awesome - peppy, great fuel economy, easy to park...just a generally good car. My sister has a Matrix and same deal. I think for what you describe you're best with a Japanese car - Toyota or Honda - they come out rated the best in almost every category, above the American and European cars.

I have a personal love for Audis (esp. the A4s) but with an European car repairs and parts are going to be damned expensive.

JackieO527 · Dooney & Bourke

I am partial to HONDA. I have had 3 hondas and I have loved each and every one of them. Great gas milage, no major problems just routine maitenance. My first honda was an 87 accord, I had it until I went away to college and it had nearly 300,000 miles on it, then someone offered to actually buy it from me for $1000, why? I dont know but the kid had it for another 2 years. I just love honda. My next car was a 95 civic. I handled like a dream in the snow. I was driving home from my grandma's and I was the only car that could make it up the large hill all other cars were all over the road. I could go on and on about honda but I wont because you get the point. The honda civic is a good bang for the buck and has an awesome resell value.

exsupahero · Kate Spade

I'm not good at reviewing but...

I drive a 2002 Mitsubitshi Lancer. I loooove my car (maybe because it's mine. ) I can drive about 300+ miles on each tank and it drives really well. It's a really simple car so if you're just wanting something thats cooool, I'd say the Lancer.

What isn't good about Mitsubitshi cars is that if you want to sell it, you really won't get alot like a Honda or Acura would. The resale value drops dramatically so if you're planning on doing that and want a decent amount of money back, I'd say no. I wouldn't sell my car cause it's my baby!

Oh, and you should check out some Acura cars. Some of the cars are pretty nice looking. One of the Acura cars just beat out the BMW in the luxury category (or something like that).

Ally S · Kate Spade

I love Honda's too, I've had 4 and my husband has had 3., he just bought a brand new Element in October.

We've have never had any major problems with any of them we've owed, they do great on gas, have excellent pickup, handle well and have never let me down. The only reason we've had this many is we trade up on them every few years.

trixie · Kenneth Cole

I second the Honda vote as well - everyone I know that has one has had theirs forever and love them. I don't think you could wrong with one.

I'd also like to put in a vote for the Mazda3 too. I don't have one but I have a Mazda6 and I absolutely love mine. It was my first post college purchase, and my biggest one to date, and I don't regret it. I've had mine for about a year and a half now and it has been a joy to drive everyday. I get tons of compliments on it too. HTH!

Cricket · Gucci

I

Toyota's. I've had a Celica, a truck, and now we have a 4Runner and a Sienna (it's a minivan... probably not what you want, but I love it!). Anyway, they make great vehicles and have high resale values.

RyanJ · Coach

My first car was an Audi Carbriolet and I loved it so much. It was a really good car. It held up through the beating a 16 year old could give it. I went to Florida a few times and to New York a lot. It had so many miles on it. I never had to have anything major fixed besides the routine oil changes and tune ups.

Elle · Hermes

I say go for a Honda. I don't know anyone who has had problems with a Honda, come to think of it! I would also have to advise against the Mazda3 - we test drove one and it's SO SMALL! I am not a large person by any means (5'1" and 115lbs) and I felt cramped - the dash board is right in your face and there's nowhere to put your arms b/c the seats are so narrow. My SO's head touched the roof (he's 5'10") and only a child would be able to sit in the backseat, even if the front seats are forward as far as they can go. JMO.

lsubatgirl · Gucci

I've been researching new cars too (slowly though) and my favorite are hondas. They last forever and keep their value when you go to trade them in. I like the accord and will probably get that one since I am getting older (mid 20s) and will have this car when I get married and have kids so I want the space. Otherwise I'd be getting the civic.

My bf who is into cars says to get a 4 cylinder car vs V6 because it will give you the better gas mileage and still have the speedy pickup you want. I will *probably* listen and do that. I really want the accord hybrid but its $10000 more (MSRP) so I'm not getting it.

BTW Hondas and Acuras are the same cars Acuras just cost more.

ayo · Coach

I'm also researching cars now too (I need a grown up car now I think)

I've looked into Audi's (the A6 to be exact) they are just ok cars to be honest with you. They are hit or miss, you might get a really good one that gives you zero problems and then you could get a total lemon..

They are made by VW (the maker of the car I have now) and I will NEVER buy one again..

The newer Acuras are pretty nice too...the TSX is pretty cute and seems to fit the description of the type of car you'd like..but I LOVE the RL's...

Have you looked into Mini's? made by BMW, they are good on gas and soo adorable (I think).

I would probably steer clear of Toyotas (I think they are overpriced). Honda's are nice too...but I think the Acura's cuter (JMO).

I think Mitsubishi's are pretty hit or miss too..

I hope that was helpful!

dot · Marc Jacobs

If you are AT ALL considering the Matrix, I urge you to research the Pontiac Vibe. I believe Pontiac and Toyota co-designed these cars together, and the Vibe is alot less in prices and is practically the same car. To be honest, I like it better. My bf got one as a rental from work (we used it for about 7 months). It was totally awesome and we decided that when we buy a new car it will be the Vibe. I had never had luck with any GM cars.. but the Vibe I can say is truly a good deal.

halleybird · Hermes

I am a very loyal Toyota customer, so my recs are a little one-sided.

I have a Rav4 and I love it -- it's basically a Corolla, but higher off the ground and peppier. It's so fun. I have had Corollas, a 4Runner and a Tercel before, too. My best friend had a Honda Civic that got to like 180,000 miles and was still going strong. I love the civics, but here it seems like everyone and their mom has one. I decided not to get one because they're more frequently stolen (and I live in a city w/the highest vehicle theft in the nation).

I also really, really like the Prius -- as dot said, you can look into the Vibe, too, but my husband (who is a car freak) studied both vehicles in college and claims the Toyota is more mechanically reliable. We have a GMC right now that we are getting rid of because we can't stand GM cars. BUT I think the American vs. Japanese car debate comes down to personal preference anyway.

Good luck!

dot · Marc Jacobs

quote:
Originally posted by: halleybird
" as dot said, you can look into the Vibe, too, but my husband (who is a car freak) studied both vehicles in college and claims the Toyota is more mechanically reliable. We have a GMC right now that we are getting rid of because we can't stand GM cars. BUT I think the American vs. Japanese car debate comes down to personal preference anyway. Good luck!"

halleybird - i totally agree with always loving japanese cars. but that is why i was so so shocked by the vibe!!!!!! i've always been such a supporter of japanese cars, but the vibe really did well in our 7-month-long test drive. i guess i also prefer the look of the vibe vs. the matrix. they are practically the same car, but i guess i would wonder about customer service. my parents have a lexus, a toyota car, and the service has always been good. i couldn't really say about toyota or pontiac though.

JoceyBaby23 · Gucci

I drive an Acura RSX and it is the most amazing car I've ever had. It is true Acuras are made with Honda parts which makes them reliable.. They are slightly more expensive but the models are sleeker than the Honda and there are a lot more features included.

ayo · Coach

how is the gas mileage on that?

I'm debating between it and a X5...but I drive a lot so I'm really concerned about gas consumption..

quote:
Originally posted by: JoceyBaby23
"I drive an Acura RSX and it is the most amazing car I've ever had. It is true Acuras are made with Honda parts which makes them reliable.. They are slightly more expensive but the models are sleeker than the Honda and there are a lot more features included."

JoceyBaby23 · Gucci

It is actually very good.. on the same level as a Honda.. not quite as good though, bc Acuras have a little bigger engine and more horsepower..

tosh · BCBG

We test drove a Toyota Matrix and were not impressed at all. It didn't have enough power and the seats were really uncomfortable. We ended up getting a Subaru Forrester, but that is probably bigger then you are looking for. I'd vote for a Honda.