Car shopping

[sylvar]

When your mechanic tells you it's time to replace your car, take his advice.

We went to CarMax yesterday, me and Jodi and my mom, and sat in a bunch of different cars. I took an Aveo for a test drive, and while looking on their site today, found a 2003 Mazda Protege that I'd like to try also.

The Ford Focus doesn't seem to be comfortable for Jodi, which is a real shame because I loved it. The Aveo isn't bad, but Consumer Reports doesn't think much of it. I might also try a "traditional" car lot, one operated by a rental agency. They seem to have a decent selection, though I'd have to negotiate a mechanical inspection by my mechanic; CarMax would let me do this anyway, and return it within five days if I don't like what I hear.

We're trying to spend $12k or less. What would you recommend, dear reader?

Comments

[gardenwaltz.livejournal.com]

saturns are always nice. i checked out one of the used car rental lots and the prices were a little higher because all the cars were loaded. they also had a fairly limited number of models because they try to standardize their fleets. that being said, you can get a pretty good deal if you're looking for a loaded vehicle in the lines they sell.

[foozini.livejournal.com]

Sorry, but every Saturn I have ever sat in has felt like a pile of junk to me. The interior has never been any good, and from the way people tend to drive Saturns on the road, I have a feeling (though I could be wrong) that Saturns tend to be somewhat underpowered.

[gardenwaltz.livejournal.com]

we have an SL2 and an SW2, the '2' makes a big difference.