New or pre-owned car opinions

[t-bone]

Well My wife and I have decided that we need something that is better on gas and are currently shopping for cars. We have been looking at Accords, Civics, Sentras, Altimas, fusions, and Camrys. Trying to stay under 20K price wise so a nice used one is not out of the question. Another thing that I am actually having trouble on is finding manual transmission cars. Any of you have experience with cars of this size or make or model?? Any insight would greatly be appreciated.

[Mike T]

I own a 2005 Altima, with a manual tranny, and love it. My older brother and his wife own new Civics and have nothing but good things to say about them. IMO Accords are over priced. Camrys are really nice cars, but I think they are a tad high priced. I don't know about todays prices though

[makdaddy626]

Ended up with a Civic as a rental once while the wifes SUV was in the shop... It's to small if you have kids. Just getting car seats into the backseat was like working out a puzzle, turn it this way then that. Once in, there was zero leg room for the kids without pushing the front seats up which meant zero leg room for us.

[garydh2000]

I have heard and read really good stuff about the new Saturn Astra. This is a GM Europe import from Opel. I like the 5-door hatchback XR model with a 5-speed manual.

You should check it out.

Gary

[t-bone]

I have drove a civic and I did worry about the room because we have 22 month old twins and I would asume that the Sentra would be about the same size. The Astra is something I would like to take a look at just didn't know about the stirage space with the hatch.

[The Skillmaster]

A Camry would be a good because it's more of a mid size car. You might also want to consider the hybrid version. I'm a BMW fan so I would also look into something like a 2001-2003 5 series if it's in your budget. They are also available in manuals. Good luck.

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Are you in South Florida ?? If so, I can get you a hell of a deal on a Nissan. Altima coupe or sedan, and manuals are available.

[t-bone]

I had thought about a used BMW but really want something with a good bit of warranty left and I don't think I can afford a newer one of those.
killr thats awesome that you could do that but I am in middle GA. But hey if the deal is sweet enough anythings possible!!!

[t-bone]

Well I just found out from a friend at a local Ford stealership that they have $2500 cash to customer on the Fusion right now. That is almost to good to pass up. I am going to drive one this weekend. Anybody got one or have any experience with one?

[gamster]

You should also look at consumer reports so you do not buy trouble/ dependability issues. Also look at best and worst new/used cars to buy.
Great information.
ConsumerReports.org - Used car reviews from Consumer Reports
Regards