So for example, if you decide you want a 4 cylinder 2 door hatchback that's not too boxy, and in the budget you're looking to stay in. You can list several different models that you might like. I can help make suggestions. From that point is when you can start looking at those different models to see which one has those smaller details you'd like to find.
What I mean is, start big picture and work down. Make list of what you want, BIG picture. Examples. Two doors and a hatch, or four doors, or a four door and hatch (wagon). 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder. A compact car, a sedan, or a cross over (tiny SUV). The general shape of the car. Boxy, wedge, or rounded. Once you have a big picture of what you're looking for you can start to narrow it down.
If it weren't boxy, I'd tell you to look at a Honda CR-V. Unless you hate boxy, check one out. If you're serious about camping, something in the Subaru family might be what you're interested in. The specific interior characteristics you said you want and/or don't want vary from year to year. Even within the same model car. You need to not focus on some of the smaller details like controls on the steering wheel until you've narrowed down some of the bigger picture first.
Oh I want to add something to my car list: that under the floor storage space. That seems pretty neat.
So like my ideal car? I want 4 doors and I want it to be a rounded shape, because I don't like those boxy looking cars. And I want to be able to camping with it. And not sissy pay for a camp site and sleep in a trailer and go swimming in a pool camping, I mean REAL camping up in the woods in a tent with no bathrooms or showers. And I hate those cars that auto-lock the doors as soon as you start driving so I don't want that. And enough storage space in the trunck. And with one of those curved hand breaks as opposed to the straight ones. And I don't want anything that has volume control on the steering wheel because I find that stupid. Am I missing anything? Thats all I can think of.
Well, tell me specifics on "I want two doors and a hatch" or "I want a conventional four door." Things like that. I'll make a list. Take your time. No rush on this end.
Well I'm not going to argue with you about cars, because I will lose and yes you are right. It depends on the car. Right now my price limit is the 2000$ but obviously I am going to want a newer car when I can afford one. I haven't givin it much thought yet. I want it to be quiet. And one of those cars that looks small on the outside but is roomy inside. And has none sensitive pedals. And comfy seats. And functions as a car.
It's tough to judge from two cases. The Mazda6 and Mazda3 continue to receive great reviews from magazines, and good solid reviews from long term testing. In fact the Mazda3 has won it's class in performance, affordability, and build quality several times over the years. It might just be that you know two people who bought lemons. Every manufacturer makes a lemon occasionally. Or they abuse their cars. Read up on reviews of cars your are interested in. It's tough to judge from one or two cases. First make a list of cars that fit your needs, and then start researching those cars. If you tell me your needs and price range, I can help make good suggestions.
True. He told me Mazda's and Jaguar's were always in to be repaired. I think there is something to that because a friend of mine bought a new Mazda 6 and in 4 years it's had to have major repairs done 3 times. Also my (sort of) sister-in-laws new boyfriend has a Mazda 3 and he seriously regrets buying it. He's actually planning to sell it as soon as he's done his payments. But I guess it depends on the car like you said and also the driver. Anyways, I sent out my mechanic-in-training friend to do some homework on the cars based on the list of things to check that you gave me and he should give me a detailed report soon. Off-topic: where do you live, if you don't mind me asking?
Haha. Considering I drive Mazdas (I own two), and have for all 16 years I've been driving I'd have to respectfully disagree. We even race Mazdas, hard, every weekend and they're tough as nails. Toyotas are good cars too. An early 90's to 2000 Corolla or Camry is a decent point a to point b car. Something like a Mazda Protege or a Protege5 would be perfect for you, and they can be very reliable. You can get early ones (90-97) pretty cheap, and even the later ones (2000-2003) are good. A Protege5 is a good looking car to me. Roomy and functional. The biggest part of what makes a used car good is how well the previous owner took care of it. You can buy a titty Mazda just as easily as you can buy a titty Toyota.
