Mid-Size Sedan Opinions For A Buyer

"Kailand09" (kailand09)
02/26/2016 at 17:24 • Filed to: None

My brother is looking into mid-size sedans, and I want to help him make the right decision.

First off - no kia / hyundai. Personal preference of his. He prefers to focus on MPG’s first, then interior quality, and likes a bit more grunt than the usual base packages offer. He will probably look for either new with lots of incentives, or a CPO for low $20's or less.

He’s driven the Fusion and liked it a lot, though said he would probably go for the 1.5L for a bit more power than the base engine.

He tried the Chevy, and didn’t like it for whatever reason. Also tried a CPO Volt, but the interior cabin on the older gen seemed to have a bad use of interior space.

Next on the list is to try the Mazda 6, and the Subaru Legacy.

He may try the Accord, though he doesn’t like the new Nissans much. Camry is out as well. Also not looking at dodge/chrysler.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

DISCUSSION (49)

dogisbadob > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:30

My pick would be the Accord

Kailand09 > dogisbadob
02/26/2016 at 17:32

Forwhy? A friend has one and likes it, it seemed decent to me too.

Leadbull > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:34

I was going to say Hyundai...

dogisbadob > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:34

Well, Honda makes great cars. Honda and Toyota are the best, and since the Camry is a no-no to him, that leaves the Accord. Plus, it’s got VTEC and a manual transmission!

Where have all the lightweights gone? > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:36

What kind of driving does he mostly do? If he does a lot of city/surface street driving, the Fusion hybrid might not be a bad choice. My fiancee has a C-Max (same drivetrain), and it has good oomph for around town, and it’s a comfortable highway cruiser when needed.

bryan40oop > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:37

Focus auto? no. Focus manual? Yes! I currently have 15 customers waiting for dsp6 clutch replacements.

yamahog > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:38

The Fusion and Mazda6 are my go-to recommendations in this category.

Kailand09 > Where have all the lightweights gone?
02/26/2016 at 17:39

not a bad option. little more expensive but a CPO might be right up the alley.

Good idea!

Kailand09 > bryan40oop
02/26/2016 at 17:39

Ouch. That’s ridiculous. Are there any issues with the fusion auto?

Wobbles the Mind > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:39

He should look into the 2013 or 2014 Maxima SV since those are the best running deal right now. MPG is first priority and a 300hp V6 is nearly overpowered going to the front wheels. It is also the highest quality build and materials of Nissan’s sedan offerings. Shorter than the Altima, but same wheelbase plus lower and wider. The design won’t look dated since new Nissans are over-designed so the more reserved 7th gen will be appreciated.

Under_Score > dogisbadob
02/26/2016 at 17:40

Retweet. Also, 2013 LX models are selling for $15,000. They have a ton of standard stuff.

Kailand09 > Leadbull
02/26/2016 at 17:40

Yeah, he’s still not sold on Korean quality.

Honestly can’t blame him. I know it’s old way of thinking, but then again I’m an all-american type anyways (yes, I understand many make their cars here etc etc).

fhrblig > Leadbull
02/26/2016 at 17:40

I was going to say Kia. So far I’m happy with the Optima.

dogisbadob > Under_Score
02/26/2016 at 17:45

The 2016 DX has enough for most people.

bryan40oop > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:50

Only big issue with the fusion is the last gen sync system and coolant bypass valve on the earlier models (not an expensive repair).

The fusion is a solid car, all around. Hardly ever see them in the shop. Probably the most reliable vehicle ford makes. And they’re incredibly easy on brakes for some weird reason.

The key difference between the focus & fusion automatics is the focus doesn’t really have an automatic. It’s a badly designed dual clutch transmission. The fusion has a traditional automatic. And honestly, we’ve yet to open up a current gen fusion transmission or engine. They’re just built really damn well.

JustJim > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:52

Sounds like he doesn’t like sedans. They are all pretty much the same. Take off logos, lights and grills and tell me which one you just looked at.

Honda’s are OK, and I didn’t see him/you negate Mazda.

Beyond that you either move up to a crossover or full-size sedan or down into a hatchback.

Good luck.

Bytemite > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:52

Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata would blow him away. If only his racism would give them a chance. Oh well.

‘Mericuh!

Leadbull > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 17:53

http://www.consumerreports.org/cars/how-car-b…

Leadbull > fhrblig
02/26/2016 at 17:54

We’ve had a Hyundai for 11 years. Never had any problems outside of standard maintenance and that one time my brother backed into a mailbox.

Textured Soy Protein > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 18:04

Honda Accord Sport has the extra grunt + mileage here’s looking for.

Altima and Camry are kinda crap at least in my experience with them as rental cars. The Altima has better seats but its transmission is horrible. The Malibu has a pathetically small back seat for a midsize car.

Aside from the Fusion, the turbo Sonata and Optima are exactly what he’s talking about. No sense ruling them out because he’s biased against Korean cars. A whole bunch of them are built in ‘Murrica anyway.

GE90man > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 18:05

used b6 Passat. just kidding. the new Passat is boring, but that’s not to say its not bad. its refined and finely made with good quality, just nothing special in it

Tom McParland > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 18:20

Accord, best all around package. The 4cyl feels quicker than you would expect especially if you get 3-pedals and the V6 has more than enough power. If he can find a leftover body style some good discounts, hell...if he shops right on the current body style he can get a good price.

ceanderson920 > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 18:23

I have a Mazda 6, so I would recommend that! I would also say to get the touring model not the base iSport model.

MLGCarGuy > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 18:44

I have a 2013 Accord EX-L with the base 4 cylinder. I can tell you that it is an amazing car. The engine has plenty of punch, and the CVT does a better job of acting like an auto than most auto transmissions. You get a lot of features for your money (mine has lane departure warning, forward collision warning, heated power leather seats with memory, and a moonroof), and you can usually exceed the advertised MPG figures without trying. The interior contains some hard plastics, but otherwise soft plastics are abundant. My only issue with the Accord so far is the double screen infotainment system; occasionally, it will freeze and won’t let you change radio stations. Otherwise, it’s a solid car with good value.

Sweet Trav > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 18:44

Having driven pretty much all of them the fusion is my favorite. Depending on your climate I would recommend the 2.0 turbo all wheel drive SE model. If he can wait until summer the 2017 Fusion Sport is going to have a twin turbo 2.7l v6 and is going to be the fastest in its class.

Sweet Trav > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 18:44

None.

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 19:43

Legacy or Fusion all the way.

hike > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 20:04

I always recommend the Mazda6. I think it looks fantastic, fun to drive, the updated interior is great, and based on personal experience, will average 32mpg. My best tank is 40, which was all highway.

ranwhenparked > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 20:23

I was actually going to suggest looking at the 200 - they’re practically giving the damn things away, and you can get leather trimmed seats and a 292hp V6 for mid 20s, with 1.9% financing. But, if he cares a lot about quality and reliability, I could see counting out FCA. Also, with a priority on empeegees, I guess a Pentastar 6 isn’t a compelling feature.

With the list he’s got, I’d say it’s a close running between the Mazda 6 and Ford Fusion. Both gorgeous cars, but I’d say the Mazda is more aggressively priced, especially in Touring form.

dtg11 - is probably on an adventure with Clifford > Kailand09
02/26/2016 at 21:26

I was gonna say KIA. But second choice would be Mazda 6. Great mpg’s, decent power, high quality interior. But the KIA is roomier, cheaper, and built just as well IMO.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > Kailand09
02/27/2016 at 01:29

Mazda6 seems like a good bet.

Kailand09 > Leadbull
02/27/2016 at 11:39

Yeah i mean for someone who is open to it, I do believe that they’ve become much better.

I guess just not his preference.

Kailand09 > Leadbull
02/27/2016 at 11:40

While i think the Koreans make solid cars now, I don’t believe at all in consumer reports.

That said, my brother still doesn't like them and I have no reason to convince him otherwise sign the competition.

Kailand09 > bryan40oop
02/27/2016 at 11:42

Great feedback thanks! He definitely likes the fusion so this helps drive a hard bargain.

Kailand09 > Sweet Trav
02/27/2016 at 11:42

Haha. I know, but he's not am enthusiast.

Kailand09 > MLGCarGuy
02/27/2016 at 11:43

Nice, yeah Friend of mine is leasing one and loves it. I'll have to talk my brother into test driving one.

Kailand09 > ranwhenparked
02/27/2016 at 11:46

Yeah I’m excited to check out the Mazda today. I’ve never driven one.

The 200 is an interesting proposition. Had he cared less about mpg and more about power, that's a steal. We had an early 2000s intrepid. While it wasn't that crazy unreliable, it wasn't great so i think he's scared off.

Kailand09 > Textured Soy Protein
02/27/2016 at 11:47

Yup, crazy they build them here would have never thought 10 years ago.

I’m not sure i can convince him to try those despite them being good cars, I think he's seeing the Mazda and the fusion and questioning why even bother.

Kailand09 > Bytemite
02/27/2016 at 11:48

Not racist one bit, thanks for assuming. Just have friends have family who have had bad experiences with their quality a long time ago.

Kailand09 > JustJim
02/27/2016 at 11:49

I did notice they all seem to have super comparable specs. It’s interesting for sure. We’re checking out the Mazda 6 today.

Kailand09 > BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind
02/27/2016 at 11:50

Reasons on the legacy?

BrianGriffin thinks “reliable” is just a state of mind > Kailand09
02/27/2016 at 14:59

Durability and dependability, mostly. Subaru has fixed the oil burning issue in the FB engine. Besides the best AWD system, Subaru historically has low maintenance costs and high reliability. Over four Subies, I’ve never had to do brakes before 80k miles and have never had to replace any parts other than consumables like belts.

Really, the AWD makes up for any of their downsides. My current Forester traversed the couple feet of snow we had in PA like it was nothing; my wife’s Leggy has been in about 7" with no trouble.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Kailand09
02/29/2016 at 11:30

I might be biased but this is the best car I’ve ever owned and would recommend it to anyone.

2013 Ford Fusion SE 1.6L Ecoboost auto with Lux package. I Average 33MPG. Get as high as 38mpg on the highway.

Kinja'd!!!

And I’ve had a pretty extensive variety of cars so it means something when I tell you it’s the best one.

- 1985 Chevrolet Chevette CS 2dr Auto

-1999 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor Auto

-1993 Honda Civic Si Coupe Manual (if you are between 25-30 you went thru that stage too so you cant judge me)

-1991 Toyota Soarer Twin Turbo Auto

-1991 Nissan Fairlady 2+2 Twin Turbo Manual

-2008 Dodge Ram 1500 Mega Cab SXT RWD Auto

-2009 Dodge Caliber SXT 1.8L Manual (Don’t ask I’m still asking myself why)

-2009 Chrysler 300 Touring Auto

-2010 Dodge Challenger SRT8 Manual

-2013 Ford Fusion SE 1.6L Ecoboost Auto (still own)

-1993 Mazda 323 base Auto

-1979 Lincoln Continental Auto

-1986 Chevrolet C20 3/4 ton pickup Auto

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > bryan40oop
02/29/2016 at 11:36

This is true. I have a 2013 1.6L Auto Fusion and it has been BY FAR the most reliable vehicle I have EVER owned. In 3 years/35,000 miles I have not needed 1 single warranty visit other than the clear coat peeling on the black VPD wheels which was purely a cosmetic issue. Mechanically this car has been BULLETPROOF.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Sweet Trav
02/29/2016 at 11:41

I see your opinion has changed a bit. Finally came to your senses by the looks of it. I remember a rant you posted on the Fusion I don’t remember when maybe 6 months or so ago?

Edit: Almost exactly a year ago.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/why-my-car-suc…

bryan40oop > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
02/29/2016 at 12:31

Those wheels may of been recalled, might wanna check and see. We’ve done a few fusion wheel recalls (one this morning). Can’t remember if they were the same as yours however. Just remember them being black.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > bryan40oop
02/29/2016 at 12:42

Yes they have. I’m just waiting for winter to end before getting the new wheels.I got the letter like 6 months ago, why submit new wheels to winter conditions when I don’t have too. I have until July of 2017 to get them changed.I’ll get them changed in the coming months. I got the wheels replaced once before and the replacements have held up so far.

Sweet Trav > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
02/29/2016 at 16:02

Nah I always loved the car, just had a few gripes.

Kailand09 > Luc - The Acadian Oppo
02/29/2016 at 18:06

Drove them all over the weekend. They have a 1.5 eco boost, the best of them all imo.

Thanks for the feedback!