Used Car Talk

[WayneNYC]

I've owned two Nissan Sentras - very nice and reliable car, although the newer models have grown in size in recent years. 

Agreed, but that's a good thing as it's direct competitors (Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla) has also grown from sub-compact to the compact class.

[RailBus63]

It's funny how the Japanese builders have gradually grown their models over the years and have to come up with new compact models to fill the niche for buyers of small cars. I remember when the Accord was smaller than today's Civic.

Nissan has also gained appreciation among American carbuyers and is now right behind Honda and Toyota in that regard. Unfortunately, their prices also reflect this. Hyundai and Kia are now the best bet for people looking for a good car at a reasonable price. My wife and I own a 2008 Kia Sportage and we love it - I'm convinced it's just as good as any comparable Japanese model.

[Tritransit Area]

Hey this is a great topic, as I am looking for a personal automobile myself. 

The later Ford Focus and the Fusion really look nice!  I just worry about their handling.  Of course, a car with decent acceleration would be nice as well to help merge onto that wretched [PA] Turnpike!

Are the cars you listed, particularly the Kia and Hyundai, good as used cars?  I just worry as I peruse the forums out there and see some mildly angry people (yet others are happy!).

Tristan, here's some review places that may be good:

www.carsurvey.com
www.edmunds.com

Also, auctions can be great...but you only have a small window of time to check out the car, you don't get to test drive it, and sometimes you see some real clunkers pull in.

[Sand Box John]

I have own two Ford Focus's. Both had manual transmission. Was easily able to merge by down shifting an standing on it. The rental Ford Focus I had for a couple weeks with an automatic transmission could do the same.

[RailBus63]

I will not buy another Ford product. I've owned two Fords since 1987 and both developed serious problems as they aged - the front axle was a particular issue with each. I traded in my second Ford after only 120,000 miles after a trusted mechanic informed me that the latest repair would cost $800 or more but he couldn't guarantee that the problem wouldn't return. It just felt like neither car was designed to last more than five years. My two Nissan Sentras, by comparison, made it to 9 and 12 years and 150,000 and 160,000 miles respectively, and the only major breakdown I had was a failed distributor on the 1996 Sentra - it was the only time I needed a tow.

[WayneNYC]

I feel the same way.  I had 2 Chevys as my first two cars.  Once I went with Honda, it's been years a many thousands of trouble-free miles.  I know the domestics have gotten much better, but I'm not about to mess with success.