New Car Day

[Jimbo]

The wife and I are going new car shopping today. Since we are almost empty nesters and gas is so expensive, we are looking at smaller cars. Ideally, we would like to find something smaller that we can tow a small TD with. We are looking at the Hyundai Elantra, Accent and Tuscon as well as the Chevy HHR. Anyone have any experience with any of them?

[taylorcraft078]

I have a 2005 Elantra with a 5 speed manual. So far 60,000 miles with no trouble. I think that the current ones are a redesign so I don't know how well my experience applies. The deal on mine was invoice + an advertising fee and $2500 in rebates. The only options were cruise and CD player. Since I got it my F150 gets about 2000 miles / year and is for sale. A 40 mile commute at $3/gallon will do that to you.

At this point I would buy another Hyundai. Decent quality and a lot cheaper than Toyota/Honda.

Dave

[LittleJ]

I've had a 2007 Accent SE since October last year. No probs at all. Even took a rearending by a Miata at 35 with me sitting still and only dinged the bumper cover. Everything was absorbed nicely. Can't say the same for his front end!
Have also pulled a utility trailer with furniture and boxes when moving. Pulled very well. Haven't been able to start a TTT yet, though.

[Jimbo]

Well, we ended up getting a real nice deal on a Demo 07 Hyundai Tuscon. It's big enough to be comfortable when we travel but small enough not to need two people to drive it. I think it will make a good TV also for something light. The sales guy said the V6 model would tow 3500# but we only got the 4cyl model.

Back in 2003, I was driving a 2002 Accent and was stopped for construction. I was the last car hit by an out of control car chain reaction. Totaled the Accent but it wrecked well. I ended up getting only a broken rib. Loved that car. Oddly enough, I learned about the importance of getting Gap insurance when I totaled that car also.

I'm not sure about their SUVs but they seem to be well made also. I guess we'll find out now.

[Bill Fernandez]

I drive a 1997 jeep I love it its payed for.