An affordable Car? Part I

Posted on July 31, 2007
Filed Under Cars |

Okay so with GPS, Homelink Universal Transceivers, Xtronic CVT, Bluetooth, Anti-lock brakes with electronic force distribution, vehicle dynamic control and trip computer the center armrest is no longer such a great feature to have apparently. Should I get XM or Sirus satellite radio? The 16 or 17 inch wheels? The heated front seats or the dual climate control or both? The 6 standard airbags (shouldn’t I get as many airbags as I can fit into the car?) or the optional 8 airbags? The AM/FM/CD player or the AM/FM/CD/MP3 with 6 CD changer? Should I get the high intensity xenon discharge lights? What about rims? Why? Because…uh they look nice. What about the environment? A hybrid, need to get a hybrid, must protect the environment, Al gore would like if I got a hybrid….besides Leonardo DiCaprio drives a hybrid. I never thought the cup holder or the number of cup holders would be such a tough decision, oh yeah, apparently now they have heated and chiller cup holders, wonderful. Let’s see GM passes Toyota in sales, Chrysler new lifetime powertrain warranty, oh wait, I like Buicks! Oh boy, a certain Buick just named the most dangerous vehicle on the road-scratch the Buick.

Buying a car is a big investment of course and this day and age of technology (that is for those who are not into the classic cars) knowing what you need and what you don’t need can make the difference in price and comfort. Once more, since several cars come with packages of things you need and don’t need, it becomes a matter of choosing what package will give you more of what you do need. Over the next few posts I will have a look at some of the more affordable cars in each class that give you more options either in choice or packages for your money.

Of course this is my personal opinion, but one of the best cars on the market which is not as highly priced as other cars in it’s class is the Hyundai Sonata, the base model (with manual transmission), the GLS gives you along with some power options such as windows and locks also gives you keyless entry and alarm, front and side airbags, AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 players and air conditioning.

The GLS comes in a wide variety of colors however there are limited colors for the interior. The base price is around $18,000 and for another $2000 you can get the premium package for the base model which adds power seats, sunroof and 17 inch wheels among other features.

Moving up to the automatic GLS is another $1000 which also gives you Anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control (this is essentially helps you determine your intended path and if for example you want to turn right and your wheels do not respond, the car can automatically brake as a safety feature) as well as traction control among it’s features. The features keep going from there as you move up in class, however, this car is well priced with several creature comforts.

One word of warning! There appears to be some discussion however about the 4-cylinder versus the 6-cylinder, some drivers of the 4-cylinder have complained about vibrations in the steering wheel when your traveling over 140mph. Others, have said they have no such trouble and if all else fails there has not been any such concern with the 6-cylinder cars. Finally, this only refers to the 2007 cars, with the new 2008 cars now available, one would hope that any such problems have been solved.

When are these 2008 cars coming out, great no picture available! What car company?

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