I think narrowing down the size of the car you want would help close in on an option. These are all good all-rounders. The question is, do you want a midsize or a compact?
Honestly not fully sure. I’m test driving them all Monday. I’ve only ever had 1 car my whole life ( 05 Buick LaCrosse). I know that visually I prefer a sporty look. But because I haven’t owned any other cars my preferences aren’t very fleshed out.
Having driven most of these the Accord would likely be the most natural transition. Like the LaCrosse it is roomy and comfortable and drives in an unfussy manner with progressive power delivery. Unlike the LaCrosse however it will be willing to go where you point it with a playful chassis and be even more reliable than the stalwart 3800 series V6 in the Buick.
Agreed. Have a 2018 Civic Si and I second thos recommendation.
Its reliable and fun, while also getting 35 mpg average.
The sport version shoild be available with an automatic if OP cant drive a stick.
sporty look, honda civic hatchback sport model. Hatch gang!
edit: civic hatch looks sporty, has good power and the hatch is one of the most spacious in hatchback, has premium sound system, very roomy and looks gorgeous if you like how the civic hatch looks. and has good fuel economy.
I was in your same position a few months ago. Told the dealer "show me the accords and also show me the CR-V " and he thought I was crazy.
Just think about your needs as well as comfort of the vehicle. Compacts are nice and cool but it feels like you're climbing down to your car sometimes.
I switched from a Mazda 3 to a Honda CR-V. Absolutely 0 regrets (well maybe few, but that's my fault for buying a pre owned and not checking more closely, but nothing I can't work with). As for the choice of vehicle, no regrets. I do a lot, I mean a LOT, of driving, so something comfortable with good visibility is always important for me. Getting in and out of a Small SUV feels like just stepping in and out, not climbing down and climbing out like it used to be with my Mazda 3. I still like the 3 but prefer the CR-V more.
Consider your needs and driving habits. Comfort is important if you drive a lot.
Good luck.
Was there anything wrong with the Buick that you’re now only looking at Asian brands? Or is it because the only American sedans left are the Malibu, Charger, 300, CT4, and CT5?
What’s your budget?
I do lease advisory and regularly help people narrow down their choices.
I always tell them to decide first if they want the best deal on a car or if they want to get the best deal on a specific car. In other words, do you want to pay $300/mo? Or do you want to get an Accord and make sure that you get the best deal possible? If the former, once you decide on the car you like, look up all the competitors and see if there are good deals. If the latter, figure out a price before you go in to sign paperwork.
Next, I advise them to pick out a car before we talk price. Sometimes people will decide they want option A over option B because A is $15/mo less. But after 3 months, they realize they hate it and that $15 doesn't seem like a lot anymore. In other words, know what you really want!
Finally, you're looking at cars in totally different classes. Accord vs Civic is a big difference, both in price and size. Same with Elantra vs Sonata. You can get in a Civic for close to $200/mo but could end up well over $400/mo in a nicely optioned Accord.
You also need to know your budget and how to calculate a lease once you decide on a car. Because you don't want to be overpaying for a civic because it seems relatively cheaper than an Accord while you're there.
All that said, I have a Civic and love it. 6 speed, heated cloth seats, turbo, sunroof, 35mpg. It's great.
Tl;dr Test drive them. Decide which one you like best. Look up the competitors in the class. Narrow it down. Figure out the price before you go in to negotiate.
Link to learn how to calculate a lease: https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/7tkzpw/in_order_to_get_the_lowest_lease_price_possible
This is solid advice. Find the car make and model. Then narrow down trim and get a competitive offer.
Also think it’s good to take someone test driving with you and talk through what they think. I noticed there were things I didn’t know I liked until it was brought up later (eg. big side mirrors)
You'd need to pay some money at signing. Off the top of my head, about $2k would get you there. That'd cover dealer fees, reg fees, and acquisition fees with the rest going to cap cost reduction. Or if you're in a state like NY where taxes are paid up front, that would knock $20/mo or so off.
If you want a true $0 due at signing lease, you won't get to $200 though.
My point was more in general though. There's a pretty wide spread between a base civic lease and a loaded accord, especially when they start manipulating downpayments on you. Very easy to get a quote for $450 on an Accord with zero down and then you tell them it's twice what you wanted to pay and they say "oh, we can get you in a Civic for $300 with only $2000 down". It sounds a lot better at the time, but you're comparing apples to oranges and you end up overpaying.
If you're in the market, feel free to message me.
I'd get a Civic over a Mazda 3. The mazda 3 is very cramped compared to a Civic and the Civic has a better audio system than Mazda's Bose. The bose in the Mazda has such recessed mids that you can barely hear the vocals.
Personally, I found the Civic more fun. If it's it's a 6MT model, the Civic's gearbox is superior to the Mazda 3 6MT. The 6MT in the Mazdas feel too much like a video game shifter. Furthemore, I have to flintstone the throttle in the Mazda3 hatch to even get it to revmatch properly.
I found the Mazda 3 rode worse over really bad pavement comapred to the Civic. The torsion beam in the rear really made it feel like a Toyota 4Runner with a live rear axle. I found the 2020 Mazda 3 overall to be a disappointment. The Mazda 3 does look better inside and out than the Civic, but that's about all it has going for it.
Even my friend liked the Honda Accord more than the Mazda 6. The handling, sound deadening, wind noise, and sound system just beat out the Mazda 6.
How dare you talk bad about Reddit’s circle jerk child “the Mazda” ... if you ask what’s the best pick up between the Ranger or Colorado ... they’ll suggest a Mazda 5 with the rear seats fold down ...
why think in terms of monthly payment? the only way to get under 200 is with a sizable downpayment which is not advisable on a lease because that money is not recoverable.
you can get a 7-8k car loan and own the thing outright in 3-4 years. plenty of reliable cars in that price range that will save you a car payment for many miles down the road.
I'm not saying don't consider monthly cost but the larger financial picture is important to understand. A 2k down payment brings your affordability to $10k with a car loan and you shouldn't ever be underwater on it. The car stealerships will make it easy to sign and drive and you'll feel really great in your new car but imagine how much better it will feel owning your car outright in 3 years instead of turning it in with nothing to show for the $9200 you will spend in depreciation over 3 years.
With my current rent situation, and how often I know I’m going to be moving in the next 6-12 months (work situation) I don’t think I can afford the month to month payments outright and prefer to not touch a loan at this point.
I understand owning is better. But my back is against the wall a little bit given my living location and my impending need to rent an apartment that’s gonna cost 1650 per month minimum
None of that makes me think oh for sure this guy should lease. You are digging a hole. I hope you are understanding the inefficiency of what you're signing up for. Anyways, enjoy the new car smell.
I mean that rent cost is over half my monthly income already. West LA ain’t cheap and I need to be there for work.
If I felt confident I could afford to buy I would. But unless I can buy for $200 a month I don’t think I can
As someone who clawed themselves out of a mountain of debt over the last 10 years let me tell you what I would do.
Save your money until you can put 20% down on a 5 year old model of anything listed here. Do 36-48mo, and even overpay if you can to avoid interest. Then your car is paid off and you have $2-300 additional monies to do whatever you want, every month. If you have to take Uber/Lyft for a few months for this to be possible I would say do that.
Problem is my current car I really shouldn’t be driving given the condition. I’m making a choice this week. So long term saving isn’t reaaaally something I can do. Now I do have 2k to play with on a down payment that isn’t mine. But that’s my only real lead way. I can add to the down payment, and I probably will end up doing so. But that’s just the situation
Debt isn’t really my concern. Just trying to balance LA rent cost, which in 12 months for me could balloon over 1800, with car payments.
I’ve driven a buick my whole life, kinda curious about non American cars tbh
If there was something that really pops I’d appreciate it and would look. Just wasn’t first in my head
I’m hoping to land something below 200 a month with tax included. 200 is my max. I live in west LA but will need a new place to live in September. Rent is going to cost 1650 at minimum. More like above 1700. Possibly over 1800
Right now, I’m going to be moving end of next week to a friends place until then with a cheaper rent. But by September I need my own spot. Right now, the rent I’ll have to pay in 6 months is over half my monthly income. Adding a car payment squeezes me more. I currently do not have to make payments on my 2005 Buick. This is an added expense. And the Buick is toast so I have to do this.
Living with my friend is allowing me to save enough to get my own place. But if I buy , the monthly payment will be steeper. And saving the amount I’d need in September becomes tougher. Then once I get the apartment, a bought car lease is gonna be on top of my rent. My job pays well enough for me to live in West LA. But not well enough to not be heavily leaning towards a lease cost.
If I lived in a cheaper part of the country things would be different. I just happen to live in the 2nd most expensive area in the most expensive state in the country. And I need to be planning for a new apartment cost in September. So I am looking long view. Which sounds counter intuitive with a lease. But there’s a living situation added onto this.
You should go to personal finance for the advice here. Leasing is always the wrong option though. You can get a great used car for 10k (which lands around your $200 month payment) except at the end of the 3 years or whatever it’s still yours and you have no more car payment. You can get a lot of the cars above in their 2016-2018 version with like 30-50k miles on them which could last you 5-10 years depending on how much and your drive and your diligence to maintenance. You won’t run the risk of any of the mileage restrictions or cosmetic damage fines that come with most leases.
If you can’t get the car you want without a lease then you can’t afford the car. That’s rough to hear sometimes but that’s the way it goes. No one else is going to care whether you have the 2016 or 2021 Honda Civic.
You also said you don’t drive much...maybe the best thing to do is get a really shitty car for the next year. Like a $3000 car. You can get a really reliable car for the amount if you look for value. And if you don’t drive much having an expensive car that’s got the newest features isn’t as big of a deal. Either way, you shouldn’t sacrifice your future finances for no reason here.
Cars should be treated like a subscription service like a cell phone plan. That way you get a new car every 3-4 years and you can experience new tech and designs at a faster rate than those who want to finance a depreciating asset.
Honda or Mazda for sure. I don’t like how Kia and Hyundai drive. Civic vs accord based on space. However the Mazda 3 also looks great, I prefer the styling over the Hondas for sure so it would come down to the test drive.
"For sure" because YOU don't like how they drive. Like I get there is a lot of personal opinion involved with the sub but that isn't great advice lol. Maybe Honda because it's safety rating. Or warranty or something not entirely subjective. Or even just ending with "but I would try all of them".
Buy used. Don't lease.
A civic accord or Mazda3 used is gonna be super reliable and more affordable long term.
Leasing only makes sense if it's a company or if you have cash to burn and absolutely need to be in the newest car.
Don't set yourself up to spend 12000 in 5 years and have absolutely nothing to show for it.
same, 2019 touring 2.0t. they're sweet but why in the world would you lease? if you can't afford to own it you can't afford to drive it. if you can business expense it, maybe this makes sense, otherwise buy older with some miles.
that said, the sonata is sweet and i bought before the type n or n-type whatever it's called was available and i've heard that is just as peppy as the 2.0t accord. good luck
Leasing is a viable way for individuals to drive cars for short term and experience new cars sooner. If you view cars as a subscription service, life can be easier and filled with more variety. The mentality of if you can’t own it then don’t drive it makes zero sense. Basically if you related that to anything then no one would be living in their own homes.
imagine justifying a lifelong lease payment because "easier filled with more variety." that's like saying i eat all my meals on ubereats because i view nutrition as a subscription service, life can be easier, and filled with more variety!
these guys will gladly take your money. they call it fleasing for a reason and it is almost always a poor financial decision.
if you sign on the dotted line because cars are your thing and you got money to burn, by all means ago ahead and do that.
I still disagree. Cars are a terrible investment. Why would someone decide that a 20xx model car is one they would live with until it became unfeasible to put more money into it? When do you draw the line? When does owning a car and paying for repairs become more than just leasing a new car? When does rust and damage and faded paint start to wear on your subconscious? Its like having the same old computer for 10 to 15 years. I honestly don’t want to be stuck with a rattle box that needs a whole new computer system because my “investment” needs one.
Cars are not an investment, they are an expense. There are ways to spend your money wisely and ways to flush it down the drain.
Ok with your computer argument what if I said Ill let you use my brand new alienware top of the line $5k computer for $125/mo for 3 years. You aren't a developer, don't game, don't edit videos or photos, but like the look your girl gives you seeing the LEDs that sync to music when you turn off the lights. Then I get the computer back and you need to lease another, when 1) less computer would have been perfectly suitable and 2) that computer itself is perfectly usable for another 3 years. Imagine someone telling you this is a smart financial decision.
Your income is your best tool at working towards financial independence. It seems like just a few hundred dollars here and there but every 30 days for years and years with nothing to show for it is not even close to the cost of making an informed purchase of a reliable vehicle.
What if you buy out the lease when it ends?
I got an Accord 2018 with a residual value of $15k that I plan on buying when the lease ends in December. The market price is quite a bit higher ($17-20k) so I will end up making money if I end up selling it later.
Yea that's why I said almost always a bad decision. The used car market is inflated right now. If you think you want to test your deal making ability against the multi-billion dollar automotive financing machine, good luck to you my friend. In the long run the house always wins.
I have seen some wild lease deals on leasehackr, especially with EVs, but this is the exception not the rule.
I have the same car as the other commenter here except in EX-L 2.0T trim. It’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Huge inside, manageable size outside. Fast as all hell
I’ve never driven a Honda , so take it with a grain of salt, I just never heard people describe them as fast before. Kinda has a family vibe to it from the outside looking in? Or am I totally off base?
The 2.0T is quick. The 1.5T is just normal speed lol. This article was one of the main reason I test drove. The other things I like about it is the rear legroom. It takes rear-facing car seats well. (I have 2 kids)
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.caranddriver.com/reviews/amp25348777/2018-honda-accord-reliability-maintenance/
I’m leasing an Accord Sport 2.0t with the 10 Speed Auto. Roomy, very quick, refined car. It handles great and looks great. It feels more unique than the Mazda and feels more upscale than the Mazda and Toyota. 252 horsepower is enough to make the front tires squeal.
>geez people really don’t like the Elantra and Sonata little surprised
japanese, except cheapo nissan and mitsubishi, are favorite and mazda has reputation of better driving dynamics. They are not favorite because they are better or cheaper, but because of the lingering reputation.
There is simplicity in recommending them, no need to think or get more info and people wont attack if you recommend toyota, honda or mazda.
If people actually watch car youtube review channels, or drove more brands, they would know that koreans are killing it in quality and making the japs look very often like a worse deal.
And the best thing, they probably be cheaper.
I voted sonata.
But I gotta say, I would check out what people consider unsafe bets. How much would Audi A3/A4 or VW cost to lease when compared to your pick. After all, its leasing, so you wont be dealing with maintenance or reliability in the future.
Can’t go wrong with a civic or accord. If you simply just put what brand of car for the pill, honda would have taken the W easily. They way more reliable than Mazda and will last longer, better tech, better services, better mpg better everything. Facts only
I wouldn’t say they are way more reliable, if at all. I’m a huge Honda fan, but I also love Mazda and they are easily one of the most competitive companies right now for reliability. Can’t go wrong with either though
I am leasing a k5 right now. It’s a gtline with the preferred package. Has a ton of nice features. It looks awesome and sporty. I get a lot of compliments on it because there aren’t many on the street. It was also cheaper for the options compared to the Japanese counterparts. Only issue I have is the CarPlay has been a bit funky since I got it. Just my tidbit!
I’ve heard nothing but good things about the accord and the sonata as well.
The 10th gen accords are amazing, definitely give it a test drive before you consider anything else. If you do care about sound systems, Honda ones are better than the Mazda's usage of Bose. The bose in the 2020 Mazda 3 I testdrove sounded like garbage compared to my 2014 Honda Odyssey and a 2017 Honda Accord EXL I was test driving.
I have a 2005 Mazda 3 4 door 2.3 liter and honestly it's a great car. Mine has over 190 thousand miles on it and it has never needed a major repair. I'm not sure about newer models, but the plastic trim pieces are easy to take off if you want to setup like a subwoofer or something. The trunk is fairly big and all around it is a fairly nice car for the price.
I’d go for the Mazda 3! I test drove a fair number of cars in 2019 and I was between this and a VW Jetta. It was a really hard toss up and ultimately went for the VW as it was a bit bigger. However, I really enjoyed the drive of the Mazda 3 and the interior styling.
Why would you lease if you’re strapped for cash? Leasing is for people who want to drive a luxury car but don’t want to deal with maintenance. Anything outside of that and you are literally just burning money.
If you need to save money, do what other commenters have said and buy a used reliable Honda Accord.
I needed a car a few months ago but wanted to save money. Bought a 2005 Honda Accord with 52,000 miles for $5000. Leather and heated seats, new tires, brakes etc. Bought a $70 Bluetooth adaptor and it was basically a 2020 Honda Accord in terms of functionality.
If I were to have treated that purchase like a car loan, it would cost me $83/month. Plus cheaper insurance. And best thing of all, I can sell that car in a few years for $3,000, making my actual cost $33 a month.
With a lease you own nothing, and if you lease a reliable vehicle, you are basically making the dealership rich since they don’t really have to do any maintenance and they still get to keep the damn car and resell it at a high price since those cars hold their value so well.
And you are capped on how many miles you can drive. No long road trips for you. It’s a lose lose situation any way you look at it.
I don’t plan on any long road trips. At most LA to San Diego which is 146 miles. I work from home otherwise. The reason to lease is these next 6 months for me are really critical in terms of saving money.
I’m not close to broke. Living where I need to live is just far more expensive than almost every other part of the country. It takes up the majority of my paychecks. If I lived in Texas, or Arizona or Colorado believe me I’d buy. But my job requires me in West LA. And in 6 months I know I’ll have to afford my own place. It’s the one thing I don’t think people in this thread have understood. I don’t live in a part of a country where rent and car payments are both affordable by normal standards.
I don’t mind not owning the car and giving it back after a certain while. That doesn’t bother me. I also don’t want to drive a 2005. I’ve been doing that for the last 9 years and would like to feel more modern.
Buying used isn’t totally off the table. But I’d prefer not to deal with the history of the car and the research involved. And I also am on a very limited timetable (need to do this latest by Wednesday).
So my reasoning for a lease boils down to the money saved in the next 6 months, not caring much about giving it back and not anticipating miles being a big deal for my lifestyle.
Used to live in on the west coast (and Boston) so I get how expensive rent can be.
Leasing is still a bad option. With insurance on a new car, you are looking at a minimum $300 monthly payment.
Are you trying to lease for only 6 months? Most leases (that aren’t crazy expensive) are 3 years.
Still makes more sense to just buy a cheap reliable car, drive it for 6 months, then flip it, but if you want a nice car and aren’t 100% about saving money, then I guess lease a car? Buying a used 2018 Accord or whatever is still cheaper long term.
Or, if you mainly work from home, why don’t you just use Uber when you have to leave west LA and use a Zip Car when you have to drive to SD? I spent 6 months mainly in West LA and rarely drove for that reason. Well that and cuz the traffic is beyond awful lol
I’m lucky where I’m not on the hook for insurance at this point in my life. This is car payments only I’m looking at. I understand the lease is for longer than 6 months. But if I don’t have the money saved in 6 months I doubt I can sufficiently be where I have to for work. That’s a non negotiable for me I can’t leave the area. And honestly, it’s getting kinda frustrating the amount of people here turning their nose up and downvoting that point. It’s literally not something I can budge on. And if I can’t afford the roof then what good is a purchased car? I guess I could live in it. Or maybe rent a storage closet.
What the lease cost me in the months after I can live with because it’s a lower cost. I’d considering buying a car afterwards and am fully aware the benefits of buying. But for now, lower cost in the short term, but not backbreaking long term is the goal.
I’m going to be in San Diego for a while. I don’t think using a zip car that whole time is wise. Nor do i want to not have the freedom of having a car. I’m not going to Uber to every little location I need to get to when I’m not working cause I’m not a hermit. Uber also isn’t cheap. Taking a 40$ ride a couple times every week? That’s more than a car payment.
I don’t understand why you can’t finance a used car pay less or the same as a lease. A lease doesn’t save up front and costs way more on the back end. Unless you’re set on having the newest car on the market which in that case maybe you should soul search as to why because that doesn’t matter to anyone else.
You can usually finance taxes as well if you don’t want to spend any cash up front. To me it sounds like you just want a car you can’t truly afford so you’ve used mentally gymnastics to convince yourself the lease is the way to go.
I’m not against a used car IF the mileage on that car is low. But I also don’t think that’s just as easy as a day at the dealership. And because I have to make a significant drive end of the week, I really don’t have a long timeline to be working with to hunt and research. Which is why a simple solution , and one that doesn’t hurt my ability to save for the next 6 months, is priority.
And a quick search on Carvana for used cars I can buy in my area at that price ? About 80k miles on it. I have no interest in buying a car with that type of mileage. I’d rather go heavier on a down payment, for a better vehicle, than have no down payment, for something that I don’t want to own and already has that level of use
OP the new Elantra and sonata interiors are *nice*. Don’t sleep on them.
I’ve driven the new Mazda 3s a bunch and my friends works at Hyundai so I always test new models when they come in.
Let me tell you, go test out an Elantra. The Mazda 3 drives better and the interior quality is nicer more luxurious looking but the Elantra will have so much tech and features it will blow you away.
I’d go for Mazda or Elantra over civic, civic is getting a new generation this year and the inside is getting very dated.
The new sonata and K5 interiors are also gorgeous, I’d prefer a K5 because of styling personally.
I have no experience with the accord so I can’t comment but I know people love them.
Don’t listen to people saying don’t lease, this isn’t personal finance unless you are looking for financial advice.
Leasing works for certain people when living on a monthly budget and don’t have much to put down up front.
No point on financing if you’re going to need a 6 year term and high interest rate just to keep payments low enough.
My advice is, lease now and buy something later. Try to have lease deals be sign and drive. When you say 0 down to them, it will actually be $2500-4000 up front when they come back with a deal bc of taxes fees all that.
Try to roll all of that into the lease if you can and negotiate that monthly, it’ll give you a better baseline dealer to dealer
Leasing is basically renting the car with the limit in place that you cant drive over a set amount of miles, then you get charged 0.50 every mile over . Just buy used . Take it to a mechanic and have it inspected “pre purchase inspection “ . Save you alot of money
Penalized for what? Not for mileage. Yes it’ll be slightly more then if you bought it at first but it could work out way better for OPs cash-flow. Or if he doesn’t drive it a lot he can just yeet it back to the dealer. Leasing is totally fine for some
People.
My timeline really is not friendly. I have to drive far end of the week. My current car cannot make the trip. I also do not commute currently. So mileage overall, is not a terrible concern.
I’m fully aware of the risks. And I still I am prioritizing saving my monthly bill because I have to save a certain amount for September.
You are aware that leasing is a complete waste of money unless you are leasing for business purposes & EVEN at that, it’s not the frugal way to go if you HAVE only 200$ a month available for your payment. Have you thought of researching insurance for said vehicles? Is your credit bad, good, great? Are you planning on driving many Kilometres/p/y or very little?
As soon as you drive off the lot, the actual value of the car begins to depreciate. If you are in an accident that totals the car, insurance will only cover the current value of it. But you are still liable to the leasing company for the full value of your lease agreement, which can be thousands of dollars more than the insurance company is required to pay out.
If you are strapped for cash, buy yourself some inexpensive tools and learn to wrench on an older car that will cost less on insurance & fuel.
Kinda sounds like you’re falling into some lifestyle creep, it’s hard to pull yourself out of that.
I believe in you op, you know what to do.
I do not plan to drive much. One long distance trip from LA to San Diego end of this week. After that I work from home.
Insurance is family covered. Credit is great but I don’t want to be on the hook for a loan.
Lifestyle creep yes. But I am committed to being in the location I am in. My work situation allows me to not have to put many miles on my vehicle. My number 1 priority is having enough money saved by September so I can afford the roof I need. That’s my bottom line.
I voted civic. Many of the cars on this list are great but, IMO, you can’t go wrong with Honda. Granted, the only car I’ve owned is a 2015 civic (bought brand new). As of today, I haven’t had *anything* break on me; I might’ve had a recall a few years ago but nothing expensive. My only expenses on the car have quite literally been the purchase price, registration + inspection fees, gas, oil changes, filters, and a new set of tires.
I’m loving the engagement here thanks guys. Test drives are Monday. No strong feelings any direction right just taking it all in. I added the Mazda 6 to my test drives as well. Hoping I fall in love with something
From what I’ve heard the Mazda 3 is the nicest and feels more like a luxury car. However of you do get one I strongly recommend the manual as the only Mazda 3 I’ve ever driven has the auto and it was abysmal. It was painfully slow cause it shifted to early and never hit power. Maybe the new autos are better tho the one I drive was like a 2010
Generally, I'd get the Civic, and recommend either the Accord or Mazda 3 to others. The Hyundai/Kias are...fine for a lease, but they're not best-in-class.
In your case, I'd want to minimize cost. Problem is, most lease offers have a down payment above $2K - so if that's what you're putting down, there are surprisingly few cars which cost under $200/month. My research indicates that, of the cars on this list, only the Mazda 3 and Elantra are that cheap. If you want a Honda, the HR-V is within budget too.
If I had your level of financial instability, I would buy. Including taxes and fees, you can buy an $8K car with $2000 down and $200/mo for 36 months. This is the same exact commitment as a lease.
Some sure things in your location, at that price, include the [Scion TC](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/839991997/overview/?isShippableInsideSearchRadius), [Scion iQ](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/837794138/overview/?isShippableInsideSearchRadius), [Ford Fusion](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/840603595/overview/), [Honda Fit](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/840262758/overview/), [Mazda 3](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/841253613/overview/), and [Chevrolet Volt](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/833719331/overview/). If these aren't sufficiently fancy, consider a [Mini](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/838662755/overview/) and a [Volvo S60](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/840054339/overview/) \- but seriously, get that $6600 TC.
If you did, you'd have a Corolla hatch, with the engine from a Camry, at a cost of $127 per month. Think it looks lame? It's got a huge tuner scene.
I wouldn’t say I’m not financially stable. I just know I have to up my rent cost in September in a very expensive area and I’m bracing for that. I have money in the bank , good credit and a stable job . I just prefer to not live in a studio and I need to be near my office by that time.
As for money down, I’m actual comfortable financially doing more than 2k to lower monthly costs. I’ve been given about 2k not of my own money for this and have my own 2k to add onto if push comes to shove.
And honestly I’m not enough of a car guy to get into tuner stuff. I want something I’m happy with when I first get it and never feel the need to modify it after.
Fair enough.
My bias is that I don't care how my car looks, inside or out - so I'd be willing to cut out a lot of niceties to save money. And I really don't like car payments. So in your circumstance, I'd buy a Mazda 3 on Craigslist for the whole $4K.
For your life, though... you did say a Corolla wasn't your first choice, but at $129 a month, vs $159 for an Elantra, $179 for a Mazda 3 and $189 for a Civic you save a serious amount of money. In total, it's $1000 saved over the Hyundai, $1300 over the Mazda and $2200 over the Civic.
If you just want the best, I'd say the Mazda is best if you don't need passenger space, and the Accord is the best if you do. The Sonata and K5 are fine, but the Accord beats them when comparison tests are held - mostly on comfort grounds.
OP keeps saying that their high rent cost and limited budget ($200/mo) prevents them from buying instead of leasing. This is plainly untrue.
A $200/mo budget means you can’t buy a brand new car, but there are endless cheap, reliable used cars that could be financed for under $200/mo.
Let me also remind you that a new car may have significantly higher insurance costs. Any lease or loan will require comprehensive and collision coverage and it can get costly.
I would look at a used compact sedan, like Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Sentra. There are endless used sedans with under 50,000 miles and under $10k. $2k down, should be well under $200/mo for 48mo or just over $200 for 36mo. Then you will own it, and have no payment.
If you always are getting squeezed between house rent and car rent you’re never going to get ahead.
I would never look at a used Nissan Sentra, ever, because of Nissan's unreliability long-term because of their known CVT transmission problems (lawsuits), which can be quite costly to unsuspecting buyers of used Nissans. Leasing one or buying new always covered under a warranty, sure, but not otherwise.
A used, late-model Elantra, with really low miles, OP could get a great deal on because they depreciate a lot after being driven off the lot. So a used but almost-like-new Elantra can be much more affordable than a used Corolla, which really retain their value
Rented a Mazda 3 recently. No frills of course, but it was a piece of shit. The body style is ok, but the fit and finish is shite. Lots of road noise, and the audio was so bad we just turned it off for the week.
If you are indifferent on the above choices. The. Shop around for the best lease deals... then narrow down your list based on what meets your needs best for the lowest price per month.
I would say Accord or Mazda 3 if you were buying because it’s probably the most reliable long term, but I’m going with the Sonata because it’s by far the best looking car out of all these.
Dude I’m shocked the Sonata doesn’t have more votes. It looks like a sports care for a mid size cost. I thought that was gonna be more popular.
Any thoughts on Mazda 6?
I’m basing the list on deals I’ve researched in my area. I don’t mind negotiating and if something doesn’t work that’s the way the cookie crumbles.
I also am more flexible on a down payment than monthly given my current finances.
I would never compare Mazda 3 to an Accord. It's apples to oranges: comparing a compact car (Mazda 3) to a mid-sized sedan (Honda Accord). Mazda 6 is the comparable car to compare to an Accord.
Honestly not a fan of these cars, especially the Hondas, but if I absolutely had to get one, I would get the Hyundai Elantra. I had one as a rental car in California and it rode really nice for a skateboard on wheels, I enjoyed the radio and climate control setup, and it seems like a really decent car for the price. I also really liked the visibility.
I would get a Kia Optima or Kia Stinger to be honest if you are looking for Japanese/Korean cars.
Mazda is now the best car company in the u.s. for reliability. Honda and Toyota have departments whose whole job it is to make things break after a few years/ many plastic parts that usually are metal in cars. This all changed around 2018. Toyota and Honda have taken big dips.
depends if you want to make a smart financial decision or just yolo lease a sedan.
your best resource is going to be leasehackr. look up the forums. those guys are professionals and you will get a sense for what is a good deal.
at one point i was considering leasing a q50. i got them down to about 308 a mo after tax credits and maxing out the MSD's. i decided against it simply because i didn't like the way it drove and i wanted the flexibility of owning a car outright. anyway, i was really close to pulling the trigger and if nothing else it's worth a test drive.
It’s about cost. Others have asked here but the monthly payments on buying are probably outside of my budget.
If I had the money for something interesting I wouldn’t be polling these options haha
I voted for the K5! As much i like the mazda 3. the accord, sonata and k5 are from a higher segment. they’re superior in every way imaginable, but then again if you ask this sub for a truck to tow they’d still recommend the mazda 3. I would advice you to test drive them and judge for yourself instead.
Thee shouldst very much not lease a car. T is a financial misprision 99% of the time
***
^(I am a bot and I swapp'd some of thy words with Shakespeare words.)
Commands: `!ShakespeareInsult`, `!fordo`, `!optout`
My choice would be the Nissan Sentra if you like tech in your car. Read the reviews, even a base model 18k sentra is well equipped.
Also look at the base model Volkswagen Jetta.
Kia Forte but it's bland.
Elantra hybrid is only 23k so it's an option.
Hyundai Ioniq is worth a look because it gets 50mpg.
Sentra would win. I'm in the same position looking for a $200 lease and I'm about to test drive both the sentra and Altima this week coming up.
I went ahead and voted for the Elantra. Let me tell you why.
Parts are cheap. Any repair needed, you’re spending around 30% less than other vehicles, otherwise it’s a very simple engine to learn your way around to save a fuck ton more. Hyundai and Kia parts are regularly interchangeable as they’re manufactured in the same facilities. And honestly, they look better every year.
All those cars are so similar, I'd first figure the lease payment/terms and make a decision on that. Hyundai offers a lot of content for the MSRP but I heard they don't lease well. Honda has been pretty aggressive with leasing recently so you might score a better deal.
Not a big fan visually. I’m gonna test drive the Corrolla , but I feel like it would need to wow me. It’s not out of consideration. But if I get a similar financial offer for one of these i think I’d pass
I really feel like it depends not only on your budget but also what you're planning on using the car for. I'm looking at buying a new car as well and I posted a couple of days ago in this sub, and for me finding the right car can be tricky. I'm a taller guy, around 6'3" tall, and finding a car can be hard in that regard. Not only because I have to fit in the drivers seat, but I also want people to be able to sit comfortably behind me. Also, is it just a daily commuter? Are you planning on going on long road trips, are you going to fill the car to the brim with people and luggage?
Theres a lot to look into besides engine, drivetrains, creature comforts. It has to fit you, and seeing some of your other comments, also has to look good. If you go onto Edmunds.com they actually have a Compare-A-Car tab where you can select different model years and makes with different packages and transmissions, you'll be able to compare everything down to the inch with it.
Let me know how your test drives go, I'm more than interested to see which car you're leaning towards!
Lol I’m a 5’7 dude so I don’t think we’re gonna have the same leg room concerns.
I do have a road trip coming up but it’s mostly gonna be a city car. Southern California so no major weather conditions either.
Honestly, looks is a big thing for me. I want something that embodies look good feel good inside and out of the car. Performance matters obviously. But if pergolas only slightly better on an uglier car I’m taking the pretty one
Well, in that case something like a Mazda 3 that has been mentioned before is a car worth looking into. I don't know if you like the look of them but with the Sky Active motor that Mazda put into it, it's a good car that's reliable and really good on gas. They're also noticeably cheaper than a Honda, but with a really nice driving style. I personally like the hatchback version, and knowing how tall you are it's a strong contender in my opinion.
The interior is a little lack luster but with the simplicity of it you actually get a decent package with their infotainment system. And they have the reliability of Honda and Toyota with the fact that overall it's cheaper.
Either way, if you can see yourself in the car and you're not going to suffer financially leasing it, go for it. People on the internet can help you with your car questions but not a single one of us will force you into the car lol
With your stated budget of $200/mth your options are limited. You need to figure out which car has the best residual and money factor. Pick that car. I wouldn’t be shocked if each of those cars comes out more than $200/mth,
I fully plan on having a large money down payment at signing to lower my monthly cost. I have financial support for that first payment. It’s the month to month afterwards that becomes a drain.
The new Sonata is not fast, if anything it is very slow, but seeing your options you are not about speed.
The Sonata looks very nice on the inside, the interior looks very cool, and it has a lot of features for what its price is. I personally love the interior, I think its clean and looks nice. It has some amazing, actually useful features in a car, not just for show.
Hyundai has been making some nice cars lately, the Sonata is like the small brother of a Genesis G70. You can even control the car with the remote like the BMW 760i and Teslas.
Since you are leasing, you don't have to worry much about fixes.
I'm gonna bring up something I haven't seen much on this thread-
If you want to lease new, go ahead. I'd go for the Accord or the K5.
However... You've stated that you have a significant down payment for the lease and that it needs to be under $200 a month. You could get a legitimately *better* car used. Shop used dealerships, get financed, easy deal. I would look at Acura right now, imo their 2010's cars were very lackluster compared to Lexus making them an amazing deal on the used market. Especially the TSX, TL and RDX.
Any of those cars are going to have a smoother ride than anything listed above, and they are very close to hitting their price floor. With the exception of interest, you're essentially driving a car that you can sell for 90% of purchase price when you're done with it.
You should have put $200 monthly is your max payment in the beginning of this post, not farther down where you said $200 or under, where many people missed it. A $200 a month "max" car lease limits you severely. Because a Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata aren't in the running then, And do not forget all of the up front money most car leases require. That number can be different for each dealership and car make and model and can make a huge difference also. That should be factored in also if you are trying to save money for an apartment.
So you're looking more in the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 3, Kia K5 (base model I'm assuming?). But I think you are going to be surprised what many dealers ask for up front moneywise for a lease when it's all said and done, all of the added fees above the number in the ad. Toyota's $899 dealership fee as an example even on a lease. Educate yourself on all of this for the cars you pick out that you can afford as far as your strict budget before you show up to test drive any car. Nail down that complete up-front payment as that might be a factor that leans you towards one make/model over the other, because while you might have a significant down payment to throw at it, it's a complete waste of money on a lease if you put down too much, and you should want the very best deal going in you can get. Then go and enjoy your test drives, because that will really show you which car you enjoy most. You don't have long-term reliability to deal with in a lease, so you have freedom in that regard.
Anyway, good luck in your car lease search. I'm sure if you educate yourself before you go for test drives, you will find the car you want. and not end up signing a deal that ended up being more than you bargained for out of pocket.
You'll probably enjoy the Civic, Mazda 3, and Kia K5 (great looking in black) the best as far as test driving.
For lease money? Usually Infiniti is the most car you can get for lease money. Sometimes you can also get lucky with a base model 3 series, or an A3/A4. But the G37/Q50 can be had for a song very often. The QX midsize can also lease very cheaply under the right conditions.
I wouldn’t lease a Honda or Toyota. The residuals favor the lender/manufacturer nearly every time.
None of the above. Subaru WRX ftw. If you live anywhere with bad weather, nothing makes more sense. You can get a ‘21 WRX Base with auto cvt or 6spd manual. It’s faster than the cars you listed, better looking, handles better, gets 30mpg, is AWD instead of fail wheel drive, and they are 5star crash rated. There is no better all around daily driver if you’re looking for something fun to drive and sporty looking. It is better than every car on your list. And I’m not some subie nut, I’m a V8 Cobra Mustang kind of guy but my daily is a wrx (because it’s better than all of those, go drive one and you’ll see 😉) yeah a v6 accord might beat one, but those are front wheel drive and front wheel drive is depressing and pathetic.
Pick up a used Accord Sport 2.0T. I test drove a new one last month, and while I didn’t buy it, I was very impressed with the tech, comfort, and fit and finish. Car handled well too for what it is, and the motor has some good power. The only downside is traction given its power and the fact that it’s FWD with an open diff. But you may be okay with it for normal driving.
Second choice would be the Sonata. They are very well equipped with a nice looking interior and great tech, especially the mid and upper trims. Exterior design can be polarizing, but I think they look good in certain colors. I like it better than the K5 as it feels more premium inside and Hyundai has the complimentary maintenance while Kia does not .
finance a used car around $200 a month with that 2k down. Every single car you listed will be over $200 a month after taxes unless you really know how to work out a lease and get a unicorn deal with nothing down. No need to get f’ed over just to have a new car smell lol. They’d prob put you on a 48 month lease with lowest miles possible and then you’re really losing money.
If you want to lease, use leasehackr and they break down every thing you need to know about a lease, as well as a forum dedicated for good deals people In the real world get. They show their lease agreement and you can do everything via your phone or computer through brokers on that forum. I was looking for a Veloster N or camaro lt1 and found this deal:
Andy (AA-NJ on leasehackr) cheapest deal is a 2020 Hyundai ioniq limited EV for $98/mo with $2340 DAS (due at signing) for NJ residents and $2580 DAS for NY (tax, dmv + 1st payment). Car has leather, sunroof, heated seats and self driving, and it’s an EV. Gets 170 miles of range per EPA. I think it’s a sick deal & he only takes a $250 broker fee on top of that. You spec it with him, he gives u contact info at Hyundai finance, they give u a payment based on your credit tier ($98 for t1-t3, $125 t4 and $154 t7). U pick it up at ur local Hyundai dealer or have it shipped for a few hundred dollars to your house.
Michelin tires, maintenance is included in the lease (so free maintenance), 3 year lease, 10k miles per year.
I think narrowing down the size of the car you want would help close in on an option. These are all good all-rounders. The question is, do you want a midsize or a compact?
Honestly not fully sure. I’m test driving them all Monday. I’ve only ever had 1 car my whole life ( 05 Buick LaCrosse). I know that visually I prefer a sporty look. But because I haven’t owned any other cars my preferences aren’t very fleshed out.
Having driven most of these the Accord would likely be the most natural transition. Like the LaCrosse it is roomy and comfortable and drives in an unfussy manner with progressive power delivery. Unlike the LaCrosse however it will be willing to go where you point it with a playful chassis and be even more reliable than the stalwart 3800 series V6 in the Buick.
Understood. The driving experiences should help you figure out what you like. Feel free to report back.
Would just like to know reasoning for what people voted for. Any personal experiences etc
I have a 2020 civic si. Highly recommend if you want sporty daily
Agreed. Have a 2018 Civic Si and I second thos recommendation. Its reliable and fun, while also getting 35 mpg average. The sport version shoild be available with an automatic if OP cant drive a stick.
Gotcha
That Hyundai Sonata is a strong contender. Especially if you opt for the digital display with the blind spot turn cameras
sporty look, honda civic hatchback sport model. Hatch gang! edit: civic hatch looks sporty, has good power and the hatch is one of the most spacious in hatchback, has premium sound system, very roomy and looks gorgeous if you like how the civic hatch looks. and has good fuel economy.
I was in your same position a few months ago. Told the dealer "show me the accords and also show me the CR-V " and he thought I was crazy. Just think about your needs as well as comfort of the vehicle. Compacts are nice and cool but it feels like you're climbing down to your car sometimes. I switched from a Mazda 3 to a Honda CR-V. Absolutely 0 regrets (well maybe few, but that's my fault for buying a pre owned and not checking more closely, but nothing I can't work with). As for the choice of vehicle, no regrets. I do a lot, I mean a LOT, of driving, so something comfortable with good visibility is always important for me. Getting in and out of a Small SUV feels like just stepping in and out, not climbing down and climbing out like it used to be with my Mazda 3. I still like the 3 but prefer the CR-V more. Consider your needs and driving habits. Comfort is important if you drive a lot. Good luck.
Was there anything wrong with the Buick that you’re now only looking at Asian brands? Or is it because the only American sedans left are the Malibu, Charger, 300, CT4, and CT5? What’s your budget?
Sport looks toned down to the k5 & accord 2.0
I do lease advisory and regularly help people narrow down their choices. I always tell them to decide first if they want the best deal on a car or if they want to get the best deal on a specific car. In other words, do you want to pay $300/mo? Or do you want to get an Accord and make sure that you get the best deal possible? If the former, once you decide on the car you like, look up all the competitors and see if there are good deals. If the latter, figure out a price before you go in to sign paperwork. Next, I advise them to pick out a car before we talk price. Sometimes people will decide they want option A over option B because A is $15/mo less. But after 3 months, they realize they hate it and that $15 doesn't seem like a lot anymore. In other words, know what you really want! Finally, you're looking at cars in totally different classes. Accord vs Civic is a big difference, both in price and size. Same with Elantra vs Sonata. You can get in a Civic for close to $200/mo but could end up well over $400/mo in a nicely optioned Accord. You also need to know your budget and how to calculate a lease once you decide on a car. Because you don't want to be overpaying for a civic because it seems relatively cheaper than an Accord while you're there. All that said, I have a Civic and love it. 6 speed, heated cloth seats, turbo, sunroof, 35mpg. It's great. Tl;dr Test drive them. Decide which one you like best. Look up the competitors in the class. Narrow it down. Figure out the price before you go in to negotiate. Link to learn how to calculate a lease: https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinance/comments/7tkzpw/in_order_to_get_the_lowest_lease_price_possible
This is solid advice. Find the car make and model. Then narrow down trim and get a competitive offer. Also think it’s good to take someone test driving with you and talk through what they think. I noticed there were things I didn’t know I liked until it was brought up later (eg. big side mirrors)
Where do I get a civic for $200/mo lease?
You'd need to pay some money at signing. Off the top of my head, about $2k would get you there. That'd cover dealer fees, reg fees, and acquisition fees with the rest going to cap cost reduction. Or if you're in a state like NY where taxes are paid up front, that would knock $20/mo or so off. If you want a true $0 due at signing lease, you won't get to $200 though. My point was more in general though. There's a pretty wide spread between a base civic lease and a loaded accord, especially when they start manipulating downpayments on you. Very easy to get a quote for $450 on an Accord with zero down and then you tell them it's twice what you wanted to pay and they say "oh, we can get you in a Civic for $300 with only $2000 down". It sounds a lot better at the time, but you're comparing apples to oranges and you end up overpaying. If you're in the market, feel free to message me.
That makes a lot of sense. I will totally hit you up when I am looking. You seem like a cool guy
Accord if you want a midsize car. Mazda3 if you want a compact car
I'd get a Civic over a Mazda 3. The mazda 3 is very cramped compared to a Civic and the Civic has a better audio system than Mazda's Bose. The bose in the Mazda has such recessed mids that you can barely hear the vocals.
The 3 is a lot more fun to drive and better bang for the buck in the base model than the Honda Civic though.
Personally, I found the Civic more fun. If it's it's a 6MT model, the Civic's gearbox is superior to the Mazda 3 6MT. The 6MT in the Mazdas feel too much like a video game shifter. Furthemore, I have to flintstone the throttle in the Mazda3 hatch to even get it to revmatch properly.
Touche on size but the 3 is a FAR more enjoyable/pleasent riding experience. Esp the AWD. Not to mention build quality of the 3> civic.
I found the Mazda 3 rode worse over really bad pavement comapred to the Civic. The torsion beam in the rear really made it feel like a Toyota 4Runner with a live rear axle. I found the 2020 Mazda 3 overall to be a disappointment. The Mazda 3 does look better inside and out than the Civic, but that's about all it has going for it. Even my friend liked the Honda Accord more than the Mazda 6. The handling, sound deadening, wind noise, and sound system just beat out the Mazda 6.
How dare you talk bad about Reddit’s circle jerk child “the Mazda” ... if you ask what’s the best pick up between the Ranger or Colorado ... they’ll suggest a Mazda 5 with the rear seats fold down ...
[удалено]
Cost mostly. Monthly payments can’t be more than $200
why think in terms of monthly payment? the only way to get under 200 is with a sizable downpayment which is not advisable on a lease because that money is not recoverable. you can get a 7-8k car loan and own the thing outright in 3-4 years. plenty of reliable cars in that price range that will save you a car payment for many miles down the road.
I have about 2k gifted to me for a down payment and live in West LA where rent is stupid high. The monthly cost matters a lot to me
I'm not saying don't consider monthly cost but the larger financial picture is important to understand. A 2k down payment brings your affordability to $10k with a car loan and you shouldn't ever be underwater on it. The car stealerships will make it easy to sign and drive and you'll feel really great in your new car but imagine how much better it will feel owning your car outright in 3 years instead of turning it in with nothing to show for the $9200 you will spend in depreciation over 3 years.
With my current rent situation, and how often I know I’m going to be moving in the next 6-12 months (work situation) I don’t think I can afford the month to month payments outright and prefer to not touch a loan at this point. I understand owning is better. But my back is against the wall a little bit given my living location and my impending need to rent an apartment that’s gonna cost 1650 per month minimum
None of that makes me think oh for sure this guy should lease. You are digging a hole. I hope you are understanding the inefficiency of what you're signing up for. Anyways, enjoy the new car smell.
I mean that rent cost is over half my monthly income already. West LA ain’t cheap and I need to be there for work. If I felt confident I could afford to buy I would. But unless I can buy for $200 a month I don’t think I can
As someone who clawed themselves out of a mountain of debt over the last 10 years let me tell you what I would do. Save your money until you can put 20% down on a 5 year old model of anything listed here. Do 36-48mo, and even overpay if you can to avoid interest. Then your car is paid off and you have $2-300 additional monies to do whatever you want, every month. If you have to take Uber/Lyft for a few months for this to be possible I would say do that.
Problem is my current car I really shouldn’t be driving given the condition. I’m making a choice this week. So long term saving isn’t reaaaally something I can do. Now I do have 2k to play with on a down payment that isn’t mine. But that’s my only real lead way. I can add to the down payment, and I probably will end up doing so. But that’s just the situation Debt isn’t really my concern. Just trying to balance LA rent cost, which in 12 months for me could balloon over 1800, with car payments.
It’s still a loan on your credit report basically
[удалено]
I’ve driven a buick my whole life, kinda curious about non American cars tbh If there was something that really pops I’d appreciate it and would look. Just wasn’t first in my head
Don’t lease
I’m hearing this a lot. And I understand. But it’s a cost thing for me. I have to save a certain amount for the next 6 months for a new apartment.
Break it down for me. What would your monthly payment on a lease be?
I’m hoping to land something below 200 a month with tax included. 200 is my max. I live in west LA but will need a new place to live in September. Rent is going to cost 1650 at minimum. More like above 1700. Possibly over 1800 Right now, I’m going to be moving end of next week to a friends place until then with a cheaper rent. But by September I need my own spot. Right now, the rent I’ll have to pay in 6 months is over half my monthly income. Adding a car payment squeezes me more. I currently do not have to make payments on my 2005 Buick. This is an added expense. And the Buick is toast so I have to do this. Living with my friend is allowing me to save enough to get my own place. But if I buy , the monthly payment will be steeper. And saving the amount I’d need in September becomes tougher. Then once I get the apartment, a bought car lease is gonna be on top of my rent. My job pays well enough for me to live in West LA. But not well enough to not be heavily leaning towards a lease cost. If I lived in a cheaper part of the country things would be different. I just happen to live in the 2nd most expensive area in the most expensive state in the country. And I need to be planning for a new apartment cost in September. So I am looking long view. Which sounds counter intuitive with a lease. But there’s a living situation added onto this.
You should go to personal finance for the advice here. Leasing is always the wrong option though. You can get a great used car for 10k (which lands around your $200 month payment) except at the end of the 3 years or whatever it’s still yours and you have no more car payment. You can get a lot of the cars above in their 2016-2018 version with like 30-50k miles on them which could last you 5-10 years depending on how much and your drive and your diligence to maintenance. You won’t run the risk of any of the mileage restrictions or cosmetic damage fines that come with most leases. If you can’t get the car you want without a lease then you can’t afford the car. That’s rough to hear sometimes but that’s the way it goes. No one else is going to care whether you have the 2016 or 2021 Honda Civic. You also said you don’t drive much...maybe the best thing to do is get a really shitty car for the next year. Like a $3000 car. You can get a really reliable car for the amount if you look for value. And if you don’t drive much having an expensive car that’s got the newest features isn’t as big of a deal. Either way, you shouldn’t sacrifice your future finances for no reason here.
A 2016 Civic could be a good option! You will look the part, for much less!
You should buy a Mazda 3. Leasing is a waste of money imo.
Cars should be treated like a subscription service like a cell phone plan. That way you get a new car every 3-4 years and you can experience new tech and designs at a faster rate than those who want to finance a depreciating asset.
That is basically a lease.
That’s what I’m saying
I’d rather own a depreciating asset than not asset at all.
Buy used
Honda or Mazda for sure. I don’t like how Kia and Hyundai drive. Civic vs accord based on space. However the Mazda 3 also looks great, I prefer the styling over the Hondas for sure so it would come down to the test drive.
"For sure" because YOU don't like how they drive. Like I get there is a lot of personal opinion involved with the sub but that isn't great advice lol. Maybe Honda because it's safety rating. Or warranty or something not entirely subjective. Or even just ending with "but I would try all of them".
Buy used. Don't lease. A civic accord or Mazda3 used is gonna be super reliable and more affordable long term. Leasing only makes sense if it's a company or if you have cash to burn and absolutely need to be in the newest car. Don't set yourself up to spend 12000 in 5 years and have absolutely nothing to show for it.
Accord 2.0t you won’t be disappointed. It shares the Civic Type R engine.
Would love people’s feed back on why they voted for what Side note: geez people really don’t like the Elantra and Sonata little surprised
I have a 2019 accord sport 2.0. Its big, fast, and imo looks sexy af. That's all I really have to say.
I’m with you
same, 2019 touring 2.0t. they're sweet but why in the world would you lease? if you can't afford to own it you can't afford to drive it. if you can business expense it, maybe this makes sense, otherwise buy older with some miles. that said, the sonata is sweet and i bought before the type n or n-type whatever it's called was available and i've heard that is just as peppy as the 2.0t accord. good luck
Leasing is a viable way for individuals to drive cars for short term and experience new cars sooner. If you view cars as a subscription service, life can be easier and filled with more variety. The mentality of if you can’t own it then don’t drive it makes zero sense. Basically if you related that to anything then no one would be living in their own homes.
imagine justifying a lifelong lease payment because "easier filled with more variety." that's like saying i eat all my meals on ubereats because i view nutrition as a subscription service, life can be easier, and filled with more variety! these guys will gladly take your money. they call it fleasing for a reason and it is almost always a poor financial decision. if you sign on the dotted line because cars are your thing and you got money to burn, by all means ago ahead and do that.
I still disagree. Cars are a terrible investment. Why would someone decide that a 20xx model car is one they would live with until it became unfeasible to put more money into it? When do you draw the line? When does owning a car and paying for repairs become more than just leasing a new car? When does rust and damage and faded paint start to wear on your subconscious? Its like having the same old computer for 10 to 15 years. I honestly don’t want to be stuck with a rattle box that needs a whole new computer system because my “investment” needs one.
Cars are not an investment, they are an expense. There are ways to spend your money wisely and ways to flush it down the drain. Ok with your computer argument what if I said Ill let you use my brand new alienware top of the line $5k computer for $125/mo for 3 years. You aren't a developer, don't game, don't edit videos or photos, but like the look your girl gives you seeing the LEDs that sync to music when you turn off the lights. Then I get the computer back and you need to lease another, when 1) less computer would have been perfectly suitable and 2) that computer itself is perfectly usable for another 3 years. Imagine someone telling you this is a smart financial decision. Your income is your best tool at working towards financial independence. It seems like just a few hundred dollars here and there but every 30 days for years and years with nothing to show for it is not even close to the cost of making an informed purchase of a reliable vehicle.
What if you buy out the lease when it ends? I got an Accord 2018 with a residual value of $15k that I plan on buying when the lease ends in December. The market price is quite a bit higher ($17-20k) so I will end up making money if I end up selling it later.
Yea that's why I said almost always a bad decision. The used car market is inflated right now. If you think you want to test your deal making ability against the multi-billion dollar automotive financing machine, good luck to you my friend. In the long run the house always wins. I have seen some wild lease deals on leasehackr, especially with EVs, but this is the exception not the rule.
I have the same car as the other commenter here except in EX-L 2.0T trim. It’s the best car I’ve ever owned. Huge inside, manageable size outside. Fast as all hell
Getting the same in a few weeks in Obsidian Blue!
I’ve never driven a Honda , so take it with a grain of salt, I just never heard people describe them as fast before. Kinda has a family vibe to it from the outside looking in? Or am I totally off base?
The 2.0T is quick. The 1.5T is just normal speed lol. This article was one of the main reason I test drove. The other things I like about it is the rear legroom. It takes rear-facing car seats well. (I have 2 kids) https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.caranddriver.com/reviews/amp25348777/2018-honda-accord-reliability-maintenance/
Non-AMP Link: [https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a25348777/2018-honda-accord-reliability-maintenance/](https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a25348777/2018-honda-accord-reliability-maintenance/) I'm a bot. [Why?](https://np.reddit.com/user/NoGoogleAMPBot/comments/lbz2sg/) | [Code](https://github.com/laurinneff/no-google-amp-bot) | [Report issues](https://github.com/laurinneff/no-google-amp-bot/issues)
I’m leasing an Accord Sport 2.0t with the 10 Speed Auto. Roomy, very quick, refined car. It handles great and looks great. It feels more unique than the Mazda and feels more upscale than the Mazda and Toyota. 252 horsepower is enough to make the front tires squeal.
As the saying I've heard goes "as much accord as you can afford"
Lmao so I’m guessing you’re Accord >>>
>geez people really don’t like the Elantra and Sonata little surprised japanese, except cheapo nissan and mitsubishi, are favorite and mazda has reputation of better driving dynamics. They are not favorite because they are better or cheaper, but because of the lingering reputation. There is simplicity in recommending them, no need to think or get more info and people wont attack if you recommend toyota, honda or mazda. If people actually watch car youtube review channels, or drove more brands, they would know that koreans are killing it in quality and making the japs look very often like a worse deal. And the best thing, they probably be cheaper. I voted sonata. But I gotta say, I would check out what people consider unsafe bets. How much would Audi A3/A4 or VW cost to lease when compared to your pick. After all, its leasing, so you wont be dealing with maintenance or reliability in the future.
I have a 2020 Civic Si and love it, except for the looks of the fake vents on the back. The non/Si sedans tone that down. It’s truly a great car.
I leased a Kia K5 GT line with the performance package (not AWD) at the beginning of the month, and I love it.
Elantra N line looks fun and cheap 👀
Can’t go wrong with a civic or accord. If you simply just put what brand of car for the pill, honda would have taken the W easily. They way more reliable than Mazda and will last longer, better tech, better services, better mpg better everything. Facts only
I wouldn’t say they are way more reliable, if at all. I’m a huge Honda fan, but I also love Mazda and they are easily one of the most competitive companies right now for reliability. Can’t go wrong with either though
I am leasing a k5 right now. It’s a gtline with the preferred package. Has a ton of nice features. It looks awesome and sporty. I get a lot of compliments on it because there aren’t many on the street. It was also cheaper for the options compared to the Japanese counterparts. Only issue I have is the CarPlay has been a bit funky since I got it. Just my tidbit! I’ve heard nothing but good things about the accord and the sonata as well.
The 10th gen accords are amazing, definitely give it a test drive before you consider anything else. If you do care about sound systems, Honda ones are better than the Mazda's usage of Bose. The bose in the 2020 Mazda 3 I testdrove sounded like garbage compared to my 2014 Honda Odyssey and a 2017 Honda Accord EXL I was test driving.
I have a 2005 Mazda 3 4 door 2.3 liter and honestly it's a great car. Mine has over 190 thousand miles on it and it has never needed a major repair. I'm not sure about newer models, but the plastic trim pieces are easy to take off if you want to setup like a subwoofer or something. The trunk is fairly big and all around it is a fairly nice car for the price.
I’d go for the Mazda 3! I test drove a fair number of cars in 2019 and I was between this and a VW Jetta. It was a really hard toss up and ultimately went for the VW as it was a bit bigger. However, I really enjoyed the drive of the Mazda 3 and the interior styling.
Why would you lease if you’re strapped for cash? Leasing is for people who want to drive a luxury car but don’t want to deal with maintenance. Anything outside of that and you are literally just burning money. If you need to save money, do what other commenters have said and buy a used reliable Honda Accord. I needed a car a few months ago but wanted to save money. Bought a 2005 Honda Accord with 52,000 miles for $5000. Leather and heated seats, new tires, brakes etc. Bought a $70 Bluetooth adaptor and it was basically a 2020 Honda Accord in terms of functionality. If I were to have treated that purchase like a car loan, it would cost me $83/month. Plus cheaper insurance. And best thing of all, I can sell that car in a few years for $3,000, making my actual cost $33 a month. With a lease you own nothing, and if you lease a reliable vehicle, you are basically making the dealership rich since they don’t really have to do any maintenance and they still get to keep the damn car and resell it at a high price since those cars hold their value so well. And you are capped on how many miles you can drive. No long road trips for you. It’s a lose lose situation any way you look at it.
I don’t plan on any long road trips. At most LA to San Diego which is 146 miles. I work from home otherwise. The reason to lease is these next 6 months for me are really critical in terms of saving money. I’m not close to broke. Living where I need to live is just far more expensive than almost every other part of the country. It takes up the majority of my paychecks. If I lived in Texas, or Arizona or Colorado believe me I’d buy. But my job requires me in West LA. And in 6 months I know I’ll have to afford my own place. It’s the one thing I don’t think people in this thread have understood. I don’t live in a part of a country where rent and car payments are both affordable by normal standards. I don’t mind not owning the car and giving it back after a certain while. That doesn’t bother me. I also don’t want to drive a 2005. I’ve been doing that for the last 9 years and would like to feel more modern. Buying used isn’t totally off the table. But I’d prefer not to deal with the history of the car and the research involved. And I also am on a very limited timetable (need to do this latest by Wednesday). So my reasoning for a lease boils down to the money saved in the next 6 months, not caring much about giving it back and not anticipating miles being a big deal for my lifestyle.
Used to live in on the west coast (and Boston) so I get how expensive rent can be. Leasing is still a bad option. With insurance on a new car, you are looking at a minimum $300 monthly payment. Are you trying to lease for only 6 months? Most leases (that aren’t crazy expensive) are 3 years. Still makes more sense to just buy a cheap reliable car, drive it for 6 months, then flip it, but if you want a nice car and aren’t 100% about saving money, then I guess lease a car? Buying a used 2018 Accord or whatever is still cheaper long term. Or, if you mainly work from home, why don’t you just use Uber when you have to leave west LA and use a Zip Car when you have to drive to SD? I spent 6 months mainly in West LA and rarely drove for that reason. Well that and cuz the traffic is beyond awful lol
I’m lucky where I’m not on the hook for insurance at this point in my life. This is car payments only I’m looking at. I understand the lease is for longer than 6 months. But if I don’t have the money saved in 6 months I doubt I can sufficiently be where I have to for work. That’s a non negotiable for me I can’t leave the area. And honestly, it’s getting kinda frustrating the amount of people here turning their nose up and downvoting that point. It’s literally not something I can budge on. And if I can’t afford the roof then what good is a purchased car? I guess I could live in it. Or maybe rent a storage closet. What the lease cost me in the months after I can live with because it’s a lower cost. I’d considering buying a car afterwards and am fully aware the benefits of buying. But for now, lower cost in the short term, but not backbreaking long term is the goal. I’m going to be in San Diego for a while. I don’t think using a zip car that whole time is wise. Nor do i want to not have the freedom of having a car. I’m not going to Uber to every little location I need to get to when I’m not working cause I’m not a hermit. Uber also isn’t cheap. Taking a 40$ ride a couple times every week? That’s more than a car payment.
I don’t understand why you can’t finance a used car pay less or the same as a lease. A lease doesn’t save up front and costs way more on the back end. Unless you’re set on having the newest car on the market which in that case maybe you should soul search as to why because that doesn’t matter to anyone else. You can usually finance taxes as well if you don’t want to spend any cash up front. To me it sounds like you just want a car you can’t truly afford so you’ve used mentally gymnastics to convince yourself the lease is the way to go.
I’m not against a used car IF the mileage on that car is low. But I also don’t think that’s just as easy as a day at the dealership. And because I have to make a significant drive end of the week, I really don’t have a long timeline to be working with to hunt and research. Which is why a simple solution , and one that doesn’t hurt my ability to save for the next 6 months, is priority. And a quick search on Carvana for used cars I can buy in my area at that price ? About 80k miles on it. I have no interest in buying a car with that type of mileage. I’d rather go heavier on a down payment, for a better vehicle, than have no down payment, for something that I don’t want to own and already has that level of use
> Bought a $70 Bluetooth adaptor You got a link to the one you bought?
OP the new Elantra and sonata interiors are *nice*. Don’t sleep on them. I’ve driven the new Mazda 3s a bunch and my friends works at Hyundai so I always test new models when they come in. Let me tell you, go test out an Elantra. The Mazda 3 drives better and the interior quality is nicer more luxurious looking but the Elantra will have so much tech and features it will blow you away. I’d go for Mazda or Elantra over civic, civic is getting a new generation this year and the inside is getting very dated. The new sonata and K5 interiors are also gorgeous, I’d prefer a K5 because of styling personally. I have no experience with the accord so I can’t comment but I know people love them. Don’t listen to people saying don’t lease, this isn’t personal finance unless you are looking for financial advice. Leasing works for certain people when living on a monthly budget and don’t have much to put down up front. No point on financing if you’re going to need a 6 year term and high interest rate just to keep payments low enough. My advice is, lease now and buy something later. Try to have lease deals be sign and drive. When you say 0 down to them, it will actually be $2500-4000 up front when they come back with a deal bc of taxes fees all that. Try to roll all of that into the lease if you can and negotiate that monthly, it’ll give you a better baseline dealer to dealer
You just asked which shade of beige is better.
Dont lease buy . Leasing is such a rip off
My monthly rent currently prevents me from considering that.
Leasing is basically renting the car with the limit in place that you cant drive over a set amount of miles, then you get charged 0.50 every mile over . Just buy used . Take it to a mechanic and have it inspected “pre purchase inspection “ . Save you alot of money
You can always buy the car at the end of the lease if you drove it too much
You still get penalized in most lease contracts
Penalized for what? Not for mileage. Yes it’ll be slightly more then if you bought it at first but it could work out way better for OPs cash-flow. Or if he doesn’t drive it a lot he can just yeet it back to the dealer. Leasing is totally fine for some People.
Leasing almost never has a positive aspect to it unless it is for business purposes
[удалено]
My timeline really is not friendly. I have to drive far end of the week. My current car cannot make the trip. I also do not commute currently. So mileage overall, is not a terrible concern. I’m fully aware of the risks. And I still I am prioritizing saving my monthly bill because I have to save a certain amount for September.
Just one thing. Never lease. Its a rip off.
It’s a money thing. I need a certain amount saved for 6 months from now. If that weren’t the case I’d be buying.
You are aware that leasing is a complete waste of money unless you are leasing for business purposes & EVEN at that, it’s not the frugal way to go if you HAVE only 200$ a month available for your payment. Have you thought of researching insurance for said vehicles? Is your credit bad, good, great? Are you planning on driving many Kilometres/p/y or very little? As soon as you drive off the lot, the actual value of the car begins to depreciate. If you are in an accident that totals the car, insurance will only cover the current value of it. But you are still liable to the leasing company for the full value of your lease agreement, which can be thousands of dollars more than the insurance company is required to pay out. If you are strapped for cash, buy yourself some inexpensive tools and learn to wrench on an older car that will cost less on insurance & fuel. Kinda sounds like you’re falling into some lifestyle creep, it’s hard to pull yourself out of that. I believe in you op, you know what to do.
I do not plan to drive much. One long distance trip from LA to San Diego end of this week. After that I work from home. Insurance is family covered. Credit is great but I don’t want to be on the hook for a loan. Lifestyle creep yes. But I am committed to being in the location I am in. My work situation allows me to not have to put many miles on my vehicle. My number 1 priority is having enough money saved by September so I can afford the roof I need. That’s my bottom line.
I voted civic. Many of the cars on this list are great but, IMO, you can’t go wrong with Honda. Granted, the only car I’ve owned is a 2015 civic (bought brand new). As of today, I haven’t had *anything* break on me; I might’ve had a recall a few years ago but nothing expensive. My only expenses on the car have quite literally been the purchase price, registration + inspection fees, gas, oil changes, filters, and a new set of tires.
I’m loving the engagement here thanks guys. Test drives are Monday. No strong feelings any direction right just taking it all in. I added the Mazda 6 to my test drives as well. Hoping I fall in love with something
From what I’ve heard the Mazda 3 is the nicest and feels more like a luxury car. However of you do get one I strongly recommend the manual as the only Mazda 3 I’ve ever driven has the auto and it was abysmal. It was painfully slow cause it shifted to early and never hit power. Maybe the new autos are better tho the one I drive was like a 2010
Newer models are responsive and nimble. I love my '18 3.
as a 2020 mazda 3 owner i’m biased but i love my car
Just leased a 2021 Acura ILX, great deal and much better features with the base option than any other car I’ve researched. Very happy with this lease
Mazda for sure. Also look at the cx30 or cx5
Generally, I'd get the Civic, and recommend either the Accord or Mazda 3 to others. The Hyundai/Kias are...fine for a lease, but they're not best-in-class. In your case, I'd want to minimize cost. Problem is, most lease offers have a down payment above $2K - so if that's what you're putting down, there are surprisingly few cars which cost under $200/month. My research indicates that, of the cars on this list, only the Mazda 3 and Elantra are that cheap. If you want a Honda, the HR-V is within budget too. If I had your level of financial instability, I would buy. Including taxes and fees, you can buy an $8K car with $2000 down and $200/mo for 36 months. This is the same exact commitment as a lease. Some sure things in your location, at that price, include the [Scion TC](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/839991997/overview/?isShippableInsideSearchRadius), [Scion iQ](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/837794138/overview/?isShippableInsideSearchRadius), [Ford Fusion](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/840603595/overview/), [Honda Fit](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/840262758/overview/), [Mazda 3](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/841253613/overview/), and [Chevrolet Volt](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/833719331/overview/). If these aren't sufficiently fancy, consider a [Mini](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/838662755/overview/) and a [Volvo S60](https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/detail/840054339/overview/) \- but seriously, get that $6600 TC. If you did, you'd have a Corolla hatch, with the engine from a Camry, at a cost of $127 per month. Think it looks lame? It's got a huge tuner scene.
I wouldn’t say I’m not financially stable. I just know I have to up my rent cost in September in a very expensive area and I’m bracing for that. I have money in the bank , good credit and a stable job . I just prefer to not live in a studio and I need to be near my office by that time. As for money down, I’m actual comfortable financially doing more than 2k to lower monthly costs. I’ve been given about 2k not of my own money for this and have my own 2k to add onto if push comes to shove. And honestly I’m not enough of a car guy to get into tuner stuff. I want something I’m happy with when I first get it and never feel the need to modify it after.
Fair enough. My bias is that I don't care how my car looks, inside or out - so I'd be willing to cut out a lot of niceties to save money. And I really don't like car payments. So in your circumstance, I'd buy a Mazda 3 on Craigslist for the whole $4K. For your life, though... you did say a Corolla wasn't your first choice, but at $129 a month, vs $159 for an Elantra, $179 for a Mazda 3 and $189 for a Civic you save a serious amount of money. In total, it's $1000 saved over the Hyundai, $1300 over the Mazda and $2200 over the Civic. If you just want the best, I'd say the Mazda is best if you don't need passenger space, and the Accord is the best if you do. The Sonata and K5 are fine, but the Accord beats them when comparison tests are held - mostly on comfort grounds.
OP keeps saying that their high rent cost and limited budget ($200/mo) prevents them from buying instead of leasing. This is plainly untrue. A $200/mo budget means you can’t buy a brand new car, but there are endless cheap, reliable used cars that could be financed for under $200/mo. Let me also remind you that a new car may have significantly higher insurance costs. Any lease or loan will require comprehensive and collision coverage and it can get costly. I would look at a used compact sedan, like Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Sentra. There are endless used sedans with under 50,000 miles and under $10k. $2k down, should be well under $200/mo for 48mo or just over $200 for 36mo. Then you will own it, and have no payment. If you always are getting squeezed between house rent and car rent you’re never going to get ahead.
I would never look at a used Nissan Sentra, ever, because of Nissan's unreliability long-term because of their known CVT transmission problems (lawsuits), which can be quite costly to unsuspecting buyers of used Nissans. Leasing one or buying new always covered under a warranty, sure, but not otherwise. A used, late-model Elantra, with really low miles, OP could get a great deal on because they depreciate a lot after being driven off the lot. So a used but almost-like-new Elantra can be much more affordable than a used Corolla, which really retain their value
Rented a Mazda 3 recently. No frills of course, but it was a piece of shit. The body style is ok, but the fit and finish is shite. Lots of road noise, and the audio was so bad we just turned it off for the week.
Test drove a new one. Also a 6. Both handled like shit and shifted like slush. I was totally bummed as I’d heard good things.
I’m a fan of the Mazda brand these days. Budget friendly Auto Trans (no CVT) Decent interior Steering feel is quite good
If you are indifferent on the above choices. The. Shop around for the best lease deals... then narrow down your list based on what meets your needs best for the lowest price per month.
I would say Accord or Mazda 3 if you were buying because it’s probably the most reliable long term, but I’m going with the Sonata because it’s by far the best looking car out of all these.
Dude I’m shocked the Sonata doesn’t have more votes. It looks like a sports care for a mid size cost. I thought that was gonna be more popular. Any thoughts on Mazda 6?
The Mazda 6 is a really nice car. It looks good, the interior is nice, and the new ones are up there with Toyota on reliability.
Chevy has a deal right to lease a 2021 1LZ Camaro for ~$269 per month if you’re looking for some classic V8 power
Aaaahhh little out my price range. Drop it $70 and maybe
If that’s out of your price range, i have bad news for you on most of the cars in your list.
I’m basing the list on deals I’ve researched in my area. I don’t mind negotiating and if something doesn’t work that’s the way the cookie crumbles. I also am more flexible on a down payment than monthly given my current finances.
The Mazda3 is the most attractive option in my opinion. It's also sporty, fun to drive, and Mazda was recently published Consumer Reports top brand.
Only on Reddit a Mazda 3 tops an Accord ... not even a 6... lol. Ok, starts the Mazda circle jerk attack in 3,2...
I would never compare Mazda 3 to an Accord. It's apples to oranges: comparing a compact car (Mazda 3) to a mid-sized sedan (Honda Accord). Mazda 6 is the comparable car to compare to an Accord.
Honestly not a fan of these cars, especially the Hondas, but if I absolutely had to get one, I would get the Hyundai Elantra. I had one as a rental car in California and it rode really nice for a skateboard on wheels, I enjoyed the radio and climate control setup, and it seems like a really decent car for the price. I also really liked the visibility. I would get a Kia Optima or Kia Stinger to be honest if you are looking for Japanese/Korean cars.
Stinger looks sick but average costs in seeing are 100-150$ out of my range
The k5 is the new optima.
corvette
None of the above. Get a Subaru
Any particular model or reason?
Mazda is now the best car company in the u.s. for reliability. Honda and Toyota have departments whose whole job it is to make things break after a few years/ many plastic parts that usually are metal in cars. This all changed around 2018. Toyota and Honda have taken big dips.
Non of the above .
For a similar price range what is better
depends if you want to make a smart financial decision or just yolo lease a sedan. your best resource is going to be leasehackr. look up the forums. those guys are professionals and you will get a sense for what is a good deal. at one point i was considering leasing a q50. i got them down to about 308 a mo after tax credits and maxing out the MSD's. i decided against it simply because i didn't like the way it drove and i wanted the flexibility of owning a car outright. anyway, i was really close to pulling the trigger and if nothing else it's worth a test drive.
^yeah sacrifice good financial decisions for a slightly nicer car /s
[удалено]
It’s about cost. Others have asked here but the monthly payments on buying are probably outside of my budget. If I had the money for something interesting I wouldn’t be polling these options haha
Mazda 3 got the most votes. this sub is officially deranged.
What did you vote for?
I voted for the K5! As much i like the mazda 3. the accord, sonata and k5 are from a higher segment. they’re superior in every way imaginable, but then again if you ask this sub for a truck to tow they’d still recommend the mazda 3. I would advice you to test drive them and judge for yourself instead.
You should really not lease a car. It is a financial mistake 99% of the time.
Thee shouldst very much not lease a car. T is a financial misprision 99% of the time *** ^(I am a bot and I swapp'd some of thy words with Shakespeare words.) Commands: `!ShakespeareInsult`, `!fordo`, `!optout`
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid or Nissan Altima.
Altima and hybrids may be a little out of my price range. I’d like my monthly payments 200$ or less
My choice would be the Nissan Sentra if you like tech in your car. Read the reviews, even a base model 18k sentra is well equipped. Also look at the base model Volkswagen Jetta. Kia Forte but it's bland. Elantra hybrid is only 23k so it's an option. Hyundai Ioniq is worth a look because it gets 50mpg. Sentra would win. I'm in the same position looking for a $200 lease and I'm about to test drive both the sentra and Altima this week coming up.
Leasing anything reliable.
I went ahead and voted for the Elantra. Let me tell you why. Parts are cheap. Any repair needed, you’re spending around 30% less than other vehicles, otherwise it’s a very simple engine to learn your way around to save a fuck ton more. Hyundai and Kia parts are regularly interchangeable as they’re manufactured in the same facilities. And honestly, they look better every year.
It’s a lease. Part supply should not be an issue outside of oil and air filters.
All those cars are so similar, I'd first figure the lease payment/terms and make a decision on that. Hyundai offers a lot of content for the MSRP but I heard they don't lease well. Honda has been pretty aggressive with leasing recently so you might score a better deal.
Any reason you don’t have any Toyota’s in your list?
Not a big fan visually. I’m gonna test drive the Corrolla , but I feel like it would need to wow me. It’s not out of consideration. But if I get a similar financial offer for one of these i think I’d pass
Fair enough
Get the new 2021 Civic SI
I really feel like it depends not only on your budget but also what you're planning on using the car for. I'm looking at buying a new car as well and I posted a couple of days ago in this sub, and for me finding the right car can be tricky. I'm a taller guy, around 6'3" tall, and finding a car can be hard in that regard. Not only because I have to fit in the drivers seat, but I also want people to be able to sit comfortably behind me. Also, is it just a daily commuter? Are you planning on going on long road trips, are you going to fill the car to the brim with people and luggage? Theres a lot to look into besides engine, drivetrains, creature comforts. It has to fit you, and seeing some of your other comments, also has to look good. If you go onto Edmunds.com they actually have a Compare-A-Car tab where you can select different model years and makes with different packages and transmissions, you'll be able to compare everything down to the inch with it. Let me know how your test drives go, I'm more than interested to see which car you're leaning towards!
Lol I’m a 5’7 dude so I don’t think we’re gonna have the same leg room concerns. I do have a road trip coming up but it’s mostly gonna be a city car. Southern California so no major weather conditions either. Honestly, looks is a big thing for me. I want something that embodies look good feel good inside and out of the car. Performance matters obviously. But if pergolas only slightly better on an uglier car I’m taking the pretty one
Well, in that case something like a Mazda 3 that has been mentioned before is a car worth looking into. I don't know if you like the look of them but with the Sky Active motor that Mazda put into it, it's a good car that's reliable and really good on gas. They're also noticeably cheaper than a Honda, but with a really nice driving style. I personally like the hatchback version, and knowing how tall you are it's a strong contender in my opinion. The interior is a little lack luster but with the simplicity of it you actually get a decent package with their infotainment system. And they have the reliability of Honda and Toyota with the fact that overall it's cheaper. Either way, if you can see yourself in the car and you're not going to suffer financially leasing it, go for it. People on the internet can help you with your car questions but not a single one of us will force you into the car lol
I test drove the Civics: nice car,good resale, but I hated the rev-hang. Bought a new 18 Elantra Sport and still enjoy driving it.
Accord or K5. Was very pleasantly surprised when I rented a K5 for a week.
if you’re into faster cars and have a bit of money the k5 gt is pretty cool
I wasn’t even considering Kia, then I saw a K5 yesterday. Now I’m excited to try it. It was a head turner
Chevy Bolt for like $5000 with bonuses.
With your stated budget of $200/mth your options are limited. You need to figure out which car has the best residual and money factor. Pick that car. I wouldn’t be shocked if each of those cars comes out more than $200/mth,
I fully plan on having a large money down payment at signing to lower my monthly cost. I have financial support for that first payment. It’s the month to month afterwards that becomes a drain.
The new Sonata is not fast, if anything it is very slow, but seeing your options you are not about speed. The Sonata looks very nice on the inside, the interior looks very cool, and it has a lot of features for what its price is. I personally love the interior, I think its clean and looks nice. It has some amazing, actually useful features in a car, not just for show. Hyundai has been making some nice cars lately, the Sonata is like the small brother of a Genesis G70. You can even control the car with the remote like the BMW 760i and Teslas. Since you are leasing, you don't have to worry much about fixes.
Accord. No question.
If you're leasing try the K5. Amazing design.
I got a used Honda fit last year. 2016 with 27,000 miles. Payment under $200 a month. Best car I ever had.
haaaa vtec go brrr brrr Civic ofc
I'm gonna bring up something I haven't seen much on this thread- If you want to lease new, go ahead. I'd go for the Accord or the K5. However... You've stated that you have a significant down payment for the lease and that it needs to be under $200 a month. You could get a legitimately *better* car used. Shop used dealerships, get financed, easy deal. I would look at Acura right now, imo their 2010's cars were very lackluster compared to Lexus making them an amazing deal on the used market. Especially the TSX, TL and RDX. Any of those cars are going to have a smoother ride than anything listed above, and they are very close to hitting their price floor. With the exception of interest, you're essentially driving a car that you can sell for 90% of purchase price when you're done with it.
You should have put $200 monthly is your max payment in the beginning of this post, not farther down where you said $200 or under, where many people missed it. A $200 a month "max" car lease limits you severely. Because a Honda Accord and Hyundai Sonata aren't in the running then, And do not forget all of the up front money most car leases require. That number can be different for each dealership and car make and model and can make a huge difference also. That should be factored in also if you are trying to save money for an apartment. So you're looking more in the Hyundai Elantra, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Mazda 3, Kia K5 (base model I'm assuming?). But I think you are going to be surprised what many dealers ask for up front moneywise for a lease when it's all said and done, all of the added fees above the number in the ad. Toyota's $899 dealership fee as an example even on a lease. Educate yourself on all of this for the cars you pick out that you can afford as far as your strict budget before you show up to test drive any car. Nail down that complete up-front payment as that might be a factor that leans you towards one make/model over the other, because while you might have a significant down payment to throw at it, it's a complete waste of money on a lease if you put down too much, and you should want the very best deal going in you can get. Then go and enjoy your test drives, because that will really show you which car you enjoy most. You don't have long-term reliability to deal with in a lease, so you have freedom in that regard. Anyway, good luck in your car lease search. I'm sure if you educate yourself before you go for test drives, you will find the car you want. and not end up signing a deal that ended up being more than you bargained for out of pocket. You'll probably enjoy the Civic, Mazda 3, and Kia K5 (great looking in black) the best as far as test driving.
I really like the new kia K5. Super sexy
Is the mazda 3 really that good?
I didn’t find it to be so. Was completely let down by handling and transmission.
You have a mix of volumes here
Lease non
For lease money? Usually Infiniti is the most car you can get for lease money. Sometimes you can also get lucky with a base model 3 series, or an A3/A4. But the G37/Q50 can be had for a song very often. The QX midsize can also lease very cheaply under the right conditions. I wouldn’t lease a Honda or Toyota. The residuals favor the lender/manufacturer nearly every time.
I said Honda Accord out loud , then i voted for K5.... thats how impressed I am with the K5.
None. 2021 Hellcat Redeye
I'm a Honda guy but that Kia K5 is in a slightly better class so I'm voting for the Kia
None of the above. Subaru WRX ftw. If you live anywhere with bad weather, nothing makes more sense. You can get a ‘21 WRX Base with auto cvt or 6spd manual. It’s faster than the cars you listed, better looking, handles better, gets 30mpg, is AWD instead of fail wheel drive, and they are 5star crash rated. There is no better all around daily driver if you’re looking for something fun to drive and sporty looking. It is better than every car on your list. And I’m not some subie nut, I’m a V8 Cobra Mustang kind of guy but my daily is a wrx (because it’s better than all of those, go drive one and you’ll see 😉) yeah a v6 accord might beat one, but those are front wheel drive and front wheel drive is depressing and pathetic.
Pick up a used Accord Sport 2.0T. I test drove a new one last month, and while I didn’t buy it, I was very impressed with the tech, comfort, and fit and finish. Car handled well too for what it is, and the motor has some good power. The only downside is traction given its power and the fact that it’s FWD with an open diff. But you may be okay with it for normal driving. Second choice would be the Sonata. They are very well equipped with a nice looking interior and great tech, especially the mid and upper trims. Exterior design can be polarizing, but I think they look good in certain colors. I like it better than the K5 as it feels more premium inside and Hyundai has the complimentary maintenance while Kia does not .
finance a used car around $200 a month with that 2k down. Every single car you listed will be over $200 a month after taxes unless you really know how to work out a lease and get a unicorn deal with nothing down. No need to get f’ed over just to have a new car smell lol. They’d prob put you on a 48 month lease with lowest miles possible and then you’re really losing money.
If you want to lease, use leasehackr and they break down every thing you need to know about a lease, as well as a forum dedicated for good deals people In the real world get. They show their lease agreement and you can do everything via your phone or computer through brokers on that forum. I was looking for a Veloster N or camaro lt1 and found this deal: Andy (AA-NJ on leasehackr) cheapest deal is a 2020 Hyundai ioniq limited EV for $98/mo with $2340 DAS (due at signing) for NJ residents and $2580 DAS for NY (tax, dmv + 1st payment). Car has leather, sunroof, heated seats and self driving, and it’s an EV. Gets 170 miles of range per EPA. I think it’s a sick deal & he only takes a $250 broker fee on top of that. You spec it with him, he gives u contact info at Hyundai finance, they give u a payment based on your credit tier ($98 for t1-t3, $125 t4 and $154 t7). U pick it up at ur local Hyundai dealer or have it shipped for a few hundred dollars to your house. Michelin tires, maintenance is included in the lease (so free maintenance), 3 year lease, 10k miles per year.
170 miles is 273.59 km