Decision times UPDATE ON PAGE 3: Accord or Camry?

Re: Decision times: Accord or Camry?

I voted for the Camry. Both are well-made reliable cars.

I went with the Camry because of the price difference (that money would make a nice start to TBF Jr.'s college fund) and because I think you'll want the 4 cylinders when gas is sitting around $4.

I've got a V-6 in my Altima (which I love and would recommend, but you seem to be settled on two specific cars) and it's got a ton of power and has been very reliable but I wouldn't mind an extra 5-10 mpg out of it.

 

Re: Decision times: Accord or Camry?

Oh, and the resale value is out of sight with Accords, too.

I paid about $14,000 if I remember correctly for my 1996. When I bought my 2006, I sold the '96 on my own, with 159,000 miles, for $5,000 cash.

Forget the trade-in.

 

Re: Decision times: Accord or Camry?

I've had both. Camry and Accord.
Now, I have a new Camry SE.
I was on a five-month waiting list. It's a 4cyl., but it was less than the used Accord you're looking at.
Truth is. You can't go wrong.

And, I have nothing against American cars. There are advantages and disadvantages. Our other car is American. But, if you're going to "pile the miles," you're making the right choice.

 

Re: Decision times: Accord or Camry?

As has been mentioned, Toyota quality is still pretty high but has been slipping. And it's not the only place where cost-cutting is being noticed -- quality of interiors and such has been going down, too.

I'd see if you could find a four-cylinder Accord. Still plenty of power, and better gas mileage. You might consider going a little older, too. Your best used car bets are far as depreciation is concerned is at about two or three years old.

Another car to consider is a used Mazda6. We have one and love it, and they depreciate more than Accords, which is a bonus when you're buying used.

 

Re: Decision times: Accord or Camry?

People are holding on to the two- to three-year old Accords. Those that do turn up, have 40000 miles and much lower trim levels.

I've tried. Believe me.

 

Re: Decision times: Accord or Camry?

I think my dad may have developed some loyalty for Toyota since two of his last three cars are Toyotas (an old Corolla when they were subcompacts and his current Camry), but the tweener car was a Honda Accord. It served him well. I've driven his Camry though, so I have a little bias to consider. Then again, I drive a Ford Escort...

However, considering the factors you mentioned, I picked the Accord. Less mileage, more features. It'll probably last you longer than the Camry would and it's probably more powerful.

 

A new contestant has been tossed into the mix.


On the off chance I could do some good, I called a dealership in the "big town" about 75 miles away.

2008 Accord, same trim level as '07 for $25,000.

I've asked the guy to e-mail the offer, so I can take it with me to the dealership with the 07.

How should I use this new leverage?

 

Take the curtain behind Carol Merrill...

 

When you get the e-mail offer, call your local guy and tell him you want the same deal and if you get you're prepared to buy.

I would also go to cars.com, edmunds.com and autobytel.com and get online quotes. It can't hurt.

 

If you haven't been to Edmunds yet, you might as well be handing over your wallet. They'll set you straight on what folks are paying.

 

i wouldn't pay more than 21k with that e-mail in my hand ... and you probably will get it for that price. if not, fuck it, get the brand new one with <gulp> less power.

 

Just got a Christmas card - one with those typed letters inside - from a friend who bought her Camry some 10 years ago. "It has 300,000 miles on it and still runs fine." No lie.

Just buy a Camry and never regret it.