I'm getting a new car...help me make my decision

Anyone have any experience with the following cars...

I'm looking at these and still might look at others. They aren't top notch cars, but they're what I can afford, in order of most affordable to least, but still doable.

Dodge Caliber SE (car/SUV hybrid)
Ford Fusion fully loaded (leased)
07 Chevy Malibu with 30k miles but a bumper to bumper 100k warranty included
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Altima (leased)

Any input or experience with these would be helpful. Thanks.

 

My first car was a '94 Nissan Sentra. Reliable as fuck. I drove it into the ground at 174K miles a few years ago, but it was a great car that never let me down.

 

Oh, I'll also accept suggestions for comparable cars that aren't listed. Thanks!

 

I have a Nissan Sentra right now. It's a 2000. I have changed the oil probably 6-8 times. Still runs like a champ.

 

Oh yeah, or a 5-year lease on an Altima for $179/month, which is the most affordable, but a 5-year lease.

 

I've owned two Nissans. Strong, strong cars mechanically.

If you can afford to look into a Nissan Altima, consider a Toyota Corolla, as well. It's tough to make bad picks among Nissan, Toyota and Honda.

 

Get a monster truck. Then no one will mess with you.

 

I don't understand leasing.

You're paying the dealer for the privilege of driving their car, pay for the maintenance on the car, and when the deal is up, what do you have to show for it?

 

Maintenance is covered and the payments are lower. There's definitely downsides, but also upsides.

 

Toyota.

I have a Camry, which is a little more expensive, but damn is it worth it. I have had it for four years and haven't put anything into it but oil changes and other standard maintenance and a set of tires. It runs awesome and should for another four years (without major problems).

(Note: I am currently looking for some wood to knock on).

 

For the love of all that is holy, whatever you do, stay away from the Dodge Caliber. Total POS in every respect - workmanship, quality, depreciation.

The Fusion is the nicest Ford car in years.

The Nissans are great, but I'd recommend a Honda. Bulletproof and a little more fun than the Toyotas.

 

Thanks for saying that about the Caliber. I just saw it today and the guy was so scummy, used car saleman-ish. I was hoping I'd get a reason to not go back there. Thanks.