What car would you pick?

[tradosaurus]

I'm heavily leaning toward trading my 2010 F150 Lariat in on a 2002 to 2008 sedan.

I've narrowed my list based upon Edmunds consumer reviews to the following vehicles:
1) Ford Fusion (2004-2009)
2) Honda Accord (auto after 2004, manual before 2004)
3) Honda Civic (auto after 2004)
4) Hyundai Sonata (2004-2009)

Although I enjoy the F150 I'm looking at halving my monthly payment. Based on what I've seen used at dealers I could get anyone of those for about $15,000 depending upon the mileage.

I'm looking at keeping the mileage less than 60,000 if possible even though I only put about 10,000 miles a year on a vehicle.

What would your choices be?

[NotYourDay]

I lean towards either of the honda's personally. I would also have to have it a manual, but that's somewhat of a personal choice. Overall the hondas are reliable and fuel efficent and best yet, cheap! Also if you decide to go that way, there is a huge aftermarket, both JDM and rice for the hondas where there is virtually no aftermarket for the others.

I am a little biased though. I love manuals and would modify my car because I put over 25k on it a year and I like to be comfortable.

Any way you go is good, you selected 4 fine cars sir

[tradosaurus]

I actually already have a 2001 Honda Accord EX manual.

I bought it in 2007 with 74,000. It now has a "whopping" 109,000 miles on it and still going strong.

I really want leather seats in the vehicle I purchase although it won't be a deal breaker.

[NotYourDay]

You know exactly what you want it sounds like. SO I'd go with that you think is best. After all your the one driving it!

[Jay2TheRescue]

When I was recently looking at vehicles, a Ford Fusion was very enticing to me. It can be had with an automatic, 5 speed manual, or hybrid. I was looking at the hybrid & the 5 speed models. Both can turn some impressive numbers considering the size of the vehicle.

[theholycow]

I agree with NotYourDay. What you like the best is most important, especially when you're making a jump to such a vastly different type of vehicle.

The Hyundai Sonata is likely to be the best value, and is more likely available with a manual transmission than the Accord or Fusion.

Have you checked your potential insurance cost for each model?

[tradosaurus]

I haven't run the insurance numbers yet but I know that it will be cheaper than a 2010 F150 Lariat. As well I will be reducing the number of cars I have from four to three.

I was interested in others viewpoints on the advantages/disadvantages on the cars I listed. As well if there are other reliable models I would be interested to hear also.

[VetteOwner]

the fusion is very comfortiable and roomy, my mom has the v6 with 6 speed auto and it will get up and go in a hurry but yeilds pretty good mpg around town. has a built in MPG guage and whatnot.

we havent had any problems with it.

id recommend getting the plain jane steel wheels, my moms has those 17" alloy things with the rubber band tires that are very costly to replace

[bowtieguy]

i agree w/ HC in regard to difference in vehicle type. be SURE to thoroughly drive your vehicle prospects!

if cost is the issue(you mention car payment), then i'd go w/ the civic...it has proven reliability over MANY years, as well as low maintenance cost. besides, gas prices may be coming down...but not forever.

but, again, drive it many miles, especially if you're a big guy.

[tradosaurus]

I also forgot to include the Kia Optima.