I drove the automatic model, which was excellent. But Honda has done such a good job on the new Accord, I have no reason to believe that the manual version is less than excellent.
I advise you to test-drive both and base your decision on price and customer treatment. The Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Highlander are equal in the field.
You don't need the polyurethane coating pushed by the dealer. Your Volvo already comes with multiple layers of protection, including a base coat/clear (polyurethane) coat finish. For the first year of ownership, use brushless car wash. I recommend Maguier's (sp?) waxes for finish, available at most auto parts stores.
If you love the car and it is still in reasonably good shape, I'd spend the $1,200 to keep it on the road. That amount beats the higher price for a new model...unless you just want to buy a new model and are trying to rationalize dumping the old. $1,200 is a lot cheaper than $22K+, or a whole lot more, depending on the new model chosen.
Model-year duration and inventory on hand often don't match, which is why many Toyota dealers still have leftover 2012 inventory.
Mileage is negatively affected by the use of power-driven appliances--air conditioner, heater, defogger, lights, sound syatem, and any plug-ins. Power is derived from the consumption of fuel. The more power you use, the more fuel you burn.
Hello, Florence:
First, decide if you want front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. In the Mid-Atlantic region, if that is wher you are, you can get through most winters with less expensive and less fuel-consumptive front-wheel-drive.
Are you buying for need or prestige?
Prestige-competitive vehicles include the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and the Volvo XC60.
But if you are buying for need and want to save money and still be proud, check out the new Hyundai Santa Fe and the latest edition of the Nissan Rogue.
Good morning! We were wondering what you thought of the new Ford Focus hatchbacks. My husband drove one yesterday (after also testing out Hyundai Elantra, Subaru Impreza, and Mazda 3) - he liked it a lot. Our dealer here can't get the Impreza he'd want without special ordering it (in February) and we aren't thrilled with our Hyundai dealer. We'd love to hear your thoughts - you advised us to an Outback this summer, and we love it. Thanks!
Good morning to you, too. I'd go with the Ford Focus SE, a lot of car for $19,200. But if you want an even more enjoyable Focus, at a higher price ($24,000), go with the Focus Titanium--exceptionally comfortable interior, 2.4-liter Ecoboost engine, good safety and excellent construction. Competitive with anything in its class.
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