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So, I am finally in a position to acquire some wheels after not driving for 3/4 years. I've missed it so.
Budget: 10.5k
Payments: <=250
I am looking for a sedan that a 6'5/6'6 guy can fit into. I drove a Honda Civic in high school, which was basically a clown car to me. I had to move my seat back all the way, I'm not looking to repeat that! Late high school, and for work, I drove a Ford Taurus which was pretty comfortable.
The biggest problem is my lack of knowledge of sedan models from various manufacturers. I'm only a car guy when I watch Top Gear and after that it all goes out the window.
So far, I'm looking at Accords, because I've always thought that they were nice looking, comfortable but I'm looking to expand my model-range a bit.
Any input on suggested models, and where to shop would be most appreciated.
Edit: Thanks for the suggestions so far. My sister just purchased a Hyundai around the same range I am looking and she and the parents are quite happy with it.
Most important thing for me is comfort and the ride. Don't really care about power period.
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Hate to be off topic, but Top Gear is insane 
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Def go Japanese, If I were in your position I would get a Prelude, and spend the rest of the money on a tune up and future maintenance.
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I would just get myself a Chrysler 300c.
Which I drive once and a while, also--- they are cheap, and awesome. You can pick up a 2005, for cheap. And its the same body style as the new 2010, people will think your loaded. And a pimp. At the same time.
Its a "mid-size" sedan, but its huge-- its like a full size. But seriously, they are awesome.
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Get a used hyundai sonata circa around 2006. Hyundais resales are still "too low", since image perception hasn't caught up with actual quality. But this is changing very quickly, so you should latch on to this opportunity.
Sonata is very roomy (more so than camry and accord) and plenty powerful.
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Yeah-- everyone will give you their opinions about cars-- all you gotta do is, READ READ READ.. and DRIVE DRIVE DRIVE..
DO NOT-- let a salesman sell you a car the first time you see them. They are TRAINED to make the sale.. (I work in a dealership.) And I am stilling paying my car.. lol.
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^ What he said
My first car was the Scion tC (not the box, the "sporty" car). It was actually rather roomy, except the head clearance in the back seat. Was fairly well equipped standard too.
One of my friends in England keeps recommending the Honda Jazz, which I think is called the Fit here in the states.
Oh, and a side note, a lot of the Top Gear budget cars are either under different names or not very available here in the States.
Hope you find a car you like
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On September 02 2010 11:49 aiyeeta wrote:^ What he said My first car was the Scion tC (not the box, the "sporty" car). It was actually rather roomy, except the head clearance in the back seat. Was fairly well equipped standard too. One of my friends in England keeps recommending the Honda Jazz, which I think is called the Fit here in the states. Oh, and a side note, a lot of the Top Gear budget cars are either under different names or not very available here in the States. Hope you find a car you like
Yea Top gear is worthless unless I'm planning to import an Italian super car. I basically know nothing.
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Top Gear is run by people who know cars, and LOVE cars-- and drive cars everyday.. they really know what they are talking about, just because they talk about cars you may not be able to drive in North America.. it doesn't mean the things they notice about cars don't matter. I love hearing them RAVE about a car-- and then, say its rubbish-- because the handle on the door is in the wrong place-- and they just straight up say its not worth it.
They have attentions to details, and very high expectations.. and when you're buying a car, it should be like looking for a wife-- if she is hot, awesome-- if she cooks for you awesome-- if she has a great job-- wicked-- but if she never wipes her ass when she shits-- ever-- thats something that is going to ruin all of the positive traits.
When you test drive a car, you always notice the good traits-- and salesmen always are quick to focus on the good, but if you see anything you don't like-- or something that doesn't feel right-- just jump into something new, and move on-- you can always come back and take a second look.
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On a similar note, I'm wondering what sort of payment duration most people go for when they buy a car. Do people just roll with the usual ~3 years?
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You do realize you can get a brand new Toyota Yaris for around 15k, a little bit over your budget but it's brandnew, etc. It will most likely last longer then any used car but then again, taxes not included,etc,etc.
On September 02 2010 11:44 phosphorylation wrote:
Get a used hyundai sonata circa around 2006. Hyundais resales are still "too low", since image perception hasn't caught up with actual quality. But this is changing very quickly, so you should latch on to this opportunity.
Sonata is very roomy (more so than camry and accord) and plenty powerful.
They are pretty decent on gas too, You can probably get a newer one, 2008~ for around 10k.
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AGGHH! I hate driving so much!!! I can't wait to go to college and walk/bike everywhere. Right now I'm driving a 2002 V70 Volvo station wagon to school (stylin i know...). But uh...I Think you can get a ford "fiesta" for like 13k. If your looking for a used model you can probably grab a 2007 Honda civic for around 10k.
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On September 02 2010 12:51 holy_war wrote:A Honda Accord or the new Ford Taurus model should be relatively more comfortable than some other smaller sedans. Have you thought about getting a truck or SUV? They have quite a bit more leg room. http://blog.iseecars.com/2010/01/05/best-tall-people-cars/
Ahh thanks for this, seems like my instincts on the Accord and someone's recommendation of the Sonata are nice fits in the comfort category. I've never really liked Volvos, but I really like the S80 a lot.
I've always liked SUVs but they are inconvenient for a lot of things... also, WA state is pretty green... I don't see anything too big around here.
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Original model Scion xb is a great car for tall people. All that squareness on the outside is roomy comfort on the inside. I love mine, although I bike commute primarily.
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fusking quote instead of edit. I'm way over tired...
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On September 02 2010 12:47 Laerties wrote:
AGGHH! I hate driving so much!!! I can't wait to go to college and walk/bike everywhere. Right now I'm driving a 2002 V70 Volvo station wagon to school (stylin i know...). But uh...I Think you can get a ford "fiesta" for like 13k. If your looking for a used model you can probably grab a 2007 Honda civic for around 10k.
He said driving a civic was like driving a clown car. And I fell into a dealer trap and am now stuck with an 07 civic that I really dislike. 
Also, you -might- be able to pick up an 05/06 xB for ~10k. They're definitely one car that seems to keep their resale value for awhile, so it might be a bit of a stretch, but I know that when I was car shopping I managed to find a few in the 10-13k range, especially if you can/are willing to drive a manual. Unfortunately I didn't learn on a stick, so I wasn't willing to make the purchase without knowing how to drive it first.
Anyhow, my brother had a boxy xB and loved it; it's definitely a really roomy car. Probably would have had it still had he not wrecked it. He ended up upgrading to a newer model. Car before the box was a civic coupe. I rode around quite a bit in all three, and the xB would definitely work well for you if you could find one in range.
For sedans, of course there's the Accord, but I'd also recommend looking into the Mazda 6 and Hyundai Sonata. My sister has a Sonata and it's fairly roomy, and I've test driven a Mazda 6 that was definitely a bit roomier than my Civic.
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On September 02 2010 11:44 phosphorylation wrote:
Get a used hyundai sonata circa around 2006. Hyundais resales are still "too low", since image perception hasn't caught up with actual quality. But this is changing very quickly, so you should latch on to this opportunity.
Sonata is very roomy (more so than camry and accord) and plenty powerful.
My 6'9" uncle has a sonata, and he has no complaints.
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I don't know much about used cars market in USA, but looking at the prices on Yahoo, you can buy something really good for 10k$ over there. One example is Subaru Legacy from 2005th, just a great car. Constant AWD, you will never have problems during the winters (dunno where u live, good power, very reliable. One suggestion is to look for a car around 8500$ and to have some spare for changing oil, all filters, driving belts etc consumatives, just to be sure.
Other very good second hand sedans come from the German manifacturers, but i guess these are alot more expensive in USA cause of taxes.
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EPT
