The last 2 weeks have been spent looking at new cars. We drove about 15 total including Accords, Altimas, Sonatas, Elantras, Galants, PT Cruisers, Matrix and after all was said and done we chose a 05 Camry because of price, features, and warranty options. Got the 4 cylinder, 5 speed auto with cruise, power windows, door locks, drivers seat, and radio/cd with steering wheel buttons . I couldn't get factory satellite, too bottom end. I took it to a hamfest in Arlington TX, and got stuck in traffic jam that lasted about an hour. My gas mileage suffered, I got 28.8 mpg. On the way back to Tulsa going 70 most of the way for about 250 miles I got 40.8 mpg with AC on. I am nearly totally satisfied with the choice, quiet, responsive, comfortable. I think I'm used to the spongy brakes. One thing I noticed is that the odometer registers nearly 3 percent high and that means with 36,000 on it and no warranty it'll have only 35,000 miles on it. I'll have to see what they can do about correcting both problems. I have not purchased a new car since 1972 because of the nasty way car dealers treated me and wasted my time. But with the Internet it was pleasurable, an outstanding learning experience, and its about time the consumer had an option. Hank
- posted
18 years ago