heading to US in june, need car advice pls!

vito_corleone SG

hey guys, need some help from the petrol heads here. will be moving to LA in june and am looking to buy an affordable, not-bad-looking compact sized car thats not expensive to maintain but can't decide on which one. what are the best/good options? am currently considering 2nd hand 03'c class coupe, acura rsx(honda integra) and mazda mx5. anyone able to offer some insightful opinions on the above cars or name better options?

Meia Gisborn SG

If I were you, I'd take a serious look at the '04-'09 Mazda 3 (the '10 model has been given a slight facelift). The 2.0l version of this car has consistently topped the Consumer Reports' ratings for vehicles in its category. I'm actually looking at getting the '10 version later this year.

vito_corleone SG

i dunno about the us model but i heard from people here the mazda 3 is pretty horrible to drive :S

nOrmalbOi SG

wahh... moving to LA.. lucky wealthy chap..

if i was u, i would try to drive something that isnt available in sg.

unclebutcher SG

camry? chevy impala? nissan altima?

vito_corleone SG

not wealthy la just average haha. but the prob is US cars are rubbish in everything from design to reliability to maintenance costs so i'm thinking a japanese or 2nd hand continental, preferbly small and compact since im living alone

nOrmalbOi SG

distance short mostly, can consider the small hybrids like the smart or the new iQ
half short half long i would consider the 1.6 to 2.0 stuff..
mostly highway i would think about most below 3.0 haha

alone? for how long? US leh… lol

vito_corleone SG

yeap 4 yrs haha. will a well maintained 2nd hand compact conti be a better choice? i mean no point bearing the brunt of devaluation for a new jap one when i can get a much better euro or high end jap model for the same price as a new corolla or less eh?