Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Common Interests Opinion on new car

Time to replace my GF's car. Choices are Mazda6 S, or Fusion SEL. Trying to find nice used 6 to avoid depreciation on a new car, but can't seem to find many nice, loaded up, 6's. Not to mention the 6's have held their resale exceptionally well. Leasing may be an option if I can just keep from modding . If buying new, price range is $20,000-$27,000. Used up to $15,000(won't finance). Car has to be 4 door, no rear wheel drive, auto , and loaded up.

options:
03'-05' 6 S
New 6 S
New Fusion SEL
New Legacy GT(I like, but might be too pricey)

Thanks for input!

earlier Mazda6's are really nice.

GT if you going to spend the $$$ might as well go all out.

You should look at 2002 or 2003 Maximas. I just bought my 2002 Maxima SE with 35,000 miles with all options except leather and nav (but including xenon headlights, Bose stereo, moonroof, etc.) for $13,500. I got a good deal, but there are a lot of them out there right now for $15,000 or under. 255hp is a lot of fun!

Mazda6>Fusion, as you've seen the 6 is keeping its value better than others and will definitely do better than the Fusion. Right now I wouldn't buy any domestic vehicle new as the depreacion is insane (unless you get really good remates!)

I'd go for either a new/used 6S or a used LGT!

Best g/f car ever. ' 05 6s with 6 speed. '06's were ruined.

I think the 6s 5-speed 5-door is just about the perfect car. Unfortunately, not very many of the model I wanted and the prices still being pretty high (mainly because they didn't come out until later) put them out of contention until next time.

When I she bought her car in April there were still left over '05's in Chicago. Still might be. Crazy to see them sit so long. But that's how you can get crazy deals. Got the Steel Gray for 21k out the door loaded up to the hilt. Mind you there were crazy deep rebate's and discounts offered. Don't know what is available now.

if you get a NEW 6, from a financial stand point you'll be able to take advantage of all the employee discounts + 0% finanacing on the car. Do that and it'll make sense unless you're paying cash...

We're looking used because we've got 15k cash. If I can find a nice used 6 that would be ideal. if we go new and finance Ford and Mazda have about equal incentives right now. But as was brought up earlier, I think I'd get killed on depreciation in the Fusion(looked at, has nice feel in quality, etc., don't know why they depreciate so rapidly). But in our situation having decent down payment means if were to finance it wouldn't be too bad. Weel off to Mazda and Subie dealer I go!