What kind of car to buy?

As a boy I read Car and Drive magazine (among other things I did) which over time gave me the role as the family's 'expert' on cars.

I still like to follow the car industry and get queries from my family like the one below.

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Subject: Car blogs
From: Cory
Sent:Thu 3/27/08 4:07 PM
To: Kyle

Hey,

I ran across this site http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com. Do you have any other fav sites for reviews or insights into current model autos?

I'm looking for a car ... I am seriously considering a Ford so Papa will be pleased, as should you. Well, sort of...its a Volvo...but I'm sure you understand. I've been looking at a couple of used/certified S40'sand S60's.

I'm ready for a fun car to drive, but like the safety/reliability and ...the clincher....have a friend who is a Volvo mechanic...so I'm ready for anything.

Cory
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From: Kyle
To: Cory
Subject: Re: Car blogs

Ford is actually trying to sell Volvo as it is strapped for cash. As cars go, I still read CarandDriver.com (C&D) occasionally and usually use cars.com for my car research. I think you'd have a lot more success and enjoyment in a Mazda6 (another Ford, but much more fun to drive, just as reliable, and possibly cheaper).

In my mind Volvos aren't known for being 'fun-to-drive.' They are generally marketed towards women who want a safe, quazi-luxury, cushy-ride car. You might also look at the Nissan Altima. It came in #2 after the Accord on C&Ds list of top cars. It is more reliable than the Volvo, rates higher on C&Ds fun-to-drive list and isn't likely to end up owned by India's Tata motors (like Volvo may).

Later, Kyle

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Re: Car blogs
From: Kyle (email)
To: Cory (email)

The recent sources for my opinions: http://www.star-telegram.com/chambers_williams/story/517257.html

Check out the highs and lows.
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/hatchbacks/hot_hatches_in_the_roaring_20s_comparison_test/2008_volvo_c30_t5

Kyle
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Re: Car blogs
From: Cory
To: Kyle

Thanks! No, seriously, you should put this on your blog as well.

Thanks for the info.

Cory