My wife was involved in a car wreck last week.  Totalled her 2000 Nissan Altima.  We're waiting for the insurance company to pony up.  I'm not expecting much.  

Anyway, we've got to get her a car.  I've got a budget for a MSRP of about $22k, and I hope to whack the dealership down to about $20k.  (That's why the 4-banger engines.  Well, that plus mileage.)

First we looked at the 2006 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS (another 4-banger).  Very very nice looking car, but my wife said that with the automatic transmission it was a dog.  No bueno.  It's a very sporty car, and she's told me that she likes sports cars, but she liked her Altima, too.

So, tonight we test drove an Altima 2.5 and a Solara with the 2.4l 4-cylinder.  My personal opinion, the Solara looks better, has more features for the (list) price, and is just a bit nicer car.  Plus, it's a two-door, so it's easier for me to get in and out of it.  Realistically, though, either car would do.  The Altima we tried stickered at $21,900, the Solara at $22,500.  The Solara had a power front seat, sunroof, and alloy wheels.  The Altima did not.

So, voice of experience here?  Any recommendations?

Well, for $22K, you have a LOT of other options.

Have you driven the Scion tC? It puts a large-ish Camry 4-cylinder engine in a smaller, lighter package - lots of zip for under $18K. Very Celica GT-like, for several grand less. The interior and overall build quality are impressive.

I would also look at the Mazda 3 series - Not particularly cheap as compacts go, but a lot of fun to drive.

As a last resort, I would consider a slightly-used V6 Altima, or maybe even a well-used Maxima. VQ engines are delightful, even with 50K on them.

French or Japanese the choice is yours.

22K should be able to get you a new V6 mustang

Solara all the way.

The new Hyundai Sonatas look pretty damn nice, and can be had with a nice V6.  

I have an 03 Tiburon, and it's a GREAT car.  Very reliable and strong. Drives great... I'd highly recommend Hyundai.  

Get the V6 Altima

Quoted: 22K should be able to get you a new V6 mustang

I think he wants a car that works, holds its value and doesnt use 30-year old technology.

if you want something that will hold it's value....buy a used lexus ls400.
4L v8, all the ammenities....could get a 200 with 50k for 20-21 grand.  they ride like a cloud and run FOREVER....trouble free. friends dad just traded up to a new one....old one had 720,000 miles on it.........honest....and not uncommon.
if you insist on the altima, which is also nice, go with the v6. the 2.5 is a dog in it. a used maxima would also be a nice option.
solara's with the v6....and in a 5 speed are very peppy.

Quoted: Quoted: 22K should be able to get you a new V6 mustang I think he wants a car that works, holds its value and doesnt use 30-year old technology.

What 30 year old tech does a mustang use?  Internal combustion engines have been around for longer than that.

New mustangs are all new.  Sorry your wrong and biased against american products.

Why not a Camry. More reliable than the altima, cheaper, full sized spare tire...

Quoted: Quoted: 22K should be able to get you a new V6 mustang I think he wants a car that works, holds its value and doesnt use 30-year old technology.

Or something that doesn't suck gas.

Quoted: Get the V6 Altima

yep.

Quoted: The new Hyundai Sonatas look pretty damn nice, and can be had with a nice V6.

Another excellent prospect - They are now VERY nice-looking cars (sort of cross between an Accord and a BMW), and come with plenty of no-cost extras.

On the down side, they are now in considerable demand, so you won't be paying much less than list price for one.

Quoted: Why not a Camry. More reliable than the altima, cheaper, full sized spare tire...

The Solara is a 2-door Camry.

We're looking at the 4-cylinder cars to keep the price down and the mileage up.

I think, however, my wife has settled on the Altima.