Tips on Buying Cars: Budget/Value Car, bumper to bumper warranty, bud ford

Question
Hi Bud Ford.  I am just entering college and am looking for a reasonable new car to get me there and back everyday.  Im looking for something between 10-13k that is the best value.  Looks, size, options, or mostly anything else does not bother me.  Only things in mind are good engine, reliability, quality, and value.  I've been researching and have found the Nissan Sentra, Toyota corolla, hyundai accent, Saturn Ion, Chevy Cavalier, and Kia Rio.  The hyundai and kia reassure me with their high year warranties.  The toyata because their known for quality and reliability.  The others I have no clue what to think.  I do not have any experience with these cars so am asking an experienced person who knows better.  Which car has more value that you would choose? Thanks for answering my question.

Answer
Hi Thomas and good luck in your future educational endeavors.  In my personal opinion you can not beat Toyota, Honda and Mazda.  Nissan has made great strides in the last couple of years but I do not think they are there yet.  The warranty for Hyundai and Kia (which are the same manufacturer) have a 10 yr, 100,000 mile drive train warranty which covers ONLY the motor,transmission and drive mechanism.  The reason they offer these warranties is so they will be competetive, not because they are made better.  Toyota and Honda have a  36 month, 36,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty while Mazda has a 36 month, 50,000 mile warranty.  I personally am very wary of Saturn because of the construction and Cavalier is very cheaply made.  In the end you should get the vehicle you are most comfortable with.  You will be driving it for a long time.  If you need further specific info let me know.  Bud