What's the best vehicle for my needs?

tlong

I'll second the Mazda 5, take a look at my post #812.

The handling will be closer to the Benz and BMW the original poster was used to in his current cars, but the interior is definitely not at Euro-luxury levels. Still, it's a really nice package that is pretty big inside and quite small outside - only about 3 inches longer than the BMW 3-series but two inches narrower - and has a lot more space and a third row. And still great handling.

plekto

The Honda Fit's seats recline and have enough space for your heels to go under the seat - it really can fit four full size adults comfortably.

jeffyscott

My G35 is plenty roomy now that my 3-year-old climbs in by himself and all I have to do is buckle him in.

Doesn't the government now require kids to be in car seats until they are like 8?

qbrozen

He is in a car seat, of course. He climbs into it, though. I just open the door, and he scrambles right up on in there.

fezo

Yeah, I think 8 is the age. This means i am only half a year away from being able to chuck car seats for the last time..... We will see.

jchan2

What about going with a minivan (both Odysseys and Siennas are deeply discounted; that $40K MSRP really means a final sale price of $34-$36K) as a replacement for the ML350 and then for the 3-Series you could perhaps try the new Mercedes GLK350? Gas mileage is pitiful, but the lease and finance rates seem attractive, and if you're used to an ML, stepping down into a GLK may not be much of a difference.

dtownfb

I'm looking to replace my 2000 Intrigue (178k miles) with a used car. This will be my daily commuter and the family's primary car is a minivan. My family has grown by one so now we have 3 children.

I'm looking for something that can carry 5 people and gets good gas mileage since my daily commute is 65 miles R/T. Also I am 6'4" tall and not in the mood to be shoe horned into a sub-compact. I'm most likely looking at a mid-size sedan but am open to other suggestions. Looking to spend less than $14,000. Unfortunately, my car does not qualify for the "Clunker" bill.

I tend to keep my cars a long time (high mileage) so a car with a history of reliability is important. Any suggestions???

sebring95

You can grab an '05-'07 4cyl Accord with less than 40k miles pretty easily in that price range. Decent reliability, good performance, 30mpg easy. If you want a little bigger (back seat more than anything) an '08+ Taurus or Impala isn't a bad choice either but mileage won't quite be as high.

qbrozen

How old are the kids? The number and types of carseats can make a BIG difference (ie, 2 infant seats and a booster take up a ton of width). And not all mid-sizers are created equal. For example, I could fit 2 adults next to my son's carseat in my '06 Accord. The same is not true of my '04 G35.

What do you consider good gas mileage? If you want 30+ mpg, that limits us considerably more than 22mpg.

How about a V6 Charger? The 3.5liter 5-speed auto should hold up pretty well, I think. I'm sure mileage will be low 20s, though.

dtownfb

My kids are 10, 7 and 9 months so only 1 car seat. My kids are off the growth chart so the others have been out of booster seats for a while. We would only use this car occasionally for family trips. The minivan is much more comfortable for long trips.

Basically i am looking for a 4 cylinder. Like the power of a V6 but gas will probably be back to $4 in summer 2010. Quite honestly, the 4 cylinder is probably enough for me. So 27-29 mpg on my daily commute. I managed 24-26 with the Intrigue.

Not a fan of Chrysler cars.

qbrozen

Sounds like an Accord to me.

Although ... if you tried real hard, you could achieve high 20s in a 525i.

Of course, a $14k 525i won't last you as long as a $14k Accord.

dtownfb

I didn't think I could get an Accord for that price. I bought my Intrigue used with 60k miles. I like the idea of the newer Taurus or Impala.

kyfdx

Check driver leg room... In most Hondas, I put the seat all the way back, and I'm shorter than you are... Of course, everyone fits differently in the seat..

With a family of five, I think the Taurus or Impala would be a good choice, but I have no idea what sort of mileage they get.. Isn't the smallest engine choice a 6-cylinder?

exb0

If you stretch your budget a bit, you can get a new Hyundai Sonata for about $15K from Fitzgerald's in Gaithersburg MD. It is only an hour away from you.

Sonata has as much room as Accord, just as reliable, and has better gas mileage.

dtownfb

A new Sonata is in the back of my mind. Rented a couple over the past month and they are nice. Only bad thing is the suspension noise over bumps but it falls into the annoying category. Not sure if I can get that price here in PA. Not a fan of traveling long distances to buy cars.

Any thoughts on the Camry?

dtownfb

I can fit in this generation Accord. The previous generation was a different story.

Both Taurus and Impala are 6 cylinders. Plus I am not sure I can get a newer Taurus for under $14k without a ton of miles.

Used car shopping is harder than new car shopping.

sebring95

I've recently considered grabbing a used accord for my 60 mile commute. Currently doing it in my truck since my 50mpg VW got creamed and I haven't found anything I really want at the moment. BTW, I'm tall as well and I find the VW's to be amoung the best for comfort. Of course, the backseats are inhabitable so as a family vehicle....not so great.

Anyway, I've found quite a few '06-'07 Accord SE's in your price range. I looked at an '07 with 40k miles that the dealer basically came down to $14,000 pretty easily. Also, lots of private seller ones out there on craigslist/autotrader etc. in that price range. I also got a price on an '05 EX in pristine condition for $10,800 but it had 70k miles. Still a pretty good deal IMHO. The nice thing about the Accords is that (at least today) they're still worth stupid money with 150k+.

dtownfb

The addition of the third child eliminated a number of vehicles like the Jetta and Mazda 6. I've rented the current Jetta and fit without a problem.

I assumed I couldn't get an 2007 Accord for that price. the sticker prices for these vehicles are pretty high on dealer's lots. 40k miles on a vehicles like this doesn't bother me since I will likely keep it over 150k miles.

Appreciate the help. I'll try to test drive a Ford 500 and Impala this weekend to see if I should keep them on the list.

jeffyscott

you can get a new Hyundai Sonata for about $15K

I think in some places a new 2009 Fusion/Milan has been going for $5000-6000 off MSRP, which I believe would put some versions in that range also. I don't know what kind of availability there is any more, though.

suydam

The Toyota Camry might be roomier in the back seat for those occasions when you do have to fit everyone in. Used Camry hybrids would give you both room and very good mileage. The basic 4 cyl Camry gets surprisingly good mileage too.

sebring95

You can easily buy a used Fusion for that price. The '07 to '09 is just ok in my book. There's $4,000 rebate on the 2009 right now for good reason. The 2010 Fusion is a much much better car....I'd say better than an Accord or Camry. I looked very closely at an SEL AWD last week and it's a very nice ride.

plekto

My suggestion is a LeSabre.*

- Good engine. Nearly identical to the V6 in the Camry(which is a copy of the GM design in many ways, actually)
- Similar to the Camry but without the resale value(read - LOADS cheaper used)
- Back seat that is big enough. You can fit 5 adults pretty easily in it.
- Really nice on long trips.
- Gets about 27-28mpg combined.
- Basically a better, smoother Intrigue.

*A 2007 LaCrosse CXS is the modern version, IMO. 3.6VVT engine, Cadillac CTS suspension - a real sleeper that everyone overlooked. Avoid the other trim lines though - ick. Just not the same.

Also can be had with a *bench* seat, which gives you a 6th seat(yay!) and loads more roomy feel.

You won't even spend $12K on one. Try that with an Accord or Camry.

EDIT - No, really - the engine and suspension is way way WAY different and there's no throttle lag. It handles nicely, too. Like a CTS with front wheel drive. And 2007 because that's when they started their 100K drive train warranty.

Yes, it's not a 4 cylinder, but it will fit 5-6 people comfortably and get nearly 4 cylinder mileage. The only other option would be the new Jetta Deisel. But that's half as reliable as the GM, to be honest. And the GM costs a lot less to repair as well.(VWs are as a rule pricey to fix and break more often)

jchan2

a used 2008 Hyundai Sonata, 4-cylinder? it's pre-refresh, so it won't look as current, but it will be loads cheaper than a brand new one and you might be able to snag it for maybe $11-$12K. You won't get the 10 yr/100K warranty, but you do get the balance of the 5 yr/60K warranty.

I would also second the motion for an '06 or '07 Accord; I'd also suggest looking into an '07 or '08 Altima, but you might have some difficulty finding an '08 Altima for under $14K. I average about 30 MPG w/ my '08 Altima (4-cylinder) so you should be fine if you choose that route.

The LaCrosse is an interesting perspective; might be a bit hard to find the CXS model that plekto recommends; the majority that I see on the market are CX and CXLs, basically rental fleet specials.

blink3

I drive anywhere from 35k-50k miles per year. I do have to carry samples with me, but not too bad. Helmets, jackets, gloves some bags. I have run so far: GMC Envoy, Chevy Tahoe, Saturn Vue and now in a Chevy Silverado. All of these vehicles have been the top of the line, loaded versions. This is my office and I have to have as serene a place (workspace) I can get. I really like the roominess and cabin quietness of the new big chevy's. The bluetooth is awesome! My current Silverado is a 2009 as I just put it into service. I think I may need to get out of it though. I find the ride is "choppy" and rough and of course, the fuel mileage is not what I thought I could get out of it. If it were not for those two items, I like it.

So I have been looking around but I do not see anything that really turns me on. I looked at '08-'09 Cadillac STS v6. Would possibly work as it is pretty quiet and drives well, I am worried about the cost of ownership over a couple years. It does run on regular, gets 26 (epa), and the v6 felt peppy enough. The seats just were not to my liking. Too firm, too cheap feeling, too wide. I slid on the seats through the corners. The "new" cadillac has definitely been cheapened.

I am going to drive a Buick Enclave. I sat in one and the seats felt great. I was not impressed with the plastic wood though. Will have to see if it has enough pep for me.

I am also going to drive the new Toyota Venza. Only looked at those online. Both of these vehicles are Front wheel drive which I do not really care for. I hate the torque steer.

So to summarize, Clean, somewhat luxurious, extremely QUIET interior is a must. Got to have pretty decent power, room enough for my samples, and I am a bicycle enthusiast so I have to be able to fit a hitch to it for a rack. Of course fuel mileage is important as it is one of my largest expenses.

Suggestions????

Thanks!!!

imidazol97

>Back seat that is big enough. You can fit 5 adults pretty easily in it.

6 adults fit nicely into ours with the front bench seat.

plekto

> 6 adults fit nicely into ours with the front bench seat.

Yes they do

The center front seat back holds forward for a storage unit - and the entire thing really has as much usable room as the floor console. I know, I checked Also, on the bench seat models, the gear lever is on the column. This is a huge improvement in space utilization AND the traction control override switch is on the end of the stalk instead of buried on the dash where it's useless.

It's *way* roomier than a Sonata or Accord. You can actually fit three car seats in the rear, though it's a tight fit, I'll grant you.

http://l.yimg.com/dv/izp/buick_lacrosse_cxs_2008_dashboard_dashboard.jpg
This is the normal layout

http://images.autotrader.com/images/2009/5/30/257/578/11770622773.257578641.IM1.- 08.565x421_A.562x421.jpg
This is the bench. Awesome cup holder as well.
http://images.autotrader.com/images/2009/5/30/257/578/11770622771.257578641.IM1.- 06.565x421_A.562x421.jpg
That center section on the floor/up front is actually the front half of the seat bottom that flips forward. Flipped back and the center down it's completely open across the floor.

I don't know, though, if you could get the CXS trim with a bench seat other than an actual custom order option. I did hear of a few people who had that ordered, but They're probably either urban legend/sales BS, or unobtanium.

jeffyscott

Both of these vehicles are Front wheel drive which I do not really care for. I hate the torque steer.

Just stay away from the over-powered FWD V6's and that should not be a problem. (I don't know if the specific vehicles you mentioned are available wit a 4 cylinder.)

dtownfb

Buick LeSabre???? hadn't thought of that one. Definitely no bench seat though.

Edmunds does not think very highly of the LaCrosse. BTW, the backseat in the Jetta is too small.

I'm test driving over the next week to eliminate some cars.

dtownfb

A used Sonata is an option. Would love an Altima but the model I would want is outside my price range. This price range has some flexibility and can go higher if necessary.

qbrozen

Check driver leg room... In most Hondas, I put the seat all the way back, and I'm shorter than you are

I'm 6'5" and had no problem with my '06 Accord. I didn't even have to put it back all the way. However, that's with a power seat. I find that I need the power seat in most cars, no matter how large, so I can fit comfortably.

jchan2

Must you stick with GM? I find the Ford Taurus X to be extremely capable, and used ones can be had extremely cheap as they are not that popular.

I would also suggest a Lexus ES350 if you're considering a Caddy STS. Also think about a regular old Ford Taurus (aka the Ford Five Hundred)

And if you are willing to buy new, a well equipped Honda Accord EX might fit the bill; plenty of room, and you can choose the 4-cylinder model for better fuel economy or the V6 for more power. (with still decent gas mileage)

jchan2

Not necessarily. I don't know what level of equipment you're looking for, but garden variety 2.5S models can be had all over the place (new or used) for cheap.
In fact, you might be better off going with a new one. They seem to be selling for well below invoice and in the $17-$18K range, if my memory serves me right from the prices paid board.

Of course, the 2.5SL and 3.5 models get much pricier, and in my opinion, the 2.5S is the best buy. If you want a power driver's seat, toss in an additional $800-$1000 for the convenience package (also includes steering wheel audio controls and a few other smaller things).

dtownfb

Now I have to go do research on the Altima Board.

Wife doesn't care too much about what car I get but she gave a definitive "No" to the Buick LeSabre.

plekto

The Lacrosse CXS isn't as stodgy and ugly as the LeSabre. It's dirt cheap to buy and run, and drives better than anything GM makes other than the Cadillac CTS. The other two trim lines are worthless rubbish due to having an old nasty 38. V6 as opposed to the VVT 3.6 that's in the CTS. It's also tuned for torque instead of HP, so it gets to about 1600rpm and hits max torque, then stays there until about redline. It drove, IMO, like a tiny 1960s V8. Just with 30mpg highway.

dtownfb

Thank you all for your help. I've decided on a 2006 Toyota Camry. Drives very nice and is extremely quiet. The back seat fits everyone.

Thanks again.

demigawd

Hi all,

This is my first post here. I'm new to car ownership (despite being 30 years old! - I'm from NYC), so I'm trying to learn all I can since I've relocated to the Midwest where car ownership is a requirement.

I'm in IL, where the winters are bitter and brutal. I survived this winter, but I've seen highways and driveways littered with car casualties who couldn't get by in the snow. As I understand, AWD and 4WD cars are great for snowy environments like where I live, but most of the ones I've seen in my research are SUVs, or rather slow cars. I prefer performance cars, but most of them are not only not AWD, but they're often not even front wheel drive. It seems the few AWD cars with good performance are well outside my budget.

So what I would like to know is your opinions or recommendations on car models that meet the following criteria:

1. AWD/4WD
2. acceleration - 0-6 in less than 7 seconds
3. kbb value of $15,000 or less based on less than 70,000 miles of use
4. Generally good performance in winter conditions
5. Comparatively low maintenance - either good reliability reputation, or fairly inexpensive to repair.
6. Average insurance cost

Ideally, I'm hoping for a model no older than 03, though I'm certainly flexible. I'm also flexible on all of the criteria except the first three.

What do you think? Is it hopeless?

thanks so much in advance!

krisnel

Hi we are from Charlotte, NC..couple in 30's , no children yet.

I just started researching what SUV I should go for..I want to decided based on following
1. 5 seater or 7 seater (Planning kids next year..)
2. new or used one
3. What features I should be looking for?

My price range is from 20K to 30K.

Helpful links and suggestions greatly appreciated.

plekto

Subaru WRX.

Or you *might* consider a Tacoma 4x4. It's "fun" in another way as it's a real off-road vehicle as opposed to a yuppie SUV. Manual transmission of course. It may go 0-60 in about 8 seconds, but with manual, it *flies* in and out of traffic because you can keep it wound up and in gear. A typical automatic takes almost a full second to figure out what you want, shift down, and rev up and start moving.

This is often referred to as "wide-open-throttle lag"

So in actual driving, just getting *anything* with a manual transmission instantly turns it into a car that feel sporty and quick in real life driving. This is even true with a 4x4 truck.

oregonboy

Good answer! The Subie is the obvious choice, although the Tacoma is an interesting alternative. I drive a Tacoma 2wd, and while it wouldn't work for the question at hand, with a V6 and a 5-spd, it's a pretty fun ride (for a pickup). It is totally hopeless on slick surfaces. Advertised 0-60 was 7.1 seconds when it was new in 1996.

As for the Subaru WRX, make mine a wagon with a stick! :shades:

sebring95

Well there's about a million SUV's to pick from and most are pretty cheap these days given that demand for them has long passed. So maybe you could go into a little more detail about what you're needing. Offroading? Towing (how much weight)? Those are probably the biggest decision points so we can go from there.

sebring95

It's nearly hopeless. Outside the WRX as recommended by others....my only thoughts are possibly squeezing into a 3-series bmw or an Audi A4. That opens #5 up to serious discussion....but I personally would take the 3-series over the WRX regardless. You're 30....insurance shouldn't be much different regardless.

And I'd still recommend snow tires even if you go with AWD. An AWD with all-seasons is only marginally better than a FWD with snow tires....and that's only when starting. The snow tires will stop and turn better regardless of AWD or FWD.

exb0

He might be able to to get 2004 Infiniti G35x under $15K.

qbrozen

Yup. That was going to be my suggestion. I bought mine last year with 36k miles for $18k. So now that the market has gone belly up since then and the window is within 70k miles, it should be relatively easy.

demigawd

Oh you know, I probably should have mentioned - I can't drive stick.

For me, it's not so much wanting a fast car for the cool factor, but I just really, really hate trying to change lanes in traffic and always being beaten to the punch by faster cars. So it's specifically about zipping through traffic easily - with the limitation that it would have to be with an automatic.

demigawd

I was looking into the WRX based on your recommendations. It does seem to meet pretty much everything I was looking for. If only it weren't so unbelievably ugly, lol. The 2004 model I saw online looks like my girlfriend's 2001 civic, with a spoiler. Now, fairplay, attractiveness wasn't on my list of requirements, so I may just have to make do!

In the absence of AWD options, if there are cars with strong acceleration that in your experience handle well in snowy conditions, even if they're not specifically AWD, I'd appreciate those recommendations as well.

qbrozen

Oh, also check out the S60 2.5T or T5 (if you can find one). The 2.5T can be had in either AWD or FWD. The T5 is FWD only. But any are good in snow and quick.

demigawd

I was trying to find G35x, since they EASILY met my criteria. But for some reason, I've had a really hard time locating any. I've looked all over the internet in my state and the surrounding states and I've only seen about a dozen for sale. Of those, the only ones for less than $15,000 had over 100,000 miles.

But I agree, a 2003-2004 G35x with 70k miles or less would be my dream car.

Now, I just saw a 2001 CL 600 V12 with 80k miles for $13999. That sounds like a dream come true, but it's 80,000 miles, and I wonder what the maintenance costs would be on a car like that and what the insurance cost would be (if it's hugely different than, say, a G35).

demigawd

I just looked up the S60. It says it has a 0-60 of 9.5 seconds. Does that sound right to you? If so, that's a bit sluggish. I was hoping for 7 or less.

sebring95

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder....but I behold the WRX is butt ugly as well. I didn't realize the Infiniti's were so cheap...that might not be a bad option. But when you start talking about zipping in/out of traffic....I usually think something smaller. VW's seem to do very good in snow....my Jetta with snow tires was better than my 4x4's as long as the snow wasn't crazy deep. Better handling than many others and the turbo might just give you the gusto feel you crave. I still say find a sweet 3-series BMW with AWD and take a drive. That's a great driving car and there's plenty of automatics out there. Too many actually...but I digress. I've been giving hard thought to a 330ix myself for a commuter...about impossible to find with a manual.

sebring95

RE: 2001 CL 600 V12

I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole if you have any concern about repair cost. There's a reason they're so cheap! The people that can afford to fix them can afford to buy new ones.