What's the best vehicle for my needs?

morin2

Is there another car in the family that she can use? How far is her commute and does anyone do it by bicycle? Can she bum a ride with a co-worker who has the same schedule & help out with his/her gas money?

A used car will carry a higher interest rate to finance anywhere. The biggest lesson of this economy is not to over-extend on credit. Save and pay cash. Learn how to negotiate. Here is a personal example: In March 2005, I bought a 2002 Chev. Prizm LSI with 25K miles on it for $5750 after 3 days of negotiating (it was originally priced 10295) at a new car dealer. They were happy to sell a car and I was happy to get a reliable car at my price for cash. I drove it exactly 4 years and another 70K miles without a problem and gave it this spring to my daughter who now enjoys a reliable car. There are plenty of such cars. You need to do your research into her needs and preferences, then research negotiation techniques or go with a pro (former car salesman, for example) and learn how to do it. She will have a lifetime of buying cars & needs to learn how its done. Some negotiations fail & those are learning experiences. Don't fall in love with a used piece of equipment on a lot - emotion has no place in this deal.

Once she has that car, she needs to learn to care for it to prevent her current situation from repeating itself. She can take an evening auto maintenance class at a high school or community college. These used to be called "auto maintenance & repairs for women" until they realized that everybody needs to learn to care for their own vehicles. My son is going into his final year of college and drives a well-maintained 15 year old car (Subaru Legacy) with 153K miles on it. Its so reliable that he thinks nothing of driving it on 500-600 mile trips, in fact he leaves in the morning for a trip to NYC.

To start your research, use the April auto issue of Consumer Reports & look at "used vehicles to avoid" (believe them!) and recommended used cars. Every library has Consumer Reports. Go back several years. Research here on Edmunds too - its a great place.

morin2

I forgot to add something that is almost a given - Have the used car examined by a mechanic before you even begin to negotiate. Otherwise, you do not have the information you need for a negotiation. The $50-$100 spent on a mechanical inspection is the best investment you can ever make. Just ask the people who are writing in to "Ask the Community" here at Edmunds with questions about their "as-is" used car purchases that break down on their drives home. That's a tough and expensive lesson.

qbrozen

You mentioned that Volvo's geartronic is not the fastest reacting - what woud you say is a faster reacting one?

Well, for one, the G35. I've read about many others, but haven't driven them. The zf 6-speed auto found in cars such as the 335i, corvette, and camaro, to name a few, is supposed to be very very good.

As for trying out the other volvos, as the other poster said, just get yerself to a dealer and try them on for size.

qbrozen

fezo beat me to it. Mazda5 sounds like what you are looking for. Although you may feel it is technically a minivan. (OK, it technically is, but you don't have to tell anyone)

jeffyscott

That minivan getting rear-ended was pretty bad, but I wonder how bad getting hit by a "lorrie" would be in a sedan (and what about a hatchback, such as the, #1 in europe, golf?). It'd have been interesting if they'd have done a comparison.

plekto

I forgot to mention my own personal list of vehicles:

81 Buick Regal - slow but impossible to kill.
84 Buick Regal - same exact car, different dash. Died in accident.
75 Volvo 164E - bulletproof and simple. No smog.
81 Dodge Colt/Mitsubishi Mirage. Indestructible but slow as a slug.
87 Buick LeSabre - transmission finally gave out so tossed it.
90 Volvo 240. Loved this car. Sold eventually as I wanted something better.
67 Mercedes 230S. This was it. Lovely car. Would still have it if the *entire* engine didn't need replacing at $4-6K.
87 4Runner. 380K on the odometer. Can't kill it - repels yuppies.
(plus a bunch of smaller stuff and motorcycles)

I've never bought anything new. Either classic or 5-8 years old at the time. Sure stuff breaks, but nothing bad.

The average person spends half a million dollars in their lifetime if they do nothing but buy new cars all the time. I won't likely spend 1/5th that. :P

What are thr criteria? Also, will she drive manual(anyone can learn - that's not an issue, really). I've spent less maintaining my 5 vehicles with manuals so far than even ONE of my Buicks' automatics. This is the easiest way to keep a car running for cheap. And it's a good skill to learn.(plus a turn-on to guys she might date later on - heh)

***
As for the crash test - you'll notice that the 2nd row was fine since it was past the crumple zone. If the seats have headrests, it's very rare to have major injuries in a rear collision in a sedan.(if RWD, the rear axle is about as good as an engine block in stopping further crumpling) At worst, they get pushed forward into the front seats which are padded. Maybe break their legs at worst. But 6 inches from the back like a lot of 3rd rows are... yeah... way too close. Get a full size van or SUV if you really need to carry 6 or more people.

jchan2

If you're going to consider a Volvo, I also have to throw in a suggestion for a Saab.

Yes, the '03-'05 9-3s had some rather troubling reliability problems, but the ancient 9-5 has been pretty solidly reliable after about 2003, and in your price range, you might be able to get into an '06 9-3 if you really wanted to.

Sure, they're not AWD/4WD, but they are FWD and known as decent snow cars. Avoid the V6 on the 9-5 (2004 and up models were 4 cylinder only) and you should be good to go...

Generally, all Saabs depreciate like crazy because on the new end they are discounted like crazy since they are (in my opinion) overpriced on the new end.

You might also consider a Saab 9-2X, which was basically just a rebadged Subaru Impreza. Given that you're looking in Chicagoland (if I recall correctly) you should be able to find plenty of Saabs, although the 9-2X can be rather difficult to find since it was never really popular to begin with.

fritzi2

Thanks everyone. These are really great suggestions. She has a friend who is a mechanic who has offered to not only go with her but make any repairs that she needs free of charge. The problem is finding a used car with the money she has and it's not much, believe me. I just don't understand why a bank is willing to finance her for 18 months at 12.5% when the loan is over $9,000 but ups the interest rate to 24% when the loan amount is only $6,000. Each way the payments are $100.00/mo over what she can reasonably afford to pay. I have to respect the kid in that she refuses to go over what she knows she can afford. Unfortunately, we don't have an extra car for her to use so it looks like I will be driving her to and from work for a while. Since she only works about 3 miles from home, she is toying with buying a used Vespa for the commute during the summer. If nothing else, please keep us in your prayers. :shades:

jeffyscott

Unless she has a bad credit rating, both those rates seem very high. The highest used auto loan rate my credit union is showing is 8.4%, that rate applies to '94 to '99 models. (Even credit card from my credit union are "only" at 6-14% interest rates)

Another possibility...I see chase and citi offering 0% for 12 months on some credit cards. I'm sure there are other deals like that out there. Also with my existing credit cards I often get "checks" that have promotional rates of 0% or close to it. These deals are never worth it to me, as they have transaction fees of 3-5%, but something like that might work for her, if she gets such offers and has a high enough limit on the card, and is careful to be sure she can pay it off in the allotted time.

morin2

Did you say 3 miles or was that a typo? If my one way commute was 3 and not 54 miles, I would walk it or ride a bike. I walk about 3 miles at lunchtime for exercise. Would walking these 3 miles take her through dangerous neighborhoods or across highways? I'm an old fart of 54, but even I can walk a measured mile in 15-16 minutes.

erniesdad

3 Miles? Honestly, get a bicycle. $500 can get an excellent commuter bike that can be ridden in street clothes with nice wide tires. for a comfortable ride. Get a quality lock(kryptonite ulock or something similar), and she can save the money on gas and insurance to save up for a better car later. 3 miles is less than 20 minutes ride time, even on a slow bike with a slow rider, in difficult terrain.

lhy

I am looking at buying a used 1996 Olds 88 LS. It has low mileage of 40K. One owner. Clean title. The seller is asking $3900 for it.

In general, what do you think of the mechanical reliability of this model, especially the engine (intake manifold issues) and transmission?

What kind of gas mileage does this car get, especially in the city?

Are the maintenance and repair costs more expensive since this is a discontinued line?

suydam

If you look at Edmund's used car prices, this vehicle would sell between $1800 and $2300 in my area. If it really has such low miles (very suspicious on a 13 year old car) then it has most likely sat somewhere for years. Parts can be dried out and cracked from non-use. So its low mileage isn't really enough to warrant such a high price, especially considering that it's a discontinued line.

imidazol97

Mileage? Definition of city is variable. If you're talking about stoplights every block or two and 35 mph with AC running, I'd guess about 18. If you're talking about 1 mile or two between stoplights and 40-45 mph, I'd guess at about 22. That's for a normal, gentle driver. If you're talking more suburban type driving, that'll go up to 24.5 for my leSabres. Highway trips can be 33 on flatter ground with 3 people, full of luggage and coolers and AC at 65. Hilly areas cut down the mileage.

If the car has been maintained with coolant changes through those 12 years about every 3 years with fresh DexCool I'd say you're about 50/50 for eventual seeps around the seals under the upper intake manifold. If it had green coolant that goes way down. If coolant was never changed and it's DexCool, I'd expect to change the UIM gasket with an aftermarket replacement--about $150 for part-- and about 5 hours of labor at a local shop who's done them before. If coolant is old style green, I'd feel a lot safer; early DexCool had a different formula and was changed after a couple of years. I am NOT sure your car came with DexCool.

The other factor is the EGR tube up through the UIM heats up and causes deterioration and leakage. I'd expect that on a car driven highway rather than short trips, which is what a car with 40K on it would have.

Change the coolant with a flush if you get it. You can do that in your driveway. I'd put in the longlife Mixes with Any Color by Prestone.

Transmission is the 4T60E which is a durable transmission by GM. Only problems come from abuse or lack of maintenance and a pressure control modulator that occasionally weakens. It can be replaced by dropping the pan like for a fluid and filter change. Unless fluid has been changed by owner, I'd drop the pan and replace filter with a good brand and put in Dexron III by Walmart called Supertech. Do not allow a shop to sell the easy and profitable "flush" they like to use. Seven quarts max needed. These engines and transmission do really well with regular service.

dtownfb

Basically she is looking for a $3000 car. I would begin looking at 8-9 year old GM cars. they will be high mileage but the engine and transmissions are pretty durable. The mechanic should be able to keep a car like this running for at least 2 years/24,000 miles.

Are you in position to lend her $1000 to put toward the car? this way she can put $2000 down (save the rest for insurance) and pay $100 a month and be done with payments in a year...even if it is a high interest loan.

morin2

There is always interest in low mileage, but old, cars - and that is often a mistake. One of the worst cars I know is a 15 year old Camry with about 20K miles on it. That car has idled at bus stops for thousands of hours and been driven cold for a few hundred feet up & down the driveway all its life. It would have a high book value - but wow, what a high risk car with so many thousands of severe service hours on the clock. I am very suspicious of the low mileage old cars. I drive that much in 18 months. Also, every component that degrades with time and not miles, like gaskets and seals, AC components, all rubber, brake lines, etc., will be suspect. The safety equipment will not be as good.

Forget the odometer. Focus on how the car was used. What was the owner's commute? Mine is 108 miles of perfectly smooth highway, no stop & go, actually no braking, just gentle acceleration and coasting - my cars always have hi miles but are in great shape mechanically. What are the maintenance records? Did the owner keep a log? Receipts?

You may be much better off with a higher mileage late model car.

lhy

Thanks for the advice on how low-mileage old cars might not be so great.

So when I inspect the car, I should look for signs of aging like cracked hoses, seals, etc.?

Regarding the DexCool coolant problem, I found that there was a class action suit on this problem. The proposed settlement lists 1995-2004 3.8L engine cars (including the Olds 88) as model lines affected.

But does this mean that every 1996 Olds 88s used DexCool coolant?

http://www.dieselbombers.com/bomb-shelter/14533-dex-cool-litigation.html

And when I look at the engine, I should check to see if the coolant fluid used is traditional green or orange (DexCool) and signs of corrosion caused by coolant in the radiator and engine area?

qbrozen

Focus on how the car was used.

Oh, didn't you know? ALL miles of used cars are HIGHWAY miles. ;b
And that was the highway that connects the old lady's house to the church. ;b

corvette

I think GM had fully transitioned to Dex-Cool by 1996. Peak Global makes a "universal lifetime" antifreeze that can be mixed with other antifreeze and is pretty well regarded, even if you choose to change it more frequently than "never."

You'll only be able to see some of the rubber components on the car.

imidazol97

To iterate my point. At most you're at risk for deterioration of the certain seals in the Upper intake manifold. Some had those problems, some didn't. Somehow the focus seems to be this is a major problem, but that's only if you ignore small drops in coolant level continuing as the seeps increase.

Other cars from that period can have engine sludge and tranmission failures which are fatal compared to the repairable UIM servicing.

I see loads of that era H-bodies being driven by people who've bought them at the lower pricing due their miles typically over 100,000 miles and age and having a durable, reliable car with easy cheap repair parts in the event of a problem.

I might offer a lower cash price but I'd buy it, do the services I'd suggested and then drive it an enjoy it.

lhy

So repairing the upper intake manifold problem is not a big expense?

And in terms of the EGR tube/UIM problem, what symptoms should I be looking for when I inspect the engine?

imidazol97

If the upper is leaking any amount, after the car is thoroughly hot and the radiator is at full pressure you might, might get a stumble or a slight miss from coolant going into the cylinders. After driving for a good period of time hot and pressurized, check the oil for a milky look rather than the normal clear with black particles suspended like a colloid in the oil. Look on the inside of the filler cap for a substantial amount of moisture left behind, more than the usual short trip driving leaves. Look on the edges of the upper intake manifold around the throttle body end, front and back, for coolant trails which are rusty brown if it has DexCool.

If it's leaking, sometimes a lot of moisture comes out the exhaust after the motor is started and revved and coolant is sucked into the engine from the pressurized shutdown the last time driven hot pushed coolant out into the motor.

Comparing coolant level either fully hot and fully cool from day to day are one way to suspect UIM leaks. But water pumps, orings, heater and radiator hoses also can seep.

lhy

I test drove the 1996 Olds 88 the other day. It does use the DexCool coolant I believe. It was pink-orangish in color.

How much would it usually cost to flush out the DexCool coolant and replace it with something else?

Are there any suggested coolants that are better than DexCool?

asafonov

The average person spends half a million dollars in their lifetime if they do nothing but buy new cars all the time. I won't likely spend 1/5th that.

That's a pretty general statement (in "final" dollars?) but I still think that, with reasonable assumptions below, your math is way off. A 20k (ignoring inflation) car every 5 years over 50 years of driving would be 200k, not 500k. Sure, some buy much more expensive cars, but others buy cheaper ones and/or keep them longer.

BTW, I am not disputing your thesis that buying used (for most, not all cars) is (much) cheaper in the long run - I mostly follow it.

tidester

I still think that, with reasonable assumptions below, your math is way off

I don't think so. It costs about 30 cents per mile (conservatively) to run a car so at 14,000 miles per year you're up to $4,200 a year on top of your $5,000 per year just for the price of the car. 50×$9,200 = $450,000 then add a few more frills or expenses and you're easily up to a half million. That's why a lot of people drive their cars into the ground or stick with "preowned."

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

jeffyscott

On a newish car how do you figure 30 cents per mile, on top of depreciation (which is covered by the $5000 per year)? In any case, the per mile cost of an older car would be higher, in general. The savings for an older car is in having less depreciation, which normally is enough to more than make up for the higher repair costs. The only other savings might be in insurance cost, as you may not bother with collision/comprehensive coverage on an older car.

On older cars, I've typically spent 8-13 cents per mile on repairs and maintenance, while when they are new (the first 40-50,000 miles or so) it is more like 2-4 cents per mile for that.

tidester

On a newish car how do you figure 30 cents per mile ...?

I don't figure it. That's from published data. Depending on the source, 30 cents per mile is on the low side. The IRS has numbers as high as 55 cents per mile and many businesses will reimburse employees at about the same rate for driving expenses related to business trips when using their private cars.

tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper

imidazol97

In my opinion the new Mixes with Any Color by Prestone is similar to DexCool. A lot of people put it in and feel better, but it has the same 4 long life chemicals as DexCool. Read the labels. Suit yourself.

My method to flush is take off the lower radiator hose. Drain. Refill with water completely. Run till warm and fully circulating (lower radiator hose starts to be warm). Drain. Refill and run. Drain. Refill with 6 quarts of new coolant to get a 50/50 mixture (I believe the system holds 13 quarts.

There also is a plastic drain plug low on the radiator that can be opened. I prefer easy access and use the lower radiator hose.

maigre

I'm looking for a car, preferably a recent model used one to avoid that early depreciation hit. I'm with a lot of people these days in that I want something that doesn't exist. So I need to make compromises. I have a family of four with two young kids, so I'd like:

* a least a little sportiness and style
* reasonable power and torque, at least on the level of my current '99 Passat sedan. (turbo torque with hp pushing 200)
* cargo space, doesn't have to be van or SUV levels, but not much less than what my Passat has now.
* appealing interior that doesn't feel cheap and bland
* the kind of car that can be comfortable for all day rides when traveling
* reasonable reliability. I'm willing to get something less reliable than a Lexus if I like it, but don't want something likely to be in the shop every other week.
* solid gas mileage, preferably lowish emission levels. This is where big tradeoffs occur. I'd love Prius mileage and clean emissions, but it won't do as a car. Same for gas engine cars that get great mileage because they lack power and usually comfort and style. At the same time, I don't want to get a car that gets 23/14 either. Something that gets 27+ on the freeway would be fine for now.

I can pay as much as @30K if it's just right, but I'd rather not. And I'd like to be able to turn it around in a couple years without losing half the value if it's at that price.

My bias is towards a car like an Audi A4, though it's a tad small. But I love them. I drove a two year old BMW 528i recently and was blown away, but it's probably too pricey and I fear the costs down the line if I keep it long term or the continuing depreciation if I sell it in a few years. Plus, it's probably not the ideal car for a family with young kids and a wife who tends to use the car for extraneous, disorganized storage. :-) OTOH, a recent trip to a Nissan dealer disappointed me. Something like an Altima is too bland and boring for me. I drove a mid-90s Mitsubishi Galant for quite awhile after buying it new and liked it, but don't want to repeat that sort of experience. I want more character. The Toyota Versa is too bland for me, too, as are most Toyotas. I like the Jetta TDI as a torquey performer with VW/Audi character and great mileage. But though I've had good luck with my Passat, I fear VW quality issues and it doesn't feel like it would be comfortable for the family as a vacation car. Actually, the Passat or Passat Wagon might be ideal in a lot of ways, but I've been there and done that. The 6 cylinder RAV4 is useful, but devoid of much character. I like the Hyundai Genesis, but am hesitant to buy this early in its lifespan and my wife finds it to be a little big for her.

So it's all tradeoffs, as usual. I'd love to get suggestions here on cars to consider.

sebring95

Since you like the Jetta TDI...I assume you've considered the TDI sportwagon? Still a little cramped in the back seat area IMHO....but about the same as your current Passat. The newer Jettas are about the same size of your generation Passat. I love the new TDI...and would buy one in a heart beat if I could justify another vehicle.

I don't get too hung-up on quality issues. My '00 Jetta TDI had less problems over 180k miles than our Honda has in 50k....so I'll take my chances and get what I like. Like you said, there's going to be trade-offs no matter what. I know anytime I've traded Ho-hum and reliable for what I really wanted....I was disappointed. You'll constantly be thinking about what you really wanted and saying "oh well, this one is reliable" or even better it won't be as reliable as you expected and you'll really be kicking yourself. I like to set myself up to be surprised in a good way! I'd go for the 5-series BMW myself as a familiy vehicle.....get one certified and you'll be good to go for a couple years anyway.

maigre

Thanks for the encouragement, sebring95. I WILL be disappointed if I go strictly for practicality and avoid what I want. The Jetta TDI Sportwagen is on my list and I've driven it. I like the torque, storage and mileage. I'm a little disappointed by comfort level, have some concern about how it would do as a traveling car. Though we'll eventually get another car, too, since our Passat is the only car we have now and it's got 176K miles on it. Then, the Jetta could be the city car and maybe the next one could be the road vehicle. As a nimble, good mileage daily commuter, it's way ahead of the Prius, Civic or Corolla or cars of that ilk in terms of performance and appeal.

The BMW was sensational. At 14 cu. ft. the trunk is a bit small, but it's almost rectangular, doesn't have the nooks and crannies and/or corners that other trunks tend to. So it's a more efficient use of the space than, for example, my bigger Passat trunk. My biggest concern there is simply the cost. I priced 2006 and 2007 models here with the mileage we'd likely have and the continuing depreciation makes me think it's just too much money, especially now in this economy. If it's going to depreciate that much, I might just as well lease a new Audi. I like the BMW more, but the A4 is terrific and at least I could walk away if it doesn't seem worth keeping at the end of the lease. And I feel like that's too much money to eat over a three year period...

corvette

"Are there any suggested coolants that are better than DexCool?"

Peak Global Lifetime Coolant. Not sure how the chemical composition compares to Dexcool, though.

suydam

You mentioned the Nissan Altima, but did you try the Maxima? We looked at both the Passat and the Maxima and considered them comparable. It has a nicer interior than the Altima and I don't consider it boring to drive.

maigre

I haven't driven the Maxima, yet, but I probably will. I sat in a couple, current new generation model and a never been sold 2008 from the earlier generation, but ran out of time and had to leave. Seems like a good drive and value.

Speaking of Nissan, I drove an Infiniti G35. Wow. Probably not a great family car and it gets terrible mileage, but it has some style and it's fun to drive.

szymas

I am going to be trading in/selling my 1999 Chevy Silverado EXT for a SUV, I was really looking hard at the Chevy Trailblaser EXT or LS models with a third row seat, but now Chevy is discontinuing, so I am not sure if it is a safe bet.. here is what I am looking for:

1. Minimum 6 passenger (6 is fine.. don't need it larger.. but needs 6)
2. Would like option to AWD or 4WD, I live in Connecticut..
3. Could be a new or used model
4. Minimum of a large 6 cylinder (might tow, do so with my truck now)
5. At least 15 MPG on the back roads.
6. Some good ratings..

Thanks ahead of time!

morin2

I don't own a Trailblazer but we have a fleet of them at work and I have put some miles on them. I think they have really gotten a bum rap & may be one of the most overlooked & underappreciated mid-sized SUVs. My daily driver was an 01 Silverado ExtCab and the Trailblazer seemed more nimble and easier to drive & stop in city driving than the truck. We towed some boats and fish tanks on trailers up to about 5000 lbs with the ones at work (state DNR) and they towed well, but not as well as my Z-71 truck with the 5.3 v-8 and 3.73 rear. The ones I drove had the straight 6 and I liked it. With mostly highway driving and no towing, I got from 18 - 20 mpg (I'm a gentle driver). The depreciation on these is very steep & I think they may be a used bargain. If my son was looking for a midsized suv, I would encourage a look at this one because I think its a good value if you can pick it up cheap. No experience with the 3rd row of the extended model & can't remember seeing a convenient 3rd row in any mid-size suv.

sebring95

You left out an important piece of the puzzle....price. The replacement for the Trailblazer is the Traverse which is a very nice vehicle and I would recommend it highly over the Trailblazer. But it's quite pricey. I always felt the Trailblazer was a little rough around the edges and the 3rd row version just looked funky. But I would say there is a lot of value there if that's your price range.

The Traverse/Enclave/Acadia are the only SUV's we've seen that are even remotely close to the capability of our Odyssey minivan. We've looked closely at the Enclave (Buick version) as a replacement, but it still just isn't as great of a people and thing mover. We don't need to tow with the family hauler so that doesn't really play into our decision. But if I HAD to do light towing the Enclave is about the only SUV we'd consider.

qbrozen

I drove an Infiniti G35. Wow. Probably not a great family car and it gets terrible mileage, but it has some style and it's fun to drive.

Well, it all depends.

I have no issues with it as a family car thus far. My 3-year-old loves it. We have a 2nd kid in the oven and I have no intentions of getting rid of the car for that reason. My son will fit just fine behind me and the rear-facing seat with the newborn will fit behind the passenger seat without much of a problem. Helps that my wife is short, though.

As for mileage, I get round about 21 mpg with my G35X, which is admittedly pretty bad. However, the RWD automatic will get a couple mpg better, and the stick is even better than that. I used to get 25mpg in mixed driving with my 350z, so I'd expect about the same with a 6-spd G35. I don't consider that terrible in the least.

qbrozen

I've got 2 suggestions. The first, Honda Pilot, we previously owned and enjoyed. And our current, the Volvo XC90. Both are not the best tow vehicles, however, so you need to divulge what kind of towing we are talking about. I believe the 2 I've suggested max out around 5k lbs. (?)

maigre

How's the trunk working for you on that G35? We'll all fit fine in the G35, at least for the next few years. I'm a little concerned about the storage space issue, though. It's not so small as to be not worth considering, but it's small just the same. I sure like the car, though.

rbirns1

Sounds like your budget is in the $25-30K range.
Recent used models:
Cadillac CTS
Audi A6 (good alternative if A4 is too small for you, though mileage sucks)
Lexus ES
Lexus RX
Acura RDX
BMW X3

Some new models to consider:
Honda Accord
Buick Lacrosse (new this summer)
Chrysler 300 (some ridiculous deals available)
Ford Edge
Ford Fusion
Ford Taurus (new this summer)
VW CC (different from your current Passat)

I might think of more, but this should get you started.

jeffyscott

Yeah, but as I said you already had $5000 per year in depreciation separately accounted for. The IRS figures are meant to cover depreciation as well as all other costs and depreciation is the biggest cost for a newer car.

Take your $5000 per year figure, at 12,000 miles per year that is about 42 cents per mile in depreciation. If you add your 30 cents per mile figure to that, the total would be 72 cents per mile.

szymas

I am looking around the 30K range.. My truck is great for the 6 of us, and the weight would be about 5K in weight.. also only gas, not hybrid etc. I still think the US is in a world of hurt when we find out in 3 years that they all are failing.. so I am looking now at which? Pilot, Trailblazer, Highlander, and ? thanks again for the posts..

maigre

Thanks for the list rbirns1! Most of these were on my radar, but not all of them. Some, though, I hadn't seriously considered. I'll check them out.

qbrozen

I find the trunk plenty big. I don't know what you are carting around, though. But normal strollers fit just fine, along with some groceries, my helmet and various autoX supplies.

My wife fits a stroller, beach bag, towells, and a bunch of junk she never seems to clean out of her E30 trunk, which is like half the size of the G. I can't understand why folks think they need so much space these days. Unless you are looking to take it on extended vacation, a sedan for a family of 4 is quite adequate.

fezo

I agree. When we only had two kids I'd dive up to Canada with enough camping gear for all of us in our 00 Accord with a cap on it. It was fine.

plekto

I have two suggestions.

1 - A Tacoma pickup. These are reliable as a tank and can carry/haul stuff, which is critical for a young person. Shoot, today, I hauled two dressers and a desk for my father in my truck(and I'm 39 - heh). It's a win-win situation as you get reliability, cargo space, and the thing's just not very fast. It's also SUV height so it's easier to drive and see traffic around you. Seeing OVER other cars is a huge deal.

Anything back to ten years old should be fine.

2 - A Toyota Celica. This is sporty(but not dangerous) and to date it's the least expensive Toyota to fix and maintain made since the original 4Runners.

Both should be manual of course - good skill to learn and a fraction as much to fix the transmission on.

maigre

In general, I agree with you. My '99 Passat's trunk is fine for 99.8% of whatever I've asked of it. I'm not looking for a van or SUV or anything like that for the cargo space. I'm an occasional golfer, though, and the length of a couple of bags of clubs are a problems for some trunks. The G trunk seems wide enough to handle them. I can get the kid's bikes into my Passat's trunk. At least for now. The next stage of growth will put an end to that. I don't know that I could do that with the G's trunk.

I had a good, long drive in a 2007 G35 yesterday. My initial enchantment is fading. Not that I don't still like it. But the noise and low end jerkiness partly make up for the irresistible power. I think that, as much as I'd love to have one for a week, that over time, I'd prefer a smoother performer, even if it didn't have the horses that the G does. I had a shorter ride in a new G37 the other day and I think that one was a bit smoother.

okylish

Hi,
I'm looking to purchase a car in three weeks (mid Aug).
This will be my very first car, and since I have no experience what so ever buying a car, I am lost.
I am an lawschool student, and I will be driving this car only for the next three years.

Here's a few things that I have to consider:
1. OTD max 25K
2. Only going to drive for three years (lawschool), and planning to sell it.
Thus need a car that I can get a good resale price.
3. I live in upstate NY, cold winter with lots of snow.
4. Prefer a "younger" looking car that is not too common (eg Camry). I prefer hatchbacks and coupes over sedans. Don't mind SUVs either.
5. Right now, I am leaning towards a new VW GTI.
I do not mind New/ Used but I thought that buying a new car and selling it after three years will be better ( in terms of $) than buying a used car. Am I right?

Will buying a new VW GTI and selling it after 3 years be a foolish thing to do?
Should I stick with a new Accord? (known for good resale value)
If the resale value for the two cars are not so different, I do not mind compromising style and personal satisfaction for 2-3thousand dollars.

Considering my situation, what used/new car do you recommend in my price range?

Thank you in advance.

Kyle.

sebring95

How much are you planning to drive it? It's on the cusp of your budget, but a VW Jetta TDI might be an excellent choice. I say that because they tend to have very good resale value plus the benefit is great fuel mileage in a fun to drive and good looking package. Might have to search hard to stay in your budget but it's certainly possible. The Accords have good resale as well...but you'll pass yourself on every corner and the newest ones just don't do it for me in terms of sporty. Otherwise, your best bet would be a 2-3 year old used vehicle since that's where most vehicles depreciate the most.