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Jeep Patriot 4WD 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Automatic (CVT), CVT2L, Regular
19 city 21 hwy
$2415
I've had a lot of cars and Taurus and its derivatives are the worst ever maintenance- and repair-wise. Good luck!
My Prizm has an older version of the same Toyota 1ZZ-FE I4, and its combination of frugality and reliability is hard to match. Adequate power (in a small vehicle with a manual).
Generally, I dislike SUVs. They are way to large and generally handle a lot like trucks.
I would not classify Vibe as a CUV, let alone a SUV - isn't it mostly just a tall Corolla wagon?
(Of course, I hate when rental cars are flaming bright red with Massachusettes plates two weeks after the election and I am heading into Alabama. Almost expected to be pulled over ...)
I thought Alabama was a red state
The best surprise was that it takes less than $35 to fill the tank!!! That's one of the reasons I bought it. Having two V6 vehicles was really painful when gas is over $3 a gallon. I'm really curious to see what the gas mileage will be like around town.
I also bought it because it seems very practical. The lack of carpeting on the back seats and the fold flat seats are great for dogs and garden supplies. It's going to be our around town runabout, not our highway cruiser. If those are the kinds of things you're looking for, the Vibe is a great car.
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
A 12.5 gallon gas tank on a Vibe will get more miles per tank than a 16.0 gallon tank on a Jeep Liberty.
Carrying less weight yields greater gas mileage, but who would want that??
But why is a small tank better than a large one? That was my question.
suydam was so happy it only cost $35 to fill the tank. But if the tank was only 5 gallons, it would only take $15 to fill it. Would that be even better? How about a one gallon tank?
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
I just thought it was funny that you stated you were pleasantly surprised at the cost to fill (or size of) the gas tank, like that matters at all.
"The best surprise was that it takes less than $35 to fill the tank!!! That's one of the reasons I bought it."
The size of the tank is what it is. It has no bearing on gas mileage.
That is NOT true.
If you carry an additional 4-5 gallons in a larger tank, it expends additional energy (or gas) to carry the additional weight. That is physics, period.
Please, we don't want to start up a "Real World Miles per Big Mac" discussion.
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Sure, there are small towns. Sure, it is a heavily republican state, that voted for both Bushes. But we aren't all toothless rednecks with no sense and a pickup truck.
I like Top Gear, and understand the comedic value of that episode (I loved it - watched it on Youtube), but only because I know that it really isn't true.
We used to vacation at Gulf Shores but always stopped at my moms hometown on the way down so I know the state fairly well. Like you said it is not FULL of complete morons but there are some areas that are border line Deliverance.
Truth be told, I've never heard Banjo music when going to the beach. I vacation in Gulf Shores many times a year, so I'm familiar with the surrounding area as well. Places like Fair Hope, AL and Daphne, AL are absolutely beautiful antebellum towns along Mobile Bay, and deserve a look.
The base 3 liter engine (Vulcan, 155 HP) has been around since the mid-80s. The Taurus has Volvo-like crash test scores for the 2000-2007 models, comfortable bucket seats and is quiet.
Ford very recently decided the Taurus has a good enough reputation that the unpopular Five Hundred, hopefully made better with a Fusion-like redesigned front end and more powerful 3.5 engine, has been christened the 2008 Taurus.
I changed the serpentine belt, had the tranny flushed and most importantly, spent $180 at autobarn's site for cross-drilled BREMBO brake rotors (used off-the-shelf generic brake pads). BREMbo brake rotors totally transformed my 2000 Taurus into a superbly braking machine with no fade and very short stops. Funky hole-in-the-wall indy garage did the brake work.
Bargain hard and take full advantage of it's poor resale, I bought mine when it was 5 years old for $4100 (buying it in January also helped, got it from a tiny auto broker).
So, I second observer22, if you're looking for a reliable car with a smooth ride (even with horrible alignment and unbalanced tires, mine still rides VERY smooth) the Taurus will hold up especially if you take good care of it. Its very roomy and if you live in a hot region it has VERY strong AC.
Also a big van (think u-haul) slammed into the side of my Taurus, and even though the dent is ugly, it should have been a lot worse. It took the hit very well and both the door and window still work fine.
I know someone in the buisness, but I bought mine when it was 3 or 4 years old for $2,000 and now dent and all, I'm about to sell it for ~$1,000. Not too bad.
Have looked at some SUVs like the XTERRA, its relatively cheap and well reviewed, but it is an SUV, and rides like one. Not sure i want that ride quality. Its also very high and would be hard to get a boat on top of i think. Still an option though.
Also looking at '08 Subaru Outback 2.5 XTs. Easy to put kayak on roof. The interior is nicer than i expected for sure.... not super crazy about the looks all though the '08 monotones dont look too bad to me.
Also looking at '07 Audi A4 (or other late model used A4 Avants) with about 15k miles..., . new is out of the question for an A4, but the CPOs are fine.
Also drove a Passat Wagon '07 , which i thought was nice. Very similar to my wife's Volvo v50 T5.
Also drove a 4 runner. Not crazy about that one.
I want to stick with the 30k price point or less if possible, but would be willing to pay more for a vehicle that knocked my socks off.
Any other suggestions? I think right nowmy leaders are the Subie Outback XT, and the Audi Avant
We don't really cart a lot of people around with us, but we do have a dog, and we have been able to fit 4 kayaks, all the gear, and 4 people in the car with a stacker on the roof rack.
they don't make the 9-2x anymore, so you can probably get a one year old used (which is what we did) for $17-$20k or so. or just get a new WRX Impreza wagon...
good luck!
-thene
If you don't need ground clearance, I'd look at the Subaru Legacy turbo (no wagon available) or WRX. The Outback XT is a good compromise of ground clearance and sportiness.
If you want a sporty crossover, you might look at the Nissan Murano. The new 08 Suburu Tribeca is pretty nice too.
Not a big fan of European car reliability... BMW seems to be better than other German brands.
this really stinks. i usually enjoy car hunting, but not this time.... at all..
what about one of the Volvo wagons...do they still make one as an R? (i can't think right now...)
Have you looked at the Mazda6 wagon too? that might work...zoom zoom!
-thene
Ive resigned myself to the fact that im not going to be in anything like an M3, but i would want a little power. Ive also set my upper limit price wise around 30k or so. That rules out an S4.
My wife actually has the Volvo V50 T5. Its nice, she likes it. Right now she is driving my BMW loaner which is a 328i Wagon. She called and said she really liked it...im sure she does. The T5 actually has more pep, but im not a huge fan of the frontwheel drive on the VOLVO.
ANyway. I keep coming back to the used A4 Avant or the new Outback, and still cant decide. :P
I think you would be happier with a Sporty Wagon over an SUV or crossover thing.
If you are interested in an Subbie make sure to take it for a long test drive. I am fine in most of them for 20 or 30 minutes but after that I get cramps in my legs. There is just not enough foot room in them for me.
I fit perfect in my MINI Cooper S and could drive it for 10 hours straight but if I tried that in a Forrester my right leg would fall off followed by my left.
I am a 31 year old professional who has done the sporty car thing and now drives a Suzuki Verona (worst car EVER). I will be dumping my car soon and am seeking a larger sedan or crossover vehicle. Something that looks good, has good power and a little luxury. Thus far my requirements:
1)AWD. My husband already has a 4wheel drive vehicle. My commute to work (60 miles/day) is all country roads and up/down mountains that frequently gets hit with snow/ice.
2)Decent gas mileage.
3)4 doors
4)enough power to make the drive up the mountain fun!
5)looking to spend around $30k give or take
6)considering gently used or new
7)reliable since my current vehicle has visited the shop 10 times in less than 2 years. I dream of my previous car (Toyota Celica GTS) that lasted forever and had no problems!
A few vehicles I've considered or seen in the forums...CX-7, Audi, CR-V
Looking for help!! Any suggestions are appreciated.
If AWD is a must: Subaru Forester/Legacy, Honda CRV, Saturn Vue, Ford Fusion, Rav 4, HIghlander are just a few that could fit your needs.
If no AWD: Honda Accord V6, Nissan Altima V6, Ford Fusion V6 are just a few.
Thanks for your input!
good luck!
-thene
Thirsty AWD Turbocharged drive line and no 6th gear do not a fuel sipper make.
Note - unlike all but a few AWD systems(Mercedes, BMW, and a few other specific examples like Jeep's Freedom Drive II in AWD/locked mode), it actually works.
Do a Youtube search for "Subaru AWD" - and check out the videos. Yes, it's biased towards Subaru, but the hill climb and the wet avoidance maneuvers don't lie. AWD that's not on all the time like 4x4 is crap because it reacts far far too late to do any good(half a second is 44ft at 60mph). Okay, maybe starting in snow and gravel roads. The rest of the time, it's useless.
All I can say is... That's NOT a big hill. Any 4x4 on the planet would get up it.
Now, real AWD or full-time 4x4(requires dual transfer cases) - yes, it's a joy in the twisties.
but yes, it goes like stink
Looking for something a little more refined. Thanks for the suggestion!
If you want more luxurious, you're out of luck. AWD systems that actually work in bad weather jump into the Mercedes and BMW price ranges from there. Of course, a couple of year USED BMW... gosh, that's a hard sell... :P
and the new G35 is far more luxurious than any subaru (not that i have any issues with subaru! my hubby has a saabaru 9-2x - which is essentially a WRX wagon - we love it!)
-thene
Me - I found the WRX with leather to be just fine as well.
For around $18,000 you can get a new Hyundai Sonata LX Limited with leather plus lots of other goodies on it including nearly all the latest safety stuff. Get every option in the book! It's nice to have a new car warranty too for those pesky repairs which always come eventually, no matter what brand you choose.
Even with 234 frisky ponies under the hood you'll still average 20 to 25 mpg or so, and up to low 30's if you can cruise at legal highway speeds for a whole tank.
EPA rates it as a large car but driving it does not feel larger than a (mid-size)Honda Accord.
If you want even better economy, get a fully loaded four cylinder model. Not a whole lot less expensive, but you'll pass more gas stations.
Try it, you'll like it!
(Or, if you really want a used car, for the same money, you can get a slightly used 2006 Azera with lots of warranty left on it.)
Try 2, you'll like them both.
Heated leather seating, dual automatic climate control, 6CD changer, and all the expected acoutrements of a car that cost $25k new (PW, PL, 8-way power driver's seat, moonroof). A 2004 model with less than 40,000 miles shouldn't be more than $17k after you've bargained.
Honda's resale makes them more expensive to buy used, but I thought if you liked your Civic, you might be interested in another Honda (I have an Accord EX with the cloth interior, 2006 model, and LOVE IT).
Try to find a low mileage 2004 or 2005 4 cylinder Accord EX-L with a stick shift. Fun! Handles really nice for a sedan. Has maybe the best shifter in the world (in a sedan anyway).
If it's less than 36 months and 36,000 miles old, you can buy a great Hondacare extended (and transferable) warranty for around $800-$900. Almost like a new car then except for wear items. You'll love the Accord if you can own one like that.
12-14K will get you a beautiful Celica GTS with manual. These are very inexpensive to maintain and handle like a dream. Compared to a Civic, this feels like you stepped up into a sportscar.
Another choice for slightly more money is a used Mercedes C230K. Manual only, no nav, no sunroof, with the supercharged 1.8L engine. This gets 30mpg+ and drives like a dream. Avoid the automatic like the plague and you'll be fine.
The Volvo S60-R is a good choice as well. Very nice car with good performance. Manual as well.(note the pattern?)
Yet another choice is to get a Mini. Keep the options down to a bare minimum. Sell it in 7-10 years for half what you bought it for(yes, silly low depreciation).
'24 Chevy Blazer EV 2LT
Not to mention five-star safety with plenty of safety features to boot. Great for a young growing family; also not too stodgy either. Heck, I'm 19, and love my '06 Accord (I earned a scholarship so my parents rewarded me with a car for $23k or so - out of all the available choices, I picked the Accord).