Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Please help me decide between...
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
If it has to be AWD, Subaru. FWD, I would get the 6cyl 6spd Accord coupe (no more manuals in the sedan :mad: )
I am struggling to come up with anything else as this is my segment but reliability takes out the BMW, Volvo, and VW. Toyota is just too boring.
Yeah, just get the Subie.
"Reasonable" to me would be 25mpg highway minimum. Any less than that and I'm over 4 gals/day. That adds up very fast!
Our other car (her car) is fwd with good all-season tires. It is better, I agree, but still not nearly perfect. Believe me, I have considered it, and I do feel I need fwd. It gets pretty messy and icy around here in the winter.
I had not considered the Legacy yet, but I certainly will. And Volvo really wasn't on my radar, but I'll definitely check them out now.
Thank you!
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
You can't get the IS250 AWD in a manual. AWD means automatic only.
The S60 is a good option if you have a Volvo dealer fairly close by. Get a CPO one and you can get special financing, 4.9 out to 60 months IIRC, and a 100,000 mile warranty with ZERO deductible.
The seats in the Volvos are some of the most comfortable you will ever sit in and the reliability is probably some of the best among entry level European automobiles.
I hadn't thought of Volvo before, I'll def. be checking those out, and I also didn't know the Mazda 6 had AWD, so I'll def. check one of those out, too.
Also, I just saw a 2007 WRX at my local dealer and it had leather, and a moonroof, so I want to drive that to see how it is.
Worth a look, possibly -- the new Honda CRV. It's a 4 cyl FWD engine so it will have better fuel economy than the WRX. It looks way less boxy than the old CRV. The seats are supposed to be much improved too.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
I am leaning toward the WRX. I have driven one, and I liked it immensely. It has the 'fun to drive' factor that few cars I've tried have, which is one reason why I've been driving a Miata for going on 12 years now. It's $8k cheaper than the IS250, which is a real consideration. The Legacy, which I will try, is another consideration, I just have to get down the dealer and try one.
The CRV? I'll pass. It's ugly as sin. Admittedly, it will do the job, but has all the fun and charm of a toaster. No thanks.
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Lamborhghini has a lovely lineup of AWD cars that are nice and sporty.
The Gallardo is even available with snow tires as an option!
If AWD isn't absolutely necessary there's several other things to add to the list.
I'm surprised on the Mazdaspeed 3. I'd certainly take one.
And if you can get im_brentwood to cut you a deal on a 30K Lambo I'd definitely take it!
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
I'll def. be checking one out, though...and soon.
Since I drive 26k miles a year or more, does it make fiscal sense to even consider buying a brand new car?
I guess my real question is, what would be the best way to maximize my fiscal investment in a car, since I drive it way far above and beyond what people consider to be an "average" mileage year? I'm thinking at 26k a year, a lease is pretty much out of the question, no?
Something standard and fast-selling like a Honda Accord, for example, holds its value very well, so buying slightly used won't save you enough to make sense.
I drive about 22K miles per year, and went with "gently used" on my Infiniti just for that reason. I think it waspreviously leased, low miles. I'm going to drive it for a few years, mile it up, sell it and do it all over again.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
I suggest, hardwarelust, that you look at used cars for any of the suggestions. With the amount of miles you drive, it makes much more sense. Let someone else take those first couple of years of harsher depreciation. You could get a nice low-mile 2-year-old example for probably 60% of the new cost. AND, if you get CPO, you'll probably have a better-than-new warranty anyway ... then again you'll eat it up in a couple of years, so it may not be worth the added cost.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Truth in posting statement: I rarely make it to the won't go anymore part. I'll get it up in the neighborhood of 165K and start getting the irresistible urge to have something else. That or someone totals them. That happened twice....
A co-worker has a Jetta TDI wagon. That seemed like the perfect solution, except for the fact that I don't think we could get the three car seats in the back seat.
I have considered the Ford Edge Crossover, a Dodge Grand Caravan, or the Saturn View. While these would be big enough, and have better fuel economy, they still aren't great on the mileage.
Does anyone have suggestions of other vehicles?
Saturn Vue hybrid?
if you have the means, there is always the Benz R320cdi.
Maybe a Dodge Magnum V6. If any wagon currently on the market will fit 3 seats across, that's the one. If it won't, then you might as well scratch all wagons off your list.
I haven't looked at the EPA ratings, but the Odyssey has cylinder deactivation, so maybe that will get good enough mileage for you? I don't know what your target is.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Of course, that is with diesel, which may or may not be more expensive on a given day or location.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
I rented a 2008 Kia Sedona about 3 weeks ago. I was very impressed with how far this has come. It was the base model and had some areas I wasn't wild about but overall a very nice vehicle for the price.
May be a little tight for a camping trip... pack light
If you must have AWD, why not a Subie since they are more fuel efficent and less likley to roll over in an accident. Also, the new Impreza looks very cool :shades: .
Alternately, you can write to jfallon@edmunds.com and I'll be sure to connect you. Please respond on or before Wednesday, October 17, 2007.
MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
Need help navigating? kirstie_h@edmunds.com - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
Share your vehicle reviews
By the way, I've been using Edmunds.com to compare vehicles, but it's a very slow process to pull up every car just to see the specs. I wish the tool would allow me to search for a car with certain interior specs (e.g. legroom).
Thanks.
lesseee...
G35
328i
TL
V50
C300 sport
Legacy SpecB
of course, my personal preferences are weighing in here, too. I mean, you might think a Magnum R/T gets good gas mileage. I dunno. You also might not be happy with a 328's legroom. I'm 6'5" and have yet to find any problem fitting in luxury cars of pretty much any size with power seats.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
23 Civic Type-R / 22 MDX Type-S / 21 Tesla Y LR / 03 Montero Ltd
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
Thanks.
Steve
May I also suggest looking at the Accord?
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
Yeah, sure. If this getting through college means you're young, and money is part of the consideration, than take the $16 and buy a *new* Civic or Corolla. If it needs to have some ground clearance and a hatch, get a Mazda3 or Matrix/Vibe or add $4 and get an equally new Outback. Here I assume the $16 is money actually at hand. If it's money you'll be owing and paying back (how???) then I recommend a bicycle.. works for me most days.
If you're going to operate on a student budget, why saddle yourself with a 14mpg vehicle the week after oil hits $90/barrel? Doesn't make much sense to me.
Once you're gainfully employed, buy whatever you want. But unless you got a very handsome stipend, forget the fullsize SUV.
-Mathias
'17 Chevy Volt Premiere
I am kind of an SUV guy, but am open to suggestions. Here is what I am looking for -
Good looks, like rugged, masculine and maybe sporty.
Good engine power, but doesn't have to be huge, (I like the Pathfinder's v6, the V8 is too costly.)
Decent mileage, doesn't have to be super high.
Some luxury touches, doesn't have to be elite.
Good reputation for being long lasting.
Powerful sound system!
All whell or four wheel drive - maybe not essential, but pretty important, I live in New England.
Price range of about 35 - 40k.
So what do you think? I need to buy soon! Please leave a thought or two with your suggestion.
All the best,
Paul
If you want big, reliable, and somewhat good on gas, I suggest the Pilot.
'11 GMC Sierra 1500; '08 Charger R/T Daytona; '67 Coronet R/T; '13 Fiat 500c; '20 S90 T6; '22 MB Sprinter 2500 4x4 diesel; '97 Suzuki R Wagon; '96 Opel Astra; '08 Maser QP; '11 Mini Cooper S
What about a LR2? They are between 35 and 40k.