Okay, why not use you all for a bit of research.
Any suggestions on mid-size sedans, station wagons, or (choke) mini-vans?
Trying to keep it in the range of the high teens to low twenties and pretty much looking at foreign companies (don’t even mention Ford to me afte the last car and I’ve never been a fan of GM cars–Chrysler is a maybe, but none of their cars really seem to fit our desires).
Cars that being especially considered
Toyota in all three categories
Honday mini-van and sedan–possibly the boxlike thing they have now too
Kia Sedona
Hyundai Sedans
Mitsubishi Station Wagon–Sedans
Nissan sedan and mini-van
Possibly
Subaru
Mazda
Scion
Subaru Outback, especially in St. Louis winters.
I know you all don’t get snow often, but when it does, it seems to be 10+ inches
all wheel drive a plus.
I test drove a Toyota Prius today. It’s a hybrid car, so it gets mad mpg, and it doesn’t even run when it’s stopped, so — less emissions. There’s a months-long waiting list, though. They can’t make enough.
I realize that there are all sorts of rationalizations, not the least being eco and status, in buying a car. But I have a ’96 Chevy Caprice, I bought it 18 months ago with 70K miles, it now has 115K miles, I live in the Sierra Nevadas and toured the greater Southwest this summer in 100+ days, I haven’t made a single repair or needed to except to put a set of tires on it, I paid $4,250 for it. My bottom-line is: quit throwing money at Detroit, Tokyo, Frankfurt, wherever – buy a daily driver and put the money you save into some real decadence or your private SS account. But if you must, MsPiffers got it right – the Subaru Outback – wherever you live.
I like my honda odyssey. The current model sounds great, but it’ll take you into the mid 20’s. The toyota Sienna is quite nice, also.
Can’t go wrong with a subaru. What about the Chrysler pacifica – SUV/wagon blend like a fashionable forrester?
I am a big fan of the Volkswagen Passat that I am leasing. Such a big fan that I am going to buy the thing when the lease is up — even though I am perfectly aware that buying a leased car is stupid. It is roomy on the inside — I didn’t think I would fit, but I fell in love on my test drive — and it has performed flawlessly. And it makes me feel like a big man.
My in-laws are big fans of their Outbacks… I would consider one — if I was manly enough to drive a stationwagon.
I’ve got a 2000 Subaru Forrester. Great little SUV. Drives like a car, handles well in snow and rain, same mileage as a regular sedan, plenty of room, heated seats, and consistently rated THE safest small SUV. I had problems with the original Yokohama tires and had to have a censor for the catalytic converter replaced a couple times, but other than that I’m more than pleased. 75,000 miles on it now and I bought it new.
The Forrester is built on the smaller Impreza frame instead of the larger Outback frame, so the Outback is actually a bit bigger space-wise and runs a little bit more expensive. I rented an Outback when in DC for training for 6 weeks and that’s when I fell in love with Subaru. I needed the extra height the Forrester has, otherwise I probably would’ve gone with an Outback. Their safety ratings are a huge plus, especially with kids I would think. I haven’t looked at prices lately, but I got my Forrester with some good packages in the mid-twenties. I’m jealous that you get to car shop. Good luck and welcome back.
we bought a new subura forrester recently for right around 20k and love it. i’m waiting for some of the new hybrids coming down the line…
We have a Kia Sedona and it’s a wonderful automobile. The only problem is the gas mileage. We are lucky to see 20 on the highway and my wife gets maybe 15 around town.
If you’re looking at gas mileage, I can’t stress enough the Jetta Tdi wagon. Yes, it’s a diesel but I bet you’ll never notice the difference (other than at the gas pump). You’ll have to get a manual, well, you can get an auto but they’re poseurs, but a diesel manual is 10x easier to drive than the gas counterpart. I’ve heard from friends the Jetta can get itself into third gear without hitting the accelator due simply to the natural torque of the engine. It also helps when trying to start up a hill.
If you want to learn more, try the TDIClub. You’ll find all sorts of info there and can ask any question you’ll need.
We’re going to try the Subarus which seem to have a huge fan club everywhere. The hybrids are out for now because we only have so much time to buy one due to having a rental in the mean time so its too hard to try and get one that quickly.
Obviously the space issue matters because of the girls so that is a factor as well. The safety is a big issue and it’s why we’ve eliminated some models already.
We’ve also eliminated the VWs for a variety of reasons even though I like them.
I actually am not much of a car guy so shopping for one isn’t much fun. though the rental is a Vibe and I’m enjoying it quite a bit and it is essentially a Toyota Matrix.
I’ll keep everyone updated. Oh, and the Sienna and Odyssey are possibilities though the base models are at our higher limits.
I definitely like my Hyundai Elantra. It drives well, good safety, good price (about 13K) and great warrantee. The main downside is I don’t feel the gas mileage is as good as advertised (it can get as low as 20 MPG in the city in the winter).
As for foreign vs. domestic cars, a large number of Hyundais are assembled in the US. So you’re paying the Korean CEO’s and American auto workers. I can live with that in my conscience.
Fuel efficiency is always desirable, though there are numerous variables involved there other than mpg. Anyone whose ever deduced anything whatsoever about mechanics knows that, at least, hypothetically, vehicles travel more efficiently at higher speeds.
Amy Allen
Why not get in my 2 cents.
I had a 1997 Maxima and loved it. Moved up to a 2000 Maxima and it was even better. Now I’m in a 1999 BMW 323. It’s the best car I’ve owned.
Unfortunately, none of those can be had new in your price but there are some great used cars out there. In the new car category, I’d look at the Nissan Altima or the Mazda 6. I drove the 6 and would have bought it had the BMW not been sitting on the lot at the same time.
Personally, I’m waiting for the Honda Accord Hybrid. I may wait for the second year of production to get all the bugs out.
I had a friend who swore by his Hyundai. Hard to beat the price.
Why did you rule out the VWs?
It’s because Hitler isn’t it?
Why did you rule out the VWs?
It’s because Hitler isn’t it?
Like “Austin” I’ve got a Passat wagon that I leased and am strongly leaning towards buying off lease later this year, though I too agree that it’s generally a bad idea. I special ordered one (5 spd, 1.8 Tubo) with almost no options. I love it, it’s been very trouble free, and high retained value makes the lease pretty cheap.
If that’s ruled out, though, I’d look at a Mazda 6 wagon, a Sube, or an Altima 3.5.
Warning, though, I’m a car guy. If you’re not, you’re probably best off buying the Accord or Camry – non-car people love those appliances.
Also, I wouldn’t worry about finding a car w/4WD. I’ve lived in StL area and now Springfield, IL, and I never missed it – you’ve got the weight, expense, mechanical stuff to go wrong, and lower MPG all the time, but you only really use it a few times a year. Traction control and good tires are enough unless you’re thinking about moving to Fargo.
Our family car is a Mazda MPV. Once you go mini-van, you’ll never go back. It’s a great mid-sized mini-van, and the back bench does what the Odyssey does (folds into the floor), which makes switching from 3-row seating to 4 seats + storage a breeze. MPG is OK (mid 20s) and you can pick up a low-mileage used one for mid-teens I’d guess. We’ve had ours for 4+ years and loved it, will eventually get a Sienna or Odyssey as the kids get a bit older (having a 90 pound dog has meant some cramped quarters on long trips).
Overall it’s been a great car for us, low maintenance and good performance. And the storage capacity is way beyond anything you’ll get in a car, which makes those trips to Home Depot a lot easier.
Don’t know how big a role environmental concerns will play in your decision, but the Green Book (http://www.greenercars.com) published by the American Council on an Energy-Efficient Economy is worth a look. It takes into account not only vehicles’ fuel economy, but also manufacturing and other issues.
Highlights are free, but you need a subscription to see the full listings. I have one (I needed it for work), so let me know if you’d like any info. on any cars.
I’ve got a Mazda 6 that I love. Feels much pricier than it is. They’re also coming out with a Mazda 6 Speed edition. The 6 handles great, has tons of room inside and a huge trunk. They also have a hatchback and a station wagon edition. (Wish they had those offerings when I bought mine!) I’ve had it for a year with NO problems. Zoom, Zoom!
This past may I got a Toyota Matrix and I love it. I don’t do many long trips, but when I do I get right at 34/35 mpg. I haven’t checked it around town, but the mileage there seems to be pretty good. It also has a great music system. Oh yeah, and the Matrix is pretty much exactly the same care as the Pontiac Vibe other than some body differences.
Everyone, thanks. This is really helpful.
And Jason, I may check back with you–most of the cars we are interested in are listed and do fairly well.
Fred–our rental is a Vibe and I’m quite enjoying it. It happened by accident, but I like the thing. It’s a good ride. I’d buy the Toyota version though if we decide upon it.
I just went through such a search. Was looking for a new 2005 station in the mid-teens. Ended up, every search I did came back with the PT Cruiser.
Was able to get one including Evanston sales tax for 16k (automatic trans, air/heat, cd, abs brakes, etc.) I’m 6’7″ so room was a big consideration and the PT has it. As long as you don’t overkill on options, the basic model is just find.
The only thing I am not happy with is the gas mileage which is just okay. 21/29 But at my size a Prius isn’t an option.
I love my Honda Odyssey, but lust after a Honda Element (that boxy thing you mentioned). I can’t stand Subarus, although my brother loves his.
Try the Honda Accord Hybrid, it’s a hybrid sedan with some speed to it, and it’s pretty big.
I have a 2001 Toyota Echo. It might be a little smaller than what you’re looking for. But if you were to check one out, you’d be surprised how roomy the inside is.
I love mine. I got it $9,000 used with 36,000 miles on it. Just make sure you get a stick, because I hear the automatics have no pickup (and just in general sticks are morefun to drive). And make sure you get a four-door, for obvious reasons.
Make sure Ms. Archpundit can get in and out of whatever you decide comfortably and hauling twins plus handbag. Had a loaner GMC Safari recently, which is like a truck on top of another truck. Utterly ludicrous vehicle. Floor board was practically midthigh. Very scary to get in and out of with my depth perception problems.
Good to have you back. Now stick around, will ya?
Jumping in late, the Honda Element is a great deal for the money and ours proved itself in a hellacious winter last year. The carrying capacity of an SUV with the agility of a Civic. Just wish Honda would put a hybrid out…