The Best Under-$30K Vehicles For One-Car Families

"Satish Kondapavulur" (becauseCAR)
11/16/2013 at 02:49 • Filed to: MY STUPID LISTS

Nightmares come in many forms. Coca-Cola Classic being discontinued. The iPhone rendered useless due to a virus. Obamacare being implemented. Makeup artists buying Miatas in droves. Sarah Palin being elected president.

Well, for automakers, it's the advent of one-car families. Which unfortunately is an all-too-real prospect due to mobile phone bills that rival car payments, high insurance rates and gas prices, and the song currently topping the Billboard charts !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Having lived in Berkeley with its many grad students, I consider myself an expert on single car households, much like I see myself as an authority on hippies. (What you need to know: Single car households think cars a necessary evil, while hippies consider them flat-out evil, perhaps because they put out the wrong sort of smoke. )

As a result, I've ventured into actual, constructive consumer advice, making recommendations of perfect family vehicles under $30K because let's face it, young families don't have much to spend, even if they are buying brand-new.

Author's Note: The criteria for this list involved a family of four. Yes, I know the average American household barely has three people in it, but a list needed to be made this week and this seemed as close to actual, original consumer advice as I could get.

Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI

Why: A perpetual Jalopnik favorite, something I realized after writing !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , the Jetta wagon is the only diesel manual station wagon on the market. But with either transmission, getting over 40 mpg is easier than upgrading to Windows 8.1 ( now there's another nightmare ). The amount of torque means you can haul an entire family and their stuff. It also holds its value surprisingly well.

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Perfect For: Those parents who want to be more European ( don't tell them the Sportwagen's manufactured in Mexico ), i.e. the type who buy all their furniture from IKEA and wear Crocs. Anyone with a long commute without traffic. Going on cycling trips. Looking smug at Outback owners, since your car is genuinely a station wagon.

Kia Sorento

Why: Having a third row works wonders. There's seating for when that annoying couple without kids visits. A place for the kids to buckle in their stuffed animals. It's also the reason why the Sorento made this list. Otherwise, it's just another normal crossover. And getting both a third seat and all-wheel-drive (with lockable center differential) for under $30K is a good deal.

Perfect For: Minimizing trips to IKEA (and saving money) thanks to the third seat taking up cargo space. Making your parents question your judgment because you bought a Kia instead of a Toyota. Showing those Spirit Airlines and Ryanair passengers what uncomfortable really feels like. Having the confidence for a Tahoe trip.

Subaru Forester

Why: Standard all-wheel-drive and the interior dimensions are close to, or the same, as the Outback. They're reliable, available with a manual, and they get good fuel mileage. Think of it as the crossover that can actually perform as advertised, especially in the snow. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

Perfect For: Northeast and northwest families who need all-wheel-drive and feel the need to blend in. Owning for the next 15 years until the next round of sentimental Subaru commercials get to you. Also, people who don't want an Outback, since it's a car that's actually an SUV !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!!

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Mazda5

Why: It can seat six people comfortably, and gets very good mileage. It also has a manual option, though the color choices are pitiful. A Prius V or Ford C-Max Hybrid, which you'd consider, are more expensive and don't seat six people. You won't have to worry about a battery or any extra maintenance associated with hybrids as well.

Perfect For: The parents coming out of a Miata or Mazda3 who'll be accustomed to the slow acceleration but excellent handling of the thing. Differing from all the other minivans in the school pick-up line. Even taking to an autocross as long as you remove all the baby stuff. Don't expect to win either, like you did in your Miata.

Any Minivan

Why: I love minivans. I took my driving test in one. I'm less likely to be pulled over when driving one. You can fit six cases of beer, two ice chests, a 42-inch TV with a Playstation 3, and four backpacks with four people seated comfortably while using the onboard electrical outlets for the laptops. Try doing any of that in an X5 or Tahoe.

Now, readers may note that only base versions of minivans can be had under $30K. This generally means giving up plenty of creature comforts like a power sliding doors, an upgraded stereo, and a navigation system. !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! In fact, my mom still drives hers all the time (despite having gone through 2 transmissions).

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Perfect For: Everything. Picking up girls. Stretching on road trips. Moving to apartments. Seating 7 to 8 people. Beer runs. Camping. Transporting 2x4s, bags of cement, flowers, and elm trees from Home Depot. Demonstrating that your reproductive organs work. I can't stress the "Do anything except the Rubicon!" theme enough.

What other suggestions does the Jalopnik community have?

!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! runs !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , named because "Clunker.com" was $82 at auction and would've taken 30% out of the balance of his Eagle Vision for LeMons fund. In between contemplating cross-country runs, he spends much of his time attempting to convince others that his MkV Jetta 2.0T Wolfsburg is indeed a sports sedan.

All images courtesy respective manufacturers.

DISCUSSION (100)

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 02:56

"picking up girls" is the only phrase I take offense to. You want an honest to goodness full size conversion van for that particular job. Take the example below. The rear bench will turn into a bed at the press of a button. It can also tow 8000+ lbs as it is a truck chassis. It will likely have 26"+ of screen for people to view as well as having at least two stereos. It lacks a power sliding door, but has a million other goodies. It is a proper "man-van". And if you accept it as your own, it can free up the woman to get something cute that she likes. My advice? Buy the man van for yourself and convince her the miata is cute. How do you lose? You don't. You do not lose. You have a stonking great V8 up front, acres of space, a rolling hotel room, and your wife babies a miata for you when you're not autocrossing it together for "bonding" time :P

Kinja'd!!!

Actually I haven't owned a van like this sine high school so that is the high schooler part of my brain reminiscing about what he thought the van life would be like........Maybe it will happen again someday.

Anon > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 03:25

I think the VW gti would of been a good choice.

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 03:56

Kinja'd!!!

"HI! HI! HI! How was school!? Are you ready to go home now?! Let's go home! Wheee!"

MtrRider Just Wants Doritos > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
11/16/2013 at 04:02

Come on, minivans are great at picking up girls. It can pick up several of them. The problem is, it only works if you're their mom.

promoted by the color red > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 04:05

I go to the massive University of California just an hour's drive north from Berkeley.

Here, you need something that can move an entire apartment or several bikes at once. Can't be too wide - it has to squeeze in/out of apartment parking spaces that make my Integra look fat. Thirty thousand undergrads who don't give a fuck means it can't look too nice - it's either going to get door-ding'd or hit by a bike.

You need something that can haul ass down the 113 and do battle on I-80 with soccer moms drafting off you at 85+ mph.

Who cares about fuel economy? It's not like you're going to be driving much. So fuck it.

What you need is a giant honkin' Volvo 740 Turbo wagon.

Kinja'd!!!

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
11/16/2013 at 04:09

Hammer, meet nail.

Just because it has the space, does not mean it has the chops. I was learning to drive in my mom's minivan and I was turning in my "supervised hours" with my mom asleep in the passenger seat while driving back from grandma's house. Came across some rather lovely young cheerleaders from my highschool who were stranded due to a flat tire. It did not end as I pictured it in my mind.....

oldirtybootz > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 08:01

You can get a brand new Caravan American Value Package for $23k. That's an incredible deal as far as I'm concerned.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 09:47

Passat TDI? Sorta kinda maybe might be the same as the JSW in the practical and economical sense and can be had with a manual. But in a more marketable sedan package. We like wagons, most consumers don't.

shop-teacher > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 09:55

There's one very big problem with the Jetta wagon as a family vehicle. I wouldn't expect you to have thought of it, as I certainly wouldn't have before my little one came along. The problem is, if you put a rear-facing car seat in the back, the front seat has to move up so far that the only people who can sit there, are those with NO LEGS. Its very frustrating, and it has been confounding my search for an affordable family car. I want one that's also reasonably fun to drive, so minivans and SUVs are out.

Satish Kondapavulur > oldirtybootz
11/16/2013 at 11:35

Almost any deal on a Caravan is worth it. Even on the R/T or Blacktop Edition. Especially if they have the 3.6-liter V-6.

Satish Kondapavulur > promoted by the color red
11/16/2013 at 11:38

I'm more of a 240 man. And believe or not, I had my MkV Jetta 2.0T up there for two years and never washed it because I thought it looked too nice. My parents never understood when they visited.

Are you going to be at the Forza event tonight?

oldirtybootz > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 11:38

They all carry the 3.6 now. So much better than that boat anchor 3.8L.

Satish Kondapavulur > The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123
11/16/2013 at 11:42

Passat TDI is a good choice, but I was trying to stay away from midsize sedans because fitting tall things in them tends to be a nightmare. Plus, the inside of the Passat looks very cheap compared to the Jetta.

Satish Kondapavulur > Anon
11/16/2013 at 11:43

When the Sportwagen exists, the GTI isn't really needed despite the performance, though many people in Europe use it as their family car.

Satish Kondapavulur > shop-teacher
11/16/2013 at 11:45

That's interesting. I've been able to fit a baby seat in the back of my Jetta sedan, so I thought it would apply to the wagon as well.

Satish Kondapavulur > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
11/16/2013 at 11:49

But conversion vans are really expensive and not fuel-efficient. And those kinds of vans tend to be associated with stalkers...

Satish Kondapavulur > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
11/16/2013 at 11:49

It'll be fun right up until the kids hit their growth spurt. Then it's more like, "Why don't we have an Odyssey like Jimmy's family?"

Satish Kondapavulur > oldirtybootz
11/16/2013 at 11:50

I thought they still offered the four-cylinder and the 2.7 V-6. Then the Caravan is a really good choice.

promoted by the color red > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 11:55

Nah, I couldn't make the Forza thing. I have to carpool - I don't want to buy a third tank of premium this month - down to Fremont later today but the hours don't match up and I can't really justify to my friend "oh hey, let's do a four hour stopover in SF".

Satish Kondapavulur > promoted by the color red
11/16/2013 at 11:56

You can take BART in. The venue's fairly close to a station (don't remember which one) and it's what I'm doing.

ZweiDeutschesAutos > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:08

That's only if you don't raise your kids right. If you raise 'em well then they'll be glad they don't have an odyssey.

I grew up in a one car family and that one car was always a sporty coupe with a manual. I never once asked for a minivan.

JSLee > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:09

I'll nominate my Si sedan. It fits me at 6'5" my wife, two car seats, and the double stroller. Also it's a hoot. 22k out the door. I know Honda has taken some knocks but I love this thing.

mikemikemotorbike > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
11/16/2013 at 12:10

He said "pick up girls" not kidnap them.

that is a 1992 Chevrolet Molestervan.

ZweiDeutschesAutos > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:12

Kinja'd!!!

Why should you bother with any of these horrible suburb-slogging lethargy-mobiles (Jetta and Mazda5 excepted) when this exists CPO under $30k?

porschephile463 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:12

I came here because the preview led me to believe that being stuck in a 1 car family with a new car that cost less than 30k would be the nightmare and you would be offering a glimmer of hope. It is my ultimate nightmare...I'm a 4 car bachelor where my cars have an average original MSRP's of about double 30k. If I ever become part of a 1 car family who is restricted to 30k new car budget I will throw my self off a bridge because this list has truly convinced me my life would be over....

Velociraptor Thrust > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:13

My dad is looking for a cheap new family car to replace his 1992 Chevy 1500 and I have recommended just about every one of these cars to him. I'll have to show him this list although he hates minivans.

porschephile463 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:13

Drwatson90 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:17

Kinja'd!!!

Those brakes....so immense

Drwatson90 > Drwatson90
11/16/2013 at 12:18

didnt grab the image right, but look at the front brakes on this guy

M54B30 > oldirtybootz
11/16/2013 at 12:19

Kinja'd!!!

Ahem, $20k. It's a penalty box, but it still has A/C, power windows/locks, keyless entry, MP3 capability, cruise, 5 year warranty, and 3rd row Stow-n-Go.

Reallllllly can't beat that if you're part of the generation coming out with big student loan debt and no real jobs available and maybe accidentally mixed sperm and egg. Or, as I call them, me.

Maximum_Odyssey > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:20

The minivan wins here, obviously. Heck, you can even transport large pieces of furniture on rainy days or haul mulch.

Kickplate > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
11/16/2013 at 12:21

Full sized conversion vans are ghetto. Even new ones look like hoopties.

Hal > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:22

Fact: one of my children was conceived in our honda minivan. One on one time is hard to find with kids in he house. Our date nights have often involved taking the seats out of the van and loafing it with blankets and pillows first. It's bigger than out first apartment in there!

Built BMW Tough > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:23

I can't believe you forgot the GTI. For shame.

BoDarville > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
11/16/2013 at 12:24

My mom had one when I was in high school (and so did most of her friends), and my friends used to beg me to borrow it on the weekends. Ours was a little more hot-rod than most - tweed interior instead of mouse-fur, classic 12-hole Centerlines with wide raised white letter tires, and a tasteful silver stripes on blue paint job. It would smoke the tires too. They highly preferred the captain's chairs to the backseat of my Probe.

I tried to talk my wife into one recently, but no go. She drove one in high school as well, but not by choice. With pink stripes and an almost pink velour interior. I don't think she's going back. But you won't get a new one for anywhere close to $30k. More like $50k-60k+.

wrxallday > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:25

Kinja'd!!!

Id say the obvious choice is the Outback XT.

turbo, manual, ground clearance, plenty of room, reliable..Laugh at a few smug euro-wannabes in their mexican sportwagens as you pass them

nesign > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:27

Kinja'd!!!

M54B30 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:28

Kinja'd!!!

Bang for your buck, nothing beats the Grand Caravan American Value Package. For $20k, look at what you get:
- 7 seats (2x bench or bench with two middle captains chairs)
- 5 yr/ 100k warranty
- 7 airbags
- 3.6 Pentastar, 6 spd auto
- 3rd row Stow-N-Go
- MP3 capable radio
- power locks, doors, keyless entry
- Cruise control
- A/C
- reqd safety feature alphabet soup (ABS, ESC, etc)
- consistent (and comfortable!) 25-30 mpg.

Like I said to another post, if you're like me and you accidentally mixed a sperm and egg but still have lots of student loans, this is a helluva deal. Plus, it says $20k but I'm willing to bet dealers will cut a good deal to get these off the lots.

DIRTEE30 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:28

I vote for a used Toyota Tundra Crewmax. If you're a one-car family, it implies that one of the parents is working from home, and most likely you can be a little more liberal about the fuel mileage, as there's only one car to gas up. Toyota reliability, enough grunt to haul stuff and go to Home Depot, and roomy enough for the family. And you still get better (however slight) gas mileage over the Silverado, F-150, or Ram.

A 2011 with less than 30k miles can be had for around $27k. Take the other $3000 and get a canopy for when you need one.

Kinja'd!!!

Ark > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:30

Kinja'd!!!

The kids can walk. Michelle Obama says they need to lose some weight anyway.

The Opponaut formerly known as MattP123 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:34

Looks are very subjective. I personally think the new Passat interior screams Audi. And it definitely feels a lot better than the JSW and offers more passenger room.

Phuk > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:37

Flood title Nissan GT-R is the only car.

ranwhenparked > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:37

Kinja'd!!!

The Focus 5-door is under $20,000 and is a damn fine car for a family of 4 - its when that extra kid come along that you have to move to a minivan.

That said, minivans are still by far the most versatile and utilitarian family cars ever devised. Not stylish, but for 3 kids, its the car you need rather than want. The 5 is an acceptable compromise though.

Hysyde > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:40

Why is there a not crew cab pickup truck on this list (full-size or otherwise). Gas mileage and purchase price aside, you can't get much more utilitarian that a vehicle that has tons of room for 5-6 people, a high capacity cargo bed and awesome towing abilities. Not to mention off-road/severe weather capabilities unmatched by most other vehicles.

Kinja'd!!!

GoKart_MoZart > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:40

Man, c'mon. Holds it's value, hauls Christmas Tree's and definitely balances the chi':

Kinja'd!!!

Hysyde > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:44

However, I grew up in an Odyssey LX and turned out just fine. In fact, my mom still drives hers all the time (despite having gone through 2 transmissions).

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No offence, but if you "grew up" in an Odyssey that your mom still drives, I don't think you're all that familiar with the needs and peculiarities of family life. This list is valid enough, but I doubt you have insight needed to truly appreciate.

Philip Anthony > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:44

Kinja'd!!!

I would MUCH rather buy a pre owend Honda Pilot of Chevy Tahoe before I ever considered a Sorento.

no-shun > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:44

If Ford saw sense and brought the Focus ST Estate (wagon) to North American shores it would obliterate this list

Kinja'd!!!

Dick Nickels > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
11/16/2013 at 12:44

Hey, I picked up several groups of girls in my van while in high school and college. Then again, it was a Previa, so ubersexiness personified. Added bonus of "Hey, you want to learn to drive stick (not euphemistically)" and then needing to reach across her to pull the parking brake that was located on the driver's left.

Nicholas Jordan > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:45

No WRX? New under $30k, manual, AWD, and a hatchback (for now). I'm actually considering one as my practical family man car since the Miata is not awesome with a baby. Then again, the Miata was part of the choice to stop DDing a sportbike, so maybe I'm not really getting the question. :)

AthomSfere > shop-teacher
11/16/2013 at 12:47

Same problem we had with a Honda Fit. It could fit 4 adults comfortable, it could fit two adults and two front-facing child seats comfortably. But when it can time for a rear facing child seat again it meant one of the front seats would no longer fit my average 6' body, at all.

So we sold the Wife's 1 year old Fit for what we paid to drive it off the lot brand new a year earlier and bought a new deeply discounted '09 Sonata for about the same price.

Speaking of, best new family car for under $20k, the Hyundai Sonata.

Hysyde > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:48

This list is also severely missing the Kia Rondo. 3rd row seating, tons of features for the money... and the money is not much. Especially on the resale market. These things can be had for as steal. Much like the Kia Sedona. Best bang for the buck minivan out there. Maybe not the van to buy new as the price is too close to better Japanese alternatives, but they lose re-sale value massively making them a awesome deal for a gently used option with a good warranty.

Kinja'd!!!

syaieya > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:49

I'm sorry, I nodded off somewhere in the middle there.

A one car family is a concept I just don't understand. Both my parents have always worked and even I managed to buy a second, fully working car on a small budget so I could restore my first.

darthd > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
11/16/2013 at 12:49

Daihatsu Agrees.

Kinja'd!!!

oldirtybootz > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:50

Not in The States, but perhaps in other markets they still do. Even the AVP has the 3.6L.

shop-teacher > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:50

Was it rear-facing? That makes a big difference. Its unbelievable how big they are. I do think a Jetta wagon is a fine family car, for those whose kids are old/big enough to face forward.

Winnebago > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 12:50

Kinja'd!!!

V70R

shop-teacher > AthomSfere
11/16/2013 at 12:53

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to check the Sonota out.

AthomSfere > M54B30
11/16/2013 at 12:53

The only problem I could have is the depreciation. Dodge's tend to hold their value like teabags hold water.

If you have $20 to burn today, go to your Dodge dealer. If you can plan and wait just a bit I would look for a 1 year used model and save 5k.

AdmiralAkbar > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:01

Minivans also make better trucks than trucks (for most people). You can still tow with them, you can cram it full of stuff that stays safe and dry and doesn't have to be tied down, plus the loading height is far lower, and they get better fuel economy.

AMC/Renauledge > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:02

Kinja'd!!!

Substitute the Sorento for the CX-9 and you're about right.

Also, the Siena and Odyssey get awfully expensive if you even think about options. The Sedona and Grand Caravan are much better values in the minivan segment.

Du09 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:02

I guess places in the Midwest that get shit loads of snow don't NEED awd...

langadamd > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:04

So, pretty much any wagon under 30k should be on this list?

GeoJosh > shop-teacher
11/16/2013 at 13:06

2014 Subaru Forester. Excellent for child seats (has LATCH system) and people fit large rear facing child seats fine.

You want fun to drive, the turbo model can be had for $28k.

2014 Forester and Carseats - SubaruForester.org

Ben C > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:06

Question: Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe?

Effectively the same vehicle under the skin (I think the Santa Fe's slightly longer though), what are your thoughts on these two comparatively?

M54B30 > AthomSfere
11/16/2013 at 13:08

I can see that. I future dealers will be letting these go for, what, 17k plus an inflated trade in amount for your car? I'm not really in the market now, everything fits (so far) in our 530i. But I think the 10th time my 5'0" wife has to heave the stroller into our Montero with a near 4' bumper height we will be in the market....

ToastedTires > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:10

The answer is still Miata. What could be better than making three trips to take your family out to dinner?

AthomSfere > shop-teacher
11/16/2013 at 13:11

No problem.

I will say the car is not horribly exciting, but it is well composed where it matters. There was also a redesign from what we bought:

Kinja'd!!!

To what came out the next year:

Kinja'd!!!

But reviews seemed to like the 10 better than our 9, so it might be an even better deal. Hyundai USA says its a $21,350 car. But we were able to get all sorts of bonuses and discounts and drive off the lot for $18k.

4.5 years later, the only problems we have had are due to my wife. She has hit 2 cars (one parked, one in traffic) and taken the side mirror off 3 times backing out of the garage.

We almost bought her a Pathfinder this year, new. Lucky for me she got in it and realized it was too big for her to be comfortable on the public roads! That wasn't a 30k car though, and the CVT creeped me out (I drive manual for my DD).

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > MtrRider Just Wants Doritos
11/16/2013 at 13:16

Dad or big brother/sister works too. Being big brother-in-law to a sister who is young enough to be my daughter, I have learned the ways of my father in law's minivan. Town and Country for the win.

JayZAyEighty thinks C4+3=C7 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:16

Sure, but Jimmy will be wondering why his family does not row its own haha

The-Ever-Socially-Apathetic TBAL > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:20

My ex used to say an M6 Coupe was the best family car cause the kids in the back couldn't escape.

I should have stayed with her.

evilfacelessturtle (Hooning a Ford is Domestic Abuse) > ranwhenparked
11/16/2013 at 13:22

It's a shame we don't get the wagon, but if you can suck up your pride and buy used, the '05-07 wagons are great deals.

Garland - Last Top Comment on Splinter > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:23

Minivans and crossovers?

What is this, Biegelopnik?

manualmotives > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:25

Kinja'd!!!

Hi. I'm something you can pass onto your eventual-teenage son that won't make him want to kill himself.

SNL-LOL > manualmotives
11/16/2013 at 13:30

But he probably will get himself killed in one of these.

Suburban Fart Can > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:32

Logical Choice? Minivan. Its pretty obvious that minivans/crossovers make more sense in this scenario. For the price of a new minivan/crossover though, if I was in that situation, I'd be hunting down a Magnum R/T AWD, and there should be change left over to fill up the 5.7l Hemi. Will the Magnum baby? Will it Home Depot? Does it have plenty of go under the hood? The answer is yes.

Kinja'd!!!

Top Down Bronx Guy > GoKart_MoZart
11/16/2013 at 13:33

Also, it's ugly as fuck and drives like shit. I should know, I was unfortunate enough to have one.

BJ > manualmotives
11/16/2013 at 13:34

My eventual teenage son will get a part time job and buy something like this with his own monies:

Kinja'd!!!

It's reliable, economical, affordable, won't cost a ton to insure, and slow. And look at the picture: he could even get a pretty girl with a car like that!

oldirtybootz > M54B30
11/16/2013 at 13:40

Wow even better. Last time I looked at a window sticker it said $23k but it may have had options, I don't remember. And it's not exactly a penalty box. Caravans are surprisingly comfortable and really not that bad to drive, for a minivan anyway, and the AVP has pretty much everything you need in a people mover. It's definitely decontented though, no argument there.

Rockapotamus > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:43

WHOA WHOA WHOA. Since when do VWs and IKEA intersect in the Venn diagram of life with Crocs?! As a VW and IKEA owner, I take offense at even theoretically being associated with the sorry excuses for footwear that are Crocs. Sure, IKEA might not be top quality furniture, and VW might be headed a little too beigekrieg nowadays (at least on this side of the pond), but you can still own both of those and have some taste.

M54B30 > oldirtybootz
11/16/2013 at 13:44

There are a few options like 2nd row Stow-N-Go and some others. You can't get the good options like touchscreen this that and the other. I grew up in minivans so I kind of like them. No better blend of space, efficiency, seating, price.

tiresmokke > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:45

Kinja'd!!!

Mazda5 design peaked in 2007. Since then every refresh brought on uglier tail lights, funny grilles and awkward body lines.

Matsayz > Anon
11/16/2013 at 13:47

I agree. It's a nice car but our '08 is starting to nickel and dime us.

Matsayz > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:48

Subaru WRX starts at $25k and plenty of space, manual only until next year when you can get a CVT

mrbwa1 > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 13:54

Whoever wrote he Mazda5 statement must own one! It sure isn't fast, but it's the most fun you can have carving corners in a van. I honestly refer to it as a sport wagon with suicide sliders because it is basically a Mazda3 Wagon. Also, suicide sliders are a heck of a lot more convenient than regular rear doors when you have small children or large stuff to load (we managed to get an entire boxed washer in ours much to the surprise of the Sears warehouse guys)

rhodesianman > BJ
11/16/2013 at 13:58

Kids first car should be under 5K, and the first thing you should do is upgrade the brakes (preferably with them). No more than 200 HP and preferably FWD unless you live in the cold.

CompWizrd > Drwatson90
11/16/2013 at 13:59

They need to be.. Curb Weight of 4500 lbs, trailer capacity of 3600 lbs. Hence why they're sticking only the 3.6's in them, they need it to get moving.

Ratchet when he's all hopped up on synthetic energon > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 14:02

Because unlike Jimmy's family, we have souls.

Stewbacca > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 14:02

Mazda CX-5. Because 6-speed manual.

rhodesianman > manualmotives
11/16/2013 at 14:02

As a recipient of that car I would be super excited. However, I would never give a teenager that car. If you want to give a teenager a fun first car as a hand-me-down, buy a Fiesta ST. Four doors, manual, at or under 200 HP, FWD, good MPG, and cheap insurance.

Joeyjoejoeshabadoojr > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 14:08

"Obamacare being implemented."

Really? Last time i read one of your articles.

Minivans? ok.

BJ > rhodesianman
11/16/2013 at 14:08

Nothing wrong with FWD up here in the cold Canadian winterland, if you know what you're doing. But good idea with the upgraded brakes - I'll add it to my Grumpy Old Dad List Of Things You Must Learn When You Buy A Car.

BJ > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 14:09

Great list, Satish. I think you've nailed it pretty well here.

And a locking centre diff in the Kia? Colour me interested.

50fridge > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 14:15

The Jetta Sportswagon is a nice car. Still though I wish the US had a 4motion model. The TDI engine can cause some bad torque steer.

jeebus > Satish Kondapavulur
11/16/2013 at 14:17

The CX5 should be on this list.

manualmotives > BJ
11/16/2013 at 14:18

Sweet Jesus that's terrible LOL. Why not something reliable, economical, affordable, won't cost a ton to insure, slow, BUT FUN and might actually make him give 2 shits about cars? If you give him an Echo, he'll be another "fuck cars, theyre for point A to point B" autotragic consumer. I don't know what the best option would be, maybe a Miata (although 'girly'), first-gen (non-turbo) impreza, 240sx, some type of old slow 'muscle' car, etc. FR-S would be perfect if budget was no issue. Manual Mazda 3 would be good as well.

I'd probably give him 5-10k and tell him to have fun. Anything below 250hp is really hard to kill yourself with. I mean, V6 Camry's come with 270...

NastyKnate > AthomSfere
11/16/2013 at 14:20

depreciation? drive it till it dies. then resell value means nothing

GoKart_MoZart > Top Down Bronx Guy
11/16/2013 at 14:22

I bought my Mother's Lebaron Convertible. It was perfect. Yeah = Anger Issues? Are you kidding, was ready to make Timothy McVeigh look like a boy scout. Mustang looked like gold, enlightenment. Make it a Great Day.

302? I think yes > DIRTEE30
11/16/2013 at 14:24

Uh... if you're gonna buy a truck, you buy Ford (preferably), Chevy or Dodge (I guess it's Ram now...). No exceptions. At all.

The Biebster's got a P71 (Formerly not Justin Bieber) > oldirtybootz
11/16/2013 at 14:27

The American Value Package starts at $19,995.