Car Suggestions Needed.

"Zach Campbell" (zach-campbell)
10/18/2014 at 14:20 • Filed to: None

I am in need of some advice. My Aunt and Uncle are in the need of a new-to-them vehicle.

My Aunt has just started her new job that is roughly an hour away from their home. The current vehicle she drives (Honda Odyssey) is simply not cutting it in the MPG department. She wants something that is economical, reliable, and AWD. I told her living in NC she does not need the AWD, but since her new job requires her to be there snow or shine she swears that she needs it. (I think I will be able to sway her away from the AWD if the MPG gains are enough.) She would also like a car that is pleasant to drive as she will be spending over two hours a day in it, and since they plan on selling the Odyssey, it will be their dedicated travel vehicle as well. So, comfort is a must.

Their budget is around 10K. I have suggested to her a Volvo S60/V70 (I'm a Volvo guy), a Honda Civic/Accord, and a Toyota Camry/Prius.

Any more suggestions I should be looking in to for them? If you could include the pros and cons of each vehicle with your suggestion that would be great as well. Also, if you would like to comment on my suggestions, please do. I only personally know the in and outs of Volvo's, and the only reason I suggested the Honda's and Toyota's are due to their claimed reliability.

EDIT: Subaru's, Ford Focus and Chevy Cruze have been added to the list of possible contenders.

Thanks!

DISCUSSION (28)

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > Zach Campbell
10/18/2014 at 14:22

Subaru?

Tohru > Zach Campbell
10/18/2014 at 14:23

Used Chevy Cruze? Not AWD, but 34 mpg and they're built really well. You can easily get a 2011 or 2012 with reasonable miles for under 10k.

Zach Campbell > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
10/18/2014 at 14:28

Crap. I meant to put that in the post but I forgot. Yes, I suggested that to them as well. Sadly, Subaru's hold their value so darn well anything in the 10K range is either early 2000s or has a ridiculous amount of miles. And, the older you go back the worse the MPG is. I am going to look for one though.

Zach Campbell > Tohru
10/18/2014 at 14:31

A Chevy? Honestly, I hadn't thought of that because we kind of hate GM's in my household. But, I will research them along with the Ford Focus. Thanks!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Zach Campbell
10/18/2014 at 14:34

What kind of mileage are they looking for? 30s, mid 20s?

Zach Campbell > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
10/18/2014 at 14:35

At least 30 on the highway if its a FWD car and 25+ if it's a SUV/Crossover or AWD car.

EL_ULY > Zach Campbell
10/18/2014 at 14:41

AWD Rav4 or CR-V maybe. Other choices would be a XC70 or Forester. AWD and good MPG is difficult.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > Zach Campbell
10/18/2014 at 14:47

There's the Cruze and Focus.

The '08-'12 Chevy Malibu (Saturn Aura is cheaper and the same thing), Ford Fusion... Camry.

Smultron > Zach Campbell
10/18/2014 at 14:47

No AWD, but FWD will be allright most of the time on major streets, so...

Nissan Sentra (this is even an SE-R Spec-V) ? It gives you 33 MPG, but I do not now how reliable they are exactly...but shouldn't be too bad, and 2008 or so models with 50-80k miles are exactly under 10 grand.

Zach Campbell > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
10/18/2014 at 18:47

Thanks for your input! I will take all into concentration.

Zach Campbell > EL_ULY
10/18/2014 at 18:50

Yeah, an XC70 is what I drive. It's unstoppable when things get messy but the MPG is a little "eh." XC70, CR-V, Rav, Forester are all good candidates. Thanks!

Kaizer Soze > Zach Campbell
10/18/2014 at 18:51

Had both as a rental car, Focus is much better, to the point that I might buy it if thats what I needed.

Zach Campbell > Smultron
10/18/2014 at 18:57

Wow, I've never seen one with a manual trans! Sadly, I don't think my aunt would be up to driving one. I believe she wants something a little larger with more amenities since it will be their dedicated travel mobile. Thanks anyway!

Zach Campbell > Kaizer Soze
10/18/2014 at 18:58

Yeah, I've driven the Focus numerous times while renting. A very nice, well-built vehicle. I really like the option of having a hatch, too.

TDogg > Zach Campbell
10/19/2014 at 03:02

Cant beat the Prius for MPGs. They can be had relatively easily for under 10k in good shape and they seem to keep going. We've put 10k miles (including a 1000 mile each way trip to Florida) and it does the job quite well. Never dips below 40mpg even if you floor it everywhere.

bob and john > Zach Campbell
10/19/2014 at 11:08

VW TDI?

boxrocket > Zach Campbell
10/19/2014 at 12:10

Mazda CX-7, just change the oil on time, every time.

Volvo XC90 if they travel with a lot of stuff. MPGs will be lower in the age range within their budget, but they're reliable, and parts are easily available since the car remained mostly unchanged for a decade.

Mazda3: Prior generation shared its platform with the Focus and Volvo S40/V50/C30, so it shares their benefits. May be smaller than they want, save for the V50, but worth a look.

Mazda5: Same platform as the Mazda3, so predictable and easily controlled, plus not grossly wide and long like "mini"vans, and sliding doors are great for grocery store lots.

(All of the above have the fuel door on the passenger side, except the CX-7 so if they're not the best walkers or parkers (my parents sure aren't, hence the note) they may want to limit their search to those that have fuel doors on the driver's side.)

Mazda CX-9/Ford Edge/Lincoln MKX: A bit down on MPGs compared to the above, but they share the Mazda6 platform (also underpins the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln Zephyr/MKZ) so, again, predictable handling, plus a good height for the seats for easier ingress/egress, and they're lighter than the Odyssey, without being down much on storage space.

Mazda6 wagon: A bit hard to find, but efficient and well under budget, and as much storage as an SUV.

Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute: Great size, easy to get into and out of, not too tall or heavy. I've seen many with over 150K still running quite well. Also available in Hybrid form, which is a popular choice with taxi companies.

If they're able to budget more, a Ford C-Max could fit the bill. Hybrid, like a Prius, but less robotic, and feels like a conventional vehicle, plus it's a taller-bodied Focus, so good handling, good seat height, and plenty of space, and potentially double the mileage of the Odyssey.

Zach Campbell > TDogg
10/19/2014 at 17:16

Yeah, my only gripe is possible large repair bills when/if the battery fails.

EDIT: I just found this Forbes column and I am no longer concerned.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/tonybrad…

Zach Campbell > bob and john
10/19/2014 at 17:17

As much as I love a diesel wagon, it is a VW after all, and I don't want to put them through that..

Zach Campbell > boxrocket
10/19/2014 at 17:43

Wow. You outdid yourself, boxrocket!

I do like the CX-7 simply because it's a sporty crossover which is something nearly unheard of in today's world.

My other Aunt actually owns a XC90 and she loves it. The MPG isn't that great, but you can literally fit everything including the kitchen sink in the back which is a big plus.

Mazda 3/5: They're basically in the same league as the Ford Focus in size and road manners. I don't know how willing she is to get into another "van" since the whole reason they're selling this one is due to their kids (my cousins) all graduating college and moving out, but I will inform her of them.

CX-9/Edge/MKX: My mom actually almost bought an Edge before she ultimately decided on her XC70, so we're quite fluent in Edge/MKX talk. The CX-9 appears to be a little larger than the other two, so they may like that. I will let them know of all.

Mazda 6: It's a sporty wagon so I already love. Finding one will be the issue though.

Escape/Mariner/Tribute: My cousin owns an Escape and she loves it. I remember my aunt commenting on how well it looked and rode when she was last up, so I'll be sure to refresh her on it.

C-Max: Funnily enough, when I told my dad they had called looking for a vehicle that's the first vehicle he suggested too. He loves that thing.

Again, thanks for your extensive comment. It really did remind me of vehicles I totally forgot were out there. The main issue I am having is that they haven't been in the market for a vehicle for at least 6 years when they bought their Odyssey new. So when I got a call from them the other day saying we want a new vehicle (I'm the family car guru) I was caught off guard to say the least. While deciding to go used is a great idea, 10K is a somewhat limited budget for everything they want. I'm trying to convince them to maybe go to 15K as that opens up a huge array of vehicles only a few years old and relatively low miles.

Thanks again!

bob and john > Zach Campbell
10/19/2014 at 20:20

I havent had any major issues with mine (granted mine is actually an Audi A3 TDI) over 75k milles, the only thing that went wrong was an EGR valve that didnt affect driving it what so ever.

boxrocket > Zach Campbell
10/20/2014 at 11:36

Not a problem. I love your family's choices with all the Volvos. My 1990 760 Turbo is currently the only Volvo in my family. I'm also trying to help my mom get out of a 2012 TSX V6 she made the mistake of settling for last year without consulting me and despises it, so I could just about copy and paste my own shopping list here.

$15K would certainly help open up a few more avenues, both with model choices, and better condition/lower mileage. CX-5s aren't that cheap yet, but Lincoln MKXs are, so a few more amenities than the Edge offers, or a CX-9 lower that a Grand Touring trim. Hybrid versions of the Fusion, Milan, and MKZ are more likely here, with refreshed bodies rather than first-generation.

Since I mentioned that list, though, let me add a few more from it, just to broaden the options; some are just "spitballs", but you never know what will stick.

Kia Sorento, Hyundai Veracruz & Santa Fe: Edge-sized, reasonably sporty, no major issues, lots of content for the money, and pleasantly simple infotainment systems (UVO for the Kias, don't remember Hyundai's branding.

Kia Soul: Small and no AWD, but very economical and easy to get into and out of, and if only two adults, lots of storage space with the rear seats folded down, and less bending over to retrieve cargo.

Suzuki Kizaahi and SX4 (hatch rather than sedan): AWD-available cars, similar mentality to Kia/Hyundai in terms of features, but with a Mazda/Subaru sense of sportiness. Probably smaller than they're looking for, but again, low-cost and very economical for daily use. Biggest issue is lack of dealer support since Suzuki left the US, but they're very easy to work on and have no major issues; any national chain (NTB, Firestone, Midas, Meineke, etc.) would be able to take care of mist any potential issue.

Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima: The Kia is the sportier of the two, and they compare well against the Fusion and Mazda6, depending on year.

Nissan Altima/Maxima (about the same size, but Maxima is more unique and more sportily tuned).

Nissan Murano: Good on-road manners, capable AWD system, but some come equipped with a CVT that I'm not a huge fan of, but most don't mind once they get used to it.

Infiniti G35/37: RWD comes standard, but AWD available, gas tank on passenger side though.

Infiniti FX35/37: SUV version of the G.

Infiniti M35/37: Again, AWD available, but in a full-size package. Surprisingly nimble and easy to park, and a preferred experience to the comparable (but FWD) Avalon, Azera, Amati, and Taurus/MKS (though the EcoBoost in the SHO and MKS are good equalizers, if you can find them within budget, especially as they come with AWD), and their predecessors, the Five Hundred and Mercury Montego/Sable. Also consider the Lexus GS if this appeals, as the fuel door is on the driver's side rather than the passenger side, though your family seemingly doesn't mind with all the newer Volvos they have.

Last but not least, the Toyota Venza: Yes, it looks goofy, but it's Camry-based, so reasonably reliable, and less big and bloated than the Highlander, yet available with its AWD system and good access height.

I think that's most of my list, but if I think of any more, I'll post them here. Happy hunting!

TDogg > Zach Campbell
10/20/2014 at 13:44

Awesome article! That's always something kind of in the back of my mind, but that definitely aleviates a good bit of concern. In just the year that we've had ours, we've saved $1000+ over 11000 miles (compared to a 20mpg average previous car) and we don't even drive very much.

Zach Campbell > bob and john
10/20/2014 at 18:36

Yeah, Volkswagen products seem to be hit or miss. I know some people that have never had an issue with theirs, and then others where it's always in the shop for something. I find them to be great cars, just not the most reliable and if you're not knowledgeable of cars they can really cost some coin.

I do love a good diesel though. I parked next to a VW Jetta Sportswagen TDI Manual at church yesterday and a smile immediately came upon my face. Wagon, diesel, and manual trans. What's not to love?

bob and john > Zach Campbell
10/20/2014 at 18:38

it (probably) wasnt brown

Zach Campbell > boxrocket
10/20/2014 at 19:17

Goodness. You should get paid for all the work you're doing.

I will further research all vehicles listed with the Ford/Lincoln, Hyundai/Kia, and Toyota/Lexus vehicles standing out due to past experience/reliability with Ford and Lexus, and the great value that comes along with the Hyundai/Kia.

The gas door being on the passenger side is not a very large issue. Just about all of my vehicles have them on the passenger side and I actually like it due to there almost always being a pump open for cars with the tank on the right. With most vehicles having their tank on the left, having an open pump really does help when you're in a hurry and use a gas station that is one-way. While my aunt is in no means the best driver, she did commute in and out of Charlotte everyday for 20+ years while working downtown, so I hope she'd be able to pull up to a pump that's on the other side. Thanks for pointing it out though.

Volvo's really are great vehicles. More reliable and less flashy than their German competitors, which is a huge draw for my family. We like nice things but don't like flashing it either. So far my family has owned 11. Everything from numerous 700 series (still own two), two 850's (still own one, my first car), a 780 Bertone (still own, my dad's baby), an S70 (still own, probably going to be my little brother's car once he gets his licence), an S60 (aunt's old car), two XC70's (still own both, mine and my mom's), and an XC90 (my aunt's). I guess you can say we've been bitten by the Swedish bug. :-)

Zach Campbell > TDogg
10/20/2014 at 19:24

Wow, that's incredible! My mom almost bought one when she was in the market for a new car but ultimately decided on her XC70 due to her needing the AWD.

I've driven one and they're surprisingly quick with all that instant torque from the battery. Even though I'm not the biggest fan of hybrids as I would rather own a diesel, Prii (?) are very good vehicles.

Zach Campbell > bob and john
10/20/2014 at 19:26

Sadly, no. It was gray. There is a brown TDi Sportswagen running around my town. I'm yet to see if it's a manual or not, though.