Help My Friends Find a Car - Automatch Territory.

"Gpivovarov" (Gpivovarov) 04/05/2014 at 00:41 • Filed to: Car Buying

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So I suppose we have professionals for this (Automatch), but I'm going to try crowdsourcing this. I was asked to help find a suitable vehicle for my friends upon their move to Portland. We talked and I got their requirements, recommended some stuff, and promised I'd ask the magical internet machine.

- Budget - 25K

- Body - No SUV or Minivan

- Space for 3 adults + 2 child seats (average 5-seater arrangement will work)

- Be able to function in all-weather conditions, rain, snow, classic Pacific Northwest.

- As safe and efficient as possible

They were considering Subaru, and I told them they were absolutely right, the Forester, Outback, and XV Crosstrek (Though it's !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for me), would all be perfectly acceptable choices. But of course, let me know what you guys think.

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We then discussed buying vs. leasing, because they're moving out there for 3 years, so leasing may be more convenient, so which should they choose?

Also the husband used to have a 2CV, so give him a little props

ttyymmnn > Gpivovarov 04/05/2014 at 00:44

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I can be of absolutely no help to you, but I never pass up the chance to post this video every time one of these "help my friend buy a car" threads shows up.

awe46m3zcp > ttyymmnn 04/05/2014 at 00:53

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This guy is right. They should definitely get an E30.

It's a "Porch-uh" > Gpivovarov 04/05/2014 at 01:30

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They're in Portland, so they have to get a Subaru or risk being ostracized.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Gpivovarov 04/05/2014 at 01:43

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Mazda CX-5? I know you said no SUV or minivan but please understand that no one makes a cheap wagon anymore so your options are larger sedan or a subaru wagon/hatchback at this point. It's the third adult that pushes it a bit. I think the CX-5 might have the interior space and it won't drive like a complete hog.

All Motor Is Best Motor > Gpivovarov 04/05/2014 at 01:49

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Miata is always the answer.

hethoughtofcars > Gpivovarov 04/05/2014 at 02:10

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I grew up and live in Portland and have only run into any serious weather-related issues once: during a snow and ice storm while driving a 325i with all season tires. Luckily it doesn't even snow here more than once every other year, and nothing like it does in other cities across the US. Most of my family, friends, etc have had exclusively FWD vehicles. In my opinion you don't really need AWD here, FWD is plenty adequate.

Will they be carrying 3 adults plus two child seats often?

Are they cool with wagons? A car I would look at is the Jetta Sportwagen TDI.

A few reasons:

It's a very "Portland" kind of car (we love making our own biodiesel!)

It's depreciation is virtually nil with the diesel. Seriously, look at used prices of VW diesels around here. They could buy it with the reassurance that they won't be taking a huge loss after three years. Leasing or buying a more traditional vehicle will likely end up costing them a good deal as cars begin their steepest depreciation starting with year three.

No charge scheduled maintenance for 2 years from VW. Besides being cheaper this also might help with any fear of reliability issues.

I have a friend who works at one of the local VW dealerships and drives a Beetle TDI as his personal DD, even though he also owns a Miata!

I just realized I recommended a diesel wagon with a manual transmission and available in brown.... :P

The standard American-ized sedan version Jetta TDI and the Passat TDI would work well, also. VW is even running a sale on them currently, which is the first time I can remember Volkswagen even offering a promotion for the TDI. 0.9% for 60 months and $1,000 fuel card. When I was shopping the Sportswagen TDI 4 or so years ago I remember they had (or at least tried to get away with) pretty shocking dealer markup.

If they are adverse to VW or diesel, then a somewhat off-the-wall recommendation I'd have is the Nissan Cube. I helped my mother purchase one (we also test drove the Sportswagen, Fiesta, and xB), and have since spent a decent amount of time driving and riding in it. A massive advantage it has over anything that size, and even larger cars, is that the backseat is vast and could comfortably fit 3 across... even on a road trip. It also has a high rear bench seat that allows ease of accessing LATCH connectors and buckling young children in and taking them out. As a parent of a child still in a carseat, I know this can be a BIG deal. It also gives the child a commanding view out the side windows, which is something my son definitely appreciates. Scion xB has similar values, but poorer mileage. It has a slight edge in interior room, though. I'd certainly cross-shop them and either would come in well under budget.

If none of those appeal to them, probably go with a solid mid-size sedan: Mazda6, Accord, Camry. I don't think you can really go wrong with those. Of all that family I was referencing earlier, they currently own pretty much exclusively Camrys and Priuses. I don't think the Prius would be a good choice as to me, even in its third generation, it feels chintzy and unrefined. (It also has this unfortunate habit where when you press down on the accelerator it waits one thousand one, one thousand two...before delivering any power to the wheels). My father bought a Camry hybrid after test driving a Prius and I have to say the Camry is a million times better. It's fully loaded though and pushed past $30k. Also, the seatback doesn't fold down due to the battery pack, and shrinks the trunk space considerably. Certainly might be an issue if the kids are still in strollers.

As to Subaru, they are really popular around here too. In Washington they are actually the best-selling vehicle! Pretty much every girlfriend I've ever had has expressed a desire to own a Subaru (except the Baja, they all HATE the Baja). If this family plans on spending a lot of time up on Mt Hood skiing/snowboarding then Subaru is probably the way to go. Although I haven't been in a recent Outback, the Impreza still feels cheap inside. However, Subaru's AWD and reliability would likely make up for that.

I hope some of this helped! Are you going to help them pick out the car here? If you would like any more advice about Portland (and its vehicles and even some of the dealerships I've dealt with) you can hit me up at Jeff L Simmons at gmail. Good luck!

SpeedSix > Gpivovarov 04/05/2014 at 02:22

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See if they can find a used Acura TSX wagon, since it was just discontinued and the obscurity and slow sales means that examples generally won't be priced highly.

4muddyfeet - bare knuckle with an EZ30 > Gpivovarov 04/05/2014 at 02:34

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I'm on my mobile in a service station atm, so please excuse my brevity. I have regular use of a 2013 Outback Diesel, and it's an excellent car, but it's REALLY fucking annoying sometimes too.

MPG is no more than 40(UK) realistically, the UI on the touchscreen is the least intuitive I have come across, with a mixture of hardware and software buttons that often leads to a 'trial and error mash every button' routine to find what you're looking for (even the dashboard clock is set through the touchscreen and is buried in the most unlikely place). You can't force the hill-start assist to come on when you turn the car on, instead you end up doing a merry dance with the e-brake button, gearstick, clutch and accelerator all while trying to hold the wheel. It actively beeps at you whenever it gets the chance. Sometimes i don't even know why. Handling is sloppy at the back even on a slightly spirited drive, probably due to ride height and tyre wall height. The boxer diesel lacks oomph, but is deceptively fast on motorway journeys. It's well built though, and performs adirably in poor weather.

PS9 > hethoughtofcars 04/05/2014 at 02:59

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$25k...uhh... x10 or so...

Definitely not an SUV or Mini-van!

Can fit three adults. Who needs child seats, just throw 'em in the trunk.

All weather capable with $5k snow tire option

Most efficient V12 on the used market, in terms of aural orgasms/dollar!

Ehh? Ehh?! Whaddya say!

#NoHelpAtAll

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Gpivovarov 04/05/2014 at 11:57

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If they don't mind buying off-lease instead of new (which I think is usually a better way to do things), they can have a very nice, low mileage Volvo V70 or XC70 .

bob and john > hethoughtofcars 04/05/2014 at 13:22

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20k?
no Suv
has to haul 3 adults and 2 kids?

sorry guy, the answer isnt miata,

its 3 miatas.

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > hethoughtofcars 04/05/2014 at 13:55

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The only problem with FWD in snow is that while they're perfect on level terrain, who knows what could happen on uphills. I tried that once with my ES, all the weight went to the back wheels.

Frightening experience. So if you live in a town comprised of 80% flat roads, then the Jetta is for you. If you live in a town/city comprised of hills, please stay away from FWD Jokeboxes.

hethoughtofcars > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 04/05/2014 at 16:58

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I could see that, but it snows so rarely that it would seem an unnecessary added expense (and weight penalty and mpg hit) for the 700 days in-between when it snows. Chains in the trunk would be a much cheaper, simple solution. I did put that if they will be going up into the mountains often, then a Subaru (and AWD) is probably the way to go.

This is Portland 80% of the time:

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > hethoughtofcars 04/05/2014 at 17:22

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But in anywhere else (such as Seattle) you're going to anger so many people driving FWD unless you did something excessive.

hethoughtofcars > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 04/05/2014 at 17:36

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Anger people by driving a FWD? I've never been in Seattle in the snow, but I've been there plenty other times. Just like pretty much everywhere, the cars are predominantly FWD. Toyota still sells 400,000 Camrys a year with Accords and Altimas not far behind. Corollas, Civics and Priuses are pretty popular with both cities.

In any case, though, I would think it is moot since we are talking about a car specifically for Portland.

Manuél Ferrari > PS9 04/05/2014 at 17:40

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You can get them for 3.6 X $25K now!

I got to drive one for a couple days this week:

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/its-not-ugly-1…

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > hethoughtofcars 04/05/2014 at 17:41

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But we're not. It's not just Portland - if you drove up a hill with so many other cars behind you, God forbid they don't come out with pitchforks!

hethoughtofcars > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 04/05/2014 at 18:43

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Do you by any chance live in Seattle?

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > hethoughtofcars 04/05/2014 at 19:15

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Yep.

hethoughtofcars > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura 04/05/2014 at 19:26

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Well it's nice to meet another OPPO West Coaster!

Gpivovarov > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles 04/06/2014 at 09:00

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Ooh good work, since the "No SUV" rule was established I sorta skipped over all crossovers. Foolish me.

Gpivovarov > hethoughtofcars 04/06/2014 at 09:02

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This is probably the most detailed non-angry response I've ever seen on oppo. Well done, I'm glad we agree on Subaru and the SportWagen is a fantastic choice. I tip my hat to you, sir.

hethoughtofcars > Gpivovarov 04/06/2014 at 14:40

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Thanks! I happen to love both cars and Portland! I've also helped quite a few family and friends buy cars, even one's I don't like :)

Do you live in the NW?

Gpivovarov > hethoughtofcars 04/07/2014 at 11:06

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Well judging by Portland C&C pictures, it seems like you're spoiled for car culture.

And I don't, I'm from Boston, just these friends who are moving out west for a couple years

Tom McParland > Gpivovarov 04/08/2014 at 14:11

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Oh I totally missed this....so yeah they should get an Outback. :D

Dunnik > Gpivovarov 04/08/2014 at 17:58

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Yea, props on the Deux Chevaux, and kudos to them for not wanting a minvan or SUV/CUV.

As Jeff Simmons says in his post, your friends could probably get by with FWD and good tires. A Jetta TDI sportwagon is a great suggestion, especially as they might lease it (and let somebody else deal with off-warranty issues when the time comes).

Otherwise, Outback seems like a solid choice.