My next car will come from this list

"3ch0" (UsedToBe3ch0)
09/14/2014 at 18:56 • Filed to: None

I already !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! that I was leaving the great whiteness of Montreal for California as part of a job promotion. That means parting ways with my !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! (second straight, still blue).

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

It's a company provided car, so I need to pick one of these. Look at that list and come up with a compelling argument for or against the car you pick or pick on. Not liking it is fine, but not enough for a discussion! We have no kids, so I highly doubt the minivan will be my pick...

Chrysler 300

Dodge Grand Caravan

Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4x4

Ford Taurus FWD

Ford Fusion Hybrid Energi

Ford C-Max Hybrid Energi

Ford Edge AWD

Toyota Prius V Three

DISCUSSION (59)

Sweet Trav > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 18:57

Fusion Titanium is the way to go.

Brian Silvestro > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 18:59

300!

Burrito de EJ25 > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 18:59

If you're going to drive a free appliance why not get one that will cost you less at the pump? I know this may be the unpopular opinion, but I'd go with the trusty Prius. And if not that the Fusion hybrid.

3ch0 > Sweet Trav
09/14/2014 at 19:00

Please expand.

3ch0 > Brian Silvestro
09/14/2014 at 19:01

Why?

3ch0 > Burrito de EJ25
09/14/2014 at 19:01

Prius is the California state car. And the wife's favorite...

Brian Silvestro > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 19:01

It's the only RWD on this list.

jkm7680 > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 19:02

I'd say go for the 300. It's a nice looking car, and probably drives the best out of all the cars on that list.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 19:02

I'd go for the Chrysler 300 because I think the interior looks nice.

Mason-Dixon > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 19:02

Style points

Sweet Trav > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 19:03

I am leasing a '14 Fusion 2.5l it has enough power, handles decently well, and has some of the most comfortable seats i've ever had in a car.

Conan > Sweet Trav
09/14/2014 at 19:08

AWD, paddle shifters, and nicer looking than the Edge are his reasons I assume. I'd look at it or the Cherokee myself, depending on just where in Canada you are going.

3ch0 > Brian Silvestro
09/14/2014 at 19:17

Touché.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 19:18

Then get the Fusion, because it's nearly as efficient, but doesn't suck to drive.

I haven't actually driven one, so I don't know for sure, but there is like zero percent chance it isn't better than a Prius behind the wheel.

samssun > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 19:53

Edge AWD. The rest are huge, FWD, or ugly.

Axial > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 19:55

Chrysler 300. Coolest car on the list, followed by the Cherokee and Fusion in that order.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 20:00

My vote here would be the Fusion Hybrid Energi. The Fusion drives well, and it qualifies for a carpool sticker (if you hurry). But even if you don't care about the sticker, it's a nice place to spend your commute.

I'm in the Bay Area, btw. Happy to provide whatever info I can on the area.

Conan > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 20:05

Given the fact that you're moving from Canada to California rather than the other way around (whoops to my whole last post) I'd go with the 300 for comfort/power or the Fusion hybrid for not being as miserable a driving experience as the Prius is while still doing well on gas.

Andrew T. Maness > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 20:21

Do you get to pick the model of Grand Caravan? If you can get em to set you up with an R/T or SXT, that's the route I'd go given those choices. I've had well optioned GC's as rentals and let me tell ya, they're pretty kick ass. Plenty of power from the V6 when you need it and solid fuel economy on roadtrips.

Second place Fusion Hybrid because it is a nice looking car and fuel savings are a plus.

Don't drink the kool-aid, steer clear of the Prius, especially with the C-Max as an option.

onhold > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 20:46

I drove a fusion for a couple of weeks on a vacation. It was outstanding. Of course, that wasn't the Hybrid. I have my doubts about the performance.

8000rpm > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 20:51

Kinja'd!!!

One of these things is not like the others , One of these things just doesn't belong, Can you tell which thing is not like the others. By the time I finish my song? I don't know why the 300 is on list with those other things, but that is one to get. RWD and style? Grab it!

DriftingSloth > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 21:08

Get the prius...let your wife drive it...then get something you want ;)

NoSubs > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 21:22

I have had the Chrysler 300, Taurus and Fusion (albeit not Hybrdi Energi version) as rental cars. You should try and rent them from Avis and see how you like them for a full day. They also have the Ford Edge.

I really liked the 300. Even though the knock against it is it's old chassis, one that apparently goes back to the E-Class from many years ago, it was very comfortable for highway cruising. I drove it round trip Toronto to Detroit and it was perfect. Specifically one with the 8-speed automatic ZF transmission. It was great. Really smooth. Plus the infotainment system was easy to use, sound system sounded clear and had good bass, rear seats were big, and it felt very luxurious for the price. I really felt like getting one by the time the drive was over. You probably don't want to mod it if it is a lease, but there is a black edition of some sort, the 300S. It looks really mean all blacked-out . But a plain black one with the regular chrome trim looks like an Uber car/livery car, it'd be the equivalent of driving a black Town Car. People complain about it being like a pill box for sightlines. For Camaros and Challengers I understand that comment, but the 300 was fine for me (6ft tall if that would make a difference).

The Ford Taurus was OK. It felt like a big huge car, it didn't feel nimble. But it was nice on the highway, just not as nice as the 300 in my opinion. It felt less solid. It also doesn't look as nice as the 300, the facelifted 300 looks luxurious whereas the Taurus struck me as a previous generation Fusion on steriods. Not bad, but not special.

The Fusion is a class down as far as size (mid-size vs. full-size). I haven't driven the Hybrid, but I drove an eco-boost and I did not like it. It also had a tiny Microsoft Sync screen that didn't work as nicely as the Sync in other Fords. Maybe that just means it was older, or maybe that is all Fusions, I am not sure. But it was a bad version of Sync. Strange buttons, it was asking me to download some other app on the iPhone to use it, I don't know. I think that was the generation of Sync that Consumer Reports gave terrible reviews on. But the Fusion felt slow, the A-pillar is huge, and blocks vision into corners, the seating position feels funny I can't put my finger on it (maybe it is too low). It looks nice, but personally I don't want a car that trys to be an Aston Martin.

I was eager to recommend, and thought you meant the Grand Cherokee for a second, but Cherokee is the new smaller one. I haven't had experience with that one yet.

I would say Chrysler 300 in silver, or all black. Sorry to hear about the Subaru, but that's a good decision to have to make.

Obruni > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 22:13

unless you plan on going skiing in the winter, there is little point to getting AWD for the bay area.

given the carpool/HOV benefits and the atrocious Bay area traffic, i'd go hybrid/PHEV. of the three, The Fusion is the best choice for someone that likes to drive.

AddictedToM3s - Drives a GC > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 22:34

Fusion sounds like your best bet since it'll save you fuel (since it'll be a free car for you somewhat) and you can avoid the Prius stigma. If you have any questions about the Bay Area feel free to ask and I'll be happy to help if I can.

ThePro > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 22:55

The Chrysler, probably the fastest and most luxurious of all of those

USNsaab93 > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 23:29

Look into a Ford Focus. I know its not a hybrid but its within a good price and good gas economy. Also decent size inside the car.

special_k_side > 3ch0
09/14/2014 at 23:55

Remove anything built by the big 3, you will do OK.......Oh wait, that leaves you one vehicle........ BUY IT! :)

TZanfrino > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 00:05

Jeep Cherokee Latitude 4x4 if you're going to have it a while. Some of the cars here will not age well, and a Jeep tends to age better, and looks a little more expensive than it is (imo). Plus, the 4x4 will allow you to go exploring, and has plenty of room for friends, gear, etc. I do not make car decisions based on economy...if economy is your primary criteria, then there are obviously better choices.

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 00:36

I'd get the 300 if it's a V8, but otherwise, go C-Max or Fusion. Especially since both of the Fords are plug-ins while the Prius isn't.

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > Burrito de EJ25
09/15/2014 at 00:37

Both of the Ford options are plug-in while the Prius isn't, though.

DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
09/15/2014 at 00:38

Actually... The Fusion is more efficient on this list, because plug-in.

Dsscats > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 01:05

I'd get the Chrysler 300 or Fusion Hybrid

Papagiorgio > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 01:10

I recommend the Fusion Hybrid Energi. California has among the highest gas prices in the nation thanks to the sky high state taxes, and the fact we have our own "special blend" the refineries have to make which is different from all other states. The Fusions are really nice, and not as ubiquitous as the Prius.

Shiftright > Brian Silvestro
09/15/2014 at 01:58

OMG YOU GUYS EVERYTHING RWD IS THE BEST! MY UNCLE HAS A RWD TRACTOR AND A LAWNMOWER AND THEY BOTH HANDLE WAY BETTER THAN ANY STUPID CIVIC!

pfftballer > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 06:26

Well there ya go. If you don't get the wife's favorite your ass is grass. You're already making her move to CA for god's sake.

Brian Silvestro > Shiftright
09/15/2014 at 06:50

OMFG TEH RWD TWINGO IS BETTER THAN ANY R8 BECAUSE RWD GAWD

3ch0 > samssun
09/15/2014 at 08:26

Well, we will need to go skiing in Tahoe.

3ch0 > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
09/15/2014 at 08:30

Well, I am very curious about the timeframe for the sticker, as I will be part of the famous reverse commute out of San Fran regularly.

3ch0 > Andrew T. Maness
09/15/2014 at 08:38

No need for the van.

I've never seen C-Max in the wild. Have you driven one?

3ch0 > 8000rpm
09/15/2014 at 08:48

Now, I have Foo Fighters in my head for no apparent reason.

thebigbossyboss > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 09:21

Chrysler 300. Company car so chrysler reliability aint no problem and it has the most road presence of anything. If you take the prius, I will make fun of you until the cows come home.

Burrito de EJ25 > DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully
09/15/2014 at 11:02

You're right. It gets double the MPGs.

GRMike > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 11:31

My wife's 2014 Ford Taurus Limited has been one of my favorite cars to drive in the last 10 years. And compared to my 5.0L V8 F-150 it is a relief at the gas pump. I recommend it.

FromTheBackSeat > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 13:22

Jeep Cherokee 4x4 - you mentioned in the other post of a love for skiing. Tahoe is only 3 and a bit hours away and they get stupid amounts of snow there (think 10'+....). And Jeep-ness (via Italy...). That and it has lots of space for whatever and looks kind of cool. 2nd choice is the 300, but only if it is in Black, or the Fusion...

jamisparker > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 14:11

Nothing very compelling there, so I would just go for fuel efficiency since you'll be paying out the ass for gas in CA.

Clay...Bill Clay > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 15:28

I'd go for the Fusion Hybrid Energi. My father-in-law has one in Titanium trim and it an extremely enjoyable place to spend time, especially in traffic on the morning commute. He's typically gotten 20 miles in battery-only driving before having to use the engine (driving fairly carefully), and in the 20k miles he's put on the car, has averaged in the neighborhood of 50 mpg (including a couple of road trips to Montana and Colorado from Southern California).

Downside: tiny trunk, like ridiculously small.

3ch0 > DriftingSloth
09/15/2014 at 18:19

When exactly did you enter my brain?

3ch0 > thebigbossyboss
09/15/2014 at 18:44

I have no cows. You?

3ch0 > pfftballer
09/15/2014 at 18:55

And got her to marry me... !

3ch0 > DancesWithRotors - Driving Insightfully
09/15/2014 at 19:05

Plug-ins! Geek drooling.

thebigbossyboss > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 20:22

Exactly.

3ch0 > USNsaab93
09/15/2014 at 20:31

Fleet car, I don't pay for it. Or the gas for that matter. I will get docked a taxable benefit on personal miles.

DriftingSloth > 3ch0
09/15/2014 at 21:37

When i saw "Toyota Prius"

3ch0 > Obruni
09/15/2014 at 22:28

We may very well go skiing. But what is the point of an AWD on summer or all-season rubbers in Tahoe snow? I base this solely on my experience up here, where winter tires are mandatory.

3ch0 > thebigbossyboss
09/15/2014 at 22:34

Damn.

Obruni > 3ch0
09/16/2014 at 01:11

all season tires and chains should should be enough for most conditions.

USNsaab93 > 3ch0
09/16/2014 at 21:42

Gotcha, then I would pick the Cherokee. You can drive around with plenty of space to haul everything you really need plus its not a terrible car to drive overall. And I do believe some beaches in California you can drive on so it'll be ideal for that

Kylemaro > 3ch0
09/17/2014 at 02:40

just kill yourself now man, spare the depression