My dad is looking for a new car!

"zeontestpilot" (zeontestpilot)
02/27/2015 at 13:00 • Filed to: Car buying

So I'm gonna be intrusive and help them out! Ok, my mom has a Kia Sorento, which is the main car and will be the one to take out of the state. So my dad needs a car for commuting in the state of Florida, can seat at least 5 people (for work), and gets 30-something hwy mpg like his old !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . He's thinking of either leasing or buying.

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A few limitations, one is that it can't be a small car. He wants it to be roughly the same size as his old Corolla. The other limitation would be nothing from Toyota, because my parents aren't too happy with the airbag recall. This can probably extend to Honda as well. They aren't sure on how much they are willing to spend yet, but I'm gonna bet it's gonna be below $18k-$20k.

So what cars to you think my parents should look into Oppo?

DISCUSSION (33)

bob and john > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:01

diesel.

cheap gas prices arent going to last, so you could probably pick up a diesel for cheap atm, and run it for a while.

also, EPA for TDIS is shit. they rated our A3 TDI at 36 hwyway. I REGULARLY hit 45+

zeontestpilot > bob and john
02/27/2015 at 13:05

That's not a bad idea. Though I'm not sure if my parents have the "diesel smells" stigma. It doesn't smell anymore, I'd just have to convince them if they do believe that, :).

My citroen won't start > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:07

Kinja'd!!!

bob and john > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:07

just tell them to take it for a test drive. it got torque for DAYS and as long as they keep up on maintenance (sorry, you cant forget to change the oil for 100k km like in the 'rolla) and dont abused the shit out of it, it should last for a while

Alex B > My citroen won't start
02/27/2015 at 13:14

I love the ES. I shouldn't, but I do.

jariten1781 > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:19

If he was content with the Corolla and is buying new I'd suggest just picking up an Elantra. 100k powertrain warranty and more kit than you'd get in a similar priced Japanese competitor. It's not a good car, but it's certainly a great value and good enough for someone who was happy in a Corolla.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:25

+1 on the TDI. The one I drive has been the best vehicle we've owned.

B/Xmrrmvr > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:26

The manufacturers affected by the recall as of 27 Feb, 2015 (1:11 PM EST):

Acura, BMW, Chrysler, Dodge, Ford, GM, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mazda, Nissan, Subaru, and Toyota.

So that rules out the American and Japanese manufacturers along with BMW. So that leaves Euro (besides BMW) and Korean cars.

Most new Compact Cars meet or beat 30 hwy mpgs. With that said (along with a price range of $18k USD -$20k USD), that leaves you with the VW Jetta, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Kia Soul, and the Mitsubishi Lancer (off the top of my head).

Hope this helps!

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:26

I know you don't need AWD in Florida, but, the 2015 Subaru Impreza seems pretty nice. It's safe, reliable, and fairly roomy. Also, for 2015, even the base models come loaded up with features, such as subaru's new starlink infotainment system, which works great, and is fairly easy to use. A sedan with the cvt stickers for $19,990, and a hatch is $20,490, but you could probably get either of them at invoice pricing, which would be about $1,500 to $2,000 lower.

Kinja'd!!!

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > jariten1781
02/27/2015 at 13:27

I would highly recommend his father going against your recommendation.

zeontestpilot > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
02/27/2015 at 13:34

Well, one could argue that the AWD would be effective in navigating the visiting snowbirds/seasonals. They can't be trusted on the road...

zeontestpilot > Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy
02/27/2015 at 13:35

Is TDI just a vw thing, or is it a universal term?

zeontestpilot > B/Xmrrmvr
02/27/2015 at 13:38

Dang..,you're like...a phonebook of knowledge!

Though it had to be certain models of those brands. I drive a Chrysler, and it wasn't affected. I just know Honda was affected the greatest. :).

And it does, thanks!

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:40

I think it's a VW AG thing. Other car companies have used it (land rover designed turbodiesel),but VW owns a copyright in many countries.

OPPOsaurus WRX > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:40

good gas mileage,

doesn't have the boy racer look of a WRX so his co-workers are just going to see a sporty eco car don't need the AWD in Florida

fun

http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…

Kinja'd!!!

B/Xmrrmvr > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:43

Thanks haha! :) That's why I actually got that nickname when I was younger.

Wasn't sure how deep the Takata hate was so I just gave you the manufacturers. If you want to break it down to the models affected (Found on Car And Driver):

AFFECTED VEHICLES (total number if known in parentheses):

Acura: 2002–2003 TL; 2002 CL; 2003–2006 MDX

BMW (approximately 765,000): 2000–2005 3-series sedan and wagon; 2000–2006 3-series coupe and convertible; 2001–2006 M3 coupe and convertible

Chrysler (approximately 2.88 million, including Dodge): 2004–2008 Chrysler 300; 2007–2008 Aspen

Dodge/Ram (approximately 2.88 million, including Chrysler): 2003–2008 Dodge Ram 1500; 2004–2008 Ram 2500, Dakota, and Durango; 2004–2007 Charger; 2004–2008 Ram 3500 and 4500; 2008 Ram 5500

Ford (538,977): 2004–2005 Ranger; 2005–2006 GT; 2005–2008 Mustang

Honda (approximately 5.4 million, including Acura): 2001–2007 Accord (four-cylinder); 2001–2002 Accord (V-6); 2001–2005 Civic; 2002–2006 CR-V; 2002–2004 Odyssey; 2003–2011 Element; 2003–2007 Pilot; 2006 Ridgeline

Infiniti: 2001–2004 Infiniti I30/I35; 2002–2003 Infiniti QX4; 2003–2005 Infiniti FX35/FX45; 2006 Infiniti M35/M45

Lexus: 2002–2005 SC430

Mazda (330,000, est): 2004–2008 Mazda 6; 2006–2007 Mazdaspeed 6; 2004–2008 Mazda RX-8; 2004–2005 MPV; 2004 B-series

Mitsubishi (11,985): 2004–2005 Lancer; 2006–2007 Raider

Nissan (717,364, including Infiniti): 2001–2003 Maxima; 2001–2004 Pathfinder; 2002–2006 Nissan Sentra

Pontiac: 2003–2005 Vibe

Saab: 2005 9-2X

Subaru (17,516): 2003–2005 Baja, Legacy, Outback; 2004–2005 Impreza, Impreza WRX, Impreza WRX STI

Toyota (877,000, including Lexus and Pontiac Vibe): 2002–2005 Toyota Corolla and Sequoia; 2003–2005 Matrix, Tundra

Honestly, new cars should be fine including Toyotas.

wiffleballtony > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:43

Fiesta

zeontestpilot > B/Xmrrmvr
02/27/2015 at 13:48

Actually, that is tens times better! If my parents saw the previous list, they would go crazy! So thanks for breaking it down for me, :). I'll make sure they'll see this list, as they can know what cars to 'avoid' .

You're awesome phonebook guy, like a narwhal!

zeontestpilot > OPPOsaurus WRX
02/27/2015 at 13:54

I actually suggested a Focus to them. They weren't sure, so I need to gather more info...

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 13:59

A Cruze Eco might work.

Kinja'd!!!

Seats 5

Not from Toyota or Honda

Gets 42 MPG highway (EPA est.) without having to pay the premium price for diesel

Should be about the same size as his old Corolla

I dunno about where they live, but around here there's still tons of '14s on lots with tons of cash on the hood. Better front fascia and cheaper than a '15, it's a win-win!

Heck, even the standard Cruze gets 38 highway, if they just want to get an 1LT. Which is cheaper and would be more common and easier to find as a '14. The dealer by me has almost 20 of them in stock with an average price of $17k after incentives.

zeontestpilot > wiffleballtony
02/27/2015 at 14:06

That was my first suggestion. They said it's too small. :/, it's a shame...

B/Xmrrmvr > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
02/27/2015 at 14:08

Why?

zeontestpilot > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
02/27/2015 at 14:10

That might work. My grandpa gets a GM employee discount as well.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > B/Xmrrmvr
02/27/2015 at 14:12

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/i-need-a-new-t…

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/getting-a-new-…

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/i-got-my-elant…

I can't go into details, but all that I will say is that I love the lemon law more than I love my Outback. The three articles above, are just a snapshot.

OPPOsaurus WRX > zeontestpilot
02/27/2015 at 14:18

i believe one or 20 people people have them on here. there should be plenty of info available if you ask

B/Xmrrmvr > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO
02/27/2015 at 14:21

Fair enough, and I hope you had a good outcome.

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > B/Xmrrmvr
02/27/2015 at 14:25

I have a new Subaru, which was as good of an outcome as there could have been.