"brjklein" (brjklein)
04/11/2015 at 22:56 • Filed to: None
1
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"brjklein" (brjklein)
04/11/2015 at 22:56 • Filed to: None | 1
| 21 |
Long story short, my wife's car (a 2009 Corolla) is totaled as of today. Fortunately, neither she nor my 6-month old son were in the car. Just me. I was not at fault, there were multiple witnesses and a police report, but still I want to keep the story to myself for now, because reasons. But now I need suggestions for what to look at to replace it.
Requirements:
Model year 2008+
Under $9,000 (we want to own it outright), although I'll entertain interesting stuff up to $10K
Automatic transmission
Four doors; most likely a sedan, but I don't think a hatch/wagon will put anything out of the running on that criteria alone
Really safe—my son rides in it almost daily
No SUV or van
As spacious an interior as a 2009 Corolla, or close
LATCH capable for car seats
MPG above 32
Remember, this is my wife's primary mode of transportation since she can't drive the FiestaST. What are your thoughts? I was already thinking Civic, Accord, Corolla, Camry, Impreza, Legacy, maybe a Volvo?
XJDano
> brjklein
04/11/2015 at 23:00 |
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Mazda5, never mind. Doesn't meet you mpg standards.
norskracer98-ExploringTheOutback
> brjklein
04/11/2015 at 23:00 |
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Finding a 2008+ Subaru for under $10K is probably gonna be hard. Civic or Toyota possible. Maybe a Dodge Dart? Little over $10K but it's worth I think. Just some ideas.
My citroen won't start
> brjklein
04/11/2015 at 23:05 |
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http://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/…
epidemike
> brjklein
04/11/2015 at 23:25 |
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Glad to hear that everyone is safe, esp. your son.
I wouldnt classify a Corolla as roomy/spacious.
Does she do city or highway driving?
http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…
samssun
> brjklein
04/11/2015 at 23:26 |
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Honestly, if you need a slow boring wife car, they're pretty interchangeable so you need to have your wife drive the usual suspects and pick what she likes. All we're going to do is suggest non-slow, non-boring cars whose tradeoffs she'll probably hate.
NoneOfYourBiz
> brjklein
04/11/2015 at 23:59 |
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2009 ish Honda Fit would work. Look at the sport model with air, auto, cruise, power-everything.
Runs like a Swiss watch and will be easy on the wallet, fuel and maintenance wise.
Next suggestion would be a Hyundai Elantra (2008 and beyond) and Accent (2010/2011 and beyond... post redesign).
Oh, and Toyota Matrix/Pontiac Vibe. (probably the only GMC product I'd recommend because it basically is a rebadged Matrix)
Ford Focus would be an idea too. Avoid all GM/Chrysler stuff. (because reliability)
ZweiDeutschesAutos
> brjklein
04/12/2015 at 00:24 |
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boxrocket
> XJDano
04/12/2015 at 01:21 |
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Doesn't it? My wife has a 2007 Mazda6 with the 2.3L I4 and averages 33mpg real-world. The 3 and 5 (which is a bigger-bodied 3) should get better mileage. The Focus and Volvo C30/S40/V50 share the same platform, but finding that modern of a Volvo in the four-figure range - while doable - would require a thorough exam by a good mechanic.
Since Kinja isn't letting me reply to the main post, I'm hijacking your comment for my suggestions.
-Aforementioned Mazdas, Focus, and Volvos.
-Suzuki SX4 and Kizashi - AWD available for both!
-May be able to find Ford Fusion/Milan Hybrids in that range.
-Hyundai Elantra/Kia Forte (same car underneath). The Kia Spectra is a little older than the Forte, but is a decent car, and comes in a 5-door model called the Spectra5, as does the Forte.
-Nissan Leaf (though I haven't seen one under $10k yet)
The Hyundai Accent/Kia Rio twins are smaller than the corolla, as are the Fiesta, Mazda2, Yaris, Versa, etc. However, the Kia Soul, while being on the Rio platform, feels spacious due to its boxy shape, so may be of interest despite the size. Also offers easy ingress and egress, great for adults and children alike.
-Most midsize sedans with the I4 engines can get near or around the 32mpg target. Remember, though, it can take years, if not decades, to realize the difference in a few mpg, so feel free to get a slightly less efficient car, even if more expensive. Plus, with a growing child, it will take longer for Junior's feet and knees to hit the backs of the front seats in a larger car. So Mazda6/Ford Fusion/Mercury Milan/Lincoln MKZ, Lincoln LS, Hyundai Sonata/Kia Optima, Nissan Altima/Maxima, a higher-mileage Infiniti G35, Volvo S60/V70 etc., etc.
-Prius/Civic Hybrid (yawn).
Desu-San-Desu
> brjklein
04/12/2015 at 06:57 |
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Believe it or not, this checks almost every box (no pun intended) in your post:
I recently helped a buddy of mine get one. He's a courier and he wanted something with good MPG (averages about 30mpg, despite the EPA ratings), easy to drive and park, bulletproof reliability, seriously spacious interior without being a high-riding SUV or a van, and safe enough for his 2 young children.
I was able to find him a 2008 model with 76,000 miles and a clean history with a thumbs up from the mechanic during the test drive inspection. After a little back and forth with the salesperson, I had him driving it home for $8,959 out the door. Plus $40 for the 3rd-party inspection, lol.
That leaves you a dollar to spare! =D
LongbowMkII
> NoneOfYourBiz
04/12/2015 at 07:54 |
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the focus auto is verified garbage.
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LongbowMkII
> brjklein
04/12/2015 at 07:55 |
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Just get another corolla. Matrix/vibe if you're feeling spicy.
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NoneOfYourBiz
> LongbowMkII
04/12/2015 at 08:21 |
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Well, fair enough. I stand by the other recommendations though.
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NoneOfYourBiz
> Desu-San-Desu
04/12/2015 at 08:24 |
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Totally forgot about that one. Great recommendation. Scions fly under the radar a lot but they're solid and surprisingly well spec'd, fuel economy included.
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brjklein
> LongbowMkII
04/12/2015 at 08:43 |
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True that. We rented one in NH/VT a couple years ago. The auto can't get out of its own way.
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brjklein
> samssun
04/12/2015 at 08:46 |
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Well, you never know, I might get lucky. The Mazda5 was on my radar last time I was looking for a car for her, but I'd forgot about it this time.
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brjklein
> epidemike
04/12/2015 at 08:48 |
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The 09 Corolla was surprisingly roomy inside. She does a mix. Mostly city to get to work, highway to take my son to the pediatrician or to go on road trips (on which I'll be the likely driver).
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brjklein
> LongbowMkII
04/12/2015 at 08:48 |
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Honestly that was what I was thinking. The Corolla we found was the perfect car for her. It had everything she wanted and nothing extra.
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LongbowMkII
> brjklein
04/12/2015 at 08:57 |
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had an '07 CE. And it was almost too good as a commuter. "I'm sure that maintenance can wait" and it could. Not that I'd know anything about that
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brjklein
> LongbowMkII
04/12/2015 at 09:30 |
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We bought my wife's car from this family that, while they didn't take great care of the outside (scratches, marks, door dings, etc.), they went nuts over mechanicals. First car I've seen at 112K that looked basically brand new.
I'm gonna miss that car....
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brjklein
> NoneOfYourBiz
04/12/2015 at 09:32 |
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Good suggestions. We almost bought her a 2009 Fit, but the one in our price range at the time was BEAT. Hopefully prices have come down by now.
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XJDano
> boxrocket
04/12/2015 at 09:39 |
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I didn't do a lot of research, but http://www.fuelly.com/car/mazda/5 shows average doesn't break 30 mpg.
Although that's not gospel.