Hey Oppo, Suggest A New Car For My Mom

"BrownMiataDieselWagon" (opporamblings) 01/12/2015 at 19:05 • Filed to: car-buying

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Hey Oppo, my mom is in need of a new daily driver since my dad is going to be using the CR-V more frequently. (Scroll to bottom for TL;DR summary of requirements)

We're in the snowbelt, in the great state of Illinois, so she wants something 4WD for the winters. Reading many of these posts on Jalopnik debating the true usefulness of 4WD, I told her that snow tires make more of a difference than the driving wheels of a car. But then, she pointed out that having both 4WD and snow tires would be even better, providing more traction, in the snow than just having snow tires on a FWD or RWD car (woohoo! kudos to Mom for knowing the importance of snow tires!). I guess she's pretty adamant on having 4WD (maybe because the place where she works doesn't do a very good job of plowing snow).

She also wants something that's fairy quick getting up to highway speeds, since that's her gripe about the CR-V. She doesn't want to drive stick in traffic, so no manuel. It also has to be safe and somewhere above average on the reliability spectrum. That's pretty much it for her requirements for her next car.

So far, I recommended the 2015 Mazda CX-5 and 2015 Honda CR-V, which both seem to have gotten good reviews. The new CR-V does have a CVT, which I'm iffy about, but we'll see how it goes when she does a test drive. I also recommended a Lancer Evolution MR just for lolz but she took me seriously!! My mom said that she thinks it's a handsome looking sedan. After I told her that it's a very quick car, she liked it even more (it even gets good crash test ratings). She's going in for a test drive next week! >insert full of happenings .gif here<

It would be great if Oppo can recommend some other cars for me and her. So here is the summary of requirements:

- SAFE: This is the most important aspect. I want my mom to be driving a safe car. Even though she's a pretty good driver (no accidents in the past 25 years of driving), there are many asshats on I-290 who don't know how to drive.

-Reliable: Whatever that means. Preferably new or at least less than 4 model-years old.

-Automatic/DCT/CVT: She doesn't want to deal with driving manual in traffic.

-4WD and TC: Full-time preferred, part-time also okay. Good traction control. Locking diffs are overkill, but would be a bonus.

-Practical: no 2-door coupes or convertibles

-Good Acceleration: Has to be fairly quick and get up to highway speeds in a timely fashion. 0-60 in, let's say, under 8.5 seconds.

-Fuel efficiency: Not a priority, but good fuel efficiency would be a bonus.

- Budget: under $45K tax included

Thanks OPPO!

Brian Silvestro > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:07

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WRX, Evo MR, used Raptor

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:08

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Subaru Outback 3.6R?

I have the 2.5 and find it plenty quick. I can only imagine that the 3.6 is leagues better.

Boxer_4 > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:10

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I'm sure we could suggest other cars, but that would be irresponsible. Your mom must get that EVO!

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:10

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I would look at a Volvo XC60, Mini Countryman, Audi Q5/VW Tiguan, BMW X1, Ford Escape/whatever the new Lincoln version is called, Mercedes GLA, Jeep Cherokee, and any offerings from Hyundai/Kia.

Steve in Manhattan > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 01/12/2015 at 19:10

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Or Forester.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:11

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Well since we're talking moms here, my mom recently tested the new Encore and she was really impressed. She was looking for something a little bigger, but the little Buick checked the rest of her boxes.

It was surprisingly refined feeling.

HammerheadFistpunch > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:11

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Sounds like a subaru shopping list.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:11

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Used Audi S4. Incredibly Understated, Devastatingly Quick

Evo MR: Steroidal grip machine. Brutally potent.

VW CC 4Motion: Classy, cool and collected.

jkm7680 > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:11

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Tiguan!

BrownMiataDieselWagon > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 01/12/2015 at 19:12

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How could I forget about the Outback! Thanks for the suggestion!

Nibby > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:12

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OUTBACK OR FORESTER. END OF STORY.

DO NOT WASTE HER TIME WITH CRAPPY INFERIOR CUVS.

This post was sponsored by Honda.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Brian Silvestro 01/12/2015 at 19:13

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oh right, the WRX has a CVT option now. Most likely no to the raptor lol. Thanks for the suggestions!

m-b-w loves his SUBAROO > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:14

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The 2015 redesign is a great improvement over last years model. The interior is plenty roomy (I'm 6'10"), the cabin electronics work well, and are fairly simple to use, and the CVT has been updated to feel like a traditional automatic with automated shift points.

Arben72 > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:15

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New: Glk250 bluetec

Forester

328d xdrive (a ton of fun)

Used:

E250/350 bluetec

Just get a good pdi or cpo and she'll be all set. P.s. Tell your mom one of the asshats from 290 says sorry.

Spasoje > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:15

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How about a Volvo XC90? A used one fits all the criteria...and the most powerful ones made (V8) are now well below the price cap:

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/…

Brian Silvestro > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:16

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Evo must win

BrownMiataDieselWagon > HammerheadFistpunch 01/12/2015 at 19:17

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She wasn't impressed with the Impreza hatch or the base model Forestor, but someone suggested the Outback 3.6 which we'll probably look at.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Nibby 01/12/2015 at 19:18

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Lol she didn't like the Forester with the base engine. Outback 3.6 looks like an option though

Boxer_4 > m-b-w loves his SUBAROO 01/12/2015 at 19:19

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Both my dad and my uncle have 2012 3.6Rs, so I can say this with certainty: the 3.6 is a great engine. I'm always impressed with how much torque it has at low rpm (221 ft-lbs at 2,000 rpm), as well as how smooth it is.

Justin Hughes > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:19

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Miata.

(Somebody has to be "that guy...")

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:19

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Ford Escape Titanium AWD.

Ford Fusion Titanium AWD.

Fusion has a 5-star safety rating, Escape has a 4-star. Both have 2.0T engines that will get them to 60 in way under 8.5 seconds. AWD for aid in the snow. Automatic 6-speeds. I haven't read anything about either of them being anything less than reliable. Both are super practical, I'm 6'4" and fit in the back of the Fusion, which also has a cavernous trunk. The Escape is generally practical being a crossover. Both can be loaded up for less than $40k.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Spasoje 01/12/2015 at 19:21

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How's the reliability of these? Thanks for the suggestion.

Nibby > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:21

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Forester comes in a turbo...

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 01/12/2015 at 19:23

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Woah I didn't know the Fusion could be had with AWD!

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Arben72 01/12/2015 at 19:24

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haha there's just too many asshats on 290. Thanks for the suggestions.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:24

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Yup, I'm kinda disappointed my parents bought a FWD one. We have a 2.0T though and it MOVES. Super nice inside too and can be loaded up with a ton of toys.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 01/12/2015 at 19:25

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I still don't trust Audi reliability especially on a V8/supercharged V6. Thanks for the input though!

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Justin Hughes 01/12/2015 at 19:26

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like a true jalop

BrownMiataDieselWagon > jkm7680 01/12/2015 at 19:26

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Will look into it! Thanks!

bob and john > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:27

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wild card: CPO lexus IS250 AWD

safe: fuck yea, its a modern lexus.

reliable: its a toyota product....
Auto: yep
4WD: its AWD (yes, there is a difference) also has TCS and stability control, as well as a "snow" mode for the motor (very sluggish response to avoid spinning tires)
practical: 4 doors, big trunk...
speedy: its not great, but its not terrible. 0-60 in 7.3 ish seconds (if you jump up to the IS350, you drop that to 4.8 seconds)
fuel efficient: its decent....we get about 20MPG in town, 29 on the highway
under 45K: we got my moms 2008 IS250 used 3 years ago for 25K...IN CANADA. you should be able to at least match that in the states


BONUSES: LUXURY!
its really fucking quiet inside.
heated and cooled seats
makes a nice noise when you step on it
comfy over bumps, but still reasonable in the corners as far as handling goes
it is a DAM classy looking car
powered seats
HMMMM PEELED COWS
and she can say she drives a lexus.

and in some places, the insurance prems on the lexus's are actually less then the subarus, as only older people who can afford lexus's drive lexus, and all of the boy racer wanna bys buy the subarus.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Nibby 01/12/2015 at 19:27

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Mmmmm turbo

Arben72 > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:30

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If you want to go lenient on the reliability (it's really not that bad), you can get a lightly used s class. She'll love it and the plebs just get out of your way before you have a chance to run them down. The s550 hasn't given me anything more than an O2 sensor, well other then what I have caused. She won't complain about power from the 4.7 tt, I can guarentee that.

dogisbadob > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:30

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How about a CPO Matrix AWD? Automatic, Toyota reliability, practical, reasonably fuel-efficient (even though big 2.4L) and should be fast enough.

CPO Infiniti G25x and G37x's might also work.

There's also the IS250 AWD to consider.

The Evo, or even the cheaper Ralliart are good choices. Most of the Evo's performance, same looks, at a better price.

And almost every car from the past 20 years is safe due to stringent US standards. The only unsafe cars are the ones that have been crashed, because they usually half-ass the repairs.

The 8.3-second 0-60 time on my car is REALLY fast for daily driving. My previous car's 0-60 time was 10.6, and that is still more than adequate.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:33

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No Problem. What about the Infiniti QX50, you can get those with AWD, brand-new, around 45k tax in.

HammerheadFistpunch > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:34

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grand cherokee 3.6 overland would also be a good choice

Spasoje > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:39

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After 5yrs/60k mi, my 3.2's (i.e. the I6, not the V8) reliability has been good so far. :)

Those with V8's on the owner forums are satisfied as well. There's one guy in particular with a 230k mi V8 that's running like a top.

Alex from Toronto > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:48

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Subaru XV Crosstrek?

Thunderface > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:52

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AWD swap CVPI!

Vicente Esteve > Brian Silvestro 01/12/2015 at 19:53

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You know, every mother should get car advice from you

Brian Silvestro > Vicente Esteve 01/12/2015 at 19:57

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I'm never wrong

Brian Silvestro > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 19:58

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why is everyone automatically resorting to SUVs/crossovers automatically??

they're just less fuel efficient, unnecessarily big things that she probably doesn't need

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Logansteno: Bought a VW? 01/12/2015 at 20:05

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You should do an Oppo review!

BrownMiataDieselWagon > bob and john 01/12/2015 at 20:06

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Good suggestion! We weren't even thinking Lexus but now we'll have to take a look. Thanks!

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 20:06

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I plan to once I get a bit more seat time.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast 01/12/2015 at 20:06

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Thanks for the suggestion! How's the legroom in the back?

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Alex from Toronto 01/12/2015 at 20:07

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It feels... a bit slow.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Thunderface 01/12/2015 at 20:08

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lol have people actually attempted this?

BrownMiataDieselWagon > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 01/12/2015 at 20:09

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We'll be going to a Hyundai dealership and possibly a Volvo dealership afterwards. For some reason, my mom wants to avoid German cars

bob and john > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 20:10

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oh, and i didnt mention this, but the car is butter smooth. seriously, if you dont rag on it, it quite, almost no vibrations from the motor, shifts are creamy...

for the AWD, there is a lump in the drivers side footwell for the running gear. its kinda akwards (the floor mats dont fit right) but you get used to it,

Thunderface > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 20:11

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There's a first time for everything

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 20:13

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Tell her the Countryman is British.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Thunderface 01/12/2015 at 20:15

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lol I guess. but look at this thing... not a crown vic but wow...

BrownMiataDieselWagon > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 01/12/2015 at 20:16

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Hahahahaha doesn't help at all! I think she'll take German reliability over British reliability any day.

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 20:17

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So would most sane people, so it's good to know your mom does at least know what she's talking about.

Thunderface > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 20:18

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10/10 Would DD

BrownMiataDieselWagon > sm70- why not Duesenberg? 01/12/2015 at 20:23

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She does pretty alright for a mom :) I think it's because I talk cars with my dad all the time and I think she listens and remembers a lot of what we talk about. After I asked her about the Subaru Outback (which a few people on Oppo recommended), she asked if Subarus still had a head gasket problem. (6-cylinder ones never had problems but I was still very impressed)

BrownMiataDieselWagon > Thunderface 01/12/2015 at 20:23

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8/10 needs more rally lights and mudflaps

hike > Arben72 01/12/2015 at 20:53

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The GLK is a great suggestion, but it would be a pretty basic model. If you can find one that was a Mercedes loaner, you can get a nicely equipped GLK for under 45k. And it's hard to beat Mercedes safety and 4matic, in addition to the luxury.

Funktheduck > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/12/2015 at 21:08

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There are a lot of good cars that fit those requirements.

My gf and I both have skyactive mazda3s. Those don't fit the bill but I can attest that the skyactive platform is very fuel efficient and the 3 gets best in class crash test ratings.

With that said, the cx-5 is similar. I know someone with a base model and she loves it. It comes in AWD. I would definitely suggest the 2.5 engine. I don't know if the AWD version comes with the 2.0 but I've heard the biggest complaint about the 2.0 cx-5 is it's not powerful enough. It's fine in the 3 but the AWD and extra weight really taxes the smaller engine.

My aunt loves the new cr-v and will likely be getting one soon.

I think if I had the funds and didn't drive as much as I do I'd really enjoy the x1

Those are just some random thoughts to leave you with.

Danimalk - Drives a Slow Car Fast > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/13/2015 at 08:48

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Really not bad for the size. The seats are plenty comfortable.

a crv or cx5 would have more room back there. The seats on the Buick do fold down though

GTI MkVII > BrownMiataDieselWagon 01/18/2015 at 21:46

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Tiguan 4motion R-Line.