What Car Should I (maybe) Buy?

"CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever" (carsoffortlangley)
08/10/2018 at 14:07 • Filed to: None

I may change jobs in the near future, it would represent being on the road nearly all day necessitating a change in my primary transport. I genuinely want some input from Oppo on suggested cars. I have laid out my reasons for changing and my criteria.

I am not all knowing of cars out there on the market, so please feel free to make suggestions.

The driving role: I will need something ideal for highway, country and city driving. Both night and day and in all weather. Likely an automatic sadly, but a manual would be OK.

This car would be, sadly a replacement for the ST. I 100% guarantee I would cry letting it go, but the Recaro seats, suspension, limited cargo, height, exhaust and 94 octane gas all make it bad for what I need. I will really miss having a performance car, and worry that I won’t have another for a long time.

I will likely try to drive the ST for a while in the new position and who knows, maybe it will be OK. I’m betting it won’t be though.

Perhaps, in the next 5 years, I can get an NA miata as my fun driver. It really comes down to storage.

Rules:

1) MSRP should be around $30K Canadian, the lower the better.

2) New would be good, I just want to mile something out with as much warranty coverage as I can. I’d consider a year or two old too.

3) Gas milage should be good, but it doesn’t have to be amazing. Around 30 mpg neighborhood highway.

4) Comfortable/nice to spend time in.

5) Android Auto

6) AWD is a plus, I need to be able to go into construction site like terrain and drive in light to medium snow. All weather types at all times of day.

7) Cargo room for boots, PPE (safety equipment), cameras/digital equipment and maybe some other things. Nothing major, but more than the ST can comfortably carry in the small trunk space.

8) Has to fit in my carport. See below for how big the Fiesta looks already in that space. It is a shared driveway/carport. I only get the lefthand side.

9) Please no “you could buy a 1995 3 series for $5"

Not a lot of room

My Current Ideas:

My two main schools of thought are either focusing more on AWD utilitarian or FWD cheap ass transport. The more money I save, the more in my pocket.

I do get gas cards for my work driving (distance based), but the more fuel efficient, the more I can use those towards just general gas for my wife and I.

Crosstrek:

Pros: AWD, price, available with a manual and good cargo space. Also, orange!
Cons: Subaru (preference), crossover, sister in law just bought one.

Hyundai Ioniq

Pros: Cheap, fuel efficient, warranty
Cons: Small, cheap, hybrid shitbox.

DISCUSSION (61)

Spaceball-Two > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:14

Not new, but last gen 4 Runner. I’ve had two. They get pretty good mpg, comfy with cargo space, reliable and I’ve never been stuck in the snow no matter how hard I tried.

His Stigness > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:16

New Golf TSI. It’s not AWD, but with good snow tires it will be fine. Decent on gas. SOOOO nice to drive. The interior and ride quality of a MKVII Golf is phenomenal. Modern VWs are also much more reliable, but I know they will never outgrow the stigma of VWs past. I enjoy owning modern VWs while everyone else suffers in Hondas and Toyotas because they believe the rumors that VWs are crap.

Other attributes: Tons of cargo space for a small form factor. The car can fit four normal sized adults in comfort. Stereo is excellent for a base stereo. And now it only takes regular, at least here in the US.

And holy crap it’s a lot of fun to drive. It’s as peppy as a MKV GTI used to be.

bob and john > His Stigness
08/10/2018 at 14:20

or Golf all track....all of the above, and lifted with AWD.

nj959 > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:20

A new Subaru may be the obvious choice, but it’s obvious for a reason. A Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza hatch, it doesn’t really matter which. They’d all do fine for this sort of use. Plus you could get it with a stick which would be more fun.

You could also get an AWD CRV or something but I assume you’d rather die.

Deal Killer - Powered by Focus > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:21

Since you have a Ford already, maybe a Fusion Hybrid? Certainly comfy, and very mpg friendly. If AWD is high on the want list, you can find those as well, although I think they come as V-6 only, and therefore are not as fuel efficient. Both can be found used within your price range, I believe.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Spaceball-Two
08/10/2018 at 14:22

A little older than I’d like. The only ones I can find are super miled out. Especially for something that costs $15K

nermal > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:23

Kinja'd!!!

You need a small pickup. I like the GMC with the diesel. Should fit all of your requirements except being a smidgen expensive.

Textured Soy Protein > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:23

Hyundai Elantra GT Sport. It’s still a sporty hatchback, can be had with a DCT, runs on regular fuel, more comfy and roomy than the FiST, and fits your budget.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > bob and john
08/10/2018 at 14:23

The Alltrack is actually something I should look at.

His Stigness > bob and john
08/10/2018 at 14:24

Good point, but I think that might be too much car based on the two ideas he has. I mean, if he really wants AWD and the ability to haul ass in construction zones (I doubt it), then that would actually be a great choice.

But I know it won’t be as peppy as the Golf. A Golf R Estate would be great, though.

Arrivederci > His Stigness
08/10/2018 at 14:25

Why not a GTI? All the positive attributes of the Golf plus powah! Should be able to achieve close to 30mpg if not hooned.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:25

You sound like you need a CR-V. Or stay in the family of your CX-3 and get a CX-5. Maybe even a Mazda3. Civics work too. Ooh, I know, maybe that new Corolla Hatchback with a stick! Or also a.....(trails off into distance, takes nap)

His Stigness > Arrivederci
08/10/2018 at 14:26

Because he seems to be going for sensible, and while I love the GTI, I think a TSI is plenty powerful enough for a work car.

And I think a GTI might be out of his price range in Canada. But I don’t know how Canadian money works.

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:27

Golf wagon with 4 motion and the DSG? I think that was a spec option at one point not sure if it still is.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:31

Well, you could buy a 1995 3 series for $5...

Buy a Subaru Forester, or a Legacy

Longtime Lurker > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:34

Mazda 3 hatch

Golf SportWagen choice of manual/auto FWD/AWD Lowlifted

Chevy Cruze Diesel hatch

Toyota Prius is cheap to run

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:35

Would a late model Avalon fit in the stall ? Those are superb affordable cruisers. Would give up on a lot of driving fun, though.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle
08/10/2018 at 14:38

The Alltrack has 4motion and DSG.You can get the stick on S and SE models, while the SEL is exclusively available with the six-speed dual-clutch automatic, a $1,100 option elsewhere.

http://www.vw.com/models/golf-alltrack.93607/section/technology/

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/10/2018 at 14:42

I think I have to at least look at the Legacy. So damn slow + CVT death. oh well.

Hmm, I didn’t think about a Forester. Size maybe an issue.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > nermal
08/10/2018 at 14:47

I really, really doubt a pickup would fit my carport. Also, cost is a huge limitation.

I do love those with the diesel though

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever
08/10/2018 at 14:48

It’d be a tough fit. But I can look into it.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:49

You can get the Legacy 3.6R with 256 HP but your MPGs will take a hit, 20 city / 28 highway vs. 25 city / 34 highway on the 2.5i

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

In that case forget about the Slowtrek altogether. You can even look into the CVT WRX if you are OK with the transmission(should only come with the manual IMO) but it only gives 18 city / 24 highway

Dusty Ventures > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 14:49

If you don't need the ground clearance consider the Impreza over the Crosstrek. Same car, minus some body cladding and the more fun color options. And while it may not look as cool the Impreza is slightly quicker to 60 and returns about 6 more mpg highway.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/10/2018 at 14:51

I think the WRX comes too close to exceeding the budget for no real gain. Also, I’d rather roll in a Crosstrek with a stick than a WRX with a CVT.

LOREM IPSUM > Textured Soy Protein
08/10/2018 at 15:00

Funny you should mention that, because I was literally about to suggest he have a look at one. I happened to be behind one in traffic yesterday and was surprised at how good it looked. Mind you, I was directly behind it so didn’t see much, but from what I could tell it wasn’t bad at all.

Otherwise, maybe a slightly used Volt/Bolt? Unsure if they'd tick all of the boxes, but that fuel allotment would go pretty darned far.

jasmits > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:01

Focus ST? Sounds like a joke but if you just want something that’s like your Fiesta with a little more space it’s just like your Fiesta but with a little more space.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > jasmits
08/10/2018 at 15:03

No, I’d probably keep the Fiesta over that. The Focus would run on premium too which is tough.

Also, I’m not 100% sure I want another Ford (that isn’t a mustang).

Under_Score > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:03

You have a CX-3 in the family. Use that and your wife could have something new.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Under_Score
08/10/2018 at 15:04

That.... uh. That is actually something we had not considered.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > nj959
08/10/2018 at 15:07

I have an AWD CR-V, what's wrong with that

Neil drives a beetle and a fancy beetle > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
08/10/2018 at 15:07

But on the regular sportwagen, non all track, you can get the S with 4 motion and DSG. In case you wanted to skip the plastic cladding and 1” or whatever extra ride height.

Under_Score > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:08

Isn’t your wife the person that needed a Mirage or similar for driving around bad areas? Trade in for a FiST alone could at least pay for a mini hatchback like a Mirage or a Micra.

In America at least, Mitsubishi also has a 7 year, 100,000 mile warranty, and features such as a backup camera and Bluetooth are standard now. Features like push button start aren’t much more in cost.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Under_Score
08/10/2018 at 15:09

Yeah, that’s a good point. I’d certinly present it to her as an option.

Under_Score > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:14

Did you see my edit? The loss of the FiST would be unfortunate, but a car like the Mirage has a surprising bit going for it.

Tristan > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:16

Kinja'd!!!

1) MSRP is cheaper than $30k!

2) It’s a year or two old…

3) Upper 20s on the highway!

4) Comfortable? Boy, is it ever! It’ll eat highway miles for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

5) Android Auto? It’s got a double DIN opening- you’re limited by your imagination!

6) AWD? Not quite, but Blizzaks exist!

7) Cargo room for DAYYYYYYZZZZ.

8) No your wife can park in the carport! Happy wife, happy life!

9) It’s not a 1995 3 series!

Or if you’re not feeling the Town Car, I vote Crosstrek or Outback if it’ll fit in the carport. We had a 2014 Outback for about a year. It was super comfy, extremely roomy and consistently returned 28 MPG. It’ll be slow and boring with the CVT, though.

jasmits > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:18

I dunno, I feel like if the Fiesta doesn’t cut it a CrossTrek or Ioniq isn’t going to be much bigger but will be much blander.

When I’ve crunched the numbers even with my massive amount of driving in a truck a more efficient car would save me $150/month as an absolute max on gas which, while significant, isn’t enough to justify a second car(esp when you take into account insurance, maintenance etc for two vehicles) . I know you’d be switching entirely, but if you’d immediately have an itch for a fun car you’d be better off staying with something you like, even if it means spending a bit more on gas.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Tristan
08/10/2018 at 15:22

lol. I like the way you think.

I kinda considered a Crown Vic. A $30K budget would buy a lot of upkeep....

Tristan > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:27

It’s a half-million mile car with minimal maintenance. I spoke with a cab driver years about about his car. It had just shy of 300,000 on the odo. He leased it with another driver. One guy went 6am-6pm, the other went from 6pm to 6am, 7 days a week. He said the engine only shuts off for fuel-ups and oil changes, and that they generally run them up over 500,000 miles. This was in Minnesota, so I assume 500,000 is about where the salty rot takes over.

Milky > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:31

Milk that 10 year, 100k mile warranty for all it has.

Kinja'd!!!

nermal > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 15:36

Just turn the radio up the first few times you park it, so you can’t hear the crunching sounds.

I like cars: Jim Spanfeller is one ugly motherfucker > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 16:31

30k would buy upkeep on one of these for a century. Or, just drive them into the ground and pick up another one for 3k.

vicali > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 16:51

If your just getting a mindless new one cross shop all of the cuv things like the rav crv santafe rogue etc etc..

If I were you I would be looking for a Forester xt from a few years back, or a fourth Gen 4Runner.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > vicali
08/10/2018 at 16:52

Whatever I get, it is going to suck going from an orange angry little monster to some appliance like all the other people.

CompactLuxuryFan > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 17:15

Is the CX-3 your wife’s? Sounds like a pretty good candidate tbh. Maybe get a Mazda3 hatch and take the CX-3 when you need AWD?

Otherwise I would be thinking Hyundai/Kia (probably an Elantra hatchback) because of the warranty. Dunno if Canada got VW’s 5 year/72,000 mile warranty or if even the US still gets it but a Golf under that would also be a great choice. Sportwagen 4Motion if you really want AWD.

I would actually recommend skipping a manual, sorry! *ducks* Maybe if you are allowed to swap to the CX-3 whenever you don’t feel like shifting.

Very mildly crazy idea: CPO A3 2.0T quattro

Spasoje > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 17:23

I s e c o n d t h e G o l f/Alltrack i d e a ! W e r e n t e d a c o m p l e t e b a s e m o d e l G o l f f o r a w e e k / 2 k k m s , c a m e a w a y r e a l l y i m p r e s s e d . W e r e I i n t h e m a r k e t , I d o u b t I ’ d c h o o s e a n y t hing else .

nj959 > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute
08/10/2018 at 21:32

Lol it was more in jest than anything else but I don’t see too many people cross shopping Fiesta STs and CRVs.

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > nj959
08/10/2018 at 21:52

Lol I know, I was just going along with it seeing as I drive that boring trap. But I still like it because it’s a good car and it works well. I have a 2013 EX-L AWD and recently my grandpa bought the 2018 LX, even for completely base trim it's really nice.

nj959 > HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute
08/10/2018 at 22:31

It’s ok, I drive a WK Grand Cherokee so I’m not much better off on the excitement front. At least it’s got the v8, right? Plus I usually have the last laugh whenever it snows.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 22:32

Kinja'd!!!

2015 IS250 F-sport?

- AWD
- efficient...ish? 26mpg highway.
- smol
- warranty
- reliable

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/10/2018 at 23:04

cheap?

Kinja'd!!!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 23:08

https://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/d/2014-lexus-is250-awd-premium/6659620718.html

HondoyotaE38: A Japanese and German Collab...wait a minute > nj959
08/10/2018 at 23:16

The so called “AWD” on the CR-V actually isn’t too bad, when I lived in Chicago in the blizzards them rear wheels would really give us a kick in the ass to wherever we needed to go.

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/10/2018 at 23:17

Hmm, not as bad as I thought. But for the money in $CDN, I could get something newer, albiet not as nice

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 23:25

It’s all about perspective, you fancy boi. For me, a car sold in 2014 might as well be from 2079. FUUUUUTUUUURE

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/10/2018 at 23:29

I know that feeling. When I went from the 86 d100 as my daily driver to a 2006 Mazda 6 Gt.

It was like flying an F-22

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/10/2018 at 23:32

You’ve had some interesting cars for a gent your age.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/11/2018 at 00:01

Hear me out on this one.

I know I am a FoST apologist but there is a big reason why - money talks. The FoST can be had for so cheap , you’re foolish to not at least consider it. But that isn’t the car I’m here to tell you to buy. See, you’re canadian. And Canada gets a special edition of a car everyone forgot about.

Canada gets a true, base model 370Z.

for 30k CANADIAN you can get a proper RWD sports car while also having decent comfort and some okay gadgets while still being decently practical. It has the softest suspension, the least dorifto-worthy setup of the 370Z family but new and one-year-old copies of the new base model trim are dirt cheap.

Oh, and it’s available in yellow.

Kinja'd!!!

CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
08/11/2018 at 00:04

It was a gift, but yeah, I've been fortunate

Wuelling > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/11/2018 at 00:57

Go to Craig’s list. Type in Lexus. You can get a super reliable awd car/SUV for 5k or less. Warrantys are overrated when maintenance isn't needed often

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/11/2018 at 01:32

Is simply swapping vehicles not an option? Is she not a fan of the FiST?

NKato > CarsofFortLangley - Oppo Forever
08/11/2018 at 19:10

You’ll want something with decent clearance. Unfortunately I am not well-versed in that outside of ex-police cars. :p