Car Shopping - Recommendations Please!

l9i

Good news - DH accepted a job today - yay!!!  With that we will begin look at a new car for him (has been our plan once he got something fulltime).  I am very open to any recommendations because we aren't really sure what we want.  We are open to many makes and styles.

Background:  DH currently has a truck but we don't need a truck.  I have a SUV which can haul a decent amount if needed.  He will be commuting about 45 minutes each way on highway/country roads so something with good MPG is a positive.  Winters can get harsh so something that rides well in snow and ice is a possitive but not absolutely needed.  I only drive a few miles to work so we could always swap during winter months.  Forward looking, I would like something that can be used for kids (even though thats a few years away), so a sedan or larger.

Let me know your favorites and what I should be looking at!

novella1186

Congrats on the job! I rented a Ford Fusion a few years back and loved it. It gets awesome gas mileage and is roomy but not huge, and I believe it comes in 4 wheel drive. 

I've also driven a Honda Accord rental and really liked it, mostly for the same reasons, but it didn't get as good of mileage as the Fusion I don't think. 

I was looking at the Honda Fit a few months back for the space. That's a pretty nice car too. It has some good features and I liked that the back seats fold totally flat for more cargo space. You have a million options! 

melbenso

I have a 50 mile (one way) commute each day.  I have a 2008 Prius and I love it.  Gas milage is great (obviously, with the hybrid), but it's also a very reliable car.  I've put nearly 175K on it in 7 years because of the commute, and I've had to do very little maintenance other than the standard scheduled kind.

Jells2dot0

I am eternally shopping for a new car. I can never figure out what I want. I think we're finally settled on an Audi Q5. I have heard really great things about Audi and they are all wheel drive, though they are a little on the pricier side. I currently have a BMW, so the Audi is actually less expensive, which pleases DH even though he doesn't pay for it! 

larrygaga

FI has a ford fusion SEL and I have a jeep grand Cherokee. We love both, and I got the older version of the jeep because the new ones look like mom vans. 

Winters are really harsh where I used to live, and both cars were great. 

atlastmrsg

Subarus are good in the snow.  And they're making them look better these days--both wagons and cars.

I'm looking at Highlanders right now to have a better snow vehicle.  That might be my next car.  The mileage isn't as good as a car though, and you two may not need two SUVs.

climbingsingle

I have a 2013 Toyota Camry. I like it. It handles well in the snow. However, my commute is like 10 minutes, so I have no idea how it would handle day to day on a much longer commute. It does seem to get good gas mileage. 

lurkergirl

I'm obsessed with 4runners.  I'm on my 3rd, and sadly probably my last one since the new versions don't come in V8   I will probably upgrade to a Sequoia  after this 4 runner is done (it's a 2006 with ~105k miles, and I fully expect it to last for several more years.  I took my first 4runner to 305k miles!!!). 

I like 4wd, V8, and I just generally really like Toyota. We've looked at the Lexus SUVs too, but the smaller ones don't come in V8, and the bigger ones are comparable to the Sequoia but more expensive.

After being stuck in snowpocalypse, as rare as that is, I will only buy AWD/4WD cars from now on.  Oh, and obviously I only drive SUVs too.    The only way that will change is if we do a minivan for kids.  But they don't come in V8

levioosa

I like my Hyundai Sonata, buuut it doesn't get the best mileage (21-17 depending on how I drive).  It is very comfortable though.  For my next car I definitely want a 4-runner/smaller SUV type of car.  

I would probably not recommend the Sonata for the snow.  I've never driven it in the snow, but it just doesn't strike me as a vehicle that would handle it well.  

emmaaa

Congratulations for him on the job! How exciting!

FI and I just bought a 2014 Ford Focus (the hatchback) in January. It gets excellent gas mileage, 38 MPG. We had a few snow storms last year (I live in NC so it was a storm for us) and it handled very well in the snow. It has an anti-hydroplaning type thing on it that helps a lot. It is small but actually feels roomy and comfortable. 

We both have a very long commute for work so the gas mileage was important to us. I would definitely consider that when shopping.

hellosweetie1015

I want a late-model Honda CR/V so badly. I like Toyota and Nissan too. FI has a Sentra SE-R that I love driving. It's smaller, but it's definitely big enough to put a car seat in, plus it's so much safer than the car he used to drive. 

I don't like Buick. Stay away. (I know nothing about their new vehicles, but my Buick drinks the gas like water. I "commute" 20 minutes one way and I have to put something like $25 in a week. Not a fan.)

KatWAG

What is your price point? Honda CRV was just voted best SUV. I think the report came out yesterday. I drove one a few years ago and loved it. Never had a problem with it.

Right now I have a Acura RDX, adn I also have never had an issue. Would strongly recommend it.

I havent driven a car since since my slug bug in high school. A poorly made car but it was so cute!

amelisha

We're obsessed with Subarus in our house. They are consistently very highly rated for value, safety, and fuel economy and they are fun to drive too. The mid-size sedan with all-wheel-drive is my recommendation (and most come in a hybrid option too if you're thinking about that.)

l9i

lurkergirl said:

I'm obsessed with 4runners.  I'm on my 3rd, and sadly probably my last one since the new versions don't come in V8   I will probably upgrade to a Sequoia  after this 4 runner is done (it's a 2006 with ~105k miles, and I fully expect it to last for several more years.  I took my first 4runner to 305k miles!!!). 

I like 4wd, V8, and I just generally really like Toyota. We've looked at the Lexus SUVs too, but the smaller ones don't come in V8, and the bigger ones are comparable to the Sequoia but more expensive.

After being stuck in snowpocalypse, as rare as that is, I will only buy AWD/4WD cars from now on.  Oh, and obviously I only drive SUVs too.    The only way that will change is if we do a minivan for kids.  But they don't come in V8

This lol.  I recently upgraded from a civic to a CX-5.  The AWD was a saver this past year!

theartistformerlyknownas

We're twinnies with @emmaaa and @larrygaga. I have the 2014 Ford Focus hatchback and LOVE it. Does really well in the snow and is surprisingly roomy inside. The 50lb dog can stand up in the hatch/"trunk" area. I average about 34 MPG with mostly stop-and-go rush hour driving. 

H has the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and also loves it, but he gets shit for gas mileage - about 17 MPG on the highway. He only drives 2 miles to work though so it's NBD for him. We leased them both with the assumption that they'd probably need to fit a baby seat within the 3 year term.

lurkergirl

Oh, and if you aren't already in the north, I would say avoid any used cars from the north.  All they want is to rust and die.  I inherited a ford escape from Pennsylvania that I drove for a few months, and it was such a piece of shit, and almost all its problems related back to the rust. 

l9i

KatWAG said:

What is your price point? Honda CRV was just voted best SUV. I think the report came out yesterday. I drove one a few years ago and loved it. Never had a problem with it.

Right now I have a Acura RDX, adn I also have never had an issue. Would strongly recommend it.

I havent driven a car since since my slug bug in high school. A poorly made car but it was so cute!

We'd like to keep it under 30k.  I actually looked at a CR-V when I got my car a few years back but ended up going with a Mazda CX-5.  I have a friend that really likes their RDX too!

l9i

You guys are awesome with replies and advice!!

There were several for a Ford Fusion... I had one as a rental a few months back and didn't like it.  It sounds silly but the way the dash and displays were set up really bothered me.  I also know DH has one of those unexplainable rivalries against Fords and for Chevy.  I don't see the big deal but he does, so we probably won't look at Fords....

We've got some connections at a few dealerships in which we could most likely swing a really good deal, Chevy, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda.  I know some mentioned Toyotas and Subarus.  My parents had a Camery growing up and they seemed to love it from what I remember.

l9i

lurkergirl said:

Oh, and if you aren't already in the north, I would say avoid any used cars from the north.  All they want is to rust and die.  I inherited a ford escape from Pennsylvania that I drove for a few months, and it was such a piece of shit, and almost all its problems related back to the rust. 

Already in the North!  Most likely we will be buying new but I get what you're saying.  DH has chrome on his truck and is constantly worrying about rust.

lurkergirl

l9i said:

You guys are awesome with replies and advice!!

There were several for a Ford Fusion... I had one as a rental a few months back and didn't like it.  It sounds silly but the way the dash and displays were set up really bothered me.  I also know DH has one of those unexplainable rivalries against Fords and for Chevy.  I don't see the big deal but he does, so we probably won't look at Fords....

We've got some connections at a few dealerships in which we could most likely swing a really good deal, Chevy, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda.  I know some mentioned Toyotas and Subarus.  My parents had a Camery growing up and they seemed to love it from what I remember.

Just be careful with the Camry.  I think if you drive one there is a secret requirement to drive 5-under at all times.  In the left lane if you're on the highway.  It's in the same rule book that says BMW drivers don't have to use blinkers.

OliveOilsMom

I have a Nissan Rogue.  I love it!  It's a V4, so it gets good gas mileage, but it also has some zip to it.  The only think I don't like about it, is that it can be hard to see when backing up.  My model did not come with a back up camera and I really wish I had one!  I believe all 2012 and newer Rogues come with the back up camera standard.  I have the 2011, where it was optional.

theartistformerlyknownas

l9i said:

You guys are awesome with replies and advice!!

There were several for a Ford Fusion... I had one as a rental a few months back and didn't like it.  It sounds silly but the way the dash and displays were set up really bothered me.  I also know DH has one of those unexplainable rivalries against Fords and for Chevy.  I don't see the big deal but he does, so we probably won't look at Fords....

We've got some connections at a few dealerships in which we could most likely swing a really good deal, Chevy, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda.  I know some mentioned Toyotas and Subarus.  My parents had a Camery growing up and they seemed to love it from what I remember.

Ick, I work for GM and I won't even drive a Chevy.  

l9i

lolo883 said:

l9i said:

You guys are awesome with replies and advice!!

There were several for a Ford Fusion... I had one as a rental a few months back and didn't like it.  It sounds silly but the way the dash and displays were set up really bothered me.  I also know DH has one of those unexplainable rivalries against Fords and for Chevy.  I don't see the big deal but he does, so we probably won't look at Fords....

We've got some connections at a few dealerships in which we could most likely swing a really good deal, Chevy, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda.  I know some mentioned Toyotas and Subarus.  My parents had a Camery growing up and they seemed to love it from what I remember.

Ick, I work for GM and I won't even drive a Chevy.  

Best reply!  Hence the unexplainale part haha.  From what I've seen in friends and relatives that have had Chevys I'm not a fan.  I hadn't even driven one though so I told DH I'd look, but it's not high on my radar.

jenna8984

We are a Toyota family. They are so frigen dependable. My parents each have a Camry, my brother a Camry, his wife a 4Runner, me a Scion TC (scion is made by Toyota). My husband loves his Subaru Impreza- we live in snow. I definitely need to get AWD soon, this scion is killing me in the winter so I'm definitely looking into Toyota Venza and Subaru Crosstrek.

My friend had a 5 year old Mazda sedan. She was complaining how she needed a new car because it wasn't reliable and she was worried about breaking down. So she went and bought a brand new Mazda SUV. I am just shaking my head like "if you thought your Mazda was unreliable, why the F did you buy another Mazda?!" Makes no sense to me!! Some people just get so scared to drive their car over 100k miles but realistically most solid brands like Honda and Toyota make it to 200.

chibiyui

I have a 14 hyundai elantra gt. I love it. Gets about 25-30 miles to the gallon. It's the hatch back model, so I can haul small furniture.

emmaaa

l9i said:

lolo883 said:

l9i said:

You guys are awesome with replies and advice!!

There were several for a Ford Fusion... I had one as a rental a few months back and didn't like it.  It sounds silly but the way the dash and displays were set up really bothered me.  I also know DH has one of those unexplainable rivalries against Fords and for Chevy.  I don't see the big deal but he does, so we probably won't look at Fords....

We've got some connections at a few dealerships in which we could most likely swing a really good deal, Chevy, Toyota, Subaru, and Mazda.  I know some mentioned Toyotas and Subarus.  My parents had a Camery growing up and they seemed to love it from what I remember.

Ick, I work for GM and I won't even drive a Chevy.  

Best reply!  Hence the unexplainale part haha.  From what I've seen in friends and relatives that have had Chevys I'm not a fan.  I hadn't even driven one though so I told DH I'd look, but it's not high on my radar.

I've heard that the Dodge Darts are nice. I'm not sure how they drive but FI is a MOPAR man (Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge) and cringed when getting the Ford. We couldn't pass up a new car with 2 miles on it for only $22, 000.

l9i

jenna8984 said:

We are a Toyota family. They are so frigen dependable. My parents each have a Camry, my brother a Camry, his wife a 4Runner, me a Scion TC (scion is made by Toyota). My husband loves his Subaru Impreza- we live in snow. I definitely need to get AWD soon, this scion is killing me in the winter so I'm definitely looking into Toyota Venza and Subaru Crosstrek.

My friend had a 5 year old Mazda sedan. She was complaining how she needed a new car because it wasn't reliable and she was worried about breaking down. So she went and bought a brand new Mazda SUV. I am just shaking my head like "if you thought your Mazda was unreliable, why the F did you buy another Mazda?!" Makes no sense to me!! Some people just get so scared to drive their car over 100k miles but realistically most solid brands like Honda and Toyota make it to 200.

In my family we've had some Toyotas, several Hondas, and several Mazdas.  My parents have two Mazdas and never had an issue.  I've had my Mazda CX-5 (SUV) abut 2 years with zero issues.  I love it! I wonder if that's what your friend got.

Longevity it important to be.  I ran my prior civic to 225k!  Yes, it was falling apart at the end but you're right.  Some hardly make it past 100k it seems like.

larrygaga

lurkergirl said:

Oh, and if you aren't already in the north, I would say avoid any used cars from the north.  All they want is to rust and die.  I inherited a ford escape from Pennsylvania that I drove for a few months, and it was such a piece of shit, and almost all its problems related back to the rust. 

It's because of the weather up here that cars rust so fast. Even if she gets one without rust, it will rust. 

lurkergirl

larrygaga said:

lurkergirl said:

Oh, and if you aren't already in the north, I would say avoid any used cars from the north.  All they want is to rust and die.  I inherited a ford escape from Pennsylvania that I drove for a few months, and it was such a piece of shit, and almost all its problems related back to the rust. 

It's because of the weather up here that cars rust so fast. Even if she gets one without rust, it will rust. 

Oh, I understand that.  That's why I clarified with "if you aren't already in the north." 

Although it was my understanding that it isn't actually the weather, but the (salt?) treatment they use on the roads.  I think out west (CO, at least) they use different materials on the roads (clay, maybe?), so those cars don't have the same rust problems as cars from up north.

RebeccaB88

My Accord is awesome in snow.  Front wheel drive, anti-lock brakes, and traction control (whatever fancy name they call it, it has it).  I've driven back and forth to work in up to 8 inches of snow with no problems. 

flyingfoxes

FI has a Fusion - I don't care for Fords that much after my POS Probe many years ago, but I do like the Fusion quite a bit.  So much so that I rented a newer one on a couple weekends ago on our mini-vacay to Florida.

 

I'm on my second CRV.  I had a 2000 that I traded in when it was around 170k miles, and never had any trouble with it.  I have a 2008 now with around 85,000 miles and again I've had no problems with it.  I'm a Honda fan.