Let's play a game.....

Called "Help Reb find a car"

The automotive prowess of this crowd is undeniable, so when the Mrs. and I started bandying about the idea of a new(ish) car, I quickly thought of asking advice from you guys.

My new job is offering me a nice chunk of change per month in compensation for the miles I drive for them.
Enough to make a decent car payment, cover insurance, and still compensate for some of my travel expenses.

Right now I drive a 2002 Chevy Blazer with 128K miles on it. It's my workhorse.
My wife drives a 1996 Toyota Corolla with 145K miles on it.

My plan, is to sell her car for a nice down payment on something new. The criteria for the new vehicle is as follows:

-4 door sedan. Getting a car seat in and out of a 2 door vehicle is a nightmare, especially when little Reb is gaining weight like mad.
-Fuel efficient. (duh) I'm getting around 20mpg with the blazer, I'd like substantially more than that. Doesn't have to be a Hybrid, just better than the Blazer
-Something reliable in snow, and something I don't have to worry about falling apart on me in 3 or 4 years.

I'm not above any suggestions except for the Prius, because I've heard nothing but bad things about them when it comes to the snow, thanks to the fuel efficient tires.  

That's basically it. Of course I'm going to do my own research, but I'd like to see where you guys would take this.

Oh, and if we choose a vehicle based on one of your suggestions, prizes will be awarded.

Ready? Help!

-58mpg is what VW claims, but even the test drivers have been reporting as high as 46-50 mpg
-2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine
-Was rated Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.



MSRP is somewhere around $20k I think, but I don't know that you could find a used one yet, if that's what you're going for. It's a six-speed manual stock, but I know they have an automatic option for a bit more.  A cool thing about the super efficient cars like this, is that youre eligible for at least 1300 dolars in tax credit.

I like that VW offers the no-charge scheduled maintenance as well, that's a lot of money you save in the long run.  Especially if you have a long commute every day. I'm pretty sure that along with the 6-8 standard airbags, including side impact, you have the option of getting rear seat side curtain airbags.
I've heard from a couple friends who went and looked at cars recently that the back seat is a little cramped, but they were all 20+ guys, so I imagine there is more than enough room for a carseat. FWD should make it at least manageable in the snow for you, and hopefully your wife as well. Everyone I know with FWD does just fine in the snow we get up in the mountains at school.

Idk if new is what youre looking for or not, but the TDI caught my eye, and normally I have no interest at all in cars like these.


Edited by usafpilot07 - 21 May 2009 at 1:08pm

DO IT!

ford 500

usafpilot07 wrote: -58mpg is what VW claims, but even the test drivers have been reporting as high as 46-50 mpg -2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine -Was rated Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. MSRP is somewhere around $20k I think, but I don't know that you could find a used one yet, if that's what you're going for. It's a six-speed manual stock, but I know they have an automatic option for a bit more.  A cool thing about the super efficient cars like this, is that youre eligible for at least 1300 dolars in tax credit. I like that VW offers the no-charge scheduled maintenance as well, that's a lot of money you save in the long run.  Especially if you have a long commute every day. I'm pretty sure that along with the 6-8 standard airbags, including side impact, you have the option of getting rear seat side curtain airbags. I've heard from a couple friends who went and looked at cars recently that the back seat is a little cramped, but they were all 20+ guys, so I imagine there is more than enough room for a carseat. FWD should make it at least manageable in the snow for you, and hopefully your wife as well. Everyone I know with FWD does just fine in the snow we get up in the mountains at school. Idk if new is what youre looking for or not, but the TDI caught my eye, and normally I have no interest at all in cars like these.

IMPULS3. wrote: usafpilot07 wrote: -58mpg is what VW claims, but even the test drivers have been reporting as high as 46-50 mpg -2.0-liter, turbocharged, direct-injection diesel engine -Was rated Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. MSRP is somewhere around $20k I think, but I don't know that you could find a used one yet, if that's what you're going for. It's a six-speed manual stock, but I know they have an automatic option for a bit more.  A cool thing about the super efficient cars like this, is that youre eligible for at least 1300 dolars in tax credit. I like that VW offers the no-charge scheduled maintenance as well, that's a lot of money you save in the long run.  Especially if you have a long commute every day. I'm pretty sure that along with the 6-8 standard airbags, including side impact, you have the option of getting rear seat side curtain airbags. I've heard from a couple friends who went and looked at cars recently that the back seat is a little cramped, but they were all 20+ guys, so I imagine there is more than enough room for a carseat. FWD should make it at least manageable in the snow for you, and hopefully your wife as well. Everyone I know with FWD does just fine in the snow we get up in the mountains at school. Idk if new is what youre looking for or not, but the TDI caught my eye, and normally I have no interest at all in cars like these.

Sedan only, or will a cross over do?
I love the new Chevy Traverse. 8 person crossover, available with FWD or AWD, I4 or V6.
The new Chevy Malibu has receive great ratings from everyone.
[/end nut swinging of GM)
Now, used cars.
Subaru Impreza is a wonderful car. AWD, boxer 4 cylinder with enough power. Comfortable inside, even in the back seats.
Honda Civic and Accords are really good cars. Excellent reliability and gas mileage.

I'll post more later.


Edited by cdacda13 - 21 May 2009 at 7:17pm

Go dawgs.

tallen702 wrote: /thread.

QFT.  Willy's all the way.

first off, as PP said, go used. My initial suggestion would be go for a 06-08 camry or corolla, good gas mileage and high reliability.   There's a reason why they've been some of the best selling cars for over a decade.

Second choice would be to shoot for a GM or Chrysler that you may be able to haggle a great deal on due to the dealer closings. Their loss is your gain (a loss caused by evil socialism).

Third would be a nice german diesel like the one theguy posted. That is a much pricier option though and you probably want to put your hard earned money towards your crotch fruit over a car you'll get rid of in 6 to 10 years.

tallen702 wrote: /thread.

I would kill for one of those.