If you had $18,000 what would you do

[JHarris1385]

You were a woman in your 50's.
You needed a automobile that:
- has cargo space not a lot but some
- has good traction (awd, 4wd etc)
- gets resonable mpg 20+
- reliable *

- She is comparing most all of the cars she has test drove or looked at to her two most recent autos (2004 and 2006 Escape).

I ask this becuase she lives quite a distace away and I cant be there to help her pick out a car at all times. Espcially when she knows the owner of a car lot that tries to lead her beliving that 4x4 autos are a waste when all you need a front wheel drive 2007 lumina to get through deep snow.

I complied a list for her to look at. I just ask if you all have any suggestions feel free to state them here and why. I think it would mean a bit if I can tell her. Hey mom even the VX guys say this one is good.

Please advise. Thanks.

[etlsport]

subaru impreza (wrx maybe?) sports wagon... my roommate just bought a 2007 wrx wagon.. lots of space.. amazing handling.. 22-28mpg and quick! there were a couple on the lot.. including a purdy yellow one w/ 50k that was in the 13-14k range... the dealership had complete maintenance records on it from the day it came off the showroom too

[Chopper]

Honda CRV, even one with a few miles on the clock...fits all the criteria, dependable as the day is long. You really do not need any type of four wheel drive, unless you have any kind of snow. We drove just fine for years without it. It's a gas sucker. Second choice is a Toyota equivalent ( I just find them a boring drive... not the balance of the Honda...most wouldn't notice). Third..with a great big bullet...the rising Korean Giant Hyundai/Kia...very good quality construction, nice interiors, good value/resale/insurance rates, fantastic warranty....just not quite a Honda yet, but a very good deal.(this is maybe the best choice for the most people...I find them too soft for my taste, but they drive nicely and carry the best content of anyone...air bags electronics, and other such niceties) I get to drive almost everything, because of my job, and see how they are built. For dependable,economical, comfortable, everyday driving chores, I truly feel your best choices can be found in these showrooms. Remember... they are built here...don't fall into the old us vs. them crap. Any way I can help, let me know. Wayne

[cyronman]

I'll second the Subaru wagon or Outback. Or even a Forrester.
Call it biased, but I've just had great experiences with Subies.

[vxDAKINECHICvx]

For the price...I will agree with the subaru outback. They get great gas mileage, do crazy great in the snow/ice and they have plenty of room. They may not be the sweetest to look at but as far as a long lasting, reliable car, this one would be perfect. I've known a few people who've had them and LOVE them....

[mdwyer]

For the price...I will agree with the subaru outback.

I also recommend a Subaru. They are super-predictable in snow and ice -- mine has saved my butt a number of times. They're relatively inexpensive to run -- they get good mileage, and I've had VERY few issues with mine.

[ZEUS]

If ice is the big concern where she lives you could probably bypass AWD altogether if you just get some Blizzak tires. When I participated in the ice races outside Denver, vehicles equipped with those tires got their own class because they grip so well. If you put those on an AWD though, it is that much better. If it is deep snow you are concerned with, than that is a whole new ball game.

[Chopper]

Subaru's are great. My wife is asking for an Outback for Xmas, already. I'm thinking Volvo C30...just gotta get her in it once. Subbies can be "quirky" which doesn't matter if a dealer is close.

[Triathlete]

How about a....



































....VEHICROSS!

[tom4bren]

I can't speak to the new Suzukis but I used to have a Samurai. It was a great little car & never let me down. I put over 200K miles on it before I gave it to my sister. She loved it & put another 50K on it before it died of old age.

I would assume that what I experienced would still be accurate with the current models though. Terribly underpowered - we're talking 81 cubic inches of raw power. On the other hand, that usually equals pretty good gas mileage. Rough ride - I could run over a dime and tell you if it was heads or tails.

It was a FUN car.

[WormGod]

Cant beat a used Forester for that price. Has all that and more. Females with them just have to get used to being labeled "lesbians". But as a huge Subie fan, I say whatever to that.