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[car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 26, 2012 04:36PM
Looks like I'll be needing to buy a second car. My two job options are either 1.5hrs or 1 hr by bus(es), each way or 25 or 10 minutes by car. It's not worth losing ~2hrs/day of my life to take the bus.

My current car I like a lot, but it needs to stay home with the family for when they need it. It's an Audi allroad... plenty of power, roof rack, lots of room in the back, handles very well, AWD, adjustable suspension for going offroad or going around tight corners... I'd buy a second one but I don't need the AWD, adjustable suspension nor that much power.

I had a previous thread on this here: [forums.macresource.com]

Since then, I've changed my mind a bit on what the car will be used for. While it will be used for commuting, it'll also be used for other family trips where I may not want to have AWD, adjustable suspension, 300HP...

So I had settled on a 2003-2008 Audi A4 Avant with a manual transmission for $10-15k. But the problem is, there aren't really any for sale.

So then I had to consider other options. It's been tough - wagon or no wagon. I'm not concerned about the general higher upkeep of a VW or Audi (compared to say a Honda) because I can generally get parts at wholesale, either do my own labor or I know two very good shops. (And I don't know any reputable shops that work on Hondas or Toyotas.) Plus I know a lot of people in the Audi communities so I can often get used parts for cheap or free.

But still trying to branch out to other options, I'm looking for some suggestions for vehicles that would meet the following criteria:
-4 door (car seat can easily go in backseat)
-avant/wagon style, or at least a big trunk
-manual transmission
-safe
-would like to have factory roof rails (so I can easily swap my existing rack)
-decent power
-in the $10-$15k range
-comfy for long trips
-25MPG+

It seems like there's a lot of cars that could fit these requirements. I've looked at Passats, Jettas, Golf/GTI 4 doors... but am trying to research other options. Some I've found are:
- Honda Element - thought I heard bad things about these?
- Toyota 4 Runner - seems like they're all out of my price range
- Toyota Highlander - Rented one and everyone I've known who's had one hated the seats
- Scion XB - people I know who have them don't seem to like them
- Honda Crosstour - a bit too spendy, plus it doesn't look like it came with a manual

Any other suggestions?

Thanks



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Z
Date: April 26, 2012 04:56PM
Volvo V70R? Could be a bit spendy on the upkeep, but it'll haul while hauling a couch. And came with a 6 spd. And safe.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Grateful11
Date: April 26, 2012 05:04PM
- Honda Element - I've heard the worst thing about these is getting people in and out of the backseat in a parking lot.
- Toyota 4 Runner - lack of headroom especially in the sunroof models, great vehicle but like you said they ain't cheap.
- Toyota Highlander - I know a few people that have them but I don't know anything them.
- Scion XB - test drove one didn't like it at all, bought a Prius instead.
- Honda Crosstour - ugly and very expensive.

BTW: Does SO know about this alternate family ;-)


Grateful11




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/26/2012 05:05PM by Grateful11.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 26, 2012 05:07PM
What year? What's the diff between V70 and V50? Probably don't need a "R".

I found a 2005 V50 T5 for $16k. 70k miles. Kinda worried about getting a euro car from a make that I don't know anything about or know a good shop for. Hmm.



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Z
Date: April 26, 2012 05:16PM
V70 is a larger wagon than a V50. The V50 and S40 share the same platform, which share DNA with both the Ford Focus and Mazda3 (or did at some point).

A V70 is more of the traditional Volvo wagon. Can be had in various guises, most with AWD, some with low pressure turbos. The V70R, well, would just be fun on top of the practicality. Some discussion: [www.thetruthaboutcars.com]
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Z
Date: April 26, 2012 05:45PM
And your other choices sound okay.

Never liked the crosstour much myself.

My brother has a 1st gen xB and he likes it quite a bit.

I personally like the Element, but have not spent much time in one.

The Highlander seems rather bloated.

I had a 08-ish 4runner as a rental car for a month... visibility was marginal at best.

What about a Subaru Legacy or Outback?
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Dazed & Confused
Date: April 26, 2012 06:02PM
I've read where this one is very dependable and gets excellent MPG:



Nice stereo too, perfect while listening to Abba on the open road whilest you cruise along with the top down!

D & C
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Robert M
Date: April 26, 2012 06:21PM
Mavic,

Some thoughts:

> Honda Element - thought I heard bad things about these?

People love them or hate them. One of my uncles has one and adores it. I test drove one and despised it. The Element isn’t designed to be a commuter car/family car. It’s pretty much a box with wheels. Great for people moving stuff around, going to do outdoors stuff (but not off-road), etc. Very spartan interior that is designed for easy cleaning. Four seats if I remember correctly. The design of the doors require you to allow more space on either side of the car to open them easily. All-wheel drive was an option.

> - Toyota 4 Runner - seems like they're all out of my
> price range

Nice vehicle but positively not a commuter car/alternate family car when compared to crossover vehicles like the Highlander. You’ll never get 25 mpg out of one. Heck, you’ll be lucky to hit the 15 mpg mark for normal day to day mixed driving.

> - Toyota Highlander - Rented one and everyone I've
> known who's had one hated the seats

Very nice car. Not sure who you’ve spoken to but the seats weren’t bad at all. Reasonably comfy. I tested vehciles with leather seats, so that could make a difference. Didn’t like the arm rests. Nice and quiet, though. Do not buy one with a 4 cylinder engine. It’s underpowered for the size and weight of the vehicle. Six banger only.

If you’re looking at the Highlander, check out the RAV4. It’s an older highlander repackaged and less expensive than a Highlander. I nearly bought a top of the line 2009 model. Only two things stopped me. It was a touch too noisy for my taste and I got a betetr deal on my Mazda CX-7. I’d _only_ get one with a 6 cylinder engine. As with the Highlander, a 4 cylinder is underpowered for the size and weight of the vehicle. It’s sweet with a six banger!

> - Scion XB - people I know who have them don't seem to
> like them

Wouldn’t go near one because it has a center mounted speedometer.

> - Honda Crosstour

Butt ugly. Expensive. The tailgate is small for the size of the car. If you’re looking at a crosstour, you may as well look at other crossover vehicles.

All that said, you’re biggest problem is gas mileage. None of the vehicles you’ve listed are going to reach the 25+ mpg range. You need to move into the smaller class of vehicles to get close to or into that mpg range, i.e. Mazda 3 hatchback, Toyota Matrix, Subaru Forester, etc. If you’re willing, a microvan like the Mazda 5 might even do the trick. But, it’s a minivan, albiet a small one.

Consider... My wife’s Toyota Yaris is one of the more gas thrift cars. It’s in the same class as the Nissan Versa and Honda Fit. It gets on the average about 29 mpg in primarily local driving. Go on the highway and you can break 40 mpg in it. If you step into a vehicle that is the next size up, i.e. Nissa Sentra, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, you’ll get your 25+ mpg. Go bigger than those into the Nissan Altima, Mazda 6, and Toyota Corrola/Matrix sized vehicles and you may get your 25 or so mpgs, too. But, you’re unlikely to do much better.

Robert
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: lazydays
Date: April 26, 2012 07:05PM
What is the benefit of the manual transmission? I don't think they get much better gas mileage anymore than an automatic. Fun?

If I were looking for a commuter/family car I'd buy a toyota camry or an avalon but I don't think that matches up with your set of criteria. Sounds like you really like the Audi's. Maybe consider adjusting your budget to make it happen. We all spend a lot of time in our cars and I think we should enjoy it.

I drive a toyota solara convertible which I enjoy the heck out of. Obviously not fit for your needs. Just sharing!

Not mine but looks just like it.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 26, 2012 07:51PM
Thanks all. A few things:

- For the MPG, that 25+ is highway.
- Subaru's are spendy around here, I'd stick with an Audi for the price
- Manual transmission - want it mainly for longevity. They last a lot longer, require less maintenance, cheaper to repair...


Went to try out some seats in cars. The lot next door was for Audi... they had the car I want but can't find, anywhere. Searching over the past few weeks I haven't found one for sale in the entire country.

$28,500.

*sigh*



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: cbelt3
Date: April 26, 2012 08:38PM
Hmm.... You're going to be commuting. In Cali. Why torture your clutch in traffic?Go automatic.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Robert M
Date: April 26, 2012 08:54PM
Mavic,

Same answers. You still need to look at a smaller vehicle than the ones in your list to get that kind of gas mileage on the highway.

Most of the SUVs in your price range are going to be truck based, i.e. 4-Runner, Explorer, etc. They have horrible gas mileage. Don't even consider them if gas mileage is a concern. Crossovers such as the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, RAV4, etc, will be an improvement but hitting 25+ on the highway will still be a maybe, especially if you add any local driving into the mix.

Maybe our experiences with transmissions differs. Automatics are no more or less reliable than manual transmissions. Based on that, I think you're limiting your options unnecessarily by avoiding vehicles with automatics. But, if you want a manual, then definitely go for it.

As much as I loved the manual trannies in my old Datsun 310 and my Dodge Conquest, I know I'll never buy a vehicle that has a manual transmission again. Just not worth it to me, especially here in NY.

Robert



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/26/2012 08:56PM by Robert M.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 26, 2012 09:21PM
Quote
cbelt3
Hmm.... You're going to be commuting. In Cali. Why torture your clutch in traffic?Go automatic.

Stop and go is torture on a manual clutch or automatic transmission. Clutches are waaaay cheaper to replace.

Quote
Robert M
Same answers. You still need to look at a smaller vehicle than the ones in your list to get that kind of gas mileage on the highway.

Most of the SUVs in your price range are going to be truck based, i.e. 4-Runner, Explorer, etc. They have horrible gas mileage. Don't even consider them if gas mileage is a concern. Crossovers such as the Ford Edge, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, RAV4, etc, will be an improvement but hitting 25+ on the highway will still be a maybe, especially if you add any local driving into the mix.

The crossovers I hadn't checked yet. 2WD element is 25. Scion XB is 28. Highlander 2WD 4cyl is 25. But, yeah, some of those aren't going to be the best.

Quote

Maybe our experiences with transmissions differs. Automatics are no more or less reliable than manual transmissions.

You're the only person I've ever heard say autos are no less reliable than manuals. My dad was a mechanic for many years, had his own shop for a while. Worked mostly on US vehicles. I also asked two master mechanics, one with probably 35 years of experience and the other about 20. Both of them concur there's no doubt manuals are much more reliable.



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Robert M
Date: April 26, 2012 09:39PM
Mavic,

Just going on my own experiences and those of my family. Rarely an issue with transmissions. But, you have to go with what works for you. That's key.

Be careful when it comes to gas mileage listings. The Scion XB I can see hitting the mid-twenties. It's small and light. The others, unlikely, especially if you're looking at the mileage listings rather than actual real world reports from owners. It's a given the MPG listed and the MPG in the real world will be different.

Remember also that 4 cylinders in a crossover like the Highlander will provide a marginal improvement in gas mileage at a noticeable expense in power. That's why, after testing most of the compact SUVS and crossovers, I decided the one I'd buy would have either a six banger or a turbocharged four banger.

Robert
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 26, 2012 09:52PM
Yeah, I searched a lot for crossovers or small suvs to replace our current car, but couldn't find a reason to. 21MPG and 300HP is way better than 23MPG and 200HP.



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Grateful11
Date: April 26, 2012 10:01PM
As far as Automatics, we have a '91 Ford Explorer 2WD with nearly 240K miles on it, it's an Automatic,
it's never had the fluid or the tranny filter changed. I asked the local tranny rebuild guru about changing
the fluid, he said, "does it smell burnt, does it slip", I said nope, he said, "don't worry about". Give me an
automatic, the last tractor my wife bought is a 42hp Kubota with Hydrostatic tranny.


Grateful11
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 26, 2012 10:06PM
Well, I've heard plenty of automatic transmission failure stories as well. A friends accord, a few other friends cars... one guy had a very small part fail in his transmission but it wasn't sold separately. The transmissions were only sold as a whole component, and no rebuilds were available. So he paid to have the part machined from scratch and avoided having to pay the $6000 for the new transmission.

A lot of the cars I'm looking at are higher mileage. I don't want to be ~50k miles away from a new transmission.



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: sekker
Date: April 26, 2012 10:16PM
Did you look into any Mazda's? If they have enough room, their small wagons drive well and have excellent gas mileage.

We looked into them instead of our honda minivan. Unfortunately, I'm 6'2" and my son is taller. We just didn't fit in the seats.

But we have friends who are all under 6 feet - they love their Mazda. I think it's an mazda6.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 26, 2012 10:25PM
I haven't looked at Mazdas, but I'm 6'2" as well.



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Filliam H. Muffman
Date: April 26, 2012 10:55PM
I am 6'1" and like a lot of small cars that my 6'5" brother can not fit in. With a helmet on, the 86 Civic I had needed some seat mounting mods so I would fit acceptably. The Mazdaspeed 6 sounded like a pretty good car but they are really hard to find used. The Mazda Protege line is usually very well balanced but missing a little power. The Mazdaspeed 3 line is usually good but small.


in tha 510.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Grateful11
Date: April 26, 2012 11:07PM
Quote
M A V I C
Well, I've heard plenty of automatic transmission failure stories as well. A friends accord, a few other friends cars... one guy had a very small part fail in his transmission but it wasn't sold separately. The transmissions were only sold as a whole component, and no rebuilds were available. So he paid to have the part machined from scratch and avoided having to pay the $6000 for the new transmission.

A lot of the cars I'm looking at are higher mileage. I don't want to be ~50k miles away from a new transmission.

Most of them must have been talking about Chrysler products. Seriously though I rarely hear of automatic
transmission failures. Believe me changing a clutch in a FWD vehicle is no fun.

Cost of replacing an automatic transmission:

[cars.costhelper.com]


Grateful11




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/26/2012 11:11PM by Grateful11.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: decay
Date: April 26, 2012 11:32PM
from the salary you hinted at, a $28K car is in your price range, IMHO.




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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Z
Date: April 26, 2012 11:44PM
A bit out of left field, but to circle back on my Volvo suggestion, why not go with a fully reliable classic that it tough as nails: a 122s, aka an Amazon?

[bringatrailer.com]



It won't lose value. It will keep up with modern traffic. They're dead simple to work on and have excellent parts support. They've got style to spare. You can still haul a couch in them without a second thought. Do they have all of the modern amenities? No, but they were built of solid steel and stand out from the crowd. That one in particular is at the high end of the price spectrum, no doubt, but again, this car has already depreciated and will only hold steady or increase in value with time and care.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: C(-)ris
Date: April 27, 2012 12:25AM
Quote
decay
from the salary you hinted at, a $28K car is in your price range, IMHO.

Just because you can, doesn't mean you should. I can think of a lot better things to spend the extra $10k on. He already has one nice car that suites his needs, he just needs something to commute in. No sense in wasting a nice car for commuting. Regardless of how much he spends on it, there is going to be a much higher maintenance factor from all the stop and go. And MPG is important as well when you are putting on that many miles.

I drive about 40k to 50k a year within the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. I buy small/mid cars that are around 8 to 12 years old with lower than average miles(around 100k to 120k) for around $3k. My last cars were: 1999.5 Jetta, 2000 Jetta, 2001 VW Passat, and a 2000 Saturn SL. The Saturn was the best out of the bunch. Easiest to work on and got very good gas mileage. I usually end up having to do relatively minor cosmetic repairs or brakes, oxygen sensor. Nothing that doesn't cost more than $400 or $500 in parts. I drive them for 8 months to a year and then sell them. I haven't lost any money yet. I usually get to put about 30k on the car and make a couple hundred bucks when all is said and done. There is no way I would even think about commuting in a $28k car. What a waste of money.


C(-)ris
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: modelamac
Date: April 27, 2012 07:03AM
Quote
M A V I C
Yeah, I searched a lot for crossovers or small suvs to replace our current car, but couldn't find a reason to. 21MPG and 300HP is way better than 23MPG and 200HP.

I think therein lies your problem. I would go for the 23 mpg instantly. Your priorities conflict with each other. You need to set 3 non-conflicting priorities to make your search less frustrating. Large size and high fuel economy do not exist in used vehicles.


Mr. Curmudgeon, on Mountain Lion.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: DRR
Date: April 27, 2012 07:05AM
Mazda is a good choice here. 3 or 5 series wagon. Not positive you can get a MT but I think you can.

Good room, good mpg, fun to drive. I don't own one but my guess is that they're pretty easy to work on.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: space-time
Date: April 27, 2012 07:35AM
M A V I C,

your search for the car reminds me of Steve Jobs buying a washing machine. He and his family discussed for several month what model should they buy, what features they want and which features they don't. It's hard to believe that a billionaire would spend so much time discussing a $1k appliance. But he did...
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: sekker
Date: April 27, 2012 07:56AM
If you are considering something higher in price, then you might look at a new Prius. Those cars are a lot bigger than I would have expected and should be a good and comfortable vacation car for the family. Higher than your initial $$, but there are tax breaks and a lot of the hybrid cost is recovered from the excellent gas mileage.

In the end, when we did a similar car search, we decided to go with a used Honda minivan. Gets 23 mpg or so - not nearly as good as my civic hybrid, but it can and regularly holds 8.

Also, I love the fact that your are trying to find a manual transmission. Unfortunately, I bet that's a bigger constraint on your search than anything else you list,



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2012 07:58AM by sekker.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: michaelb
Date: April 27, 2012 08:47AM
I am with everyone else: what you are looking for doesn't exist and your priorities conflict. I don't see a need for an SUV, but if you need one, you aren't going to get the gas mileage you want. Maybe the outback, maybe a hybrid, but those aren't on your list.

I like my Element, but it is a funky unusual car that probably doesn't meet your needs (awesome headroom though, you could wear a very large hat and still fit). I neeeded a ski car with AWD, so it works great for that.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: A-Polly
Date: April 27, 2012 09:12AM
Quote
Z
A bit out of left field, but to circle back on my Volvo suggestion, why not go with a fully reliable classic that it tough as nails: a 122s, aka an Amazon?

Oooh, I had a dark green 122s in the late 70s—what a great, tough, incredibly useful car! Would love to have another one.

Mavic, for another completely off-the-wall suggestion that probably won't appeal to you at all: the Nissan Cube. I rented one a while back and found it surprisingly enjoyable as an urban commuter car.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Robert M
Date: April 27, 2012 10:07AM
Mavic,

Forgot to point out... I have a '09 Mazda CX-7. Load. I love it! But, I would definitely not recommend it as a commuter car. The gas mileage definitely isn't in the range you're looking for nor is it what was listed on the label. To me, a commuter car is small car ranging from a subcompact to a compact. Think in size from a Toyota Yaris to a Mazda 3. That's just me.

A commuter car/alternate family vehicle, well, that depends. Would I want a car in that size class of these as a primary family vehicle? No. As an alternate to be used as a family vehicle? Sure. My mom managed three kids in a '79 Volkswagen Rabbit. Not much of a problem unless we got exceptionally rowdy. You know the drill: Mom! He's poking me!" "Stop poking your brother!" "I'm not touching you, I'm not touching you" "Mom! He's breathing my air!!!!!!!"

At that point, a small car doesn't work too well as a family vehicle. Then again, it wouldn't work well in any vehicle, so it really doesn't matter. smiling smiley

Robert



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2012 10:14AM by Robert M.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 27, 2012 10:08AM
Quote
Grateful11
Most of them must have been talking about Chrysler products.

Nope. Some were Euro, some Japanese.

Quote
decay
from the salary you hinted at, a $28K car is in your price range, IMHO.

I wont be getting the really high paying job because they're slow and since I already have an offer I need to get back on, they can't get back to me in time for that so I'm having to pass on it.

Z, I thought of an older car but decided against it.

Quote
modelamac
I think therein lies your problem. I would go for the 23 mpg instantly. Your priorities conflict with each other. You need to set 3 non-conflicting priorities to make your search less frustrating. Large size and high fuel economy do not exist in used vehicles.

How do they conflict? I would never recoup the sales tax on getting the extra 2MPG. Over 15,000, that's about $250 difference.

Medium size, high fuel economy vehicles do exist, but are apparently not very common in the US. I forget the exact details, but there's an Audi A4 avant in Europe, over 40MPG, 220HP and a manual transmission. Wish they sold that here.

Quote
sekker
If you are considering something higher in price, then you might look at a new Prius. Those cars are a lot bigger than I would have expected and should be a good and comfortable vacation car for the family. Higher than your initial $$, but there are tax breaks and a lot of the hybrid cost is recovered from the excellent gas mileage.

No chance on a Prius. Don't like how they drive for one thing. Replacing the battery is $$$$

Quote
michaelb
I am with everyone else: what you are looking for doesn't exist and your priorities conflict.

Well, it does exist, it's just more rare than I was hoping. I thought there would be more options for cars that perform well, have room and get good mileage.

That all said, one of the cars I would really like to find did show up for sale last night online, but it's probably in better condition than I want. $18k, 254HP, manual, 30MPG+ ~28CF of storage with the seats in place, and roof rails for my rack. It's in Minnesota though :/



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: the_poochies
Date: April 27, 2012 10:13AM
Quote
M A V I C
My current car I like a lot, but it needs to stay home with the family for when they need it. It's an Audi allroad... plenty of power, roof rack, lots of room in the back, handles very well, AWD, adjustable suspension for going offroad or going around tight corners..

Do you really take your Audi Allroad offroad? Seriously? I never understood the appeal of that thing when the regular Avant wagon was so much nicer and better to drive.

I owned an Audi wagon in the 1990s and it was hands down the most unreliable, expensive-to-fix car I ever had. I wouldn't touch anything from the VW/Audi family, IMHO.

I own a 2008 Honda Element. It has been super-reliable and is a fantastic car for visiting the beach, going camping and/or fishing. Even though the car only seats 4, it is very spacious inside (especially with the rear seats up) and is easy to clean (I use a leaf blower). On the downside, the gas mileage sucks and the ride is SUV-like. Manual transmissions are very, very rare.

My other car is a 2002 Mazda Protege5 hatchback. It is the predecessor of the Mazda3. Gas mileage is pretty good, the car handles magnificently and has plenty of pep and I can fit my 6'2" frame in it comfortably. The new Mazda3s get 40 MPG and are getting positive reviews in the auto press.

Our next car is gonna be a Subaru Impreza hatchback (not this ugly thing). My 1997 Subie Legacy GT was the best car I ever owned and I regret selling it.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2012 10:17AM by the_poochies.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: michaelb
Date: April 27, 2012 10:25AM
Quote
M A V I C
Well, it does exist, it's just more rare than I was hoping. I thought there would be more options for cars that perform well, have room and get good mileage.

That all said, one of the cars I would really like to find did show up for sale last night online, but it's probably in better condition than I want. $18k, 254HP, manual, 30MPG+ ~28CF of storage with the seats in place, and roof rails for my rack. It's in Minnesota though :/

I am confused. What car is that, and what are we discussing then in this thread? Do you mean another Audi?
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 27, 2012 10:30AM
Quote
the_poochies
Quote
M A V I C
My current car I like a lot, but it needs to stay home with the family for when they need it. It's an Audi allroad... plenty of power, roof rack, lots of room in the back, handles very well, AWD, adjustable suspension for going offroad or going around tight corners..

Do you really take your Audi Allroad offroad? Seriously? I never understood the appeal of that thing when the regular Avant wagon was so much nicer and better to drive.

Yes, and I'll probably be driving somewhere today where most cars would bottom out. Plus even city driving... with some of the potholes around here it's nice to have a little beefier setup.

Quote
michaelb
Quote
M A V I C
Well, it does exist, it's just more rare than I was hoping. I thought there would be more options for cars that perform well, have room and get good mileage.

That all said, one of the cars I would really like to find did show up for sale last night online, but it's probably in better condition than I want. $18k, 254HP, manual, 30MPG+ ~28CF of storage with the seats in place, and roof rails for my rack. It's in Minnesota though :/

I am confused. What car is that, and what are we discussing then in this thread? Do you mean another Audi?

I did mention wanting a "I had settled on a 2003-2008 Audi A4 Avant with a manual transmission" but hadn't mentioned this specific vehicle. There was another at a dealer, same model, slightly newer, less miles for $10k more.



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: michaelb
Date: April 27, 2012 11:24AM
I haven't ever owned an audi, but they seem to have a terrible reputation for repairs and the cost of repairs. So my guess would be that an automatic Honda would be far cheaper to maintain, including if you ever needed to replace the tranny, then any Audi, including a manual. Manuals are much more fun though.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Robert M
Date: April 27, 2012 11:31AM
Michael,

True. I had an Audi 90 with an automatic Very expensive to maintain and repair. Never a problem with the tranny. Other issues but never tranny. Also, expensive to insure. That's another factor to consider... The cost of insurance. Liability should be the same regardless of vehicle but collision and possibly comprehensive, etc. The difference in cost can be significant.

Robert



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/27/2012 11:32AM by Robert M.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: DRR
Date: April 27, 2012 11:45AM
Quote
M A V I C


I did mention wanting a "I had settled on a 2003-2008 Audi A4 Avant with a manual transmission" but hadn't mentioned this specific vehicle. There was another at a dealer, same model, slightly newer, less miles for $10k more.

I would go for a cheaper B5 S4 Avant rather than an B6 A4 Avant but that's just me.

Much higher probability you could find a MT also in an S4.
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: billb
Date: April 27, 2012 12:46PM
I wouldn't be caught dead commuting in anything less than a Maybach 62 s
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: space-time
Date: April 27, 2012 03:54PM
if you have a family car that you like and love, why not get a cheap old Civic to take you back and forth to work?
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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 27, 2012 09:09PM
Quote
DRR
Quote
M A V I C


I did mention wanting a "I had settled on a 2003-2008 Audi A4 Avant with a manual transmission" but hadn't mentioned this specific vehicle. There was another at a dealer, same model, slightly newer, less miles for $10k more.

I would go for a cheaper B5 S4 Avant rather than an B6 A4 Avant but that's just me.

Much higher probability you could find a MT also in an S4.

Also hard to find, mpg is lower and those are getting pretty old at this point. A friend has one for sale.



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: M A V I C
Date: April 27, 2012 09:11PM
Quote
space-time
if you have a family car that you like and love, why not get a cheap old Civic to take you back and forth to work?[/quote

That was my original plan, but decent ones are hard to find and not cheap.



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Re: [car search] still looking for a commuter/alternate family car
Posted by: Z
Date: April 28, 2012 11:54AM
Here you go - 1995 S6 Quattro for 8500 -

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