Shopping for cars... can use some input - Dallas Cowboys Forum

ethiostar · 07-09-2012

Please help!!! I hate this process.

I've been shopping for cars for the last week. I've done a lot of research and have spoken to some people. But I can use any and all additional input in this matter.

The wife and I want a car that can fulfill the following four criteria.

1) Safety (no room for compromise with two little ones)
2) Fuel efficiency (at minimum, 30+ mpg city/hwy combined, although 35+ mpg is preferred)
3) Space (plenty of rear leg room for car seats and cargo space for groceries, strollers, camping trips, trips to Lowe's or Home Depot,
etc...)
4) Dependability

We don't want to spend money on any 'options'. We are a young family and we'll splurge when we upgrade the second car (5 or so years from now). At this point we're willing to spend around 25k +/- a grand or so.

We've looked at many cars the past week and we've eliminated several based on the above 4 criteria, visual inspection, test-drives, and expert and consumer reviews. These include 2012 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid, 2012 Ford Fusion, 2013 Chevrolet Malibu Eco, and many more.

We've narrowed our options to the following three cars.

In no particular order....

1) 2012 Subaru Impreza Wagon 2.0i Sport Premium (27/36 mpg)
2) 2012 Toyota Camry LE Hybrid (43/39 mpg)
3) 2012 VW Passat TDI SE Turbo Diesel (31/43 mpg)

I like all three for different reasons.

The Subaru is 'sporty' and has cargo space and since our other car is a Corolla LE this car gives us versatility with the hatchback space and roof rails. The Subaru is also the only AWD out of the three cars.

The Camry has the rear leg room and more power than any hybrid I've driven. Although the trunk space is ok and 60% of the back seat folds, there is only a small opening to accommodate certain type of cargo, i.e., fishing poles, few lumber, etc...

The Passat has the rear leg room and cargo space and has some oomph (based on reviews).

All three are rated pretty high safety wise but the Camry and Passat are top of the line in that regard.

I've test-driven the Subaru and Camry and I liked both. I have yet to drive the Passat, which I'll do in the next few days.

All this to ask for some input from posters here who may--- have one of these cars now, or have had one in the past, or know someone who does, or know something about cars, etc......

Please tell me your honest opinion.

Thank you in advance.

Sam I Am · 07-09-2012

I would go Subaru (probably the best AWD brand in the business) or the Passat which probably has the best interior and ride.

Given that you are in Texas, the Subaru's best advantage won't be used as much. (AWD) You will probably end up enjoying the Passat more.

I wouldn't buy a Camery though for a few reasons, but mainly because they just aren't my style. They are always way up on the most stolen list too.

Drive them all though and check reliability reviews before you do anything.

ethiostar · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sam I Am

I would go Subaru (probably the best AWD brand in the business) or the Passat which probably has the best interior and ride.

Given that you are in Texas, the Subaru's best advantage won't be used as much. (AWD) You will probably end up enjoying the Passat more.

I wouldn't buy a Camery though for a few reasons, but mainly because they just aren't my style. They are always way up on the most stolen list too.

Drive them all though and check reliability reviews before you do anything.

I'm actually in WV right now, have been for about 3 years. However, I don't think we'll be here much longer and TX is our most likely destination.

I enjoyed driving the Subaru but I read that it struggles a bit going uphill. That won't be an issue in TX but it may be annoying while we're still in WV.

I'm looking forward to test-driving the Passat.

**jobberone** · 07-09-2012

I had a Prius and had no problems with one of the first ones out. I'd love to have another one and they have lots of room. Not a van but lots of room and great mileage.

WV Cowboy · 07-09-2012

I have owned 9 Toyota's, and can speak to their reliability.

I love Toyota's. Very dependable. A good thing with kids.

It sounds like you have done your homework and will make the right decision for you and your family.

Where are you in WV?

burmafrd · 07-09-2012

If you are looking at changing cars in 4-5 years look at leasing. There are some advantages to it.

Thing to look at is how many miles you expect to drive per year. That is one of the factors that might make leasing not feasible.

But if not then look hard at it. Your monthly payments will be less and you will be paying less sales tax.

just got a Hyundai Accent and saved a fair amount of money leasing.

dexternjack · 07-09-2012

The Camry would be my last choice of those three. Personally, I would go with the Passat, they are dependable and is a nice, smooth ride. The AWD is a nice thing to have, but it sounds like you won't be needing that option soon.

I don't think you can go wrong with either the Subaru or the Passat.

Sam I Am · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by burmafrd

If you are looking at changing cars in 4-5 years look at leasing. There are some advantages to it.

But if not then look hard at it. Your monthly payments will be less and you will be paying less sales tax.

Unless they've changed it since I left Texas, that is not true in Texas. If you lease a car in Texas, Texas charges (or charged) you tax on the entire value of the car. (which is absolutely ignorant)

That isn't the case where I live. I got an awesome lease on my car.

ethiostar · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by jobberone

I had a Prius and had no problems with one of the first ones out. I'd love to have another one and they have lots of room. Not a van but lots of room and great mileage.

I test drove the new Prius V and a regular Prius. The V definitely has a lot room and doesn't lose too much in mpg, 44/40. There were two things I didn't care about the Prius, both models. First one was the dashboard. It just about drove me batty. I hated it. It felt too cumbersome and the fact that it extended and connected to the middle console made me feel constrained. The other part was the complete lack of power when starting from a dead stop.

I guess both are things I can get used to but they were annoying as heck when I test-drove the cars.

If you had one in the past and you liked it and are now looking for more space, you may want to check out the V.

**WoodysGirl** · 07-09-2012

I know you've narrowed your choices, but I know two people who drive Hyundai Sonatas, one of whom has a 3-yr old.

They're pretty awesome cars and get great gas mileage. I wouldn't turn your back on those just yet.

ethiostar · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by WV Cowboy

I have owned 9 Toyota's, and can speak to their reliability.

I love Toyota's. Very dependable. A good thing with kids.

It sounds like you have done your homework and will make the right decision for you and your family.

Where are you in WV?

I've owned a few Toyota's as well and like their durability. We may still get the Camry hybrid but I Just wish it had a bit more trunk space.

I'm in Charleston.

ethiostar · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by burmafrd

If you are looking at changing cars in 4-5 years look at leasing. There are some advantages to it.

Thing to look at is how many miles you expect to drive per year. That is one of the factors that might make leasing not feasible.

But if not then look hard at it. Your monthly payments will be less and you will be paying less sales tax.

just got a Hyundai Accent and saved a fair amount of money leasing.

We usually hang on to our cars for a lot longer than 5 years as long as they haven't caused us much problem.

vta · 07-09-2012

With number 3 in those specs, I think it's safe to say you'd better go with the Empreza wagon. It'll suit you better for those trips to Home Depot and the camping trips.

ethiostar · 07-09-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by WoodysGirl

I know you've narrowed your choices, but I know two people who drive Hyundai Sonatas, one of whom has a 3-yr old.

They're pretty awesome cars and get great gas mileage. I wouldn't turn your back on those just yet.

That was the car I wanted to buy when we purchased our other car about three years ago. We ended up getting a used car, 2005 Corolla LE, for a reasonable price and paid cash. In hindsight, it was the right decision. We weren't in a place, career-wise, to purchase a new car and have payments.

BTW, I test-drove the 2012 Hybrid and liked it. They also have good incentives, like $1500 rebate and excellent warranty and customer service. However, my wife thinks it is a very ugly car, which I don't agree with. I don't think it's particularly sexy but I don't think it's ugly either. Also, expert and consumer reviews are saying that the fuel efficiency is not as good as the manufacturer claims and the handling is not that great.

**MichaelWinicki** · 07-09-2012

I would have stuck with the Fusion.