Help me pick a car!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We are a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 young elementary kids) and we have thus far been car-free. Since public transport is dodgy, we need a car.

We'll be taking short trips within the city, to school and stores and parks and such. And we'll also drive down 95 to visit family 2-3x year. We need something that fits in our tiny 1930s garage — 86" wide x 82" tall x I don't know how long, but not that long.

We have no means of car shopping in person so need to pick something online based on what we know. I will only buy a make that I've driven and like, so that leaves:
-Honda
-Acura
-VW
-Nissan
-Subaru

Definitely no Chevy, Mazda, Mini, Dodge, or other piece o' crap.

I'm guessing with the size of our garage, we can't get something that will fit more than 5.

Budget is 20-25k, very interested in used because we can get more for our money, but not sure CarMax will deliver and don't want to buy used from a dealer.

Safety is high priority. I also need decent pickup, can't drive a slug.

I can probably narrow it down a bit more, but would appreciate any suggestions on where to really start. Thanks!

Please take VW out of your list. They drive pretty nice, but depreciate a lot, it will be in shop more than in your garage after 3years/60k miles (shortly after warranty runs out)

[Anonymous]

I'm not a car nut but Mazda 626 (1984) and Mazda3 (2007) have been the best cars I've owned.
Hate my Honda HRV but will drive it to the ground. Wouldn't even consider VW.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not VW. Everyone I know with one in has hated it.

I'd do Acura/Subaru/Honda, but that's because I've had great experiences. I just said goodbye to my little Civic that lasted me 20 years. For a family, I'd do an Accord.

I'd revise this to include Mazda/Subaru/Honda/Toyota. Acura's reliability is an issue (for that matter, so are some Hondas). Toyota and Subaru are pretty bullet-proof. Mazda is underrated, but reliable.

This poster has it right. Acura/Honda's reability seem to went down recent years. I'd suggest a RAV4 or a small Subaru.

Thanks, but no Mazda. My parents had one in the 90s and it felt AWFUL to drive. Sadly, we can't test drive anything which is why I'm limiting it. I don't want to buy a car and have it feel cheap and perform poorly. Thanks for the input on Acura. Drove an 8-year-old one in HS and it was wonderful.

What an absolute idiotic way of thinking about cars. Do you evaluate potential friends based on what they were like when they were in the 90s or in high school? If not, why are you judging cars based on these outdated impressions? I had a Mazda3 and it remains one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned - I am a car nut and my current car is over $100k. I strongly recommend that you give Mazda another look.

Also I was going to recommend one of the new Mini SE electric cars. The thing is small but can hold your family just fine. It offers a 130 mile driving range and fits great in your budget. I test drove one and really enjoyed it. It would be the *PERFECT* city car and one that will fit in your tiny garage.

Why so defensive? I drove a Mazda, had a strong dislike for how it felt and performed and therefore I'm not going to take the risk because I can't test drive it right now. Do you make Mazdas? I also rented a Mini once and was so annoyed by how poorly designed the interior was that I'd never buy one. Different strokes and all that.

[Anonymous]

Mazdas are very nice, and under the radar as compared to Toyota and Honda. They handle great. For me, I was turned off by the infotainment system with a touch screen that only works when you're under 7 MPH. Otherwise, you use a rotary knob, which I'd probably have gotten used to, but didn't have the patience.

If you're a fan of Consumer Reports, the top-rated midsize sedan for 2020 is a Subaru Legacy. I have the 2019 version with V6 engine and while it's not sporty, it has decent pep, is extremely comfortable, and reliability is top-notch.

You might also consider the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata? People sleep on these cars because Toyota and Honda are the default thinking, but they are reliable and recommended cars, and you don't pay the premium that comes with the Toyota and Honda name.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not VW. Everyone I know with one in has hated it.

I'd do Acura/Subaru/Honda, but that's because I've had great experiences. I just said goodbye to my little Civic that lasted me 20 years. For a family, I'd do an Accord.

I'd revise this to include Mazda/Subaru/Honda/Toyota. Acura's reliability is an issue (for that matter, so are some Hondas). Toyota and Subaru are pretty bullet-proof. Mazda is underrated, but reliable.

This poster has it right. Acura/Honda's reability seem to went down recent years. I'd suggest a RAV4 or a small Subaru.

Thanks, but no Mazda. My parents had one in the 90s and it felt AWFUL to drive. Sadly, we can't test drive anything which is why I'm limiting it. I don't want to buy a car and have it feel cheap and perform poorly. Thanks for the input on Acura. Drove an 8-year-old one in HS and it was wonderful.

What an absolute idiotic way of thinking about cars. Do you evaluate potential friends based on what they were like when they were in the 90s or in high school? If not, why are you judging cars based on these outdated impressions? I had a Mazda3 and it remains one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned - I am a car nut and my current car is over $100k. I strongly recommend that you give Mazda another look.

Also I was going to recommend one of the new Mini SE electric cars. The thing is small but can hold your family just fine. It offers a 130 mile driving range and fits great in your budget. I test drove one and really enjoyed it. It would be the *PERFECT* city car and one that will fit in your tiny garage.

Why so defensive? I drove a Mazda, had a strong dislike for how it felt and performed and therefore I'm not going to take the risk because I can't test drive it right now. Do you make Mazdas? I also rented a Mini once and was so annoyed by how poorly designed the interior was that I'd never buy one. Different strokes and all that.

I don't see how you got "defensive" out of what I wrote, more like "annoyed", by the fact that you seem to hold such strong opinions about cars which you obviously know very little about. Brands change over time, it's simply irrational to write off modern day Mazda based purely on your experience with one from over 20 years ago. The Mazda6 introduced in 2002 represented a revival for the brand, a dramatic departure from the periods of 80s and 90s during which Mazda doddled along with uninspiring products like the 323, 626, 929. Modern day Mazda cars do not sell as well as Toyotas and Hondas, but they are held in higher regard by people who are car enthusiasts because they are more enjoyable to drive. Even consumer reports said that they would pick the CX-5 over the CRV if the buyer cares about driving enjoyment. But according to you, this is impossible because of your experience with one in the 90s.

I don't know which Mini you rented or what year it was, but I strongly doubt it has an interior that looks anything like the current Mini SE. Go google some pictures.

This is not a case of different strokes, but of ignorance.

[Anonymous]

Nissan Leaf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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Anonymous wrote:We have a Subaru cross trek and love it.

OP wants pickup. Just get a CRV and call it done.

I think this would be a very tight fit in our tiny garage.

CRV: 182" L x 73" W x 66-67" H

How can garage be so small you can't even put a CRV in there?

Not OP, but our "garage" is the underside of our porch with a garage door slapped on the end. We can barely get our compact hatchback in it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not VW. Everyone I know with one in has hated it.

I'd do Acura/Subaru/Honda, but that's because I've had great experiences. I just said goodbye to my little Civic that lasted me 20 years. For a family, I'd do an Accord.

I'd revise this to include Mazda/Subaru/Honda/Toyota. Acura's reliability is an issue (for that matter, so are some Hondas). Toyota and Subaru are pretty bullet-proof. Mazda is underrated, but reliable.

This poster has it right. Acura/Honda's reability seem to went down recent years. I'd suggest a RAV4 or a small Subaru.

Thanks, but no Mazda. My parents had one in the 90s and it felt AWFUL to drive. Sadly, we can't test drive anything which is why I'm limiting it. I don't want to buy a car and have it feel cheap and perform poorly. Thanks for the input on Acura. Drove an 8-year-old one in HS and it was wonderful.

What an absolute idiotic way of thinking about cars. Do you evaluate potential friends based on what they were like when they were in the 90s or in high school? If not, why are you judging cars based on these outdated impressions? I had a Mazda3 and it remains one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned - I am a car nut and my current car is over $100k. I strongly recommend that you give Mazda another look.

Also I was going to recommend one of the new Mini SE electric cars. The thing is small but can hold your family just fine. It offers a 130 mile driving range and fits great in your budget. I test drove one and really enjoyed it. It would be the *PERFECT* city car and one that will fit in your tiny garage.

Why so defensive? I drove a Mazda, had a strong dislike for how it felt and performed and therefore I'm not going to take the risk because I can't test drive it right now. Do you make Mazdas? I also rented a Mini once and was so annoyed by how poorly designed the interior was that I'd never buy one. Different strokes and all that.

I don't see how you got "defensive" out of what I wrote, more like "annoyed", by the fact that you seem to hold such strong opinions about cars which you obviously know very little about. Brands change over time, it's simply irrational to write off modern day Mazda based purely on your experience with one from over 20 years ago. The Mazda6 introduced in 2002 represented a revival for the brand, a dramatic departure from the periods of 80s and 90s during which Mazda doddled along with uninspiring products like the 323, 626, 929. Modern day Mazda cars do not sell as well as Toyotas and Hondas, but they are held in higher regard by people who are car enthusiasts because they are more enjoyable to drive. Even consumer reports said that they would pick the CX-5 over the CRV if the buyer cares about driving enjoyment. But according to you, this is impossible because of your experience with one in the 90s.

I don't know which Mini you rented or what year it was, but I strongly doubt it has an interior that looks anything like the current Mini SE. Go google some pictures.

This is not a case of different strokes, but of ignorance.

Okay, friend. I'm basing my opinion on lots of things, including my father's guidance (and donuts to dollars he knows a hell of a lot more than most "car guys" like you). And yes, I'm ignorant to Mazda's current quality because I haven't driven one in a decade (though I have rented them) so it's reasonable not to make that gamble based on some anonymous comments. I have no interest in one and there are plenty of makes that I am willing to buy so please stop trying to get me to buy a Mazda, Mazda Guy.
P.S. Nope, Mini interior still ridiculous. Also hilarious to suggest a two door for a family of 4.

[Anonymous]

Still wondering why Mini is off the list.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Nissan Leaf

Do you own one? Anything in particular you like about it?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Still wondering why Mini is off the list.

Getting two young kids out of the back of a 2-door isn't great. Also, I've driven one before and didn't like the interior design or interior feel. Car itself drove nicely.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Still wondering why Mini is off the list.

Getting two young kids out of the back of a 2-door isn't great. Also, I've driven one before and didn't like the interior design or interior feel. Car itself drove nicely.

Also thinking trips to visit family on 95 won't be very comfortable in a Mini.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Still wondering why Mini is off the list.

Wondering that too. With all of their “experience” you would think OP would know that four door Mini Coopers exist.

[Anonymous]

VW Golf. Yes, I know folks think VWs are unreliable but if you take care of them, they'll last as long as your more "reliable" vehicles. My last Golf was 12 years old before I sold it for the 2017 version.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not VW. Everyone I know with one in has hated it.

I'd do Acura/Subaru/Honda, but that's because I've had great experiences. I just said goodbye to my little Civic that lasted me 20 years. For a family, I'd do an Accord.

I'd revise this to include Mazda/Subaru/Honda/Toyota. Acura's reliability is an issue (for that matter, so are some Hondas). Toyota and Subaru are pretty bullet-proof. Mazda is underrated, but reliable.

This poster has it right. Acura/Honda's reability seem to went down recent years. I'd suggest a RAV4 or a small Subaru.

Thanks, but no Mazda. My parents had one in the 90s and it felt AWFUL to drive. Sadly, we can't test drive anything which is why I'm limiting it. I don't want to buy a car and have it feel cheap and perform poorly. Thanks for the input on Acura. Drove an 8-year-old one in HS and it was wonderful.

What an absolute idiotic way of thinking about cars. Do you evaluate potential friends based on what they were like when they were in the 90s or in high school? If not, why are you judging cars based on these outdated impressions? I had a Mazda3 and it remains one of the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned - I am a car nut and my current car is over $100k. I strongly recommend that you give Mazda another look.

Also I was going to recommend one of the new Mini SE electric cars. The thing is small but can hold your family just fine. It offers a 130 mile driving range and fits great in your budget. I test drove one and really enjoyed it. It would be the *PERFECT* city car and one that will fit in your tiny garage.

Why so defensive? I drove a Mazda, had a strong dislike for how it felt and performed and therefore I'm not going to take the risk because I can't test drive it right now. Do you make Mazdas? I also rented a Mini once and was so annoyed by how poorly designed the interior was that I'd never buy one. Different strokes and all that.

I don't see how you got "defensive" out of what I wrote, more like "annoyed", by the fact that you seem to hold such strong opinions about cars which you obviously know very little about. Brands change over time, it's simply irrational to write off modern day Mazda based purely on your experience with one from over 20 years ago. The Mazda6 introduced in 2002 represented a revival for the brand, a dramatic departure from the periods of 80s and 90s during which Mazda doddled along with uninspiring products like the 323, 626, 929. Modern day Mazda cars do not sell as well as Toyotas and Hondas, but they are held in higher regard by people who are car enthusiasts because they are more enjoyable to drive. Even consumer reports said that they would pick the CX-5 over the CRV if the buyer cares about driving enjoyment. But according to you, this is impossible because of your experience with one in the 90s.

I don't know which Mini you rented or what year it was, but I strongly doubt it has an interior that looks anything like the current Mini SE. Go google some pictures.

This is not a case of different strokes, but of ignorance.

I'm with the other poster. Mazda's suck. Clearly you actually don't know anything about cars. Mainly because you buy Mazdas. There is a reason some cars sell better than others, and it's not because only an "enthusiast" can appreciate the less liked car. It's funny how an enthusiast is promoting a Mazda so highly. Try other cars that are not on your lot.