Help me pick a car!

[Anonymous]

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!

[Anonymous]

We have a Subaru cross trek and love it.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

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

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

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

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.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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

[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!

Accord with the V6 engine might work for you. I like my Subaru Outback but it certainly isn't known for its pickup.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

House was built in the 30s. Width clearance is 86”. Would be great if we didn’t have to all get out of the car in the driveway before pulling into the garage.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

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?

House was built in the 30s. Width clearance is 86”. Would be great if we didn’t have to all get out of the car in the driveway before pulling into the garage.

That's a tough criterion to satisfy.

[Anonymous]

Why is a Mini Countryman considered by OP a piece o crap? Would be perfect. And they’re super reliable.

[Anonymous]

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.