We got a 2010 Toyota Prius for our AP this summer. Very safe, the trunk holds a ton and the gas mileage is great for both us and the AP. We have been very happy.

Anonymous wrote:VW Jetta us a great AP car. Leases really well, is reliable and easy to drive. I have done the subaru thing but the all the time AWD means if you have to have to replace one tire you often have to replace them ALL - also I have had lots of battery issues with Subarus.

We have owned four Outbacks and two Legacies and have never had a problem with the battery, and it’s patently untrue that if you have to replace one tire, you have to replace all.

Our APs either have driven one of our Subarus or have driven a leased Toyota carolla.

Anonymous wrote:VW Jetta us a great AP car. Leases really well, is reliable and easy to drive. I have done the subaru thing but the all the time AWD means if you have to have to replace one tire you often have to replace them ALL - also I have had lots of battery issues with Subarus.

I've had 0 issues with batteries and my subaru.
Super reliable, good in bad weather and safe safe safe.

VW Jetta us a great AP car. Leases really well, is reliable and easy to drive. I have done the subaru thing but the all the time AWD means if you have to have to replace one tire you often have to replace them ALL - also I have had lots of battery issues with Subarus.

Are you asking this question because you want to use the "nicer, more expensive car" as a perk to attract APs? Most of these girls will not know the difference between brands and models due to lack of exposure- a Lexus probably won't register as luxurious to them. I've heard many complaints over the years from APs' peers about various issues, and the fanciness of the car has never been one of them. Size of the car is the number one complaint: American cars are HUGE to them, and there is an adjustment period (after a few dings and scratches). If it's a car for AP only, buy a used car with the safety features you need, and won't feel too attached to if and when it gets dinged up.

Ford CMAX hybrid.

Do not get an SUV. Most au pairs have never driven such large cars and they handle differently.
Get a decent size sedan if she is driving your kids around in it. Aim for one about 4-7 years old with low mileage.

Subaru

Buy used, but in good condition.

Safe but cheap. This affectes insurance. And not too big. Most APs are not used to driving large cars, plus you don't want her to use it as transportation for all the APs in your area without cars.

Get a car you really do not care about. Look at consumer reports for a small suv or something. Our Aps have driven cars the size of an Acura rdx/Nissan murano/Lexus rx350/Volkswagen touareg. Those are basically the same car.
Jeep Cherokee would be as big as I would go.

Just keep an eye on your insurance- some have different ranges for those cars and age of your ap.

I'd get a 2-3 year old car from somewhere like enterprise. Get a mid-sized car or SUV with all the safety features.

Gearing up to get our first AP. We are going to buy a car for her, but are unsure about how to best balance providing a nicer, more expensive, car, with one that we don't mind getting dinged up (in case the AP isn't the world's best driver/parker) but doesn't feel as nice. What have been your experiences, here? What did you spend on a car, what kind was it, and how did it work out?