Help My Dad Choose a New Car!

[Ev0]

Well, after well over a decade of faithful service, it seems it's time for my dad to retire his '93 Explorer, as it's now becoming clear that it's time will soon come. So, now comes that special time in every car nut's life, where they get to go car shopping! So, now me and my dad are trying to figure out some good cars to buy. Here is our criteria: - Less than $40,000 Canadian (It would have to be a really good vehicle to go this high)
- Brand new car (No used cars)
- Automatic transmission (My dad admits he's too lazy to bother with a stick shift )
- Excellent safety rating (Side impact airbags are not required, but are much desired)
- Fuel mileage (no gas guzzlers; the lower the better)

So, after some brief research, we came up with this short list of vehicles. Now, bear in mind, we still have not decided what type of vehicle we will purchase (We don't necessarily need another SUV since my mom's Santa Fe can handle plenty of cargo, and my dad can always use his company's Ford F-150 for large cargo and the occasional boat tow, but we are still considering purchasing an SUV). Without further ado, the initial list of vehicles we are planning on further researching.

SUVs
Nissan X-Trail
Mazda Tribute
Saturn Vue
Ford Escape Hybrid
Jeep Liberty

Sedans
Honda Accord Sedan/Hybrid
Nissan Altima
Mazda 6
Toyota Camry XLE
Chrysler 300

And last, but certainly not least, my dad has expressed intrest in perhaps purchasing a Mini Cooper. He loves it's distinct styling, it's the cheapest car we're looking at, he is very impressed with it's fuel economy, and seems to be very keen on buying one. I, of course, am also very keen on the idea of buying a Mini. The only problem is, of course, that it is very small, and we need to know if we can afford it's lack of space.

We are still open to other suggestions for a new car, and we will be going to the Canadian International Autoshow here in Toronto on Saturday to check out any models we are interested in. I look forward to hearing suggestions, and anyone who has or know someone who has any experience with any of the vehicles mentioned.

 

[eaglefan48]

Well, after well over a decade of faithful service, it seems it's time for my dad to retire his '93 Explorer, ...

... or know someone who has any experience with any of the vehicles mentioned.

You do know that everone is gonna turn this into a what-they-drive thread...







Get a WRX Sport Wagon

 

[GT3mich]

The Chrysler 300 is built in Ontario. I have one and its a great car. 2005 Motor Trend Car of the Year also. $28,000.00 US

 

[MrktMkr1986]

I say Mazda Tribute V6, or Mazda 6s -- I think that's the V6 model as well.

And no -- I don't drive either one of them.

If you do get a Mazda 6, you should get the "Mazdaspeed" version when it comes out. Turbo...

 

[1X83Z]

Well, after well over a decade of faithful service, it seems it's time for my dad to retire his '93 Explorer, as it's now becoming clear that it's time will soon come. So, now comes that special time in every car nut's life, where they get to go car shopping! So, now me and my dad are trying to figure out some good cars to buy. Here is our criteria: - Less than $40,000 Canadian (It would have to be a really good vehicle to go this high)
- Brand new car (No used cars)
- Automatic transmission (My dad admits he's too lazy to bother with a stick shift )
- Excellent safety rating (Side impact airbags are not required, but are much desired)
- Fuel mileage (no gas guzzlers; the lower the better)

I'd like to make some recommendations here, if possible:

My top recommendation is my 2003 car of the year, the Honda Accord V6. The nicest model, the EX V6, lists base at $32600 CDN and comes with an absurd list of standard features (dual-zone automatic climate control, heated leather, dual power seats, power sunroof, in-dash 6-CD - plus front side and side curtain airbags and 4-wheel antilock disc brakes). It's got a 240-horsepower 3-liter V6 that does 0-60 in about 7.2 but its fuel rating is still great. Standard 5-speed automatic with the sedan, too. Basically, this is the very best Japanese car ever to be sold in the United States and probably the best midsize sedan ever sold too. This car is incredible.

Second place goes to the Nissan Maxima SL. I also recommend a nice Altima 3.5, but you can afford a Maxima plus options, meaning you don't need to go Altima unless you prefer something about it. Maxima's bigger and better, and fuel economy barely suffers over the Altima, even though power's increased by 15. Two models: SE (automatic or manual, no cost difference) and SL (automatic only) with SL having heated leather, dual power seats, a Bose in-dash 6-CD changer, and Xenon headlights while those things are optional on SE. SE lists at $33400 CDN, SL at $36200. Once again - a great car.

SUV recommendations also go to Nissan - Murano this time. Nicest one you can afford would be good. No sense compromising on a Tribute or Liberty, which are beginning to show their age, when you could get a Murano, which is thorougly satisfying in every sense of the term. Great standard spec, great power, good fuel economy for the class, great standard safety features. Another best-in-class model here. Prices range from $33100 CDN for a 2WD S model to $38100 for an AWD SE. SL serves as the mid-range trim here. Given a price cap of $40000 I'd go for an SL AWD ($36900 CDN) and get a few options. Obviously if you do decide you want a small SUV for the fuel benefit I recommend the Saturn Vue V6, the best new car on the market, which I could expand on if you so desire.

If you want Camry, go for a SE V6. It's the pick of the range - the XLE is years behind Altima and Accord, and even Galant. I wouldn't even waste my time looking at an XLE, to be honest. Camry SE V6 isn't as good as Accord EX V6, but it's not far behind. It's cheaper - $29100 CDN - but don't let that fool you because it's got nowhere near the spec. But for about the same price as the Accord you can get the Camry's option list up to the Accord's standard list and they become pretty much equal. Both vehicles are brilliant buys, but in my book the Accord's a bit better. On the midsize game, I also like the Mitsubishi Galant GTS, a very good vehicle with a slightly radical design and huge available discounts, and the Chevrolet Malibu LT if your dad isn't into performance.

Those are my recommendations for now. As far as your suggestions, I covered Tribute and Liberty. US doesn't get X-Trail so I really don't know on that one. I like the Escape Hybrid a lot, but once again, you have to not care about its performance - not bad but it isn't a shining star. If you do end up seriously considering Tribute V6, I suggest considering Escape V6 as well - Tribute is priced better but barely, and Escape offers more available packages. Vue's the best on that list. Regarding sedans, I already covered Camry XLE. Don't get a Chrysler 300 unless it has a Hemi V8 (which is out of your price range anyway). Otherwise it's just a waste of money - you can get a better car from a Camry, Accord, Galant, Altima, Malibu, or 6s. The Mazda 6 is a good car but not a range topper, plain and simple. The Mini Cooper is a brilliant vehicle, and I still consider it, in S form, the best small coupe on the market.

 

[xcsti]

Ahhh the vue.......

I don't have any arguements against it (well maybe its style) if an SUV is what you are looking for. I would go with the accord hybrid. Economy up the wazzu and good power. I have only heard good things about the car. The mini doesn't sound that bad of an option as your parents already have a few haulers. My dad has been contemplating getting a mini as he basically lives across the street from work (he should walk), is a partially empty nester and has a full size ven that is capable of hauling and towing.

 

[Ev0]

You do know that everone is gonna turn this into a what-they-drive thread...







Get a WRX Sport Wagon

I tried to convince my dad to get a Subaru wagon, but my mom shot that idea down since she hates wagons... so that's unfortunately out of the question.

Thanks for the advice so far. And I should point out, my dad could not give a crap about performance (If he wanted a car with good performance, I'd be looking at only 3 or 4 cars right now). He'd probably like an underpowered car more than a powerful one, since he feels it's less likely to get him in trouble. We're porbably going to not consider the Camry anymore, since it's pretty much a slightly worse car than the Accord, so why would we go for a worse vehicle?

And Doug, you might want to double check some of those prices. The Nissan Murano, according to the Nissan Canada site starts at $39,998 (I highly doubt my dad would consider it at that price).

 

[GT3mich]

Don't get a Chrysler 300 unless it has a Hemi V8 (which is out of your price range anyway). Otherwise it's just a waste of money - you can get a better car from a Camry, Accord, Galant, Altima, Malibu, or 6s.

You should go down to your local Chrysler Dealer and drive a 300 before you make a statement like that. 300C is $33,720.00 US. I can't believe you even suggested a Galant or a Malibu over a 300

 

[Ev0]

You should go down to your local Chrysler Dealer and drive a 300 before you make a statement like that. 300C is $33,720.00 US. I can't believe you even suggested a Galant or a Malibu over a 300

Although it is fairly obvious that the 300 is a vastly better car than the Malibu or the Galant, one must also keep in mind the 300 is around $10,000 CND more when comparing base prices.

 

[GT3mich]

I know that. I just went to the US web site to check the price. The Canadian dollar is better right now. $44,395.00 Can for a 300C. Wow!

 

[Gil]

Since your dad does want an auto trans, I'd dissuade him from the Mini. In its auto tranny form it's pretty uninspiring to drive.
Pretty much anything on the list you have willl serve you well. I am personally leery of any Mopar product. But that's because we had such poor luck with ours.
I'm a Ford guy. Before, y'all get to flaming me...
I know that Fords aren't the fastest, or the prettiest thing out there.
Though the new Mustang is a very attractive automobile.
I have spent more time in Fords than any other car in my lifetime. I have been stranded far from home one time in a Ford. Even broken they have limped to help or home every other time.
I have also only been stranded far from home one time in a Nissan. The only other time it gave me any trouble was actually my own fault due to lack of funds and indifferent maintenance.
My wife is currently driving a '99 Camry, that we've had for a short time, and it seems to be, so far, a pretty good car.

I know your dad doesn't want a 'used' car. But buying a year old car with less than 20,000 miles on it will save him a bundle. There are a large number of people who buy a new car every year or two. They take a huge hit in depreciation, and then there is a nice near new car sitting on the lot for about 5-10K less than the nearly identical brand new one next to it.

I saved $12,000 on the purchase of my Venture minivan. It is a 2001 model bought late in 2003. It had 18,000 miles on it when we drove it off the lot, and I paid about 60% of the MSRP for a new one.

 

[TwinTurboJay]

Saturn Vue with the honda V6 is the best bet !

 

[emad]

My cousin has the Altima V6 - even without the luxury trim, it's a daaaamn nice car. I've almost convinced my dad to go for one of these over a camry or corolla (as good as they may be, I just don't like them at all)... of course, he doesn't plan on getting a new car for at least another year so we've got time to burn

 

[LoudMusic]

Honda S2000.

 

[emad]

Nissan Altima SE-R. Most of the same features standard as the fully loaded (minus the nav system) 3.5SE but with a better suspension and 10hp more at a cost of roughly $3000 more. The SE-R also doesn't have a nav system, but does your dad *really* need that?

 

[Carl.]

If your dad really care about gas mileage, he could go for the new Accord Hybrid, which out-accelerates a V6 accord by about .5 sec in 0-60 mph, has 255 hp | 232 ft/lbs (vs 240|211 for V6) while getting Civic-like gas mileage in town... adds about $3.5K to the sticker price though ($36,990 vs $33500).

Does he likes Subaru? (thinking about a legacy GT or a Forester XT)

 

[Ev0]

Since your dad does want an auto trans, I'd dissuade him from the Mini. In its auto tranny form it's pretty uninspiring to drive.
Pretty much anything on the list you have willl serve you well. I am personally leery of any Mopar product. But that's because we had such poor luck with ours.
I'm a Ford guy. Before, y'all get to flaming me...
I know that Fords aren't the fastest, or the prettiest thing out there.
Though the new Mustang is a very attractive automobile.
I have spent more time in Fords than any other car in my lifetime. I have been stranded far from home one time in a Ford. Even broken they have limped to help or home every other time.
I have also only been stranded far from home one time in a Nissan. The only other time it gave me any trouble was actually my own fault due to lack of funds and indifferent maintenance.
My wife is currently driving a '99 Camry, that we've had for a short time, and it seems to be, so far, a pretty good car.

I know your dad doesn't want a 'used' car. But buying a year old car with less than 20,000 miles on it will save him a bundle. There are a large number of people who buy a new car every year or two. They take a huge hit in depreciation, and then there is a nice near new car sitting on the lot for about 5-10K less than the nearly identical brand new one next to it.

I saved $12,000 on the purchase of my Venture minivan. It is a 2001 model bought late in 2003. It had 18,000 miles on it when we drove it off the lot, and I paid about 60% of the MSRP for a new one.

My family has had excellent experience with Ford, which is why we are strongly considering the Escape hybrid (We'd get another Explorer, but they start at $40,000 CDN). And I feel silly for forgetting about purchasing nearly new. I'll pass the idea by my dad. And my dad won't care if the Mini is less inspiring with the auto transmission, since he's not buying the car for it's performance.

And on the Altima, we are strongly considering it after a good experience driving one as a rental in southern California back in 2001. My dad loved how it drove, and it was just simply a fabulous car.

Honda S2000.

Very overpriced car in my opinion. It starts at $50,000 CDN. For that money, you could get a Subaru STi ($45k), a G35 Coupe (Under $50k), a Mazda RX8 ($40k with options), a Nissan 350Z (get a roadster model for $52k), or a fully loaded Miata (I think it's under $40k).

If your dad really care about gas mileage, he could go for the new Accord Hybrid, which out-accelerates a V6 accord by about .5 sec in 0-60 mph, has 255 hp | 232 ft/lbs (vs 240|211 for V6) while getting Civic-like gas mileage in town... adds about $3.5K to the sticker price though ($36,990 vs $33500).

Does he likes Subaru? (thinking about a legacy GT or a Forester XT)

Firstly, we are very strongly considering the hybrid Accord, since it sacrifices very little practicality, and unlike other hybrids, has excellent performance.

I've tried talking my dad into getting a Forester, but he feels they are overpriced vehicles, so unfortunately, it seems a Subaru is not going to be in my family's driveway.

 

[Gil]

EvO,
Just did a quick check on MSN.
The 2004 Explorer is going in the 20,000-21,000 range in USD.
That would be like going to a 50% off sale.👍

 

[Ev0]

EvO,
Just did a quick check on MSN.
The 2004 Explorer is going in the 20,000-21,000 range in USD.
That would be like going to a 50% off sale.👍

I just checked out trucktrader.ca and easily found tons of 2003 Explorers going for under or slightly over $20k CDN. 2004 Explorers were going for around $25k CDN. It sounds like it could be a much better plan than buying brand new.

 

[Carl.]

Too bad for the subies... those are good value, especially considering our winters.

Also, I'd have a look at a TSX if he wants to have a bit more fun than with the Accord, or perhaps a demo G35 - the base price is 39 900$

 

[RobcioPL]

2004 Altima SE 3.5, if you find one still on the lots of a dealer you may pick it up for a good price. My parents were going to buy one back in 03, but i told them to take a 03 Maxima since they are made in Japan. I like the max more because of the interior quality.

 

[LoudMusic]

Very overpriced car in my opinion. It starts at $50,000 CDN. For that money, you could get a Subaru STi ($45k), a G35 Coupe (Under $50k), a Mazda RX8 ($40k with options), a Nissan 350Z (get a roadster model for $52k), or a fully loaded Miata (I think it's under $40k).

Well I was joking, but since you decided to name names ....

You only included two other convertibles - one which is more expensive and has lower ratings all around, and one from a completely different class.

The Honda S2000 is the best in its class. And it is extremely well priced.

 

[1X83Z]

You should go down to your local Chrysler Dealer and drive a 300 before you make a statement like that. 300C is $33,720.00 US. I can't believe you even suggested a Galant or a Malibu over a 300

What the hell? His price ceiling was $40000 Canadian. A 300C starts at $32900 US, meaning it starts at at least $40700 CANADIAN. Even if you can find one without options, which is impossible, you won't get a discount due to high demand. Come on - I've drive no fewer than fifteen Chrysler 300s and stand by whatever statement I made (which, though I forgot, I assume was 'nothing that's not a V8')

And Doug, you might want to double check some of those prices. The Nissan Murano, according to the Nissan Canada site starts at $39,998 (I highly doubt my dad would consider it at that price).

Crazy. I'm actually going off US price lists, so you guys must simply not get the cheap versions of the Murano that we do. The best advice I can give is never a consider a car if its base price is right up against your price ceiling (unless your price ceiling is $1500 or less); there's always a better deal. Continue considering Camry and Altima, even if they're not better than Accord. There always could be one thing about Accord you just might not like that could send you looking for something else.

Nissan Altima SE-R. Most of the same features standard as the fully loaded (minus the nav system) 3.5SE but with a better suspension and 10hp more at a cost of roughly $3000 more. The SE-R also doesn't have a nav system, but does your dad *really* need that?

If you're looking for an automatic you're probably not into a rough ride, slightly better acceleration, and supreme handling (compared to other V6 Altimas) that the SE-R offers. Consequently I wouldn't spend the extra money - I'd just get an SE with some options or an SL, where almost everything's standard. For people looking for a better-performing midsize, though, it's one of the best bets.

I'll pass the idea by my dad.

If he does go nearly new you can do a lot better than what's been mentioned so far. Let us know if he says that's something he'd consider.

The Honda S2000 is the best in its class.

You mean once you get past the Mustang GT and 350Z?

 

[LoudMusic]

Those are closer to GT cars than roadsters. Both of which are piggy anyway.

 

[1X83Z]

Those are closer to GT cars than roadsters. Both of which are piggy anyway.

S2000's definitely the best car in the segment if you're looking for a true, straight up hardcore two-seat roadster. Nothing else really comes close actually - Miata maybe but it's nowhere near as hardcore regarding acceleration, even if it handles about as well. Shouldn't it be called S2200?

 

[Ev0]

I never said the S2000 was a bad car, I just think $50,000 is a lot of money for what is bound to be a second car. For that much money, I'd much rather get a Subaru STi. Vastly better practicality, even better performance than the S2000, and it can be used all year round (a huge bonus in Canada). Of course, you don't get the drop top though, but imo, I think a Miata would be a much better option for a 2 seat roadster, seeing how it's much, much more affordable, and still is massively fun to drive.

And back on topic, I didn't get a chance to talk to my dad tonight, seeing how he went to bed before 9pm... so I'll try tomorrow.

 

[Ev0]

Ok, thread resurrection time! My neighbour's daughter is selling her 2003 VW Jetta (It might be a 2002 model), and is asking for $18,000 CAD (This is a reasonable price when compared on autotrader.ca). I'm wondering if my dad should buy it, seeing how the car has had no mechanical problems that I know of, and the Jetta is a pretty good car, and would suit him well.

 

[MrktMkr1986]

Need more details...

engine/transmission etc... mileage etc.

 

[Ev0]

I'll give the details as soon as I know them. I know for sure it's an automatic which is what my dad wants.

 

[Carl.]

Better be welle equipped at that price thought... two years ago I had a deal with a 2 years old fully loaded Jetta V6 auto, with leather and less than 30K km for $20K CA.

I've also seen someone give away his S60 T5 for $16K last year, and it had only about 60K km on it.