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shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 755
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 9:52 am: | 
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We have the minivan already but need a second car.
My husband will be driving it a long distance to work, (at least occasionally if not everyday) so leasing is out.
We have three kids, so I'd like him to be able to squeeze them all in (with car seats—we still need three—at least for another year)
Other desires: decent gas mileage, cargo room (tough to get both though I imagine).
I'm thinking a mid-size wagon but what? We had an Outback before the minivan and really liked it, but I'd like a little better MPG if possible.
Any suggestions? A used car would be fine. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3882
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 10:02 am: |
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It looks like you are going to put a lot of miles on the car, so I would suggest a new vehicle if possible.
The regular Subaru Legacy wagon, the one without all the extra Outback equiptment is lighter and more aerodynamic and might get slightly better mileage on the highway. It also handles better.
A sub-compact is probably not going to fit three car seats in the back, but you may get lucky on this. Passats and Saab 05s are more expensive, mid sized, but don't get better gas mileage.
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shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 756
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 11:15 am: |
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It kills me that we traded in the Outback. We LOVED that car. Heated seats, very comfy. The biggest drawback was squishing in the middle car seat every day. Oh well.
My husband on the other hand keeps mentioning a bigger sedan, like a Chevy Caprice. (Ick.) His best friend is in the NYPD, so I think he wants to pretend he's a cop or something. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3886
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 12:00 pm: |
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The Caprice is no longer manufactured. The only "traditional" full size cars are now made by Ford (Crown Victoria, Marquis, Town Car). Actually they aren't bad cars and reasonably priced, especially on a per pound basis, although being mistaken for your grandmother is a real possibility. 
When I was in college a fraternity brother had a white Ford that was a close duplicate of the local police cruisers. He used to cruise the local lovers lane with a flashing light. LOL
10-4, Over and Out |
shoshannah
Citizen
Username: Shoshannah
Post Number: 309
Registered: 7-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 12:09 pm: |
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What about the Subaru Legacy AWD sedan? I am thinking that it would get better mileage than the wagon. And the AWD would come in handy in the winter. You can get one of those backless booster seats for the middle position (I am assuming that if you have three in car seats, at least one has to be more than 40 pounds.) |
Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 194
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 12:51 pm: |
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I have a Honda CRV small SUV. It gets about 21 mpg and can fit three child seats across the back. Very reliable, very highly rated by Consumer Reports, and it's 4WD all the time so good for winter. I just got it in August and really love it. Mine came standard with a 6-CD changer, so your husband might like that for his long drive. And it has a decent amount of cargo space. Not too expensive either for an SUV - mine was about $25K with lots of options. Basic model is about $20K, I think. |
Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 195
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 12:52 pm: |
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I have a Honda CRV small SUV. It has a peppy 4-cylinder engine so it gets about 21 mpg, very good even for a small SUV. It can fit three child seats across the back. Very reliable, very highly rated by Consumer Reports, and it's 4WD all the time so good for winter. I just got it in August and really love it. Mine came standard with a 6-CD changer, so your husband might like that for his long drive. And it has a decent amount of cargo space. Not too expensive either for an SUV - mine was about $25K with lots of options. Basic model is about $20K, I think. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 757
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 12:57 pm: |
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Bob, my husband would be thrilled to hear those are his large Sedan choices. Growing up spending many of my years in large Cadillacs with FOUR kids in the back seat (the youngest two buckled together in the middle—it was the '80's), I just CAN'T go there. But, if my husband gets his TCL license, he could always moonlight as a driver. Help pay for all that gas!
Shoshannah, IMO we're better off with a wagon so we have more cargo room. I have a business and might sometimes use the car to load up my merchandise. (Though is it's one of those big huge sedans I'll never step foot in it, unless I'm in the back seat with fancy clothes on.) |
mem aka "toots"
Citizen
Username: Mem
Post Number: 2297
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 12:59 pm: |
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Shh,
There's a car up on blocks over at Marshall's house. Apparently it's free.
I have special dispensation to sit in judgment on the lives of everyone, particularly on those I disagree with politically.
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shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 758
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 1:01 pm: |
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Jackie, I was actually thinking about the CRV. When we were looking into the Outback that was another option for us. Since you're a former minivan driver, do you notice a huge amount of difference in the cargo room?
I don't know what the size difference is between the CRV and the Subaru at this point, but I can see those as options.
This is the same position I was in in '99! |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 759
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 1:02 pm: |
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I basically have one of those already in my own driveway Mem. But it's a classic and the guy won't part with it.
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peteglider
Citizen
Username: Peteglider
Post Number: 356
Registered: 8-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 1:07 pm: |
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If you really need to be able to haul stuff, fit 3 kids in (comfortably), you're pretty much talking a mini van, maybe a larger station wagon (Taurus? Saab 9-5? Volvo?).
(Gasp) -- at one point my wife and I both had mini-vans -- to lug the kids and their friends (but I had a very short commute -- and drove the old one!)
This may be heretical -- but maybe you can't get the best of all worlds in 1 vehicle, especially gas mileage!
If your husband is commuting long distances -- then I'd check out a small import sedan -- for instance a Nissan Sentra with a 5 speed will get incredibly good gas mileage. Its reasonably comfortable, and while you wouldn't want to drive cross country with 3 kids in the back -- you'll get around the area just fine.
There are other fine small cars in that class, too. Slightly larger (more money, lower gas mileage, though) could be Accord, Camry, Altima, etc.
If he has to drive really long distances -- maybe even consider the diesel VWs (Golf, maybe Jetta). They cost more -- so you'd have to figure out the ROI. But if its very long driving -- the diesel is a good option.
Good luck -- Pete |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 762
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, November 20, 2003 - 1:28 pm: |
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Pete, you may be right on the money. I'd like both cars to do everything but it might not be possible. I guess as long as all the kids can fit in HIS I don't need to be able to switch with him to lug all my stuff. I can just use the van. He drives a Diesel now (68 MB) and loves it, also says they last longer. Definitely a practical thought. |
Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 196
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 12:37 pm: |
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Shh, the CRV isn't as big as my minivan was (I had an Odyssey), but it's OK for my needs. You can compare cargo space between two car models by going to each maker's web site and getting the specs. I did the same thing this summer when I was comparing the CRV to the Outback. I can't remember which was more. The CRV has more height in its cargo bay because it's an SUV. I also like that it has a swing door vs. an overhead door. I did a pretty intense comparison this summer among the CRV, the Land Rover Freelander, the Outback and the Ford Escape, and the CRV won out because of its styling, specs and price, plus I love Hondas for their reliability and excellent resale values. Good luck! |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1147
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 1:53 pm: |
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My 1995 Saab 9000CS hatchback gets 25 mpg! Unfortunately, I think the newer models don't do as well! The public has not demanded better efficiency! Boy, am I using a lot of exclamation marks!
The VW Passat wagon is similar in size and features to my car. It might have a little more room in back, but not much.
I think both those cars have slightly more rear seating room than a Subaru wagon.
A Ford Taurus might suit you, too.
A Ford Escort (used) or Focus (new) might be OK, though it's a smaller, cheaper car.
The Honda CRV looks like a reasonable compromise for many criteria, but really, why did they have to make it SUV-ish? It's not an offroad vehicle, so it could handle better and get better gas mileage if it weren't so jacked up like an SUV. It does not have more room than a typical station wagon. In fact, I think it has less than my Saab.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 197
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 4:56 pm: |
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Tom, I don't know that being "jacked up like an SUV" affects gas mileage. I think it has more to do with the size of the engine and the car's weight. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1154
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 4:59 pm: |
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Jackie, I don't mean to insult your purchase decision or your car. It really looks like a reasonable vehicle, as I've said. But jacked up does affect mileage, because height does, because height increases air drag. And it adds to the weight. So does the 4WD equipment. For all the height that the chassis adds, it doesn't give you any extra interior room. That's why I wouldn't be interested in an SUV or an SUV-like vehicle, but I am not ready to question someone else's tastes or decisions.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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sportsnut
Citizen
Username: Sportsnut
Post Number: 736
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2003 - 5:07 pm: |
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Jackie - think of it as trying to push a block through the wind at 65 mph. The things you mention also affect gas mileage, as do your driving style etc. As the owner of a "block" and a very aerodynamic car I can definitely feel the difference when driving. FWIW, the both get about the same gas mileage. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 767
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 9:21 am: |
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Husband is now looking at a Civic, though I think a Jetta wagon (45MPG!) would be a great choice because of the added cargo room. |
sac
Citizen
Username: Sac
Post Number: 791
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, November 22, 2003 - 8:55 pm: |
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Civic may be tight in the back but it does have 3 seatbelts (all with shoulder belts.)
We love our Civic (our other car besides a minivan), but we only have two kids and they are both out of carseats.
We looked at the Jetta sedans and really liked them, but didn't like the price premium. Spouse thought that the Jetta handling was a bit better, but I liked the upholstery in the Civic better. Ultimately the price advantage of the Civic made the decision.
Good luck! |
Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 198
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 1:33 pm: |
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Tom and Sportsnut: That does make sense- -- I see what you mean. Speaking of which (at the risk of thread drift), do you know how much one of those cartop boxes for extra luggage affect speed and gas mileage? I have to spring for one this holiday season to lug kids, dog, luggage and Xmas gifts down to Maryland. Dog alone takes a huge section of the cargo area (big dog, likes to lie down!). My father said those cartop boxes (don't know what they're really called) can really slow you down. I am wondering if they make a flatter more aerodynamic one. |
Jackie Day
Citizen
Username: Zoesky1
Post Number: 199
Registered: 6-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 1:35 pm: |
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Tom and Sportsnut: That does make sense- -- I see what you mean. Speaking of which (at the risk of thread drift), do you know how much those cartop boxes for extra luggage affect speed and gas mileage? I have to spring for one this holiday season to lug kids, dog, luggage and Xmas gifts down to Maryland. Dog alone takes a huge section of the cargo area (big dog, likes to lie down!). My father said those cartop boxes (don't know what they're really called) can really slow you down. I am wondering if they make a flatter, more aerodynamic one. |
Tom Reingold the prissy-pants
Citizen
Username: Noglider
Post Number: 1171
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 1:38 pm: |
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They probably don't affect how fast you can go. You'll still be able to push the accelerator down lower to increase speed. I doubt one of those boxes would prevent you from hitting your desired speed. It will decrease your gas mileage and make more noise.
I took a trip in the summer of 2002 with four bikes on my roof rack of my car. My gas mileage went down by about 20%. Bikes could be worse because they have so many facets for the wind to catch. I've seen some streamlined looking luggage boxes. Hey, whatever the price, it's worth it.
Another idea is to rent a minivan. You'd do it not to save money but for comfort.
I know what you mean about the dog, though. We got a greyhound in August. I still haven't decided, but I've been thinking about getting a bigger car. This dog is TALL, and he weighs 80 lbs. And he has his own gear to bring, too, e.g. his huge bed. He's been far more expensive than I had anticipated. But I wouldn't trade him away.
Tom Reingold
There is nothing
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botulismo
Citizen
Username: Botulismo
Post Number: 106
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 11:04 am: |
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We will be looking to sell/trade in our 1997 GLX Passat wagon in the next month. Good gas mileage for a 5 speed six cylinder engine. We normally average 23-27 mpg on 87 octane. Very peppy.
Good space, great handling, 6 CD changer. And we will probably throw in the Thule rack. |
shh
Citizen
Username: Shh
Post Number: 770
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 1:27 pm: |
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By 5 speed do you mean manual transmission? Even though it's for my husband, I should still be able to drive it and I don't do stick. I'm thinking he'll probably want something with better MPG, but definitely put it on MOL or PL me. It's a possibility.
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Jason & John
Citizen
Username: Johnh91011
Post Number: 100
Registered: 3-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2003 - 1:35 pm: |
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I would recommend the Honda Civic as well. I have a 13 year old Civic and it has never (knock on wood) given me any mechanical problem. I still get over 20 mpg.
May be small in the back for 3 car seats.
I would definitely recommend Hondas |
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