What's a good car for me?
April 14, 2015 11:16 PM Subscribe
I take public transit to work but drive a few miles approximately twice a week to take kids to activities. Car2Go doesn't work well with carseats and may not be reliable enough for my needs. Given my infrequent driving, what are some reliable, affordable used cars I should consider. With carpooling, there might be 3 school-aged kids in the car in boosters.
You sound like an ideal candidate for an electric car. Right now a used Nissan Leaf is selling very cheaply because people believe the myth that EV batteries die quickly. If you live in a cold region, just be sure to get a 2012 or newer model that comes with cold weather features. According to my quick googling, it seems you can indeed fit 3 car seats in the back of a leaf, as well.
posted by Poldo at 5:09 AM on April 15, 2015
posted by Poldo at 5:09 AM on April 15, 2015
Is a cargo bike an option? If it's only a few miles, it seems crazy to invest in all that a car entails, and I've found my Yuba to be able to handle two kids. If the kid are school age they may also be able to ride their own bikes. Can you ask a neighbor to borrow a car for $20 each time?
posted by metasarah at 7:31 AM on April 15, 2015
posted by metasarah at 7:31 AM on April 15, 2015
If it works for you an electric car is a great choice for occasional use like you are describing. And lease returns Leafs are stupid cheap.
My goto, cheap, reliable car for anyone is a first generation Honda CRV, made from 1995 to 2001. They basically a honda civic with a lift kit and AWD.
They can fit at least 2 car seats in the back (three is going to be tough). They are readily convertible to multiple uses (cargo, people, skiing, whatever) get reasonable mileage (mid 20's or better for most people), easy to work on (its a honda civic, remember?) and everyone knows how to work on them, parts are cheap and readily available, both new and used. They are small enough to be easy to park but big enough to be really useful.
In many ways they are the same size, and market niche, as the current honda Fit (a askmefi favorite) but they cost less then 5k now for a good, clean one. Don't be too worried about high mileage-my niece has one going strong at 250k and so do lots of other people. And you don't want to spend the money on a new, low mileage car anyway as it isn't A. supercritical for your life B. you only use it two or three days a week.
posted by bartonlong at 9:01 AM on April 15, 2015
My goto, cheap, reliable car for anyone is a first generation Honda CRV, made from 1995 to 2001. They basically a honda civic with a lift kit and AWD.
They can fit at least 2 car seats in the back (three is going to be tough). They are readily convertible to multiple uses (cargo, people, skiing, whatever) get reasonable mileage (mid 20's or better for most people), easy to work on (its a honda civic, remember?) and everyone knows how to work on them, parts are cheap and readily available, both new and used. They are small enough to be easy to park but big enough to be really useful.
In many ways they are the same size, and market niche, as the current honda Fit (a askmefi favorite) but they cost less then 5k now for a good, clean one. Don't be too worried about high mileage-my niece has one going strong at 250k and so do lots of other people. And you don't want to spend the money on a new, low mileage car anyway as it isn't A. supercritical for your life B. you only use it two or three days a week.
posted by bartonlong at 9:01 AM on April 15, 2015
I don't have any particular suggestions, but do keep in mind that if you plan to have 3 boosters across the back, the middle seat will need to have a lap and shoulder belt. This has been more common in cars in recent years years, but (for example) the center seat of our 2002 Saturn has a lap belt only--this was pretty standard for a long time, so check that out as you are searching.
posted by Jemstar at 9:02 AM on April 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Jemstar at 9:02 AM on April 15, 2015 [1 favorite]
How much can you afford? An older Volvo 10-15 years old are nearly indestructible, won't cost you too much in gas since trips are infrequent, and old enough insurance should be cheap.
But since you use it so infrequently, I'd still say you should look into ZipCar or similar services.
posted by kschang at 11:30 AM on April 15, 2015
But since you use it so infrequently, I'd still say you should look into ZipCar or similar services.
posted by kschang at 11:30 AM on April 15, 2015
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posted by girlpublisher at 3:08 AM on April 15, 2015