What kind of car should my attorney husband buy?
March 17, 2014 3:01 PM Subscribe
Neither my husband nor I are "car people", so we have no clue what kind of cars we should be looking at for him. Details under the cut.
Our family has two cars - a 1998 Camry and a 2006 Altima. The Camry was mine until we had a baby, then we switched cars because it seemed more prudent from a safety perspective since I do 95% of the driving with the kid. The Altima and Camry are both fine and haven't given us too much trouble. The Camry has low mileage for its age, less than 100k. Possibly around 80k. The problem is that the Camry looks its age. We live in the Pacific Northwest and it has that old mossy PNW hoopty look. All the polishing in the world can't make this car look nice. Which we wouldn't care about at all, but my husband is a self-employed attorney who occasionally has to visit the sites of clients and potential clients. On those days, he drives the Altima, but it's not great to switch cars and clear back seat of child seat and toys.
We are exploring the possibility of buying a new or new-to-us car that seems like a nicer car than the Altima. We don't know what that would be, though. Requirements:
1. Must be reliable! No special-needs vehicles. My husband commutes about 150 miles per week, with longer trips here and there.
2. Appears "professional" and "successful-but-not-flaunting-it." We are not trying to impress other attorneys or high income professional urbanites; we do need it to convey a sense of trust and solidity. We'd prefer the car not to read as any particular demographic. For example, we know a Prius is not appropriate at this time, as it reads very left-wing. (We are left-wing, but the clients don't need to know that!) Husband is open to an SUV-type thing. He usually dresses nicely, on the formal, tailored-ish end of business casual or a suit and tie. We're in our 30s with kids. We live in a modest neighborhood - I would prefer that the car not attract any special attention.
3. Comfortable to drive, my husband is tall.
4. Cost - we have no idea. Net income varies from year-to-year, but about $150k. We could probably pay $30-40k cash for a car this afternoon and not flinch, but we'd much rather not as we are generally quite frugal people who live well below our means. But I put it out there to as we don't need the "drive your current cars forever!!!!" budget-minded folks to lecture us. We have the money, it's not an issue. But could we get a nice car for $20k? ... $15k? See, we have no idea. But let me emphasize again that we are frugal and we hate to shop. It's very important to us to keep our general household budget flexible and not over-encumbered with high fixed expenses.
So, within those parameters, what kind of car should we buy?
(Anonymous because I don't want my username affiliated with this question.)
Our family has two cars - a 1998 Camry and a 2006 Altima. The Camry was mine until we had a baby, then we switched cars because it seemed more prudent from a safety perspective since I do 95% of the driving with the kid. The Altima and Camry are both fine and haven't given us too much trouble. The Camry has low mileage for its age, less than 100k. Possibly around 80k. The problem is that the Camry looks its age. We live in the Pacific Northwest and it has that old mossy PNW hoopty look. All the polishing in the world can't make this car look nice. Which we wouldn't care about at all, but my husband is a self-employed attorney who occasionally has to visit the sites of clients and potential clients. On those days, he drives the Altima, but it's not great to switch cars and clear back seat of child seat and toys.
We are exploring the possibility of buying a new or new-to-us car that seems like a nicer car than the Altima. We don't know what that would be, though. Requirements:
1. Must be reliable! No special-needs vehicles. My husband commutes about 150 miles per week, with longer trips here and there.
2. Appears "professional" and "successful-but-not-flaunting-it." We are not trying to impress other attorneys or high income professional urbanites; we do need it to convey a sense of trust and solidity. We'd prefer the car not to read as any particular demographic. For example, we know a Prius is not appropriate at this time, as it reads very left-wing. (We are left-wing, but the clients don't need to know that!) Husband is open to an SUV-type thing. He usually dresses nicely, on the formal, tailored-ish end of business casual or a suit and tie. We're in our 30s with kids. We live in a modest neighborhood - I would prefer that the car not attract any special attention.
3. Comfortable to drive, my husband is tall.
4. Cost - we have no idea. Net income varies from year-to-year, but about $150k. We could probably pay $30-40k cash for a car this afternoon and not flinch, but we'd much rather not as we are generally quite frugal people who live well below our means. But I put it out there to as we don't need the "drive your current cars forever!!!!" budget-minded folks to lecture us. We have the money, it's not an issue. But could we get a nice car for $20k? ... $15k? See, we have no idea. But let me emphasize again that we are frugal and we hate to shop. It's very important to us to keep our general household budget flexible and not over-encumbered with high fixed expenses.
So, within those parameters, what kind of car should we buy?
(Anonymous because I don't want my username affiliated with this question.)
We'd prefer the car not to read as any particular demographic.
New(er) Camry. Accord. They are the vanilla of cars.
posted by holgate at 3:04 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
New(er) Camry. Accord. They are the vanilla of cars.
posted by holgate at 3:04 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
New Subaru Forester? I don't know anyone with a Subaru who doesn't love it.
posted by jabes at 3:05 PM on March 17, 2014 [12 favorites]
posted by jabes at 3:05 PM on March 17, 2014 [12 favorites]
The Subaru Forester just got a redesign in the 2014 model year (2015s are coming around the corner). It's a cross-over SUV (sort of an SUV on a car frame). It's nice enough, and not flashy. It's got some pep--but should be solid as a rock for years. I'm 6'1" and felt like it was huge inside (cabin feels gigantic). Quite safe. Not terribly expensive.
Failing that, an Outback.
Both read sort of left of center, like the Volvo of yesteryear. But it's not a BMW, and it's not a Leaf/Prius, etc.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 3:05 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
Failing that, an Outback.
Both read sort of left of center, like the Volvo of yesteryear. But it's not a BMW, and it's not a Leaf/Prius, etc.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 3:05 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
I personally think that the answer to everything is a Subaru, particularly the Forester, but ymmv.
If you're looking for something a smidge nicer, Acuras are pretty good. Yes, you are basically getting a glorified Honda, but that is by no means a bad thing! The sedans (TLs are the Accord equivalent) are roomy and comfortable for...well, at least for people around 6', as far as I know, and here on a university campus that SUV (I want to say the MDX) is practically de rigueur among administrators.
I like how the Acuras aren't as "cachet" as other luxury brands, but are still nicer, even nine years out. They're very approachable. Bonus: they make fantastic kid cars when you're done with it as a main car.
In the past several years, Lexus has gotten ugly and boring. Don't go there.
posted by Madamina at 3:07 PM on March 17, 2014
If you're looking for something a smidge nicer, Acuras are pretty good. Yes, you are basically getting a glorified Honda, but that is by no means a bad thing! The sedans (TLs are the Accord equivalent) are roomy and comfortable for...well, at least for people around 6', as far as I know, and here on a university campus that SUV (I want to say the MDX) is practically de rigueur among administrators.
I like how the Acuras aren't as "cachet" as other luxury brands, but are still nicer, even nine years out. They're very approachable. Bonus: they make fantastic kid cars when you're done with it as a main car.
In the past several years, Lexus has gotten ugly and boring. Don't go there.
posted by Madamina at 3:07 PM on March 17, 2014
A new or slightly used Toyota Camry or Honda Accord sounds like just what you need. Both get good gas mileage and are comfortable and don't say very much about you except that you are practical.
If you want to step down in price, look at a Honda Civic.
Edmunds.com can give you a good idea of current pricing. Here's their info about 2014 Honda Accords.
Why not test drive one of each? And check Craigslist for slightly used versions as well.
posted by bluedaisy at 3:07 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
If you want to step down in price, look at a Honda Civic.
Edmunds.com can give you a good idea of current pricing. Here's their info about 2014 Honda Accords.
Why not test drive one of each? And check Craigslist for slightly used versions as well.
posted by bluedaisy at 3:07 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
You could get a 2-3-year-old loaded Honda CR-V for about $20-25K. Crossover SUV, good mileage, drives like a car, not flashy but respectably nice. Bonus: great family car, fits any carseat easily and so much room in the back for groceries, weekend getaways, etc. Look at Consumer Reports, Subarus have major engine trouble after 4-5 years but the Hondas are still solid after 10 years. Ours was really comfy to drive and plenty of headroom, height should not be an issue. (Yes we no longer own one, but it wasn't the car's fault, just downsizing.)
posted by rabbitrabbit at 3:09 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by rabbitrabbit at 3:09 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
Nthing Camry or Accord. My 1999 Camry was recently totalled in a freeway accident, and my insurance company rented me a 2013 Camry while we were buying a new car. They are very pleasant cars without being remotely ostentatious. We ended up replacing our Camry with a 2012 Corolla for cost reasons, which is also very nice.
Incidentally, we bought that Corolla through the Hertz Car Sales program, which was a really nice way to buy a car for our purposes. It was impeccably maintained, Carfax certified, and $1000 below blue book. I had a really hard time finding late-model used Corollas or Camrys for sale, partly because people who buy a Toyota in 2012 aren't looking to sell it for ten years, but the Hertz people had a great selection. We are also in the PNW, memail me if you want to know more.
posted by KathrynT at 3:09 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
Incidentally, we bought that Corolla through the Hertz Car Sales program, which was a really nice way to buy a car for our purposes. It was impeccably maintained, Carfax certified, and $1000 below blue book. I had a really hard time finding late-model used Corollas or Camrys for sale, partly because people who buy a Toyota in 2012 aren't looking to sell it for ten years, but the Hertz people had a great selection. We are also in the PNW, memail me if you want to know more.
posted by KathrynT at 3:09 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
I was given a Toyota RAV the last time I rented a car...a mini SUV much like a station wagon.
posted by brujita at 3:10 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by brujita at 3:10 PM on March 17, 2014
Mazda-5 or CX-5 are nice & bland looking SUV-ish cars. I think my vet has one; they look nice but are entirely forgettable.
(Though I have a personal vendetta against Mazda having bought a lemon at one point in my life.)
posted by St. Peepsburg at 3:11 PM on March 17, 2014
(Though I have a personal vendetta against Mazda having bought a lemon at one point in my life.)
posted by St. Peepsburg at 3:11 PM on March 17, 2014
I don't know why anyone buys anything but a subaru. And in the PNW with a kiddo? Forester or outback would be perfect. Reliable, safe, awd for your mountain adventures. A great car everyone respects but not flashy.
I wanna say a new outback is around 25k. You could get a lightly used one for mid teens.
posted by Lutoslawski at 3:20 PM on March 17, 2014
I wanna say a new outback is around 25k. You could get a lightly used one for mid teens.
posted by Lutoslawski at 3:20 PM on March 17, 2014
IMO, a Subaru reads at least as lefty as a Prius, but it might just be that they're less common in the midwest.
Accord or Camry, like everyone else said. One of the nice things about those, too, is that they don't really look their age - I drive a 12-year-old Civic, but it looks like pretty much every other car on the road, which is nice.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 3:22 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
Accord or Camry, like everyone else said. One of the nice things about those, too, is that they don't really look their age - I drive a 12-year-old Civic, but it looks like pretty much every other car on the road, which is nice.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 3:22 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
Another vote for Honda Accord or CR-V. I've driven both those cars and they're the nicer looking Hondas. They're very reliable and I don't think they communicate a certain demographic.
Also, Volkswagen Tiguan? My friend has one and it's awesome - very roomy, comfortable and sleek-looking. I have a Volkswagen myself, and it's 12 years old and still going strong!
posted by cyml at 3:24 PM on March 17, 2014
Also, Volkswagen Tiguan? My friend has one and it's awesome - very roomy, comfortable and sleek-looking. I have a Volkswagen myself, and it's 12 years old and still going strong!
posted by cyml at 3:24 PM on March 17, 2014
You might consider leasing a new vehicle - I seem to recall that lease payments for vehicles used for work are tax deductible - but talk to your accountant on that.
I recommend a Toyota Camry, it's nice without being super ostentatious and will go for eons if you keep it that long.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 3:25 PM on March 17, 2014
I recommend a Toyota Camry, it's nice without being super ostentatious and will go for eons if you keep it that long.
posted by Pogo_Fuzzybutt at 3:25 PM on March 17, 2014
I like my Acura. It's as nice as any fancy comparable German car I've been in, for a lot less. What you lose in "slightly boring" you make up for in inexpensive/rarely-needed repairs.
posted by cecic at 3:25 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by cecic at 3:25 PM on March 17, 2014
I drive a Corolla and feel like it's probably smaller than you'll want, and feels chintzier than a Camry. But maybe if you got whatever the fully loaded edition is?
My previous car was a Honda Civic, and it was quite a bit older than anything you'd be looking at, but it felt much smaller than my Corolla, way way smaller than a midsized sedan would be.
posted by Sara C. at 3:28 PM on March 17, 2014
My previous car was a Honda Civic, and it was quite a bit older than anything you'd be looking at, but it felt much smaller than my Corolla, way way smaller than a midsized sedan would be.
posted by Sara C. at 3:28 PM on March 17, 2014
Regarding comfort, an SUV generally rides rougher and is noisier than a sedan.
posted by canoehead at 3:29 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by canoehead at 3:29 PM on March 17, 2014
A Subaru in the PNW is not lefty; it's every third car.
A Legacy looks like a Camry or Accord, but it's AWD which is great in the PNW (and not just in the snow -- it handles super well in wet weather too). It's safe, comfortable, zero emissions, and elegant looking without being over the top. It looks like success, but not ostentatious success. Full disclosure: I love my Legacy and I'm an attorney, but I never travel to client sites.
posted by Capri at 3:29 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
A Legacy looks like a Camry or Accord, but it's AWD which is great in the PNW (and not just in the snow -- it handles super well in wet weather too). It's safe, comfortable, zero emissions, and elegant looking without being over the top. It looks like success, but not ostentatious success. Full disclosure: I love my Legacy and I'm an attorney, but I never travel to client sites.
posted by Capri at 3:29 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
~2010 Infinit G37x . Absolutely awesome car to drive, can be had for <$30k. All kinds of nice things that a Camry or Accord will not offer you. In terms of image, says "loves quality and understands value" to someone who knows cars. Says "this is a decent car" to someone who doesn't know cars but would perceive a BMW, Benz or Lexus as flashy. Is the only car as likely to be the daily driver of a guy making $100k a year as a guy making $1mm+ a year.
posted by MattD at 3:32 PM on March 17, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by MattD at 3:32 PM on March 17, 2014 [3 favorites]
Also -- is RWD on the highway and 4WD in the snow / ice etc., which is God's own performance specification.
posted by MattD at 3:34 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by MattD at 3:34 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
Also a possibility, maybe go for a test drive: the Toyota Avalon, which is slightly larger than the Camry, or its souped-up equivalent, the Lexus ES.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 3:36 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 3:36 PM on March 17, 2014
Another vote for a Forester, it'll allow him to blend-in in a good way in your region.
posted by quince at 3:45 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by quince at 3:45 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
Consumer Reports loves the Camry Hybrid, so if the only thing scaring you off the Prius is that it reads as a "lefty" car you could still get a hybrid. Toyota Camry is about as ideologically neutral a car as you could buy (I don't imagine that in the Pacific Northwest there's much of a "Buy American" mentality) that says nothing other than "solidly middle class and values reliability." You have to look fairly closely to notice it's the hybrid version and even if you do, there's no particular stereotypical image of the left hybrid Camry driver.
posted by yoink at 3:47 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by yoink at 3:47 PM on March 17, 2014
My lawyer dad drove a Hyundai Sonata for a few years for all the reasons you've listed and had much satisfaction with it.
posted by mibo at 3:48 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by mibo at 3:48 PM on March 17, 2014
My Subaru (Legacy) is the best and most reliable car I have ever owned, hands down. (I say that even now that I've had to do a bunch of service to it in the past few months, at 128k miles.) Stuff I've had to service has mostly been wear items like tires, brakes, and belts.
When my car finally drops dead, I am going to buy another Subaru.
Some Subarus do, however, read as left-wing. However, the Pacific Northwest, to me, reads as left-wing.
posted by tckma at 3:51 PM on March 17, 2014
When my car finally drops dead, I am going to buy another Subaru.
Some Subarus do, however, read as left-wing. However, the Pacific Northwest, to me, reads as left-wing.
posted by tckma at 3:51 PM on March 17, 2014
Some Subarus do, however, read as left-wing.
Subaru has quite a long history of actively promoting its brand to gay and lesbian communities (particularly lesbian)--which has, in turn, payed off in notably high sales among lesbian car buyers. You'd think that that would color the way the brand is perceived, politically, among the general population. Whether it does or not, though, I don't know.
posted by yoink at 3:56 PM on March 17, 2014
Subaru has quite a long history of actively promoting its brand to gay and lesbian communities (particularly lesbian)--which has, in turn, payed off in notably high sales among lesbian car buyers. You'd think that that would color the way the brand is perceived, politically, among the general population. Whether it does or not, though, I don't know.
posted by yoink at 3:56 PM on March 17, 2014
I'm not sure why BMW is considered flashy? This is America where a BMW runs you less than $40K. It's not like you're in Europe/Australia where taxes take the price up past $50K and they become more of a status symbol.
My vote would be for a 320xi simply because even base model BMWs can be incredibly comfortable, spacious and of exceptional build quality. Plus you get four years servicing for free which is always a plus.
posted by Talez at 3:57 PM on March 17, 2014
My vote would be for a 320xi simply because even base model BMWs can be incredibly comfortable, spacious and of exceptional build quality. Plus you get four years servicing for free which is always a plus.
posted by Talez at 3:57 PM on March 17, 2014
Like many people here, I view the Honda Accord as the most blandly practical and usable car around, and a new or well-maintained one speaks of a certain amount of disposable income, but if you don't mind broadcasting your flash a bit more, the Acura equivalent (the TSX, I think?) seems to be a badge of unassuming prosperity. It's featureful and comfortable, and has slightly sportier curves, but it's not exactly what people think of as flaunting one's wealth.
posted by jackbishop at 3:59 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by jackbishop at 3:59 PM on March 17, 2014
I'm not sure why BMW is considered flashy?
It doesn't matter if the perception is rational, though, does it, but whether the perception actually exists. "Some self-satisfied asshole in a Beemer" is a genuinely existing cultural stereotype, whether it ought to be or not.
posted by yoink at 4:00 PM on March 17, 2014 [10 favorites]
It doesn't matter if the perception is rational, though, does it, but whether the perception actually exists. "Some self-satisfied asshole in a Beemer" is a genuinely existing cultural stereotype, whether it ought to be or not.
posted by yoink at 4:00 PM on March 17, 2014 [10 favorites]
Consider the Acura TSX. Depending on your negotiating skills and which car you trade in, you can likely knock the price down substantially (sticker is around $30k). Several years ago the TSX may have read a little young, but Acura now once again has an entry-level model; thus, the TSX by comparison looks more conservative. If it still reads too young to you, consider the sport wagon version. That version would also offer your husband a bit more room.
Acura is Honda's luxury brand but it's not as flashy (or pricey) as a high-end BMW, Land Rover, or Mercedes. Acura is the definition of "successful but not flaunting it."
posted by pecanpies at 4:07 PM on March 17, 2014
Acura is Honda's luxury brand but it's not as flashy (or pricey) as a high-end BMW, Land Rover, or Mercedes. Acura is the definition of "successful but not flaunting it."
posted by pecanpies at 4:07 PM on March 17, 2014
The Audis are a step up from VWs (I just got a new-to-me Jetta and I LOVE it, having moved from a Corolla. Leg room in the newer Corollas was insufficient for me). If a Jetta or Passat wouldn't do it for you, try the Audis. Very comfy for tall people and every person I've ever known with one has loved it forever.
Honestly, if I were you I'd probably just go for the Passat.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 4:10 PM on March 17, 2014
Honestly, if I were you I'd probably just go for the Passat.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 4:10 PM on March 17, 2014
One of my coworkers has a newer Camry, and I was surprised at how large, nice, and comfortable it was the first time I got in it.
posted by jeoc at 4:12 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by jeoc at 4:12 PM on March 17, 2014
Consumer Reports doesn't think very highly of the Passat's reliability. If that's a really major point for you, OP, I'd steer clear of VW.
posted by yoink at 4:16 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by yoink at 4:16 PM on March 17, 2014
You can get a Camry or Avalon hybrid, if you're willing to buy new and pay the extra. It's not immediately obvious from the outside that that the cars are hybrids.
I think the Avalon is a lovely car, personally.
posted by catalytics at 4:18 PM on March 17, 2014
I think the Avalon is a lovely car, personally.
posted by catalytics at 4:18 PM on March 17, 2014
You can get a Mazda 6 for the low 20s. It's more exciting to drive than a Honda or a Toyota, but not as flashy as an Audi or a BMW.
posted by mogget at 4:18 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by mogget at 4:18 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
In my experience the Subaru Forester says "suburban parentmobile." I mean, in my experience as a Forester driver who parks next to like six other Foresters at preschool every morning.
posted by escabeche at 4:24 PM on March 17, 2014 [4 favorites]
posted by escabeche at 4:24 PM on March 17, 2014 [4 favorites]
Acura MDX (Smooth ride, seats 7)
Lexus RX Hybrid (Smooth riding, hybrid)
Infiniti QX60 (Fun to drive)
Midsized, near-luxury SUVs. All are reliable and not at all flashy for a successful attorney. One you negotiate, all will run you about 40K.
*Note: I'm driving a 14 year old Infiniti SUV and it's still rock solid. I'd buy another one, no questions asked.
posted by 26.2 at 4:27 PM on March 17, 2014
Lexus RX Hybrid (Smooth riding, hybrid)
Infiniti QX60 (Fun to drive)
Midsized, near-luxury SUVs. All are reliable and not at all flashy for a successful attorney. One you negotiate, all will run you about 40K.
*Note: I'm driving a 14 year old Infiniti SUV and it's still rock solid. I'd buy another one, no questions asked.
posted by 26.2 at 4:27 PM on March 17, 2014
A BMW is definitely not neutral. Just today I noticed that a car advertising a therapist's services on the side was a (not-ancient) BMW and was notably surprised that a non-PhD-level therapist was driving a BMW.
posted by needs more cowbell at 4:36 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by needs more cowbell at 4:36 PM on March 17, 2014
The reason people are saying Honda or Toyota is because they are the most reliable vehicles to own.
Husbunny works classing vehicles, and Hondas and Toyotas are class 1 vechicles. Cheap to own, cheap to fix and rarely breakdown.
Volvos are being reclassed this year to 13. So...yes, nice to look at, expensive to own.
I'm a Honda person, I love my Civic, I had an Accord V6 prior to that (but my commute is now 3 miles...so I barely even need a car.)
If you want to class it up, go Acura or Lexus.
Enjoy your new vehicle!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 4:52 PM on March 17, 2014
Husbunny works classing vehicles, and Hondas and Toyotas are class 1 vechicles. Cheap to own, cheap to fix and rarely breakdown.
Volvos are being reclassed this year to 13. So...yes, nice to look at, expensive to own.
I'm a Honda person, I love my Civic, I had an Accord V6 prior to that (but my commute is now 3 miles...so I barely even need a car.)
If you want to class it up, go Acura or Lexus.
Enjoy your new vehicle!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 4:52 PM on March 17, 2014
Yeah, I'm specifically recommending a Toyota because I was hit on the freeway at 80 mph, totaling my car, and I have some mild whiplash and that's all. I don't even have a seatbelt bruise. I feel pretty warm towards Toyota right now.
posted by KathrynT at 4:58 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by KathrynT at 4:58 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
Whether or not you plan on expanding the family will also be relevant to your choice. If one or more extra kids are in the cards, then you might want to look into the larger crossovers, with an eye to child-seat compatibility and ease of access. The Nissan Pathfinder/Infiniti QX60 seem to do well in this respect.
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 5:08 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by Monday, stony Monday at 5:08 PM on March 17, 2014
My previous car was a Honda Civic, and it was quite a bit older than anything you'd be looking at, but it felt much smaller than my Corolla, way way smaller than a midsized sedan would be.
Civics and Accords have expanded since 2000 or so, so the Fit now occupies the spot of the old Civic, the Civic of the old Accord, etc.
The Ford Fusion is being marketed against the Camry and Accord. It has a front end like a guppy's gob, and also had some unfortunate engine fire recalls, but it gets "buy American" points if that matters, and the hybrid won't generate the same stereotypes as a Prius. But, not as safe or frugal a choice.
I live in one of the other big Subaru markets, and the perception sort of splits between "practical AWD that suits the terrain" and "treehugging hippiemobile", especially for the green/grey ones.
It's not like you're in Europe/Australia where taxes take the [BMW] price up past $50K and they become more of a status symbol.
It's also not like you're in Europe, especially Germany, where you can get a 316i with cloth interior and it's not considered quite so much of a personal statement. (The same applies to other German cars at this price level: the Audi A6 in a Euro spec is a somewhat different beast from the models sold in the US in terms of perception and value for money.)
posted by holgate at 5:43 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
Civics and Accords have expanded since 2000 or so, so the Fit now occupies the spot of the old Civic, the Civic of the old Accord, etc.
The Ford Fusion is being marketed against the Camry and Accord. It has a front end like a guppy's gob, and also had some unfortunate engine fire recalls, but it gets "buy American" points if that matters, and the hybrid won't generate the same stereotypes as a Prius. But, not as safe or frugal a choice.
I live in one of the other big Subaru markets, and the perception sort of splits between "practical AWD that suits the terrain" and "treehugging hippiemobile", especially for the green/grey ones.
It's not like you're in Europe/Australia where taxes take the [BMW] price up past $50K and they become more of a status symbol.
It's also not like you're in Europe, especially Germany, where you can get a 316i with cloth interior and it's not considered quite so much of a personal statement. (The same applies to other German cars at this price level: the Audi A6 in a Euro spec is a somewhat different beast from the models sold in the US in terms of perception and value for money.)
posted by holgate at 5:43 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
What about giving him back the Altima, and you getting a third-row car? That's what we did a few years ago-- a Mazda5, because you can easily fit four kids and two adults, or two kids and four adults, on a Civic-sized wheel base, so it drives like a car instead of a minivan. If carpools are in your future, I highly recommend it.
posted by instamatic at 6:12 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by instamatic at 6:12 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
I love my 15-year-old Subaru impreza wagon-- I've not had the engine troubles mentioned above. It probably reads lefty due to the (ahem) bumper stickers. However, my fox-news- watching in-laws have a Legacy wagon and they love it. So if you're considering a Subaru, I think you'll be okay with either end of the political spectrum.
posted by tuesdayschild at 6:29 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by tuesdayschild at 6:29 PM on March 17, 2014
Subaru S60 or XC60 if you want something reliable, genuinely nice, and with a reputation for being driven by logical, stable people. Out-of-warranty maintenance can be pricey, but the car itself will be reliable.
posted by davejay at 6:37 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by davejay at 6:37 PM on March 17, 2014
If you are in the position to buy a car outright, you are in a great position to buy something gently used. 2-5 years old. Not only will it be shiny, smell good, have curb appeal, look great to clients, etc., but you avoid taking the initial financial hit that makes new cars one of the worst financial decisions anyone can make. Appeals to your husband's clients. Appeals to your frugality. Everybody wins except Bank of America.
posted by tapesonthefloor at 6:39 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by tapesonthefloor at 6:39 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
Vote here for the Acura TSX. Basically a short wheelbase Honda Accord. Good work car and within your price range. Honda reliability and it has a certain elan that is not too flashy.
posted by mygoditsbob at 7:12 PM on March 17, 2014
posted by mygoditsbob at 7:12 PM on March 17, 2014
Go for a certified pre-owned Honda Accord or similar coming off lease. They tend to be nicer cars, just 2 or 3 years old and have the initial huge value loss taken out of the price. But they've also been rigorously vetted and are sold with an extended warranty - the price isn't as low as you'd get from a private seller, but I think it's worth it. I got a 1997 Accord in 1999 and have had no trouble from it for the past 15 years.
You can get both the Civic and the Accord in hybrid models, although those are harder to find used - the styling is exactly the same as the regular models, there's just a tiny badge below the car name.
I think the reason why I and so many others are plumping for Honda or Toyota is that they're ultra-reliable and aggressively non-political/non-statement type cars. They don't have any stinky hippie or Richie Rich airs to them, loads of people drive them and yet they're nice, non-hoopty cars. Also, did I mention reliable and cheap to fix? Cause, damn, are they reliable and cheap to fix.
posted by clerestory at 7:23 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
You can get both the Civic and the Accord in hybrid models, although those are harder to find used - the styling is exactly the same as the regular models, there's just a tiny badge below the car name.
I think the reason why I and so many others are plumping for Honda or Toyota is that they're ultra-reliable and aggressively non-political/non-statement type cars. They don't have any stinky hippie or Richie Rich airs to them, loads of people drive them and yet they're nice, non-hoopty cars. Also, did I mention reliable and cheap to fix? Cause, damn, are they reliable and cheap to fix.
posted by clerestory at 7:23 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
In addition to your requirements I would add: safety. The car you get should be safe.
US crash test results from the feds and from the insurance biz with an explanation from Car and Driver, but the big issue is that feds include a new roll over test that many recent cars do poorly on. Roll overs are a big issue for any sort of suv or cuv or other tall vehicle.
The Europeans also have the NCAP test and it includes simulating running over a pedestrian. It should NOT be surprising that SUV's are much more deadly in accidents with pedestrians, so a second demerit for such types of vehicles.
So to address your points:
Spec 1. Must be reliable! Data! Let's use it! There are lots of different metrics - I am going to suggest just one: trade in quality index. Go look at this chart for manufacture quality and this one for milage at trade in. What you see is that 4 brands stand out: Acura, Lexus, Honda and Toyota. No surprises there. The Subaru does worse in this particular measure than GMC and Ford but isn't terrible. Infinity are also ok.
Spec 2: Appears "professional" and "successful-but-not-flaunting-it" & prefer that the car not attract any special attention. Mid or Full sized sedan from Acura or Lexus, or Infinity. I have an older Lexus LS. No one ever cares.
Spec 3. Comfortable to drive, my husband is tall. Mid or full sized sedan from Acura or Lexus Or Infinity. Or one from Honda or Toyota.
Spec 4. $30-40k cash new Honda or Toyota or recent mid sized Lexus or Acura $20k? ... $15k? Decent older machine but GET IT INSPECTED. Who owned it and how it was maintained will be the most important factor for it's condition. Others have noted the initial depreciation makes used cars a smarter choice.
posted by zenon at 8:45 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
US crash test results from the feds and from the insurance biz with an explanation from Car and Driver, but the big issue is that feds include a new roll over test that many recent cars do poorly on. Roll overs are a big issue for any sort of suv or cuv or other tall vehicle.
The Europeans also have the NCAP test and it includes simulating running over a pedestrian. It should NOT be surprising that SUV's are much more deadly in accidents with pedestrians, so a second demerit for such types of vehicles.
So to address your points:
Spec 1. Must be reliable! Data! Let's use it! There are lots of different metrics - I am going to suggest just one: trade in quality index. Go look at this chart for manufacture quality and this one for milage at trade in. What you see is that 4 brands stand out: Acura, Lexus, Honda and Toyota. No surprises there. The Subaru does worse in this particular measure than GMC and Ford but isn't terrible. Infinity are also ok.
Spec 2: Appears "professional" and "successful-but-not-flaunting-it" & prefer that the car not attract any special attention. Mid or Full sized sedan from Acura or Lexus, or Infinity. I have an older Lexus LS. No one ever cares.
Spec 3. Comfortable to drive, my husband is tall. Mid or full sized sedan from Acura or Lexus Or Infinity. Or one from Honda or Toyota.
Spec 4. $30-40k cash new Honda or Toyota or recent mid sized Lexus or Acura $20k? ... $15k? Decent older machine but GET IT INSPECTED. Who owned it and how it was maintained will be the most important factor for it's condition. Others have noted the initial depreciation makes used cars a smarter choice.
posted by zenon at 8:45 PM on March 17, 2014 [1 favorite]
Real life examples of low milage cars from Seattle craigslist at the upper end of things:
2010 Lexus LS460 is 40 000. The LS like it's sibling the GS 4** series has a V8 so it is not "great on gas" but is very comfy. I love mine. I would suggest something from 2006 on. Full sized means its got room for yer fella, and the groceries and the kids. Very popular so lots available on the used market.
This Lexus GS 350 would put you out 23 000 for a mid sized sedan with a v6 so it's better on gas than the LS. Also very nice reliable car.
A practically new Lexus ES can be had for 38 000. It shares a platform with the Toyota Camry (and about a half dozen other cars) so this makes it reliable and relatively inexpensive to repair, making it a strong choice.
The Acura RL (now RLX) is Honda's full sized sedan although recent low mile units will be more difficult to get your hands on because as soon as people buy these things they drive them around the whole damn continent. Here's one for 32 000. Get one after 2005.
The Acura TL is the popular one in the US and for good reason: They're great. Here's one for 36 000 and a you can even get a particularly quick one like this but you'll want to check with how much it costs to insure first.
Acura's TSX is also a solid choice, which our Europeans friends would recognize as a Honda Accord. Which it is over there. But over here its an Acura. What that means is you will need to get your humans inside one because this is the smallest car I've suggest so far. A bargain for a recent one, checks all your boxes twice. Here's one for 23 000.
Infinity. This one is easy. G35 Sedan. 2001-2007 (aka third generation). Newer ones, the G37, aren't terrible or anything, just a preference. Here's a recent one, and an older unit for basically the same price of 21 000.
posted by zenon at 8:52 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
2010 Lexus LS460 is 40 000. The LS like it's sibling the GS 4** series has a V8 so it is not "great on gas" but is very comfy. I love mine. I would suggest something from 2006 on. Full sized means its got room for yer fella, and the groceries and the kids. Very popular so lots available on the used market.
This Lexus GS 350 would put you out 23 000 for a mid sized sedan with a v6 so it's better on gas than the LS. Also very nice reliable car.
A practically new Lexus ES can be had for 38 000. It shares a platform with the Toyota Camry (and about a half dozen other cars) so this makes it reliable and relatively inexpensive to repair, making it a strong choice.
The Acura RL (now RLX) is Honda's full sized sedan although recent low mile units will be more difficult to get your hands on because as soon as people buy these things they drive them around the whole damn continent. Here's one for 32 000. Get one after 2005.
The Acura TL is the popular one in the US and for good reason: They're great. Here's one for 36 000 and a you can even get a particularly quick one like this but you'll want to check with how much it costs to insure first.
Acura's TSX is also a solid choice, which our Europeans friends would recognize as a Honda Accord. Which it is over there. But over here its an Acura. What that means is you will need to get your humans inside one because this is the smallest car I've suggest so far. A bargain for a recent one, checks all your boxes twice. Here's one for 23 000.
Infinity. This one is easy. G35 Sedan. 2001-2007 (aka third generation). Newer ones, the G37, aren't terrible or anything, just a preference. Here's a recent one, and an older unit for basically the same price of 21 000.
posted by zenon at 8:52 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]
Volvo XC60. Safe, roomy enough, good ride, not flashy, storage space in the back, comes with free maintenance.
posted by Dansaman at 12:54 AM on March 18, 2014
posted by Dansaman at 12:54 AM on March 18, 2014
BMW X1
posted by modernnomad at 5:31 AM on March 18, 2014
posted by modernnomad at 5:31 AM on March 18, 2014
I'm a little confused by your PNW cultural thing since I don't live there, but I'm thinking largely of the need to haul your family and its stuff around. I don't like mini-vans or SUVs so I'd be thinking classic station wagon in this case.
You might want to look at the Volvo V60. It's been a European-only model previously, but Volvo are bringing it to the U.S. for the new model year. Which means you won't find a gently used one but would have to buy new, which sounds like it may not be what you want to do. But it's a solid car (review here).
And the Volvo reads as fun-loving but not flashy, safe, level-headed and reliable. (at least to me, though I was shocked and saddened to learn that other people feel quite differently)
posted by Naberius at 7:39 AM on March 18, 2014
You might want to look at the Volvo V60. It's been a European-only model previously, but Volvo are bringing it to the U.S. for the new model year. Which means you won't find a gently used one but would have to buy new, which sounds like it may not be what you want to do. But it's a solid car (review here).
And the Volvo reads as fun-loving but not flashy, safe, level-headed and reliable. (at least to me, though I was shocked and saddened to learn that other people feel quite differently)
posted by Naberius at 7:39 AM on March 18, 2014
My vote would be for a 320xi simply because even base model BMWs can be incredibly comfortable, spacious and of exceptional build quality. Plus you get four years servicing for free which is always a plus.
Don't go with a low-end Beemer. People below your station will be all, like, "thinks he's better than me" and people above your station will be all, like "I don't know why BMW allows riff-raff to drive their brand..." --- plus for the neighborhood considerations you mentioned.
posted by vitabellosi at 11:09 AM on March 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Don't go with a low-end Beemer. People below your station will be all, like, "thinks he's better than me" and people above your station will be all, like "I don't know why BMW allows riff-raff to drive their brand..." --- plus for the neighborhood considerations you mentioned.
posted by vitabellosi at 11:09 AM on March 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
My wife and I have been pretty happy with our VW Passat. It's not a flashy car, but my wife's boss who drives a very pricey Audi has remarked several times what a nice looking car it is. (I joke that she should offer to trade). My wife drives it about 350 miles per week on her commute, and we haven't had any issues with it. I'm fairly tall, and there's even more room to put the seat further back than what I need.
posted by borkencode at 11:51 AM on March 18, 2014
posted by borkencode at 11:51 AM on March 18, 2014
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by Sara C. at 3:03 PM on March 17, 2014 [2 favorites]