What to buy - if I do

[jake75]

My youngest son age 36 with a lot of personal and financial issues is in need of a replacement vehicle. The 1998 swb Plymouth Voyager I gave him in 2001 is on its last legs. His "work" needs makes this minivan attractive., I might be able to get a newer low mileage model at auction for $6,000 or so. Or I have a 2007 swb T&C with less than 20,000 miles that is worth about $10,000 - I would need a replacement - something a bit bigger than my 09 Vibe. My short list compiled at the auto show last weekend includes the Honda CRV, Mazda x5, Toyota Rav 4, Elantra Sport Wagon, Subaru Impreza hatchback wagon, Chevy Equinox, etc. The first 3 would cost me about $25,000, the last three about $20,000 (GM Card on the Equinox helps here). Fortunately for a lot of reasons this is not a major financial issue no matter what I end up doing. Looking for input/opinions.

[09vGT]

I REALLY like the looks of the new Honda CRV. There are so many RAV4's on the road, but they look good too. That'd be my second choice.

[KITT222]

No doubt that I'd go for the MX5 or Equinox. Equinox because GM, but MX5 because of the driving dynamics and great gas mileage. Also, you'd be unique, and not just another CRV on the road.

[Kincaid]

Not sure what the Equinox gets in the city but the hwy mileage is better than the 2.4L Vibe. I might go with that.Mazda 5 is a great choice and if Pontiac hadn't let me use all my card points the 5 would have been top on the list. I don't care so much for the recent re-style, however.The Elantra Touring hauls more than the Vibe and gets better mpg to boot, but that design is getting a bit long in the tooth - would be great if they did a Elantra wagon or a Sonata wagon.The CR-V is very nice and is now tops on my wife's list for next vehicles. We are disappointed it won't come with a manual transmission though. Would be hard to beat that Honda reliability. They probably build them in the U.S. too!

[Kincaid]

and okay, now that I read your other post about the auto show - I did confuse what you were saying. I prefer the Mazda 5 to the CX-5, though the latter is a looker. I actually preferred the CX-7 to the CX-5, I suppose because it was more luxurious and styled nicer inside.As for the Hyundai, I think you are talking about the Veloster with the extra 3rd door. Those are very nice looking and sporty. Going to have a turbo option soon I understand. Other than that, someone elsewhere pointed out that the Accent hatchback comes with the same (non-turbo) engine and is close to $10k cheaper.

[Kincaid]

Ah geez, more confusion. I was confusing the brand new CX-5 with the CX-7. and the CX-7 with the CX-9.Can't we go back to animal names for cars? Much easier to follow. Okay, so that CX-5 is stunning. I don't remember noticing it at the Portland Auto Show in January.

[dustie]

Ever driven the WRX wagon? If its the turbo get that for sure! One of the most fun and reliable cars I've ever driven.. I was just reading a "10 cars that wont die" artical and one of them was "All subaru wagons" haha!

[Bedlam]

Dodge Journey maybe?

[bull77]

I'm really starting to like the new Fords. Saw a brochure for the new Escape while getting a oil change -- as an option.http://www.ford.com/suvs/escap...11214

[star_deceiver]

How about another Caravan? Great engine and a ton of room... and It looks much better then the new T&C!

[Kincaid]

Damn you Mazda!I suppose I should appreciate that you can even get a manual trans in the new CX-5, but when I went to "build one" on their website, you can only get that in the Sport model, which means no options whatsoever - no sunroof, nothing. And you only get a choice of black, gray or silver. No red, neither of the blues, not even frickin' white.

[journeyforce]

Since you like looks of the Scion XB, why not test drive one. If you like your Vibe and its size and cargo capacity then you will like the XB as it is bigger but still handles well and is a good price for the things you get with it. The most expensive version is the auto release series(if you can find a 2012 version(Only 2000 were made) ) and that is $22,000 before taxes. My well equiped one cost under $19,000

[journeyforce]

The sun came out today so I decided to take a few pics of the XB and figured you might be interested in seeing these. I was parked next to a neighbor's 2011 CRV. I am not sure how much bigger the 2012 CRV is but against the 2011, my XB does not seem to be that much smaller. In fact the XB is actually slightly wider then the CRV is. the XB is also about the same length as the 2011 CRVFrom the side the CRV is a little taller on the middle of the roof but still nothing majorI think you should test drive a XB, it may fit your needs and it is quite cheap

[jake75]

I found (to buy for my son) a 1999 Voyager Minivan 3.0 L with 87,500 miles and good tires that I can buy for $2,500. Going to look at it this week. It is someone I know so while there are no guarantees on a 13 year old vehicle he is not aware of any issues. Most 1999 era minivans for sale had about 150,000-200,000 miles. If this works out I will keep my '07 Town and Country and avoid the $20-25,000 expense of a new car. We only use the T&C for longer trips, and the infrequent times we both need a car. Put only about 3,000 miles a year on the T&C, and 5,000 a year on the Vibe. I still work part-time out of a home office, wife is retired but even before that her job was at a school literally around the corner. I turn 70 in Dec. and next year I may finally really retire as I have to begin taking my IRA retirement funds. Being able to delay that draw down until 2013 when I reach 70-1/2 helped assure we are reasonably financially secure for the rest of our years