welp, baby came home today....got in my wifes 2 door accord leaving the hospital and with the baby in the back the passenger seat has to go ALLL the way forward. This isn't gonna work out.


Looking to sell her 02 accord coupe and then spend another 12-14K on a car (Hoping to realistically get 4500 for her accord).

I've been looking at a few things.

Volvo XC90
Ford Escape
Ford Explorer
Mazda CX7
Chevy Trailblazer
Honda Accord 4 door

and a few other things


car must have leather, must be reliable, must have space. Doesn't need to be cool or modable.

 

First off and congrats!

Secondly, of the ones you listed, I'd go with the Explorer or the CX7. I can't tell you how many Explorers come through the dealer and have almost 200k miles on them. And they still run great and typically only need maintenence items like an oil change, filter, etc.

As for the CX7's, they've been pretty good too though we don't see too many of them. I will say they drive great and are comfy.

And of course, you can't go wrong with a 4-door Accord...

Lastly, and I know you won't want to hear this... but like 90% of the people we know with kids who started out with an SUV traded it in for a minivan. They're just soooo much more practical with kids. So maybe look for an Odyssey or something...

 

I'll second the Explorer. You could do the Escape if you don't need the room of the Explorer. And while the 4-door Accord is about as guaranteed as death and taxes, I'd opt for one of the SUVs just for the added utility factor...you'll need it with a kid.

 

With one kid, I think you'll be just fine with the Accord. Although, sometimes it is nice to have a little more space for bigger objects. Used CR-V? I'd probably pick that over the Pilot because they are a bit cheaper, so you could get a newer one.

 

where you working now?


Most decent minivans our out of our range...that said....it'll be a few years before we have 2+ kids, so a 4 door or suv should be good for now


Also,


Camry vs Accord?

 

yea, the space of an SUV would be a big benefit, esp. considering our other car will be my GTO which can barely fit a set of golf clubs

 

15k gets you a nice AV6 with Nav. My choice above everything else.

 

My cousin has a Ford Escape, the car has never had a single problem and is still a fairly big vehicle.

 

also, any mazda 3 wagon owners? or Charger owners?

 

I think an Accord or Mazda 3 would be good.

 

Take a car seat and go to the dealers. I used the mazda with my nephews and they fit fine. The rear doors are surprisingly wide.

I still go for the accord though as it's much bigger. Or a used 1gen RL

 

Mazda 3 Wagon!!!

 

First off, congrats!

Accord, but I'm kinda biased. You can get 'em for much cheaper than your 15k budget too. Just cause you got it, doesn't mean you need to spend it.

Have you considered a Mazda5?

 

^ Ditto, congrats on the baby!

I saw a black Volvo V70R wagon this morning that had me . Don't know the pricing on those bad boys preowned though and I'm sure they're not nearly as reliable as an Accord.

 

accord v6/I4 exL

crv/Pilot exL
I would go with an explorer over a Chevy TB

Congrats!

 

Honda Pilot.

 

It's time for an SUV my freind. Ya look at CRV's or Mazda CX7. Stay away from Toyota for now.

 

Hi Scott

Congrats to both you and Cali. I hope everyone is doing well.

If it were me, I would choose either the Explorer or Accord. Explorer if you want to have some functionality and room. With regular servicing, those things run forever. The Accord would also be a great choice and offers safety and reliability. It may be a little cramped for a growing family, but should be OK for some time yet.


Or you can always toss a custom baby seat in the Suburban.





Terry

 

Keith Hawthorne Automotive Group. Been doing some work in the service dept at their Ford/Lincoln dealer in Charlotte...

 

You can get a toyota sienna minivan for that price range. There aren't many with leather for under 17k 2005 and newer

 

Congrats!

I know someone looking to sell a 2006 TSX w/nav right in your price range...

 

used tsx

 

in search for an SUV I looked into CX7s and all I read are horror stories.

 

I like the idea of a new less equipped Mazda 3.

 

Or what about second gen RL? You can find some 05's for 15k or so. The miles might not be what you're looking for but it would be an upgrade over the accord in everyway...and roomy. Not suv roomy, but car roomy.

 

Congrats.

I'd say an Accord, or a 1st gen TSX would be just fine (until the family grows).

EDIT: Or that above. ^^^

 

Get an SUV. Pulling that stroller out of a trunk all the time gets old, quick. If you use the larger strollers, they will take up most of your trunk room so shopping with the stroller gets a little tough..

This is just coming from some that went through all that with a car and vowed to never do it again. I know there are people that do it and it works for them fine. Just my twocents.

I know I have said it numerous times on here, but I love our 05 explorer. I actually stole it from my wife and stuck her with the accord.

 

Congrats.

Mazda 5 comes to mind.

 

No 3G TL on the list? That's a bit of a surprise given it's value, size and it meets pretty much all your requirements.

 

xc90 2.5T ... skip the T6 (glass tranny)

 

We have a 2003 Camry, and a 2003 TL-P, with two toddlers. So the back seats of both cars are filled with Britax Marathons (car seat.)

Of those that think you absolutely have to have an SUV or minivan, I say BALDERDASH! The Camry is about as close to being a truck, as an automobile has any right to be. It carries all 4 of us, plus luggage, pack-n-play, and boat load of Christmas presents on 500 mile trips extremely well. Not to mention we got over 35mpg on the last trip (510 miles on one tank of gas.) Yes, it's a 4 banger, but it has balls. It'll run at any speed at will, and it doesn't slow down for the hills.

My parents have a 2003 Caravan, and the kids and I went with them on a 500 mile trip last May. Quite honestly, I was not impressed. It did have the 3 row, so that my mom could sit back there and entertain the kids. In the Caravan, the middle seats are the only ones with the LATCH hook ups for the car seats. As far as over all room goes, we still had to put the passenger seat forward, as my youngest was still rear facing. Otherwise, with the 3rd row installed, the room for luggage was limited, compared to our Camry. The only real advantage it had was that it could haul all 5 of us. If you don't care about that, then why have the van?

Honestly, the only reason I would have an SUV or minivan class vehicle, is if I had to consistently carry both kids and more than three adults. Otherwise, it is just a waste of gas.

My TL is a much better highway car than the Camry, however it does not have nearly the amount of room. We have taken trips in it, when it was just 3 of us, but with 4 it is a bit tight, but doable.

 

Camry hybrids talk to me about them. Found one with about 40k with leather for 17k

 

Mazda3 Wagon. We have a 2006, bought it brand new and its been a champ, little maintenance and it you'll be happy with the way it drives/handles! The leather is perforated, so you have a little trouble fully cleaning "messes" up.

 

Older gen MDX's are in that range too!

 

Used Lexus ES or LS?

They're both reliable and quite comfortable.

 

$15k would be a Jetta Sportwagen S but they are good cars ... And I think the S is still the 2.5L I-5.

My brother has two kids and has a MkIV Jetta wagon.

 

Congrats. We're shopping the same price range and type of vehicle for my wife right now so I'll just stay tuned.

I'd lean towards an SUV if you're sticking with the GTO

 

Legacy sedan or wagon perhaps? AWD comes in handy.

 

I still think an '06 TSX would be great. Perhaps even more specifically a NHB/Parchment with Nav. Garaged and well cared for... Not to be too specific or anything...

 

+1 on the MDX