dom

So the lease on the wife's 09 Rabbit is up soon and we're contemplating a replacement. With the wife expecting baby #3 in May we're looking at something bigger than the Rabbit so naturally a mid size would make sense. Although we still have an 07 Ody to lug the kids around so size isn't the only factor.

The other issue we have is that our double car garage has a short side that can only fit a vehicle that's about 187-188 inches long. Would rather not have to leave the car outside but not the end of the world if it is.

Haven't test driven anything yet and the budget is about $30-32K CAD on the road and it has to be an AT. These are my preliminary choices.

Accord and 6 are ~192 long so they won't fit in the garage. But other than that I don't think I could go wrong with either. I'd love an Accord V6 but you're looking at 38K OTR up here.

The Jetta intrigues me because its sporty, has that great VW 2.0L turbo, fits in the garage and has a reasonable amount of space for the kids. Not to mention it's the only car that most reminds me of my old 04 TSX in size and spirit. Negative is that I'd have to buy it slightly used as a new GLI will set you back 37-40K up here (welcome to ) Found one with 1,500KM (937 miles) for 29K so its within budget.

I could also keep the Rabbit, its been perfectly reliable for the last 4 years. But I'm just not in love with it. The 2.5 is coarse and its pretty tight in the back seat.

Any other suggestions?

Sarlacc

Jetta wagon tdi?

charliemike

No on the GLI, unless you can get it ridiculously cheap.

00TL-P3.2

Accord or M6 get my votes.

Drove a 6MT Accord Sport recently & really liked how it drove. Doesn't feel as big on the road as it looks.
Want to check out a M6, just wish the 6MT was available on the higher trims.

Sarlacc

Also Kia optima with the t-gdi

Street Spirit

Congrats on #3, Dom!

Street Spirit

A little backwards... But I know how much you love (heh) the Odyssey... Would it make sense to keep the Rabbit since you said it's been completely reliable, but replace the van with that same new car budget?

DaeHanMeenGuk

You mentioned your old TSX so why not a TSX wagon? If its a little out if your price range, maybe pick one up that's been used for a year or two?

dom

Jetta TDI is a possibility, not a wagon fan really.

Any reason(s) in particular?

Not a fan.

Thanks, another Boy BTW.

Seems we still need a van though. Outside of all the issues I've had, its been reliable over the last year or 2 so it would seem a bit wasteful to trade one van for another.

The Dougler

iTrader: (1)

you should consider putting the new fusion on your list. only issue is that it's 191 inch's long. but imo it's the best looker.

dom

TSX Wagon is not sold in Canada. Not really a fan of the current TSX either. Seems new the Accord is a better buy/value anyway not to mention I prefer the styling.

dom

I desperately wanted to add it, but after having gone over it at the Car Show last weekend I'm just not sold. Maybe its because it was indoors but I place the Fusions styling behind the Mazda at 1 and Accord at 2. Interior felt cramped and the FE ratings I've been hearing about from either the 1.6 or 2.0 are disappointing.

The Mazda honestly blew me away. My only concern is that it seems overpriced up here. Other than that it had the best styling and IMO the best interior.

Thinking about a small CUV as well like a Sante Fe Sport or CX-5 with the 2.5. Drive a CR-V a few months ago and thought it was a dog so I can't imagine those would be much better.

In the end it has to be somewhat fun to drive as well. The GLI seems like the perfect compromise.

Street Spirit

Used Subaru turbo?

Street Spirit

Awesome! Congrats!
And hand-me-downs x3 FTW

D-Rock2

Accord

nuff said

dom

You have no idea how beneficial that is for Hockey equipment

Hmmmmm, refresh my memory, what year did they stop making the body style that Dan has? I can't stand the new one. I think the last year was 2011?

nokiaman

I'd personally go for the GLI but an the new Accord would be a very very close second. I think you'd enjoy the Jetta more in terms of driving dynamics too.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Out of those, Accord. They did it right with the 2013...

00TL-P3.2

I drove a CX-5 GT recently & it was really slow. It's got enough juice to get going, get on the highway & such, but it's far from "fun to drive".
The local dealer didn't have a CX-5 Sport with the 6MT, but I don't think the MT would've helped much.

Moog-Type-S

Jetta TDI of GLI.

Get something you will enjoy driving.

Have you thought about the Kia Sportage turbo?

MTEAZY

40k for a Jetta?? I just found a worse deal than the Mugen Si.

Moog-Type-S

Watch and learn, kids!

dom is gonna end up with a BMW.

Trust me, I know these things. :wink:

dom

I was going to add a 328 and Grand Cherokee to the poll

dom

Outside of the budget.

More I think about the less enthused I am about having to leave the car outside. PITA in the winter months.

Moog-Type-S

You bastard!!!!

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

dom, congrats on the new baby boy!


When in doubt, I always default to the Aventador, but that's just me.....

007Acura

CPO GLI... Cleaning snow off your car in the morning is not fun

Myxomatosis

Well, there's two sides of this for me. One out of the list I'd get the Accord. However, Being you're coming off lease and I used to sell cars, What about another VW lease. At least the companies I've worked for (Nissan, Kia, Mitsu, Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler) all had lease incentives, they don't want you to switch brands, that's the point of a lease(you'll be back every 3 yrs). I would see what they might offer.

We once took $9000, yes not a typo off a Mitsu Outlander, because we found every possible incentive for the customer. The idiots ended up not taking it, even though they were 60k mi over there lease terms, but none the less there's usually a lot of money for return lessees.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Congrats on the new addition to the family, Dom.

Of the ones you listed, the Accord and Mazda 6 appeal to me the most, in that order. If this is supposed to mostly a family hauler, then the CX-5 and the CR-V should both be worth a look. And I suspect it's on the pricey side, but the new RDX seems to be garnering high praise, though if you're open to leasing again, it might be within the budget.

dom

Well, just came back from taking out an Accord EX-L, they didn't have a Sport available. Have to say I wasn't impressed with the power, and I felt some of the rubber band effect while starting out a couple of times. Not the end of the world but was a bit surprised considering all the reviews I've read. Other than that I love the car, steering felt great and it was very comfortable. I'm going to have to take out a V6 to see the difference. Maybe I set my expectations to high.

I'm guessing that may also scratch the Mazda 6 off my list as I can't imagine it will be any better in the power dept.

dom

Good point. Going to the VW dealer on Sat to see what they can offer.

Dealer has a silver 2012 GLI demo that they just put on the road in Jan with 1,640 km for 29K include including snows. if I can get that down to 27 may be he way to go. Pending a test drive....

dom

Thanks Kevin

Doesn't have to be a family hauler, although realistically is will be carrying 3 kids at some point. My wife actually doesn't want to upsize, she actually wants to keep the Rabbit or get something similar like a A3 or GTI.

Definitely have to get out and drive a CUV. Although I crossed the CR-V off the list a couple of months ago.

dom

Thanks!

Those have built in baby seats right?

My 2 kids want Bumblebee....damn that Micheal Bay.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

You should think about going with a diesel if you want the balance between power, price, and size.

Do you guys get the Golf GTD in Canada? Otherwise, maybe wait for the diesel version of the Mazda 6, which is supposedly coming soon.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

The Earth Dreams motor is a really good match for the 6MT. I drove an Accord Sport 6MT back in early January and honestly, with the right transmission, it doesn't lack for thrust at all.

Also, keep in mind that the CVT is going to sap some of the sensation of thrust so even if you are accelerating somewhat briskly, it may not feel like it because we are so attuned to the engine noise rising and falling with the revs and not just holding steady. That said, I despise CVT transmissions, not matter how efficient they are supposed to be.

dom

This is what everyone tells me. Need to test drive one.

We do get the Golf. I believe the diesel 6 is coming at the end of summer which may be too late.

Unfortunately an MT is not an option. I think the Accord I4 deserves another test drive. I wasn't watching my speed so ou could be right about how fast I was actually going.

MR1

You may be able to extend the lease a few months if that is the time issue. Jetta was mentioned and I don't think you responded.

jayhawk815

I'm really a big fan of the new '14 Mazda6. I have yet to test drive one, but love the styling, inside and especially out. No other car in this class remotely interests me. The initial reviews have all been very positive. My only concern is not being satisfied with the power, but its fuel efficiency is impressive. Once I get closer to being ready to purchase a new vehicle, I'll definitely be taking one for a spin.

dom

No, definitely going to be test driving a diesel Jetta.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Oh and duh... PS... congrats on the new little guy