I will get flamed for this one, but our Avalon was a solid car and it got 34mpg on long highway drives. The braking and handling do not inspire confidence though.

The only thing we did to ours was front brakes, tires, and fluid changes. It did need a new power steering rack, but we traded it in for our CRV instead.

 

Well the Avalon is a larger car and I was interested in those. Not sure it fits the pricing I gave. How were the back seats?

BTW, spoke with my gf yesterday and her car only did 111k in 11 years so she's well short of the 12k mileage requirement. Not sure what kind of monthly we're looking for but given my purchase parameters I guess around $300

 

The back seats are huge. They recline back and whatnot. The JBL audio is nice as well. Our 06 with 80k got us 8.5k on trade I think, so you should be able to pick up a newer one that meets your budget.

Edit: I saw that your gf doesn't drive much..you can probably lease something new and always have a warranty and just get a new car every three years.

 

Why not just get a 2013+ Accord. It's much larger than your current Accord and falls close to your price range used.

 

I do love those Accords but do the backseats comfortably fit 3?

 

I had a 9th gen Accord.

Maybe you've answered this earlier, but, how old will the kids be sitting in the back?

 

I'm sure Doom also needs room for some other, umm, things.

 

17/10/8

 

Buy something with three rows. And 2nd row buckets.

 

Shiiit....I agree with Sam. Go with something 3rd row with those ages.

Also, the only Accord you can probably get for under 15k is an LX, (well thats in California)

 

Seriously, a minivan is probably your best bet. This is the answer that people never want to hear and for some reason never figure out that it's actually the best tool for the job they have.

 

Get a 2014 Forester. Seriously.

 

If it were up to me I'd get an Odyssey and call it a day but some women don't like soccer mom vehicles.

 

Buy an Oddy and install a lift kit. Sell it as a crossover with the new sliding door option. Women love options.

Done.

 

I should slap on a BMW logo in it. Ooooh the latest from Bavaria

 

Or pry the Oddy badge off and replace it with Pilot (which is a lifted Oddy without sliding doors).

She'll never know.

 

My wife and I just bought a Venza, from the 3 weeks we've had it I'd say it would fit three across comfortably at those ages. You could find a 2013 or 2014 maybe around $15k but it would likely be a base model unless you don't mind higher mileage. But I agree having 3rd row seating would probably be better suited. But that is going to mean a bigger and/or more premium car in many cases.


I've also been on some trips with a few friends in a 2011 Equinox, I felt like there was a decent amount of room in the back seat in that for 3 across. Anyway I'd say pick a couple cars a week to go see and have your kids sit in them.

 

Update: Read all your posts and advice. Thanks again. Leasing a new 3 row SUV seems the way to go to avoid repair headaches. Narrowed it down to the Pilot, Sorrento, CX-9.

Pilot
Pros: We both have Accords and love Honda. It's really nice. I believe the biggest. All the equipment. Looks good but yes it's essentially a lifted Odyssey
Cons: New model year so price will be hard to budge. Thinking EX no leather.

Sorrento
Pros: $5k cheaper if we go LX V6 to get that 3rd row or 4 banger with conv package and 3rd row. Depends on inventory. Nice nifty little features, the salesman did an excellent job showing the features. Easily the best and we hit like 7 dealers. My best friend's dad can hook me up on the lease.
Cons: Probably the smallest but not exactly a bad thing. Yes I'd go with this all day $-wise but it's not 100% my decision. 3rd row not standard so gotta pay.

CX-9
Pros: Best looking IMO. New style. Turbo but no not modding. Going cheapest Sport model but has all options we need.
Cons: Literally just came out a few months ago so I doubt under MSRP. Bad luck with my old MPV but it was pretty old by then.

 

Leasing.... I say go with CX-9....

They always say the first year production cars (new model) have issues. Well Pilot, Sorrento, and CX-9 are all new for 2016, right?

Pilot is decent.

The new CX-9 is sleek.

 

My interest is in the CX9..not out just yet though, I dont think. Reviews have been solid. Interior finally looks nice.

 

Sorrento...I say no. The v6 engine is anemic at best after driving one.

 

The CX9 is gorgeous. I'd go for that

 

You wouldn't be the first.

 

They're out here but I haven't seen one on the road. The dealer we went to only had 4. And yes the interior was nice IMO.

I'd prefer the 4 banger as she felt it was peppy enough and gas but with the LX model for the Sorrento, you have to pay for the convenience package which is like $1200 to get the option to buy the 3rd row which is another $1000. 3rd row is standard in the V6 so it all depends on which dealer wants to play ball.

 

I said this in another thread but if you're in the market for a new/in demand car and have a Costco membership, hit up their website to get a dealer contact and quote. They have REALLY good deals on any car and the dealer is required to honor that deal so you can typically get right around invoice or lower regardless of demand since there's no need to negotiate. Even if they give you MSRP, you've saved more than the $55 yearly membership fee.

As an example, my parents were quoted $300 over invoice for a 16 Pilot Touring.

Costco FTW.

 

i just saw the new CX9 commercial on TV for the first time...

VERY VERY nice looking SUV.

 

Thanks Sam. I completely forgot. My gf shares a Costco membership though with another friend. I wonder if BJ's does the same as that's in my name.

 

After further discussion my gf thinks that with her daughter getting a car it will be rare that we will have 5 in the car. The 3rd row might be a nice luxury but unnecessary so instead of blowing that extra money, we are probably going with a smaller SUV. She likes the CX-5 and I like the Tuscon. Those are the only we really agree on as she didn't care for a CRV or any other makes. I'd probably prefer Hyundai but it's new so probably leaning towards better deal.

 

The CX5 would be a top choice for me in the 2 row SUV market. The 2.5 is quick & it handles pretty well.
Haven't been in the new Tuscon/Sportage. A little larger, but the new Edge Sport...

 

It doesn't matter who's name is on it as long as the person is there to show their card (similar to AAA) so no worries even if it's in her name.

FWIW, Costco has deals on the Focus RS even...a car that dealers are charging $5k-$15k markups...and they'd be required to sell it to me at the Costco price.

 

Whoa, seriously?

 

^Same with Truecar. My finance manager buddy says Truecar has screwed up some of his deals.