Finding a Car for Mom!

[SuperTrooper]

Originally Posted by cfg83

Matt Herring -

I was going to say Rav4, but I forgot about the Matrix/Vibe AWD options, so I say Vibe/Matrix/Rav4 in that order.

CarloSW2

Lots of people (particularly women) like the mid-sized SUVs because of the higher seating position and the more "substancial" feel than a small car. The vibe/matrix might not provide enough of that feeling.

[RH77]

Originally Posted by greenitup

the nissan rogue also gets decent mpg, and comes in awd

I forgot about that one. The CVT gets pretty good FE for its size.

[Daox]

Why the need for more than 2wd? I just ask because 99% of people that have it don't need it.

[Matt Herring]

My mom lives in the sloped hills and winding back roads (sometimes unpaved) of Pennsylvania where 4wd is a must. She works a 12 hour swing shift and often has to travel to work at 4-5am when most local roads are not plowed yet or are covered with ice.

I lived there myself for 18 years and can remember going to friends houses to visit and sometimes having to park at the bottom of their hill (country backroads) with my car and have them drive down the hill to pick me up!

[RH77]

Originally Posted by Matt Herring

She works a 12 hour swing shift and often has to travel to work at 4-5am when most local roads are not plowed yet or are covered with ice.

Does she switch-out to snow tires in the Winter? In any vehicle choice, snow treads make an amazing difference. I had them on an Evo one Winter and the grip was great. The same would apply to a 2wd, but perhaps ground clearance is a concern with thick snow?

With the description of driving, I would lean towards the Subarus. The low center-of-gravity of the H-4 engine and full-time AWD has made it a favorite of many in the same situation. Depending on the "feeling" of height, I would add the Outback wagon to the list.

Otherwise, the options detailed by others so far, are good alternatives.

RH77

[Matt Herring]

She's a buy it and drive it mom! Wish I lived closer to help her out with the routine maintenance on the car (like switching to snow tires in the winter) but it's not possible. I just helped her learn to turn her cell phone on and off so you can understand my dilemma!

[jdwave]

How about a (relatively) new Caliber R/T?

My friend has one on coil spacers with a push bar and takes it offroad all of the time.

He says it's the best car he's ever owned.

But he's only owned a beater Accord, besides.

EPA rated 23/26

EDIT: Caliber R/T's are Auto only

just helped her learn to turn her cell phone on and off

...and I don't know how easily she could learn the Tiptronic