My mother needs a new vehicle, what to get?

[vacationtime247]

Funny how everyone hated the Azteks. Now, more and more cars look a whole lot like them.
VT247

Originally Posted by dremd

That was at SEMA 2012, I don't think I take a pic, but now wish I had.

[Daekar]

While I agree that a TDI would be my choice, I can testify from my experience with the Subarus that my family has owned (at one time we had three) that they are durable vehicles with nice ride, good equipment on the inside, and are unbeatable in bad weather. I hate driving 4WD vehicles like Jeeps after the AWD experience, because the 4WD differential lock causes the vehicles to be horribly unstable compared to the Subaru system.

If I were going to get a new Subaru, it would be a manual transmission, but barring that I would get the CVT. My Dad's current Outback has one, and it is delightful when compared to a normal automatic. If at some point I am forced to give up my stick shift, a CVT will be what I go looking for.

The downsides to the Subaru IMHO are the mileage (the only downside to their AWD system) and the fact that the 2.5L naturally aspirated H4 engines have a tendency to head gasket issues if their coolant change schedule isn't followed.

FWIW, my old 1999 Outback is now half in use at a farm for hauling tools and other things around without the guzzling engine in the pickup, half in use as a commuter, and I know of at least a few that have been fitted with Hidden Hitches and regularly tow a double motorcycle trailer.

I have never cared for the Forrester aesthetically, but unless she gets a lemon it will be a good car.

[samwichse]

The one vehicle I see missing from this list is the Impreza wagon.

Tows 2k, 30mpg combined, AWD. You should try driving one for sure before you make a decision.

Did I mention it's cheaper than the Crosstrek or Forester?

Compare Side-by-Side

EDIT: Whoops, the tow page I was looking at said "up to 2000lbs" but I looked further and it says towing not recommended by Subaru, but you can tow that anyway, so that's out.

[dremd]

Originally Posted by samwichse

The one vehicle I see missing from this list is the Impreza wagon.

Tows 2k, 30mpg combined, AWD. You should try driving one for sure before you make a decision.

Did I mention it's cheaper than the Crosstrek or Forester?

Compare Side-by-Side

I wasn't aware such a thing existed, checking it out now.

Subaru's here are few and far between, so we just don't know anything about them.

[dremd]

Just saw your Edit.

FYI: good Subaru Comparison
2013 Crosstrek is compared with the 2013 Impreza and Forester. You may be surprised at the differences.

[dremd]

Oh, and interesting article, I'm not sure I trust any of it though.

Top Five Small and Inexpensive Cars that Can Tow and Haul | RideApart

[samwichse]

Originally Posted by dremd

Just saw your Edit.

FYI: good Subaru Comparison
2013 Crosstrek is compared with the 2013 Impreza and Forester. You may be surprised at the differences.

Hah! That comparison just made me realize the Crosstrek is just the Impreza wagon with a lift and slightly different bumpers. Look at the pics and the specs .

Sam

[dremd]

Originally Posted by samwichse

Hah! That comparison just made me realize the Crosstrek is just the Impreza wagon with a lift and slightly different bumpers. Look at the pics and the specs .

Sam

Yup, which makes it more appealing to ME except it says do not tow.

[slowmover]

Originally Posted by dremd

My mom is at Lake Tahoe with her mother and sister until next week. . . .

Entry is a minor issue for her, but is VERRY important for her mother that spends the winter at her home near us, is legally blind and relies heavily on my mother for transportation.

Maybe I missed it, but, hey there's not only a husband, but an elderly mother to factor in. The latter is a big deal if we are speaking of someone who needs doctor appointments, waiting times in car for such (So LA is too hot for anything but extended idling in re air condtioning even in winter some days) and other duties as such.

And what type of driving is being done? Southerners tend to like road trips to relatives over nearly every other group around. Highway mpg might actually matter then . . it sure doesn't otherwise as I'd rate the needs of an elderly relative higher than any other factor (having had my share of same).

It's hard to beat a minivan in this case. HONDA ODYSSEY, in point. Can tow a respectable trailer as well (Airstream-sized).

And stick with a color that stands out in the rain.

.

[dremd]

I hate it when you type a long reply then get the "you can not post because you logged in after the last page was loaded message" err. I shouldn't complain, the reason for the failure is that my solar powered remote internet DSL source battery went dead last night and didn't log back on until the sun powered it up.

Shorter message to the same effect.


Went to look at a 2013 Honda CRV, I expected her to love it, however the way the rear seat folds and the brackets for the rear shelf totally kill it for her. you are forced to choose between a 10" step, or 10" loss in length, choice is good, but the Toyota gives better than either choice. oh, and rear floor with is limited by the supports for the rear cargo shelf.

I'm now 95% sure that her next vehicle will be a 2013 Toyota Rav4.

Still waiting on a check from Ford motor company. Despite the fact that a value was established, agreed upon, and signed for by both parties FMC is now holding things up over a scratch that may or may not ahve been there when we turned the car over to them many months ago.

If anyone is in need/ interest of FMC buyback info now or in the future, feel free to PM me, I'll share what I know which is probably a small % of the total, but is a lot.