Car recommendation! - DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate

**Lidawka** · 11-12-2007, 09:58 AM

Hey guys, my mom is looking to trade in her mini-van for a smaller car that has better fuel economy (the van gets ~15mpg in the city).

The car doesn't have to be new, but it does need to have the following:
20+ mpg in the city
Automatic transmission
under $20k USD
Good safety ratings and reliability

She doesn't want a car that's too small, so all coupes are out of the question. I've priced new Civic EX sedans and Corolla S/LE's, but they're a bit too expensive, so I'm thinking it needs to be a used car.

Thanks for any ideas!

**Annyllop21** · 11-12-2007, 10:15 AM

Pontiac G6 Sedan, 2.4L Ecotec, 22/30 MPG

Chrysler Sebring, 2.4L, 21/30 MPG

Could you not find a Corolla for under 20K?

**Lidawka** · 11-12-2007, 10:17 AM

Pontiac G6 Sedan, 2.4L Ecotec, 22/30 MPG

Chrysler Sebring, 2.4L, 21/30 MPG

Could you not find a Corolla for under 20K?

Not a brand-new loaded one, no. She doesn't want any "downgrades" from her current car, which means leather seats, high-end sound system, sunroof, etc. etc.

I'm trying to convince here this isn't going to be possible, but I'm not getting through.

**brorwargy** · 11-12-2007, 10:17 AM

Why don't you have her look at a Scion xB, first gen or second.

First Gen:

Second Gen:

While the looks might not be for everyone, I find them cool. I own a first gen xB (2006) with an automatic transmission. I average around 25mpg in town and around 28-29mpg on the highway. The second gen's get slightly less, but should still average above 20mpg in town and maybe 22-25 on the highway, I don't know.

I love the interior of mine, everyone always makes fun of the looks, but once they get in it and realize it can comfortably carry 4 large men they say, "Wow, its nice".

They're a Toyota so they reliability is there, along with a good warranty. The motor is small in the first gen, and a little bigger in the second, but they're still somewhat pokey. There are times where I'd like a little more power, but usually I'm just happy to get the mileage I get, and the comfort I have in it.

The price is great. Brand new first gen's were about $15k loaded, and the second gen's are about $18k loaded.

They might not be for everyone, but they're worth looking at.

**Lipitorseffec** · 11-12-2007, 10:20 AM

Dont hybrids get 2 grand tax break in Cali? If so why would you not

**Lidawka** · 11-12-2007, 10:20 AM

Dont hybrids get 2 grand tax break in Cali? If so why would you not

Because they're stupidly expensive to begin with?

**kubekniekubek** · 11-12-2007, 01:17 PM

Options could gone on forever. There are a lot of things out there that get over 20mpg, even some V8 sedans.

What year ranges?, max mileage?, still within warranty?, speed a factor, size? Buick/Cadillac/Lexus?, or Toyota/GM type things?

She could get a brand new Civic just like that and get over 30mpg for less then $20k. Then say, there is always the used Lincoln LS RWD or the used Ford Five Hundred FWD or AWD both for around $10k. 2002 and newer sharing the same V6 and the Lincoln with an optional 3.9L V8 still giving over 20mpg.
Used Maxima's, Sentra's, or Atlimas are good too.

**Staillateno** · 11-12-2007, 01:52 PM

The newer civics are no longer budget oriented and come with leather. You might also want to check out a 1-2 year old used acura compact sports coupe.

2006 RSX - KBB 18-20k
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...cura&model=RSX

**Lidawka** · 11-12-2007, 02:10 PM

The newer civics are no longer budget oriented and come with leather. You might also want to check out a 1-2 year old used acura compact sports coupe.

2006 RSX - KBB 18-20k
http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...cura&model=RSX

Coupes aren't an option...

**loikrso** · 11-12-2007, 02:16 PM

2008 Lancer? it's a 4 door, gets reasonable fuel economy and looks quite nice. you can also be near the top of the range for 20K. the new Malibu seems like an ok bet as well.

**LSg44PDu** · 11-12-2007, 03:59 PM

A late 90's Honda Accord would good if you can find one with decent mileage.

**AngelinaTheElf** · 11-13-2007, 03:52 AM

A late 90's Honda Accord would good if you can find one with decent mileage.

No need to go to late 90s, 00's will fit the budget too. Heck, maybe even as new as an '05 or '06! Though '03 or '04 is more likely if leather is a must.

Other things that may fit the guidelines, all model year 2000 or newer:
Acura TSX
Audi A4
Cadillac CTS
Ford 500
Hyundai Sonata

Some of them are right on the edge of 20 MPG city but I tried to make sure they were at least 18-19 MPG

11-12-2007, 09:58 AM	#1
Lidawka Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 537 Senior Member	Car recommendation! Hey guys, my mom is looking to trade in her mini-van for a smaller car that has better fuel economy (the van gets ~15mpg in the city). The car doesn't have to be new, but it does need to have the following: 20+ mpg in the city Automatic transmission under $20k USD Good safety ratings and reliability She doesn't want a car that's too small, so all coupes are out of the question. I've priced new Civic EX sedans and Corolla S/LE's, but they're a bit too expensive, so I'm thinking it needs to be a used car. Thanks for any ideas! Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 10:15 AM	#2
Annyllop21 Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 503 Senior Member	Pontiac G6 Sedan, 2.4L Ecotec, 22/30 MPG Chrysler Sebring, 2.4L, 21/30 MPG Could you not find a Corolla for under 20K? Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 10:17 AM	#3
Lidawka Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 537 Senior Member	Pontiac G6 Sedan, 2.4L Ecotec, 22/30 MPG Chrysler Sebring, 2.4L, 21/30 MPG Could you not find a Corolla for under 20K? Not a brand-new loaded one, no. She doesn't want any "downgrades" from her current car, which means leather seats, high-end sound system, sunroof, etc. etc. I'm trying to convince here this isn't going to be possible, but I'm not getting through. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 10:17 AM	#4
brorwargy Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 457 Senior Member	Why don't you have her look at a Scion xB, first gen or second. First Gen: Second Gen: While the looks might not be for everyone, I find them cool. I own a first gen xB (2006) with an automatic transmission. I average around 25mpg in town and around 28-29mpg on the highway. The second gen's get slightly less, but should still average above 20mpg in town and maybe 22-25 on the highway, I don't know. I love the interior of mine, everyone always makes fun of the looks, but once they get in it and realize it can comfortably carry 4 large men they say, "Wow, its nice". They're a Toyota so they reliability is there, along with a good warranty. The motor is small in the first gen, and a little bigger in the second, but they're still somewhat pokey. There are times where I'd like a little more power, but usually I'm just happy to get the mileage I get, and the comfort I have in it. The price is great. Brand new first gen's were about $15k loaded, and the second gen's are about $18k loaded. They might not be for everyone, but they're worth looking at. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 10:20 AM	#5
Lipitorseffec Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 407 Senior Member	Dont hybrids get 2 grand tax break in Cali? If so why would you not Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 01:17 PM	#7
kubekniekubek Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 701 Senior Member	Options could gone on forever. There are a lot of things out there that get over 20mpg, even some V8 sedans. What year ranges?, max mileage?, still within warranty?, speed a factor, size? Buick/Cadillac/Lexus?, or Toyota/GM type things? She could get a brand new Civic just like that and get over 30mpg for less then $20k. Then say, there is always the used Lincoln LS RWD or the used Ford Five Hundred FWD or AWD both for around $10k. 2002 and newer sharing the same V6 and the Lincoln with an optional 3.9L V8 still giving over 20mpg. Used Maxima's, Sentra's, or Atlimas are good too. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 01:52 PM	#8
Staillateno Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 396 Senior Member	The newer civics are no longer budget oriented and come with leather. You might also want to check out a 1-2 year old used acura compact sports coupe. 2006 RSX - KBB 18-20k http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...cura&model=RSX Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 02:10 PM	#9
Lidawka Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 537 Senior Member	The newer civics are no longer budget oriented and come with leather. You might also want to check out a 1-2 year old used acura compact sports coupe. 2006 RSX - KBB 18-20k http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/ov...cura&model=RSX Coupes aren't an option... Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 02:16 PM	#10
loikrso Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 578 Senior Member	2008 Lancer? it's a 4 door, gets reasonable fuel economy and looks quite nice. you can also be near the top of the range for 20K. the new Malibu seems like an ok bet as well. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-12-2007, 03:59 PM	#11
LSg44PDu Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 440 Senior Member	A late 90's Honda Accord would good if you can find one with decent mileage. Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

11-13-2007, 03:52 AM	#12
AngelinaTheElf Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 550 Senior Member	A late 90's Honda Accord would good if you can find one with decent mileage. No need to go to late 90s, 00's will fit the budget too. Heck, maybe even as new as an '05 or '06! Though '03 or '04 is more likely if leather is a must. Other things that may fit the guidelines, all model year 2000 or newer: Acura TSX Audi A4 Cadillac CTS Ford 500 Hyundai Sonata Some of them are right on the edge of 20 MPG city but I tried to make sure they were at least 18-19 MPG Share Share this post on Digg Del.icio.us Technorati Twitter
	Quote

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