Another: Help me find a car thread.

Hi all, my Civic finally lost its 3rd engine after 300k+ miles and I'm tired of fixing it. I'm on the market for another car. At this stage in my life I don't have much time to be tinkering with cars nor do I have space to really do so. So here's my criteria: Under $13k. 4drs. Reliable. Lux or semi-lux, at least leather seats. Can get 30mpg or higher on highway (I drive 30mi a day). Drives well in the snow. Fun to drive or fun with little modding, ie tires, brakes and sway bars only. Pref something closer to mid size. Newer than 2000. Must be wife-safe-to-drive approved.

So here are a few I was thinking about: Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Acura TSX, Audi A4, Subaru Legacy

So let me hear what your suggestions are. It seems tough to find any of these models in a premium package that can get over 30mpg.

Out of that list I would go with the TSX, then the Accord. The Subaru won't get 30mpg and the A4 is definitely not reliable. What about an Xdrive 3 series with the small motor, a 323 Xdrive, but probably won't get 30mpg. A 325ix wagon for something with more cargo space. Saab 9-3 with the 2.0l and FWD. The nicest lowest mileage Saab 9-5 will be less than $10k.

B6 generation Passat. Best deal for the money I could find. Spend $10K on one and buy the extended warranty and enjoy every minute of the drive.

I'll throw in the Suzuki Kizashi as well. I personally feel like it is a slightly less sporty TSX with slightly better looks and room. Definitely 30mpg capable. They look pretty damn good with the nice factory 18" wheels.

I can crack 31mpg on my 2005 2.5i manual Legacy on the highway. When my wife was commuting 100 miles a day she averaged 29. That said, based off of fun factor we hope our next care will be a TSX. The Legacy is a really good car, just not particularly entertaining in stock NA 2.5L form. Damn good in the snow.

I would also say to drop the Audi A4 and look for a Jetta TDI, Passat TDI, and a Corolla.

What sort of snow driving are we talking about here? Up and down mountains? Semi-liquified high salt content slush?

Thanks for the suggestions and opinions. By snow driving I mean typical CO roads. So lots or non existent. Mag chloride on roads. Lots of hills and winding roads on my commute with the mountains usually less than 5mi away. So I'd like something that could run on all seasons without jumping to snow tires.

So far I've test drove a Mazda6 and Accord. The Mazda6 is fun but the quality seems really bland even for a fully loaded i GT model. I'll have to take a look at the TSX.

I've test drove a Jetta with the wifey and she wasn't too impressed with the interior ergonomics. Definitely a fun slow car though. I may look into the Passat but I've heard of the many issues it has. I may take a test drive though.

I'll also look into 323x and 325x. I've only stayed away from BMW's mainly for the over inflated price of replacement parts.

I forgot about the Suzuki Kizashi. I'll have to look at that.

I've looked at a few Saab's but the wifey doesn't like them. So it's not going to happen. I really love the whole wagon thing but because the wife will be driving the car from time to time, she doesn't like them. Too bad because the Audi A3 looked promising as well.

If you want reliability, you're going to want to stay away from the VW.

If you want a wagon, what about a Mazda 3 in GT trim. I think it'll check all the boxes for you. Any AWD car would be great in snow, but fuel mileage will suffer. If you're looking for a sedan, I'd say far and away the best bet for your criteria is an Accord EX-L in 4 cyl trim. Luxury, 30mpg+ easy, quality, great chassis.

As a wildcard, if you can find one in your price range, what about the Mini Cooper Clubman? Stay away from the S models, they're more trouble prone. But the non-turbo models have good reliability, incredible fuel mileage (people routinely report over 40), have luxury touches and are a freakin' blast to drive.

I'd say the distrust of VW reliability is overblown. My Passat 4motion will absolutely crush my mothers' new Subaru Outback in bad weather (snow). This past winter I drove through a 8" snowfall without a hitch and when I tried the same road/conditions/driver in her car it sat still and dug itself a hole. I'm sure tires were a factor but it was a pretty amazing comparison.

Merc wrote: Hi all, my Civic finally lost its 3rd engine after 300k+ miles and I'm tired of fixing it. I'm on the market for another car. At this stage in my life I don't have much time to be tinkering with cars nor do I have space to really do so. So here's my criteria: Under $13k. 4drs. Reliable. Lux or semi-lux, at least leather seats. Can get 30mpg or higher on highway (I drive 30mi a day). Drives well in the snow. Fun to drive or fun with little modding, ie tires, brakes and sway bars only. Pref something closer to mid size. Newer than 2000. Must be wife-safe-to-drive approved. So here are a few I was thinking about: Mazda 6, Honda Accord, Acura TSX, Audi A4, Subaru Legacy So let me hear what your suggestions are. It seems tough to find any of these models in a premium package that can get over 30mpg.

Thread

Another vote for the TSX, particularly if you can find one with the 6-speed manual. Very enjoyable to drive, even with the 5-speed ATX. My wife's is 10 years old and has been dead-nuts reliable. Rolling on Conti DWSs, snow is not an issue. It's pretty tossable for a FWD near-lux daily, and has a nice ride to boot.

KyAllroad wrote: I'd say the distrust of VW reliability is underblown.

FTFY. Really, it's not overblown. I talk to shops, appraisers, etc...constantly and every time you say "VW", I can hear the eyes rolling through the phone.

What mpgs could you expect out of a Volvo? I'm thinking S60 T5...

FTFY. Really, it's not overblown. I talk to shops, appraisers, etc...constantly and every time you say "VW", I can hear the eyes rolling through the phone.

Yeah. I work at a major auto auction now and you can see the difference in newish-VW reliability without even going looking for it.