Let's discuss undervalued family cars

Currently we're in the market for a "new" family car. We have one 10-month old daughter and as many of you already know, those car seats are huge and need a lot of rear seat room. A 10-month old also means that we have to carry a lot of stuff in the car when we go on trips.

Im looking for suggestions and feedback on potential vehicle choices that have good interior room, are typically dependable and are overlooked and undervalued in today's car market.

Station wagons, unpopular SUVs, minivans, etc. 

I do all my own mechanical work and don't mind making some mechanical repairs. Would like to avoid anything that is known for electrical issues. 

We live in the South, so no need for AWD or 4x4 for this vehicle. 

Cheaper the better but definitely want to stay under $8k. Under $6k would be preferred.

So far here are some that I've considered but haven't personally looked at or have any experience with.

- Saab station wagons (which models?)

- Volvo V70

- Mazda5 (I've owned a couple Mazda3's so have some experience and I like Mazdas)

- Mazda Tribute 

- Mercedes wagon or large sedan (which models, if any)

- Audi wagon or large sedan (which models, if any)

- Buick Lucerne (or other large GM sedans)

- Dodge Magnum 

Any other suggestions?

Of course we're looking at other more popular choices as well. GMT800 Yukon/Tahoe for example but they're rode hard and put away wet in our price range.

Toyota Avalon. Especially if you can get a hybrid model:

Hyundai Genesis sedan:

untchabl said:

- Dodge Magnum

I'd skip this one. Yeah, they're cool, but the last ones they made were 2008 model year, so they're all 15+ years old now. I had an '06 RT 10 years ago and it was already starting to age poorly then, at 80k miles. Dumped it then while it still had some residual value and I don't regret it. It was cool, though.

The Ford fusion sport thing that has all of the horsepuppies and awd.  It's so unknown.

Acura MDX, or any Acura. It's a Honda but doesn't carry the same tax. 

Infiniti sedans.

In 2014, Infiniti went to a naming scheme where all models start with Q.  Previous to that the scheme was one letter for model and two numbers for displacement.  Add an X to the end if it's awd

Q45 with 4.5L V8

M35 or M45 with 3.5L V6 of 4.5L V8.  This later grew to M3.7 with bigger V6 and M56 with bigger V8

G35 and G37

I would focus on looking for a M and maybe in V6 format so M35.  A highly forgotten car.  

Now I go to FB to find a sample:  2007 Infiniti M3 5x with 127k asking $5.5k

Avoid the Infiniti JX35 also renamed QX60.  It is just a tarted up Nissan Pathfinder but it is plagued by an unreliable CVT trans.  No other Infiniti offerings are cvt.

Agreed that early Genisis sedans are completely unknown and completely overlooked making them inexpensive.  

'12 w/114k asking $6.8k

Honda Pilot? 

spandak said:

Acura MDX, or any Acura. It's a Honda but doesn't carry the same tax. 

I wouldn't suggest it, if you're trying to avoid electrical gremlins.  there's at least 3 possible things that can kill a battery unexpectedly in a 2007-2013 "2G" MDX: bluetooth module, a/c relay, and something else.

also, pretty notorious for sunroof drains clogging and getting water into the front footwells/a-pillar.

other than those negatives; the positives are: good power... 'ok-ish' mileage.  5000lb tow rating.  rides/handles pretty good.  easy to change the oil.  seats 7.

My pick would be the Mazda 5

That infiniti M for 5.5k looks pretty awesome actually.  Are those reliable?

ProDarwin said:

That infiniti M for 5.5k looks pretty awesome actually.  Are those reliable?

Same 3.5L that Nissan and Infiniti put in everything just in a RWD configuration.  The M35 was slightly larger than the G35 of the same era.  

As for reliable, as reliable as a before CVT Maxima (fwd) or G35 (rwd) of the same era.  Probably not quite Toyota/Honda reliable but maybe better than Big 3 reliable. 

2008 Buick Enclave like This one for $6k at a dealer. 

Opened this thread to say "Early Hyundai Genesis sedan." Amazingly well built cars that are dirt cheap. 

...and the biggest Hyundai.  The one that no one is sure how to spell/pronounce:  Equus

2011 Equus Ultimate w/85k asking $12.5k

Kia did a big car too.  Sort of a rebadged Genisis.  The K900...that no one knows about

2017 K900 w/84k asking $13.2k

GS300 Lexus. Fits the family and is powered by a 2J.

Tom1200 said:

My pick would be the Mazda 5

I don't know if that's the best option for you, but we have had one for several years now.

Mazda 5 or Mazda 6 are both good options. First gen 6 exists as a hatch, wagon, and sedan. Wagons are less common but the hatchback version is super practical and definitely under the radar on the used car market. Rust is the big issue on the Mazdas but that shouldn't be an issue where you are.

We have both. My wife loves her 5. The 6 has much better seats and is a nicer ride for long trips. It handles the car seats just fine.

The 5 is a bit simpler to work on for front end stuff because struts. They seem to wear out suspension parts relatively quickly, being a heavier body on Mazda 3 bones. Our 6 at just over 150k is starting to feel worn out, but to be fair it's lived an abusive life of Michigan winters and potholes.

Hyundai Sonatas.  My 2009 has 221K and has been super reliable.  Interior has held up well.  It was our baby-mobile with two little ones.  Lots of room inside and a big trunk.  We did many road trips and it all fit.  The market undervalues them.  The following generation is also good.

As I was reading your description, my mind went to Mazda 5.  I see it's on your list.  In your situation I would be looking for one of those 

Here is the link to the GRM'er quintessential link of all things Mazda5.  Wow, that thread started in 2011.  

My baby girl came home in our Mazda5.  My Mazda5 became BlueGreen-Jon's Mazda5 and he brought a baby home from the hospital in it too.  

You have not mentioned minivan but just in case, here are some deep thoughts I wrote on Chrysler Minivans in the past.  

Also in that thread, on page two you will see my thoughts on the much forgotten and overlooked Taurus X

Another Mazda 5 vote 

And I'll add Prius 

A Prius is definitely not undervalued.  They are great cars, but priced accordingly.  Honestly last time I checked Mazda 5s were not undervalued either.

Found this Infiniti Q45 on local Craigslist. Would like to go check it out but won't have time until Tuesday at the earliest, maybe he will still have it.

02 Infiniti Q45