"Slightly sexy" 4-door, used, <$15,000

Sister (and her husband) are looking for a new-to-them used car.

Pretty much everything she asked me for is in the thread title, so I'll add a few of my own criteria from my observations of them and what they will want / need:

• They are in their 70s
• They buy used and keep their cars a looooong time
• Reliability is key; they are not allergic to maintenance but will paying to have it taken care of
• Automatic required, probably no CVTs
• Hybrid is a plus, but not full electric
• Can't be TOO boring - she used to drive a '68 GTO and then a 4-gen Camaro V8
• Can't be TOO exciting - she tends to bump lightly into stuff
• Should be somewhat fun to drive and interesting to look at
• No larger than mid-compact size

So, what does The Hive suggest?

[edit]

• Prefer > 2014
• Prefer < 50,000 miles

Duke said:

• Can't be TOO exciting - she tends to bump lightly into stuff

 

Sorry, no help.  But... LOL.

Toyota Avalon

Or Venza

2006ish BMW 330i. Last of the NA, decent 6 speed auto, price is right, delightful sounding engine. Can be had without iDrive and are still somewhat reliable.

I'm struggling to think of a slightly sexy hybrid 4 door. Maybe the CT200h or whatever that Lexus hatchback was? They look kind of cool. 

A lot of Infiniti sedans are remarkably cheap. A nice example of a G37S or Q-whatever they became is probably very attainable. 

Acura TL would probably be in the mix too. 

There was something on Internet that had a new 2024 Nissan base car with 5 speed for $20K, 

Maybe the warranty is worth the extra bucks.

dean1484 said:

Toyota Avalon

A little too big.  She's offloading a 2002 Toyota Solara.  One of the reasons is that it's a little too large for her garage.

How do we feel about Kia CVTs?

Honda Fit

 Mazda 3

Prius

In reply to gearheadE30 :

Some solid suggestions there, though I wouldn't want recommend a BMW for her.

Is it only the FWD Nissan CVTs that are problematic?  Or are the Infinitis TC boxes?

Her bar for "sexy" is pretty low, but she doesn't want a plain vanilla penalty box.

Cadillac ATS?

 

• Can't be TOO exciting - she tends to bump lightly into stuff
• Should be somewhat fun to drive and interesting to look at
• No larger than mid-compact size

Why, the answer is obvious - Nissan Altima with installed donut spare option!

Mazda 3 fits nicely into this description. Geared auto, reliable, nice looking, modern interior, not too precious to hit the occasional shopping cart. 

Used Genesis G70. 2.0 L turbo. Rear wheel drive sedan. 

Get one CPO and it comes with the big factory warranty.

If 2014+ Mazda 3 (2.5L) is too small, 2014+ Mazda 6 (notably 'sexy' in Soul Red) would seem to tick all the boxes too.

The nicest Lexus ES300 or Acura TL/TSX seems like a good fit here.  Nice, common, reliable, comfortable.  

Coming off many years with a Toyota, the recent and always hybrid Venza is a nice car for a distinguised lady.  The fancier Rav4 or "near Lexus"

If smaller wanted look at the smallest Lexus SUV, the hybrid UX. 

Staying Solara-like, the former Lexus IS250c, the hard top, convertible, coupe. 

spandak said:

Mazda 3 fits nicely into this description. Geared auto, reliable, nice looking, modern interior, not too precious to hit the occasional shopping cart. 

That's kind of where I'm leading her.  You get a little more car for the money with the Forte, but the 3 ticks a bunch of boxes.  I do like the TC auto over a CVT.

Echoing Mazda, either the 3 or if they want something a bit bigger/more status, then the 6 sedan.

I'm a longtime Mazda denizen but they work well and do meet her criteria well.

'Interesting to look at' (and potentially easy to get in and out of...), how about cubes like a Kia Soul? 

Duke said:

I do like the TC auto over a CVT.

The Skyactiv-Drive transmission was one of the first mass market automatics to do it the 'right' way, with a smaller TC and bigger TCC that basically only unlocks when stopped or changing gears. They drive great with no slush.

Acura TSX

In reply to JimS :

Having owned a first-gen TSX for 15 years, I would agree. However, they are looking to downsize a little from her current Solara, and I don't think an Acura in her budget is going to be new enough.

Lexus CT 200h. Wasn't there another smaller Lexus hybrid sedan that was only made for a few years. Smaller than an ES. 

Don't they just give you a Mercury Grand Marquis when you turn 70?

Mazda, either 3 or 6. For sure. Definitely ticks the boxes, and Soul Red is fantastic. Also, they drive great.