pinchvalve
pinchvalve SuperDork
2/14/11 8:36 a.m.

So I went to the auto show this weekend to do some window shopping for cars I want but can't afford. I took the wife and kid along to get their input on the next family car.

You could sit in the $91,000 Land Rover (my wife's pick) but not the Chevy Volt. Weird. The Land Rover just seemed expensive...and worth it. Man what a vehicle.

You could sit in the Z06, but not the ZR1. Good idea, because I would have figured out how to hotwire and steal that thing! Chevy's CUV/Crossovers seemed like really good deals, and you could upgrade to a GM, Buick or Caddy version if you wanted more features. Seems like the divisions are in sync again.

My daughter loved the Ford Flex, and with 350+ HP, AWD, and an interior that puts a limo to shame, so did I. She wants one, but the $55,000 price tag seems a bit steep to me. (That's decent M3 territory: she can squish in the back and like it!)

I was very impressed with the Volvo S60, which sounds weird when I say it, but for the money and based on the reviews, it seems like a pretty hot car. But I would have to go for the wagon which may blunt the fun somewhat.

Kia had the best features per dollar ratio there, but it was interesting to sit in them and then a VW. The Koreans have come a long way, but all of the modern VeeDubs had the same feel inside as a Mercedes or BMW. Nice. Really nice. I get the appeal of a 4-Door GTI!

Javelin
Javelin SuperDork
2/14/11 8:56 a.m.

It's fun to look at cars, even if you aren't shopping. I've always enjoyed auto shows, though we only get little ones here Thanks for sharing!

bravenrace
bravenrace SuperDork
2/14/11 9:06 a.m.

My wife also loves the Flex, and I like it too. But man is it expensive! Maybe a used one in a couple years. My kids and me are going to the Cleveland show in a couple weeks. We just like going and checking out all the new stuff. It's something to do in the middle of the winter. BTW, my carpool partner is currently driving a loaded Kia Sorento while his Ford Windstart waits in the Ford dealers parking lot for a new rear axle (~ 4-6 weeks). Man, that Sorento is nice! And fast! I'm not sure Ford knows what it's doing by giving somebody with an old van something like this. Anyway, Hyundai and Kia have both come a long way in a short period of time - Impressive. I'll have to check out the VW's again. Last year I left with the impression that their interior quality had gone down hill from a couple years prior.

Teqnyck
Teqnyck Reader
2/14/11 6:38 p.m.

My wife and I went to the Portland Int. Auto Show a few weekends ago and I think she may be interested in a new car soon. She told me her two favorites were the Mazdaspeed3 and the STi sedan. That was a big surprise to me since she's driving a minty Ford Festiva cause she wanted 40mpg

Flynlow
Flynlow New Reader
2/15/11 5:07 a.m.

In reply to Teqnyck:

She's driving a 2011 Fiesta and wants a new car?

Teqnyck
Teqnyck Reader
2/15/11 8:53 a.m.

In reply to Flyinlow:

Negative, she's driving a '91 Ford Festiva. I would not be so careless as to call a Fiesta a Festiva

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