choices...

So we spent yesterday afternoon at the HRADA Auto Show. A good time was, believe it or not, had by all. Now I'm not immediately in the market for a new car. I probably won't be until this fall (good, since that's when they generally start running sales and promotions), but let's be honest -- the Cruiser has 110,000 miles on her and isn't getting any younger. And since Chrysler seemingly has no intention of extending the life of said model (at least, that's what I've read. Not that I'm overly impressed with how they butchered it a few years back.), I need to look elsewhere for wheels.

We hit just about every car brand on the floor (okay, no Hummer, Cadillac, Infiniti, BMW or Mercedes shopping for us), and tried out just about every model that fit my criteria.

what are you looking for?

Something sedanish, I think. I like the Cruiser's quirky body style and utility -- it's totally me -- but to get that same sort of thing I'd have to go SUV-ish, and that isn't going to help me out that much. I want the best gas mileage I can get -- yeah, prices have come down, but for how long? And I do drive 80 miles round trip every day. Something that holds its value would be nice, but with the miles I put on a car it isn't going to make that much difference.

so what did you look at?

Everything. Seriously. I was most disappointed with Nissan and Toyota. The Nissans felt almost uniformly too small -- when you sit in the driver's seat and immediately get claustrophobic, it doesn't inspire you to want to spend two hours a day sitting in it. The Toyotas that I could afford -- all of two models, I believe -- felt cheap and tiny. I'm not paying $24,000 for a tuna can. I bypassed Honda for the most part, since nothing they had really inspired the "want it" feeling. I even sat in the Audi A4, since it wasn't that much more expensive than anything else I looked at. A German tuna can. Chrysler and Dodge didn't thrill me -- I had already driven a Charger with indifferent results (okay, but I wouldn't buy one), and the Avenger felt like a piece of crap comparatively.

did you like anything?

Yes. Yes, I did. I got some good ideas of what I want to research more deeply, and eventually test-drive.

I liked (in no particular order):

• Chevrolet Malibu
• Saturn VUE
• Saturn Aura
• Volkswagen Tiguan
• Volkswagen Jetta
• Mini Cooper Clubman
• Subaru Forester

i thought you were ruling out suvs.

Not completely. I mean, yeah, 'cause they generally aren't much help on gas mileage. And I certainly wouldn't consider anything huge, like a Pilot or a Yukon or something. The VUE, the Tiguan and the Forester still feel relatively compact. None of the three get more than 26 mpg highway, which is what I currently get with the Cruiser. That puts them all at the bottom of the list. The VUE is also at the high end of the budget, which puts it on thin ice.

The Malibu is totally something I wouldn't normally pick, but I've driven it and really enjoyed the experience. It's pricey, but so is everything else…. It still feels vaguely old-ladyish to me, in a land yacht sort of way. I have to get over that. I haven't had great experiences with Chevy but I've read pretty good reviews on this model.

I've owned two Saturns and I wouldn't hesitate to own another one. What will ultimately keep me out of the Aura is the price. Unless I can negotiate a decent deal, I can almost cross these cars off the list.

The Subaru -- well, I know they last (right, Bananie?), and they've got a pretty good history.  This is one I'll have to test-drive before I can really make a judgment call.

I liked. the. Jetta. I liked everything about it. I liked the way it felt around me when I sat in the front seat. I liked the fact that the TDI model got 44 mpg. (Yeah, it's diesel, but so what?) I liked the way the controls were situated. I liked the fact that you could park my Cruiser in the trunk. (Honestly -- it was HUGE.) This could be a contender.

what about the Mini?

It's adorable.

cute doesn't cut it.

I know that. The Mini's one big strike against it is its size. I personally like the compactness, however, this will be our main traveling vehicle. We tested this. Both adults (6'6" Hizzoner and 5'8" Moi) fit very comfortably in the front. HSH easily fits into the back, aided by the little suicide door (too cute) on the passenger side. But there's little room for luggage.

get a roof rack.

Which we could. And destroy the 34 mpg while we're at it. Granted, our trips aren't that frequent, so this isn't a dealbreaker. This is primarily my car -- a commuter car -- so it'll rarely have to carry more than some groceries. The safety features, gas mileage, and overall reviews (one guy spent ten minutes singing the praises of this model to me -- and he didn't even work for the dealership) still put it squarely in the "yes" category.

what now?

Well, I'm going to read reviews. I'm going to test drive them all. I'm going to get quotes from my insurance company as to what costs what to insure. And I'm going to save up some money so that I can put a decent down payment on one of them.

So if you know anything about any of these models, your input is greatly appreciated!

Comments

[Tuulia]

I'm a Volkswagen fan, and if I had to choose between the two VW models, I'd go for the Tiguan. It's more quiet in the inside than the Jetta. We have a 2.0L VW GTI and a 3.6L V6 VW Passat (stationwagon) right now, and while I like the compact GTI a lot, whenever we need to haul a bunch of stuff, we're glad to own the Passat. I even once took two armchairs home in the back! :D

The stationwagon gets great mileage, the 2.0L liter engine is absolutely impeccable (and has been in production for a long time so it's incredibly reliable, just like the TDI engine), it has the space of an SUV but none of the drawbacks. I've had mine for nearly 3 years and haven't had any problems. The Passat is a four-wheel drive car, and I still get 30 to 34mpg on a highway. And that's with a V6 engine!

As for the other models, if you want a reliable car, the Subaru is a good option too. We see them a lot here in the PNW, and they're really nice cars. They're not as stiff to drive as VWs tend to be, but this is a matter of opinion. Personally, if I had to get another car and not a VW, it'd be a Subaru. They're great to drive and last a lifetime. I like the interior of the VW better, and the drive, but again, matter of opinion. :)

[Beverly]

I owned a 2003 Jetta before I traded it in for the Honda CR-V that I drive now. The purchase of the Jetta was an impulsive one, and after 2 years of huge car payments I needed something cheaper. And that is the only reason I got rid of it. I absolutely loved that car. It had 9 miles on it when I bought it and was the only one in town that was gunmetal gray. It had leather and heated seats (something I miss every winter) and volume controls on the steering wheel. I loved how the car sat around me - like it was an extension of me. It was solid-feeling. It didn't deal with the snow as well as my previous piece of crap (Dodge Neon - shitty car but boy did it love the snow), but that's really the only negative.

Someday I will have another one. I really miss it.

[Anniebananie]

You know how I feel about Subarus! 208K miles and still going (knock on wood). Now, I do need a new control arm, tires, and an alignment (and I need to get the oil changed) but I love my car and will keep it until it doesn't run anymore. We are shooting for 275K miles.

I would also look at the outback. It's a good size for two adults and one kid, plus a dog and gear. It's a bit longer than the forrester, and gets good gas mileage - even at 208K, I'm still getting between 25 and 26 mpg, which is what was on the sticker when I bought the thing.

If you are looking for a sedan (yes, it's generic looking), I would look at the Hyundai Sonata. DH has one and we have been very pleased with it. Nearly 30mpg and it has lots of room - very comfy, plus it has 8 airbags.

[Ted]

Read consumer reports. Cars are too expensive not to. IMHO: Forrester and Malibu/Aura. VW is developing a bad rep for reliability. Cooper is cool, but about as practical as a motorcycle.

[Chris]

A friend has a Malibu, but seeing that she is a lady in her 50's, that might feed into your "old" lady thoughts. As to the Mini Cooper, hate them, but that's only a non-scientific opinion. I love Subaru's!! I had 2 station wagons. I drive an Acadia, I know, out of consideration because they are a SUV. But they are spacious without being huge. But only 23 MPG.

[Carla B.]

Did you try on a Chevy Equinox? It is similar to the VUE, but a little bigger - no claustrophobia. I've had mine for a little over a year, and I LOVE it!! It is a joy to drive or ride in, and the stereo has an aux jack for the mp3 player!!

[Karen]

Will you do the research when I need a new car? Please? We are a one car family and it's a big SUV (family of 4 with 3 dogs). Here is my experience: My friend is on her second VW beetle. Both have been problematic but in minor annoying ways. She is at the dealer regularly with warning lights for small repairs. There are lots of plastic parts that don't hold up to regular use and have been replaced more than once. Her current one has a tail light issue that just will not stay fixed. I have 2 friends with Subaru's. They both love them and have had no problems. They handle really well in the snow which has been a huge plus in our area this winter. Good luck with your research.

[Cindy in Happy Valley]

I love my (2nd) Forester and they're great in rollover crashes. Sigh

[Mag]

The Subaru Forrester has a great track record. It's not so rockin' as a Mini but it'll probably do ya fine.
I'm getting a new car in a couple of months. I'm thinking of a Panzer (Mercedes or BMW) van. I might go Lexus if they'll give me a good deal. No, I absolutely do not 'need' a luxury car. But the Mr. complains every time he gets in my car (Highlander) about its lack of this and that gadget. It is annoying but if I expect him to take me on more trips... Toyota was an excellent vehicle, in the last millennium. I've had 4 and the Mr. has had 2, but no more.

[Emily]

I had no idea the vue had dropped in mpg since we bought ours.

My only advice is to buy what you think will work for you and the fam for years to come.

[Zonda]

I loved my Subaru! I loved my Saturn S2...my next car will most likely be a Subaru as I hope to be back home in Maine. It was a great car for regular roads and in the snow (4wheel drive).

I currently have a hybrid Ford Escape and I love it. Gas mileage is about 28-33mpg in town and more on the highway, but I don't highway too much.