What kind of vehicle should I get?

[grampi]

Sadly, my wife's beloved Mazda MPV is rusting so badly now we have to face the fact that we will have to replace it soon. We bought it new in '03, I ordered it from the factory equipped just the way we wanted it. It's been a wonderful and very reliable vehicle, and if it wasn't rusting so badly, we wouldn't part with it. Unfortunately, nothing lasts forever, and that especially applies to vehicles.

Problem is, my wife has no idea what she would like to replace it with. I don't think she wants a car, and she is leaning towards another minivan, a crossover, or an SUV. I would kind of like to go the hybrid route, but even that is not for certain. We don't want to buy new, but would probably want something no older than like 2 or 3 years old. Brand is not of particular concern right now as I need to consider every possibility before I can start narrowing down our choices. I can't even list a desired price as I've been away from the vehicle buying scene for so long I couldn't even begin to guess what price range we need to be in. I'm sure there's going to be sticker shock no matter what we look at, considering we only paid $21,600 for our MPV new. I'm sure we'd hard pressed to even be able to find a compact model for that price these days.

I am open to any and all suggestions.

 

[SatinSilver]

I'd check out the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda HRV for comparison sake. Start the search with those two and see if they appeal to her at all. I'm guessing around 23k and 21k negotiated prices respectively(modestly equipped with the basics).

 

[Leo99]

You can buy a nice vehicle for $25000. Real nice for $30000.

Toyota is doing away with the Venza so you might be able to pick one up for a good price. It's a crossover that people seem to love or hate but I think they're pretty nice.

 

[danthaman1980]

Mazda CX-5 AWD 2.5L

Yes, if you were searching for new cars you will be hard pressed to find anything other than a compact car for $21k, but as you're looking at used 2-3 yr old vehicles, you should be able to find something quite capable for well under $30k, perhaps even the low 20s.

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
I'm sure there's going to be sticker shock no matter what we look at, considering we only paid $21,600 for our MPV new. I'm sure we'd hard pressed to even be able to find a compact model for that price these days.


$21,600 in 2003 money is the same as $27,861 today. You can buy a very nice vehicle today for the same value of money that you paid in 2003.

 

[cptbarkey]

toyota camry.

 

[SatinSilver]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: SatinSilver
I'm sure there's going to be sticker shock no matter what we look at, considering we only paid $21,600 for our MPV new. I'm sure we'd hard pressed to even be able to find a compact model for that price these days.


$21,600 in 2003 money is the same as $27,861 today. You can buy a very nice vehicle today for the same value of money that you paid in 2003.


That's odd my name appeared in that quote since I didn't write that.

 

[mrsilv04]

Originally Posted By: cptbarkey




Hardly. What do you have against this poor man?

 

[Best F100]

Good question.

If you decide to buy new, (or nearly new), you would be the perfect household for what we have - a Ford Transit Connect Wagon. This choice would easily be the most overlooked suggestion you get.

Reasons:

1) Takes up about the same exterior footprint as the MPV that you are used to.
Comes in both short & long wheelbase. Some owners have fit and
transported a motorcycle INSIDE it.

2) More interior room than what you have in your MPV.

3) Does not look like a mini van, so as a guy, you don't have turn in your man
card, while being seen driving it.

4) Prices start at around $24 to $25,000. Can be serviced at any Ford dealer.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
toyota camry.


Maybe it should be the end of your responding in this thread. She said she does not want a car.

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: danthaman1980
Mazda CX-5 AWD 2.5L

Yes, if you were searching for new cars you will be hard pressed to find anything other than a compact car for $21k, but as you're looking at used 2-3 yr old vehicles, you should be able to find something quite capable for well under $30k, perhaps even the low 20s.


I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Mazda as the MPV was so good to us. Is the CX-5 available in a hybrid?...not a show stopper if it's not, I'm just curious. What about the Mazda 5? Are they any good?

 

[grampi]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
toyota camry.


Maybe it should be the end of your responding in this thread. She said she does not want a car.


Yeah, the Camry is probably out because it's a car, but I do like the fact that it's available in a hybrid...

 

[grampi]

I also think my wife likes the Ford Edge, but that would have to be a hybrid...otherwise it's probably a gas guzzler...

 

[SatinSilver]

No hybrids available with the CX-5. Looks like they have a new CX-3 available which is a little smaller and about 2k less expensive than the CX-5.

http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/displayP...de=CX5#overview

The Mazda 5 is real nice but don't think they make them anymore. You could get a used or new Ford Escape as a hybrid.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Mazda CX-5 is an excellent choice these days.

 

[CT8]

Go to the dealerships and look around then drive the ones that interest you.

 

[cptbarkey]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: cptbarkey
toyota camry.


Maybe it should be the end of your responding in this thread. She said she does not want a car.


no bud its not, enjoy my opinion.

on a similar note, consider the toyota venza.

 

[dareo]

Honda CR-V, but it new, haggle.

 

[IndyIan]

My parents ended up with a new Forester, mostly because they could see out of it. Especially for backing up, many of them have silly thick pillars and tiny windows back there. They had a Rouge briefly but its surround camera system was not a replacement for functional windows.
Did your wife actually use the MPV as a minivan? My uncle and aunt just buy 2-3 year old Town and Country's and run them into the ground. They rarely use all the seating but like the space back there for projects and stuff.
A used Caravan should be well below $20k, or come up to Canada and buy a new one for $14.5 US!

 

[pandus13]

-mazda5 (i have a 2013 GT): they are not made anymore. tire size 17", not really tall sidewall (how is your pothole status in your area?). it is good for 4 adults with some luggage space, or 2 adults and 4 kids with not much luggage space. works with wheels from the mazda3. engine is thirsty compared with other offerings. make sure you are not really tall, wide shoulders. (world car/ mini-minivan). oh and is actually a mazda3 taller and longer with minivan back doors and hatch (all manual no motors). rust status (i have a Texas car )
-ford transit connect (as other said), avail in 5 or (long-base) 7 passenger. can swallow a full pallet!
-ram passenger? (sorry, no details)
-nissan nv200, others, passenger version (sorry, no details)
-2-3 years old dodge caravan AVP (new where 17K plus fees)