What kind of vehicle should I get?

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oh, and if missus is into it, mazda5 can still be find (have been sold) with standard/stickshift. majority are automatic.

while made in Japan, I think if we ask member bcardinal really nice (pretty please) he could fill us in of parts shared with Ford.

compared with mazda mpv, mazda5 is lower to the ground.
 
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hybrid: Ford C-max (5 seater), kind of rare. same footprint as a mazda5.
they are some in taxi duty(if it means anything)

venza: search bitog, we have members with both v6 and 4-cilinder option review/purchase them
honda crv/element: search bitog, we have members review/purchase them
 
CX5 are great.

Forget the hybrid unless you want to go all in for a Prius. Hybrid CUV/SUV/Truck just don't utilize themselves correctly. Too much $, not enough mpg. See the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid for a perfect example. You'll never recoup your $ spent.
Prius, I'm all for, if that's the type of vehicle that works for you.

I'd crossshop the CX5, CRV, Forester/Outback, and similar vehicles. Whatever jumps out as best to her, or you can snag a deal on, go for.
 
I paid $21,400 for my 2013 Escape Titanium, AWD, 2.0T with 35,000 miles on it a year ago(in 2014 - only 1 year old and it stickered for 35k).

When it comes to the used market there are a TON of vehicles to choose from.

Personally, I'd look in the CX-5/Escpae/HR-V range of vehicles. It sounds like you need some space and mobility and a smaller CUV would fit that role quite well along with getting decent to good mpg.
 
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I would think maybe a Forester as well. I like them. They also don't have rot issues. I am surprised you'd buy another Mazda after that experience.. 2003 is not very old..
 
Would like to see pics of rust on your MPV... I always thought the MPV was a nice looking car... have you tried looking for a used one??
12 years of driving in salt water every winter... yup... seen it... been there...
 
Ford Transit Connect

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01-2015-ford-transit-connect-wagon-review-1.jpg
 
I would take a hard look at the Mazda CX3; you may be surprised at the new vehicle price. I don't know any women who disliked moving down a size in an SUV; there is still plenty of room inside for almost anyone without kids or a business to run.

Take advantage of just about every OEM's "Build and Price" options on their website. You can estimate used car costs from what you learn there as well by going through the process; save and print results to carry when looking for what options you like, etc.

Also every OEM have some form of Certified Used program, again you get good pricing information and a ceiling on prices, plus the vehicles, if you like one, are premium used examples with good warranty.

Mazda are making great cars these days, winning awards, so you could stay with the brand if you want, but of course you have options with others as well.

Check http://www.edmunds.com for reliability assessments and owners' likes and dislikes on used cars.
 
Originally Posted By: 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?


They are both decent except for one major unknown, rust....the vast majority of vehicles don't in that time period, Mazda for whatever reason do in an above average rate. Maybe Mazda addresses this for rust belt.
 
Before looking at a normal crossover vehicle (ie. CX-5) you should try a newer compact crossover (ie. CX-3)
 
Originally Posted By: SLCraig
I would think maybe a Forester as well. I like them. They also don't have rot issues. I am surprised you'd buy another Mazda after that experience.. 2003 is not very old..


I don't know, 13 years in the rust belt is hard on any vehicle, corrosion wise...plus, I've heard the rustproofing has gotten better on the Mazdas...
 
Now my wife says she wants a full sized minivan. She says the Mazda 5 is too small. That narrows the choices considerably. The only other minivans I would consider are the Sienna and the Odyssey. I won't buy another Chrysler product because of my experience with our Intrepid, and the Odyssey may be out if they haven't gotten their tranny issues worked out.
 
If you like the looks (you either like it or hate it) the Ford Flex is a decent minivan alternative. 3 useable rows, great size, decent to great power plants, etc.

I wouldn't rule out the Transit Connect - rode in a new one yesterday and it wasn't bad as I thought it would be.
 
Originally Posted By: grampi
Now my wife says she wants a full sized minivan. She says the Mazda 5 is too small. That narrows the choices considerably. The only other minivans I would consider are the Sienna and the Odyssey. I won't buy another Chrysler product because of my experience with our Intrepid, and the Odyssey may be out if they haven't gotten their tranny issues worked out.


Ody's don't suffer transmission problems. That is 10 year old news at its last occurrence. Folks here get excited about VCM stuff but I have not heard of a single recent Pilot or Ody owners I know (12 families).

If I were in the market for new family vehicle (have 3 kids) Ody or Sienna whichever was best to me. Chrysler only if used with idea of repairing as they drop like rocks in value for good reason, quality and bits not quite up to Ody/Sienna.
 
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