In the market to replace a 2004 Acura TL which has served us well. Would like an AWD under 50k. Any guidance on a car to pick or how to go about selecting one. Only criteria - can't be general motors. Will be used mainly for commuting from Fairfax to the district. Thanks!
What about the new Ford Fusion AWD. I was going to suggest something from Lexus, but can't seem to find an AWD under $53K.
Any reactions to that recent article?: http://www.businessinsider.com/cars-with-the-lowest-maintenance-costs-2012-12
Yeah, it's another "end of the year" piece of journalism which always leaves me skeptical. Some good generic points. But, still, reader beware.
I swore I'd never get an SUV, but I want to be up a little higher than in my coupe. Why don't they make smallish SUVs, like the old two door RAV 4? My question really is what is a small SUV that I should look into getting that isn't a monster on the road and for parallel parking? Is the Juke the one?
So many, among them: Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Samta Fe, Chevrolet Equinox, Toyota Rav4, Kia Sorento, to name a few.
I love the C-Max, although there is quite a bit of debate over its mileage claims. I got in the neighborhood of 33 mpg highway in my usage. Not 40 mpg, as advertised. But that did not bother me. It is such a great little car/wagon around the city. Also good for long-run commutes. But, if you want a slightly more robust wagon/crossover, go with the Escape.
We will need a replacement car in the next year, and would like the room of a Prius V. For financial reasons, we may have to buy used, and I doubt such a new model will be available as used in that timeframe. Is the Toyota Matrix similar in capacity, trunk lift-over (or lack thereof), and height of the step-over to get into the vehicle?
Good morning!
You may want to take a second look at the Prius V. The Ford C-Max outsold the Prius V in its first month on the market, so Toyota may have some better incentives if they want to recapture that market.
Yes, the Matrix would be similar in capacity, so would the Volkswagen Jetta station wagon.
I can buy a used 2006 Lexus RX450h for about the same money as a non-hybrid of the same year. I'm concerned about the possibility that the hybrid battery or electric propulsion system could die after the warranty expires. What's your take on reliability of used hybrid vehicles?
Based on field reports from Carmax and other outlets, used gas-electric hybrids last just as long as their traditional gas-only counterparts. Yes, batteries will wear out, like anything else. Replacement? You're looking at about $3,500.
I love the lines of the Veloster and the 3-door concept.
I'm not someone who has to have the 0-60 either, but I like the ability to go up a hill when I'm merging on a highway and the turbo gives the Veloster the added ummph needed to do that.
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