Duke
MegaDork
7/11/24 1:10 p.m.
Sister (and her husband) are looking for a new-to-them used car.
Pretty much everything she asked me for is in the thread title, so I'll add a few of my own criteria from my observations of them and what they will want / need:
- They are in their 70s
- They buy used and keep their cars a looooong time
- Reliability is key; they are not allergic to maintenance but will paying to have it taken care of
- Automatic required, probably no CVTs
- Hybrid is a plus, but not full electric
- Can't be TOO boring - she used to drive a '68 GTO and then a 4-gen Camaro V8
- Can't be TOO exciting - she tends to bump lightly into stuff
- Should be somewhat fun to drive and interesting to look at
- No larger than mid-compact size
So, what does The Hive suggest?
[edit]
- Prefer > 2014
- Prefer < 50,000 miles
Mr_Asa
MegaDork
7/11/24 1:15 p.m.
Duke said:
- Can't be TOO exciting - she tends to bump lightly into stuff
Sorry, no help. But... LOL.
2006ish BMW 330i. Last of the NA, decent 6 speed auto, price is right, delightful sounding engine. Can be had without iDrive and are still somewhat reliable.
I'm struggling to think of a slightly sexy hybrid 4 door. Maybe the CT200h or whatever that Lexus hatchback was? They look kind of cool.
A lot of Infiniti sedans are remarkably cheap. A nice example of a G37S or Q-whatever they became is probably very attainable.
Acura TL would probably be in the mix too.
There was something on Internet that had a new 2024 Nissan base car with 5 speed for $20K,
Maybe the warranty is worth the extra bucks.
Duke
MegaDork
7/11/24 1:24 p.m.
dean1484 said:
Toyota Avalon
A little too big. She's offloading a 2002 Toyota Solara. One of the reasons is that it's a little too large for her garage.
How do we feel about Kia CVTs?
Duke
MegaDork
7/11/24 1:35 p.m.
In reply to gearheadE30 :
Some solid suggestions there, though I wouldn't want recommend a BMW for her.
Is it only the FWD Nissan CVTs that are problematic? Or are the Infinitis TC boxes?
Her bar for "sexy" is pretty low, but she doesn't want a plain vanilla penalty box.
- Can't be TOO exciting - she tends to bump lightly into stuff
- Should be somewhat fun to drive and interesting to look at
- No larger than mid-compact size
Why, the answer is obvious - Nissan Altima with installed donut spare option!
Mazda 3 fits nicely into this description. Geared auto, reliable, nice looking, modern interior, not too precious to hit the occasional shopping cart.
Used Genesis G70. 2.0 L turbo. Rear wheel drive sedan.
Get one CPO and it comes with the big factory warranty.
Driven5
PowerDork
7/11/24 1:49 p.m.
If 2014+ Mazda 3 (2.5L) is too small, 2014+ Mazda 6 (notably 'sexy' in Soul Red) would seem to tick all the boxes too.
Sonic
UberDork
7/11/24 1:56 p.m.
The nicest Lexus ES300 or Acura TL/TSX seems like a good fit here. Nice, common, reliable, comfortable.
Coming off many years with a Toyota, the recent and always hybrid Venza is a nice car for a distinguised lady. The fancier Rav4 or "near Lexus"
If smaller wanted look at the smallest Lexus SUV, the hybrid UX.
Staying Solara-like, the former Lexus IS250c, the hard top, convertible, coupe.
Duke
MegaDork
7/11/24 2:11 p.m.
spandak said:
Mazda 3 fits nicely into this description. Geared auto, reliable, nice looking, modern interior, not too precious to hit the occasional shopping cart.
That's kind of where I'm leading her. You get a little more car for the money with the Forte, but the 3 ticks a bunch of boxes. I do like the TC auto over a CVT.
Echoing Mazda, either the 3 or if they want something a bit bigger/more status, then the 6 sedan.
I'm a longtime Mazda denizen but they work well and do meet her criteria well.
'Interesting to look at' (and potentially easy to get in and out of...), how about cubes like a Kia Soul?
Driven5
PowerDork
7/11/24 5:42 p.m.
Duke said:
I do like the TC auto over a CVT.
The Skyactiv-Drive transmission was one of the first mass market automatics to do it the 'right' way, with a smaller TC and bigger TCC that basically only unlocks when stopped or changing gears. They drive great with no slush.
Duke
MegaDork
7/11/24 6:15 p.m.
In reply to JimS :
Having owned a first-gen TSX for 15 years, I would agree. However, they are looking to downsize a little from her current Solara, and I don't think an Acura in her budget is going to be new enough.
Lexus CT 200h. Wasn't there another smaller Lexus hybrid sedan that was only made for a few years. Smaller than an ES.
ddavidv
UltimaDork
7/12/24 6:48 a.m.
Don't they just give you a Mercury Grand Marquis when you turn 70?
Mazda, either 3 or 6. For sure. Definitely ticks the boxes, and Soul Red is fantastic. Also, they drive great.