Yet one more "What Car" thread..........

This goes along with my STS thread. I need to find a DD for my wife to use for work duty, and for family use over the weekends. Here's what I'm looking for:

• MAX price of $3500. I'm a professional-grade negotiator, so figure something advertised around $4500 or less.
• Good fuel economy. I define this as city mileage in the real world of 23mpg or better, and highway of 27 or better.
• MUST comfortably seat two adults and two kids. One of which is in a rear-facing car seat for at least another two months. For this reason I'm leaning towards a larger car, which is somewhat at odds with my fuel economy requirement. I also want to keep the kids knees out of my back as much as possible.
• RELIABLE. I don't need my family broken down somewhere while I'm at work. Low cost to repair is also a factor. I work for Nissan dealer and I get employee pricing on whatever repairs can be done there. Which I am not sure the STS would qualify for (Nissan dealer)

Current thoughts:

• I like the looks, size, and potential fuel economy of the STS. Big and comfy, strong performance, decent enough fuel economy (I THINK). Looking for more input on this one in a separate thread. 2000-ish models fit the budget.
• 1993-2000 Nissan Altima. This one should be a slam dunk. They are way under budget for the most part, I can get them fixed very cheap, and they usually don't break anyway. I'd perfer something a bit nicer though, and they are barely large enough. Besides, I don't like the looks of the '97 and up models, and the earlier ones are simply getting old.
• 1996-2000 Maxima. These fit somewhere between the Caddy and the Altima in every respect. The only problem is that most of these seem to have been "rode hard and put up wet". We looked at several before getting our current 2002 Sedona a few months ago, and they were all very rough.
• Mid '90's Accord or Accord wagon? I'm just not all that thrilled with them, but maybe I'd like them better if I drove one. I have spent some time in the '95 Accord I bought my mother, and it's......... ok. Maybe I'd like a V-6 better?
• 2000+ Chevy Malibu or Impala? Probably not, but throwing it out there.

NO TAURUS.

Any thoughts on these, or something that matches the price and criteria listed above that I neglected? Maybe there's a Suburu big enough for us?

 Mike

What about an BMW e34 525. They are cheap to buy and cheap to maintain. The automatic 525s get near 30mpg on the hwy. There is a wagon version as well.

The m50 engine will go forever. The only weak point is the auto transmissions, but there are tons of them if it ever goes bad.

Down on power, but the Mazda Protege5 is a pretty spiffy wagon and handles nicely (for a wagon). Don't have alot of other suggestions.

I'm not a fan of the mid '90's Accords. Something about them just made them seem cheaper and flimsier than the '90-'93 models.

I wouldn't consider a Subaru unless you have need for AWD. They're nice, but gas mileage is poor (mixed mileage on my outback wagon is around 20mpg) and power is low for what you buy.

My friend has a 2003 Cadillac STS and my its a nice boulevard cruiser. A big fat pig of course, but comfy as a plush sofa. Drive your kid around the block in that and they'll practically be comatose by the time you make the corner.

For that price, the Maxima would be a great option. Maybe also check out the old Mazda 929.

Not sure how the Infiniti Q fits into the picture on gas mileage but it is a big roomy car.

The Saab 9-5 or 9000 might fit the bill also.

Mazda P5 or Maxima or Infiniti Q. I think the 929 had transmission longevity issues and they're slow although they look excellent so that's something and maybe good fluid with a good add-on cooler setup could help the trans last.

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1898380695.html http://atlanta.craigslist.org/atl/cto/1898690039.html Maxima with a tuxedo!

I'd pass on the altima. Super reliable, great size, but slower than a maxima and in my experience the fuel economy is actually worse.

sts's leak. And they're thirsty. Other than that it seems like they're a good value.

maybe a regal?

Regal / Intrigue / Impala / Grand Prix

Make great reliable family cars and all they require is basic maintenance. The buick and olds have slightly nicer interiors. Good pricing, avoid 3.1L engines and head for the 3.8L and 3.5L (olds only). Plenty of room for four people.

While the Protege is a good option, it's a tight fit for most rear-facing seats...it fits, but it compromises room in the front.

Nathan

Crown Victoria, Grand Marquis, Town Car...can't go wrong...

Bonneville...for more performance seek the SSEi...

I think a Focus Wagon might be something to look into. The only thing is most of the suspension goodies (if the tinkering bug ever came) don't bolt onto the wagons. Also, Elantra hatchbacks are starting to come down in price. Also, what about a Chrysler 300? The fwd ones that is.. I've sat in those before and the backseat is huge.

Maxima or i30/i35 seems to be your answer. Any large american sedan would do you fine as well. Lincoln ls might be a better choice than the sts.

I'm surprised some sort of Volvo hasn't been mentioned or recommended yet. How are 240/740/940 non turbos on fuel? I looked on fueleconomy.gov and the 850's seem to meet the gas mileage requirement and definitely fit the bill as a family car.