What kind of car should my mom get?

[XemaSab]

Poll question: What kind of car should my mom get?

Here's the deal:

It's going to be mainly used for driving around town. Going to work, going to the store, just a few miles through town each way.

However, a couple times a year she'd like to do a road trip of a several hundred miles, drive up to Washington, down to Sacramento or the Bay Area, up to Lassen or the Trinities, over to the Coast, go camping and see the sights. She likes to go to the mountains, which she is surrounded by, but off-roading isn't going to happen. Maintained dirt roads are about as hardcore as it gets. However, getting stuck in the snow is a big pain, and it happens, so AWD would be good.

She also has a big dog, and is thinking about getting another big dog (or 3). This is a critical factor in the decision making process, as the dog needs to ride in a kennel. She also goes camping with more shit than you would ever believe possible.

She wants to be nominally eco-friendly, and get something made in the USA. She also had a Honda before that was much beloved, and she has a Toyota now that she hates, but it's mechanically good and that's a big consideration.

These are the cars under consideration:

[GrpCaptMandrake]

1. Jeep Liberty w/ the Diesel Config

It's a Mercedes diesel engine, so the tech's rock solid. Jeep's shift on the fly 4WD is reliable. Plenty of space for a Great Dane or three.

Another suggestion: Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Also a solid choice.

[GOPisEvil]

2. That Element is a good thing for dog owners and outdoorspeople.

Supposedly you can just hose the thing out (within reason, I suppose). Not sure they have an AWD version though (edit - I checked and there is a 4wd version). But, it's a Honda, which means it will last forever with proper maintenance. The downside: it's fugly.

[chookie]

31. Fugly is in the eye of the beholder

My Element's name is "Most Beauteous."

[ET Awful]

47. The look has kind of grown on me. I dig it now, and I want one :P

The design is pure practicality. The way the doors open, the fact that there's no pillar between front and rear doors and no lip at the bottom makes loading and unloading stuff a breeze. The way the seats store and fold and such is awesome.

I wish I could afford to get one.

[GOPisEvil]

48. Actually, I have to admit it's grown on me, too.

It's definitely better than the Scion xB, which looks like the little Lego's car.

[Magrittes Pipe]

3. Ford Escape Hybrid.

Civic's way too small for multiple big dogs. The Escape offers the room of a small SUV, plus (although it's made all over the world) the American components are made with union labor, and the profits end up staying in the U.S. PLUS, Hybrid technology offers a way to be eco-friendly.

The best thing I can say about the Escape Hybrid as opposed to other hybrids out there is that it feels like a V-6 when you step on the gas. The gas/electric combo actually moves the small SUV, instead of making you feel like you're riding in a rickshaw.






full disclosure: I sell Fords.

[XemaSab]

5. We looked at that,

but the two downsides are that it's a ford, so we're worried about maintanance, and it's EX$$$PEN$IVE.

[Magrittes Pipe]

8. Ah, but it's a Ford TRUCK! Screw maintenance, it'll run forever!

It's got a Duratec 4-cylinder gas engine that's been long-proven in Mazda3s and Mazda6s, and the NiMH battery/electric motor has an extended warranty. Seriously -- it's Built Ford Tough. It's a damn good vehicle.

You're right about it being pricey, though. $27K for a base front-wheel-drive model. You want AWD, leather, and a navigational system? You're looking at $34K. And since it's new and hot, there are no rebates to speak of.

Still... I want one. ;)

[spindrifter]

4. A pink Hummer

[jeff30997]

6. A Ferrari !

:bounce:

[LeftyMom]

7. An Outback or Forester

The Forester's a little taller but if the kennel fits I'd go w/ the Outback, it's a little wider and nicer in the interior.

Subies keep thier value really well and last almost forever.

[Magrittes Pipe]

10. Is there something wrong with me for liking the Subaru Baja?

[LeftyMom]

12. My ex really wants one too

so yes, something must be really wrong with you. ;)

It's just an Outback with a truck bed. Seems practical to me. :shrug:

[Magrittes Pipe]

13. But it's only a 4-foot bed.

Completely impractical.

But I like it.

[LeftyMom]

15. Depends on what you need it for

Obviously it's useless if you're remodeling houses or something, but if you just need room for camping gear, kid's bikes, etc it makes more sense than trying to jam it all in the cargo area of a wagon or van.

Also, it's just about the only pickup you could get without everybody asking you to help them move. :)

[Magrittes Pipe]

16. True, that.

What to drive without being expected to help move -- now THERE's a valid line of discussion!

[NV Whino]

9. Toyota Matrix

That's what I'm looking into for myself. Need the carrying space and good mileage.

[solinvictus]

11. Honda CRV, Toyota Matrix of Highlander...

If she's looking at something smaller, the Scion xA's a great buy for about $15K as well.

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. Hey fellow Scion owner!

Isn't it a wonderful car?

Do you think it would be big enough for the dog? I travel with a lot of stuff so I keep my back seats down. I guess a dog would fit back there.

[Magrittes Pipe]

18. An xB would be fine.

[proud2BlibKansan]

19. But they are so damn ugly

LOL

The Honda Element is a lot nicer looking, IMO. But I am sure it is more expensive.

[Magrittes Pipe]

21. I like the xB.

It looks like a tiny little toy Astro van.

[proud2BlibKansan]

22. I saw one not long ago that had a bumper sticker that said:

BABY HUMMER.

Not even close, LOL.

[radwriter0555]

45. I put a washing machine in my Scion. Yes, that one.. not the mini-van.

And 10' lengths of pipe and lumber.

I couldn't fit a full sized fridge in it, but that was the ONLY thing that didn't fit. I LOVED my scion, and had sold my FORD EXPLORER to switch to the Scion.

As someone who used the car in the daily renovation of a house, including the landscape, there literally was nothing I couldn't use the Scion for. It was great.

[proud2BlibKansan]

14. I drove a CR-V for 4 years and dearly loved it

When I bought my new car 2 months ago, the CR-V had 80K miles on it and still looked and drove as well as when I first bought it.

It would be perfect for the dog.

[chookie]

41. My sister has one

...and loves it -- although she is now jealous of my new Element.

You can't go wrong with a Honda. The CR-V is a "safe" choice -- the Element is more of a "love it or hate it" kind of car.

But her CR-V has been running for years without any problems, and with great owner satisfaction.

[XemaSab]

44. I thought the CRV was a little boring

it seemed like an old lady SUV. No panache. :shrug:

[proud2BlibKansan]

64. Mine was totaled

My kid rolled it. And he emerged without a scratch. Not many cars are that safe.

[graywarrior]

20. S'much as I hate SUV's, when I had a Forester, it saved my life

a few years back when I was in a bad accident.

[XemaSab]

27. I had a friend

who was driving in a Forester one night at 3 AM out in BFE on highway 36 inland from Fortuna-- one lane and WINDY. It's really about as rural as you can get in California, and that's saying something. It was pouring rain and she hit a road cut and flipped it over and rolled it multiple times. All the windows blew out. She came to rest upside down.

The only injuries she got were some minor lacerations on her wrists.

She went out and got another one immediately.

Now THAT's a recommendation.

Thanks for your input! :hi:

[flvegan]

23. Mazda hatchback.

I have the Protege5 and my mom has the most recent 5 door. Tons of space, and I haul dogs all the time to the tune of 28 mpg around town.

[sbj405]

24. If 4wd is not critical, I recommend

a ford focus wagon. It's got a ton of cargo room. I routinely haul more camping shit than you can imagine with two big dogs in it. I have also fit a full size dryer in there, no problem. The focus is based on the volvo frame and engineering, so no need for the standard american car bashing. It's also a good deal and gets good gas mileage. No need to pay for full time awd if the majority of driving is around town.

[maveric]

25. Never mind that Japanese junk. Get a Mustang GT.

Or the base 6 cyl model. The latter is decent on gas but still has a little power if she needs it.
I bought an 06 Mustang GT and love it! It has the power and handles like a champ on cornering.

[amitten]

26. Civic. If it's big enough for a human passenger, it's big enough

for a dog.

[Greyhound]

53. Not true.

I have greyhounds (what else?) and they cannot sit in a seat, so there has to be room to stand or lay down.

[XemaSab]

58. The one time I tried to put the dog in a doggie seatbelt

she ate through the people seatbelt! In about 10 minutes!

That was the last time for that!

[Greyhound]

66. They don't like to be tied down, do they?

[XemaSab]

67. They sure don't

:D

[NNadir]

28. A Hummer.

She should get one with the really, really, really big wheels.

She should have a gun rack. She should also tow a large airstream trailer, even when she's just hopping down to the Seven Eleven across the street to pick up a pack of cigarettes and a six pack.

She should also plaster the thing with bumper stickers about supporting our troops, god blessing america, and "always remember 9/11." She should also remember Pearl Harbor and Remember the Maine.

If she doesn't like any of the above options, I'd go with the Honda Civic Hybrid. The dogs will manage. Everybody will manage. Everybody has to manage, because our planet is in danger of dying.

I find people really need less car than they think they do.

[XemaSab]

32. I agree

My personal viewpoint on the matter is that *I* personally don't need 4WD (and neither does she), but I'd like something with some room in the back. If they made a Honda Civic Hybrid Station Wagon, I'd be all over it.

She can rent a big truck for camping.

But that's *my* .02 cents.

edit: hybrid

[B Calm]

29. Get a 1990 Buick LeSabre. 28 mpg, stainless steel muffler, they're

cheap, great ride, good stong V6 motor, and cost little for insurance.

[chookie]

30. Honda Element

She should at least have a look. It is a totally cool car -- a true hybrid in that it combines the best features of car, SUV and truck. Excellent value for the investment. Good mph and safety.

As someone who just adopted a big dog after they got this car -- it's perfect. There is no carpeting and the seats are made of what seems to be wetsuit material, so it is extremely easy to keep clean.

I've had cars that I have enjoyed, but this is the first one I have ever loved.

[XemaSab]

34. We drove one today...

I really like it. It's towards the top of the pile. I feel guilty about the SUV thing, but for a dog who always finds the FOULEST dead salmon, I think the rubber floors are a big plus.

[Madrone]

36. I own an Element -

or rather, I WILL own it in precisely 4 more years. ;)

LOVE LOVE LOVE that car. The deciding factor was my dog - it's the PERFECT dog car. Very versatile, and lots of room for hauling junk.

Also most excellent in the snow.

[chookie]

38. Aren't Elements the COOLEST?

I have never LOVED a car before my Element.

You're right -- it is the perfect dog car. It's great for someone who is very active in sports -- but also perfect for someone who doesn't have the time to carefully vacuum upholstery.

My greyhound fits into it perfectly -- he loves it too. In fact I transport -- COMFORTABLY -- 3 dogs and two humans without problems.

Isn't the head room amazing? I got a tall updo hairstyle a few weeks ago for a special occasion, and I had plenty of headroom for my doo. You can wear Gandalf's wizard hat in an Element.

Nice to meet another Element owner. I wish you many safe and happy miles in it :-)

[Madrone]

40. Yep!

Allow me to share this site with you:

http://elementownersclub.com/


I spend a LOT of time in the forums. You'll find the best information about your car there - bar none.

[chookie]

42. Thanks!

Not surprising that there are a lot of people out there who adore their Elements. This is a great resource -- the owners are just too cute.

[Greyhound]

54. Another greyhound convert! Merry Xmas! Aren't they the best?

OTOH they look like this



I'd go for the CR-V.

[chookie]

37. It's not really a SUV

(IMHO) It's a design hybrid. It incorporates all the best features of sedans, SUVs and trucks/jeeps.

MPH is not SUV wasteful -- it's more like a sedan. Nothing to brag about (29 mpg highway) but not bad.

Sit in one and have a look around -- I was delighted by the overall design -- you get an enormous amount of space in a frugal design -- yet it is very comfortable to drive. I've seen it described as a dorm room on wheels. Did you know the back seats fold down, and that there is a moon roof? Too cool....Did you see how easy it is to configure the back seats ? -- wheehoo! It is such an adaptable versatile vehicle

I love my Element. I am the caregiver to my elderly Dad -- the seat is right at his butt level, so he can ride without taxing his arthritis getting in and out.

You can't beat the rubber floors and wipeable (yet not plastic and sticky yucky) seats. It is so easy to take care of.

It's also a great value. You see that for yourself when you start talking numbers with sales persons. I got a lot more than I ever thought of having, and yet it was economical compared to the other vehicles I considered.

You probably noticed how peppy it is, and the wonderful steering column.

When I was considering one, I had to get over the "it's an SUV" mentality too-- but have a good long look -- it AIN't an SUV.

I wish you all the best in your search for a new car and hope you find something totally delightful. (For me, it was an Element. If it was a man, I'd marry it :-) )

BTW -- when I encounter one of the cars that I was also considering for purchase at the time -- I look at them and say Thank HEAVENS I had the good sense to get this wonderful Element. No regrets, no second thoughts, just total enjoyment and satisfaction.

[Rabrrrrrr]

33. You should buy her a Rolls Royce, and not make her buy her own car,

you cheap bastard.

Show some respect for your mom!

:spank:

[XemaSab]

39. Since I'm currently on unemployment

I think it would send a bad message...

Hey, how about you buy me a Rolls? You know, to show some respect... :D

[Rabrrrrrr]

46. I would happily buy you a Rolls except that,

well, I have no respect.

:7

(just kidding, of course)

[XemaSab]

62. You betta recognize....

Her Eliteness will not be mocked!

Now where's the Rolls?!?!?

[XemaSab]

35. How come there are more responses

than there are votes?

:wtf:

[HEyHEY]

43. Subaru - hands down

BEst car she'll ever own

[Lochloosa]

49. Toyota Camry

Love mine!

[Broken_Hero]

50. I'm starting to

become a fan of the dodge cars myself. The dodge intrepid is a good sized car, but not as big as say the cadilliacs, and crown victorias and what not. The stratus is a step smaller than the intrepid, if she isn't comfortable driving a somewhat larger car, but with the intrepid you have very very comparable room, its a v6, and our intrepid gets over right at 400 miles per 16 gallons of gas...we have pushed it over 400 before and still had a bit more gas left, but we dare not go much over 400 miles per tank.

The intrepid has size like i mentioned...but here is the bonus...

My wife has been in three accidents with the intrepids...she got rear ended two years ago, at 45mph...my wife is alive, and their wasn't that much damage done to the back end(she got hit by a civic), she also hit a deer going 40mph, car still intact, it rolled over the car...and lastly, this past february 4th, of 2005...she got hit full on by a mid 90's ford f-150 truck...front end of intrepid destroyed, car totalled, but my wife still alive, no injuries that a chiro couldn't fix....

So, thats my two cents...I have had a civic and a toyota corolla, and both cars where good on gas, a bit small for my taste...but i have never been through a wreck with one...but, i know for a fact, that the intrepid has some ballz, and if you get into something unfortunate, at least with my wife, she survived....

ps. My wife just informed me that daimler chrysler has good diversity, and human rights practices...she says in the latest H.A.C.R. survey, rated daimler chrysler a 100 out of a scale of 100 on practices of diversity/human rights...

My wife works for the diversity department of a big box chain, that most people on DU cannot stand...she pulls numbers and what not, and came across that the other day...:)

[rfkrfk]

51. first decide, car or SUV, 2-4 doors, 4-6 cylinder, seating how high? nt

[Greyhound]

52. C-RV! Merry Xmas everyone! I just got my sister to get one.

The best by far. Absolutely reliable, peppy, good mpg, best resale value,... there's just no contest. The Civics will be too small, the Element is too ugly.

[B Calm]

55. I could think of better ways to spend my hard earned money, but

if she just has to have a new car, get a UNION MADE American car.

[XemaSab]

59. I was looking at the stickers at the Honda dealership

and several of the cars were assembled in the USA of 80% American-made parts.

I agree with you that it's important to keep American jobs here.

Thanks for chiming in. :hi:

[B Calm]

63. If some Honda cars are assembled in the USA, is it done by

Union Labor or are they over a barrel and forced to be anti union so they can be Cheap Labor Slaves for their Corporate Lords?

[Ciggies and coffee]

56. Hello

Using a rental conversion van/RV while traveling is another option to throw into the mix, as her regular car could then be smaller and more efficient still.

Has she ever rode a motorcycle, or thought about it? It can be fun.
And efficient. But not for everybody.


Extending my greetings to all.

[LeftyMom]

57. Come to think of it, I love my Saturn

I don't think the new wagons have an AWD option (mine handles well in snow anyhow) but I hear really good things about the VUE and that does. And it's made in the USA by union labor.

[XemaSab]

60. Thanks for the suggestion!

We'll do some research!

Hope you and yours have a merry Christmas! :hi:

[LeftyMom]

61. You have a good Christmas too

Check the way the seats fold down, it's real pain in the ass on my wagon, but I assume it's less of an issue on the VUE.

Come to think of it, the Relay has an AWD option and fold-flat seats, but I'm guessing she doesn't want to go with that much space.

[Mizmoon]

65. A family Truckster

in pea green :)

[LisaL]

68. I can't believe you haven't given your mom a lexus.