Car to eventually replace the Accord (Miata RIP)

[Laconian]

We're down to just one car, due to the recent departure of the much-beloved Miata. We need to bring that number back up to two. Our bus system is just too crappy.

Since my back's not quite up to the point where I can drive fun cars again, I'm thinking that it might be wise to add a comfortable, useful car to the stable. Once I am ready to get a fun car, we can sell the Accord and replace it with something with two seats and no roof.

I am looking at small SUVs. Our requirements:

• Comfortable front seats
• Large enough back seats to fit a pair of larger adults (in-laws need chauffeuring when they visit)
• Good fuel economy, relatively speaking of course
• Fun to drive, again, relatively speaking
• Automatic transmissions OK
• No sliding doors. My original Mazda5 idea was vetoed. And it looks like the upcoming C-Max will also look like a toddler-hauler
• Used OK, as long as it is low-mileage and still covered by a warranty
• Budget: $30k, stretch to $35k if the car absolutely warrants it. Of course I love a good value, there's no reason why we have to spend this much.

[2o6]

Juke.

[Laconian]

Love the specs, but that front end makes me reach for the eye bleach.

[2o6]

Love the specs, but that front end makes me reach for the eye bleach.

It looks awesome in person, a very striking vehicle. I've also heard the back seat is a bit tight.


I would say Kia Soul, but the ride is like being kicked in the back.


My brother really liked the Venza before he settled on his Camry. Mazda CX-7 seems to be nice, as does the Ford Edge Sport.


The new Outlander Sport may be up your alley.

[Cookie Monster]

CX7 or RDX?

Maybe a Forester if you'd like a manual.

[Rich]

Countryman?  Maybe it's too small?

I don't have much experience with SUVs

[Rich]

oooo  RDX

The outside is ugly, but I loved the interior, and the sight lines felt pretty sporty

[hotrodalex]

CX7, Fit (too small?), Edge, Flex

[2o6]

CX7, Fit (too small?), Edge, Flex

Fit isn't even best in class, or really that fun to drive.

[the Teuton]

You may not be a lesbian, but what about a WRX-powered 2007 Forester 2.5XT with a manual transmission?

[Laconian]

Re: Juke, tight back seats are a total nonstarter. I said the in-laws are "larger", and I meant it!

oooo  RDX

The outside is ugly, but I loved the interior, and the sight lines felt pretty sporty

Soul: I like it but it's too downmarket, wouldn't stand a chance replacing the Accord.
RDX: Too expensive and don't like the looks, but hey! The previous generation RDX... hmm, that's an interesting thought! NomisR has one, I think.
CX7: Already test drove it, didn't like the dash or windshield rake, too much like driving a tank.
Countryman: I think that it would be too expensive when the option boxes are ticked. And, larger in-laws.
Outlander Sport: I'm afraid that Mitsubishi might not be around much longer to honor the warranty.
Ford Edge: Haven't considered these, might be worth a look. They're not selling well, which could mean favorable pricing.

[2o6]

Oh, duh!


VW Tiguan? Forgot those existed.

[CALL_911]

CPO Q5 2.0T? Or if you are willing to find a station wagon, a CPO 328iT/A4 avant?

[2o6]

CPO Q5 2.0T? Or if you are willing to find a station wagon, a CPO 328iT/A4 avant?

I dunno, lower H-point of a sedan or wagon may not work versus an SUV or a tall hatch.

[Cookie Monster]

How many miles is too many miles for a used car?

[Laconian]

Oh, duh!


VW Tiguan? Forgot those existed.

Too many negative VW anecdotes with my immediate friends to even consider it (MkIV Jetta and MkV GTI horror stories.) Not encouraged by VW's short warranties, either.

[Laconian]

How many miles is too many miles for a used car?

Needs to be CPO-eligible.

[Rich]

Re: Juke, tight back seats are a total nonstarter. I said the in-laws are "larger", and I meant it!

Soul: I like it but it's too downmarket, wouldn't stand a chance replacing the Accord.
RDX: Too expensive and don't like the looks, but hey! The previous generation RDX... hmm, that's an interesting thought! NomisR has one, I think.
CX7: Already test drove it, didn't like the dash or windshield rake, too much like driving a tank.
Countryman: I think that it would be too expensive when the option boxes are ticked. And, larger in-laws.
Outlander Sport: I'm afraid that Mitsubishi might not be around much longer to honor the warranty.
Ford Edge: Haven't considered these, might be worth a look. They're not selling well, which could mean favorable pricing.

MyFordTouch would keep your Googleness entertained.

I didn't know the RDX had more than 1 generation....the SH AWD can be had for 34k...

Was on Acura's website... ZDX is 45k LOL

used Escape with a stick?

2011 Impreza.. with how tall cars are getting, maybe it's high enough?

[The Pirate]

Small SUVs only, or that happens to be your primary thought at this point?

Mazda3 or Mazda6 if SUVs aren't required.

If they are, have you looked at the Hyundai Santa Fe?  Wife of a guy I work with has one, and he loves it.  He's a spirited driver who has owned a DSM turbo, VW Passat, Audi A4 etc., so the Santa Fe likely isn't a total dog. 

[Cookie Monster]

Needs to be CPO-eligible.

Some used MDX's fall into your range...

[2o6]

Sportage?

[the Teuton]

Because everyone ignored me the first time...



Courtesy of Ifcar...Wikipedia's savior.

[CALL_911]

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?ct=c&car_id=292314450&dealer_id=619191&car_year=2009&doors=&systime=&position=top&model=Q5&search_lang=en&start_year=2007&keywordsrep=&keywordsfyc=&highlightFirstMakeModel=&search_type=certified&distance=200&min_price=&drive=&rdm=1294464612431&marketZipError=false&advanced=&fuel=&keywords_display=&lastBeginningStartYear=2007&end_year=2011&make3=INFIN&showZipError=y&make2=ACURA&certified=y&engine=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&body_code=0&transmission=&default_sort=newsortbyprice_DESC&max_mileage=&model3=EX35&address=98006&color=&sort_type=priceASC&model2=RDX&max_price=&awsp=false&make=AUDI&seller_type=b&num_records=25&cardist=146&standard=false

RDX FTW?

[Raza]

Do what my friend did when in a similar situation.  He bought a used Forester 2.5XT 5MT. 

[Raza]

Because everyone ignored me the first time...



Courtesy of Ifcar...Wikipedia's savior.

Heh...even a stopped clock.

[Xer0]

The RDX is lively little SUV but it drinks gas like none other so be careful.  Although you should be able to get them decently cheap.

[CALL_911]

Land Rover LR2?

[the Teuton]

Heh...even a stopped clock.

[Mustangfan2003]

[the Teuton]

Truly a vehicle before its time...