Replacing the Accord - suggestions?

[Laconian]

This isn't super well thought-out, so please, feel free to question my premises and come up with alternative solutions.

We have a 2006 Accord 5MT with 50k miles and the TSX Wagon 5AT, which still smells kind of new.

Situation: Boyfriend's commute is pretty long, about 15 miles, and the traffic along his commute is sometimes really really bad. In spite of his Frenchness, he has discovered the joy of autotragics for stop-and-go commuting. Thanks to my back, I also like autotragics as well. My commute is pretty short, only 5mi.

Problem: we both prefer automatics for our commutes, but have only one automatic car. My back's needs trump convenience, so I end up drive the TSX to work, but I definitely perceive that my BF would much rather be driving the TSX instead. I would rather not have stupid cars be a source of strain in our relationship so I think we need to do something about the Accord.

We tried carpooling for a month, and sometimes it works, and sometimes it really doesn't - on days where he has to work long days and the traffic sucks, I end up staying at work from 8AM to 7PM, which really isn't good for my work/life balance.

So... suggestions? Whatever car I end up driving is going to need nice seats with good lumbar support and side bolsters. Adjustible seat height is a big plus. And hopefully my back will get better SOMEtime (knocks on wood) so maybe have a car that isn't a total snooze to drive either. Cargo utility is not important, that's already served by the TSX.  Budget is pretty wide open. If the car is going to be a fun one, like a convertible ______, then I'd be willing to spend more. Maybe ~$30k as an upper limit. If I were to get a cheap comfortable economy car runabout, obviously I would prefer to spend less. Used is OK by me.



Fun car choices ($30k limit)
Mustang V6 convertible

Economical car choices ($15k limit)
500

[cawimmer430]

New/used Mercedes W204 C-Class? You mentioned the budget ain't that important. A C300 sounds perfect for your needs. A comfortable and safe car.

[CJ]

New/used Mercedes W204 C-Class? You mentioned the budget ain't that important. A C300 sounds perfect for your needs. A comfortable and safe car.

C250 gets better MPG.

[Colin]

About the very best seats in the business come from CJ's favourite brand, Volvo.

So, how about an S60 T6? that's a nice car. A very nice car. or if you want a convertible, the C70 is not bad, either.
Or go down the Audi route, and look at an S4 or S5 cabrio? they all come with the DSG now.

[CJ]

For comfortable seats, go with an S60 T5. 

[Galaxy]

 A German medical organisation stated that the optional seat in the Opel Insignia is the best one can buy in terms of back support. Not sure if that translates to the Buick Regal.

[cawimmer430]

C250 gets better MPG.

Do you get the C250 in the US? I thought the C300 was the smallest engine you could get in America.

I know the C250 CDI might make it over, but the C250? Interesting...

[CJ]

Do you get the C250 in the US? I thought the C300 was the smallest engine you could get in America.

I know the C250 CDI might make it over, but the C250? Interesting...

C250 is available here, yes.

[MX793]

Do you get the C250 in the US? I thought the C300 was the smallest engine you could get in America.

I know the C250 CDI might make it over, but the C250? Interesting...

Yes, we get the C250.  I suspect as a bid to lure A4 2.0T, Infiniti G25 and IS250 buyers.

[Laconian]

Just throwing this out there: how comfortable are Fiat 500s?

[SVT_Power]

Just throwing this out there: how comfortable are Fiat 500s?

How much do you want to fit the stereotype... 

[SVT666]

Mustang V6 convertible.  31 mpg, great seats, great looks, fast as hell, and convertible.

[SVT666]

Fiat 500 Abarth

[Northlands]

Mmmm.... another TSX, but sedan? 

[sportyaccordy]

[INTERNET]Mustang GT, CTS-V, used M5, 996 Carrera[/INTERNET]

[ifcar]

Fiat 500 Abarth

Abarth doesn't come with an automatic, does it? And the regular auto 500 is reportedly painfully slow.

[68_427]

S60 T5



Wait.  Buick Verano Turbo.  Should be out late summer or so.

[Laconian]

Mustang V6 convertible.  31 mpg, great seats, great looks, fast as hell, and convertible.

Rich (HRP) said the driving position on his GT is pretty awful. But I guess I can add that to my list of cars to try.

[Laconian]

How much do you want to fit the stereotype... 

I don't give a shit about stereotypes.

[2o6]

Just throwing this out there: how comfortable are Fiat 500s?

Very, but the automatic is geared retardedly.




Kia Rio.

[Laconian]

Oh, re: Buick Verano, TSX sedan - thanks for the suggestions, but they are a little too much like the TSX. It's a fine car, don't get me wrong, but it would be nice to have a better diversity of cars in our stable.

If the next car takes premium gas, then it had better well provide commensurate excitement as well. I'm kind of miffed about the TSX wagon drinking premium but "only" providing 200hp. I would rather have a V6 that takes regular.

[2o6]

New Fiesta 1.0 ecoboost.

[68_427]

Oh, re: Buick Verano, TSX sedan - thanks for the suggestions, but they are a little too much like the TSX. It's a fine car, don't get me wrong, but it would be nice to have a better diversity of cars in our stable.

If the next car takes premium gas, then it had better well provide commensurate excitement as well. I'm kind of miffed about the TSX wagon drinking premium but "only" providing 200hp. I would rather have a V6 that takes regular.

Volvo S80 V8.

[Rich]

certified used 128i (god like seats), Dodge Challenger

[Laconian]

Kia Rio.

Hmmm.

New Fiesta 1.0 ecoboost.

A ridiculous car.

[SVT666]

Wait for the Focus ST this fall.

[SVT666]

Rich (HRP) said the driving position on his GT is pretty awful. But I guess I can add that to my list of cars to try.

Really?  I thought the driving position was great.  A million times better than the 2004 I drove and 10 million times better than my 1996 GT.

[68_427]

[Rich]

Really?  I thought the driving position was great.  A million times better than the 2004 I drove and 10 million times better than my 1996 GT.

The position is great, but the seats suck after a couple of hours behind the wheel.

I can drive all day in the Miata and the only thing that aches is my right foot if I don't use cruise.

I get a couple hours into the drive in the Mustang and mid-lower back hurts every time.  I've tried 3-4 totally different positions and changed the lumbar adjust, but no dice.  I think it's just the curvature on the seat back and that the lumbar is too high.  I get in the Miata and just feel like, damn, I'm in heaven.

[93JC]

Most comfortable seats I've ever experienced, for what it's worth.