Sharon found TTAC via a Google search, read our Tribeca and Compass reviews and freaked. "We are pretty clueless on car shopping and have spent way too many hours already. I would like someone's opinion that gives it to me straight." Here's the deal… She's buying the vehicle for two college-bound children. They'll be driving it in Fort Collins, CO, commuting back to Mom and Dad some six hours away in Santa Fe, NM. "One of them will keep the car as long as they can hold onto it and ensure proper maintenance." She's leaning towards the Tribeca, from a safety POV: "good test ratings, side bags, overhead curtain." Current vehicles: 2003 Tahoe (love it); 1996 Pathfinder (good condition); 1999 Honda Accord ("the transmission blew out and that's why were are in the market") and 2002 Nissan Frontier. Sharon's looking to spend $18k – $22k for this, their first used purchase. "We got a good offer (or we think it is good) on the Tribeca that happens to be fully loaded. The gas cap says 'premium preferred', but they tell us that it is not required. A Jeep salesperson just told me that Jeep is not going to make Compass in 2009 and just stick to the Patriots. His dealership in Santa Fe does not have a Compass to test drive new or used." OK guys, she asked for it: give her the inside dope. (Lateral thinking allowed.)
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My wife drives a Hyundai and loves it. For that money you could probably get a new Santa Fe as long as you don’t try to get one fully loaded. That way you get the 100k mile powertrain warranty.
Santa Fe or CR-V.
Both strong used buys, both economical (enough), and both have been around long enough to ensure a reasonable selection of used product.
KBB.com shows Honda Pilot prices lower than the same year CR-V. We have a Pilot. Great car, but not too good on gas-average 16-17mpg.
CR-V’s are great, but they are just too expensive to justify buying used.
The new Forester is a great value, sharp looks, decent economy and Subaru safety. Note: college kids will have zero money to pay for $4/gallon gas so fuel economy might be kind of important to them. Having graduated not too long ago, I remember moving a lot, so a wagon/hatch body style is pretty much necessary, so I won’t roll my eyes at the inevitable SUV list.
Otherwise, if you can get your hands on a Fit or something economical like that (Versa, Matrix, Impreza etc.) the kids might feel better about it in a couple years when they only have to pay $100 to fill up the tank instead of $250… (assuming doom-and-gloom forecast gas prices)
For the love of all that is holy, stay away from the Compass!
CR-V’s are excellent and hold their values well, obviously. The four-banger is efficient and willing, but might seem a little wheezy at the altitude the vehicle will operate at.
With gas prices on the up, perhaps she should consider a wagon instead, like a 2-3 year old Impreza. The Subie’s mileage isn’t great, but will be better than some of the bigger SUV/CUV’s that she’s shopping. The AWD is solid in crummy weather, especially with good winter tires and/or chains.
Is there a reason why you want/need an SUV?
My first thought was a Fit would, well, fit, and for your budget, you could get pretty near any small to midsize sedan/hatchback brand new, and well-optioned, particularly Hyundais (a new Sonata retails for around $17,000 in base trim, which is still really good.) Also, if you want/need brute size, I’d suggest a full-size sedan, such as Chevy Impala. They are very cheap and fairly reliable and efficient – you can get a very nearly new one for under $17,000. Actually, given your budget, you can buy a very nice copy of nearly any car, save for luxury or sport models (eg BMWs, Corvettes, etc.) By the way, almost any car will get better mileage than any SUV.
But, if you absolutely need an SUV, I’d suggest either the Hyundai Santa Fe, or the Ford Escape. Both are reliable, both can be had cheap, and both are very good at what they do.
If you want cargo space, perhaps a minivan would be a better choice, like a Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna, or Nissan whats-its-name. They get better mileage with similar, if not better, cargo room.
Mazda5
I’ll second kazoomaloo’s affordable hatchback suggestion if AWD isn’t required (in addition to above, new or used: Scion xB/xD, Mazda3/5) vs. Subaru Forester (again: new or used) recommendations. Honda Element, too, if its limitations of rear seat access and 4 passenger limit are acceptable.
I agree also with avoiding vehicles with V6’s such as the Tribeca in anticipation of gas pains.
How about thinking outside the box? Er, well, sort of…
If you have a decent Kia dealer nearby, consider a new (or used) FOUR CYLINDER Kia Rhondo. If you can manage with front wheel drive & traction control, which 99% of the time, is as good as AWD (and I live in NW Michigan). I say 4 cylinder, because this engine was developed specifically by Hyundai (which owns 50% of Kia) to last 250,000 miles, an it comes with a cam chain (not cam belt, as the Rondo V6 and many other cars have). Cam belts will set you back $800-900 at replacement time at about 70,000 miles.
My wife’s daily driver is a Hyundai Sonata with the same four, and it obtained better-than-EPA figures of 31 mpg on a long trip from Michigan to Alabama and back, at 70 mph, up & down mountains in Tennesee and Kentucky. I was very impressed. A Rondo should get maybe as much as 29 mpg in similar conditions (being somewhat taller), but can seat up to seven and has a good cargo area.
Agreed that used CR-Vs are not that great of a deal. For this price point, I would buy new instead.
A brand new CR-V 2WD LX model is only a little more than $19K MSRP and comes very well appointed. AWD can be had for a little more.
A brand new Element LX is another option, and may be a better deal. It stickers for a little less, but there’s a lot more wiggle room on the price. Honda’s also offering 1.9% financing on these. AWD is also available.
For this type of vehicle, the CR-V and Element have decent fuel economy (low to mid 20s). With VSC, airbags all around standard, both vehicles are at the very top of the IIHS safest cars list (2007 and 2008 models).
One could get a good deal on a larger, used SUV these days (given gas prices), but apart from some Lexus and Subaru models, very few have all of the safety bells and whistles that nearly all base model new Hondas have.
And most importantly: if you don’t need an SUV, don’t buy one. A new Scion Xb or Honda Fit are much better on gas, very safe for their size and cost less to buy.
I second the Element – tons of storage room, dimensions of a Honda Civic so it’ll fit in small places, AWD, unique looking, and cool. Elements have been adopted by the vball players due to their decent fuel economy, off road capability onto beaches, huge interior space for changing / camping / tailgating, and they can be easily cleaned out from sand using a simple leaf blower (that’s how I cleaned mine out). I would have loved to have one of these when I was in college and grad school – especially for moving day as you can fit all sorts of boxes in it. I was first concerned about the looks but then it grew on me b/c it had great on road manners (unlike Jeeps), and its flexibility gave it that bull dog ugly but you love em mentality.
Subaru Legacy Wagon 2.5GT / Impreza WRX wagon
Jeep Patriot
Taurus X
Escape
Robert , Is this the pic of editor-swearing -provoking`princess tribeca` whose genitals couldn`t pass by uncommented? shudda have been careful, her platform is not even 16 years old! :)
Anyways, compass has a chance from this list if it is a real compass, gyro, showing 4 cardinal points. Not a Chrysler one.
To everyone who’s saying “Minivan”: Do you remember being 18? would you have gotten near a minivan (or whatever was the non-stylish vehicle of that time?).
I’m going to assume that they’re looking only at AWD cars (for better or worse, they’ve decided they need it).
I think I’m going to join the subie hatch/wagon or Element camp here. Both are economical/functional/safe/cool enough to fill the needs stated above.
Looks like four-wheel drive is part of the equation, but I agree that any modern front-wheel driver with traction control would indeed do just as well.
As others have said, you’ve just got to absolutely have rocks in your head to even consider a Compass. Or, frankly, “any other Jeep.” For the money, you can get some of the most reliable vehicles on the planet. Jeep’s reliability is very nearly the worst.
I’m in the camp that thinks “forget the SUV list” — get some kind of hatchback four-cylinder, efficient vehicle. Honda Fit, Toyota Matrix, Scion Xb, etc. It’s too bad that the Kia Rondo is so awkward-looking, but if you can get past that, it’s an awesomely capable vehicle.
Bottom line, you’re in the range where you can get a NEW, highly-fuel-efficient vehicle, that’ll be very reliable. With the price of gas these days and looking into the future, I’d put fuel economy first, cargo room second, and look for front-wheel-drive with traction control instead of any thoughts of getting four-wheel drive.
Good luck!
Mazda5 seconded. Great fuel economy, good deals can be found as the vehicle sold poorly, fantastic utility.
Oh, and the kids will hate their parents for driving a minivan. On the other hand, I got a hands-me-down Fiat Uno, so any kids who gets a $20k car for free should be grateful.
Chevy impala’s a pretty good idea too. Trunk instead of hatch, but it fits several dead bodies.
The CR-V has decent fuel economy but is pretty expensive.
Honda element is cooler, and even more practical.
I have tested most of the rest of the SUVs and CUVs on the market. If you are looking for an economical, reliable, safe runabout for a couple of college kids, with room enough for their luggage, computers, etc., then you would be hard pressed to find anything better than the CR-V. It’s not particularly sexy (what in this class is?), but very practical.
If the kids want something a little more avant-garde, maybe the Element.
Alternately, I’d look at the Subaru Outback that has similar cargo capacity, does exceptionally well in the snow, and handles like a car (because it is).
Stay away from the Hyundai Santa Fe as its a Gas user, the Hyundai Tuscon is a much better buy and the author of the Lemon Aid books drives one of these as well where he lives in Panama, Phil says its a great small SUV but worth every penny!
Consider also the Honda Civic, its safe and also saves Gasoline.
Two college bound kids?
Put a new transmission in the ’99 Accord.
I agree with Sharon’s top choice of the Tribeca….you would be hard pressed to find a similar vehicle with a better AWD system (IE: Full time, all the time….not a ‘too late’ system), an excellent safety record with very good overall reliability. It should suit her needs perfectly.
A CR-V with a clutch. The kid could learn to drive an MT and save some $$$ up front (and maybe some gas in the long run). And it’s less likely to be stolen.
GTI.
Really. Good on gas, safe for it’s size, not bad in the snow. And actually fun!
Four cars and they want another?
Come on, if you’re wondering why oil prices climb without limit it’s because too many people refuse to change their ways.
Well, being the proud owner of a 1996 Pathfinder myself, if it were me, I’d make sure it was roadable and give that to the kids and get myself something newer. My Pathfinder has been through the Vermont roads war zone, never stranded me (except corroded battery connections) and has consistantly beaten the EPA mpg ratings of the time. Besides, assuming it’s paid for, insurance will be cheaper and, if something happens, not a big loss, at this point.
But that’s just me. Mr Practical. Or, Mr. Cheap, to some.
Mazda 3 Sport (in canada that’s what it is called) basically 4 door hatch. Great on gas, great in the snow, excellent handling, insane amounts of space for a small hatchback. lots of safety features, great reliability, great looking. I can’t think of a better car for $10,000 more or $10,000 less. And best of all it is a car not an ASS-UV
How about the (newer body style) Toyota Rav-4? Probably suffers from the same resale issues as the CRV but it’s 4WD and relatively easy on gas anyway. I’ve driven the Forester and it’s a nice car. It doesn’t need premium gas (at least the base engine doesn’t).
Suggestions of Subaru WRX and VW GTI are well intentioned, but really think hard before getting a pair of teens/early 20s a 4WD compact with a turbocharged engine. Even as smart college kids they’re still relatively inexperienced drivers. It’s reasonable to expect they have a bit more learning to do on the driving front, and would benefit from something that won’t get them into too much trouble too quickly.
$18-20K car, college, proper maintenance? Not to say that its impossible, just highly unlikely. I would also say put a new trans in the Accord.
But, if you must get another vehicle, try for a Mazda 3, or if a bigger vehicle is needed a Taurus X would be a great value.
I must also echo the sentiments of everyone else here, do not get a Jeep Compass.
WAIT A MINUTE!
Did Sharon just say that a Jeep salesman says that they won’t make the Compass in 2009?
HOLLAY FUCKING LULLA! Its about time.
Anyways, I have researched the cars, and if you need an SUV, then I suggest getting a Honda CRV. But make sure that you stay away from the Compass like it has a tropical disease. It is horrible.
for college kids an Element or Escape. both utilitarian, available and have good records.
Except for the holiday trips home I assume not much driving at school. Remember it’s not what you drive it’s your lifestyle and the amount of fuel you burn that really matters. the person with a Tahoe and a five mile daily commute is a lot more responsible than someone driving their Prius 80 miles a day.
I think the Mazda5 is a bad idea myself, it screams minivan even if it is just a tall 3.
I agree with the Element (which you cang et AWD)
Mazda3 sport (or speed3 what the hell eh?)
and i’d suggest a nissan rogue, its nice inside and the CVT helps with the mileage.
Also, look for good used Imprezas.
If they are traveling from Ft Collins to New Mexico, AWD or 4WD would be nice to have… I’d suggest a Subaru Outback. Great mileage, great quality, can take a bit of abuse, drives more like a car than the others, insurance is relatively low, and they can haul enough for 2 people and their college stuff.
You might also talk to the Honda dealership about that transmission. If it’s the V6, they’ve extended the warranties and are replacing them for free. A relative recently had his replaced, before it went out, on his 98 Accord V6. Brought the car in for T-belt and other maintenance, came home with that and a new transmission with no additional cost.
In the mountains of CO? Subaru Forester or Outback are the best combinations of safety, reliability, and frugality, with a long history of proven performance and safety on poor roads. I drove Subarus in the Appalachians through college and they were fantastic.
Since you already own two Nissans and report no trouble with them, how about a Nissan Rogue. Altought as others have mentioned why not buy a sedan or hatch? If all wheel drive is important, how about a Subaru Impreza.
While the Mazda5 is a great car, and a very efficient package, any college bound kid would veto it instantly. While a mini-minivan is a great idea, it’s not cool enough for school.
CR-V is also a great choice, but I figure since you lost the transmission on the Accord, you might want to try the Nissan instead.
Lastly, Compass = NO!
I live in this area and I know the terrain and winters. A used Legacy wagon (or I really prefer the sedan) would be ideal. There are so many used Legacys around this area that picking one up pretty cheap won’t be too hard. It’ll get decent mileage on the Santa Fe – Ft Collins trip. I got about 28mpg on that exact same trip in my Legacy. (Just fill up south of Co Springs where the gas has less ethanol in it!). The wagons will hold a bunch of stuff. Parts are easy to come by in the Boulder, Ft Collins area, and there are a whole bunch of Subaru-only garages that do great work, I can recommend two of them.
I lived in Fort Collins for 5 years.
They don’t plow their roads that well, and it regularly gets nasty on I25 right about the time college kids are heading home on break, so AWD/4wd is almost mandatory here. There are several times each month from mid November to mid February where fwd sedans and CUV’s are immobilized.
Put a new transmission in the ‘99 Accord.
What he said. Get something nice for yourself. Hand the beater over to the kid.
I would recomend a Honda Element.
You can get a slightly used one (under 20,000 miles) with AWD and curtain airbags for under $20,000 in Houston. Although with your accord problems I don’t know if you are sour on Honda, but the Element is a very usefull car and it has tons of room for lugging stuff back and forth for moving dorms or apartments if that is a concern.
I can’t imagine why you’d be looking at an expensive-to-operate SUV. If you’re concerned about travel in snow, that trip is 99.9% Interstate travel; it will get plowed promptly and, until it does, common sense dictates the kids hunker down and wait out the storm. Never too early in life to learn patience and common sense.
I’d fix the Accord, unless you have reason to believe it’s got other, significant problems. You’ll pay for the transmission with the first two years’ savings on insurance over a new(er) car and it will probably cost much less to drive on the highway. If it’s a 4-banger, you should be getting 32 or so mpg. Even a CR-V isn’t going to match that and good luck finding a recent CR-V in nice shape for cheap. A 30mpg vehicle over a 25mpg vehicle should save about $12 in fuel each way on the Ft Collins/Santa Fe trip.
If you’re bound and determined to get a recent venicle, give some thought to a 1-year old Impala or a recent large Ford (Taurus or Taurus-X). You should be able to find one that’s still on warranty for very little money (I see ads for $12K 2007 rental Impalas all the time and they should be covered by the GM powertrain warranty for 4 more years). An Impala or Taurus with a smaller 6 will probably get something like 30mpg on the highway, if driven moderately.
Honda Fit or Honda Element.
I love my Element. I’d love it more if I were young and active instead of old and lazy. Its the ultimate moving machine.
I’d also consider a Fit or even a Suzuki SX4 “crossover” (hatchback). These are probably too small for you, although the Fit is surprisingly roomy for its size.
For whatever it’s worth, I’d like to point out that front wheel-drive, 4wd or AWD mean nothing as compared to the importance of fitting some proper snow tires. ALWAYS budget for snows and change over as and when.
And don’t forget that SUV’s are inherently more dangerous than cars, due to their high center of gravity. Some are worse than others, but the general point remains.
And if you’re really concerned about safety, the most important purchase should be some advanced winter driver training. Most people do NOTHING in an accident. Effective evasive action is worth more than an infinite number of airbags.
Forgive me, while I indulge in a bit of deconstruction.
I assume that this emphasis on large vehicles is because of a concern for safety. That’s fair enough, but if vehicle choice is driven by that, then let’s step back for a second and figure out why teens tend to wreck cars more than other people.
Basically, they’re hormonal and don’t have enough fear of death to know better. When they get together with each other, they’re much worse than when they are alone, as they encourage each other to do more stupid stuff. And they don’t handle multitasking well, so they often can’t manage devices such as phones and stereos that some of us grownups have figured out how to use.
With all that, I’d want something that doesn’t hold a lot of people (or at least not very well), isn’t much fun to hoon (drive stupidly) and, hopefully, one that requires two hands. If it’s boring, so much the better.
That would lead me to a used dull sedan or hatchback, such as a Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Corolla. If you can find one with a stick shift, so much the better — it’s tough to text your buddies when you’ve got to work the transmission.
And I’d make them pay for their own gas and insurance, and I’d let them know that if the car is damaged, they’re going to have to pay to fix it. If they have to do that, they’ll think more carefully about how they use the car and how often.
7-cylinder Pontiac Station Wagon.
That’s what I had.
like others have said – lots of options, many infinitely better than a used tribeca…
what do the KIDS want?
there are many kids today who are very anti-SUV…
too many cars to list in the sub-22k range, especially when considering slightly used…
Rav4
If you want to drive it into the ground, then the Rav4 will likely last the longest and overcome the cost of low mileage.
Also, the ride height may be a good idea given the snow in the area of expected use.
Consider Subaru Outback.
Honda CR-V.
If you don’t need 4WD, then consider Chevrolet HHR…You can probably pick up 2 ea. 1-year-old HHRs for $25K total.
How good is public transportation in and around Ft. Collins? That is, does a college kid NEED or simply WANT a car there?
If the kids can get along without a car day-to-day
and stand the Greyhound for trips back to N.Mex.,
they/you could save thousands over 4 years not paying for insurance (surely higher in a college town than it is back home), gas,and upkeep. And will they be able to park free of charge or have to pay hundreds a year for a permit?
I have to agree with some of the posts, just fix the Accord transmission and save yourself $18,000, you might end up getting it for free since Honda has been extending the warranty on them due to reliability issues.
IF you must by something new, stay away from the Tribeca, not a bad choice but there are better alternative in the Subaru line for your kids. I would highly recommend looking at a 2007 Subaru Outback Sport. It’s basically a hatchback Impreza so you will still have the need space. With the nonturbo engine, a little more ride height, there awesome AWD and has proven to be extremely safe. It’s a great fun car to drive but wont get them into trouble with too much hp. The Tribeca is a gas sucking monster, worse mileage than I get out of my 2.5 turbo when I hammer the throttle. I have recently done searches and brand new left over 2007 Outback Sports can still be found, usually with an auto, provided the recent gas scare hasn’t sold all of them it can be had brand new for under $16,000 with a lot of standard features. Do searches for them in the southeast, Georgia, Florida, Subaru’s don’t sell so great around here because they aren’t giant SUV’s.
The Forrester is also a good choice along with the Honda’s suggested.
STAY AWAY FROM THE JEEP COMPASS YOU WILL REGRET IT!
Right off the bat, I’d question if you really need a small SUV just for commuting and cargo-hauling. A good alternative choice would be an ESC-equipped Toyota Matrix or Pontiac Vibe, possibly with AWD if you feel it’s needed. It’s safe, if equipped with a full suite of airbags and stability control, and gets extremely good mileage. The cargo utility is excellent, too. I like the Matrix for styling reasons, but the Vibe might marginally cheaper. In this class, you could also look at the Mazda3.
There’s also the Honda Element, which several posters here have rightfully recommended, which offers most of the Matrix’s advantages, but rides higher and gets poorer fuel economy. The plastic side panels are a nice touch, too, for avoiding parking lot dings. And it’s interesting looking, which may or may not be a good thing. The CR-V or RAV/4 fall into this category as well if you must have AWD, or the Kia Rondo (which has stability control) or Mazda5 (does not have it) if you don’t.
Finally, if you’re willing to take a risk on reliability, there’s otherwise-excellent VW Rabbit or VW Jetta wagon. Both have–easily–the best seats in the business next to Saab or Volvo, are very safe, can be optioned with stability control and are very versatile. The 2.5L gasoline-powered version gets ok mileage; the diesel does much better. If you go this route, buy and extended comprehensive warranty and talk to VW customers at the dealership’s service department to find out if the dealer it amenable.
My child is only 7, but I keep a mental list of potential cars. The general parameters are that it will be 1) reliable, 2) fuel efficent, 3)safe and 4) considered cool by the younger set (because I remember having a Ford Escort as a first car, thus leading me to adopt the Automobile slogan of “No Boring Cars”). As such, I suggest:
1. Fix the Accord. OK, it may not be cook, but a couple grand for a new transmission (and good snow tires) is a LOT cheaper than a whole new (or used) vehicle.
2. Subaru Outback, Forester, Impreza.
3. Honda CR-V.
I’d contact Honda about the transmission. They have been repairing them post 100k warranty to loyal customers. Write a letter to their Corporate HQ as they take these very seriously (they paid for a free 90k service for my Dad’s 94 Accord which blew out the ream main seal, and paid for a complete rust repair and proofing for my aunts 130k 88 Accord when it was rusting due to Chicago winter).
The cheapest car you can buy is one you already own! And as RF suggested snow tires make a huge difference. You can buy a cheap set around this time as they are not in demand. Tirerack or discount tire direct (compete them against each other) sells steel wheels and will mount/balance tires and ship to you cheap.
I’d like to second Robert F’s note about SUVs, ride height and snow tires.
I drive through northern Ontario (Canada) in winter and I can’t suggest that good snow tires, possibly with chains/studs if you’re going through mountainous or untravelled terrain, and a good stability control system make all the difference in the world. A low centre of gravity is important, too. I personally own a Saab 9-3, and with snow tires and judicious use of the throttle (and the car’s excellent traction control) it’s very capable in winter. Yes, I need to shovel out my driveway to get going, but that’s better than nosing into a ditch because my tires couldn’t grip in a panic stop.
I think all-wheel-drive offers a false sense of security because the vehicle doesn’t “slip” or “bog down” on startup. The driver starts off with unwarranted confidence rather than deserved caution, and without stability control and snow tires to reduce skidding, the first panic stop will be troublesome. I’ve seen several pickups and SUVS, not to mention more than a few cocky Subaru drivers, who’ve trusted AWD over snow tires. If the choice is snow tires and stability control or AWD/4WD, get the tires and stability control and live with front-wheel drive.
Buy them a reasonable car (again, seriously consider the Matrix and get stability control and airbags) and perhaps spend a few bucks on a good defensive driving course.
Unless they are siamese twins, suggest one modest vehicle per child rather than one large shared vehicle.
I would go with a wagon. I voted for the Legacy over the Fit just because I thought the extra room might be nice for moving into the dorms and back home in the summer and whatnot. But I guess you have enough other cars that that really doesn’t matter. Get a wagon over an SUV. A Fit or Mazda 3 would probably be best unless you decide the bigger Legacy would fit better.
If the pathfinder is in good condition, is there a reason you can’t give that to them?
Either that or, like others have said here, fix the Honda.
If you MUST get a new car, Mazda3.
I’m going to be the Gen-X crank here and say…you’re buying your kid a car for college? WTF? I took the bus back and forth to college, when I couldn’t afford a car or insurance. When at college, I walked/stumbled everywhere, or took public transit. Parents today…G-D kids today have it too good. To quote the Simpsons, “We need another Vietnam to think their ranks out a bit.” Oh, wait-
Since the winter tire thing has been brought up.
I agree with getting winter tires. I do NOT agree with getting Cheap winter tires. If safety is the concern, stay away from cheap tires. The mid range are fine, always get tires with a known good brand molded on the sidewall. They all import and sell cheap tires, but notice they don’t put their name on them.
Second RF’s observation on good snows. The year I was in Boulder skiing, ah, I mean, going to CU, the Eisenhower Tunnel was still a-building. Common sense and studded snow tires, but mostly studded snows, kept me on the roads in a ’66 Dodge Polara, including the road over Loveland Pass.
Sharon,
Two college students will not be making this “six hour trip” every weekend. Or even every month for that matter. Maybe 4 to 6 times per year? Bottom line, its not going to accumulate to that many miles during the course of the year, or years. I’d stay focused on their daily needs, and if the weather is more harsh in CO, then buy them a vehicle that will handle CO.
I would strongly recommend the Honda CR-V. Go get one new for $20k…and it’ll last you forever. I helped a friend recently look for a used CR-V…and even several-year-old versions were still north of $20k. The new design is gorgeous, practical and reliable. It is dressy enough to take to dinner downtown on the weekend, and tough enough to take offroad. And everything in between.
Good luck.
I’ll echo the small hatch vote. We have a Matrix and it’s met almost all our space needs. The Matrix/Vibe/Mazda3 hatch/Xb/Versa hatch can all get at or over 30mpg highway (we average 29 with AC and a heavy foot). We don’t like the gas prices, but it affects us a lot less than some of our friends.
Hmmmm…maybe this family is independantly wealthy and can easily afford a stable full of vehicles. That being said, why in hell would you buy an 18-year old anything approaching $18k? Are you nuts? My son, now 17, is the proud owner of a 1997 Toyota Tercel with 175k on the odometer. Everything..and I mean everything works on that car, including the AC. Operating costs are low, and at 30+ MPG, relatively cheap to drive. If you want reliability, I’d even swallow spending $5k for a decent used Honda. Save the remaining $13k and celebrate getting one more kid out of the house.
What’s wrong with a base V6 Rav4? They’re on sale for about 22k + TTL here new. CR-Vs are expensive used and new and have weak engines and loud insides. Tribeca sounds nice, though, if ya got a dealership to give you a good offer.
Why isn’t the Buck Enclave mentioned? It’s around the size of a Pilot.
IMPORTANT NOTE, IF YOU BUY A SUBARU YOU MUST REPLACE THE OEM TIRES. The Potenza’s are horrible and extrememly dangerous in wet or snowy conditions, they esentially make the AWD worthless. I would make the dealer replace the tires before you drive off the lot at their expense, negotiate it in. And listen to Robert and budget for some snow tires for the winter, if safety is that important to you the $500 you spend will be worth the peace of mind.
Good luck.
Two college bound kids, and you’re planning on buying them an SUV? Is your plan to have them spend all their money on gas instead of beer and books?
Why not just buy them a brand new car like a honda fit, toyota yaris, honda civic, toyota corolla? I’m sure the kids will appreciate having all that extra money in their bank accounts from not spending it on gas.
Fix the Honda and buy the best snow tires you can find. The kids will be coming home for Thanksgiving, Christmas, midwinter break and the summer so they won’t be putting on a lot of miles.
Snow tires and Front Wheel Drive will make them pay attention and not get lulled into the ‘I have AWD and I am Invincible’ train of thought.
If you have to get them something, a used Subaru Outback with great snow tires. Good in the snow, still sort of anti establishment (might even have the Save the Rainforest and HRC stickers on it)
Save your money to help them put a downpayment on thier first home when they are out of college.
Why isn’t the Buck Enclave mentioned? It’s around the size of a Pilot.
A little out of her price range, do college kids even know what a Buick is. Talk about horrible gas mileage compared to all the other more sesible suggestions.
How about an older beater Subaru for $5-10k with a break down reserve?
My 1st car was a 1990 Subaru Legacy, it had 140k mi when I got it and ran until it was totaled at 215k when I was rear ended. I had plenty of cargo room with the back seats down.
Sharon, I’ve liquidated over 10,000 vehicles for a major auto finance company and lived in upstate New York to boot.
Here is what I think…
1) The Accord is absolutely fine. A front wheel drive vehicle with the applicable snow tires will be a far better vehicle than most 4WD/AWD vehicles a mere ten years ago. Most of my classmates in Saratoga Springs, NY had far, far worse. If you need to fix the tranny and Honda won’t help, go to car-part.com and call up a bunch of independent shops and tranny shops in your area. The overall cost of doing this should be less than $1500.
2) I would favor the Pathfinder for the other son. It will suck on gas but it will be far, far cheaper over the long run than a $20,000+ car. You will be experiencing a ton of depreciation by the time either of the kids graduate from college (most vehicles lose 60% to 80% over 4 years) and the investment you could have made during that time would have yielded thousands more. If you want to give them a real present for the long run, tell them you’ll match their summer earnings so that they can put a down payment on a home when they’re 25. They may not appreciate it as much now, but they will have ear to ear grins when that time comes.
3) Regardless of what you do make sure they understand the vehicle and know how to maintain it. A Haynes manual, a basic wrench set, and some quality time on the driveway for 45 minutes is all they will need to learn more about their car than 95+% of their peers. My brother did this with me back in the day and i managed to keep one vehicle running for 239k, and my then girlfriend now wife always had a reliable ride back in the days when I was saving up for the house.
If you give them a quality car, and enable them to learn how to maintain the basics, you’ll truly do more for them than the overwhelming majority of parents. If you buy it for em’, they’ll get screwed by the dealerships and consider the car as some mysterious contraption rather than an easily understood machine. I know that’s not the answer you may want (especially from the person who purchases new cars around here) but that is my firm and honest answer.
Good luck in whatever decision you make…
psknapp had a good suggestion re: the Toyota Matrix, although I’d go one further and suggest a Pontiac Vibe. Same car, better discounts off the lot.
Count me in the majority on this one. Why would they need any of those cars. A small hatchback is much more practical, cooler (depending somewhat on which one you choose), and safer. As others I am sure have pointed out (didn’t read the posts), SUVs are much less able to avoid an accident and are much less forgiving of a new driver’s mistakes. The small hatchback will be plenty big and get much better gas mileage while costing mcuh less up front. Personal favorite is the Mazda3 hatchback. Even in the base model, the car at least feels sporty and is practical in the extreme, just check out that glovebox. I don’t know what the campus is like in Fort Collins, Colorado, but where I went to school, bikes were extremely important. Sometimes, it was the only way you had enough time to get from one class to the next, and parking a car was, um, difficult. So, for that $22k yo were thinking of spending, you can get them a new Mazda3 and two bikes and save some money.
Finally, I’ll admit to not having any kids, but my first car was a 10 year old Aries K car worth about $1,500. If you are even thinking car loan for this purchase, i.e. can’t afford it, don’t do it. When or if I do have kids, I will not being going into debt just so they can feel better about what they are driving around town. If they truly want to feel better about their car that will come through working hard to earn money to pay for it themselves. That brings a truer satisfaction that comes from a freedom of choice and a sense of ownership that you can’t get when a car (or anything else) is given to you.
A Nissan Versa or Scion xB would also be good choices.
If you’re looking for a compact SUV, I would check out the Tiguan. It really excels beyond the competition in overall performace and build quality. In true VW fashion, the Tiguan drives more like a compact than an SUV. It’s responsive, very stable around turns, and incredibly smooth. It’s available in both an automatic or 6-speed manual transmission and gets 25 hwy MPG, which places it ahead of the Equinox. It comes standard with a turbocharged 200hp engine and is available with 4Motion 4 wheel drive and has a carefree maintenance program. If you have any questions, feel free to send me an email at: Shawn@M80im.com
AWD Vibe/Matrix wagon. Heck, at this price point, you could get a new one.
Wagon practicality, AWD, cheap to own and operate.
Want something fancier? How about a couple-year-old Volvo XC70?
I’m with everybody else here. Why on earth would a college kid need/want an SUV, especially with $5 a gallon gas? If it’s sheer safety, remember that things that are merely close calls in small cars are accidents in big SUVs.
I have a Scion xA, and I would think it would be a perfect “college car”. Any of the Scions would be, although the tC is much less practical and doesn’t really get extremely high gas mileage. The xB (either one) is great for sucking way more into it than you would think (especially the smaller, earlier version-that one is like the police box on Doctor Who, bigger on the inside than the outside). Now, the first xB does not have side air bags, even as an option (which is one of the reasons I got the xA instead, which has them available as a fairly rare option (which I got)). The new xB and the xD (replacement for the xA) have them standard. You could also go for the xA/xD’s bigger brother, the Toyota Matrix (or Pontiac Vibe, same thing). Or a even a Prius.
VWInformant, why would you get the Tiguan when the GTI it tries so hard to be is lighter, lower, more nimble, more fuel-efficient, and cheaper?
Unless you’re going along with the SUV-mentality her initial choices suggested, the Tiguan is a bust.
And while VWs may seem high quality on a test drive, they are among the worst in sustained reliability, though I admit they’ve been getting a little better.
I wish to amend my original comment (although it’s too late to just edit it)
I’m a little curious as to why you are buying a car for these guys, too. Can you not spare one of the vehicles in your fleet for them to take? I assume they already drive one in your home town, why not just let them take it to college?
That said, is it even necessary for them to drive home every weekend? Six hours is a long drive to make every weekend.
And, finally, don’t buy them a car because that would make me jealous. I’m going to Ohio State next fall and my parents aren’t giving me a car. I’m going to have to hump all over campus (a large campus, I might add) so why shouldn’t they? I’m just kidding, of course. Well, maybe only a little.
But do whatever you think is best. If you must buy a car, go with a hatch or wagon: Subie Legacy, Honda Fit, Pontiac Vibe, or Mazda 3. Skip the SUVs. They’ll thank you at the pump.
Redbarchetta, your logic — or someone’s around here — isn’t really sound. Maybe not the Enclave, but many of the GM crossovers are reasonably priced and would be a good choice for these kids.
From Honda’s website:
-“Pilot gets EPA-estimated mpg 17/23/19 (city/highway/combined 2WD) and 16/22/18”
-MSRP = $27,595
I hear you on the price of the Enclave, which is a little bit out of this class, but I’m guessing you’re probably wrong about the fuel mileage.
Here’s why I say this: Take the GMC Acadia, for instance…from GMC’s website:
-“Based on EPA est. MPG (FWD) 16 city/24 hwy.”
-MSRP starting @ $30,470
So…I realize I’m changing the vehicle on you, but I think you get my point, and I don’t think your comment was fair. Oh, and by the way, who cares if kids don’t know what a Buick is? I thought we were looking for the best car, not just the one with the best name.
One more thing…and please excuse my rant…but my wife owns a Subie, and trust me…they’re not all that. With less than 30,000 miles on the odometer, she needed major transmission work done. Thank God it was covered under the warranty, which ended shortly thereafter. But the dealer is tough to schedule with anyway. (They’re not even open Saturday afternoons!) Last time I checked, some manufacturers have a 100,000-mile warranty.
Sorry informant, but VW SUV is self contradictory. There is no utility without reliability.
It’s a shame. In the past 20 years, VW has only managed to make their cars more complex without being any more reliable. The price break vs. the nicer German cars is no longer a good deal. The value just is not there.
menno: Cam belts will set you back $800-900 at replacement time at about 70,000 miles.
Hey you guys, learn a little something about your vehicle. I did this job on my ’99 CR-V for less than $50 myself. FWIW there are much better manuals than Haynes. For my Honda I bought the factory Helms Manual. For my VWs I always buy the factory Bentley manual. Both are lightyears ahead and the first time you don’t have to go to the dealer you have paid for the book.
Our CR-V has been golden for 161K miles.
Still I woul dbe inclined to send them to college with a $5K car (hatch or wagon). Cars sitting on campus get broken into, door-dinged, sunbleached, and generally neglected. I went to college in a $1500 ’81 Moostang. Left for the Navy with that same car and replaced it with a ’72 Beetle. Came back from overseas in a $150 ’84 CR-X that I later sold for $850. Good car but ugly thank to the POs.
Bought a good late 80s Accord hatch (10 year old car).
Later when I was university staff some kid keyed my brand new ’99 CR-V. Insurance fixed it but it really pissed me off. FWIW nobody ever messed with my 10+ year old cars.
Frankly, there’s nothing really wrong with getting a bargin Tribeca and driving it into the ground. The only two big issues with it are:
1. It’s ugly (especially the original).
2. It’s really a bit much vehicle for 2 colledge students with a long comute to do.
3. For being so big, it really can’t even carry six people (cargo’s not an issue).
If appearance isn’t an issue, then you can definately consider the Element as a smaller alternative (nice hauler, not sure I’d want to do 300 miles in one).
Or you could get one of the “one size smaller CUV’s” new or nearly so for better milage.
Getting a reconditioned transmission into the Accord is the cheap alternative. Unless it’s pushing 200K that would be what I’d do.
Since you plan for whatever to die in harness, depreciation isn’t an issue (the ones that cost more used, last longer). Do note that 3-row SUVs/CUVs are going for the same or less than 2-rows used (milage and oversupply). That’s why the Tribeca seems so affordable compared to say a Forester.
I only had a car for a grand total of 1 semester my whole time in college. I would have used it to get away alot more than I did except for poverty, and fear (rattletrap Escort). I never had a car at OSU, but you don’t use a car to get around campus (too crowded and parking costs), you use it to get away from campus.
Among my friends at university, the Matrix was the most common personal car. It’s dimensions are compact, but thanks to its high profile and upright seating is also fairly roomy for the passengers. A mentioned, the short wagon profile lets you haul a respectable load as well.
Since this year is the changeover for a new new model, you might be able to catch a good deal on 2008 Matrix/Vibes as dealers look to offload last year’s model.
Toyota Matrix or Scion xB
The second gen of TOYOTA RAV4 is the most recommended…
Steven Lang is right. As usual.
I repeat my recommendation of investigating public transit/greyhound for the kids’ needs.
If secure on-campus parking is either expensive or non-existent, a car can be a big headache.
Among the vehicles discussed, I’d vote for putting the new transmission in your Honda if you decide to let them have a car at school. You know that car’s shortcomings–any “new” used car would have all sorts of “X-factors” to deal with from 6 hours away.
Uh-oh. Just got this email from Sharon, who said she couldn’t handle the logging-in part of the program…
“Bottom line, we caved this weekend and landed up purchasing a 2006 Grand Jeep Cherokee that was in pristine condition had 38K miles. They were having a sale and with trade-in $3,500 off our Honda, landed up paying $14K. They have offered a $2,600, 4-year or 50K mile bumper to bumper warranty that we will probably land up buying because this is the first used car we have ever purchased and did not want to get a lemon.
We all appreciated your reader’s comments, particularly on the compass. I am afraid to ask what they would think of a Jeep Cherokee, but the deed has been done! Thanks again. I would respond to each one individually, but am having difficultly understanding the process.”
Horse. Water. Lead. Drink. Not.
WHAT? Was that even one of the choices? Oh well people don’t have to take the advice given. The worst part is I don’t even romotely think that was a good deal. There was a local place selling a virtually idential one that she decribed with a price of $13,800 on the window and that was over a month ago before SUV’s values dropped off a cliff. Oh well I hope they enjoy their new/old car and get many trouble free & safe miles out of it.
seoultrain, I’m actually working with VW to answer questions about the Tiguan. I offered the suggestion because they were originally comparing three similar crossovers and given some of the VW’s advantages, it’s worth looking into. While we can offer up a million different alternatives, it seems as if they are fairly set on a type of car and a price range, to which the VW clearly applies.
In terms of reliability, VW has made tremendous improvements over the last several years. In addition, the Tiguan’s warranty covers virtually anything that could possibly arise in the time frame of a lease. So long as the driver properly maintains the car, it will be fine. While overall the hyundai would come out to be a few thousand less, there is a lot to be said for the overall refinement of the VW’s amenities, as well as its superior performance.