The search for a new car

elSicomoro • Apr 22, 2007 7:50 pm
I've had enough of my stupid car (2003 Chevy Malibu), so I'm getting rid of it and getting a new (or newer) one. I have about 1-2 weeks to get one, so unfortunately, I can't be as selective as I would like. And so, I'd like my Cellar peeps to help. Here are my criteria:

--2002-2007
--Must be durable: I deliver pizzas (for at least the next 6 months) and like to drive a lot.
--Must be dependable: I've had my Malibu in the shop 3 times in 2007 alone for stupid shit. I want to be able to drive it and not have it break down a lot.
--Must be comfortable: I'm over 300 lbs...I need some room. Plus I sit in the car a lot. The Malibu's seats suck...the ones in my fucking Geo Metro were better.
--Price range: >$22,000
--Decent gas mileage: The Malibu normally gets 23/30...a little less would be fine.
--Import or American doesn't matter, though I'd prefer to stay away from Mitsubishis.

Any help or input would be appreciated.
zippyt • Apr 22, 2007 7:53 pm
why no Mits ??
TheMercenary • Apr 22, 2007 7:57 pm
Number one choice: http://www.subaru.com/shop/model_consideration.jsp?model=FORESTER

Or

http://www.subaru.com/shop/model_consideration.jsp?model=OUTBACK

We bought a used Forester for my oldest daughter, dealer certified, model 2003 with 60,000 miles on it and a three year repair maintenance warranty. Paid $12,000 out the door. No problems after three years of college and her driving.

That or any used toyota. You may pay a little more but you cannot beat the reliability.
duck_duck • Apr 22, 2007 7:59 pm
Too bad you don't want a mitsubishi
TheMercenary • Apr 22, 2007 8:00 pm
Or this:

http://cellar.org/showthread.php?t=13820
duck_duck • Apr 22, 2007 8:07 pm
Get a rocket volkswagen!
TheMercenary • Apr 22, 2007 8:16 pm
Now there is a gas saver duck.
elSicomoro • Apr 22, 2007 8:19 pm
zippyt;336567 wrote:
why no Mits ??


I'm not impressed by any of their models, the reliability of their cars seems to be crap and I wouldn't be surprised if they bowed out of the US in the near future.
elSicomoro • Apr 22, 2007 8:21 pm
I've been thinking about Subarus...I never hear anything bad about them mechanically-speaking.

We recently bought a 2001 Toyota RAV4 used for cash, and love it. It replaced a 2000 RAV4 which served us well, until I totaled it in a wreck.
TheMercenary • Apr 22, 2007 8:31 pm
sycamore;336581 wrote:
I've been thinking about Subarus...I never hear anything bad about them mechanically-speaking.

We recently bought a 2001 Toyota RAV4 used for cash, and love it. It replaced a 2000 RAV4 which served us well, until I totaled it in a wreck.


I have a third child, ugggggg! that I will need to buy another frigging car for in the next year. It will most likely be a used low milage Outback or Toyota if I can find one. You would be surprised how hard we had to look for a, any, used Subaru. That says a lot in and of itself.