[GChase]

Hi guys,

I'll try to make this as concise as possible. My sister (22) is in the market for a new car. She has had a 2001 Acura RSX since she turned 16 and is now handing it off to our other sister. I'll try to just make cliff notes of her situation and let you guys throw out some ideas.

-New or barely used car that will last 8-10 years without problems.
-Low maintenance (so German cars aren't looking good for her)
-Needs great gas mileage (over 30 at least)
-Not a hybrid
-SUV or sedan only
-Price range: under ~$30k
-Aesthetically it needs to look good, but she doesn't need high HP or torque.
-She will be getting married a year 1/2 from now, so probably 2-3 young kids in the next 10 years.
-She'll be living in seasonal weather (midwest or upper south) so snow isn't really an issue.
-I really want her to get a BMW or Audi, but the high-performance engines don't get very good MPG's and are expensive to work on as you all know.

I think I covered everything. Right now some names being tossed out there are Hyundai Sonata, low mileage F30 328i, Acura MDX or TSX, Mazda CX-5's, Honda Accord.

Any suggestions are appreciated!

Thanks!
-Chase

Edit: Sorry, I just realized I was one forum off! This should probably be in non-BMW auto section but BMW's may still be in the conversation so oh well!

[infinitekidM2C]

Ford Fusion brah

[335isziegs]

....

[N 5 4]

2014 Mazda 6 (redesigned!!)

[sr2003]

Current lexus IS250

[Meeni]

Ford Focus, Mazda 3, CX5

[py0413]

Originally Posted by BA335iS

2014 Mazda 6 (redesigned!!)

I saw one at our local dealer today and it does look real nice in person. i dont know how it drives like but hopefully to experience it as a frd is now in the market for a new car.

also went to see the new honda accord with frd today and i gotta say they have come a long way to build such a nice car in a well-priced package.

[bmw-nj]

2013 honda accord

[awdnut]

Golf/Jetta TDi. Bought one for my daughter 1st car. Love the torque and mileage

Definitely under $30k fully loaded with keyless start, Nav, active cornering HID

32city/41hwy mpg and those are real world numbers unlike those hybrid mpg ratings☺

[S65V8]

Originally Posted by awdnut

Golf/Jetta TDi. Bought one for my daughter 1st car. Love the torque and mileage

Definitely under $30k fully loaded with keyless start, Nav, active cornering HID

32city/41hwy mpg and those are real world numbers unlike those hybrid mpg ratings☺

+1, Jetta is a good buy or a Camry / Accord (guaranteed to last forever)

[Satalite]

Just went through this process with my soon to be wife. We had the same budget and were looking at the same types of things your sister seems to be wanting in a car. I would suggest going with a Hyundai Elantra. I just purchased a brand new 2013 Limited for 21k after negotiating a bit. It gets ~40 mpg hwy/30 city from my current tests and has heated front/rear seats - leather - bluetooth - sun roof - basically fully loaded for that price (besides navigation... but who needs that).

I would highly suggest it! It's a great car with a ton of space! You can easily fit a 6' adult in the back with leg room. Great bang for your buck. I would definitely go test drive one and sit in it to see for yourself. I wasn't sold till I went and saw one in person.

** Seems that I missed the SUV/Sedan part, if that is the case I would look at the Sonata if you do want the extra room. You do sacrifice some MPG though for it though and the price does jump a bit.

[hyper1]

Originally Posted by bmw-nj

2013 honda accord

A1

[catherineanh]

mercedes benz CLA
it starts at 29900 $
it looks amazing

[skinrock]

Originally Posted by catherinelam

mercedes benz CLA
it starts at 29900 $
it looks amazing

It doesn't come out till September.

[631twentyeighteye]

Originally Posted by awdnut

Golf/Jetta TDi. Bought one for my daughter 1st car. Love the torque and mileage

Definitely under $30k fully loaded with keyless start, Nav, active cornering HID

32city/41hwy mpg and those are real world numbers unlike those hybrid mpg ratings☺

I've seen people go upwards of 60 mpg on TDI's on cross country road trips. Things are bullet proof too, assuming you don't try to skip the timing belt change.

[andrey_gta]

new TDI's are solid, ever since the PD chnage in 2007(?)

[catherineanh]

Originally Posted by skinrock

It doesn't come out till September.

I know, which is only a few months away...
OP doesn't state that the car needs to be bought tomorrow. It's just a suggestion....

[cuiter23]

I agree with the IS250 as well. New one is out soon and will be just about 30k.

[Colt]

Originally Posted by GChase

-New or barely used car that will last 8-10 years without problems.
-Low maintenance (so German cars aren't looking good for her)
-Needs great gas mileage (over 30 at least)
-Not a hybrid
-SUV or sedan only
-Price range: under ~$30k

Any Honda/Acura.

[GChase]

Her favorites right now are the Acura ILX and TSX. She hasn't had a single problem with her RSX driving it up to 120k miles so she's a bit biased, like we are towards BMW . She likes the ILX for the cheap msrp ($25,900) and pretty good gas mileage (24/35). I personally think it's just a civic with a power ranger badge on the front grill but she really likes it. I'm a bit worried about it weighing 3,000 pounds and only having 150 HP, but oh well she's not a car person by any extent. Her complaint with the Accord was "the brakes are too touchy"... She doesn't understand how bad her brakes on her RSX were, and when I drive it I have to pound my foot on it to stop. She's one tough person to help shop for...

[elwesso]

The accord is nice, it will do what it needs to do without too much fuss.. I would personally avoid anything Audi, and many VW except for a few.

One thing not listed is either the Nissan Juke or Nissan Rogue. Those are both really nice, and will do what you want. Also the new Altima is supposed to be pretty nice too, but I haven't sat in one yet.

I also second the notion of the Elantra. My girlfriend has an accord, and I think the elantra offers more for the same money, or the same for less money (however you want to look at it).

One other thing I'd look at is the Buick Regal. Really nice looking car, and while they're on the higher end of the price they can still be had for under 30k. Also the Verano looks similar for a little less money, but again I haven't sat in one.

[gregthegr8]

Acura ILX.