Hey all,

So my mum drives around in this huge green 1997 GMC Savanna van. This thing has been through the works, and has lasted her since new. Basically the car has ben around since I was like 7. It's practically rusted out and costs entirely too much to refuel and get her from place to place. It just dinged 240k miles.

I need your guy's suggestions on a new or newish type of car to look for.

She likes the feel of a bigger car for "safety". She's probably one of the worst drivers I know so safety is a concern for me.

Needs to get great gas mileage, actually this doesn't matter since anything will be better then the $120 fill ups the green monster takes.

She would like space to pack stuff, she no longer carts around kids anymore, but gets groceries, and moves big boxes of things for her job.

Budget wise, I'd say $11-10k to spend.


I'd like to go foreign, but it might be hard to convince her. I was leaning towards a base Chevy HHR. I had one for a rental and it wasn't all that bad. (Don't know how mechanically sound they are though).

I was also thinking maybe a Scion xb, like one of the older generations. Or maybe the hatchback Mazda 3.

What are your guy's opinions?

 

Used subaru wagon?

 

Nissan Murano.

Wife has one. Shes put on 60k and so far minimal expenses on repair. Dealership is really nice.


What about a Minivan?

 

Ford Escape/Mazda Tribute

 

HHR is fugly. I think a FJ cruiser is a good choice. Ford Edge, mazda5/cx-5 are all good choices (I personally don't like the cx-5 much, but the engine is very nice. cx-9 is more practical really but might be too big for her needs).

If she is fine with a sedan, I would definitely look into the jap family sedans. they are always on top of the safety charts and come in a very nice and reliable package...so mazda6, ultima, accord, camry (in no particular order, they are all shitty and useful to me).

 

Hmm I like the Nissan Murano, I think the Toyota FJ Cruiser might be a little big still. She is open to sedans. I will have to check some out.

 

well, you said something big but useful. FJ is nice, plus you can get them in manual, and I would love to have one to tow my miata to the track (not quiet yet, but maybe in a couple of years hahaha )

 

I saw one in Tan the other day that looked pretty good hmm... LOL Stop this can't be for me, for me mum! So it has to be boring old automatic.