We may be old, but don't have to look that way. This whole search of a car started when I saw a newer 6. We had thought we would keep the Camry another 6-7 years. Also, my daughter needs to update from her Civic, so it's a trickle-down.

Next on list will be Mazdas.

That's cool, but then thread title really isn't relevant. Mazda 6's are just good cars for anyone at any age.

I'm happy with my CX-5, but I frequently need to climb a badly-plowed street during a New England winter. If I were in your area, the 6 would be my preference for the better handling and mileage. As for the Subaru and Accord - if you need an auto, the CVT is a disqualifier for me.

For what reason?

OK, now I get your drift. As an engineer, I can be a little socially slow, and with no visual clues, even more so.

That's a lot of +1's for the 6.

Is it not true that even though the direct injection, high CR engine is new in 2014 in the US; it has been out in other markets of a couple of years?

I've had a few rentals with CVT's - mostly Nissans - and found the seat-of-the-pants feel disconcerting. They've felt sort of like an aging auto that's starting to slip, "motorboating" is a term I've heard. My neighbor just bought a new Outback, and it bugged her but she figures she'll get used to it. Go deep into the throttle, the motor jumps right to the torque peak and stays there until the car catches up. Just one more degree of car control I've surrendered. Downshifting and hill descent options seemed pretty much at the discretion of some software engineer.

Newer ones might be better, and I know they can be more fuel-efficient. Just not for me.

My wife and I are in the same age bracket. She drives a 2012 Forester (her 2nd) and we'll likely keep it another 8-9 years (we buy and keep).

She likes it but the newer ones have the CVT and better mileage.

My youngest daughter just bought an Escape and it impresses the hell out of me. I like the Ecoboost system.

I think the CX5 and the Escape would've been the same platform but for the split between Ford/Mazda.

Check out the Toyota Prius - seriously. I just bought a new 2014 and negotiated 5k off sticker. Its quiet, comfortable, and gets 45-60 mpg. My wife has an 04 with 170k on it, the only mechanical issue has been the water pump. It went out after 100k miles and Toyota paid for it under a recall.

Have you looked at the hyundai genesis or the kia optima?

I'm not sure how long it's been available in other markets, but the DI, 13:1 compression mill has been available stateside since 2011 (2012 model year) in the Mazda 3 as a 2 liter, and the 2.5 is just a scaled up version of that engine.


Nissan CVT =! Subaru CVT. The subarus are jumpy off the line, but once underway are smooth, efficient, and extremely unintrusive. Engaging? No. A little rubber-bandy under full throttle? Yes, but only over 65 mph. The only vehicle I've felt it's kinda annoying is in the XV Crosstrek just because the engine is pretty overmatched in that car. In a Forester with the 2.5 or impreza with the 2.0 it feels nice and smooth. Driving a Nissan Altima or Maxima or, heaven forbid, a cube after driving a subaru CVT just goes to show how bad Nissan screwed it up.

Much as I despise Toyotas and their horrible materials quality and their incredibly dull image and overwrough styling.... I have to agree, and I find myself making that recommendation more and more lately. the Prius is a hugely compelling option if you really don't GAF about driving enjoyment.

Prius, lol. 45-60 mpg? Probably. But they still remind me of those cardboard taxi cabs from the original Total Recall.

What can I say, I like it. Its every bit as good as a daily driver as the miata is as a mountain carver.

I have no interest in those brands. May be unfounded, but true nonetheless.

We drove Camry and Mazda6 this evening.

Camry: Nice ride. Wife liked the seats and visibility, as well as electric seat. Could get the LE for just under $20K out the door, no trade. However, she asked, "if we are just going to get another Camry, why not just keep ours?"

Mazda6: Also a good ride. However, in the Sport, the seat adjustments were hard for her to make (especially height). She did not like the visibility, nor the fit of the seats. 6 is out.

Front runner is still Outback, though I expect I will have to pay quite a bit more for one than the price of the Camry.

Drive the new Fusion. My second choice for a new sedan behind the 6.

we love our '10 fully loaded prius.

its anything but "fun" though

A friend at work bought one in, EDIT 2012, and the XMSN was bad from the start. Ford would do nothing, so he sold it for a big loss. Have they gotten beyond that?

What would be the preferred year?

18: Prius is a bit pricey I think.

Is there a general reason to not go Outback? Not sporty, I know.

Not really any reason not to go outback.

Its just not as good on gas as the others, and not as comfy as some of the others.

All around a pretty solid car though.

2013+ fusions, the new ones with the aston-esque grille, are quite sweet. Really smooth and quiet but not boaty. I'd recommend the SE with the 2.5 4 cyl. You'll save money up front and end up with better overall fuel economy than ecoboost. Ecovoost can do well on highway but the turbo is thirsty around town.

The new 2015 Outbacks and Legacies seem sweet but I haven't driven one yet. I'd go forester over Outback though, just my opinion... The new 2014+ Foresters are really nice.

Also: there are SCREAMING lease deals available on Prius and Prius plug ins if you shop a bit, and nice discounts on purchasing too. If you like the Prius, shop them a bit and you might be surprised.

Thanks. I will add the Fusion at least.

One further, general question. I think all the cars we've looked at (save the Camry) had either black or a sandy-white interior. I personally like the light colored ones. Wife is scared of stains. We would prefer a grey or brown, neutral color; but those don't seem to be available.

Will I be sorry if I push her into the white, cloth seats? I.E. will they stain and I get one of those, "I told you so" sighs?

Or will they likely be treated to resist staining?