New car for "Older Drivers"
#21
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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.
Next on list will be Mazdas.
#25
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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?
#26
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.
Newer ones might be better, and I know they can be more fuel-efficient. Just not for me.
#27
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.
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.
#28
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.
#30
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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.
Newer ones might be better, and I know they can be more fuel-efficient. Just not for me.
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.
#34
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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.
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.
#37
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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.
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.
Last edited by DNMakinson; 08-21-2014 at 09:55 PM. Reason: Corrected year
#39
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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.
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.
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.
#40
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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?
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?