Redlemon

I had an '05 Pontiac Vibe. I loved it. On Monday, I was rear-ended by a pickup truck, and I just found out that it is totalled.

So, on to car searching, which I really wasn't prepared to do. I had picked the Vibe because (and in decreasing order):
* All wheel drive (I live in New England)
* Good hatchback odd-volume storage capability (it could just fit my massage table with the seats up, and could fit long IKEA stuff with the back and front passenger seats down)
* Good gas mileage (29 mpg highway)
* Not too expensive (it's considered a compact. I'd like to stay under $25K, I'm also considering used, although I've never purchased used before)
* High seating position; not as big as a SUV, but still higher than usual.

So, based on those criteria, what should I consider?

I'm not looking at the Toyota Matrix, because my wife doesn't trust Toyota right now (same goes for the recent-model but retired '09 and '10 Vibes, which contain the same innards). I'm not brand-conscious.

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Jetée

I'm not going to be too detailed in posting specs and price range, but as this is one of my wishlist cars,
I'll offer its recommendation to you (along with a few articles to at least give you an overview).

The Mazda3. (also check out this article by edmund's)


(the one parked right)

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Cynthetiq

2010 Honda Fit AWD, shame they don't sell it in the USA.

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The_Jazz

Last year, I got to go out onto a test track and beat the shit out of some Mazdas. I've got to say, the Mazda 3 corners really well and stops REALLY well when the fuses for the anti-lock brakes are pulled.

You might want to look at Honda Civic as well.

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Baraka_Guru

Have you considered the Subaru Impreza 2.5i 5-door? It seems to fit your criteria.

• It's in your price range.
• It has a hatchback.
• It's AWD.
• It gets 27 mpg/hwy (close).
• You'll have to check the ride height.

Subaru was one of the few car companies who didn't lose money during the recession. They must be doing something right. They also have a high resale value.

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Plan9

+1 for the Subaru. Those things are solid.

Have you thought about replacing it with another used Vibe ('05-'07?)? Save a ton of money and get a vehicle you're familiar at the same time.

I had to get rid of my gas-guzzling truck when I started my crazy college commute and got lucky. I found a used Vibe with only 25k on it for $12k.

Honestly it's the best little rollerskate I could ask for... the unique folddown seats w/ hard surface and moving tiedowns make it very useful.

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Hektore

I drive a 95 Impreza 5-door, it's got 170k miles and runs like a champ. I take it camping, put kayaks on top, move furniture in it. Easily the best car I've owned (although only the 5th car owned). Also rated asone of the safest cars you can buy and I seem to recall an add they ran a few years ago about having a zero waste plant. I also remember reading an article about Subaru being the only manufacturer to not have posted a yearly loss throughout this global depression.

Basically, it's a car you can buy slightly used and have a lot of faith in without regard for what the previous owner did to it. When it's time to trade it in you should get good money for it as well.

I keep crossing my fingers they'll release the diesel on this side of the Atlantic. I just love the idea getting nearly 40 mpg out of an AWD car the size of a Forester.

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Willravel

Subaru seems like a good bet. I'd go with the Legacy personally (IMHO one of the best cars for the price out there), but the Imprezza is a good car, too.

AWD cars by price:

$10,000 to $20,000

2009 Suzuki SX4 — $16,439
2009 Subaru Impreza — $17,495
2009 Subaru Impreza Outback Sport — $19,995

$20,000 to $30,000

2010 Pontiac Vibe — 20,275
2009 Pontiac Vibe — $20,475
2009 Toyota Matrix — $20,500
2010 Toyota Matrix — $20,760
2009 Subaru Legacy — $20,795
2009 Subaru Outback — $22,295
2009 Ford Fusion — $24,345
2009 Mercury Milan — $24,845
2009 Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart — $26,490
2009 Mercury Sable — $26,970
2010 Ford Fusion — $27,435
2010 Mercury Milan —$27,800
2009 Ford Taurus — $28,520
2010 Ford Taurus —$29,020
2009 Dodge Charger — $29,790

Source

noodle

My coworker just got a Nissan Murano, it runs really well but I don't know about the other specs. I can't WAIT to replace my '06 Vibe. I'm looking at a very used Acura RDX when I change over. My coworkers all have the MDX, but it's waaaay out of my price range and the gas mileage is crap. Or the Subarus mentioned above... I love the hatchback.
I also love S's FJ Cruiser with a PASSION, but it only gets 19 mpg, highway. He ended up getting it for $24k, brand-new due to the rebates early last year. It's a kick-ass vehicle for weather, seating, hauling, etc. But, the mileage takes it out of yours... dangit, sorry, Redlemon, I started getting excited for you.

But, are you okay from this accident?

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Cynthetiq

yeah I forgot about that when I posted, and remembered when I was walking home. I hope you're just fine...

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noodle

Oh, and the Fit's too small, Cyn. I sat in one.
The cargo space wouldn't fit a massage table, even with all the seats down.

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Baraka_Guru

I think Kia and/or Hyundai were/was another.

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Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing?
—Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön

Humankind cannot bear very much reality.
—From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

BadNick

I love my 2007 RAV4 Limited with all options, AWD and grey leather interior. But you said you and wifey don't want a Toyota.

The sort of new Ford Flex usually catches my eye when I see one driving down the road. They just look so damn practical and spacious...available with AWD but maybe just a tad over your budget unless you can twist Ford's arm a bit

snowy

In the same vein as BadNick's post above, what about a Honda Element? It gets 25mpg highway.

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Redlemon

Thanks everyone! This is some great information to start from.

Will, I was hunting hard for a list like that, and couldn't create it myself. Thanks muchly.

The Mazda3 looks nice, but doesn't have an AWD option, and that's my primary consideration right now. I checked out an Impreza yesterday (my wife has an '03 Legacy, and loves it), it is a strong possibility. I'll ponder the rest of this list; again, thank you!
Yeah, I'm in pretty good condition. I have some muscle strain / whiplash issues, most prominent in my left SCM, and a bit in my back and left leg (which I was using to brace when I saw the hit coming). The pain is much less than I expected to have, and I have almost full range of motion. I have muscle relaxants and a prescription for physical therapy, which will start Monday.

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Leto

I have the identical year/model as you. Mine is dark blue plus I added back up sensors and a hood deflector. But the Rav4 is what I consider to be a bigger vehicle. Lot bigger than the Vibe/Matrix model.

And the Flex? I rented one last week for a drive to beautiful Akron Ohio. A 6 hour drive in coddled comfort. But being a 7 seater, I think that this is also way over sized for the needs. A beautifully executed ride I must say.

What about a smaller used Hyndai such as the Tucson? Or a Honda CRV from the 2005 model year? Before they went to the swoopy, more cramped design.

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StanT

I looked at an FJ, when I bought my Tacoma. While it's an awesome vehicle, it was one big rolling blind spot for me (5'11").

I really liked my Honda CRV, nice combination of fun and practicality.

Redlemon

I stopped by Nissan today, because it was close, and tried the Rogue. It's considered a small SUV, but is really close in size to my Vibe. The specs look pretty good on it. Any opinions about this one? Or something else similar?

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JStrider

am I the only one who saw the title of the thread and thought "hmmmm either its a huge gas powered vibrator or this thread belongs in sexuality...."


Glad to hear your mostly ok. hope the strain slash whiplash type injuries heal quickly... they can take a while sometimes

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noodle

The convex mirrors designed for the FJs completely eliminate the blind spots of any kind. I didn't believe S for a minute until I tried them. It's a little disconcerting at first, but there is NO blindspot. Awesome idea. Love it.

/ threadjack, lol.

I've heard decent things about the Rogue. Nothing major just, "I like my car."

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Redlemon

OK, I appear to be down between the Nissan Rogue and the Subaru Forester. I did not expect that going into this search. (The Subaru Impreza didn't fit my table; I'm also surprised that the Forester is smaller than the Outback.) The Honda CR-V just felt too big, and the interior didn't match me somehow.

Based on what I've picked, does it look like I'm missing something obvious?

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