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For fun: what new car for me? Update...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm starting to think about a new car. Hubs is insisting that it is time and says I deserve one. My current car is a 7 year old Toyota Prius, nearing the 100k mile mark. This is my third Prius, which means I've essentially been driving the same car for 15 years. I love the fuel efficiency and how reliable it is, and I love that I can put my bike in the back without removing a wheel, but I'm thinking about going for something different. I'm not ruling out another Prius though -- the Prime looks pretty darn nice.

I want something a bit sportier/sexier that has a bit of pep and is fun to drive. I'm willing to pay for the bells and whistles -- moonroof/sunroof, satellite radio, heated seats, keyless entry, etc. I have all of these on my current ride and want to drive something with nice finishes and solid quality.

I put the question "what do you see me driving?" out to my Facebook friends and got a dizzying and entertaining array of answers. It occurred to me that you all would have the perspective of appreciating how my personal style might be reflected in what I drive. So, what do you think? How would you style my ride?

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46 replies

Latest reply was from Susie

JAileen

Veteran

I got a new car a couple months ago. My Subaru Forester was 12 years old. I loved it, but the Foresters are a completely different car, now. I needed AWD, so that's limiting. I wanted a car that I think doesn't say anything to people, like look at me. I like flying under the radar.

I got a Subaru Outback. It's at least a foot longer than my old car, with every bell and whistle they have. I had heated seats before, but now I have a heated steering wheel. I haven't figured out how to use it, though. Not that you should get one of these, but this was what went through my mind.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Heh, I just test drove two Subarus yesterday -- an Impreza and a Forrester. Really nice, and impressive safety features!

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

I vote for the
Subaru Outback

for you - can you get it in deep emerald green or teal by chance?

minimalist

Veteran

Tesla Model S perfectly suits the image I have of you. The rear seats fold down, turning it practically into a pickup truck, easily fitting two bikes.

You would have an absolute blast driving it when you're feeling sporty, and be spoiled by the autopark and enhanced autopilot when you're pacing your energy on long trips.

Current configuration options here:
https://www.tesla.com/models/design

Style-wise, purely visually I see you with 21" wheels, but comfort-wise you'd likely prefer the 19".

Emily K

(website)

Veteran

Mini Cooper S! Mine is 2009 and I love it. Initially I was not a fan of the weird shape and vibe and was not eager to test-drive--I did so with a feeling of "leaving no stone unturned". Once I did, I was hooked. Now, it would be hard to convince me to drive anything else--even if I had unlimited $$$ to spend. It is so cleverly designed, I feel like I'm driving around inside an iPhone. And it's quick, with what they always describe as go-Kart handling. One note, though, I don't feel so positive about the bigger models like Clubman and Countryman--I think they sacrificed a lot of what was good and made these cars feel like generic upscale cross-overs.

ETA--a general recommendation...not necessarily what might come to mind if I tried to put myself in your shoes/style vibe.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Minimalist, my husband drives a Tesla S! I love it and was tempted to wait for the 3 to come out, but I'm not so sure I want to be so dependent on charging stations for both of our vehicles.

Emily, my BFF has a Mini and is about to trade it in for the new convertible model. She loves it! I'm not sure it would be for me, but it's a really fun car. Her husband recommended I get a Kia Stinger (new for 2018, currently a concept car). It's pretty sweet looking, even though I have never given Kia a second glance.

RobinF

Veteran

Tesla was my first thought too! It's like the next step from a Prius.

I am thinking about cars too, I have a driven a couple of Honda Civics for the last 8 years or so and like it but it needs snow tires and I am over that whole thing. So looking at AWD and it is so interesting all these suggestions of Subarus, I have been thinking of a Forester or Outback. Or I could be boring and get the Honda CRV, I do like the reliability of Hondas.

Anonymous

I'm on my third Honda Civic! I've had more exciting (and unpredictable) cars, but the Civic is hard to beat for tremendously reliable transportation and economy.

But if I could have anything, it would be an Audi TT (drool, drool). I'll bet a black one would look great with your outfits.

rachylou

Veteran

Well now, Janet, around here - when your husband drives a Tesla, you drive a Honda SUV, lol!

But that just isn't sexy. Lol. I could see you in a Porsche, but that's a pain in the upkeep department. All fun to drive cars are, tho. Are you sure you want that kind of pain?

I could also see you in an Audi. Or a Lincoln... the one that Matt Mc-I-can't-spell-his-name does commercials for. Cool factor et al.

The other husband-wife option around here is two black Jetta station wagons. Lol. And you always borrow your husband's car for some unfathomable reason, since they're exactly the same Lolol!

Eliza

Veteran

How about an Audi sedan? Fun, sporty, and great road feel, without being over powered. Whatever car you get, check out the wonderful merge/blindspot warning features and the upgraded autopilot features if you need to cover a distance and find it tedious. My commute weary husband is happy to drive now.

Have fun deciding.

Anonymous

I love the Honda CRV for myself. But for you, I really like the idea of a Subaru.

SandyG

Veteran

The BMW X3 is sporty, sophisticated and an absolute blast to drive. It hauls a surprising amount with a flexible cargo arrangement. I like Subaru too, but the BMW is more fun. If you want to turn heads with a brawny Mini lookalike, try the Flex. It's pretty out-there.

kkards

Veteran

audi E3 sportback -etron.....
its a hybrid, but it's and audi, so sporty, and its not something everyone owns....so it just strikes me as very you.
http://www.caranddriver.com/au.....ack-e-tron

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minimalist

Veteran

Ooooh, kkards! How does that model handle?

Janet, a dual-Tesla household might well justify the cost and hassle (permits, inspections) of having your own charging equipment installed. That still doesn't cover long trips, though. :-/ Do you have the app for your DH's S on your phone?

I'm hesitant about the 3. But maybe they'll have fewer issues with that model than they did initially with the S, and are still having with the X.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

We have a charger in our garage, so I don't think it would be that hard to add another port. However, your point about long trips is definitely part of what's on my mind. When I'm out wandering a fairly remote area for photography, I don't want to have to think about how to get within range of a charging station. And I like road trips that don't take main expressways. We've driven the Tesla to TX, and it definitely adds hours to the trip to plan a route accordingly for charging stops.

Interesting suggestions! I love the idea of something that not everyone else drives, but I'm also a big fan of proven reliability. I've always had practical cars, so I'm willing to go a little more "out there" this time. The functionality of the crossover vehicles is appealing to me, but I'd like a little sportiness or edginess too. Hmm.

Eliza

Veteran

A friend just got an Alpha Romeo Giulia. Have yet to ride in it, but it sure looks fun and haven't seen many on the road yet.

Nebraskim

Veteran

I bought a Subaru Impreza last May and love it. It has every single feature you described as "wants." I had been driving a 2009 Prius, and while I loved the car and the fuel efficiency, I did miss the moonroof. This Subaru has a lot of upgraded safety technology, a superior satellite radio system and just overall feels more substantial. I enjoy the peppier engine that doesn't sound as if it's straining to hit 75 on the interstate. I do miss 50 mpg (I now get about 33 mpg on the highway and 29 in town). This is my family's third Subaru. My husband has had two Foresters. We love the brand and the dealership here is first rate. Impreza is releasing a new design in June, so you may be able to get a good deal as dealers clear older inventory. Impreza is the same body style as Cross-trek, which is on a higher wheel base (making it easier to get in/out of the vehicle) but the trade off is that Cross-trek drives more stiffly, like a truck. Impreza is more car-like.

MsMary

Veteran

I love, love, love my Audi A3. Small, peppy, gets good gas mileage and has all the bells and whistles.

Jenn

(website)

Veteran

I have a Crosstrek. It is orange, and I love it. However, here in Colorado, they're EVERYWHERE. Maybe not out east, though?

Gail

Veteran

I was in a similar position last year . I had driven a Suburban for over 15 years and before that a Toyota Land Cruiser and 2 Isuzu Troopers ( does anyone remember them lol). I wanted something a little smaller and a little more luxurious . I got a Mercedes GLE350. I miss the space of the Suburban as I am always moving my kids out and in from somewhere but I am enjoying the quietness and the plushness. If you don't want something so big and poor on gas ( although it's still better than Suburban ) Mercedes also has some new sporty smaller SUV's. My husband is picking his up tomorrow. He has been driving our 2008 Honda CRV, that our kids had all through HS and took to college, for 3 years! We love the CRV's and have two but they have 100K miles on now. Good Luck

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am loving all these ideas, thank you!

I almost forgot that I have a discounted parking deal at the garage I use for my studio because I drive a hybrid ($90/mo instead of $140 I think). Sticking with a hybrid would certainly have multiple advantages!

I test drove a Mazda CX-5 the other day, and a new Prius (they didn't have a Prime for me to check out, but I want to look at that too), as well as a Toyota RAV4 hybrid. I have to say, the RAV is pretty nice when it's outfitted with all the bells and whistles, and the new Prius is definitely an upgrade from the old one in terms of drive, handling, road noise, and styling. Toyota is making it hard to quit them!

I'm taking my time and looking at all kinds of options. It's both freeing and a little daunting to go into this not knowing exactly what car I want from the start. Every other time I've shopped for a car, I knew exactly the make and model I wanted right from the start!

JAileen

Veteran

We're thnking of the RAV hybrid for my husband when we replace his car. He has a RAV limited which is really nice. It has the spare on the back which makes visibility bad for me, but they don't have that anymore.

Runcarla

Veteran

Haha! DH has been researching our 'retirement' car. The Venza has 196,OOO km (over 100,000 miles) and will go over 200 by the time we draw our first retirement cheque next year. We are in the thick of car research!

How about a Porsche Macan? Or the Cayenne (comes as a hybrid). Or maybe a Jaguar F-Pace?

I used to want a Honda Element (no longer made). Folks who have them still love them, and they are perfect for hauling bikes and gear. You would have to buy 2 so you could parasitise one to keep the other going!

Oh! DH originally thought the Audi All Road would be good for us, but now he is mad for the Fiat 124 Spider!

Have fun, Janet! DH is right. You deserve something special!

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chewyspaghetti

Veteran

I don't know much abkut them, but I rhink the Nissan Juke is adorable!

BrieN

Veteran

I guess I am the odd one out, but I dislike car shopping and the whole getting a "new" car experience. ("new" as in new to me; we typically purchase pre-owned cars). The salespeople, the money!!, the choices; it makes my stomach hurt. We have an 8-year old Prius and we'll be driving that till the wheels fall off.

All that said A friend of mine has a fancy white Audi (5 or 8 or something) with double moon roofs. That is a lovely car and very comfortable, even in the back seat. Good trunk space. I can see you driving that around town!

Anonymous

My current vehicle is a Nissan Murano. My previous vehicle was a Nissan Murano (first release- 14 years old now) that my DD drives. My DH has a company vehicle that he hates. When he retires in less than 5 years, we will most likely replace my Murano with another SUV and get a sports car as well.

We tend to hold on to our cars for a long long time.

Gail

Veteran

Danusia , we have our cars for along time too . We had a Toyota Camry for 20 years lol. We sold it to a friend and I still see him driving around in it, we sold it 4 years ago .

Aziraphale

Veteran

I'm so not a car person, but we have a 2016 black Mazda 3 hatchback and it's fab. It's a lot like a Subaru, but better gas mileage. We had a MazdaProtege5 before, and it was fab too -- it gave us no trouble for 13 years, which is why we bought the Mazda 3, which is essentially the new version of the old protege. I don't know if you're an economy car or luxury car type, but the Mazdas seem to bridge the gap between those categories.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Elisabeth, I think that's kind of what's making this hard to decide -- I've always been more of an economy car person. But life is short, and at this stage in my life I can afford to get something a little more luxurious or sporty. I don't like the idea of anything too attention-grabbing or ostentatious though. Frankly, I wish there were a modern equivalent of my 1983 Toyota Celica (the first car I bought myself, a couple of years used) -- it was the perfect combination of hatchback practicality and sportiness!

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