Originally Posted by heleu (Post 8506822)

I'm in the same boat, looking to replace my wife's car (Echo HB) in the next year.
I think especially if you want kids in the future, or just more utility, you'll want more space. An IS250 is REALLY tight in the backseat, and the trunk is the same size as a Civic.

Also, since when was a Prelude comfortable?!? I thought they were low and ride rough. Anyways, I guess it's all relative.




This is my list (all used):
Subaru Forester
Subaru Outback
Mazda CX-5 (probably outside your price range)
Mazda 5
Toyota RAV4
Honda CRV

Originally Posted by underscore (Post 8507097)

New input from her is that she wants something "professional looking" (she's an accountant) but not "too old man" (not keen on the G35 sedan) and something that we could keep until we have kids is a plus (but by then it'll be at least 12 years old...). Like I said, she's a bit particular.

She's liking the Lancers, Accords and IS series the most so far, Lancer seems the best bang for the buck with 08's around $10k, IS's seem to be $3-5k more but they're supposed to be reliable as all hell, Accords landing around the same as the IS but we're wary about the trannies. So it looks like I'll be doing some more digging into the reliability/cost of ownership on those three, but definitely keep suggestions coming.

Her parents have an 07 Rav4 V6 which is very comfortable and great on the highway but boring as all hell and a bit garbage off road despite the fancy diff lock and downhill assist. Or maybe the ability to blast down gravel roads with the Cherokee without giving a shit about bumps has spoiled me. But in reality I only do that a few times a year so I guess I could adapt to the Rav :okay:

edit: oh and I've also thrown the Matrix into the mix, not terribly exciting but it's a Toyota.

Originally Posted by c4@urdoor (Post 8507222)

I'm not trying to hijack but im on the same boat.
The GF wants a small suv/CUV and im really not sure if I should go brand new, or slightly used via craigslist. I'm usually anti brand new because of dealership markups and depreciation but this is something she is planning on keeping for a long time.
I know 2002-2006 CRV's are the best ever. No recalls and are absolute tanks. She find it too old though. Newer CRV's don't compare in quality to the 06's.
I'm intrigued but Kia's and Hyundai's. A lot of bang for buck but long term reliability and performance is still a big ???
Rav4's are just too damn expensive. Great cars but huge markup.

Anyone know anything about Mazdas? Why are they so much cheaper than toyotas and hondas and why do they depreciate so fast. Are the CX models good? Same thing with the Outlanders. They depreciate quickly. Are they any good?

Originally Posted by twitchyzero (Post 8507306)

I also think the Subaru Legacy fits the bill..just gotta check the head gaskets for mid 2000's and older...IS250 sounds good too for young professionals

Originally Posted by twitchyzero (Post 8507306)

TSX or even the 05/06 RSX
both are somewhat professional, tons of aftermarket parts, doesn't have the bad auto tranny that plagues the honda V6
TSX takes premium gas though

Originally Posted by ICE BOY (Post 8507336)

Good choice.

nabs took his cross-country without any issues and even though it uses premium fuel, the thing gets incredible mileage. Last time I drove it, the low fuel light didn't turn on til it had like 620km or something stupid on the tripmeter.

edit - and it has over 220k km on it, just well maintained.