Something good for the family for $10k or less.

[Die Frau]

A Saab or Volvo Sedan is going to be a lot bigger than a Civic. Now if you move up to the Accord, then you are more in the same size family. Two car seats in the back of a Civic doesn't seem like a good fit to me. And while Hondas in general are very safe... for my money, I want a bit more heft and protection against all the idiots driving their aging SUV's with bald tires and old brakes.

You are right, the reliability of the European makes as they age, is not really on the same level as the Hondas and Mazdas, and with another one on the way, your time will be a premium. Usually the flip side of this is a higher resale value of the Japanese cars vs. the Euro makes... So you can shell out more up front, or save the difference for when things might go bad. And as far as I know the Saabs and Volvos are not quite as bad as some of the other Euros as they age like the VWs, Audi's and Mercedes.

I just don't know if I can wrap my head around putting MY family in a Compact Car (Civic) as the only family vehicle for the size and safety reasons.

[aaronmjr]

I want an SUV. But we need to be able to drive up north without it being a financial decision. I feel you on the Accords being more in the size range as one of the euros, but the Accords in our price range are sooooooo damn ugly. I can appreciate a quirky design, but they are just gross.

[Die Frau]

Pay to Play? LOL

Truth be told... I have always secretly wanted an Odyssey.

[JK9K]

You want an SUV but don't want to consider a car that takes premium?

At current gas prices (premium typically being $0.20 more per gallon), based on a 12,000 miles/year average, and comparing two cars that average 25mpg, then premium is only going to cost you about $100/yr more than 87 octane.

Now, if you look at an SUV that averages 16-18mpg combined it is going to cost you about $600-700 more per year than that car that takes premium. Just a little food for thought.

[aaronmjr]

You want an SUV but don't want to consider a car that takes premium?

I want an SUV like I want an Arcade in my basement. Yep, would be nice but it's not the right time. So yes, I want an SUV but am on the fence about buying something that takes premium because we are trying to save money and won't be buying an SUV right now.

[toasted]

I'll step in and recommend the 9-5 as well. Now the one I owned needed some work, but it was also only $500.

If you find one with decent miles on them you have found a car that will go for a long time and it probably won't need much more than Brakes, tires, and oil changes as you rack up the miles.

The 9-5 has the room you need, it rides smooth and it has a BIG tank so it's perfect for those longer road trips up north.

Seriously though. If you want an SUV, but you are going to end up in a sedan, I would look at the Saab 9-5. Nice car.


Or a 4Runner. Just sayin.

[Sven7]

Sounds like you want a minivan.

[aaronmjr]

That's it exactly.

[Sven7]

None of the ones you listed in the OP are minivans. LOL

Odyssey
Sienna
Mazda5
Journey
Flex?
Routan/GC

[TTaM]

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/hn...157099426.html

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/an...178683170.html

[DrewC]

buy my '03 windstar... way less than 10k

21mpg.
seats 7 (or 5 w/awesome cargo)
auto
looks okay for a minivan
cheap to repair
115k miles

[Jigs]

I want an SUV. But we need to be able to drive up north without it being a financial decision.

Why dont you buy an Escape then. Its a smaller SUV and will still give you good mileage (v6 i think is around 22 mpg and the 4 cyl is like 27 mpg).. Can easily be had in your price range.

http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ra...164339915.html

2008 Ford Escape with only 79,321 miles. Beautiful sport blue metallic paint with a tan cloth interior. 2.5L engine with automatic transmission. XLT model with all power options including power drivers seat, power moon roof and a nice factory sound system. Factory Alloy wheels with new all season tires. EPA rated at 28 miles per gallon. Warranty

This is a nice XLT Escape that gets great gas mileage at a good price.

For more info call Dave at 612-940-2833 or 651-233-6914

Automobile Nation
Cottage Grove MN
Jordan MN

[rcarvell]

Looked at a Hyundai Santa fe? I am in the same boat with the two car seats dilemma. A few of my relatives have had them and have had zero problems, even into high miles. I'd recommend a pre-07 with the 3.5l front drive. Great power on the highway. Shiftable auto too.

My 06 gets 20 mpg at 80 through the mountains(live in Montana). 23-25 mpg on flatter lands

[aaronmjr]

I've considered everything you guys have posted, and think I'm on the trail of something that will accomplish what we need without draining my life energy with boredom. I'm not gonna spill the beans til we buy, because they are fairly rare but I will tell you that I am super excited, and it takes 91 octane. So, a compromise.

[Die Frau]

Typhoon?