Topic: Need advice: Shopping for a new SUV / hatchback / station-wagon

[domtam]

Could you please help us to choose a model suitable for our requirements and budget?  

- Our current car is a 2004 Accord sedan. We don't want to buy another 4-door sedan. Since we have kids, any 2-door coupe / 3-door hatchback is not suitable. Small-sized SUV, 5-door hatchback, or small station-wagon are good choices for us.

- Safety is our top concern. I've recently read  that side air-bags make huge difference in terms of side-impact safety. Furthermore, we've got used to driving (or braking) style of ABS. Therefore, side air-bags and ABS are two important features.

- Preferrably, we want either Japanese or European car (for the reason of higher resale value)

- Our budget is < $30K, hopefully somewhere around $26. (before tax, of course)

What options do we have in the market?

We quite like Toyota RAV-4 Plus edition. We don't want to go for Plus edition but lower model doesn't have ABS. Lately, I realize that any Canadian RAV-4 doesn't have side air-bags! Is that right? Therefore, the good side-impact safety rating done by US IIHS becomes poor rating!

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/side/s0407.htm

http://www.iihs.org/vehicle_ratings/ce/html/side/s0302.htm


Our another favourite is Toyota Prius. Unfortunately, only the (Canadian) model of over $34K comes with side air-bag, but the base model (around $30K) doesn't. Sigh.....

Do I have any other good choices?  

Thanks in advance for your comments / suggestions!!
Dom

[johngenx]

We love our Forester.  For the Euro-set, you'll have to look used, but a Mercedes wagon with 4-matic is a tremendous vehicle.  The MB comes with 10 air-bags (and sidebags from about 1997) and tons of safety features.  It's one of the safest vehicles money can buy in terms of both active and passive safety.  The main problem is the price.  New is way, way, way too much, and expect to pay your budget for a decent used example.

Based on my experience with our 98 C-Class, I would have liked a 4-matic wagon, but the Subies (2001 OBW and 2001 Forester) were purchased instead.  Good compromise.

[saint11]

mazda6 wagon.  

legacy wagon comes just above 30k. after all the negotiation is done.

[Bullet Blue]

A Used Volvo V70 would be very appropriate for you, going by what you are looking for. It has a top notch safety record, excellent versitility, excellent power and refinement.

[jpd]

Not too many cars have side airbargs in that range of price. If your kids are not too old, the Jetta wagon might be a good choice! Still you will need to negociate tight and possibly limit yourseft to the 2004 model. And what about the diesel version?

[davidy]

The 2001 and 2002 Mazda Millenia both have ABS, front and side impact airbags. Uses premium fuel and is only a four door sedan. Well priced in the mid teens though.

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/01millenia.htm

Dave

[Black Hatch]

KIA Optra5 starts at 20k.
Mazda6 GSV6 hatchback starts at 29k
Mazda6 GT wagon (with SAB) starts at 31k

Nope not many wagons with SAB under 30k.

[Mdxtasy]

How about the Saturn LW200?  Good size...and poor resale means a good deal on the used market if you can find one.

[The Fuzz]

My Mazda6 hatch GS-V6 w/ sport package has side air bags. Cripes, it's got them all over the place...

[onearmed]

I think dealears are throwing jetta wagons out the door.  I was looking with a friend and you can easily get $2500 off msrp and 1.9% finacing without even dealing.  I think they even cover your first monthly payment.  

The new jetta model is coming out hence the discounts. They come with side air bags, abs, and side curtain airbags are a 200 dollar option. Very safe car.

[ktm525]

MDX nailed it. A Saturn LW200 or Taurus Wagon (be picky and look for creampuffs with low miles and an  extended warranty) a few years old are dirt cheap. So cheap that you don't have to be worried about resale value. You should be able to find them in the $16K range.

[S60]

Here is a low mileage, very safe, fun auto,
http://www.volvocanada.com/Preowned/VehicleDetails.aspx?

[S60]

Sorry, bad link try this one
http://www.volvocanada.com/Preowned/VehicleDetails.aspx?lng=2&popup=True&vehicle id=194051&retailer=101046

http://www.volvounionville.com/index.asp?par=preowned&pag=showvehicle&langid=2&v id=194385

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I would try a Passat Wagon. Either regular 1.8T or TDi diesel (automatic only).

I read on a dealership site that there's up to $6,000 off them (probably higher end V6 models, but I'm sure the bases have a tidy sum off as well):
http://www.vw.ca/vwca/models/pricing/0,2247,51,00.html for pricing.
http://www.donvalleyvw.com/en_CA/ and scroll to lower left for 'cash savings' - $4G's on Golfs, $6G's on Passats, $13G's on Touaregs.

Alternatively, the Forester is a great choice at the price you're quoting. It sits a little higher, so coupled with the strong body it does well in impacts all the way around.

Mazda6 Sport Wagon with side curtain airbags would be alright too.  

The upcoming Mazda5 with 3-row side curtains would be a great sized vehicle for you, but isn't out till May/June.

With the Prius, you're buying some sorta car. If you really like it, go for it. Just make sure the driveability/feel is there, as I've heard they drive 'light' on the highway with little feel.

Take a look at the Hyundai Tucson too.

(Message edited by sirAQUAMAN64 on March 10, 2005)

[Shnak]

I'd look into the 2005 Suzuki Aerio SX... great little car that is well equipped for a low price... 0% for 48 months too...

[S60]

Good find SirA,

[Craig]

Test drive a Subaru Legacy 2.5i (base).  You won't believe it's a base model.  Upper end of your price range, but with AWD, ABS, side curtain airbags, and plenty of space, it satifies every listed criteria.

My wife liked the ride height, shorter overall length and lower price of the Nissan X-Trail, but it was hard not to buy the Legacy wagon, or even the Forester, instead.

[inco]

There is perhaps another dark horse out there that deserves a look at least - the Ontario built Chevy Equinox.

Have no idea how it has turned out and there hasn't been much comment here by others but the price and rates might just fit your needs.

[Accordingly]

Inco, it's a Chevy and therefore flies under the radar of most. Although with a small block...eh, Barrie? ;)

Sat in one at the car show, and as a committed non-domestic owner, I was surprised and impressed. A fellow I know just bought one and "loves it." Would be worth a look...incentives, incentives.

[Scaerio]

My sister and her husband have an Elantra GT and love it.