Author Topic: Car for young Ottawa family? (Read 3584 times)

lebowski · « **on:** July 03, 2015, 06:15:26 pm »

Hey gang, wondering if you could offer some advice: friends of mine in Ottawa, a couple with a 2-year-old daughter, are on the hunt for a new or slightly-used family car. They’re pretty active, like skiing, going to the cottage, doing frequent roadtrips to Toronto and Montreal.

Budget is probably $20-$30k. They’re not gearheads, just want something that’s reliable, comfy, good on gas, versatile, etc. So far they like the Impreza and Crosstrek - wondering what else is out there. I’m thinking they could probably benefit form AWD, but it’s probably not a necessity - though maybe it is for the Ottawa/Gatineau area? Not sure. They also like the new honda HRV. What about the CX-3? Kia Sportage? Ford Escape? Anything else I'm missing?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

mmret · « **Reply #1 on:** July 03, 2015, 06:21:04 pm »

In Ottawa AWD would certainly be handy.

They sound like CRV and Rav4 demographic. Subaru Outback also an option.

Since they've got use for the back seat and cargo area I think they'd want something a bit bigger if possible, so Crosstrek / CX3 may be a bit too compromised. Also while an Accord/Camry are great cars in their own right the CRV/Rav4 are going to be more flexible cargo wise.

Admittedly the Camcord class has rather large rear seat space.

lebowski · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2015, 06:27:03 pm »

Thanks mmret. Noted AWD would be beneficial. Good point re: the cargo. Not sure if they have another bambino on the way, but it's likely, so it would make sense for them to go a little bigger than something like a CX-3 or HRV. That said, I think they do like the idea of a smaller car, so they may balk at something as big as an Outback. They also do want a hatch/wagon/crossover, so big sedans are probably out. I'll suggest teh RAV/CR-V option. What about the Nissan rogue - any good?

mmret · « **Reply #3 on:** July 03, 2015, 08:32:43 pm »

Ah the Rogue. The new one looks pretty good. A bit bigger (longer) than the others in the segment I believe too as you can get it with 7 seats. A good value IIRC.

pi314 · « **Reply #4 on:** July 03, 2015, 08:43:49 pm »

Crosstrek seems to be a very good melange of the requirements. I'd give that a hard look first.

mmret · « **Reply #5 on:** July 03, 2015, 08:49:48 pm »

Crosstrek is ~173inches long.
CRV ~178 inches
Rogue ~183 inches

So they are pretty much evenly spaced.

I'm trying to think if there is a D3 car that fits these criterion but if resale + reliability is a top requirement then its pretty clear that the CRV and RAV4 shoudl lead the list.

craigq · « **Reply #6 on:** July 04, 2015, 08:27:38 am »

Forester !

~180 inches long

wing · « **Reply #7 on:** July 04, 2015, 08:30:50 am »

It's Ottawa everyone drives a Dodge journey done

Hannibalsmith · « **Reply #8 on:** July 04, 2015, 08:38:43 am »

Mmret is onto something. A new camry or accord can be had in that price range and is super versatile. Super roomy too.

wing · « **Reply #9 on:** July 04, 2015, 08:57:55 am »

A brand new Journey is 19,495

mmret · « **Reply #10 on:** July 04, 2015, 09:40:49 am »

Quote from: craigq on July 04, 2015, 08:27:38 am

Forester !
~180 inches long

Of course, how could I forget the Fozzie.

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Railton · « **Reply #11 on:** July 04, 2015, 07:22:05 pm »

Corrola or Civic.
Railton

lebowski · « **Reply #12 on:** July 05, 2015, 01:23:21 am »

Hey thanks guys for all the feedback. It sounds like the CR-V / Rav / Fozzie should be the frontrunners. Or I guess an Avenger or Caravan if they want to blend in to the neigborhood

My buddy sounded adamant about wanting a hatch/wagon body vs. a sedan - even a full-size one - but perhaps I can convince him to take a look, as they do seem to offer great value.

Thanks again!

Ontariodriver · « **Reply #13 on:** July 06, 2015, 04:19:53 pm »

Quote from: wing on July 04, 2015, 08:30:50 am

It's Ottawa everyone drives a Dodge journey done

Like why. The repetition for reliability sucks big time om these. I don't understand why people constantly line up for a vehicle that's got a bad reputation.

wing · « **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2015, 04:20:28 pm »

$19,945 that's why.

Ontariodriver · « **Reply #15 on:** July 06, 2015, 04:31:33 pm »

Quote from: wing on July 06, 2015, 04:20:28 pm

$19,945 that's why.

It's still not an excuse 20 grand. You mean almost 23 large. That not cheap for a family on a tight budget when the thing need expensive repairs. It's a false economy. personally I don't think any vehicle in 2015 for 20 grand should be unreliable. It's 20 grand....come on. LOL.

tortoise · « **Reply #16 on:** July 06, 2015, 04:32:14 pm »

AWD isn't really needed in Ottawa, the streets are plowed pretty quickly.

If they have a young kid and may have another, the Mazda5 is well worth considering. In my opinion, it is the best car for families of 4 with young kids. Bonus points that the skis can slide between the captain's chairs meaning you don't need to bother with a roof box. The cargo space is also pretty generous so you can pack a ton of crap into it.

Quote

They’re not gearheads, just want something that’s reliable, comfy, good on gas, versatile, etc.

That pretty much sums up the 5. Except maybe the good on gas bit - but that depends on perspective.

wing · « **Reply #17 on:** July 06, 2015, 04:35:18 pm »

No expensive repairs under warranty.

Noto · « **Reply #18 on:** July 06, 2015, 09:12:00 pm »

Quote from: wing on July 04, 2015, 08:57:55 am

A brand new Journey is 19,495

I agree re: Fozzie/CRV/CX-5/CRV, etc.

There's a comparo article you should send him

http://www.autos.ca/car-comparisons/comparison-test-compact-crossover-suvs-2/?all=1

EV-Light · « **Reply #19 on:** July 06, 2015, 09:27:28 pm »

Ford Escape....if they don't mind a slightly used, I'd look at previous generation Ford Edge - they lost so much value since the 2015 was introduced.

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