new car buying

[megadarkwood]

My dad is looking for a new car to replace our 2005 dodge caravan, the thing is that I get this car when I get my license..

He AND I want these things.

- good fuel economy

- station wagon, hatchback, SUV or sadan

- must have power upgrades and AC

- no more than a 3.2L engine

- must have a lot of space in the back

Budget is $8,000 (so used only)

We're currently looking at a 2010 dodge caliber

Thanks

[RatedBlam]

For good fuel economy a small turbocharged gasoline engine(1.2 l for example)

If you drive long distances diesel might be cheaper not sure bout Canada.

And what do you mean by max. 3.2 l. That is a massive engine for a hatchback

Oh and the suggestions. Well a Volkswagen golf is a favorite here.

[Sharif]

used car? since you're looking at something from 2010

i have been googling around it seems your the caliber is the best 1 in that price and category sort of 

[Ryan Leech]

The Caliber is  great choice

[megadarkwood]

For good fuel economy a small turbocharged gasoline engine(1.2 l for example)

If you drive long distances diesel might be cheaper not sure bout Canada.

And what do you mean by max. 3.2 l. That is a massive engine for a hatchback

Oh and the suggestions. Well a Volkswagen golf is a favorite here.

the engine size is what my dad said, I think he also said a station wagon but I don't want one of those

[RatedBlam]

the engine size is what my dad said, I think he also said a station wagon but I don't want one of those

Tbh I've never seen a "normal" car with a 3.2 l engine. Do they even make in lines with that many litres?

And if your dad wants a station wagon a hatchback won't probably suffice.

[Unknown_Guy]

For good fuel economy a small turbocharged gasoline engine(1.2 l for example)

If you drive long distances diesel might be cheaper not sure bout Canada.

And what do you mean by max. 3.2 l. That is a massive engine for a hatchback

Oh and the suggestions. Well a Volkswagen golf is a favorite here.

Small engine can eat more fuel on highway than bigger so this should be taken into account too.

[RatedBlam]

Small engine can eat more fuel on highway than bigger so this should be taken into account too.

A good point. But our 1.2 turbocharged vw golf compares to our 2.3 litre turbodiesel Volvo.

And as always within moderation. I can't imagine a 3.2 litre engine consuming small amount of fuel

[Cwazywazy]

Tbh I've never seen a "normal" car with a 3.2 l engine. Do they even make in lines with that many litres?

And if your dad wants a station wagon a hatchback won't probably suffice.

You clearly don't live in America then. As for inline engines, yeah. Most of the engines in stuff like semi trucks and buses are turbodiesel inline 6s.

 

My mom used to have a Chrysler minivan. It has a 180HP 3.3L engine. 17MPG. My dad's car is a Nissan Maxima SE which has a 3.5L. It can do almost 30MPG if he's careful. (Usually about 20)

 

OP, what would be wrong with a sedan or station wagon?

[Ertman]

Here are some with varying styles that are fairly small, as it depends on personal value of size vs fuel economy.

Ford fiesta

Ford focus

Mazda 3

Hyundai accent

Honda Fit

Hyundai Veloster

Nissan Versa

If fuel economy is important, the calibre is not the best.

[SuperStroopwafel]

Linus Car Tips

[RatedBlam]

You clearly don't live in America then. As for inline engines, yeah. Most of the engines in stuff like semi trucks and buses are turbodiesel inline 6s.

My mom used to have a Chrysler minivan. It has a 180HP 3.3L engine. 17MPG. My dad's car is a Nissan Maxima SE which has a 3.5L. It can do almost 30MPG if he's careful. (Usually about 20)

OP, what would be wrong with a sedan or station wagon?

No I don't live in America. Bit if my calculations are correct regular driving with our 1.2 l turbo is about 40 mpg with regular nor careful driving

[Probenja]

I wouldn't really recommend the caliber, not only i don't find it fuel efficient but i have heard it is loud, uncomfortable and it has a cheap interior, also i don't trust american cars reliablility that much.

 

What do you mean with "power upgrades"?

 

If you want something small and reliable you could go for an honda fit, something sporty a mazda 3, something that can go off road a suzuki sx4, or something more european like a saturn astra, vw golf (not the city golf) or a mk1 focus.

 

I also found this little wagon, it is based off the i30 so it is quite good.

http://wwwb.autotrader.ca/a/Hyundai/Elantra+Touring/LAVAL/Quebec/5_19277125_CT2004315105019757/?showcpo=ShowCPO

[scaryjam823]

A good point. But our 1.2 turbocharged vw golf compares to our 2.3 litre turbodiesel Volvo.

And as always within moderation. I can't imagine a 3.2 litre engine consuming small amount of fuel

Try driving a 5.9l, 12mpg at best ftw

[RatedBlam]

Try driving a 5.9l, 12mpg at best ftw

Don't we all love big engines.

A friend's neighbour has a Dodge ram that probably consumes more fuel on a single rev than my wallet would tolerate.

And the chart I'm using for converting mpg to l/100 km doesn't even go as low a 12 mpg

[juretrn]

Volkswagen Passat Variant 2.0 TDI 2009 is a safe bet. 

[megadarkwood]

You clearly don't live in America then. As for inline engines, yeah. Most of the engines in stuff like semi trucks and buses are turbodiesel inline 6s.

 

My mom used to have a Chrysler minivan. It has a 180HP 3.3L engine. 17MPG. My dad's car is a Nissan Maxima SE which has a 3.5L. It can do almost 30MPG if he's careful. (Usually about 20)

 

OP, what would be wrong with a sedan or station wagon?

I talked to my dad and I am going to update the requirements

[Focux]

Prius

 

Said no one ever

[Probenja]

Prius

 

Said no one ever

The prius is actually a very good car if you are doing a lot of highway, it gets great fuel economy, its reliable and roomy inside.

[Focux]

The prius is actually a very good car if you are doing a lot of highway, it gets great fuel economy, its reliable and roomy inside.

That's why I wrote it. Just that it's a tad too common for some people. There's also the recent Prius recall by Toyota to fix an error.

[VincHeee]

Volvo! 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vAeYJV5P0jk