Which car should I get?

[Caleb SF]

So I currently have a 2013 Scion tC Release Series 8.0, it only has 32k miles and I've kept it very clean. I was looking at trading it in for crossover from around 2014, sort of near $17k. I know Toyota's are reliable and hold their value pretty well.

 

Should I get a Toyota RAV4, Subaru Crosstrek, or Subaru Forester?

Why?

Are the hybrid versions any better or worse?

 

Thanks! I don't know a lot about cars and am really curious.

[terrytek]

Just now, Caleb SF said:

So I currently have a 2013 Scion tC Release Series 8.0, it only has 32k miles and I've kept it very clean. I was looking at trading it in for crossover from around 2014, sort of near $17k. I know Toyota's are reliable and hold their value pretty well.

 

Should I get a Toyota RAV4, Subaru Crosstrek, or Subaru Forester?

Why?

Are the hybrid versions any better or worse?

 

Thanks! I don't know a lot about cars and am really curious.

Why a crossover if I may ask? 

[dalekphalm]

19 minutes ago, Caleb SF said:

So I currently have a 2013 Scion tC Release Series 8.0, it only has 32k miles and I've kept it very clean. I was looking at trading it in for crossover from around 2014, sort of near $17k. I know Toyota's are reliable and hold their value pretty well.

 

Should I get a Toyota RAV4, Subaru Crosstrek, or Subaru Forester?

Why?

Are the hybrid versions any better or worse?

 

Thanks! I don't know a lot about cars and am really curious.

I'd look seriously at the RAV4 - the newer models are damn slick. I'd get AWD (Not sure if they even make FWD versions anymore).

 

As for Hybrid, depends on the cost premium.

 

Look at your average KM's driven, then using the L/100KM (or MPG) rating, calculate your average fuel bill. Multiply that by how long you intend to keep the vehicle.

 

Finally, compare that value vs the value the Hybrid would produce, and cross reference against the cost difference between Hybrid vs non-Hybrid.

 

In some cases, the cost premium will simply be too high to break even. In other cases, you pay more up front, but save a lot of money in the long run.

[Caleb SF]

44 minutes ago, terrytek said:

Why a crossover if I may ask? 

I really dont like huge vehicles. I already park far away from people in fear that ill hit someone trying to back out or pull into a parking spot.

[Caleb SF]

23 minutes ago, dalekphalm said:

I'd look seriously at the RAV4 - the newer models are damn slick. I'd get AWD (Not sure if they even make FWD versions anymore).

 

As for Hybrid, depends on the cost premium.

 

Look at your average KM's driven, then using the L/100KM (or MPG) rating, calculate your average fuel bill. Multiply that by how long you intend to keep the vehicle.

 

Finally, compare that value vs the value the Hybrid would produce, and cross reference against the cost difference between Hybrid vs non-Hybrid.

 

In some cases, the cost premium will simply be too high to break even. In other cases, you pay more up front, but save a lot of money in the long run.

By the looks of it, the hybrids are only maybe $1000 more than the normal. I only drove from home to school before so I was getting like 24 mpg, not on the highway, just back roads.

[klh2000]

3 minutes ago, Caleb SF said:

I really dont like huge vehicles. I already park far away from people in fear that ill hit someone trying to back out or pull into a parking spot.

Why are you wanting to get a new car? Your current car seems like it would be fine, and it is a Toyota just so you know.

[Egg-Roll]

I only know of 2 people with Hybrids, i think one is a plugin and the other isn't. A plugin would be the best bet as it would lower the cost of travel, but that means jack all if the price doesnt add up (as mentioned above).

 

If you do go with a hybrid make sure the battery pack gets checked, the last thing you want is a 50% battery life needing replacement within 5 years.

 

2 minutes ago, Caleb SF said:

I really dont like huge vehicles. I already park far away from people in fear that ill hit someone trying to back out or pull into a parking spot.

That makes things more puzzling as crossovers are generally "bigger" than sedans.

[Caleb SF]

17 minutes ago, klh2000 said:

Why are you wanting to get a new car? Your current car seems like it would be fine, and it is a Toyota just so you know.

No i know its a toyota, and I wanted something that handles a bit better in winter. It's not the most comfortable ride

[Caleb SF]

17 minutes ago, Egg-Roll said:

I only know of 2 people with Hybrids, i think one is a plugin and the other isn't. A plugin would be the best bet as it would lower the cost of travel, but that means jack all if the price doesnt add up (as mentioned above).

 

If you do go with a hybrid make sure the battery pack gets checked, the last thing you want is a 50% battery life needing replacement within 5 years.

 

That makes things more puzzling as crossovers are generally "bigger" than sedans.

Yeah i wanted to switch though out of a sedan. Better handling in winter and in general. More storage. Overall it seems like a better experience.

[Egg-Roll]

What about a station wagon? There's one parked in my driveway (it's 13 years old), no worst than SUV's but not as tall.

 

Only downside is Prius V is the only hybrid of 2014, there is the Jetta a year earlier but then you get into the volkswagen scandal...

 

I hate SUV/Crossover, and minivans, too high (im 6') for my taste and i find most who drive them have bigger ego's than a Panzer.

 

If you go with the crossover route via a dealer see if they will let you take it home for a day to see if it works for you.

 

For better winter handling better winter tires (or all season even, not the cheap walmart brand ones) will work wonders. Also ensuring your alignment is good is also key. Taller vehicles are far worse in winter than what people think. I'm not saying you would be one of them, but i should point out the center of gravity is totally different from what you are used to. My time in a Minivan (grand caravan over various model versions) even in the front seat i could feel the weight move differently compared to the wagon.

[dizmo]

Dead set on those choices? I think the RX350 (a year or two older) and the Lincoln MKX are both good choices as well.

 

Or, like @Egg-Roll suggested, you could look at some station wagons. There are a lot of pretty good ones out there, depending on what you're looking for. Though I disagree with his views on crossovers

[Caleb SF]

47 minutes ago, dizmo said:

Dead set on those choices? I think the RX350 (a year or two older) and the Lincoln MKX are both good choices as well.

 

Or, like @Egg-Roll suggested, you could look at some station wagons. There are a lot of pretty good ones out there, depending on what you're looking for. Though I disagree with his views on crossovers

It seems like most Lexus RX350's are fairly expensive. A used 2011 with 80k miles is around $18k. The Lincolns are a little closer to it with a 2013 45k miles, for $20k.

 

Mostly i picked those specifically because 1. I like the looks 2. We own all Toyota's and they seem pretty reliable 3. Subaru parts are common and they are also decently reliable

[dizmo]

9 minutes ago, Caleb SF said:

It seems like most Lexus RX350's are fairly expensive. A used 2011 with 80k miles is around $18k. The Lincolns are a little closer to it with a 2013 45k miles, for $20k.

 

Mostly i picked those specifically because 1. I like the looks 2. We own all Toyota's and they seem pretty reliable 3. Subaru parts are common and they are also decently reliable

Are they that expensive? I remember looking at pricing on them and it was a lot more reasonable. Though I was looking nation wide.

 

If you're worried about snow, then the Forester with XMode gets my vote.

[Caleb SF]

41 minutes ago, dizmo said:

Are they that expensive? I remember looking at pricing on them and it was a lot more reasonable. Though I was looking nation wide.

 

If you're worried about snow, then the Forester with XMode gets my vote.

I mean not really worried about snow, although i did slide into a rock pretty bad when my dentist didn't clear their drive. More or less just the space and its more future proofing. 

 

Also those were prices in my area

[terrytek]

9 hours ago, Caleb SF said:

I really dont like huge vehicles. I already park far away from people in fear that ill hit someone trying to back out or pull into a parking spot.

I really want you to get a wagon bc they are pretty nice, though really the only good wagons are made by luxury manufacturers and subaru, so really it's kinda limited in choosing.

[Bigbootyjudy]

This might be a good question for the car thread in the off topic section. I think you should get something that is capable (can go on dirt roads and such) while also getting good gas mileage and having a comfortable ride.

[shadowbyte]

take a look at the Saab 9-2x and impreza station wagon

they're pretty neato

[Howitz]

if you want to save a ton of money and go with a used car, i'm pretty sure some older rav4 model would do alright, like 10-15k$ 2013 model or something

[Zusafek]

1 hour ago, shadowbyte said:

take a look at the Saab 9-2x and impreza station wagon

they're pretty neato

I can vouch for the Saab 9-2X.  I still have my 2006 Saab 9-2 Aero.  2.5 liter turbo charged 4 cylinder.  Great engine.  Full time all wheel drive and man does it handle anything you throw at it.  The only down side to it is if you get into an accident on the front end of the vehicle.  Parts are scarce for the actual Saab front end.  But the Subaru front end bolts right on with no issue....being that its made my Fuji Heavy Industries...aka Subaru.

 

But if I were you I would honestly avoid the Crosstrek.  My wifes cousin has one and I drove it for a few months.  Its comfortable but its lacking in power.  Now the personal choice for me would be a Forrester or an Impreza.  The Toyota to me has no soul in it.  Its rather lack luster in every department.  But what it does have is that reliability that has be proven again and again.

 

As for Hybrids.....I absolutely hate them.  I have nothing against protecting the environment but I prefer my cars to have soul.  The only hybrids I could even consider owning run upwards of 80K USD.  My current daily driver gets almost as good of fuel mileage as majority of hybrids without sacrificing the fun of driving.  Got to love my little 2013 Dodge Dart Rallye Edition.  Little 1.4 Turbo with a 6 speed manual transmission.

[Egg-Roll]

 

 

13 hours ago, Caleb SF said:

I mean not really worried about snow, although i did slide into a rock pretty bad when my dentist didn't clear their drive. More or less just the space and its more future proofing. 

 

Also those were prices in my area

It depends really on your definition of future proof. 

 

Like here in Canada if theirs no legal limits on purchasing a car you could spend a weekend to test drive and possibly buy if it means saving a couple of grand.

 

8 hours ago, terrytek said:

I really want you to get a wagon bc they are pretty nice, though really the only good wagons are made by luxury manufacturers and subaru, so really it's kinda limited in choosing.

Because wagons are based on a sedan generally as a rule if the sedan is good and reliable so should the wagon.

 

That being said the car in my driveway got sat on by a MKX it's a taurus.

 

16 hours ago, dizmo said:

 

Or, like @Egg-Roll suggested, you could look at some station wagons. There are a lot of pretty good ones out there, depending on what you're looking for. Though I disagree with his views on crossovers

My personal bias is based on the locals and how they drive them. 

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

21 hours ago, dizmo said:

Dead set on those choices? I think the RX350 (a year or two older) and the Lincoln MKX are both good choices as well.

 

Or, like @Egg-Roll suggested, you could look at some station wagons. There are a lot of pretty good ones out there, depending on what you're looking for. Though I disagree with his views on crossovers

Wish Mazda would bring the 6 Wagon over here. I love station wagons but unfortunately SUVs and crossovers have taken over the market. 

[dizmo]

5 minutes ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

Wish Mazda would bring the 6 Wagon over here. I love station wagons but unfortunately SUVs and crossovers have taken over the market. 

Damn, I just looked at the new one and it looks pretty slick! I'm still waiting for the import ban to be over on the RS6 Avant Something about having a Lambo derived V10 in a wagon just seems so....right. At least Mercedes put out the C class wagon this year. I blame Americans. They hate wagons. Though when I move back to Vancouver I'll most likely get an LR4...guilty.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

1 minute ago, dizmo said:

Damn, I just looked at the new one and it looks pretty slick! I'm still waiting for the import ban to be over on the RS6 Avant Something about having a Lambo derived V10 in a wagon just seems so....right. At least Mercedes put out the C class wagon this year. I blame Americans. They hate wagons. Though when I move back to Vancouver I'll most likely get an LR4...guilty.

You haven't seen the C63 AMG Edition 502 Wagon then . It's no V10, but a 502HP naturally aspirated V8 in a W204 wagon is just insane. I'd love one. You know that one the Mazda 6, the outline of the grill lights up right? It's just amazing at night. I wouldn't mind having a SUV or crossover as a family car (i.e. second car). 

[dizmo]

16 minutes ago, BlueChinchillaEatingDorito said:

You haven't seen the C63 AMG Edition 502 Wagon then . It's no V10, but a 502HP naturally aspirated V8 in a W204 wagon is just insane. I'd love one. You know that one the Mazda 6, the outline of the grill lights up right? It's just amazing at night. I wouldn't mind having a SUV or crossover as a family car (i.e. second car). 

OH man that looks sexy. I do like the aggressiveness of the Benz cars, though the interior until the W205 always struck me as a little cheap looking. I was very tempted to import a W210 E55t. Still kind of am. Though the W211 will soon be of age as well.

 

It does? Sick! That's a nice take on the DRL. If I had a second car, hands down a Lotus Evora with a GTE kit.

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

3 minutes ago, dizmo said:

OH man that looks sexy. I do like the aggressiveness of the Benz cars, though the interior until the W205 always struck me as a little cheap looking. I was very tempted to import a W210 E55t. Still kind of am. Though the W211 will soon be of age as well.

 

It does? Sick! That's a nice take on the DRL. If I had a second car, hands down a Lotus Evora with a GTE kit.

Yep, it looks amazing. The W212 is my favourite E class. The aggressive looks just gets me all the time. I agree, the W205 interior does look a bit cheap, but I find that's really only the case if it's the piano black finish (honestly anything with piano black looks cheap nowadays). With the wood options, damn does it look nice. But it's a god damn fingerprint magnet to the max. Not much of a fan of Merc's current design language for the exterior. Reminds me of a fish. Though they did make a car that looks like a fish before so maybe that's where it came from. The W204, W212, and W221 to me, was the pinnacle of Mercedes exterior design. The ones a generation down also look amazing compared to its rivals.