Need an "affordable" family car - recommendations?

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challengergary

challengergary

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I need to buy my wife another vehicle. She does not want another Minivan. We have 3 kids; ages 13, 10 & 9. Budget is whatever I can sell my 99 Ram Quad Cab for - figure around 5 grand.

Any ideas? Most cars look too small to me...And she does not want something that gets bad gas mileage so most SUV's are out.

Oh, yeah - if anyone is interested in my 99 Ram Quad Cab Sport PM me - got it listed in the for sale area...

PICT0163.jpg
 
Car keep getting smaller and smaller. I have a Subaru Impreza and 2 kids. If we have a 3rd I'll be in trouble.

Maybe a Honda Accord ? I dont know if you can find a good one for $5K though.
 
Considered buying new , like RAV4, CRV, Edge ?
Great deals out there today. Even if you sell the truck as low as 4 K you could put 2K of it down and 2 in the bank.
 
Come on guys why would you push more Jobs away, remember "AMERICAN" My daughter has a dodge advenger with a 4 cyl. I drive it now and then when I take her to the airport. This is the greatest car for size and mileage. They had a VW jetta Her fiancee and his freinds were killed in it. Rear strut broke hitting a dip in the road. Sent the car into a spin. she moved back home now. If you have good insurance, you don't care about their saftey and put milage over repair cost buy foriegn. I myself have these vehicles in my household and are being driven
2010 dodge advenger R/T 4 cyl. Oldest Daughters driver
2005 dodge 3500 cummins , Sons used as tow vehicle for racing
2005 ford exploder 6 banger, Family truckster
2005 Case Skidloader, digging and lifting
1998 Merc the herc mountaineer, parts getter
1993 dodge 2500 S/B ram w/2004 diesel motor, fun for performance
1992 dodge 2500 L/B Diesel L/B, Plowing and dump insert for hauling everything
1998 dodge neon, Youngest daughter new driver
1988 dodge omni auto, Wife's store runner
1986 dodge omni GHL/SC Supercharged 5spd. fun for performance
1971 Duster 340 . Used to increased heart rate
2000 Nissan forklift. ,garage lifting, The only foriegn vehicle on the patch and it never starts on its own, keep it behind the garage where nobody can see it.

The best advise is don't put Cost over safety and buy american metal.
 

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Oldmanmopar said:
Come on guys why would you push more Jobs away, remember "AMERICAN" My daughter has a dodge advenger with a 4 cyl. I drive it now and then when I take her to the airport. This is the greatest car for size and mileage. They had a VW jetta Her fiancee and his freinds were killed in it. Rear strut broke hitting a dip in the road. Sent the car into a spin. she moved back home now. If you have good insurance, you don't care about their saftey and put milage over repair cost buy foriegn. I myself have these vehicles in my household and are being driven
2010 dodge advenger R/T 4 cyl. Oldest Daughters driver
2005 dodge 3500 cummins , Sons used as tow vehicle for racing
2005 ford exploder 6 banger, Family truckster
2005 Case Skidloader, digging and lifting
1998 Merc the herc mountaineer, parts getter
1993 dodge 2500 S/B ram w/2004 diesel motor, fun for performance
1992 dodge 2500 L/B Diesel L/B, Plowing and dump insert for hauling everything
1998 dodge neon, Youngest daughter new driver
1988 dodge omni auto, Wife's store runner
1986 dodge omni GHL/SC Supercharged 5spd. fun for performance
1971 Duster 340 . Used to increased heart rate
2000 Nissan forklift. ,garage lifting, The only foriegn vehicle on the patch and it never starts on its own, keep it behind the garage where nobody can see it.

The best advise is don't put Cost over safety and buy american metal.
Click to expand...

I understand were your coming from but how many of those cars are owned by an American company, built in America using American parts ?
 
...you cannot go wrong with a subary legacy.....we drag 3 kids around with it..our first sub had 230 k miles on it..waresold before it hit the dealer's lot our second , an '05 has 165 miles on it and climbing..no problems to talk about so far ..this is an "AMERICAN" car.it is manufactured in Illinois...meanwhile chrysler manufactures in mexico..i am sure this isn't a complete..and I should mention that various import companies we forced to manufacture in the states..

Toluca, Mexico
Aries, Reliant, Magnum coupe / sedans 1984-89
LeBaron, Phantom coupes 1987-94
Spirit, Acclaim, LeBaron 1990-94
Neon 1994-99
PT Cruiser 2001-?
Journey 2008-
Dodge Journey, Fiat 500, Fiat Freemont

Saltillo, Mexico

. 1995-present, Dodge Ram trucks & Automotive stampings and assemblies


http://www.allpar.com/corporate/factories.html
http://www.media.chrysler.com/newsr...9D274A56C50096E99D5319E263D35?&id=9117&mid=18
 
I did throw American in for good measure with Ford Edge.
It was about the type/size of vehicle I suggest as opposed to a minivan.
To be completely honest I left the new Caliber out due to poor throttle response, weird trans noises, and low resale value. I ignored chevy per my opinion of GM Corp. as a whole.
Opinions, everybody has one. :)
 
what about a chevy impala? bigger car plenty of room in back seat,
 
I
Oldmanmopar said:
Come on guys why would you push more Jobs away, remember "AMERICAN" My daughter has a dodge advenger with a 4 cyl. I drive it now and then when I take her to the airport. This is the greatest car for size and mileage. They had a VW jetta Her fiancee and his freinds were killed in it. Rear strut broke hitting a dip in the road. Sent the car into a spin. she moved back home now. If you have good insurance, you don't care about their saftey and put milage over repair cost buy foriegn. I myself have these vehicles in my household and are being driven
2010 dodge advenger R/T 4 cyl. Oldest Daughters driver
2005 dodge 3500 cummins , Sons used as tow vehicle for racing
2005 ford exploder 6 banger, Family truckster
2005 Case Skidloader, digging and lifting
1998 Merc the herc mountaineer, parts getter
1993 dodge 2500 S/B ram w/2004 diesel motor, fun for performance
1992 dodge 2500 L/B Diesel L/B, Plowing and dump insert for hauling everything
1998 dodge neon, Youngest daughter new driver
1988 dodge omni auto, Wife's store runner
1986 dodge omni GHL/SC Supercharged 5spd. fun for performance
1971 Duster 340 . Used to increased heart rate
2000 Nissan forklift. ,garage lifting, The only foriegn vehicle on the patch and it never starts on its own, keep it behind the garage where nobody can see it.


The best advise is don't put Cost over safety and buy american metal.
Click to expand...

Honda accord is designed, built and exported from the usa. So that makes it more American then any garbage so called American car built in Canada or Mexico in my book.

And people die in every make and model car. If its your time to go its your time to go.
 
Ford? Dodge? Chevy? From what I recall these are our american Autos. They may have had to out source only because to many are buying foriegn cars maybe like yourself . Follow the money how much goes to the USA when you buy a Subarooo. None except for the charges to bring them in. Adam lets not get started on where our jobs are going and why. I don't think you will win that arguement, and would probably make alot of enemies with the economy the way it is. I worked for the Bethlehem Steel and Mack trucks. Both bought out by foriegn countries. If you want to buy a foriegn car and help eliminate another US job to save a buck. You go right ahead. I wouldn't make it public though, I would be ashamed to drive a foriegn car today. When one pulls up next to me at a light , I put the diesel on Smoke and cover them with black strings .And I really like when there window is down. Because then I can apply the make-up. Having an American car web site how can you promote foreign cars. I personally hope Japan's economy crumbles as ours did. And The parts for their cars goes through the roof so whoever buys one won't be saving anything. After thinking about this why would someone driving a Honda want to fix up an old mopar . Why not just do an old honda the parts are cheaper and readily available. And from what I gather from you ,they are mostly made elsewhere. Why keep the American Heritage when we're going global. Nothing personal This is just an oppinion of a 57 year old American who has chidren that have to make a living in our our country. It is becoming impossible because of oppinions like yours. Soon the only job fields that will be left will be, Law Enforcement. A Medical field, Sewage and Garbage. What else really has to stay here. Oh yeah self serve fuel stations and Walmart. We the people need to get a grip on whats happing in our country. And these web sites should be the corner stone , without jobs this is where we come for help, the Web. I said what I had to say and I won't say any more. Look at the big picture.
 
As much as I am a Mopar guy, I would look to Ford. I respect that they took no government money, and were turning profits sooner then any of the other 2. I would look at a Focus, perhaps an Escape?
SUV can eat more gas, but you can throw some of the MPG tricks at it, and some good instrumentation that gives average and instant MPG are great for driver feedback.
Scangauge II is nice little MPG meter, that really makes you adjust your driving habits, if you want the good numbers.
 
The Ford Escape always reviews good. My wife has an 04 and she loves it.
 
Oldmanmopar, I share your sentiments. My condolences on the loss of your daughter's fiance. I hope she is managing to put the pieces back together. I could not imagine going through something like that.

I too agree with your views about outsourcing. Although I am still Toyota certified, I have never considered any of those domestic cars. Far as I'm concerned, it's the "what difference does it make where it's made" attitude that has us where we are today, and that's losing ground as a world super power on every front. Not many people seem to care about that as much as they used to. It comes from wanting everything now and cheap.

Again, my condolences on yalls loss.
 
I would say try for a Dodge Journey, or maybe a Magnum. They both have plenty of room and are fun to drive apparently.

My opinion- Buy Mopar
 
abodyjoe said:
I

Honda accord is designed, built and exported from the usa. So that makes it more American then any garbage so called American car built in Canada or Mexico in my book.

And people die in every make and model car. If its your time to go its your time to go.
Click to expand...
A flaw from porocity in the aluminum two bolt strut mount. Tell my Daughter it was his time. Or VW who paid the claim.

And as far as where they are built it doesn't matter Its where the Money goes . And believe me. The USA is not the final destination for the money made on foriegn cars. Think before you comment on something your eyes refuse to see. By American named brands. The money comes back and stays here. Thats not that hard to accept. Do you want our chidren to have jobs? Its only going to get worse?
 
Oldmanmopar said:
Ford? Dodge? Chevy? From what I recall these are our american Autos. They may have had to out source only because to many are buying foriegn cars maybe like yourself . Follow the money how much goes to the USA when you buy a Subarooo. None except for the charges to bring them in. Adam lets not get started on where our jobs are going and why. I don't think you will win that arguement, and would probably make alot of enemies with the economy the way it is. I worked for the Bethlehem Steel and Mack trucks. Both bought out by foriegn countries. If you want to buy a foriegn car and help eliminate another US job to save a buck. You go right ahead. I wouldn't make it public though, I would be ashamed to drive a foriegn car today. When one pulls up next to me at a light , I put the diesel on Smoke and cover them with black strings .And I really like when there window is down. Because then I can apply the make-up. Having an American car web site how can you promote foreign cars. I personally hope Japan's economy crumbles as ours did. And The parts for their cars goes through the roof so whoever buys one won't be saving anything. After thinking about this why would someone driving a Honda want to fix up an old mopar . Why not just do an old honda the parts are cheaper and readily available. And from what I gather from you ,they are mostly made elsewhere. Why keep the American Heritage when we're going global. Nothing personal This is just an oppinion of a 57 year old American who has chidren that have to make a living in our our country. It is becoming impossible because of oppinions like yours. Soon the only job fields that will be left will be, Law Enforcement. A Medical field, Sewage and Garbage. What else really has to stay here. Oh yeah self serve fuel stations and Walmart. We the people need to get a grip on whats happing in our country. And these web sites should be the corner stone , without jobs this is where we come for help, the Web. I said what I had to say and I won't say any more. Look at the big picture.
Click to expand...


I don't know. Last time I was in a foreign car dealer it looked like quite a few American salesmen and mechanics in there. I'm sure they aren't working for free. And then you have the plants in the usa that employ a void amount of people and those plants use supplies from local companies. So yea follow the money. There are a damn good amount of Americans with food on their plates because of a foreign car.

And the steel companies did to themself.
 
Anyway, trying to get this back on track for ChallengerGary, I agree about Ford as you can tell about my Escape comment. I also have a 2004 Ranger Edge super cab. It's a great little truck. Both the Escape and my truck regularly see around 22 or so MPG. Ford has gotten their ducks in a row over the last few years and have been making some fine vehicles. Much as I hate to admit it, Ford has Mopar beat on quality right now.
 
Oldmanmopar said:
A flaw from porocity in the aluminum two bolt strut mount. Tell my Daughter it was his time. Or VW who paid the claim.

And as far as where they are built it doesn't matter Its where the Money goes . And believe me. The USA is not the final destination for the money made on foriegn cars. Think before you comment on something your eyes refuse to see. By American named brands. The money comes back and stays here. Thats not that hard to accept. Do you want our chidren to have jobs? Its only going to get worse?
Click to expand...

Hope you don't own any of those German Chrysler from 98-08 and now they are fiats. Weather its 30% or not profits are going to fiat.
 
By a used CrownVic. Lots of metal around them and I get 24-26 on the highway and about 17-18 around town. My brother has a newer Grand Marquis with better highway gears and always gets better than 26 on the highway and we don't drive 55.
But I'm really trying to get my Dad's 2003 Town Car oh baby....it's one sweeet ride. It just sits in a Garage in MO.
Yep I buy Ford. By butt would pucker in a toyoto...plus they are an ugly blob.

Oh by the way your Dodge truck looks great, it would be hard to get rid of it for 4-5k.
 
My bud in Ontario was in the same position so he bought a rust free MOPAR wagon - seats 7 comfortably. Lot cheaper than new..looks cool..what you save can b dumpted in a bit higher gas consumption.

The reason we buy domestic made forign is that the American cars just cannot handle the miles my wife puts on 'em and with awd / cruise, etc..we are still med/higher 30mpg.

I know there are exceptions but we push our cars to over 350,000 Kms with very little fixing ..just prevent maintaniance.

You guys are losing a phnomial number of manufacturing jobs so buying american made is good...but americans also make subaru, etc....we have lost a lot ourselves...once, we actually had a garment industry.

Rather than supporting high tech firms all the time, support your local farmer..it will go so much farther than a call center..

Grassy
 
first choice: toyota camry, probably can't get a good one in your price range.

and second choice: Buick LeSabre. believe it or not my sons 2003 Buick gets better mileage than the wifes 2007 camry. A bonus; all the luxury you could ever want in the Buick.
 
All ChallengerGary want's was a suggestion on a car for his family. If you can't make a suggestion or don't agree with a suggestion then zip it. It's not even a good argument to follow FCS! Buy what you like.........Oldmanmopar..... relax Dude!
 
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