Please HELP me pick a car for my wife! PICS included

[Uneek]

Thai,

How about the Subaru Imprezza sedan or wagon? Or maybe the Forester (I heard it's just like the Imprezza wagon, except quite cheaper to insure).

 

[Thai]

http://www.iihs.org/ratings/summary.aspx?class=30

Well, like i said above, the TSX (and Accord) gets top marks in safety. Toyota Camry is good, but even on 2009 models, Toyota still has not incorporated active headrest! On select 2009 Toyota models get active headrest.

 

[Thai]

Thai,

How about the Subaru Imprezza sedan or wagon? Or maybe the Forester (I heard it's just like the Imprezza wagon, except quite cheaper to insure).

The Forester is very interesting. Fuel economy is only ok due to AWD system. Remember, we're in Texas (no snow)...so, an AWD system is not really needed. No HIDs. Besides the Forester, none of the other Subarus have bluetooth. Servicing will be more difficult (less dealership network) and pricey (due to AWD).

But, yeah, if we were to go the SUV route, then it will be CRV, RAV4 and Forester. The main thing against Subaru for my wife is the fuel economy since none of them come in 2wd.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I can feel the :bash: coming... :lmao: Have you checked out the higher trim level Altimas or even Maximas? They have come a long way in the last 2-3 years; especially those models. IMHO they offer a lot of car that's actually 'fun' to drive. They've got the back-ends and interiors styled much better for '09 models.

I think the rear seats may lack 'active' head restraint but how old are the kids? It'll be a while before adult sized people will be in the back regularly, right?

http://www.nissanusa.com/altima/specifications.html
http://www.nissanusa.com/maxima/specifications.html


:cheers:

 

[Thai]

I can feel the :bash: coming... :lmao: Have you checked out the higher trim level Altimas or even Maximas? They have come a long way in the last 2-3 years; especially those models. IMHO they offer a lot of car that's actually 'fun' to drive. They've got the back-ends and interiors styled much better for '09 models.

I think the rear seats may lack 'active' head restraint but how old are the kids? It'll be a while before adult sized people will be in the back regularly, right?

http://www.nissanusa.com/altima/specifications.html
http://www.nissanusa.com/maxima/specifications.html


:cheers:

Yeah, i need to check out Nissans. Active headrest is only for the front seats. I am not concerned about the kids in the backseat, but i do find active headrest in the front to be the "bare" minimum for a car in 2009 at this price range.

EDIT: damn, you're right...Nissan Altimas have come a long way...in price too!! To get VDC (stability control i think), i have to get Technology pkg (NAVI + backup camera), which brings the price to $33,000!! We don't really need a NAVI system ($2k option) since my Sienna has one already and my wife only drives locally. That is weird that VDC is not a standalone option. I did not even try Maxima because that is a higher end model (aka more $$$$).

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Yeah, i need to check out Nissans. Active headrest is only for the front seats. I am not concerned about the kids in the backseat, but i do find active headrest in the front to be the "bare" minimum for a car in 2009 at this price range.

EDIT: damn, you're right...Nissan Altimas have come a long way...in price too!! To get VDC (stability control i think), i have to get Technology pkg (NAVI + backup camera), which brings the price to $33,000!! We don't really need a NAVI system ($2k option) since my Sienna has one already and my wife only drives locally. That is weird that VDC is not a standalone option. I did not even try Maxima because that is a higher end model (aka more $$$$).

VDC is standard on Maxima... I'd encourage you to shop. Nissan, in my market, seems more like GM or Ford than Toyota. By that I mean they let 33,xxx sticker vehicles go for 4-6k less than MSRP (or more). Toyota and Honda don't discount like that...

:cheers:

 

[Thai]

Well, Toyota is doing that much discounts...on Siennas!

Yeah, i will stop by Nissan early this coming week...thanks for the heads up.

EDIT: from reading this comparo (http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/d...Id=131667?tid=edmunds.il.home.photopanel..3.*), it does not seem like the Altima is ideal for my wife, who prefers a luxurious ride. But then again, the TSX ain't the smoothest ride either.

 

[MAC4Runner]

I recently had our MDX in for it's 60,000 mile service and spent the day in a 2008 TSX. I have a 20 mile commute on I-5 and spent the rest of the time around town. Overall I was very impressed with the TSX. So much so, that I'm considering picking one up as our third car. I was surprised how well it pulled for a 4 cylinder. It's was fun to drive and gets excellent gas mileage. My loaner had navi, but I thought the sound system was excellent from the driver's seat. The only down side I can think of was the ride was a little harsh around town, not as harsh as an RDX, but not as plush as our MDX. Another selling point of the Acura is the service department. They're not quite Lexus, but they have always gone out of there way to fix any issues we've had with our MDX even after the warranty expired. Example: My wife's battery was determined to be weak during the 60,000 service and they replaced it for free and they always give us a free loaner when we take it in for service. (RDX, TSX, or MDX)

Our Acura dealer will let you take a loaner home overnight for an extended test drive. This might be a good option if available in TX.

Good luck -

 

[K.C.]

KC,

Thanks for the input. Question: how are the projectors on the Camrys???? Are they good at night?? This is the MAIN reason why i want HIDs...our Corolla halogens suck to no end at night.

Highlander is too big...this was why i also ruled out Venza. We already have a Sienna minivan (with HIDs).

Sorry Thai, I haven't gotten a chance to drive the Camry at night yet, however I should be able to tell you in a few days.

I was thinking exactly what MAC4Runner was thinking. I would recommend to rent both vehicles, rent each one for a week & just do your normal endeavors like drive to work, run errands etc & see how you like it.

Up here...Acura & Lexus loaners tend to have the Touch Of Class models w/ navi & all the fine trimmings.

When I had a Toyota loaner...they weren't the best.

 

[K.C.]

How about the Hyundai Genesis?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Another thought... Does Mom want a nice, slightly used Sienna? Would Dad like a new car?

 

[Thai]

MAC, thanks for the firsthand experience with the TSX!! I really needed that. Reading the reviews kinda numbs you out because the car mags have different "real world" expectations than normal folks.

I will talk to our Acura dealer to see if i can get an extended testdrive. However, my wife is still on the fence about WHEN to get the new car...so, it's kinda hard to demand an extended testdrive when we're not committed to buying it now.

KC, our Toyota dealer does not give out loaners!

The Genesis is very nice, but it is a 1st year model, kinda big, and i am not 100% sold on Hyundai reliability and durability. My wife already said that if she is going to spend this much money, then she is gonna keep it a long long time.

CJ3Flyr, very nice. I wish that was the case...the Sienna is too big for her hospital's parking lot. It will be covered in dings in one day! If she could drive the Sienna, then i would already have an Avalon in my garage!!

 

[Thai]

Update...it looks like we're leaning towards a 2008 Infiniti G35. The deal is too hard to turn down. My wife will testdrive it this weekend.

Breakdown of price:

2008 G35 Journey with mudflaps, cargo net, and PREMIUM PACKAGE

MSRP $36,230
Invoice = MSRP - $3000 (according to Edmunds)

Finance 0% for 3 years

He is telling me right now that he can give us AT LEAST $3000 off on MSRP with 0% financing. His dealership does 2 years/24k miles free servicing.

Ok...now, DOES ANYONE KNOW OF ANY NEGATIVE ABOUT THE g35?? Any catastrophic failure??

 

[K.C.]

KC,

Thanks for the input. Question: how are the projectors on the Camrys???? Are they good at night?? This is the MAIN reason why i want HIDs...our Corolla halogens suck to no end at night

30 Second Shutter - Tripod (~22" high)

30 Second Shutter - Tripod (~36" high)

30 Second Shutter - Tripod (~50" high)

30 Second Shutter - Dashboard

 

[K.C.]

In pictures...it looks nice, but in person, I would say they are good/above average.
Projector Halogens are definately better than Reflector Halogens.

I've driven the 2007 Corolla which is the same as your 2005 Corolla & we both know the lighting is poor.

As you already know, my 4Runner came stock w/ Projector Halogens & I put the XenonDepot H11 4300k Xtreme HID Kit.
Kept the stock projectors, didn't do anything to it, but eliminated the squirrel finder.

Uneek isn't convinced that HIDs on the 4Runner are brighter. I definately see that they are brighter than halogens. I got HIDs because halogens don't do anything when it's in poor weather. Plus...when it rains, it refracts off the road & the headlights are useless.

The squirrel finder gave out a lot of glare, on-coming cars think that your high beams are on. After I eliminated the squirrel finder, I still get flashed by on-coming cars. Reason is because I never aimed the headlights lower.

 

[K.C.]

HID vs Halogen
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=23833

via Uneek

That was him & I.

Uneek - XenonDepot H11 4300k Xtreme HID Kit
icantsee - Stock halogens

*Both trucks - squirrel finder NOT eliminated.*

HID Conversion & Xenon Depot
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32555&perpage=15&pagenumber=2

via icantsee

*squirrel finders NOT eliminated yet in these pictures - you'll see the glare*

How To Aim The Headlights On An 2007?
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41882

via icantsee

LS430 Retrofit On 2006 4Runner
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=32679

via 1MZ-V8

TSX Retrofit On 2007 4Runner
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30721

TSX Retro Update Pictures
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=31066

S2000 Retrofit On 2007 4Runner
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=37229

via lawwailok

TSX Retrofit On 2004 4Runner HID Teaser
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/47504-2004-t4r-hid-retrofit-teaser.html

via paraordnance

[pictures]...TSX Retrofit On Lexus SC300
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=41938

via icantsee

 

[Thai]

Wow...dude, that is damn good work to show me the Camry's projectors!! Well, from the pics, the lighting sure is better than my POS Corolla headlights...i am glad that you also notice the Corolla's poor lighting!

 

[K.C.]

Wow...dude, that is damn good work to show me the Camry's projectors!! Well, from the pics, the lighting sure is better than my POS Corolla headlights...i am glad that you also notice the Corolla's poor lighting!

Thank you for appreciating this!!

I don't do this for many people.

I would not suggest the G35...I would feel claustrophobic.

My friend has an IS300 & I feel claustrophobic sometimes. His brother has an SC300 & I also feel claustrophobic.

After Uneek introduced me to the 4Runner...I know I can never buy a 2 door & I think I can't ever go back to a passanger car, because I love sitting high & I want ground clearance. I love to hop curbs.

 

[Thai]

Thank you for appreciating this!!

I don't do this for many people.

I would not suggest the G35...I would feel claustrophobic.

My friend has an IS300 & I feel claustrophobic sometimes. His brother has an SC300 & I also feel claustrophobic.

After Uneek introduced me to the 4Runner...I know I can never buy a 2 door & I think I can't ever go back to a passanger car, because I love sitting high & I want ground clearance. I love to hop curbs.

Thanks again!!

Well, lets see...my wife went from Accord --> Highlander --> Corolla. So, i think that claustrophobia is not an issue. However, we will see this weekend when she testdrives it. From what i can gather on the web, i can get a G35 sedan with options above for around $33,500-34k out the door (everything included) with 0% financing. That is a pretty good deal on a good car. I am going to haggle to death on this deal!

We have one gas-guzzling SUV in the garage already...we don't want another! The only other option is the crossover SUVs, but they are kinda big for my wife's work parking lot. (And my wife is NOT a good driver when it comes to big cars!) She already damage my Sienna on the side because the poll at the gas pump would not get out of her way!

Happy New Year.

 

[rook]

I'm not sure if this is too close to the VW family but the new Audi A4 is spot on. The one draw back is that this is the first yr of the new generation, which is something you have commented on in the past. However VAG has significanly reduced its warranty work over the last 5 years and their quality is up with the best of them. It would cost a little more than a G35 but its bulit like a vault and goes like heck and will at leas be a good car to cross shop.