New Car Recommendations - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Slava · 02-08-2008, 12:41 PM

Well my car is about to give up the ghost! I'm not a "car guy" so I need some recommendations.

Here is what I'm after:

- Good gas mileage...maybe a hybrid?
- Car that is nice looking for business: ie. Not too flashy, and not too cheap (if I can say that without offending anyone!)

I like the VWs and Subaru...but I'm really open to options, and don't know a ton about performance and specs.

Thanks!

Table 5 · 02-08-2008, 12:44 PM

As much as i love how VW's look, it can often mean a long and not-so-beautiful friendship with your car dealer. For some reason it seems like a handful of VW's out there always seem to be perenially in the shop. I know ours was.

And kudos for considering a hybrid....just dont get some monster SUV that pretty much negates any sort of improvement.

Table 5 · 02-08-2008, 12:47 PM

A list of all the hybrid cars on the market at the moment...definitely something to consider if gas mileage is key.

http://www.hybridcars.com/shop-for-cars/

HotHotHeat · 02-08-2008, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Table 5

As much as i love how VW's look, it can often mean a long and not-so-beautiful friendship with your car dealer. For some reason it seems like a handful of VW's out there always seem to be perenially in the shop. I know ours was.

And kudos for considering a hybrid....just dont get some monster SUV that pretty much negates any sort of improvement.

To be fair, you can say that about any car company.

I've had two VW's, one 2000 Jetta that was nothing but problems (mind you a bought it used), and a new Rabbit that hasn't caused me a minute of trouble.

Fobulous · 02-08-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Kudos should be reserved for those that actually get a hybrid, not just considering it.

I would definitely check out the 4 cylinder Nissan Altima. Have heard some great things about the car and is good on mileage with a 4 cylinder engine.

Table 5 · 02-08-2008, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Kudos should be reserved for those that actually get a hybrid, not just considering it.

those who go ahead and buy a hybrid will get a high-five, followed by one that is caught on the flip side.

you dont hear about phantom lemons from companies like Toyota or Honda. VW seems to have a special place for those for some reason. I love to drive those cars, but their reliability comes into question quite a bit with people. I sort of am ok with the trade-off.

Slava · 02-08-2008, 12:58 PM

I am seriously considering the hybrid. I have taken a long look at the Camry....a lot of great features there. But does the gas mileage actually come out that much better in practice?

Table 5 · 02-08-2008, 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slava

I am seriously considering the hybrid. I have taken a long look at the Camry....a lot of great features there. But does the gas mileage actually come out that much better in practice?

From what I hear, hybrids that you find in a Toyota get better milleage in the city because they can use more electric-energy at lower speeds. I would recommend checking out that site i linked, there is some good info there on various types of hybrid engines etc.

fredr123 · 02-08-2008, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Get a hybrid, if I hear about how great hybrids are from my more liberal friends followed by them not buying one them self, I'm going to cry.

Yah, a Flaming Liberal needs a hybrid.

Sylvanfan · 02-08-2008, 01:09 PM

Depends on how much driving you do. If you drive like 100,000k a year than a hybrid can save you money in the long run. Are you doing city or hiway driving, do you need something with some balls to climb hills in the mountains. If you don't something like a VW Deisel will save you more. Also consider what you use the vehichle for 90% of the time and what needs it has to fill for you. If you have two young kids and need to use it to haul them out of town once a month something like a Prius may not be much use for you. The Camry Hybrid is a good option but seriously think of how much you'll drive it, check the mileage difference and than factor that into cost.

I have a Toyota Rav4 and have been happy with the Toyota. But a lot of the domestic vehichles are a less expensive off the bat. So is resale important etc...ask yourself that question.

My wife and I find that the Rav4 meets or exceeds our needs about 90% of the time. It has good power for hiway driving when we use it for that, it gets around well all year round and the gas mileage of the V6 is close enough to the projected mileage of the 4 cylinder that it is worth having the better engine. But no doubt for about 5-8 grand less we could have got into a better equipped domestic.

return to the red · 02-08-2008, 01:11 PM

http://www.hybridcars.com/electric-c...ngo-t-600.html

108K for what?!

GreatWhiteEbola · 02-08-2008, 01:16 PM

All new Accord or Civic. Best cars available in the Canadian market. I have owned nothing but Honda's, never had any problems. Quality of a Toyota, with out the premium price.

photon · 02-08-2008, 01:22 PM

Agree with the VW thing, I like mine, but it's getting expensive to repair it. A VW Jetta TDI can get really awesome mileage though.

Flames89 · 02-08-2008, 01:24 PM

Nissan Murano's are a good looking CUV

Slava · 02-08-2008, 01:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

Get a hybrid, if I hear about how great hybrids are from my more liberal friends followed by them not buying one them self, I'm going to cry.

Don't worry...I've been given the gears about this by everyone already! "You're the ethical investing guy...you better buy a hybrid now!"

That list is great Table....I do like the Bluetec Mercedes...but somehow doubt that will be my choice. I will have to take another look at the Camry though before I'm done.

photon · 02-08-2008, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flames89

Nissan Murano's are a good looking CUV

Good looking, but fuel economy isn't a big feature of them, according to my wife who drives one at least.

FlamesKickAss · 02-08-2008, 01:51 PM

I drive an 07 Fusion and I love it. Not to small but great on gas. havent had a problem with it yet, and it coming up on a year since i bought it.

Incinerator · 02-08-2008, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredr123

Yah, a Flaming Liberal needs a hybrid.

freddie beat me to it

, as for a redneck like me, I'm ditchin' Honda and getting a Hummer H2 as my next car

AaronSJ · 02-08-2008, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flames89

Nissan Murano's are a good looking CUV

I just got a 2008 Nissan Rogue (an orange one, actually) in November -- it's a bit smaller than the Murano, but still classified as a CUV. I'm very pleased with it... handles very well, fun to drive, and has ample storage and space.

But to Photon's point... it's not great on fuel (rated at 21 mpg city / 26 mpg highway)... but similar to other CUVs.

Eddie Bronze · 02-08-2008, 01:57 PM

I can only speak to the brand I drive, Mitsubishi, and it's a fine tuned machine. Had it one and half years from brand new and not one single reason to take it to the shop for anything other than regular maintenance. Their warranty is the longest you'll get. I have the GS Eclipse, gets around 27mpg. I think their Lancer gets about the same, but is a much more roomy car. Maybe not the best options for fuel but definitely worth putting on your list.