Dad looking for a new car between $15k-20k, family sedan

[Shadow Conception]

Hey guys, it has been a while. Just yesterday, a day after I posted up my beloved old '01 Volvo S60 for sale, an eager buyer purchased it for $4300. My dad intends to use this cash, in addition to some more of his own money, to buy himself a new vehicle. He will then pass down his current car, an '07 Civic LX, down to me so I can drive it around for groceries and whatnot at UVA these next three years.

So the question is: What vehicles should we consider? Ideally, the price range maxes out at twenty-five grand.

Important considerations: good gas mileage (relatively, maybe like >= 25 mpg city), somewhat spacious (i.e., it'll be a family car), within the price range, reliable, etc.

Thus far, we've looked at the two Hyundais, the Elantra and the Sonata. My dad says he's heard terrible things about the new Civics, so he's not intent on getting a Civic this year. We've also looked at the new Accord, but the Sonata seems like a better deal. Hyundais used to be gutter cars, but recent reports seem to indicate that they're competing with Hondas nowadays. I'd like to hear what people have to say about this, and I'd also definitely like to hear if anybody has any experience with the more recent Hyundai vehicles.

Also, he has also very lightly considered SUVs, but we're not sure if there are even any worthwhile SUVs in our price range that would give good mileage.

Any words? Thanks very much in advance. 🙂

 

[mnewsham]

2013 Ford escape would be interesting in your price range, but only barely making it (starting around $22k)

 

[Pulsar]

Any particular reason you've excluded all the excellent American sedans from your search so far?

 

[Shadow Conception]

Update. He's turned off by cars greater than $20k. Right now, he's pretty intent on the '12 Elantra.

 

[ultimatebob]

Chevy Cruze might do the job... That's a decently sized car that you can get under $20K, and I like it better than the new Civic.

A Kia Optima might work as well.

 

[GregGreen]

You've seemed to imply you are only talking about new cars? Or are used cars another option?

 

[xaeniac]

he better go used; nothing in his price range for a family sedan worth getting

 

[Dallascisco]

An eleantra is the best you are going to get sub 20k, anything bigger such as the sonata is going to be closer to 30k unless striped badly.

 

[Strk]

The new Subaru Impreza is pretty impressive.

 

[Bignate603]

Chevy Cruze might do the job... That's a decently sized car that you can get under $20K, and I like it better than the new Civic.

A Kia Optima might work as well.

I second this. I had a cruze as a rental for about a week and it was very nice car.

 

[Shadow Conception]

Yeah, I checked out the Cruze yesterday online, and it seemed very worthwhile. I remember I test drove one at an auto show last summer and had a fair bit of fun with it.

The Ford Focus also seems very nice.

What used vehicles would be worth looking at? A used vehicle doesn't quite have the same peace of mind that a new vehicle offers, but I'm sure my dad can look at possible purchases with an open mind.

 

[adlep]

Family Sedan people...
Ford Focus AIN'T a family sedan...

My vote would be for a 2010/2011 Ford Fusion.

 

[power_hour]

+ 1 on the Fusion. Slightly used Sonata would also be pretty good too. Hyundai is making decent cars. Dealer network is kinda crap but then so is Ford and GM lol

 

[ultimatebob]

I'd think that a new Fusion would be out of his price range, since they start at $21K for a stripped down base model.

 

[jlee]

I might sell my CTS-V and buy a house, but I think the fuel mileage would be lacking for his particular application. I have heard a lot of good things about the newer Fusions.

 

[manimal]

I might sell my CTS-V and buy a house, but I think the fuel mileage would be lacking for his particular application. I have heard a lot of good things about the newer Fusions.

Yes newer fusions are really good cars. Actually pretty well insulated and comfortable with passengers.