Help Me Pick my Next Vehicle

[Jadow]

I live in WI, so I need something that drives good in winter conditions, thus no rear wheel drive. FWD or AWD is needed.

I'd like something that is comfortable for a big guy (6'3 250), gets decent mileage (in the 20's min), and is reliable.

It's just me and the wife, so no need for a minivan or something too big. Also, the seats need to be really comfortable, I get sore butt very easily.

Any ideas what would work for me? Sedan, Crossover, SUV, etc.. would all be fine.

also looking to spend less than 15k, a used car is fine.

 

[CurseTheSky]

You might be able to find a 2007ish AWD Fusion for around $15k. That would be a great choice.

Otherwise perhaps a Subaru? Everyone I've known that has owned a Subaru raves about it, even the old rusted out ones.

 

[yh125d]

AWD Fusions are few and far between down here. There may be more up there but I haven't seen a single one for sale when I bought my last fusion or now when I'm looking to buy another


That said they are comfy and roomy enough for my 6'1" 220#

 

[vi edit]

Subaru's are not built for big people. I'm only 6' and found the legroom and space under the steering wheel too close for comfort.

I'd look at an AWD Pontiac Vibe. The new body style is cheap to buy used. You could get a practically new one, with a 5 year/100k mile warranty for your price range. It's essentially a Toyota Matrix under the metal so the reliability will follow that of a Toyota model.

The headroom & legroom is actually pretty nice for the size of the car.

 

[Vette73]

Look at the new Chevy Equinox

 

[Dr. Detroit]

$15K and decent in snow with good mileage and relaible. Tough list!

I would look at used Chevy Equinox/Pontiac Torrent in the AWD realm. For AWD cars - check out the Ford Five Hundred & Mercury Montego. Huge cabin space and a 22cu ft trunk!

For FWD - check out a Buick Lacrosse, Chevy Impala, Pontiac Bonneville SE/SLE.

 

[kornphlake]

How about a Camry? Boring as heck but deceptively large.

 

[fleabag]

Make you sure for the car you buy that you check out autos.msn.com. It was very helpful as I was able to find out the head and leg room of all the vehicles I was looking at and also confirmed what I felt was not enough head room. Most of the cars I used to drive had like 37" of head room and I felt that wasn't enough what with my head rubbing against it and whatnot, but when I stumbled upon the Civic from '92-'05, I found that they had very acceptable head room so long as I went with one that didn't have a sun/moon roof. The Civic with Moon Roof (EX) has 38" of head room while the one without (DX/LX) has 39".

 

[ShawnD1]

I stumbled upon the Civic from '92-'05, I found that they had very acceptable head room so long as I went with one that didn't have a sun/moon roof. The Civic with Moon Roof (EX) has 38" of head room while the one without (DX/LX) has 39".

I'm going to recommend not getting a Civic. My last car was a 2006 Civic and the lack of traction control or AWD or limited slip really sucked balls. Even with winter tires that bitch would get stuck all the time. My current car is basically the same size and weight but it never gets stuck because of the traction control.

That said, I think you should get a Subaru. I really wish I bought a Subaru for the AWD. I don't get stuck or anything, but the car hesitating and not moving right away still pisses me off and means I need to drive very conservative in winter. I won't even attempt to make a left turn at an uncontrolled intersection because my car just can't do it fast enough to be safe. My friend's Subaru Impreza takes off like a rocket even with shitty all season tires.

 

[fleabag]

I'm going to recommend not getting a Civic. My last car was a 2006 Civic and the lack of traction control or AWD or limited slip really sucked balls. Even with winter tires that bitch would get stuck all the time. My current car is basically the same size and weight but it never gets stuck because of the traction control.

That said, I think you should get a Subaru. I really wish I bought a Subaru for the AWD. I don't get stuck or anything, but the car hesitating and not moving right away still pisses me off and means I need to drive very conservative in winter. I won't even attempt to make a left turn at an uncontrolled intersection because my car just can't do it fast enough to be safe. My friend's Subaru Impreza takes off like a rocket even with shitty all season tires.

Actually I think you are mistaken... I believe the reason why your 2006 civic was getting stuck all of the time was not due to the lack of AWD or traction control, but because it has a lower ground clearance. If getting stuck is such an issue, then one of the things you need to look for is relatively high ground clearance. Also, my main point was to check out the specs for interior room which is actually a bit more important than I initially thought.

 

[Uppsala9496]

Subaru's are not built for big people. I'm only 6' and found the legroom and space under the steering wheel too close for comfort.

I'd look at an AWD Pontiac Vibe. The new body style is cheap to buy used. You could get a practically new one, with a 5 year/100k mile warranty for your price range. It's essentially a Toyota Matrix under the metal so the reliability will follow that of a Toyota model.

The headroom & legroom is actually pretty nice for the size of the car.

I have an '09 Vibe GT (FWD). Good car in the snow (I live in Chicago). And yes, everything in the car is Toyota except the exterior body styling, and the Pontiac logo's.
Whatever you do, do NOT get the Vibe/Matrix with the smaller engine. It is a dog. I had a Matrix rental with the smaller engine and couldn't believe how much it sucked compared to the larger one. Passing on the highway was a chore.

 

[SpatiallyAware]

Actually I think you are mistaken... I believe the reason why your 2006 civic was getting stuck all of the time was not due to the lack of AWD or traction control, but because it has a lower ground clearance. If getting stuck is such an issue, then one of the things you need to look for is relatively high ground clearance. Also, my main point was to check out the specs for interior room which is actually a bit more important than I initially thought.

omg here we go

 

[videogames101]

/lawnchair

 

[brblx]

vibe/matrix is not built for a big guy. i'm 6'3 230, and while i fit, the driving position is horrid. you have to put the seat all the way down and back, and you still feel like you're way to high up. and your arms are straight out to reach the wheel, despite your legs still being cramped.

i would be looking at a midsize like a camry or fusion. both have decently comfortable seats.

if you value your anus, i would stay away from any GM and be wary of many japanese vehicles. a lot of companies seem to have trouble building seats that hold up well but aren't like sitting on a slab of plywood.

 

[ShawnD1]

Actually I think you are mistaken... I believe the reason why your 2006 civic was getting stuck all of the time was not due to the lack of AWD or traction control, but because it has a lower ground clearance.

2006 Civic's clearance was about 6 inches and it got stuck like a bitch and it would take forever to make a left turn (omg truck coming at me I'm going to die!!)

2010 Subaru Impreza clearance is about 6 inches and it doesn't fuck around like that.

 

[fleabag]

Well then if the newer civics aren't any good (I hate their interiors btw) why not get a Subaru Legacy? It gets 26mpg combined if you get the 2.5L with the CVT transmission. Problem is, you have to get the 2010 MY because every other Subaru gets shit mileage.. What is the oldest car you'll go with? Maybe you could get a '91 Civic Wagon with AWD...

 

[desy]

Buick

 

[fbrdphreak]

A new Legacy would be great, as it is supposed to have better interior space and with the CVT you'll get 31 MPG highway. Alternative would be the new Forester, which I believe debuted as a 2009 model so you might be able to find some used ones. Unfortunately new ones will run you $25K+, but IMO it might be a worthwhile investment.

Subaru overall meets your criteria, but the previous-gen Legacy (2005-2009) is a bit too small to recommend whole heartedly. Still, go check one out if you can find one. Maybe you'll be okay with it. I'm 6' 4" 250lb and if it was any smaller, it wouldn't work for me. Even so, it's not very comfortable for long road trips.

What about a G6/GrandAm/Grand Prix/Bonneville? They are nothing special, but are super cheap, super reliable (except for the G6's electric steering), get good MPG and should do fine in the snow with proper tires. As fine as any other FWD vehicle of course.

Used V6 Impala perhaps as well? Newer ones have Stabilitrak which would help in the snow, again with proper tires.

 

[KentState]

Actually I think you are mistaken... I believe the reason why your 2006 civic was getting stuck all of the time was not due to the lack of AWD or traction control, but because it has a lower ground clearance. If getting stuck is such an issue, then one of the things you need to look for is relatively high ground clearance. Also, my main point was to check out the specs for interior room which is actually a bit more important than I initially thought.

A co-worker said his Civic was horrible to drive in the snow and it was because of a lack of traction. I have driven lighter FWD cars and while they aren't horrible, having a little more weight over the drive wheels helps tremendously.

Then again, he wasn't inflating his tires to the max sidewall pressure. I will remind him of that and see if it makes a difference.

 

[Uppsala9496]

OP, give the Vibe/Matrix a test drive. I'm not too big (6'1", 190lbs), and it is comfortable for me. I make a 250 mile daily commute for work every other week and am comfortable. I get about 34.5mpg (99% highway) in the Vibe GT for the trip.
Take it for a spin and see if you are comfortable. I've had friends that are 6'4" drive it and not comment on being uncomfortable.

 

[Bignate603]

My sister had a Legacy GT that was an awesome car.

 

[bctbct]

You just described the Chevy Impala. Drive one and you will agree.

 

[Treyshadow]

I second the buick. Don't knock it because that means you haven't tried a new one. I don't need the gas mileage, and love my 2010 Buick Enclave 2CXL.

Don't sleep on the buicks really. They are some fine cars.

 

[ShawnD1]

Then again, he wasn't inflating his tires to the max sidewall pressure. I will remind him of that and see if it makes a difference.

My understanding is that the sidewall pressure indicates how much weight the tires can handle (the pressure goes up when more weight is on them). You're supposed to fill the tire to what the car manufacturer says because their number takes into account how heavy the car is.

Example, my 2800lb Honda's manual said the tires should be filled to 32psi. Presumably this means the tires will be make a solid connection with the road at this pressure. Below 32psi, the tires will bulge at the sides and suck. At the tire's rated pressure of 44psi, the tires will bulge at the bottom and wear the middle of the tire while making a horrible connection to the road. If my Honda was a bit heavier, maybe 3500 pounds, then 44psi would be enough pressure to make a solid connection to the road, no side bulges, no bottom bulges.

 

[fleabag]

A co-worker said his Civic was horrible to drive in the snow and it was because of a lack of traction. I have driven lighter FWD cars and while they aren't horrible, having a little more weight over the drive wheels helps tremendously.

Then again, he wasn't inflating his tires to the max sidewall pressure. I will remind him of that and see if it makes a difference.

Well actually what he could do is get some narrower tires so that it cuts through the snow..