I need help making a list of cars to shop for

[DietDrThunder]

My mom is 72 and needs a new car. The reason I say new is because the car she has now has died and the cost to fix her car is about $1,500 more than the car is worth. Also, it has to have a long warranty because I live 2 hours away and can't always be there when something goes wrong. Anyway, I'm taking her car shopping on Saturday and I have no idea what is a good car or even what models to start looking at.

The criteria:

1) Good to really good rear visibility
2) Midsize sedan
3) Good warranty
4) Not a BMW, Cadillac, or Lexus, those are out of her price range.
5) Powerful A/C
6) Power windows, door locks, etc.
7) decent acceleration
8) not as worried about gas mileage since she drives around 5,000 miles a year

Suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[satyajitmenon]

You haven't mentioned price. All you've said is that BMW/Caddy/Lexus is too pricey.

How about the Hyundai Sonata? Comfortable, reliable, decent warranty. Don't know about rear visibility. Well spec'd, I think you're looking at 22k for one.

Or the usual suspects (Camry/Accord)

 

[punjabiplaya]

GM's AC is pretty damn good. 5yr/100k warranty, but I have no idea what your price range is - whether you're looking at a Cruze or a Malibu or one of the Buicks or w/e.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Modest price, good warranty? Sounds like Hyundai is a good place to start. The Sonata looks like it may suffer a bit from the higher rear end that many newer cars have, but the Azera looks like rear visibility could be pretty good.

I'd definitely stop at the Hyundai dealership given your criteria.

Rear visibility is going to be the biggest thing I think. The styling trends right now tend to have a very high beltline, which limits rearward visibility somewhat and it can be difficult to find a car that's as easy to see out of as models from 10-15 years ago.

ZV

 

[mmntech]

-Hyundai Sonata
-Hyundai Elantra
-Honda Civic
-Honda Accord
-Ford Fiesta
-Ford Focus
-Ford Fusion
-Toyota Camry
-Mazda 3
-Mazda 6
-Chevrolet Malibu

That should get you started

 

[MiataNC]

At her age look for a car that has a control layout similar to what she was driving. For instance a 1988 Camry and a 2002 Accord have almost identical control layouts (headlights, wipers, AC, radio, etc) despite being different makes and a decade+ apart.

If you are worried about her backing into things, get a model with a rear view camera system.

 

[DietDrThunder]

You haven't mentioned price. All you've said is that BMW/Caddy/Lexus is too pricey.

How about the Hyundai Sonata? Comfortable, reliable, decent warranty. Don't know about rear visibility. Well spec'd, I think you're looking at 22k for one.

Or the usual suspects (Camry/Accord)

I will check out those. As far as price, as much under $25K after TT&L as possible.

 

[PricklyPete]

I hate to say this...but Chevy Impala. As much as I hate the car, it appeals to old people, is easy for them to get in and get out of, is reliable, and is cheap for the size of the car.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

I hate to say this...but Chevy Impala. As much as I hate the car, it appeals to old people, is easy for them to get in and get out of, is reliable, and is cheap for the size of the car.

Absolutely - great choice!

I'd also recommended a Buick Lucerne but $25K is pushing it unless huge discounts are given.

 

[Arkaign]

Around here I see absolutely killer steals, er, deals on Altima, and that's a generic boat that is pretty reliable and well laid out inside. Good visibility, roomy, I've driven them and they're a total snore in i4 form but that's to be expected. The thing is the price. The sedans are dirt dirt cheap.

I also like the Impala suggestion, add to that Malibu/Fusion. With gas prices crappy, I'd advise an i4 if possible.

Normally I'd say that used is definitely a better route, but with used car prices kinda wacky lately, might be best to get her in a brand new car with brand new warranty/etc. There simply isn't enough savings to justify going used for the application you're describing imho, provided she can afford it. Sure you could find a decent used car for $5kish, but who knows how long it'd last before starting to have little problems.

 

[Mermaidman]

New Camry coming out in August, so you might find good incentives for leftover 2011 models.

2012 Camry Hybrid:

 

[herm0016]

i would look at the cruze.

 

[IHateMyJob2004]

4WD needed for snowy area?

Anyway, my mom has a Rav 4 at 79 and it is perfect for her. Not what you stated (Sedan) but it has good visibility and is easy to get in and out of.

 

[MovingTarget]

It sounds like she would enjoy a Grand Marquis, Buick Lucerne, Chevy Impala, etc.