Need Some Suggestions Please

[theknight571]

I currently have a RAM 1500, which I will be losing "custody" of soon, so I am in need of a vehicle as a daily driver.

Notes:
- $5000 or less
- Decent MPG
- Easy/Inexpensive Maintenance
- Room for myself + 2, 6'+ teenagers
- Room for hockey bags and sticks for said teenagers
- My commute is approximately 40 miles round trip
- Decent in snow (Detroit area snow)
- Looking to get 2-3 years out of it, if possible

I was looking at full sized sedans like the Crown Vic and Grand Marquis, but then realized that MPG isn't that much better than the RAM. Looking at everything else I just get confused. (I'm not a car guy...lol) It seems that as MPG goes up, room for the passengers and associated equipment goes down.

So I thought I'd ask for some suggestions, to hopefully narrow down my search. Scrolling thought CraigsList isn't helping me at all... lol.

Thanks in advance.

 

[GoatMonkey]

It's fairly difficult to find something that tall people can fit in that is cheap, gets good fuel economy and can drive in the snow. My first instinct says to look for a minivan with AWD, maybe a Chrysler Town & Country?

http://************/cqyvo23
http://************/botkzef

If you don't like that, maybe a Subaru wagon.

http://************/bpuwscp

Or a small SUV after that, something like a Nissan XTerra or Jeep Grand Cherokee?

http://************/cbk9yht

Then there are always the basic FWD sedans that should work better than a Crown Vic in the snow. Honda Accord, Toyota Camry. Late 90's to early 2000's there should be a few high mileage ones out there.

I know the Dodge Charger comes in an AWD version, but finding one at that price that isn't falling apart could be tough. Here is a RWD Charger, that is a long way away.
http://************/br5k7m7

The minivan is most likely going to be the most comfortable for tall people.

I'm not endorsing those particular car listings. I didn't even read the full text of the ads actually. I'm just showing a few with specs that are roughly what you listed.

Good luck.

Edit: Those are tiny url .com links. It looks like Anand's boards blocks them. You can paste in the correct url from that though.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

You need a Buick, Pontiac, or Chevy.

Pontiac Bonneville
Pontiac Grand Prix
Buick Lesabre
Buick Park Avenue
Buick Regal
Chevrolet Impala

All have the 3800 engine & 4spd Auto - easy to fix, parts are cheap - FWD so decent in the snow and highly reliable.

 

[master7045]

I just traded in a 2001 Lexus GS300. I'm 6'2 and fit fine in the drivers & passanger seat, very reliable and high mileage ones go for cheap.

 

[SyndromeOCZ]

I've got a 01 Buick Regal I use it for work(construction) sometimes, can haul 3 guys pretty easy. Though the Dodge Minivan suggestion is better, we use one of those for carpooling as we can haul 4 guys and all of their tools.