What to get now?

[JTsyo]

Currently own:
Alero (2001) - 2door - my car
Escape hybrid (2006) - wife's car

I was planning on getting the Fusion Energi but a wrinkle showed up in the plans. Babysitter quit this week and the kids need to be taken to daycare. So my 2 door will be a pain in the ass with 2 kids under 3. I've come up with 3 options.

1) get the 2013 Fusion hybrid when it comes out this fall
2) get a another SUV for my wife and take the Escape, then replace it in another 5 yrs or so with a plug-in
3) tough it out until the Energi is out.

Some considerations, I expect both versions of the Fusion to be in high demand and thus not much drop in price. Energi might be delayed by lack of supply.
Wife needs a AWD since we live on a steep hill and is sometimes tough in the snow.
Energi's electric range is almost an exact fit for my commute.
Wife doesn't need hybrid since she drives mostly highway.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

In this order:

Tough it out
Energi
Hybrid

 

[Baked]

Nissan GT-R

 

[vi edit]

Camry Hybrid for you? Nearly as good milage as a Prius, but much better acceleration, and in a conventional package. Camry is a good car for hauling kids around and will likely be cheaper than Fusion Hybrid. I'm not entirely sold on the plug-ins at this point given their pricing without massive rebates and shortcomings in crusing range.

 

[vi edit]

FWIW, the Mazda CX-5 gets over 30MPG in AWD form...nearly 35MPG in FWD setups. It's a sharp looking, very well sized SUV for a small family too. Reasonably priced as well...$20-$27k depending on trim and drivetrain choices.

 

[herm0016]

how about a volt? what kind of rebates can you get from teh state?

 

[SandEagle]

this order:
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4

 

[JTsyo]

FWIW, the Mazda CX-5 gets over 30MPG in AWD form...nearly 35MPG in FWD setups. It's a sharp looking, very well sized SUV for a small family too. Reasonably priced as well...$20-$27k depending on trim and drivetrain choices.

I'll have to look into that.

Anohter option I thought of was to lease a car for 3 years or so to see how the plug-ins shake out but that seems like a lot of wasted money.

 

[JTsyo]

how about a volt? what kind of rebates can you get from teh state?

All electrics like the Volt, Focus and Leaf are definitely out. The range just isn't there.

 

[master7045]

All electrics like the Volt, Focus and Leaf are definitely out. The range just isn't there.

The Volt has a ICU engine as well as the battery, so it's not 100% electric. I'm not sure on the Focus though. Leaf as we all know is 100% electric. Just pointing this out, I do not know enough about any of the cars listed above to form an opinion on any of them, just getting the facts right.

 

[herm0016]

yes. the volt has a gas engine. and has 40ish miles of electric range and 400 or so gas range. the focus and leaf are all electric.

 

[Mermaidman]

CR-V

I'd be hesitant to buy the new Ford in its first year of production.

 

[BurnItDwn]

a Co-worker friend of mine has a Camry Hybrid, it's MUCH better than the Prius as far as being comfortable and performing semi decently.

That said, I'd pick subaru Forester XT. since it's better than the Rav4 and the CRV.

 

[Phanuel]

Second the GT-R (why isn't this an option again?)

 

[JTsyo]

CR-V

I'd be hesitant to buy the new Ford in its first year of production.

While the model is refreshed, the current Fusion hybrids have been preforming well. We have the Escape Hybrid and it hasn't caused any problems.

Second the GT-R (why isn't this an option again?)

Because that would get much of the votes and it's not a reasonable car for carrying kids. The whole point of getting a new car is to get a 4 door. Of course you already know that.

 

[Childs]

Ford C-Max Hybrid.

 

[power_hour]

WRX = 4 doors, fast, AWD, fast, AWD, kids will fit just fine, put a smile on your face fast

CR-V = garbage SUV, crappy motor, marginal handling, space is meh
RAV = V6 is awesome until you go into a corner and your braking for your life
Forester XT = Much better but I still think the WRX is the better choice

Fusion = Nice car, boring as sin

 

[JTsyo]

Something new to mix. the ILX is about the same price point as the Fusion. Just noticed it, will have to read up.

 

[Mermaidman]

Something new to mix. the ILX is about the same price point as the Fusion. Just noticed it, will have to read up.

Then you'll also need to go sit in the Buick Verano, or wait for the 250-HP Verano Turbo 😀. (The turbo is $30K.)

 

[halik]

Turbo busa

 

[Ferzerp]

GT-R

 

[AdamK47]

I think you should get something not on the list. Something impractical.

 

[Phanuel]

I think you should get something not on the list. Something impractical.

Hmmm, well, I already tried one option to him. How about the other one, that 700hp Atom sounds pretty reasonable as a daily.

 

[JTsyo]

Hmmm, well, I already tried one option to him. How about the other one, that 700hp Atom sounds pretty reasonable as a daily.

Think I would get sick in that car. And I couldn't help but take corners fast.

 

[desy]

How was the electronics on your Alero?