Any car folks around here?

[Unorthodox]

Kyle got in an accident last week, which means I need to find a replacement vehicle for 2 teenage boys.

He was driving a Pontiac Aztec.  (like literally picture Walter White's car)   Not the best car out there, but AWD, relatively easy and safe to drive. 

I'd like something similar, but Pontiac going under made reparing the above problematic, so something a little more mainstream.  Hit me with yo best cars. 

[Unorthodox]

[Buster's Uncle]

I normally advise people to assume the kid is going to tear the car up, and think very cheap - but I gather I don't have to tell you to be frugal.

[Rusty Edge]

I'm no car guy.

Last fall on the trip to my parents, they had read an article in AARP about cars, advising them about the advancements in driver assist technology, and encouraging them to switch to leasing, so that they would stay current on evolving driver assist tech as they aged. I couldn't fault the logic.  So, I was recruited to go along, test backseats for leg room, etc.

We hadn't looked far when we saw a Subaru, and when you compare ratings for safety, satisfaction, reliability, etc. They stand out. They stopped looking at other brands. The Forester is the roomiest, but it might be marginal for somebody your size.

My brother, who is the right hand man for a construction company, and gets to lease whatever he feels like, has had a Forester the last 3 times. He's pretty much a " the best one is the one that works when I need it" guy.

They have higher resale, so they might not be your best deal.  As for my parents, they are delighted with their Forester, and I now wish that all seniors drove Subarus equipped with "Eyesight" TM.

[Unorthodox]

I'm no car guy.

Last fall on the trip to my parents, they had read an article in AARP about cars, advising them about the advancements in driver assist technology, and encouraging them to switch to leasing, so that they would stay current on evolving driver assist tech as they aged. I couldn't fault the logic.  So, I was recruited to go along, test backseats for leg room, etc.

We hadn't looked far when we saw a Subaru, and when you compare ratings for safety, satisfaction, reliability, etc. They stand out. They stopped looking at other brands. The Forester is the roomiest, but it might be marginal for somebody your size.

My brother, who is the right hand man for a construction company, and gets to lease whatever he feels like, has had a Forester the last 3 times. He's pretty much a " the best one is the one that works when I need it" guy.

They have higher resale, so they might not be your best deal.  As for my parents, they are delighted with their Forester, and I now wish that all seniors drove Subarus equipped with "Eyesight" TM.

The forester and outback are on the shortlist, yes.  It doesn't need to fit me comfortably, it needs to fit the teens.  My head would touch the roof of the aztec in the passenger seat, the drivers had an adjust I could move it down enough.

Various reviews rate the Honda or Nissan comparables better than the Subaru, but I'm having a hard time finding the exact criteria. 

[Spacy]

I have been partial to Jeep brand.  Wranger gets up-priced due to the style factor, but cherokee and grand cherokee are good, solid cars.  I drive a GC now.  Purchased a returned 2 year old (lease return) and was given a 5 year warranty - bumper to bumper.    Had it 1.5 years now and no problems.  4wd, V6 (I don't do too much hauling, so gas economy was more important than pull ability - though I do have a hitch for light loads).  No major issues, but a few irritating minor ones have cropped up (burned out lightbulb - haven't had one of those in years, computer updates messed up the hitch lights, had to go to dealer to get a reset, stuff like that). 

Look at the miles they put on it and the amount of time until they go to college.  Most 4 year schools don't allow a car the first year.  As such, and estimating on the particulars of you and yours, I think that you might look hard at a lease.  Even if they go to a CC first, and have to drive themselves, if it is local it still might work out well.  I see lease on the GC for under $200/month, and with the bumper to bumper with teens....

[Unorthodox]

One entering college, one high school.  Particulars of how it's shared are open for debate at the moment, I'm assuming the older one will be purchasing his own by the time the younger one turns 16 (with a year of the younger learning to drive at the front end). 

We have no car payment at present.   Used in a little newer condition than the Aztek are looking at ~$125/month if we don't decide to pay cash. I'm still waiting for the value on the Aztek car to be determined before looking too hard at what the financials look like. 

The general running around they do, a lease wouldn't be a terrible idea, they shouldn't hit any of the mileage issues.  BUT, it's a highschool kid...He's going to have an accident or two, you just hope they aren't bad ones like above.  What would wrecking a lease vehicle do, what would the insurance look like? 


Jeeps in general I have a hard time with from when I was a mechanic.  Granted, that was 20 years ago now and they probably figured a few things out, but they were a nightmare of problems back then and it kinda sticks with you.  I don't specifically recall the Cherokees being a problem, but the Vans, Neons, and Intrepids seemed to make up half my paycheck. 

[Spacy]

Ya, Chrysler had major issues back before they were sold to mercedes, and then to Fiat.  They have improved, but are not 100% gone. 

Check with insurance folks prior to lease.  THe rules seam to change every couple of months.  They might not let the kids drive a lease at all, or it may just be normal insurance.  You can also keep the lease and give the kids your car.... or not. 

If you are not looking at the 4wd, you get a lot more options. 

Also, you probably have AutoTrader out there (pretty sure they are national).  Check them out, they are more online now than they are paper in gas station magazine racks.

[Unorthodox]

4wd/awd is needed for winter.  Though I get by with FWD, and never thought it would be an issue until my present vehicle which sucks royally in winter.  The Aztek was a tank in the snow. 

Leases I've seen say 21+ to drive.  Not an option. 

[Unorthodox]

Been reading up a LOT on the subarus, and it seems you want to avoid the 4 cylinder engines.  They tend to throw head gaskets at 80k, which explains all the ones with new engines I'm seeing for sale.  The 6 cylinder engine doesn't share this problem, but I see....2 available. 

Surprised how many branded titles are for sale as well, honestly.  Not interested, just surprised how many popped up, so there must be a market. 

Good news, we're getting about double what we expected from the Aztek.  The car itself wasn't worth a lot, but the parts on the car ARE.   

[Geo]

Yeah, its funny that way (parts value I mean).