Motorcycle Mike
Well-known member
So the bride and I are considering trading in the 09 Matrix while we can still get a decent buck for it, but am having a hard time narrowing down the choices.
Requirements: We must have a hatchback/wagon setup as we like to have the extra space to move things when needed. We want reasonable fuel mileage. We don't drive the car very much though, so fuel economy isn't a huge factor. We are planning to keep this new car for a long time, so reliability and dependability are key. Might tow a trailer with a single motorcycle very occasionally. Price point of somewhere around $25k to $28k is about right.
On the short list:
Rav4: drove one today, and I liked it. The price isn't too bad. What I don't like is that there is nothing special about it... it is a very common car, and I don't find it much to talk about, but that might be a good thing.
Subaru: Considering a Crosstrek, but second guessing that due the the number of complaints I've read about burning oil and reports of it being under powered with a 2l. Also considering an Outback or Forester, but haven't really looked at either or researched them yet.
Golf Wagon TDI: And on a lark, somewhat considering a Golf Wagon. Hesitant because we prefer a taller vehicle. The excellent fuel mileage would be a bonus, but isn't a necessity considering how much we drive. Hesitant going to VW due to the past reliability and dependability issues they have had.
Out of those choices, which would you choose and why? Which would you stay away from?
What other make/models should I consider?
I don't want any of the smaller hatches like Fit or Yaris. Matrix has suited our needs, but been there, done that, want something better. I don't want something that is expensive to maintain or needs premium fuel, etc,.
I am leaning more towards the Japanese makes. I was briefly considering getting a small truck, but the only option these days is the Tacoma and I think it is getting a bit old (long time without many updates). I know that Chevy and GM are coming out with a new small truck this fall, but I don't really want a first year model, I don't really need a truck that much, and I am not sure I am ready to trust GM in terms of reliability or dependability.
Requirements: We must have a hatchback/wagon setup as we like to have the extra space to move things when needed. We want reasonable fuel mileage. We don't drive the car very much though, so fuel economy isn't a huge factor. We are planning to keep this new car for a long time, so reliability and dependability are key. Might tow a trailer with a single motorcycle very occasionally. Price point of somewhere around $25k to $28k is about right.
On the short list:
Rav4: drove one today, and I liked it. The price isn't too bad. What I don't like is that there is nothing special about it... it is a very common car, and I don't find it much to talk about, but that might be a good thing.
Subaru: Considering a Crosstrek, but second guessing that due the the number of complaints I've read about burning oil and reports of it being under powered with a 2l. Also considering an Outback or Forester, but haven't really looked at either or researched them yet.
Golf Wagon TDI: And on a lark, somewhat considering a Golf Wagon. Hesitant because we prefer a taller vehicle. The excellent fuel mileage would be a bonus, but isn't a necessity considering how much we drive. Hesitant going to VW due to the past reliability and dependability issues they have had.
Out of those choices, which would you choose and why? Which would you stay away from?
What other make/models should I consider?
I don't want any of the smaller hatches like Fit or Yaris. Matrix has suited our needs, but been there, done that, want something better. I don't want something that is expensive to maintain or needs premium fuel, etc,.
I am leaning more towards the Japanese makes. I was briefly considering getting a small truck, but the only option these days is the Tacoma and I think it is getting a bit old (long time without many updates). I know that Chevy and GM are coming out with a new small truck this fall, but I don't really want a first year model, I don't really need a truck that much, and I am not sure I am ready to trust GM in terms of reliability or dependability.