Dad's new car

[Niko_Fx]

My dad just returned his Toyota 4Runner and is looking to lease something else. He already made clear that the 4Runner was a bit too rough on his back and that it had way too much power for Florida... So he's looking for a 4 cylinder or small 6, and it has to be an SUV / Wagon since he does Kayaking, etc... + it's the only big car in the family, I borrowed his 4Runner several times to move stuff around since I drive a Z and my wife a Scion Xa..

Anyway, price range it's definitely under US $28k after taxes and fees.

He liked the Mazda CX7, but waayyyy too underpowered, the Turbo version has excellent power and drives great, but for the price he thinks he could get something else.

He got a great deal at Volkswagen for a Jetta SportWagen 2.5L 5 cylinders... but he is concerned with reliability since our Audi A6 and VW Cabrio were constantly breaking down. I told him that with a 36-month lease he shouldn't have any problems (as opposed to owning the Audi like he did for about 6 years).

Then there is the new Subaru Outback, pretty darn good car, you can smell quality all over when you sit down inside... He even said that he would have purchased the car already if it wasn't because the salesman was such a douchebag... I think after taxes it reaches $30k or so, but he seems to like the car a lot.

He drove the Toyota Highlander (4 cylinders) and said that it feels like crap... I didn't get to check that one out, but he seems to be sure that his new car won't be a Toyota.

I don't think he likes the Honda CR-V, I'll ask him if he wants to check it out, price seems about right.

Any suggestions? $20k to $27k or so? The Nissan Rogue is a piece of crap imo so I told him not to bother checking that out, and the Murano too expensive.

[whiteballz]

Subaru, pretty awesome.

[baddabang]

E30...

[roosterjuicer]

Check out the Chevy equinox/gmc terrain/caddilac srx.

32 mpg, thats best in class. Its worth at least taking a look.

[Niko_Fx]

Check out the Chevy equinox/gmc terrain/caddilac srx.

32 mpg, thats best in class. Its worth at least taking a look.

Will do, we have not given American vehicles a fair chance while we actually used to own a bunch of Chevys back in Venezuela for many years and they proved themselves to be great performers.

I was thinking about the Ford Edge as well.

[wwgkd]

While he was looking at the Jetta Sportwagon did he look at the Tiguan? Just curious because a friend of mine was looking at that as a possibility.

[IBrake4Rainbows]

My folks had a Ford Edge when they did their Canadian roadtrip last year, my mum could not praise it enough.

[Ferrer]

Legacy Estate, or Volvo V50/V70?

[TheScrutineer]

Legacy estate, better car better drive.

Volvo looks better though

[aiasib]

wat about the new Mitsubishi Outlander?

[coolieman1220]

although toyota ceased sales and recalled millions, tell him to check out the venza.

[cmcpokey]

you know i like the CX-7, but we have the top of the line turbo variety.

have you checked out the tiguan, seems to be other small SUVs on the list, so that may fit the bill. but i also agree with albert's recs.

[NSXType-R]

I would go for the Legacy Wagon or the CR-V.

Maybe the CX-7 with turbo, although you didn't really want that one, and if you do it's pretty bad on gas.

[Ferrer]

Have just crossed my mind that you'll probably be able to get great deals on 9-3s Estates, so they might be worth a check too.

[Niko_Fx]

Legacy Estate, or Volvo V50/V70?

Legacy Estate not available here in USA (I think), V50 a bit too pricey. I asked him about the Volvo and he mentioned driving an S40 last year as a rental and that he loved the car, so he might stop by to take a look at a V50.

Have just crossed my mind that you'll probably be able to get great deals on 9-3s Estates

Cheapest one starts at $31k.

have you checked out the tiguan, seems to be other small SUVs on the list, so that may fit the bill. but i also agree with albert's recs.

We haven't, but it does fit the description of what he is looking for... I'll mention it.