EGon10psi

She will be graduating from college soon and has had the same car since 11th grade. It is an old 2001 Cavalier that is basically just falling apart. The motor is still going fine but the rest of the car not so much. Looking to upgrade to something newer/better. We are pretty frugal and I think cars are the worst investment but you gotta have it to get around.

Things I want it to have pretty much in this order:

1. Safety
2. Reliability
3. Gas Mileage
4. Four Door
5. Low Maintenance.
6. Leather or at least fake leather interior (dog)
7. 2006 or Newer preferably

Options I have so far in the 8 to 10k range...
1. Jetta 2.5 SE
2. Higher Mileage Ford Escape
3. TSX

10 to 15k Budget (really don't want to spend this much)

1.Lower Mileage Ford Escape or Mariner
2.Lexus IS250
3.Jeep Compass

Figured some of you guys might own these cars or work on them and could give some input or other options. I am really leaning towards the 2006 to 2009 Jetta SE or 2.0 T. I heard they have timing chains are pretty low maintenance and good gas mileage.

Thank you ahead of time.

idriveahonda

I like the older model TSX's as a good choice. Clean sporty styling, with luxuries and known Honda reliability.

Blindside

I am in the exact same situation. I have been trying to convince the clam into a Subaru Legacy (GT for wishful thinking). Your requirements are the same as mine and this fits the bill, with an added bonus of AWD. I am also a bit biased to Subaru so that is my .02.

DOOM

Id buy a tsx, they hold their resale value. To me its a good cheap vehicle, meant to go to point a, point b and looks good. I'm just thinking value+reliability+operating costs.

Plus down the road you can sell it for 50k on here, or trade it for a ek hatch with no title plus a pittbull puppy.

Just my personal opinion, and what id pick out the list if I had to choose.

EGon10psi

When you say older model which years do you mean? How many miles (I know this greatly depends on the previous owners) would you say is too high to get into a TSX. I am assuming these have timing belts that need changed every 75 to 100k. I have yet to own a vehicle long enough to need this service but I heard it is expensive.

I will start checking out the legacy now. I am assuming the GT is a manual only. She is not the best driver so an automatic is going to be the best option for her.

I also liked the idea of the Mazda 3 but the interior was kinda crappy if you ask me.

ej1995

I like the Jetta, though if I were purchasing one for my wife, I'd hunt for a dealer maintained TDI with a DSG.

The TSX is a decent choice if you can find a good price on one.

I would stray from the Escape and the Compass.

EGon10psi

Yeah I just liked the idea of an SUV with good gas mileage. We like to travel (eventually traveling all over the states for work) so the idea of it appealed to me. Escapes seem to hold their value. Don't know much about the Compass other than great mpg.

Why the TDI? I heard that diesels are expensive to upkeep not to mention the price of gas. I know this gets offset usually by the mpg. The TDI seem to be gong for around 3 to 5k more taking away the savings on the higher mpg.

Thank you guys. Keep the opinions coming.

idriveahonda

Hell you can find 04-08 TL's for your budget. Even more luxuries and better styling.

There are dozens of 04+ TSX's for sale under 10K.

ufctapout

Remove the Escape from your list.

I've known multiple people with them with major issues @ less than 100k miles.

Would not recommend.

EGon10psi

Okay no problem.

So.....Jetta, TL, TSX, IS250 (Is250 prob not a good choice but I like the look and mpg)