I`ve been trying to narrow down the possibilities of my next car purchase. My objective is to buy a family car with a budget capped at around $25,000. I plan on keeping the car for 8-10 years. I have a baby and expect to have another in a couple of years. I tossed aroung the idea of buying an SUV but really wanted to get advice from other people with children whether an SUV is necessary or if a four door sedan at this budget has sufficient room in the rear seats (for two car seats) and the trunk (for strollers and groceries). Taking all these things into consideration, I`ve compiled a short list of qualities I would like the car to posess. 1-3 are essential. The rest of the list are features that are very important to me but I`m flexible with.
1. Reliability
2. Cargo space
3. Best standard/extended warranty
4. Best/most standard features
5. Fuel efficiency
5. Interior fit and finish (quality of materials)
6. Body styling/best quality paintjob
These are a few cars I`ve considered (some I`m assuming I can negotiate a good deal)
1. Nissan Altima 2.5s (attractive price, questionable in terms of space)
2. Nissan Pathfinder XE (tons of space, base model with minimal features/SUV type full consumption)
3. Honda Accord (top notch reliability/good gas mileage, questionable in terms of space)
4. Honda Pilot (tons of space, base model with minimal features)
5. Acura TSX (IMO best looking/highest quality interior finish/honda reliability/good gas mileage, most expensive out of the group/questionable in terms of space)
6. Mazda3 wagon (attractive price/nice interior features/decent exterior, questionable space)
7. Mazda6 (base model has low sticker price/roomier than Mazda3/nice interior/decent exterior looks, don`t know if it is enough space)
8. VW Jetta (new body styling/nice euro interior, questionable reliability) My 98 Jetta was always in the shop
Only used car on the list
9. Audi S4 2000-2002MY (performance, questionable reliability)
I know that there are plenty of members in this community that have a wealth of knowledge in this area. If there are cars out there that are a better value, I welcome the suggestions. Thanks ahead of time for any input.
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