Cars, and other stuff
So, no big surprise, but my car is officially Totaled. What this means is that the estimate to repair the damage is higher (far, far higher) than the value of my car. AND it turns out (also no big surprise) that the car that hit me wasn’t insured. So it will probably come down to a death match between us and the insurance company over the settlement value for my car. AND because the owner of the other car wasn’t insured, I have only 30 days of rental coverage, so I have to find myself another vehicle sooner than later.
It’s been 13 years since I’ve been car shopping, and am not an Auto Enthusiast to begin with. To me, a car is a way to get from Point A to Point B, and in this corner of the world, a Necessary Evil. So readers, I’m looking for input. My requirements are: good gas mileage, seats 4 adults comfortably, automatic climate control and a good track record for reliability. Most of my day-to-day driving is around town rather than freeway. I’d get another Accord but a) the new ones are kind of ugly and b) they’re pretty expensive now. (Not Ugly is another requirement. As is Affordability. We hadn’t planned on this expense at this point, and will first be shopping dealers currently offering good financing deals.)
Do you have any recommendations? Any brands or models to avoid like the plague? I’ve already ruled out a Volkswagen Jetta, my current rental car. Don’t like the seat, feel like I’m sitting in a bucket.
The good news is that my neck/shoulder soreness abated with a couple of Advil and hasn’t recurred.
I’m just waiting for confirmation from the Karina Dresses folks to be able to announce the winner of the drawing. Soon, I hope!
~
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I love my little Nissan Sentra: it’s been very reliable and drives well. You should test drive any car you buy, of course: some people find my car seats comfortable, others not so much… Good luck shopping! It’s a stressful and annoying process.
Here’s a stupid question. If the other driver had been insured, then their insurance would have paid. If they are not insured, can’t you make THEM pay? Can they just total your car and not pay anything?
Oh I loathe when unexpected big expenses like this just pop up out of the blue. Cars are much cheaper in the US than they are here, so that one thing in your favour as to brands well we all have our favourites , I tend to go for solid makes that will run for 12 years without much trouble. Mine is just coming to the end of its life now.
Oh I loathe when unexpected big expenses like this just pop up out of the blue. Cars are much cheaper in the US than they are here, so that one thing in your favour as to brands well we all have our favourites , I tend to go for solid makes that will run for 12 years without much trouble. Mine is just coming to the end of its life now.
So sorry to hear about your car. How awful, just when you don’t need another thing to worry about. I have a recommendation: Volvo S60. Well-made, comfortable, wonderful handling, decent mileage, and it has a lovely Art Deco thing going on in its styling. I found mine, a 2005, on Craigslist after my Camry was totaled in a pileup on ice a couple of years ago. This car had been cared for by a local equivalent of the car guys on NPR, so they vouched for its condition. So, my suggestion: find the local LA equivalent(s) of Tom and Ray, and see if any of their customers have good cars for sale. Take a look at the Volvo, too. Good luck!
I am sorry to hear about your car, and I am sure there is a special place in hell for uninsured drivers.
I have a Toyota Corolla which is pretty comfortable and has great gas mileage , and right now I am driving a Kia Forte while my own car is in the shop and it is a great little car as well. I find both cars handle well and have good mileage, but I have to say I really prefer the layout of the dashboard on the Kia. I never even considered this car when I was buying because I thought they were cheap and have been pleasantly surprised.
Good luck with your car hunt, I am sure there is a silver lining waiting for you, you just haven’t found it yet.
We bought a 2006 Accord with 18K miles (still under warranty) 2 years ago – I didn’t like the new body styles either and this one was ‘tricked out’ with leather, climate control, all the bells & whistles. AND it was far, far cheaper than a new car. It’s our 3rd Accord (both kids now driving them too) and we couldn’t be happier. Low mileage used cars are out there and quite affordable. Just buy from a reputable dealer in your area…..
I have a 2010 Subaru legacy, that I love, love love. Peppy little engine, has all the necessary bells and whistles, good gas mileage and a perfect size. and it’s all wheel drive, course living in sunny Ca. that may not be an issue for you…
I’m really sorry about the car and all the attendant hassles.
We have a Mazda 3 that fits all of your criteria, although I’m not 100% certain about the automatic climate control. We’ve driven it up and down the East Coast and parts of the Midwest, including drives from Virginia to Toronto and Chicago, and it has been incredibly comfortable. I really like it for zipping around town, maneuvering in traffic, and ease of parking (including parallel parking).
I drive a ton (2 hrs/day for commute to work), so I’m on my 3rd BMW. Major FAN. However, my extended family adores Hondas too. They would recommend Subaru. Or have you considered the Toyota Prius? DH is considering a Mini as a commuter car, although I’m holding out for the BMW electric (later this year on lease only.) Just some thoughts.
Toyota Camry –drives really well, very comfortable, lots of luxurious touches.
Yuck!
I am now driving my first ever domestic car, a Ford Fusion. I am surprised by how much I like it (being a former Honda person). It is very comfortable, well appointed, was far less expensive than an Accord, and gets very respectable mileage. I also like knowing I’m supporting a domestic company that didn’t take bailout money.
@Gauss My insurance does cover me, for whatever they determine the “replacement value” of my current car is, plus 30 days of a bottom-of-the-barrel rental car (I’m paying extra per day for the Jetta, because I wanted to try it out). My insurance company will then go after the owner of the other car to try to recoup their payout to me.
@Sybil That’s one option we’re considering, if we can find a one, and can get some decent financing on it.
@Suse I WANT a MINI, but le monsieur is worried it wouldn’t protect me much in a crash.
@coffeeaddict Actually insurance is required here by law too, but a certain percentage of people flout the law and take their chances. I don’t even know if the woman driving the car (who wasn’t the owner) even had a license, as she never spoke except to say “no English” and wouldn’t answer any questions, so between that and the lack of insurance, the owner of the car will probably get hit with a fine, not to mention having my insurance company come after him for recompense.
I don’t think they sell Opal’s here anymore. The last I remember seeing one was in the 70’s.
@Diane I wish I knew some folks like that. I’d always heard that Volvo’s don’t get good mileage, good to know otherwise.
@Gracie’s Mom We’ll add Kia’s to the list to look at, thanks! We’ve also heard Hyundai’s receive high marks.
@Pamela I’ve heard good things about Subaru’s, will definitely look at that one.
@Jen on the Edge My car before the Honda was the earlier version of the Mazda 3, and I only sold it because it was a 2-door and we needed a 4 door once we had a baby seat to deal with. Le monsieur currently has a Mazda that’s mostly been pretty good and reliable, except for making some weird noises sometimes.
@spacegeek33 We’ve thought about BMW’s because of the great service warranty, but they are on the pricier side. I want to try the Prius.
@Peggy’s Closet It’s on our list to try, for sure. Also considering the hybrid version.
@Patricia Have heard good things about Fusions, and they’re on our list to try, thanks!
@kathy peck I definitely want to try the Prius, and have wanted to get a hybrid for a while, but le monsieur is worried that it would be too small.
@Pam @ over50feeling40 The CRV is on my short list to try. My boss has one and LOVES it.
We just had to go through the gruesome car buying experience this summer. Ended up with Subaru Outback (we need all wheel drive for DH ski patrol duties) and I must say I’m impressed. Very good gas mileage, comfortable to ride in with good visibility and peppy enough to deal with highways (the Subaru we had 25+ years ago used to make me nervous merging onto a highway.) The CRV was second on our list so I think either one is a good choice. So glad you weren’t hurt badly. I was rear ended last summer and I know how sore I felt for about a week.
Five years ago I bought a new car. My requirements were a)seat comfort to prevent my sciatica from driving my crazy b) reliability c) non-ugliness d) non-terrible gas mileage. I got a Toyota Rav4 (top line model) because it was the only car with decent mileage/good reliability that allowed me to sit up straight and adjust the seat almost infinitely.
It’s not cool, I’m not swooning, but 5 years later it has done as I wished. Back is good, car hasn’t broken. Kanye West memorialized its non-coolness in a song, “What do you think I rap for, to push a f***ing Rav4?” but I can live with Kanye’s disdain;).
We bought our Volvo V70 wagon from a lot that leases cars, it was a lease return, 3 years old with low mileage…I love my car but it is heavy so the mileage is not the best. It does carry 5 passengers in comfort and is a safe option which performs well in ice and snow and has lots of room for bags if you were to plan a road trip. The seats go down in the back and can accommodate larger pieces of furniture which allows one to save on delivery charges.
Good luck on your shopping it is a pain in the
” trunk” to have to deal with this unexpected purchase.
I have a Dodge Journey and love it!!! Sorry to hear about your car though.
Glad you are okay, but don’t sign off on the health thing until you are sure your neck pain is nothing more long-term. I would not own anything other than an old, solid Volvo. I drive little old ladies around, in their own cars mostly, and have been very pleased with Camry and Avalon by Toyota. The Lexus was just a glorified Camry for too much $$. My husband bought the economical Civic but I hate riding in it, not enough metal around me and very uncomfortable seats. Good luck, yay! Craigslist.
Just to endorse what Jen says above — my stepmother had pretty much exactly the same requirements as you and recently bought a Mazda 3. She loves it. It does have automatic climate control.
I’m sorry about your accident, but am glad you’re not injured!
I love the mini but would be afraid to drive one on the freeway.
A volvo seems like a solid safe car, as does a suburu.
Cr*p! So sorry to hear things got more complicated for you!I had no idea that car insurance is optional in CA, here in Slovenia basic insurance is mandatory by law and covers the damages the driver inflicted on others.
As for car recommendation, Mr. C and me currently own an Opel Corsa. Opel is a German brand, very reliable, great engine, and about 6,1 to 6,5 l/100km consumption. Corsa is their smaller model, maybe Astra for you? Slightly bigger, more comfortable.
I feel your pain…I’ve been rear-ended twice, while stopped at red lights both times!!!!
I’m driving my second Infiniti, which I love, but the mileage isn’t great. We bought a slightly used Mazda 6 for the kids to drive…nice car, not expensive, decent mileage.
I’ll second somebody’s comment about satellite radio. It came as a free 3 month trial with my Infiniti. I never thought I would care about it or want to pay for it…but I love it! When the free trial was up, we bought the 3-year subscription, which was only $10/month or thereabouts.
I adore my 2000 Subaru Forester. Greatest car I have ever had. Perhaps you can find a gently used one?
I love, love, love my MINI!
So sorry to hear about your car troubles. I, too, am not a car person (I don’t even like to drive), but my husband knows quite a lot about them. On our return from abroad this summer, he bought a Ford Fusion, automatic, as the main family car. He has been very impressed with the mileage, plus the price was good (there was some sort of special offer on at the time). I can’t really say much more, just putting it out there as a suggestion.
I’m on my second Prius. I love it, for a car. The gas mileage around town is fantastic – about 50 mpg. Not only is this great for the budget, but I rarely go to the gas station, something I don’t enjoy at all. The GPS is great in it, the sound system more than adequate, and the back seat comfortable. I also love that the back seat folds down, and the hatchback opens up to a lot of space. I so am not interested in cars (like you) that when we were moving back to LA from NYC, I bought my first Prius on the telephone without ever having driven one. Also great A/C.
So sorry, you are having to go through an accident situation…that is such a bummer. My recent personal experience is that the Nissan Murano we had was a piece of junk and three mechanics told us DO NOT BUY NISSAN. So we traded it for a Honda CRV and I LOVE IT! It drives better and I have had no problems with it(knock on wood). We also had a family Toyota Camry that we passed from kid to kid and literally drove it until it fell apart well into 300 thousand miles..so I do not fear Toyota as much as some do. Currently, we are sold on HONDA!
My cousin was an engineer at the GM plant here in ATL, before it closed down! He recommends Japanese cars! Specifically, Honda and Lexus.
I totally agree with what Sybil stated above. Buy slightly used, save bundles! Better yet, buy from the owner and there is no taxes!
Glad to hear you are ok–thatis the imporatant thing!
I am also looking for a car; am looking for a jetta, I tried the seat in the Hyundai and that drove ME crazy soooo good luck on that note too!
My husband was also worried that the Prius was too small, but the safety ratings are good. He has a large, heavy SUV, so that is the car we take for long drives, especially on the freeway. But, I had a bad accident in my Prius, someone ran through a stop sign and slammed into the side of my car, and I was totally fine. The car was badly damaged, but the “cage” remained intact.
That sucks.
I just got a Mazda 2, with 0% financing for 60 months. List price was just under $15K, and I’m getting 35 mpg. I adore it.
Good luck. It’s a bummer.
We’re at a life-stage where we’re running a small fleet. We own two Honda Hybrids and a Prius. Both brands have delivered repair-free preformance under fairly heavy driving.
However, even with current gas prices I think the price difference is substantial. For the same money you can have a conventional car with more bells and whistles.
If I were looking for an economical car that was well-priced I’d look for a conventional engined car that delivers good mileage.
My must-have for a new car is Satellite Radio.
I have been rear-ended so many times that it was a joke that I must have some sort of invisible target on the back of my car. I had my previous Saturn totalled by a woman who ran a red light. It is infuriating that you, who did nothing wrong, end up stuck paying a lot more for something that you don’t want to buy. We ended up getting a PT Cruiser. An old lady car for sure, but it gets me around and is a practical dog hauler. I did not get near enough to really replace my car. The insurance companies just don’t want to pay what you need for a replacement. It is a horrible experience at best.
I’m sorry you have this huge unexpected expense!
When I was economizing in 2005 I traded in my Audi for a brand new 4-door Toyota Corolla. It gets me from point A to point B, is comfortable and has never ever given me one second of trouble.
That said, if I’d been more willing to splurge at the time I would have bought a Prius.
My DH used to be a Cadillac and Saab dealer. He would advise you to buy a used car. The new car loses value the minute you drive it off the lot. He’d say buy from a dealer, tho, not an individual. Dealers will offer warranties and sometimes fix things that go wrong on used cars. Individuals won’t. Good luck!
Buy 2-3 year old certified used car with 20-30,000 miles on it.
No recommendations (we drive an Accord right now, Toyota Corolla before that, happy with both — v. similar feelings to yours on cars as basic transportation, A to B), but bundles of sympathy. Our current car is 10 years old, and I’d really resent having to replace it if we got hit. Especially if the replacement interferes with the Paris budget. I hope that you find new wheels without too much stress and that you at least find some pleasure in that new car smell. 😉
First of all, I’m so very sorry that happened to you!
I love my CR-V.
My sister loves her CR-V.
My best friend loved her old CR-V and loves her new CR-V.
Her friend at work loves his CR-V.
I could go on, but suffice it to say, give the CR-V a test drive. It is not a huge car, but when you are sitting in it, it feels so spacious.
Next car I buy will either be another CR-V. Or a Mercedes. Because sometimes I drive my father’s, and those are supernice, too.
I’ve never met a Toyota that wasn’t a reliable, fuel-efficient vehicle. LPC mentions the RAV4 – totally unsexy, it’s true, but mine went for 13 years without EVER having a problem and was very light on petrol consumption. Subarus are also great, but slightly more expensive (here anyway).
Pseu, I’m sorry to hear about your car – when it rains it pours, non?
I was going to add my enthusiastic recommendation for the Mini. We have the Mini Countryman and it’s a great car – so fun to drive! It fits 4 adults very well with plenty of room, unlike my (Audi) S4 wagon. It’s not so good if you need a lot of trunk space, and because there’s no room for a spare, the run flat tires on them can be a little noisy. Still, it’s got a lot of style and pep and it handles great.
Also, safety ratings on this model are pretty good:
http://www.torquenews.com/108/mini-countryman-earns-top-safety-pick-iihs
OK, maybe another Accord does seem expensive. But I’ve seen so many Honda owners, tired of their Hondas because they’re so dull, so uneventful, so -there-, get something exciting, and then go on with a lot of excitement at the mechanic’s. Honda owners forget what it’s like to own another car..
How about a little French thing, a sparkly little Renault or Citroen, eh? Wouldn’t you like to get to know that hunky guy with the accent and the cigarette so much better?
Buy a car via the internet. Greatest invention for women buying cars, ever.
Make a list of cars you’re interested in and check Edmunds for reviews and recommendations. Also, they give GREAT info on pricing.
Next, if you’re a member of Costco or Sam’s Club, they negotiate great deals for their members.
Check with your employer, many auto dealers give discounts via businesses.
I bought a Honda Civic two years ago and love it. I used advise from Liz Pulliam Weston (financial advisor for MSN) and her advise was invaluable.
Through the process, stay out of the dealers showroom AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. I only had to go there for a few hours, but it is hell.
Note to Debbie: Insurance companies aren’t going to pay replacement cost, because you haven’t paid for that coverage. That’s not wrongdoing by the insurance company.
Pseu, I would certainly consider a hybrid now, someone here mentioned the Ford Focus, that comes in conventional and hybrid versions. More expensive for the hybrid of course, but I don’t think gas prices will be going down, and if you do fairly short commutes, that could really pay off.
No one should buy a car without looking at Edmunds.com, they have all kinds of useful information, and it’s so good to know the true price before you deal with the salesperson. That alone has saved me thousands!
@Jane M Today I’m off to test drive on my own, then report back to le monsieur. We figured out this strategy as a way to put off sales people (“have to come back with my husband so he can try it”). I can rule out the models that I don’t like, then we can narrow in on those that I do. We tried the Hyundai Sonata last night, which has good reviews, but neither of us were wowed by it. I’ve heard good things about Subaru’s too, especially when it comes to safety.
@kathy peck I think he’s also worried about room and comfort in the back seat of the Prius. I’m going to visit Toyota today, will look at that one and the Camry hybrid, if they have any in stock.
@LPC Heh. I could certainly live with Kanye’s disdain too.
@LuxeBytes 35 mpg sounds pretty good! Thanks.
@hostess of the humble bungalow Fortunately, driving in snow and ice isn’t an issue here. But we have considered a Volvo for the safety. If I run through my “short” list of good MPG cars and still am not thrilled, Volvo will be one of the lines we look at.
@RoseAG Your point about the options on the non-hybrid cars is well taken. I’ve been disappointed that many of the more popular hybrid models are sold before they even hit the lot, so it’s been hard to test drive them. Many of the newer models seem to offer Satellite radio, which is nice.
@Debbi@SheAccessorizesWell Oh dear! I’ve been rear-ended a few times over the last decade or so, but rarely with enough force to do more than minor damage. A friend of mine has a PT Cruiser and likes it, but think they may have stopped making them?
@CandiRae What do you like best about the Journey? Think it might be a bigger vehicle than what I’m looking for, though.
@Berta B Thanks. If I have any recurrence of neck pain I will *definitely* go straight to the doctor. I’m hoping to look at Camry’s today, may have a peek at the Avalon too if it’s still available.
@Susan Tiner Good to know! I have the option on my rental car to get a Corolla, maybe I’ll switch the current car (Jetta) to have the opportunity to drive one in “real life” (as opposed to around the block four times with a sales guy pattering in my right ear the whole time).
@Marie The car I had prior to the Honda was a Mazda, and it was very economical and reliable. Will add this one to the list to look into.
@Belle de Ville We’d sort of ruled out Volvos on the first pass because of the gas mileage, but they are very safe and comfortable. I’m going to look at the Subaru’s which seem to be very well reviewed for safety and reliability, though the MPG is a bit lower than the other cars I’ve been researching.
@Jill Ann I think most of the models I’m looking at have the Satellite radio option, would be nice to be able to listen to jazz station without the static..
@Judy This one is on my short list to test drive. Gently used isn’t out of the question, but would want to buy from a dealer so we get warranties…
@Anonymous The problem for us buying from an owner is that we’re not that knowledgeable about mechanical issues, and would have no recourse if we wound up with a lemon. My first few cars were purchased quite used from private owners. Some turned out to be great, others gave me LOTS of trouble. All were “checked out” by mechanics beforehand. But yes, a “gently used” car is probably the most prudent from a financial standpoint.
@fashionoverfiftyI’m driving a Jetta now and hate it. Just can’t get past the seat…feels like I’m driving with my a$$ is a bucket. But it is peppy and handles well.
@Tiffany Toyota’s including the Rav4 seem to be reviewed well by the consumer orgs. Toyota is my first stop today…
@audball I’d love the Mini, but le monsieur has vetoed, more out of overall space issues than safety concerns.
@SewingLibrarian Yes, if I could find the right gently used car from a dealer, with good financing, I’d definitely go that way.
@Anonymous I’ll definitely be considering this. First I have to narrow down the make and model that best suits.
@materfamilias I’ve decided not to rule out another Accord. I really loved mine so much. We’ve been batting around whether to start replacing our 13- and 11- year old vehicles, but had been hoping to push this expense off another couple of years, as both cars were in good shape and mine had relatively low mileage for a car its age (89K). I *am* getting some enjoyment from knowing that I’ll be able to pick and choose what I want.
@Anonymous My boss had a CR-V that she loved as well, which is why it’s on my short list to try.
@Marie-Christine I sort of came to the same conclusion last night. I really had such great luck with the Accord, and they do hold their value quite well. Those little French cars are cute, but can be tricky to maintain. Don’t think either make is sold here much anymore. (Back in the 70’s, a good friend of mine and her hub had a Renault. They loved it and named it Uncle Reynaldo.)
@SusanG Once I’ve narrowed down what I want, we will *definitely* go this way, or will work with a procurement agent (we did this when I bought my Accord…they search out the exact car you want and have it delivered to your doorstep…at the best price available too).
@metscan Thank you, Mette. You’re right, everyone has different needs and the same car won’t be right for everyone. I imagine you also have to haul horses sometimes too!
One more thing. I owned an Accord, in the 80s. My favorite car ever. It had an elegance to its workings that my Toyotas have never shown me. I drove the Toyotas because they have enough headroom to sit in such a way that I don’t aggravate my back. Were it not for that constraint, I’d never have left the happy land of Honda.
You said the Jetta is not comfortable for you…that’s a deal breaker. I don’t know if you would find that true of the other VW models, but you may still want to check out the Passat and the CC (the next two models up from the Jetta). They’re great-looking cars (that won’t look dated in a few years) and VW is a mechanically sound brand.
Can’t manage without AWD where I live now, so my last two cars have been Subarus, but if I were still driving in SoCal, I’d check out the new Fiat 500. Soooo cute! And then I’d come to my senses and buy a pre-owned Acura TSX. Honda bones with much better styling than the current Accord. I love a small car with leather seating.
I am relieved to hear that you are ok. Everyone here has told what car they drive. I am not going to do that.
I have no idea about the traffic over there, nor do I know the costs of your cars.
Maybe you should write a list of the suggested cars, and then test- drive the most popular ones.
Decide how much you want to invest in a new car, and choose the one you like best.
After all, You are the one who will be driving your car : )
@LPC Strangely enough, just test drove the new Accord and was mighty underwhelmed. I was much more impressed with the Camry hybrid, which I hadn’t expected to like. Did like the Acura TSX, handled beautifully, but back seat space is tight.
@Karen The angle of the seat in the Jetta can’t be adjusted, and I really have the feeling of sitting in a hole. The last VW I had was a ’69 squareback. Cherry red, with a sunroof. It was *awesome* until my ex blew it up (drove after the oil light came on). I’d consider a Passat, if none of today’s “likes” work out.
@Lee Rosenthall funny you should mention that! Just test drove a “gently used” TSX with low miles that has definite possibilities. Nice looking car and handles beautifully.
I have had a Prius for 4 years, and for me it’s a perfect in-town car and it meets your criteria. If I were you I would go to consumer reports.com and pay the extra few dollars for the car information so that you can evaluate and compare models. Good luck!
Hurray for Gary Numan! Sorry about your car. You should really look into the Mini extended hatch. They are really roomy inside, and despite Le Monsieur’s negative opinion of them, they are A) fun to drive B) affordable C) good gas mileage D) safer than a scooter,and E) paddle shift racing gearbox, Hello!!!
Whatever you decide on, just be sure you have front and rear disc brakes. Hey, want to buy an ungently used Ford Sport Trac?
I am Jonesing for a Mini. 😉
My DH says our next car will probably be a Hyundai–they’ve gotten very good reviews and have the best warranty around.
@MJ We actually do have a subscription to Consumer Reports, and it’s been quite helpful in narrowing down our choices.
@citizen spot I’ll make him go test drive a Mini with me next weekend, “just for fun.”
😉
@frugalscholar I do have to say that the Hyundai really seemed to be a good value for the money, and had a great warranty, but our expectations may have been raised too high because of all the hype and rave reviews about this line. The car was fine, but we’d expected to really be wowed based on all of the consumer reviews and we just weren’t.
I loved my Mazda 6 (sold to make the move to Spain), both for short and long drives. Decent gas mileage, safe, and really reliable. Plus mine had a five-speed manual transmission and a V6 which made it a blast to drive.
Good luck and be wary of your neck… sometimes the pain comes back later. I had to have a lot of accupuncture after being rear-ended years ago.
Give it some thought on how you will look in the car, a certain age women looks better in a classic, nicely designed car rather than a beater, leave that for the young….
Two recommendations, one high, one low. I love my Audi A4 — everthing the Passat is not but more expensive. It handles like a dream and does whatever you want it to. But you can’t beat the Prius at its price point for interior room and driveability. The green aspect is a side benefit.
I currently drive a Volvo, but if I had to buy a new car right now I’d buy a Nissan Altima Hybrid. My husband IS a car enthusiast and has been trying to get me to do this for about a year.
Financing should be a point or less right now.
I haven’t read any of the comments since there are so many, but if I were looking for a new car, I would want a Subaru Outback. It is a kind of combination wagon/SUV. We have had a Subaru Forester for 3 years and have really liked it. When our Audi dies, we’ll probably get another Subaru. Decent gas mileage (not phenomenal), affordable, safe, comfortable, nice to drive. Also they are 4 wheel drive which my husb thinks is safer on rainy roads. So sorry about your accident and glad you weren’t injured.
Oh damn the whole uninsured driver thing! I had one of those (with a hit and run to boot). I found my (now ex-) insurance, GEICO treated me like the criminal. Argue with yours if needed to get what you can for your car!
I see you have no shortage of recs but will put in another plug for the Camry. I’ve had so many old ones (with 65-140K mileage) that I’ve lost track of just how many I’ve owned…and as I hate cars I do little to maintain mine.
They hold up very well in spite of my diffidence, which is all that I want in a car! A pre-owned certified one would probably be as good as new.
Good luck!
I am currently driving a Prius but I miss my Toyota Matrix so much. It was a sporty little car that was fun to drive. The Prius is so fuddy duddy in comparison.
Glad you are OK.
cg
I bought one of the first Prius to come out – sometime in 2002-2005. It’s been so long ago, I can’t even remember.
I LOVE that car. I got the hatch back and it fits things like a station wagon. I’ve gotten tons of bags of soil into it, and even 13 pots with bushes for my back yard. It ALL fits. Back seats come down, and voila, you have a pickup truck (not really, but you get my point).
The gas milage is amazing. I put gas once every 2 weeks and it holds 10 gallons. The more you drive, the less gas it uses.
It’s a beautiful car, looks elegant and modern and it seats 4 (really 5) very comfortably. I always gets compliments about my Prius.
HIGHLY recommended.
By the way, SORRY about your car and the insurance issue. That stinks big-time.