[Beyond Limits]

Originally Posted by MAC

So as some of you have probably read somewhere, my moms ford taurus is totally crapping out on us. Daily.

She is currently looking to buy a new/used car, ("NOT ANOTHER FORD!", she exclaims)
She's been renting a cobalt for about 2 months, she enjoys the maneuverability of the cobalt, and she likes the setup of it. However, at higher speeds, it tends to loose its grip on the road when turning corners...I told her it's probably because its a rental and doesn't have the standard equipment of a normal cobalt..(can anyone confirm this?) - We used to have a pretty damn decent chevy wagon (celebrity)

Anyway, what she basically wants, is a car thats reliable, small (but not 2 passenger small) - Ideally the size of the cobalt, and can get her from point A to point B without having the transmission break down (like our taurus)
I've suggested the Honda Civic (as it pretty much fits these characteristics)
but she has it in her mind that the Honda's still have the Thumb click gear switch. I've tried to make it as clear as day - that I have yet to see an Accord or Civic with a thumb click gear switch - as it appears they have switched to the multi-finger press and hold gear switch (much like the cobalt)
She has issues with her thumb and is unable to manage that sorta setup.
V6's are not out of the question, but given her experience I think she should try a 4 cyl. We're just looking for a daily driver, and Used (preferrably) thats not ridiculously overpriced..Preferrably in the 10-20k range (new if necessary) but she would prefer to have a Used one.
I told her about Car Max, and she questioned its credibility. I told her I haven't heard anything negative about them yet..

Anyway if anyone has a Legit suggestion as to a SAFE, RELIABLE, DEPENDABLE, 4 - 5 Passenger, sedan, 4 cyl or 6, Paint job: needs to be a light color
I'd greatly appreciate suggestions made =)

She's mentioned things like the Scion xB (which I personally panned because it doesn't look safe for shit). Also the tC - but after I told her majority of them have a moon roof and i think they only have 2 doors, she was like:
She also mentioned the Jetta (which i didn't really see a problem with)
And I'm trying to get her interested in a civic.
Please keep personal brand hatred out of it, because I just need to know a car that'll work. ( Unless its Ford, don't even mention a ford, ill throw a tomato at you. )

I just hope to god she doesn't get another ghastly tan interior. (those things get massively dirty I've never seen anything like it)

I would saw one of two cars. If you want to stay American check out the new Malibu. I got to rent one last month. It is a really nice vehicle. Well built, has a lot of get up and go, the fit and finish is very nice, not a bunch of cheap plastic like we have seen come out of the general in years past. All in all a really nice car.

Other then that I would highly recomend a VW Jetta. My wife drives one. She is on her second (she had a 2003 and when saw the new body style come out she decided she wanted that one instead so now she has a 2005). It is an incredibly well built car. Solid as a rock. The interior is well built (the only part I don't like is the instrument colors but don't just say no right off the bat, you seriously get used to it). It comes standard with enough airbags to turn it into a canoli god forbid the worst happens. She has 60,000 miles on it now and the only things that have been done is oil changes, a set of brakes, and a set of tires. She gets between 30-33 MPG driving on the freeway (she is one of those that believes her car gets better fuel economy at 80 then it does at 65 as well) and if she takes surface streets for her commute she gets between 25-28 MPG. She used to carpool so there is plenty of room for 4 full sized adults in it without having to move the front seats forward and the people in the rear having to sit with their knees pressed up against the front seats. All in all it is a really nice vehicle and I know you can get one new for right around 20-25K.

I have also heard that the Pontiac G6 is pretty nice but that might be more then you are looking to spend (don't hate me if I am wrong about the price on that one).