I need a new car..................

[stevet]

From 2005- 2012, and 70,000+ miles, I drove a 2005 Hyundai Santa Fe front wheel drive with a V6 and auto tranny.  Problems- none.  Work performed- routine scheduled, and one tire change.  Driven in MN winters with more salt than in all of the Pacific Ocean (it seems), zero body corrosion.

From 2012 to present, I've driven a 2012 Kia Soul.  Problems, part of the LED radio display went out when fairly young, and this past fall at the 60,000 service one of the back brake calipers was starting to freeze, so they did a back brake job only, while the fronts are still good for about 40% pad life.  I'll drive this car until my planned replacement of late 2019, by then it will have over 80,000.  Replacing because, not including motorcycles, we are a one-car family and I only want to run a rock solid, dependable car, trading it away while still healthy.  Oh, zero corrosion.

In 2019, I see myself going back to a Hyundai Santa Fe, or maybe its Kia cousin.  I want a real automatic transmission, not a CVT, so I can tow a motorcycle on a trailer.  Not a lot of non-CVT choices out there, kills Suburu for my needs.  I won't tow with a CVT, regardless of what "they" say- in my mind, a CVT is not a tow-worthy transmission, and tranny shops will agree.  I would wholly endorse Kia or Hyundai sedans or SUVs to you, new or used.  I know several long term owners of each brand... problems are so rare as to not even be considered.

I also own a summer-only fun car, a 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Classica.  My God, is this car a blast to drive! 8000 trouble free miles, she'll be waking up from her winter nap in a few weeks.  Fiat did such a nice job re-styling the MX5 Miata for the Fiat badge (and its "modern classic" Euro theme), and the turbo 1.4L, although almost entirely stock on my car, has a great many available upgrades to make it stupid powerful (for a 2400lb car), along with a lot of suspension options to turn it from a roadster into a truly capable sports car.  If you're into that kind of thing.  The Fiat 1.4 turbo is proven reliable in several formats, incl. Jeep, and Mazda built a great chassis and transmission (auto and stick) for it.  It is a great package, regardless of what a clueless press and other naysayers blab about with little justification.

Lastly... come on, honestly and objectively, how many truly bad cars are rolling off the production line anymore?  Even our worst of today is a country mile ahead in quality over cars from up through about 1990, maybe even later.

Good luck in your quest.

Steve.

[Tom]

If I was to buy new...the warranty that covers Kia & Hyundai vehicles would clinch it for me.  Since I don't buy new, it's academic.   

[guzzi4me]

Lastly... come on, honestly and objectively, how many truly bad cars are rolling off the production line anymore?  Even our worst of today is a country mile ahead in quality over cars from up through about 1990, maybe even later.

Good luck in your quest.

Steve.

How very true. There is not 1 car/bike/truck/shampoo or laundry soap that meets everyone's requirements. I for one am glad that it is so hard to make a choice..so many good ones out there.

When we were shopping for a new car we decided on the Subaru Outback. It was right for us. Other folks have different requirements that the Subie wouldn't be right for. Decide what you need the vehicle to do, narrow down your choices and have fun choosing from there.

As far as ad campaigns (hi Bad chad!!!!!) I don't let them sway my decisions. Just like when Guzzi had the guy hugging a V11 Breva...thought it was odd but still ride them today.

Of course I have been known to pat my V7II on the tank every now and then!!

Ride safe and often,

Jeff

[Calculon]

That 500 Cabrio sure looks like it'd be a lot of fun, particularly in the Summer.

[rider33]

I drove a Fiat 500, 'fun little car but at 6'2" I felt like I was driving a go-cart.  To me, cars are soulless appliances which take away money for more meaningful pursuits, like motorcycles.  In the city I use a Prius C which in the 120 thousand miles that I have had it has needed gas (45-50MPH so not much), oil changes (every 10 thousand miles, 2 engines=less wear on the gas one) and a set of tires, that's it. Little cars in the city are a lot easier to deal with.   Down at the farm I keep an old truck, handy for hauling things, like bringing the new V7iii home!
[img width= height= alt=dVpMgd.jpg]https://vgy.me/dVpMgd.jpg[/img]

[bobrebos]

I drove a Fiat 500, 'fun little car but at 6'2" I felt like I was driving a go-cart.  To me, cars are soulless appliances which take away money for more meaningful pursuits, like motorcycles.  In the city I use a Prius C which in the 120 thousand miles that I have had it has needed gas (45-50MPH so not much), oil changes (every 10 thousand miles, 2 engines=less wear on the gas one) and a set of tires, that's it. Little cars in the city are a lot easier to deal with.   Down at the farm I keep an old truck, handy for hauling things, like bringing the new V7iii home!
[img width= height= alt=dVpMgd.jpg]https://vgy.me/dVpMgd.jpg[/img]

Nice choice in truck and the bike!