Topic: Looking for recommendations based on my own set of criteria

[mckenziepiping]

Hi everyone,

I've been gradually making a list of things that would be important to me in purchasing my next vehicle and was wondering if anyone could offer some recommendations. I'm looking to maximize value, while hitting as many of my criteria as possible. I'm thinking an SUV or a cross-over will be the only options.

First of all, here are the things that don't matter to me at all:

- Manual vs. automatic
- Appearance
- "Fully loaded" features.... all I want are power windows and A/C, the rest doesn't matter
- Horsepower & torque

Here are the things that are the most important to me:

- Purchase price, maintenance cost and general operating costs over a 10-year period from the purchase date must be optimized for value (purchase price must be less than 30K CDN$)
- Good fuel economy (anything worse than 9L/100km or 26MPG is a dealbreaker)
- The most possible cargo space
- Seats that can be fully lowered to the floor, forming a perfectly flat platform like in the Honda Fit

Other features that are important but not absolute musts:

- Japanese or Korean (positive predisposition to Honda, Toyota, Subaru, Kia, Hyundai, Nissan, Mitsubishi, etc…) but open to other brands
- Sterile dash and minimal integrated electronics is important - I hate things like integrated screens, built-in GPS, tire pressure monitors and generally all those unnecessary electronics that just drive up costs
- "Bucket" style floor mats or some sort of design that prevents excessive snow/salt messes in winter or at least facilitates cleaning
- Comfortable seats with reasonable back support
- Arm rest between front seats
- Cupholders in well thought-out locations

Vehicles I've owned in the past were:

- Mazda Cronos (fell apart after 200 000km, so now I have an aversion to Mazda)

- Honda Civic (fell apart after 475 000km, so I have a deep appreciation for Hondas, but I never want another sedan because of the lack of cargo space)

- Nissan Quest (great vehicle but I don't want another van)

- Jeep Grand Cherokee (horrible on gas, premature electrical problems and generally unreliable.... had to scrap it after 240 000km)

- Honda Fit (my current vehicle, 380 000km and still running extremely well with minimal maintenance costs. However, the seats are extremely painful for road trips. Any drive longer than an hour causes much discomfort. Also, I want something higher from the ground, larger and with more cargo space)

[ktm525]

You came to the wrong place. We will recommend vehicles that we have an irrational affinity for. For you (well if you drop the racist part) I think a Suburban checks all the boxes for you.

[tpl]

Assuming a new car:
You cannot buy a car without TPMS and a rear view camera so you'll get a screen like it or not.  Auto manufacturers will of course put other stuff you probably don't care about on that screen....just too tempting for them.   You will note that good old conservative Consumer reports no longer gives its highest ratings to any car without all the safety nannies so it might no be easy to find one without...and you cannot turn them off!

As you say maybe a small SUV/CUV would be the choice.  Mrs tpl has had two totally trouble free Fits ( mk1 and mk2) but as a low mileage driver she doesn't have a problem with the seats!     The small suv/cuv class from the Asian manufacturers obviously would be worth a look as there are plenty to choose from.   If they were within your price range I'd suggest a VW Golf wagon if you could find one.


Good hunting.

[Scaerio]

Since you value longevity and durability (the two vehicles you praise have/had about 400,000km), I think a Honda HR-V or CR-V are where you should start, since you like Honda.  Then look at Toyota CHR and RAV4.

VW can be a total gamble when it comes to reliability, but the Golf has a high level of fit and finish.

[blur911]

Look, it's even beige

[EV Dan]

If I read your requirements right, a Prius or a Prius V ought to be on your list.

[dkaz]

- Good fuel economy (anything worse than 9L/100km or 26MPG is a dealbreaker)
- The most possible cargo space
- Seats that can be fully lowered to the floor, forming a perfectly flat platform like in the Honda Fit

Limiting your choices with those requirements there. Rav4 gas or hybrid, Mazda CX-30, Honda CR-V

- "Bucket" style floor mats or some sort of design that prevents excessive snow/salt messes in winter or at least facilitates cleaning

You can get all weather liners for any car from Weathertech, Findway, Maxpider, etc.

Vehicles I've owned in the past were:

- Mazda Cronos (fell apart after 200 000km, so now I have an aversion to Mazda)

Modern Mazda’s are built to last and are affordable luxury premium cars. My 2012 Mazda 3 is at 173,000km and still going strong, knock on wood. My sister has a Lexus NX200T and her transmission blew up. Not sure why. As they say, YMMV.

Assuming a new car:
You cannot buy a car without TPMS and a rear view camera so you'll get a screen like it or not.  Auto manufacturers will of course put other stuff you probably don't care about on that screen....just too tempting for them.

TPMS and rear view cameras are not the law in Canada. You can still get economy cars without them.

[bridgecity]

Dkaz, Mazda’s are luxury cars?  C’mon man, what you smoking tonight? 

[ktm525]

Dkaz, Mazda’s are luxury cars?  C’mon man, what you smoking tonight?

Well there was almost Amati.. I would even give him the 929.

[dkaz]

Affordable premium cars. Fixed...

[ktm525]

tough crowd.

[dkaz]

Look, it's even beige

That was essentially a debadged Nissan March (Micra) for a popular Japanese store Muji which means “No Name”. They essentially sell basic no frills clothing and housewares.

[ltruong]

If you dont need awd then a 2-3 year old prius V. If you dont like the tech just cut a piece of plywood and cover it and paint it black.

[HeliDriver]

TPMS and rear view cameras are not the law in Canada. You can still get economy cars without them.

https://www.auto123.com/en/news/backup-camera-mandatory-transport-canada/64639/

[tpl]

TPMS and rear view cameras are not the law in Canada. You can still get economy cars without them.

https://www.auto123.com/en/news/backup-camera-mandatory-transport-canada/64639/

I thought they were mandatory now.  I am sure TPMS is as well and has been since 2015 or 2016. 

[sailor723]

Dear OP,

This is a forum for car enthusiasts.  You need to find a forum for transportation appliances.   

Seriously though, I'd echo the Honda and Toyota recommendations.
 I am personally still not convinced that Hyundai and Kia are building 10yr/300,000+Km cars.I view their strength as being more "lots of features and equipment for an attractive price" rather than long term durability.

[quadzilla]

Maybe you guys can compare all your answers to their other post.

https://forums.redflagdeals.com/looking-vehicle-recommendations-based-my-own-set-criteria-2376920/#p32577729

[dkaz]

TPMS and rear view cameras are not the law in Canada. You can still get economy cars without them.

https://www.auto123.com/en/news/backup-camera-mandatory-transport-canada/64639/

I thought they were mandatory now.  I am sure TPMS is as well and has been since 2015 or 2016.

Ok backup cameras mandatory, but you can still get cars without TPMS. The previous gen Mazda 3 didn't have TPMS as an option at all.

[sszoomzoom]

18 posts and the OP has not been seen. This might just be SPAM.
However it is so nice to see how nice people on this forum are and ready to help with good, bad and unrealistic suggestions (not referring to this this posts, generally speaking)

[Great_Big_Abyss]

Oh, guaranteed.  Just like how they necro'd my fishing boat sale thread.  Brought up a couple interesting memories for me, though.