Need a recommendation

[Machiavelli]

I posted this up on the local RX-8 forum, then it occurred to me that it would be a good idea to re-post here . . .

Hey guys, I'm looking for recommendations for a new car for my . . . wait for it . . . 86 year old mother in law. We can skip over the "wtf does she need a car for!?" and the "Holy crap! Should she even be driving?!. The answers are "she probably doesn't" and "she's well above average for someone of her age, but, well, she is 86." I've been over all this with her, and the fact is she wants one and she's going to get one whether I help her or not, so I'd rather she at least gets something decent (unlike her last car).

So, the criteria: she has about $6-7K to spend. It should be easy to climb in and out of. Automatic transmission. Reliable (obviously). Not overly complex to operate (i.e., can't be like my wife's old Maxima that had a separate poorly marked micro-button for every stupid little function). Good sight lines. I guess that's it.

She won't be driving it on the highway. If she puts 5,000 miles on it the entire time she owns it, it'll be a miracle.

Thoughts?

 

[Perro del Sol]

2004 Mazda 3 Hatch

 

[eprx799]

If your looking for something easy to get in and out of I would go with a small suv or minivan. if your shopping mazda try a mazda5 it basicly a mini minivan. my parents have a 2003 honda oddesey and have nothing but good things to say about it. they have over 150,000 on it.

 

[Kiseliok]

I'm with Marlon on this one. It's compact, but roomie ... and not tech-crazy by any means. Also, everything is clearly visible.

 

[jri4]

Tom! Long time, no see!

I like the idea of a Mazda3 or a comparable car. I mean, it's easy to get in and out of, it is maneuverable and easy to see out of, and it is not gigantic or something that will make her more prone to bumping things. Also, MPG is a plus...Another option I can think of is a Ford Focus. My grandparents swore by Mercury Grand Marquis until they stopped production. Since, they have become obsessed with Ford Foci!

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

 

[Fiji Mazda3]

Does she want a smaller car, like a Cobalt/Corolla/3, or a larger car like a Taurus/Fusion/Accord? Maybe even like a crossover? I don't know how mobile she is, so a crossover might be hard for her to get in and out of.

I work for a big dealer network in Columbus, so I can find pretty much anything. Let me know and I can see what I have available.

 

[princess peach]

I would say either a 3 hatch or an aveo, they're very simple, easy to drive and i would think she could get in and out easily

 

[THE Phen]

Now the fun part. Find a 3 hatch for that price point. Every one I see is still well over 10k.

My sister just picked up an 02 Passat with decent miles for $4500. It's a pretty nice car too. Of course, many know my general thoughts on VW but that's all biased anyway.

 

[Perro del Sol]

Now the fun part. Find a 3 hatch for that price point. Every one I see is still well over 10k.

My sister just picked up an 02 Passat with decent miles for $4500. It's a pretty nice car too. Of course, many know my general thoughts on VW but that's all biased anyway.

I have found a few within the price range he was looking for.

 

[thejeans]

I have found a few within the price range he was looking for.

mileage is gonna be over 100k at that price range

i got 109k miles on whitney and its still worth around 8k

 

[Fiji Mazda3]

Click this link. It's of the cars at my dealership in your price range.

 

[Machiavelli]

Wow . . . thanks to all for the responses. I haven't found any automatic 3's or 6's in her price range with under 100K on them. That's starting to look unrealistic.

Fiji, thanks for the link. There's some interesting prospects there.

Apparently she and my wife are looking at an '04 Altima with just a bit over 100K miles for around $7,300 out the door. I'm not excited about it but it just might work for her.

 

[Fiji Mazda3]

Wow . . . thanks to all for the responses. I haven't found any automatic 3's or 6's in her price range with under 100K on them. That's starting to look unrealistic.

Fiji, thanks for the link. There's some interesting prospects there.

Let me know what you think might work and I can find out more info. on them. I know you're kind of far away, but if you want to come down some weekend to look at a few, be more than happy to help you.

 

[Machiavelli]

Let me know what you think might work and I can find out more info. on them. I know you're kind of far away, but if you want to come down some weekend to look at a few, be more than happy to help you.

I appreciate it. If the Altima thing falls through I'll be in touch.