We are 103,000+ car owners sharing real-world car information.

Join Us

Reliable, smooth, fun to drive, economic, packing room

The Right Car for Me | TrueDelta

ems49

I am looking to buy a used reliable vehicle that is not prone to major repairs. I am tall so my current Honda CR-V does not give me enough leg room and it's a lease. Full size sedans like a Toyota Camry give me the necessary leg room but I like sitting higher and having more room in the vehicle for hauling stuff however a full size SUV like a Tahoe does would killme on the fuel economy and drive too much like a truck. Having a smooth and enjoyable ride is important, I do volunteerfor EMS in my spare time so I like some good accelleration as well. I plan on buying in New York and moving cross country with it (without furniture). My research has led me to look at a used Mazda CX-9 (year 2011) and Acura MDX (year 2009 or 2010).

Any experience and advice with these cars would be much appreciated (looking to purchase from private seller or go to auction with dealer friend). Any other vehicle suggestions that fit my criteria and price range (preferably under 15k) would also be a great help.

Priorities: Reliability & durability / Ride smoothness / Front seat room

Preferred Bodystyle(s): SUV

Car Needs: Errands about town / Long trips

Primary Driver(s): Tall driver

Need minimum of 5 seats

Will consider both new and used cars
Maximum mileage: 70000
Maximum age: 10 years

Maximum price: US $ 15000

« Return to results

Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Sort responses by likes

Response from mkaresh

5:23 pm May 23, 2016

Between the two, I feel more confident suggesting the Mazda, if only because it's newer.

If you don't need something as large as these, you might also see how well the Toyota Venza (essentially a wider, taller Camry hatchback) and Nissan Murano suit you. I'm somewhat concerned about the transmission in the latter, but the 2010-2012 have been very reliable so far in our survey.

Among domestics, the Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain ride especially well, but aren't bulky. I don't now how much front legroom they have--you can't tell from the published specs, as the front seat is set for a 95th-percentile male, not all the way back. These have been reliable from 2012 onwards--can't tell yet if they'll become less reliable when older.

1

Link to this reponse

Toyota Venza
Nissan Murano
Mazda CX-9

Response from NormT

1:19 pm July 21, 2017

The Terrain SLT AWD took 6,000 miles round trip out west and back in very comfortable bucket seats. Though the front seats are on the firm side, the rear bottom cushion is just right along with sliding and reclining back seat made the trip bare able for 12 hour days.

Equinox is the same along with the Buick Envisio . The Buick Encore is tight so I'd put my left under the brake pedal on long drives.

All of these cars have better sound insulation and Active Noise Control that the CT-V never offered

0

Link to this reponse

GMC Terrain
Chevrolet Equinox
Buick Envision
Sign in or join TrueDelta to post your own thoughts.

Return to top