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I need a new car: crowd sourcing JFC for recommendations and warnings

Top recommendation for OP:

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Jamezz go to the memphis vs jazz gamethread and post your good luck jazz girl again please
 
I have a Ford Fusion Hybrid. It gets 36mpg and has decent pick-up actually.

With newer gov't regulations, all car manufacturers have to have x amount of their fleet that get better gas mileage too. So some of the newer SUV's get a solid 30mpg. My wife has an ACURA MDX and loves it (so do I, the thing drives great) and it gets 30mpg or so.
 
I have a Ford Fusion Hybrid. It gets 36mpg and has decent pick-up actually.

With newer gov't regulations, all car manufacturers have to have x amount of their fleet that get better gas mileage too. So some of the newer SUV's get a solid 30mpg. My wife has an ACURA MDX and loves it (so do I, the thing drives great) and it gets 30mpg or so.

The new acura mdx and rdx are great looking cars. Acura in general are good looking cars actually.
 
If you're a fan of a constant stream of small but highly irritating electrical issues, deplorable gas mileage, and wheel arch rust, I'd highly recommend the Ford Bronco (1980-96)
 
If you're a fan of a constant stream of small but highly irritating electrical issues, deplorable gas mileage, and wheel arch rust, I'd highly recommend the Ford Bronco (1980-96)

I owned an '86 for a few months. Wasn't too bad. Was gonna be a toy, but they're too big and heavy, I think.
 
I know it's not as cool as the 4 runner, but one vehicle I was impressed with is the 4 door suzuki sidekick or samurai or whatever it is. The square ones before the gran vitara style. They can go anywhere. And fit in a lot of places that jeeps and 4 runners can't.
 
I owned an '86 for a few months. Wasn't too bad. Was gonna be a toy, but they're too big and heavy, I think.

You may be shocked to learn this, but I really like Ford Broncos (especially 1966-77).

Fun, but as a practical vehicle they are near the bottom of the list.

I like your lean toward the Toyota 4Runner. I know a couple of guys that have owned 4Runners with 250K+ miles that still ran great.
 
I know it's not as cool as the 4 runner, but one vehicle I was impressed with is the 4 door suzuki sidekick or samurai or whatever it is. The square ones before the gran vitara style. They can go anywhere. And fit in a lot of places that jeeps and 4 runners can't.

That actually sounds pretty kick ***. I've never heard of a 4 door sammi but those things are dope. I knew a dude that threw a 350 in one. It was awesome.
 
I just settled on a 2008 Saturn Outlook. Fits exactly what I need and looks and runs great.
 
my uncle owns a 2001 4Runner, thing is indestructible. Make sure it's the V6 engine. It's simply a well-rounded car in every aspect-- spacious, safe. Not particularly fuel-effecient, but not terrible either. Some of them have rust problems here in Canada, but I'm sure the cars will be minty in California.

It really depends what your income is like, and what you want in a car. Functional, or something with some flair.

If you want flair, and have disposable income, maybe look into an early 90s Mercedes G. Make sure it's the 3.4l diesel engine. The cars are INSANE reliable, and generally very well taken care of. Off-road monsters, yet comfortable people-carriers. Not bulky at all, either. Rather good-looking IRL, very Jeep-esque. But, of course, the parts will tend to be rather expensive if something were to break.

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If you want something newer, get a wagon IMO. We're a euro-family, and we have owned Volkswagens, BMWs, Audis and MBs-- Mercedes-Benz has been the most reliable of the lot (2 volkswagens, 1 Audi, 2 BMWs, 2 MBs).

Unfortunately the selection of Japanese wagons in NA is rather limited, apart from Subaru. Going alone with a newer version of your Outback wouldnt be a bad idea, but I wasn't too stoked on the handling of our old 1998 Subaru Forester. German machines are simply different to drive, in my experience. I'm on my 2nd Benz myself (cue Albanian stereotypes) and I really think I'll stick with them for the rest of my life.
 
I just settled on a 2008 Saturn Outlook. Fits exactly what I need and looks and runs great.

They are build on the same base as GMC Acadia and Buick Enclave. I heard those models have quite a few transmission issues. And they are love gas... but for you with your cheap gas prices it won't matter much. When I was looking for same type car in 2008 I settled on Ford Taurus X. Slightly smaller, but much better on gas and touch the wood, 130k miles later no major issues so far.
 
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