Idle Chat: What Should Mom Drive?
During a recent casual workplace conversation, we realized that each of our mothers is looking for a new car, and they'd like our advice on what they should buy. So, in honor of them on this Mothers Day, Today's Idle Chat Topic is Cars Our Moms Should Buy.
Ms. MacKinnon: My mom wants a reliable sedan that costs less than $25,000, has a good safety record and is capable of chauffeuring two grandchildren and at least one adult. It also needs to be comfortable for my dad to drive (he's 6'2") occasionally and exhibit a bit of a luxury feel (they've been driving Buicks for the last 20 years or so). Because of the high luxury content and the good experience we had with our long-term 2007 Hyundai Azera, I recommend my mom get a 2009 Hyundai Azera GLS. MSRP for this base Azera is $24,970, but TMV in my parents' area is $23,495, well below their price limit. Unfortunately, when I search dealers in their area using our site's New Car Inventory tool, there's only one car that fits the description. I guess suggesting a car is easy. Actually finding that car? Not so much. Happy Mothers' Day, Mom.
Mr. Romans: My mom has been driving various incarnations of the Nissan Maxima since 1987. But she's decided that her next car should be a hybrid. Not for the theoretical savings in fuel, she says, but for the reduction in carbon footprint. My first thought was a Nissan Altima Hybrid, but it's not sold in her home state of Colorado. None of the hybrid-powered SUVs seem to suit her. So I'd recommend the redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius. Ford's new Fusion Hybrid is a tempting choice, but the Prius wins me over with its lower price and better fuel economy. The Prius is also more refined than Honda's new Insight. A Prius it is, then. Hardly an original pick, I admit, but it's a good one. I just hope she doesn't start to gloat in front of her neighbors.
Idle Chat is hosted by Brent Romans and Bryn MacKinnon, two editors at Edmunds.com. Each Sunday in the Idle Chat Lounge (read: the Mothers Day brunch buffet line at IHOP), they pontificate on a topic that's kinda about cars.
- Posted by
- Bryn MacKinnon May 10, 2009, 3:00 AM
- Permalink
- Categories:
- Family Cars and Concerns, Idle Chat
- Technorati Tags:
- family car, Hyundai, Hyundai Azera, idle chat, mothers day, Toyota, Toyota Prius
Bryn, show her a Sonata. The interior space is impressive, and even on a top-of-the-line Limited she should be able to get change back from her $25k bill.
Brett, your mom needs a Fusion Hybrid. It's a better hybrid than the Prius, and a better CAR.
Insight or prius.
Then they won't get other drivers as mad when they drive slow on the freeway. People will think they are hypermiling.
I don't know why Ms MacKinnon wouldn't want to look at a LaCross. They've been driving Buick for a reason and the current ratings from Buick, put them at the top of the heap.
kinghalas, while I tend to prefer Honda over Toyota, I'd pick the Prius over the Insight in a heartbeat. The Insight is too new to the market. I know Honda isn't new to hybrids, but the their hybrid tech isn't up to Toyota or Ford (yet).
Ditto. Another Buick for mom #1. You can get one below $25K with incentives. Prius for mom #2.
I think the MacKinnons just made Wobbly_ears' day. ;)
Still, I was wondering why they just wouldn't want another Buick. By all accounts, they are reliable, well-built cars.
I also like the '09 (yes, the '09) Taurus/Sable, although the '10 versions look like a big leap forward.
Bryn,
My brother bought an '07 Azera at the beginning of '08 and loves it. She can probably get a screaming deal on an '08 that's now sitting on the lot.
@misterfusion,
Another senior citizen in an Azera?? I tell you I have yet to see another Azera driver under 60.
Sigh.