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Jan. 22, 2011 6:25 a.m. phillyj Reader

So its been ages since I was here. How is everyone doing? Anyway, I'm graduating soon and looking to enter the workforce. I researching affordable vehicles. I'm in the outskirts of Philadelphia (probably not going to travel into the city too much) and thus I need something with good gas mileage and a reasonable ground clearance for the occasional snow. I was thinking of mid-size SUVs. Our family never bought American cars but I really like the Ford Escape. It seems like a good value. I would like to keep the price below 25k, total including taxes, etc. What used options do I have?

From what you guys have told me, its all in the tires, grip-wise, so I don't really need AWD or a Subie.

To sum up, I want: +25 mpg, good ground clearance, < $25k total, If used, then 3 to 4 years ago is the limit, and you rabble-rousers here, no Miatas.

What should I be looking for and comparing?

And presently, we have a Camry, Pathfinder, and Sentra. Out of these 3, the Camry is the best since, Pathy is so gas expensive and Sentra is too small/lightweight

Edit: Whats up with not being able to make a list here? Is there some automatic BBcode or something?
Jan. 22, 2011 6:47 a.m. bruceman New Reader

Chevy Equinox, 5year 100,000 mile warranty, 6 speed automatic, FWD, std 182hp SIDI 2.4L Ecotec, std 17" alloy wheels

all for <$25k
Jan. 22, 2011 7:06 a.m. jrw1621 SuperDork

My company car is a
2010 Ford Escape
2.5L 4 cyl
6 speed automatic
4wd
I have over 20k miles on it since just late April. Much of what I drive is hyw and I have never seen better than 24mpg. Typical is 21mpg in mixed driving.
www.fueleconomy.gov says that it should get 20/22/26 so my results are within the expected but I am surprised how low the expected really is for this slow, small, SUV.

Use www.fueleconomy.gov and you can search and compare MPG of anything sold in the US since 1985.

My recommendation: the newest versions of the Matrix/Vibe twins. These proved a nice combo of space, fun and function. Two engines (1.8L or 2.4L) and both can be gotten with a 5 speed manual if you want.
MPG of 26/32 or 21/28
Suzuki SX/4 or Nissan's new Juke if you are open to the idea of smaller and more unique.

PS: to write in single space on this board you must hit the space key twice at the end of your sentence before hitting the return key. Samples above.
Jan. 22, 2011 9:08 a.m. bastomatic Dork

I'd look at the Subaru Forester. It seems to get really good gas mileage for a vehicle of its size and type, plenty of space, and has more ground clearance than 99% of the SUVs in the class. Something near 10 inches. They start at around $20k, but are difficult to find with a manual if that's your thing.

I would look at the 2009 or newer model if you're concerned with ground clearance, but really if snow is what you are worried about any Forester will tackle it fine.
Jan. 22, 2011 1:23 p.m. chknhwk Reader

My 2011 Accent has not had a problem getting through the ~60" of snow we've seen this season already. I'm averaging low 30mpg, mostly highway driving. $10k.
Jan. 22, 2011 1:37 p.m. Rustspecs13 Reader

bruceman wrote:

Chevy Equinox, 5year 100,000 mile warranty, 6 speed automatic, FWD, std 182hp SIDI 2.4L Ecotec, std 17" alloy wheels

all for <$25k

I uh, hate. HATE those things.

I have no idea if the new new ones are "OK" or not, but the 04-07's (or what ever that year range is) are TERRIBLE. Ive seen a few come in the tire shop I used to work at, and they were all junk. At 49K this one came in and it needed struts.

I took OEM stock struts off my 240sx, and only 2 were blown and they kinda worked. This POS had 49K, and it acted like the strut body was there to old the shaft in place, not offer any kind of dampening. 49K eqnx VS nissan at 175K. Nissan was in better shape.

The same one came in, the drive shaft bearing holder was bad at 57k?, other have come in needing wheel bearings and of course struts they didn't buy.

They all seem to be made in mexico, and the quality is hit or miss, and the hits aren't that impressive.

I know chevy is suppose to be getting better, but Id avoid the eqinox for now, my dads trailblazer is far far better in the same year range. Terrible mpg though.

Just curious on the ground clearance for snow duty issue....I have 3in or less below my frame rails, and less at the bumper, and I have no issues in the snow. Its all in the tires. Anything that's not scraping frame rails should be good really.

If you want cars, check out the maxima and altima. Both are great cars, and will do 25-30mpg, better on highway cruises. The maxima is easy to get down in the low 20's due to its 3.0 or 3.5L V6 and the altima can have the same 3.5L or a 2.5L but is lighter.

~Alex