Thanks. I checked the Toyota Venza. It is a big car and cost $26k for base model, not in my budget.
“Type the word “Subaru” into the search window of this forum. They are the board champion when it comes to owners moaning and groaning…”
That has as much to do with the large sample of Subaru owners bot present and previous that frequent this site. It’s such a popular NE car, many here have had one if they had AWD at one time or another. That’s why there are so few Bentley complaints.
Ive owned both Legacy and Forester past and present. With a baby and all the stuff that goes with baby, go with the Forester. It has a very good safety rank and an easy in/out. If you have any back or leg problems, Legacy is not a good choice for getting in and out of the vehicle. Even with no back and leg problems, my last foot in and first foot out are always slipping on winter ice.
There are only three cars that I would consider purchasing under the same circumstances:
The 4-door Yaris hatchback,
The Scion xD, or
The Honda Fit,
likely in that order.
Don’t pass up looking at the RAV4…
Personally, I think you’d be better off with a slightly used Civic or Accord. For most people AWD isn’t necessary for winter driving. If you live on a hill or must drive when roads have not been plowed, then you’ll want snow tires anyway, even with the Subaru.
You’re barely going to get a hold of a Legacy for under 25k, if at all (don’t forget the $1500 tax on top of it), and your excise tax will be higher than a 2 yr old Honda.
With the '11 models coming into play, you should be able to get a good deal on left over '10 models.
I’ll also suggest looking at a Mazda CX-7. If you get a Sport trim level with convenience package($1750 for: moon roof + power driver’s seat + heated front cloth seats + backup camera + auto climate control and multi-info display) for right around $25k. Or, you could forgo the convenience package and get the rear DVD entertainment system for when your kid gets older and come in under $25k.
For a family of three (one baby) and drivng in Boston, my picks would be:
Hyundai Elantra
Toyota Corolla
Honda Civic
I would avoid the complexity of AWD and the higher operating costs. OP can load up all three with every imaginable option and still not exceed the budget.
I would also add the Mazda 3; it’s the most fun to drive.