[mcgsxr]

I am currently considering replacing my 12 year old Honda Accord (low mileage though, only 87K miles), as it recently cost me $1800 to fix (bolt backed out of the cam sprocket, and it toasted 8 valves, water pump, timing belt etc).
 
I am a sales guy, and am increasingly taking clients in my car, so the old dog is inappropriate anyway.  I need something that blends in, not too snazzy, and not too dumpy (like now!).

Budget - 8K-10K USD - 10K-12K CDN
Mileage annually - 16K-18K miles
Anticipated use - 3-4 years while we pay off the 2007 Entourage Van, then sell this and buy Daddy a new car!
Requirements - leather interior, heated seats, automatic (WAF hits cars too!), sedan (well 4 door anyway, as I may have to get the kids in there too sometimes when the van is not around).

My ideas - 2006 Impala LTZ, 2005/2006 Mazda 6, 2005/2006 Buick Allure/Lacrosse, 2004/2005 Nissan Maxima, 2004/2005 Acura 1.7EL (might not be around in the US - basically a Civic with leather etc), 2006 Ford Fusion.

Thoughts?

[Wayne1]

Mark,

Take a look at the Subaru Legacy. All wheel drive, assembled in N. America, decent mileage in non-turbo versions.

In stock form, they offer all you could want for amenities. They do also have upscale versions. The 2.5 liter boxer engine is very reliable.

I have owned various four wheel drive SUVs, pick-up etc but I have never felt as safe on snowy roads as with the Subaru.

[mcgsxr]

Another good one to add to the list Wayne.  My uncle in Maine had an old Subie for years and years, and it was safe and reliable in all the exciting weather they get out East too.

I have reviewed the local market though, and any with the leather interior are going for around 2K more than I am looking to invest at this time.

Maybe I will get lucky, and in 8-10 weeks when I get serious, there will be someone looking to get rid of the perfect one!

It would rock in the winter here, and appears to have a large enough trunk for 3 sets of golf clubs - if I were ever to need to take 4 people and clubs, I would likely bring my Entourage instead.

[macrojack]

Here in Colorado, Subarus are very popular as are Volvo Cross Country. I haven't compared but I would expect the Volvo to be roomier and a bit more ergonomically seductive. Both excel in snow.

[ooheadsoo]

I'm also shopping for a used car and have noticed that the posted used market prices in general do not reflect the state of the economy - unless Canada is doing tons better than the US, I don't know.  The prices I'm seeing are all around kbb price, which has not really changed to reflect the desperation for sales many sellers are experiencing right now.  I just made a lowballish offer to a dealer on a near new car and they came a lot closer to taking the deal than I thought they would after hearing their initial shock and dismay at my temerity.  I suspect if I were a good haggler, I could probably get them to do 3k under kbb.  Unfortunately, I'm not a good haggler.

[jqp]

In this market used cars are often overpriced and new cars can be underpriced. For certain models a new car may be the better deal, especially when you are talking 0% interest  Wish I needed a new SUV, although I got mine a few years ago for 0% interest.