Recommend me a midsize hatchback for ~$8k or less.

Not for me, but for my mom. Long story short..

She currently has a 1999 Toyota Sienna with almost 165k miles. I drove it the other day and it runs pretty shitty. She's a penny pincher and doesn't want to get into another vehicle. My plan is to surprise her with another car while I turn around and sell the Sienna.

Nothing older that a 2005, V6 preferred, but I'm open to healthy 4 bangers. Must be midsize so no Civics, Matrix, etc. To give you an idea, I've been looking at the Chevrolet Malibu Maxx and just recently the Dodge Caliber. Must have 4 doors and it doesn't have to be a hatchback, but I feel it would be much more convenient for her.

Suggestions?

 

Well, after reading a little more about it the Caliber is out.

 

subaru outback or dodge magnum.

 

subaru forrester or mitsubishi outlander.

 

Midsize what? CUV?

The Honda Pilot is hard to beat in that category.

 

I'd suggest a Hyundai Sonata. They are really cleaning up their act. My dad has an '06 Porsche Boxster S that, around this time last year, we drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway and met one on the way up while I was driving and followed him at a pretty good pace. He pulled over at a picnic area and ate. We went down ate lunch and switched so that my dad was driving. He met us going back up and paced us with my dad giving about 70% effort to get away from him. He found a good line and passed which was a slap in the face of my dad. We got to sliding rock and pulled over behind him to talk for a few minutes. He was really cool. The car was very nice car and I would recommend anyone to give it a look. It has a very good fit and finish. It feels very high quality on the interior, it's performance gives a Porsche Boxster S a run for its money. Very good car imo.

 

I'll look into all mentioned suggestions. Thanks for the replies.

 

1968 Chevelle SS.