Opinions on a car from Tacoma owners

.....mazdas... like mazda 6 mazda 3??

 

V6 is that year is around 23-26 MPG depending how well was kept. My friend just sold his outback due to load of problems.
Do you need AWD (do you get snow?) ?
Also I am going to suggest again that you consider minivan for your wife. Even old Honda Odyssey will be a good deal. They are not abused (driven by soccer moms, maintained by service) and it will be easy on your wifes back. Believe its well worth it.

 

Noticed the OP is in Utah, so AWD is a good thing there. Subie's are very tough and very safe. You will not break the trans unless you are drag racing a lot, just FYI. I trust Honda, Subaru, and Toyota...in that order...

My .02

 

IMHO
To OP, and other first time fathers no offense but you can not approach that with Man ideology.
Simply 4 door sedan is bad choice, imagine your self handling 25 lb trying to squeeze on the back of sedan. You need to lean, crouch, once that is done you need to put baby carriage to the trunk (20lb again) while leaning again. After a month, your wife back is going to hurt like crazy. Your car needs to be off the ground so Minivan, Honda Crv, Toyota Rav 4 should be your choices unless you can afford something bigger.

 

which motor does it have, the boxer or the v6? If they replaced the transmission, there should be some documentation and maybe even a warranty for a certain number of miles. You have to beware anytime you're buying a high mileage vehicle, even if it was properly maintained. Unfortunately, luck plays into it and sometimes things just stop working or break. The outback is a great car though, good space, handles great in the snow and is very safe. Not a bad price on the wagon if everything seems in order with the car mechanically, might be able to negotiate it down a little unless he's getting other offers.

 

We are back in Oklahoma now, so AWD isn't a must anymore. I like the sounds of the corolla

 

Certain Subaru engines from 1998-2004 had head gasket issues. It's actually not a big deal, since the coolant leaks were external and could often be solved with "Genuine Subaru Coolant Conditioner." Maybe the car with the new radiator had a head gasket-related system failure?

The main killer of Subies is rust. Just find a clean car and you'll be fine. Oh, and between '98 and '04, use that coolant conditioner.

 

Its in Oklahoma, so hopefully rust wouldn't be an issue, I think I need to ask him about documents on the tranny and Radiator... see what the warranties are?

On a side note, I think this Subaru sits about as high as a minivan and has about as much room..... ? maybe not

 

My wife's '00 Outback (160k miles) has a higher ground clearance than a Toyota Sienna minivan. That much I can tell you.

There's an interesting story behind that involving a winter camping trip and an unplowed road...

 

Also, if you decide on a Camry...my dad has had four of them since the mid 80s. He thinks the 1995-2001 model years were the golden age of bulletproof reliability.

Just an example: the original front end suspension components on his '95 Camry are still tight. The 4cyl motor doesn't consume a drop of oil at ~270k. The AC hasn't needed recharging. It is one well-built car, and I remember it as a peppy and exciting car to drive back when I was 16. I am now 31. Not bad for what amounts to one step above "econo box" status.

PS - Camry, Accord, Corolla, etc., all suck in snow. Outback kicks a$$ for that purpose. Very different cars.

 

Honda if you want a smaller car.

 

Interesting, Thanks They don't look half bad either, I might check some out

 

All good cars - especially the Toyota and Honda. Longer lives then the Nissan generally speaking... according to my mechanic anyway (in his experience)....

 

Thats what I've heard too, I had an '02 altima that had a rod or wrist pin knock at 70k... needed a new engine haha

 

I see that Toyota and Honda have been brought up here alot. Another vehicle to possible look at that has some room is a Scion xB. I bought my second Scion xB last year and it has been a great vehicle. Defintely roomy for bigger folks.

 

Subaru
have a 06 impreza. it came down to that or a corolla.
but went with the subaru because of the all wheel drive
have been very impressed so far, great in the snow, no problems yet - nothing

 

Again thinking with the dipstick are we ?

Ground clearance is a man thing, but does the second row seat is at the same height? I am pretty sure its not. Hence to put the kid into the car seat in minivan you don't have to squat or lean. Not to mention you are not worried about hitting his head.
Dont forget about sliding doors

 

All valid points, ha I am new to this parenting thing. Going to be a learning experience

 

Honestly i'd go for a prius, only the Gen III, NOT Gen II.

Being a computer geek i love all the technology the prius has and this new generation is alot more faster than the other one, and most drivers get 50+ MPG!!!

But if you dont want the prius....my dad has the camry and i hattteee driving it, it feels so underpowered, he has the I4 so my guess is the V6 would feel and drive alot better.

Based on styling though, id give props to the Honda Accord, i like the looks of that over all the others, i dont know how the new ones drive, but we had one back in 93 and it was a great car never had any major problems and we sold it in 2000 (i think) to get a RX300.

 

Been there done that, now I am just waiting when all of my kids get out of the house to college and stop spending my money
maybe I will be able to park car in second garage.
But seriously, you can buy whatever you want but she is probably going to want minivan anyway. Buy Her now and be done with it.
Otherwise one day you may discover that your truck missing (I see you have double cab) and there note on the 4 door sedan saying
"Back hurts, took your truck to doctor, drive sedan its more fuel efficient, Love you and truck."