Ot: calling all outside sales reps and Motor-heads... Time 2 buy a new car!

Submitted by Helloheisman on
I thought I would take advantage of the slow time of year to take a survey of anyone who gave a shit about cars. I would like to take in your opinions of new cars on the market for an outside sales rep. At this point I'm liking the Subaru impreza sedan but idk... I work in southeast Michigan and my Toyota does not cut it in the winter... Any reasonable opinion is appreciated! Thanks in advance!
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ppToilet

August 11th, 2012 at 10:53 AM ^

I've put 245/45R-18 Bridgestone Blizzak LM-60 XL's on my RWD car. The car can't handle worth a darn in snow with its standard all-season tires, but with the Blizzak tires it could climb a tree.

Winter tires are essential.

Joined: 04/18/2011

MGoPoints: 5263

GRBluefan

August 10th, 2012 at 10:12 PM ^

Don't compromise on car quality just because of concerns about winter capabilities. A good set of winter tires (~$800) will make any newish car good to go. Well, maybe not a Ferrari or 911, but anything reasonable.

I drive from grand rapids to Kalamazoo most days. With rwd and have no real issues in winter. If you spend a lot of time in the car, treat yourself to something fun to drive.

Joined: 02/13/2009

MGoPoints: 18211

seegoblu

August 11th, 2012 at 10:29 PM ^

If you don't drive it every day? Seems like a waste to have it sit in the garage. This one is a C4S Cab...so rain, shine, snow, etc, it's good to go. Love it but i can't wait for the new version to come out. Thank you UM degree.

Joined: 08/10/2009

MGoPoints: 1725

brent19871

August 10th, 2012 at 10:23 PM ^

I work for pep boys and i can tell you all of the outside reps and members of coorperate drive ford fusions. Very reliable and easy and affordable to find parts for if a repair is needed. Also i have never heard about a complaint from any of them. Trust me if they were not up to par i would be the first to hear of it. Also gets good gas mileage for a full size sedan.

Joined: 08/10/2012

MGoPoints: 1

BlueLotCrew

August 10th, 2012 at 11:21 PM ^

Just to be clear... it is a mid-size and a very small one at that.  I had a FWD version for 18 months and hated it in the winter.  Underpowered and no traction when starting from a stop.  I would have to politely disagree with your advice.

Joined: 10/14/2011

MGoPoints: -562

Rather be on BA

August 10th, 2012 at 11:35 PM ^

I have multiple firends with Fusions 2009, 10, and 11 and they all love them.  I am considering trying to get my hands on a '09 or '10 for the right price.  Ford has really stepped up its game the last handful of years.  The 2013 Fusion looks pretty darn cool http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/2013/?searchid=64584805|2733078685|19403514847

Joined: 08/29/2010

MGoPoints: 1808

BlueLotCrew

August 11th, 2012 at 12:09 AM ^

But they start rattling and shit starts falling off inside the cabin after about 20k miles.  They are a giant heap of shit, but they are nice looking.  The engine noise is 68 db at highway speed.  Unfortunately, the underpowered audio system can't help you either, so you should prepare for fatigue and some hearing loss if you drive a ton of miles.  Also, they are steaming piles of shit.  One more thing, if you are taller than 5-10", don't even try it... the seats are terrible for longer legged drivers.

Joined: 10/14/2011

MGoPoints: -562

dayooper63

August 11th, 2012 at 1:48 AM ^

Test drove a base (SE) 2012 Fusion in March.  I did not like it.  I'm 6'7" and I fit in it like crap.  My knees hit the dash and the power was pretty lousy.  I test drove a 2012 Malibu and wound up buying one.  I fit in it pretty well (at least my shoulders don't hit the B pillar, my knees don't hit the dash. and my head doesn't hit the roof.  My 2.5 year old fits in behind me in his car seat and the gas milage is great (34mpg).  You have to really look hard to find one now as they started the 2013 models in March.  Been very happy with it so far, but I haven't had a winter in it yet.

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 715

bleedingblue11

August 11th, 2012 at 7:05 AM ^

If your serious bout getting one keep in mind body syles changed from '09 - '10! a friend of mine drove my car loved it so he went and bought a used one '09 sel 5-spd its pretty quick but my '11 sport ate him up now he wishes he wouldve spent a few dollars more to get A: the newer body style and B: A Sport model! But you should test them all out before buying! Good Luck!!

Joined: 08/01/2011

MGoPoints: 102

icefins26

August 10th, 2012 at 10:31 PM ^

Hyundai Sonata with a good set of tires. Last weekend, I went from GR to Taylor and back and to work (around 60 miles roundtrip) 3 days on one tank. I averaged 38.8 MPG all highway. I have leased a Subaru Legacy and Nissan Altima and really liked them both but the Sonata is an awesome ride. Best bang for your buck and the best MPG in its class. I also work for a tier one automotive supplier and Hyundai is scaring Toyota/Honda to death...FWIW. Give Hyundai a look.

Joined: 02/01/2009

MGoPoints: 13108

teldar

August 10th, 2012 at 11:04 PM ^

The 16 y.o. neighbor decided to total my car when it was sitting in the street. In 4 houses he got going fast enough to do about $6k worth of damage. (It was midnight, his girlfriend was with him and he didn't hit the car about 40' behind mine... don't know what the g/f was doing to him.)

Anyway, we went out and bought a brand new Kia Optima SX-L with the everything. Paddle shifters, 6 speed transmission, 280hp turbo 4 which gets 34 MPG highway, navigation, panoramic roof, new leather in the Limited is like butter... It's pretty awesome. 


I haven't driven it much (it's still only got like 400 miles on it) but my wife raves about it. I'd rave about it if I were allowed to drive it. Corners like a dream, tight and firm, but handles bumps nicely. Goes over 20MPH speed bumps at 45 without bottoming out or making you feel like you're riding on rails. Don't know about snow handling yet.... But man, does it handle nice in the dry. 

Joined: 07/14/2009

MGoPoints: 8132

victort1973

August 10th, 2012 at 10:32 PM ^

My wife drives a 2012 Ford Taurus 60 miles a day (mostly highway) and loves the car. It's very comfortable, powerful, good in the snow and actually gets pretty good gas mileage and would get even better if she kept it under 80.

Joined: 08/10/2012

MGoPoints: 1

beevo

August 10th, 2012 at 10:32 PM ^

I was hoping that my fellow UM fans would demonstrate a propensity to purchase products from our domestic manufacturers. Oh well.  Ahh well.  Guess I will just go have a Bud.  At least they are still American. 

 

/s

Joined: 05/13/2011

MGoPoints: 1120

sedieso

August 10th, 2012 at 10:32 PM ^

Not trying to come off as a dick but I guess it would help knowing your price range is. Also, are you looking to buy used or new? How many miles would you like the car to have? What year? How concerned are you about fuel efficiency?....Just from my experience, I had an Acura RL all wheel drive the last two years that did just fine in the snow. I actually had a better experience driving that in the snow than a Ford Expedition. I also like the Toyota 4runners or the Land Over Freelanders or Discoverys. 

Joined: 09/12/2008

MGoPoints: 563

JHendo

August 10th, 2012 at 10:38 PM ^

Only advice I'll give for your car search is to stay away from any car where the transmission is CVT. It sounded like a great idea on paper, but I've spent the past 2 years grumbling about how much I hate it.

Joined: 10/25/2008

MGoPoints: 13993

beevo

August 10th, 2012 at 10:40 PM ^

1) Price range

2) MPG???

3) Type: SUV, sedan, truck, etc

4) Passenger capabilities:  How many do you need to carry

5) Lifestyle:  Towing, hauling, carrying, etc.

 

I am one of those guys who seriously researches my vehicle before I purchase.  I never go on emotion and I am extremely patient.  I value functionality and ROI over all else.  Through personal use and work I have purchased numerous trucks, SUVs and mini-vans and can offer serious advice if you are seeking something in one of those categories.   

Joined: 05/13/2011

MGoPoints: 1120

WolvinLA2

August 10th, 2012 at 10:52 PM ^

I can't help you with the winter stuff, but I'm an outside sales rep and I just bought the Prius V.  I get a car allowance and then 50 cents per mile, so the better mileage I get, the more of that I get to pocket.  And the new Priuses are super nice, I feel like I'm driving a luxury car.  If you put in a lot of miles, a hybrid is a good option.

Joined: 11/13/2009

MGoPoints: 58191

Michiganmad

August 10th, 2012 at 10:53 PM ^

Big fan of the Honda Accord. Have a 2012 and really like it. Winter driving from Brighton to A2 with no problems. Good gas mileage, 5 passenger, roomy, large trunk and great power. Give it a look.

Joined: 01/17/2012

MGoPoints: 77