New Car for the Girlfriend

Lady Jane · 03-04-2021, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Rudi

I pulled up some Mazda 6's and CX-9's last night for her to look at.

Since this Forum is a BMW Forum, may I suggest a X1?

Attachment 2542995

machE90 · 03-04-2021, 10:32 AM

Go for a 3 Series. Bought a manual 2009 E90 recently and it's a beautiful drive.

CTinline-six · 03-04-2021, 10:45 AM

Honda, Toyota, Mazda, if she wants fancy get a Lexus.

My sister owns a 2013 VW Jetta she's been pretty happy with, it has the 2.5L 5-cylinder which is a bit more reliable, and still gets 37 mpg highway. Hers is white with tan fake leather, heated seats, sunroof, etc. Not a bad little car and it's going on 160k with just maintenance.

CTinline-six · 03-04-2021, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

Since this Forum is a BMW Forum, may I suggest a X1?

Attachment 2542995

It is a BMW forum, but when recommending cars for others proceed with caution, especially if the OP is purchasing the car. These situations can be relationship killers if the car turns out to be a POS that breaks down all the time and the OP has to fix it.

TiMSport · 03-04-2021, 11:04 AM

Haha. I'm pretty sure she would prefer not to have to spend a lot of money to maintain said vehicle so I'd stay away from a used Bimmer. If the intent is to keep the car for the next several years at least, as many have said, go with something safe like Toyota or Honda.

King Rudi · 03-04-2021, 11:30 AM

Just looked at a CX-5. One of our outside sales reps drives one. She mentioned that this is her second and she absolutely loves them. I was impressed with it overall.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lady Jane

Since this Forum is a BMW Forum, may I suggest a X1?

Quote:

Originally Posted by machE90

Go for a 3 Series. Bought a manual 2009 E90 recently and it's a beautiful drive.

I've owned two BMW's now. No. I just got rid of my E93 2 years ago. Not looking to spend my weekends scanning codes and turning wrenches again, especially if it isn't my car.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTinline-six

It is a BMW forum, but when recommending cars for others proceed with caution, especially if the OP is purchasing the car. These situations can be relationship killers if the car turns out to be a POS that breaks down all the time and the OP has to fix it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Haha. I'm pretty sure she would prefer not to have to spend a lot of money to maintain said vehicle so I'd stay away from a used Bimmer. If the intent is to keep the car for the next several years at least, as many have said, go with something safe like Toyota or Honda.

This.

Quote:

Originally Posted by DETRoadster

You haven't told us nearly enough about her to make an educated decision. What aspects of her hobbies, personality, life translate into a vehicle choice? Example: She commutes 100 miles a day and the inside of her car looks like a rolling dumpster and the outside hasnt been washed in 3 years vs. she likes to hike, camp, fish, and needs to carry a kayak.

Good call sir. Her drive to work is about 10 minutes. Three kids, all are involved in some from of activities. The youngest is in Cross-Country, the middle child has violin lessons and plays the drums, the oldest is active in several sports. This was my thinking behind the smaller SUV's versus a sedan. Her current vehicle does get a bit...."thrashed" but I attribute it to kids, a hectic life and honestly when a persons vehicle becomes as beat up as hers is now, a person loses interest in trying to keep it pristine. She plans to keep the truck for hauling trash and whatnot. We do like to go hiking on occasion but not nearly as much as either of would like.

TiMSport · 03-04-2021, 11:35 AM

One thing to note about that CX-5, it's really small. Maybe consider a CX-9 considering the active kids?

King Rudi · 03-04-2021, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

One thing to note about that CX-5, it's really small. Maybe consider a CX-9 considering the active kids?

That's what I'm thinking as well.

Turkish Pickle · 03-04-2021, 11:49 AM

Tell her to go drive a car she thinks looks pretty - my gf was heavy simping over the W205 C classes and within 2 minutes of being in it she said she knew this was not the car for her. So now she's absolutely simping over a G29 Z4 which is nice because BMW and not a Benz.

I disliked the W205 after driving two variants (C220d sedan and C180 facelift wagon) for non-engine reasons, for what it's worth.

Seriously though, I'm sure TN is more open than IL too. Go on a carmax or two, and see what she thinks is nice for herself. Obviously we care about different things than many others do so we like german cars that are nothing but trouble but I've came to realize most girls around me pick their cars based on if they like how it looks or not.

JP10 · 03-04-2021, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Rudi

Just looked at a CX-5. One of our outside sales reps drives one. She mentioned that this is her second and she absolutely loves them. I was impressed with it overall.

Don't really want to impact your decision, but I wasn't a fan of our 2018 CX-5. Small, transmission is blah - not that we had issues, but it doesn't seem to mesh well. Bucky in low speed traffic. Arm rest is way too far back. Infotainment system lags. Hm I think that was about it, other then those it was a decent car. We just turned in that lease.

Smgs1992 · 03-04-2021, 01:07 PM

Volvo S60 theyre nice inside. Very safe and pretty reliable

King Rudi · 03-04-2021, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Smgs1992

Volvo S60 theyre nice inside. Very safe and pretty reliable

I did suggest one of these as well. My sister had one and loved it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Mazda all day, other than that a Toyota would also be fine. My son has both a Mazda6 Signature, NB Miata, and his wife has a CX-9, they love all three cars, never had any issues.

Another vote for Mazda. Never thought I'd see so much Mazda love on a BMW forum. Thank you.

jmack · 03-04-2021, 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Rudi

Good call sir. Her drive to work is about 10 minutes. Three kids, all are involved in some from of activities. The youngest is in Cross-Country, the middle child has violin lessons and plays the drums, the oldest is active in several sports. This was my thinking behind the smaller SUV's versus a sedan. Her current vehicle does get a bit...."thrashed" but I attribute it to kids, a hectic life and honestly when a persons vehicle becomes as beat up as hers is now, a person loses interest in trying to keep it pristine. She plans to keep the truck for hauling trash and whatnot. We do like to go hiking on occasion but not nearly as much as either of would like.

Take a look at lightly used Ford Explorers and Flex if she likes that style. My wife was cross shopping used CX-9s and Honda Pilots too but ended up with an Explorer Sport with the 3.5 ecoboost. She love it and it certainly picks up and goes for what it is.

nyalpine90 · 03-04-2021, 02:34 PM

CRV

DETRoadster · 03-04-2021, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

One thing to note about that CX-5, it's really small. Maybe consider a CX-9 considering the active kids?

Another vote here for the Mazda. Comfortable, practical, reliable, not hideous, and you don't pay the Honda/Toyota tax. Put in gas, change the oil on occasion, that's it. No fuss. No problems. Plenty of kid hauling space without putting her in some oversized gas guzzler.

GenXer · 03-04-2021, 03:56 PM

New Honda Civic.

Reliable and not as boring as the Corolla.

Smgs1992 · 03-04-2021, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Rudi

I did suggest one of these as well. My sister had one and loved it.

Another vote for Mazda. Never thought I'd see so much Mazda love on a BMW forum. Thank you.

Gotta back everyone up on the mazda as well. Out of the japanese brands that is where my money would go. Nicest interiors by far. Fun to drive. Look good. Well built

4Hockey4 · 03-04-2021, 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GenXer

New Honda Civic.

Reliable and not as boring as the Corolla.

Yep our EX-T is really nice. If SUV go CRV

bucketfoot · 03-04-2021, 05:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Rudi

Personally I feel like a Mazda, Honda or Toyota is going to be the way to go for her.

Given what she wants, you are on the right path with this plan.

Machinebuilder · 03-04-2021, 05:02 PM

I think alot of women like to sit up a bit. I think that is why compact SUV's are popular. Also color choice rates a much higher degree in importance with females so keep that in mind. Honestly I would have her try a few cars and see what is comfortable in and what she wants. Safer than recommending something she does not like later. Lots of great cars to choose from now.

Vivek. · 03-04-2021, 05:27 PM

Mazda recently started topping the charts in reliability, overtaking Toyota's #1 spot. Honda has long lagged several spots behind Toyota yet are still regarded as a holy grail of reliability.

So Mazda is in a unique position where its reputation and brand value hasn't caught up to reflect the quality of its current offerings, making for some great deals on the used market.

PYE46M3 · 03-04-2021, 07:21 PM

no matter how you slice and dice it, you won't be able to beat this package....

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

all that for 17 grand plus 4 years 70k mile warranty included

03-04-2021, 10:32 AM	#46
machE90 Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 2009 BMW 328i Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	Go for a 3 Series. Bought a manual 2009 E90 recently and it's a beautiful drive.
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03-04-2021, 10:45 AM	#47
CTinline-six Hoonigan 6936 Rep 3,017 Posts Drives: '09 328i, '98 Wrangler Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: Connecticut iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 BMW 328i N51 [0.00]	Honda, Toyota, Mazda, if she wants fancy get a Lexus. My sister owns a 2013 VW Jetta she's been pretty happy with, it has the 2.5L 5-cylinder which is a bit more reliable, and still gets 37 mpg highway. Hers is white with tan fake leather, heated seats, sunroof, etc. Not a bad little car and it's going on 160k with just maintenance.
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03-04-2021, 11:04 AM	#49
TiMSport Banned 12822 Rep 2,983 Posts Drives: '21 M340i xDrive, '17 Audi S3 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Haha. I'm pretty sure she would prefer not to have to spend a lot of money to maintain said vehicle so I'd stay away from a used Bimmer. If the intent is to keep the car for the next several years at least, as many have said, go with something safe like Toyota or Honda.
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03-04-2021, 11:35 AM	#51
TiMSport Banned 12822 Rep 2,983 Posts Drives: '21 M340i xDrive, '17 Audi S3 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	One thing to note about that CX-5, it's really small. Maybe consider a CX-9 considering the active kids?
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03-04-2021, 11:49 AM	#53
Turkish Pickle Banned 3047 Rep 381 Posts Drives: '21 330i xDrive Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Chicago, IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2021 BMW 330i xDrive [10.00]	Tell her to go drive a car she thinks looks pretty - my gf was heavy simping over the W205 C classes and within 2 minutes of being in it she said she knew this was not the car for her. So now she's absolutely simping over a G29 Z4 which is nice because BMW and not a Benz. I disliked the W205 after driving two variants (C220d sedan and C180 facelift wagon) for non-engine reasons, for what it's worth. Seriously though, I'm sure TN is more open than IL too. Go on a carmax or two, and see what she thinks is nice for herself. Obviously we care about different things than many others do so we like german cars that are nothing but trouble but I've came to realize most girls around me pick their cars based on if they like how it looks or not.
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03-04-2021, 01:07 PM	#55
Smgs1992 Captain 726 Rep 946 Posts Drives: 2007 bmw 335i Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Cincinnati ohio iTrader: (0)	Volvo S60 theyre nice inside. Very safe and pretty reliable __________________ 07 E92 335i 6MT, MMP inlets, DCI, VRSF 7.5 competition intercooler, VRSF catless downpipes, VRSF chargepipe, 335is clutch, Vader Solutions stage 2 LPFP, MHD stage 2+, Hawk HPS 5.0 pads, R1 Concepts drilled slotted rotors, TSW Nurburgring 19x8 19x9.5
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03-04-2021, 02:34 PM	#58
nyalpine90 Lieutenant General 7679 Rep 12,001 Posts Drives: MY24 G01 AW Msport Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: L.I. NY iTrader: (4) Garage List 2016 BMW X4 [9.25]	CRV
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03-04-2021, 03:56 PM	#60
GenXer Major 1369 Rep 1,031 Posts Drives: Like a bat out of hell. Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: here and there iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Chevrolet Volt [0.00] 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe [0.00]	New Honda Civic. Reliable and not as boring as the Corolla.
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03-04-2021, 05:02 PM	#64
Machinebuilder Second Lieutenant 279 Rep 267 Posts Drives: 640 IX GT Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: Northeast USA iTrader: (0)	I think alot of women like to sit up a bit. I think that is why compact SUV's are popular. Also color choice rates a much higher degree in importance with females so keep that in mind. Honestly I would have her try a few cars and see what is comfortable in and what she wants. Safer than recommending something she does not like later. Lots of great cars to choose from now. Last edited by Machinebuilder; 03-04-2021 at 07:00 PM..
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03-04-2021, 07:21 PM	#66
PYE46M3 Captain 854 Rep 658 Posts Drives: E46 M3, E92 M3 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	no matter how you slice and dice it, you won't be able to beat this package.... https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing all that for 17 grand plus 4 years 70k mile warranty included __________________ 2005 Phoenix Yellow E46 M3 6MT Coupe 2007 Imola Red Z4 M Coupe 2013 Interlagos Blue E92 M3 6MT ZCP CF roof
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