The only thing I’d add, though, is that some safety featues have been studied, and shown to reduce fatalities. I did the research in 2019 to see if I needed all the safety bells and whistles. As I recall the automatic braking if the car senses an obstacle and the driver doesn’t react made the biggest difference. It persuaded me!
3 Likes
Ford might be re-thinking that strategy after their abysmal sales numbers of EV trucks.
1 Like
Both of my kids have ADHD. When they were in middle school their executive function coach sat me down and told me about what NOT to do when buying them a car (they were too young, but she was going through it with her kids and a lot of her clients). She told us to look at older cars with the bare minimum of “gadgets”. She saw lots of kids get handed down their parents’ 4 year old luxury model (we live in a high income area) only to wreck it within a month. While parents want all of the safety features, all of the buttons and screens also serve as distractions.
Our mechanic also informed us that young driver safety had a lot less to do with tech and more to do with speed. He said a lot of the kids feel invincible with all of the safety features, but no matter what tech you have in the car, getting into an accident at a lower rate of speed is going to cause less damage/injury than an extremely high rate of speed.
4 Likes
I am still looking and doing my research, but haven’t test driven a car yet. In my husband’s memory, I needed to look at the BMW X3; he had 2 BMWs, a M3 and M5, and wanted me to get the SUV when we looked 13 years ago. I don’t remember what I didn’t like about it, but we didn’t get it. Well, I really liked the X3, and it isn’t any more than the Lexus RX-350, another car I liked.
The Madza CX-50 is a contender, but need to go see the interior again, now that I have seen the luxury models! The sales manager at Mazda wouldn’t listen to me when I said I was only looking at the car, and to see if the seat was comfortable. He continued to tell me about the car and why wasn’t I looking at the CX-5. I stopped him a few times explaining I really was just starting to look and Madza was my first stop. I didn’t want to take up his time, and repeated that I was just looking at the car, and had no interest to test drive, and I could research all the trim levels, etc… After a few minutes I told him I had to leave as he still wanted to sell the car. Every other dealership has allowed me to look, but someone was nearby if I had questions. So my dilemma is, do I go back to that dealership, which is around the corner from my house, or take a drive to another one?
Haven’t been to Toyota or Honda yet; I didn’t love the Acura RDX, Infiniti QX or Volvo XC60, but will revisit all to narrow down my list. My guess is I will go with a luxury model, but may surprise myself as I hate to spend more than I need to!
1 Like
The CX5 is a nice car. That was my second choice when I got my second Volvo. I chose a top trim package with leather seats, etc. It rode very nicely.
In terms of just looking (but not being able to sit in the cars), I always go and look on the lot on Sunday when our car dealerships are closed. That way, no salespeople are stalking you in the parking lot! Then I look at the interior pictures on line on their website. If I see something I like…I go back. If this dealership is close, and you think you would like their service department…I’d go back there.
1 Like
Son was visiting from Seattle and is thinking of replacing his 2002 Corolla. So I took him by the closest dealership just to see what the new hybrids looked like and to get some info. The instant salesman realized we were just looking, he became extremely condescending. Like, why we would we even think they actually had cars there to see? All the inventory shown online were billed cars in transit. If son wanted comparative info on models, go online. It was essentially insulting and implied we were fools to think we could learn anything about their cars at a place where they sold the cars. He did point us to one ICE Corolla nearby (we never even made it inside) and said everything was exactly the same as the hybrid.
Son sees that one of the Seattle area dealerships has a way to make an appointment for a test drive so may take that approach. If anyone has had a good experience at a Seattle area Toyota dealership, we’d love to know where! I can tell you where NOT to go in San Diego.
2 Likes
Unfortunately, I think the sales people come and go so quickly, especially at the mid level cars, that they try to be pushy with their sales tactics. That of course is not true with every dealership, nor would it not happen at the luxury dealerships, and sales people at each; just my observation from years of car shopping.
Of course I want help from the sale person, when I am ready, and want one that actually has knowledge of the cars they are selling. As I mentioned earlier, I am a huge researcher, so know what is available before walking in the door. When dealing with my last car purchase, the sales person was insistent that a particular add on I wanted was not available in the model I was looking at. We went back and forth for a while, before I say, “Look at your brochure, or your computer screen, you will see it is available.” He had to go get the sales manager as he wouldn’t take my word; of course it was available! 
I will say, I do miss having the paper glossy brochures to look over side by side at home.
3 Likes
My son jokes with me that the CX50 in red is the best looking car there is. He loves Mazda red. The CX50 is definitely more masculine/aggressive.
I think with Mazda you need to drive the turbo engine - it’s better riding than the regular…literally night and day.
Mazda is sort of a tweener brand - it’s far more premium than your Nissan, Toyota, Honda…even though most people think it’s similar.
You should visit a dealership where you’ll feel comfortable.
Best of luck.
2 Likes
I love BMW but long term cost is likely higher than Lexus. The drive is also very different. When I looked I went in telling them I was just starting research and not going to buy that day. The most aggressive sales person was at Honda. The Audi sales guy was condescending, the Mercedes salesman a true professional. I went with the Mercedes.
1 Like
If you enjoyed the sport feel of your husbands M class BMWs you may want to have some fun and at least take a look at a Porsche Macan. It will not be the most cost efficient option but they are fun. It is what my wife “reluctantly” moved into after several larger SUVs that we needed to get kids to sports activities.
She frequently comments that it drives like a sports car and isn’t as cumbersome to park as prior SUVs. So far maintenance costs have been surprisingly low.
3 Likes
I was only a passenger in the Ms, as they were manual shift, which I refused to drive! The BMW SUV lines has an M edition for each; I am not willing to spend that much on a new car.
My BIL mentioned the Porsche, and while a great looking car, sadly did not make my list due to cost.
When I test drive the Madza, it will be the turbo. My hopes is I love it as it is in the price range I would rather spend!
5 Likes
Mazda’s brand image over the years has mostly been that of being sportier, rather than more luxurious. But with the US market moving away from cars and to SUVs, “sporty” is becoming more niche.
Yes - you don’t see zoom zoom anymore!!
They’ve luxed up the interiors on the higher trims - turbo and above - or the carbon edition on the 3 etc.
First, I REALLY love the Miata NA (1st Gen). But really? Come on now. Sporty yes, luxurious? You must be kidding. 
3 Likes
They gave me a Miata as a car rental last summer. My friend and I drove it from Portland up to Quebec City. While it was fun, gosh was it tiny. We didn’t have much luggage, a couple of small duffle bags, and it barely fit in the trunk. And I literally couldn’t find anywhere to put a small umbrella in the front. But we got a lot of smiles! The border crossing agent talked to us about it, and an old guy at a gas station smiled and gave us a thumbs up. 
2 Likes
I love that little car. Reliable, 30+ miles per gallon, and cheap to operate. And the top is/was easy to go up and down. My spouse bought a new one back in 1991. It was Mariner Blue!
Anyone disparaging the original Miata will have my ire bestowed upon them. 
4 Likes
I lived in fear of speed bumps😀
I remember feeling nervous next to a Pontiac Fiero at a red light because it looked big in relative terms.
4 Likes
Bought a red Mazda Miata on a whim one afternoon. Sat in the garage for about 7 or 8 years before I sold it. Had close to zero miles. I did not like the car even though it handled well. Too small, too cramped. I just do not like sports car. (Please do not ask me about Corvettes.)
I want a Jeep with wheels as big as they can be as I want to drive on the sand in the Outer Banks where 4 wheel drive vehicles are required.
6 Likes
Such interesting discussions. Not sure if I saw anything about RAV4 hybrid? My son planning to get - it seems sooo pricey (he’s done his research so I can’t say much just curious if others had any experience…)
2 Likes