Sunday, March 13, 2016

Air Quality Control



So far Evan and I have been a one car family. 

That's been nice. Simpler, cheaper, and better for the environment. 

Given that it's tough not to own a vehicle in Wyoming, Ruby (a 2005 Toyota Tacoma) has done us right and we are super grateful for that.

Yet as we contemplate the unthinkable (kids?? jobs that would require us to drive in opposite directions at the same time??), we find ourselves considering the idea of a second car...

What would be a smart choice if we went that route?

Here are some contenders (thanks to Rathke, Consumer Reports and Mr. Money Mustache):

2009-2013 Honda Fit


Around $9000 to $15,000 depending on the year and mileage.

35 mpg on the highway.

6" clearance and FWD.

Rave reviews on Consumer Reports. 
9.1/10 US News. 
8.9/10 Kelley Blue Book. 
4.7/5 Edmonds. 

2012-2014 Toyota Prius V 


Around $15,000 to $22,000 depending on the year and mileage.

40 mpg on the highway.

6" clearance and FWD. Traction control problematic.

Rave reviews on Consumer Reports.
8.3/10 US News.
7.7/10 Kelleys Blue Book.
4.4/5 Edmunds.

2012-2015 Toyota RAV4 (Hybrid as of 2017)



Around $14,000 to $22,000 depending on the year and mileage.

30 mpg on the highway.

7" clearance and AWD.

Rave reviews on Consumer Reports. 
8.1/10 US News.
8.3/10 Kelleys Blue Book.
4.5/5 Edmunds.

2010-2013 Subaru Outback


Around $14,500 to $22,000 depending on the year and mileage.

27 mpg on the highway.

9" clearance and AWD.

Rave reviews on Consumer Reports (especially 2011).
8.6/10 US News.
7.2/10 Kelleys Blue Book.
4.5/5 Edmunds.

2012-2014 Hyundai Elantra Touring


Around $11,000 to $15,000 depending on the year and mileage.

31 mpg on the highway.

6" clearance, FWD, and reportedly poor handling in snow.

Rave reviews on Consumer Reports (especially 2014).
7.6/10 US News.
7.1/10 Kelleys Blue Book.
3.5/5 Edmunds.

2007-2013 Suzuki SX4


Around $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the year and mileage.

32 mpg on the highway.

7" clearance and AWD.

Not much info on Consumer Reports. 
7.3/10 US News.
5.6/10 Kelleys Blue Book.
4.9/5 Edmunds.

2011-2013 Mazda 3 Hatchback

Around $10,000 to $13,000 depending on the year and mileage.

29 mpg on the highway.

6" clearance and FWD.

Rave reviews on Consumer Reports.
8.6/10 US News.
7.7/10 Kelleys Blue Book.
4.5/5 Edmunds.

2009 Scion XD


Around $9,000 depending on the mileage.

33 mpg on the highway.

6.5" clearance and FWD.

Not much info on Consumer Reports, but low rated engine cooling.
7.8/10 US News.
8.8/10 Kelleys Blue Book.
4.5/5 Edmunds.

2011-2015 Toyota Sienna



Around $12,500 to $22,500, depending on year and mileage. 

27 mpg on the highway. 

6.6" clearance and AWD.

Rave reviews on Consumer Reports (especially 2014-2015).
8.4/10 US News.
8.4/10 Kelleys Blue Book.
3.5/5 Edmunds.

The obvious answer?


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