Help me choose a car for my mom.
 

So I was talking to my mom about the FR-S, as I've had it for over a month now, and I was telling her about how much I love the car, but I don't think I would ever buy a new car again. I enjoy the hunt of finding a used car in good condition with low mileage, it's a challenge, but it feels more rewarding than strolling into a dealership and dropping some cash. Additionally, I've been dealing with all the honeymoon/heartache (scratches, dings, bird poo, dust, etc.), and as I'm very OCD when it comes to taking care of my cars, it's been taxing at times.

Anyway, she's planning to retire from the army after over 30 years of service, and I thought it would be a nice gesture from my brother and I to get her a new(er) car.

She's in her 60's, and we were thinking something in the $8k or lower range would make a nice retirement gift for her, as she'll be receiving her orders between August and September.

He car history, as far as I can remember:
'64 1/2 Mustang
'83 BMW 320i
'88 Chevy Impala
'90 Chevy Caprice
'03 Chevy Impala

Guess when I was born! Anyway, Something like an '08 Impala seems like it would be a logical choice, but I'm open to other suggestions. If it had some basic tech like Bluetooth/Nav, I'm sure she would love that, but it's probably asking for too much in the price range. Again, she's in her 60's and she's going to want something with 4 doors, so I don't think a sports car will be in order; maybe a pickup/suv would work.

Ford Focus.

When it comes to mothers I always say go with a Honda Accord.

Toyota Avalon

In that price range you could find:

'03 Cadillac CTS
'06 Cobalt SS (4-door)
'06 Ford Fusion
'03 Acura RL
'03 Legacy Wagon
'04 Forester XT (STI longblock, aluminum hood/roof, 220hp) :)

Just some of the other options besides an Accord/Camry.

Edit: I'll add that the Caddys from that generation would fit her car profile, but would be a step up. They've got great owner satisfaction and very good reliability ratings.

Double Edit: AND you're from FL, which means low mileage version should be everywhere! :P

My great grandmother has one and I'd recommend them to anyone. I've driven them and I hang out with people that own them. If I had qualified for Ford financing I would have bought one. For $8k you're probably looking at a 8-10 year old Toyota or Honda. I've seen 5-8 year old Foci for that much and they're almost as reliable. They carry the worst of Ford's reputation from years prior so resale value is typically poor.

'08-'11 is the Bastard American Generation but the basic design is solid. Probably just out of your price range anyway. The '05-'07 is the best of the first ones. They have the much better Duratec engine and the most passenger room. All bodystyles have the same engines from '05 on, excluding the '05 Focus ST which had a 2.3L Duratec. Avoid the first gens with the SOHC. They're prone to dropping valves.

When it comes to simple transportation for someone you love I would only consider a civic/corolla or accord/camry (depending on size requirements and brand).

FRS/BRZ :party0030:, I know you said 8k or less but, why not...

Because she's in her 60s and they said they want a larger 4 door vehicle...



I vote 2004-2007 Subaru Forester XT. Enough power for everyday use. large enough in size but not oversized. Decent gas mileage. AWD so it can be used year round if she lives in an area where they experience harsh weather from time to time.

was joking, sounds like you got it figured out tho!

Older Impala SS.

I second this. Most reliable things for her.

Standard answer to this type of question... Honda Fit.

4cyl camry seems like a logical choice given her car history.

Buick all the way!

Go with something retro: 80's BMW 6-Series (E24) comes to mind.