We (family of four) have a MINI and love it, but our '91 Honda Accord (the car my wife and children use) was recently totalled so we need a replacement. Since we've already got a new car payment we can't take on another, so we're looking for a used car that would be reliable and safe. Should we get another Accord, or maybe something a bit bigger (maybe safer). In addition to the two kids, we have a big dog. We recently test drove a '95 Honda Passport and thought it was nice, but upon further review and research found that it wasn't really a Honda, and it really wasn't reliable. Something economical is always good, but after that accident, maybe we need something safer. Small cars can be safe, but only the new models with all the safety features like the MINI. We need to keep the price down below $8000. Anyone with any advice? Thanks in advance.

 

I'd estimate that since it seems all your family is still alive that the Accord held up well. Therefore, I'd say get another one! Honda and Toyota are superbly reliable; and since you have the MINI to boost driving morale, another Accord or Camry would be perfectly suited for family hauler.

Good luck,
Ryan

 

Under $8000? That will net you a '98-99 Camry, or a '97-'98 Accord. Maybe newer depending on what options (V6?) and trim level (EX? XLE?) you want to spring for.

And the Accord and Camry are the first, last, and only word in "safe, reliable used family cars" that I can think of, especially based on what we've had in for service.

 

More info please. :smile:

I am of the opinion that the two cars in a family should be somewhat opposite. If one is small and sporty, the other should be larger and utilitarian. So think along those lines... and considering you have two kds and a large dog... I'd have to suggest.... (gulp...) a..... a.... a.... minivan...

 

How old are the kids? If they're old enough to be sitting in the adult car seats (w/o boosters or child seats), I'd tend to recommend a good-sized station wagon. Depending on how long you want to keep it, you might find a Volvo wagon (mid-90s) that would be comparable price-wise to a more recent Accord. It'd afford you much more room for the dog (which I can't see you carrying in an Accord with both kids). A more recent (2000 +) vintage Volvo wagon is good too, but likely more pricey than the used Accord. Safety-wise, the Volvo (of course) can't be beat.

If the kids are younger and still in child seats, I too would suggest a minivan. They're somewhat safer and better on gas than most SUVs. They actually have more usable room than all but the most egregious SUVs...and if AWD is important to you, you can get an AWD minivan. I have a Chrysler T&C AWD and it's - I'm not ashamed to admit - a great vehicle. I've got the bigger engine (which cuts into fuel economy a bit) and while it's no sports car, it's very good at what it does...i.e., haul kids, dogs, and groceries. When I have people to haul, I actually much prefer driving it to the MINI. And I don't feel so bad if someone pukes in it.

 

>>How old are the kids?



They're 9 and 11. Believe it or not the 9 year old (tiny) still rides in a booster.

Thanks for the responses everybody!

 

I'd vote for the best Honda that you can find for your budget.

My wife will only have a Honda. She was rear ended in her 1st Accord and it was totaled. Her only injuries were bruises (sp?) from the seat belts.

Her current Civic ES (bought new and kept in a garage ) has 110K and with only regular oil changes, one new set of tires, and basic maint. still looks outstanding.

But (just to keep any lawyers happy ), your results may vary and I'm a MC guy myself.

Good luck with your search.

 

I saw a 97' cherokee selling at a local Ford dealer used for $8000+ range.

Im not sure about the reliability of those cherokees, but would probably
suit your family well.

Sorry to hear about your accident, btw.