Car Recommendations for Deb
Debbie is a 55 year old teacher living in the LA area. She is single, with a small dog. However, Deb is a "plus size girl". Her weight might start with the number three. Her current ride is a Mustang Cobra, which is about to be two facelifts and one generation old (11-12 years old). It's also falling apart. She thought she wanted the new Mustang; but her friends have suggested something different that is more comfortable for her age, lifestyle and size. She doesn't put that much mileage on her car; but image and reliability are important.
I've talked to Deb and she really doesn't know what she wants. We talked her out of a Ford Escape. The Escape is just too much of a small, entry level car for her. She can afford and deserves something better. She needs a daily driver with no special needs for utility; however, she likes the idea of an SUV because it has more room than her Cobra.
She keeps cars a long time. It's my understanding that she has had only three cars in her lifetime. The first two were Toyota Celicas and now it's the Cobra. I think it's definitely time for something new and that better fits her personality and desire to feel sexy and safe behind the wheel. The upper limit of her budget is $40,000.
A few cars come to mind, and I'll list them here and then explain my choices.
- BMW X3 2.5L I6 - The BMW X3 is a very nice package that is as close to a car as an SUV gets. The X3 sits on a heavily modified 3-Series platform with the advantage of a higher driving position and BMW's fantastic new x-Drive system. The seats of the X3 are a bit wider and the front driver space is more accommodating than a standard 3-Series car. I think the X3 is probably a more comfortable daily driver without the Sports Package's larger wheels, taughter suspension and run-flat tires. The BMW is a top pick because of its proven drivetrains, good space for driver and passenger and a bit more utility space than the 325iT Sports Wagon. No six cylinder engine on the market today beats the smoothness of BMW's in-line sixes and you can definitely feel the correct balance and linear drive afforded by the 2.5L I-6, slick 5-speed transmission and x-Drive system that favors rear drive. You don't lose much in the razor-sharp steering either despite the front wheels that are engaged at all times. The standard BMW warranty, 4 years/50,000, includes full maintenance and replacement of wear and tear items for the length of the factory warranty. It's also my understanding that you can buy a BMW factory warranty to cover higher mileage and time periods. It's definitely the best warranty in the luxury car market today.
- Volvo V50 T5 2.5L Turbo AWD - The Volvo V50 is the all-new small sports wagon based on the Volvo's heavily modified version of the Mazda 3 platform also used on its S40 sedan sibling. It's a great, tossable wagon with some very nice touches, including the sexy, ultra-thin center console and a fast shifting 5-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode Volvo calls Geartronic. It shifts faster than BMW's Steptronic manual shifts; however, the BMW is definitely more responsive in automatic modes with its excellent 5-speed with normal and Sport drive modes. The Volvo is much more deliberate in its normal progression and the steering is much heavier than the BMW. However, when pushed, the little V50 can be fast and very maneuverable. I was very impressed by its turning radius is almost like that of a rear drive rather than a front drive or all-wheel drive car. I liked the position of the navigation system; the sound system is excellent, as is the dual zone climate control. Volvo has always made excellent seats and the V50 is no exception. The seats offer a more room without sacrificing support and some sporty feel. Power seat adjustments are excellent. Volvo's standard warranty matches the BMW's 4/50; however, Volvo doesn't include any scheduled maintenance and doesn't match BMW's addition of normal wear and tear items. Overall, the V50 is a fun Swiss Army Knife that would likely be a very good car for many years to come.
- Lexus ES 330 - The Lexus ES 330 is the fanciest Toyota Camry on the road. I also think it would be the most comfortable and luxurious car for Debbie. Toyota and Lexus have been beating Buick at its own game for years. The ES 330 offers loads of front seat room and the seats are wide, thick and plush. The ES uses Toyota's excellent and powerful 3.3L V6 with all the trick variable timing engine management systems Lexus could muster up and copy from BMW. The list of luxury features is endless. At the top of the list is the terrific Mark Levinson sound system integrated with the navigation system. It's a must have integrated option package. Yes, the Lexus is a refrigerator; but Lexus makes the best luxury refrigerators. You know, like a Sub Zero. It's silent and superbly screwed together and fit and finish are excellent. Like almost any Lexus, its reliability has been well above average and will likely last as long as she plans on keeping it. Lexus dealers also go way out of their way when it comes to service and Lexus dealer service always is at the top of any JD Power survey. The standard warranty is 4/50 -- same as BMW and Volvo. Lexus doesn't include the cost of scheduled maintenance or the full service of BMW; however, you will almost always get a free loaner car and the "experience" of sitting in a waiting room is much nicer at a Lexus dealer than just about any other manufacturer. If you make a reservation in advance, the dealer will get you in and out in about an hour for normal stuff like an oil change.
My number one pick for Deb would be the Lexus. It is sleek, feminine and bullet proof. It's likely to last a very long time and be the most comfortable of my three picks. They will treat her like a Queen at the Lexus dealer.
If the car was for me, I'd pick the BMW because of the excellent driving characteristics and the best-in-class new car warranty. The BMW has more space and utility than the Volvo and is the better driving of all the cars. Properly equipped, it has all the same air bags and safety as the Volvo too.
The Volvo is the wild card here. It's a sexy new design. It's much more youth-oriented than any other Volvo in the recent memory and the interior is a very nice, high quality environment to send each day to and from work. It's the first new product designed after Ford's acquisition of Volvo and the platform sharing and volume purchasing power is very visible with top-rate interior plastics and a shared chassis that has allowed Volvo to cut development costs without losing quality. She may very well like the V50 well enough to pick it!
I'm going to make sure she looks at and test-drives all three before she writes the check. I'll let you know in a later editorial what she picks!
