Hi all. I've owned a MB 240D for over 8 years now. Rust-free southern car (I live in the rusty north-east), it's my summer car and garage queen. Since I commute to work and need a car for winter driving, I've always had 2 cars (3 now, if I count the 82 Land Cruiser BJ60 I bought for occasional off-road driving).
For the last 3 years I've driven a 92 Volvo 240 station wagon and it's generally been good to me (prior to that I had a low mileage 90 Corolla but it was rusting, not roomy enough, and didn't have AC). It's starting to rust and getting up there mileage wise, and will need some maintenance soon (the AC failed last year), so I'm thinking of ditching it and getting something else (a little newer).
I'd want something comfortable (I'm 52), easy to get in and out of (don't like HOndas because I find them too low to the ground), dependable and reliable (do enough wrenching on my 60 and MB!), able to get 25mpg highway, fairly rust-aversive since I'll be buying one from around here, and would have about $8-9K to spend. I have a bias against N-A cars, so am leaning toward Japanese. I'd want something that can last me a good 4-5 years before I have to consider something else. I thought about the Honda CRV but they are pricey!
Suggestions?
For the last 3 years I've driven a 92 Volvo 240 station wagon and it's generally been good to me (prior to that I had a low mileage 90 Corolla but it was rusting, not roomy enough, and didn't have AC). It's starting to rust and getting up there mileage wise, and will need some maintenance soon (the AC failed last year), so I'm thinking of ditching it and getting something else (a little newer).
I'd want something comfortable (I'm 52), easy to get in and out of (don't like HOndas because I find them too low to the ground), dependable and reliable (do enough wrenching on my 60 and MB!), able to get 25mpg highway, fairly rust-aversive since I'll be buying one from around here, and would have about $8-9K to spend. I have a bias against N-A cars, so am leaning toward Japanese. I'd want something that can last me a good 4-5 years before I have to consider something else. I thought about the Honda CRV but they are pricey!
Suggestions?