looking for advice for VERY used car...

Trish · Sep 30, 2003

Right now my DH drives a '78 Ford F-150 Supercab. No headrests, 2 shoulder belts and it gets 7-10mpg.

We'd like to retire the truck and and get a very used car. We'll have around $2,000 to spend. I want headrests and shoulder belts in 4 seating positions. I want it to get at LEAST 25mpg. We also need it to be reliable. DH would prefer a wagon, but we're really not picky, just a little commuter car that the kids CAN ride in in a pinch.

SafeDad · Sep 30, 2003

Not sure what the safest option is, but-

We were happy with our Saturn S-series compacts, and they come in a wagon, too. Plus, they won't be as overpriced as a used Honda or Toyota. Ulrike has/had a Saturn wagon, I think, maybe she can comment on carseats.

UlrikeDG · Sep 30, 2003

Our Saturn Wagon has been very reliable, and Saturn dealers tend to be very nice to work with. Be aware that the Saturn SW2 (and SW1) is smaller than some moderate sized sedans. A wagon is NOT always bigger than a sedan! We got our '97 SW2 when our '89 Camry died, and the Camry actually had more passenger room, and may have had more luggage space. The wheel wells are very poorly positioned, which means that a lot of the trunk space in the SW2 is wasted.

Also, the older Saturns (don't know about the new ones) have seatbelts "front of the bight," which means that some car seats may be incompatible. I know that Britax seats (which tend to run $200 each) fit well. Definitely try your car seats in it before you buy if you go that route. Also, older Saturns don't have head rests in the back seat.