New or Used: Mind Reading and Wagon Lust

Mark writes:

Hi Guys,

I read TTAC regularly and am debating what to do about getting a new car. The situation is I had a 2001 Volvo S60 which started experiencing transmission “issues” that the mechanic could not replicate, so I traded it for a 09 Fit to get better mileage. The Fit was an excellent appliance car, but felt a bit tinny after the relative comfort and solidity of the S60. The new Lexus CT200h got me excited and my sister-in-law needed a new car so I sold her the Fit and am awaiting the Lexus. However it appears that actually fitting my kids in the back of Lexus won’t work. What would you suggest as a car? I want good mileage, because I have a city commute, a bit of luxury and reliability with not ridiculous repair costs. I had hoped the Mercedes C300 Estate would come here, but it won’t and BMW has me concerned about repairs costs. Could I be happy with a used Lexus SportCross? Please provide your perspective.

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  • ToolGuy Let's count the poor decisions: Honda 18 model years past peak Honda. Ohio. Following too closely ('rock on the highway' doesn't leap up and attack your vehicle by itself, it is riding on a vehicle or thrown up by a vehicle, and you should be alert to this). Ohio. Not enough doors. Choosing to expand family -- in Ohio. 😉Engine bay picture: At least take a shower before your glamour shot lol.
  • ToolGuy Took me a minute to post; had to go back and see which account I was using the last time I commented on this topic (consistency is important). Thank you for your patience.
  • ToolGuy Ok wow, just wow. I used to live in America. Land of the free -- have I heard that somewhere? And here come TTAC writers and commentariat goose stepping in lockstep, dancing on the grave of liberty. Didn't your dysfunctional homeowners association get all that government overreach out of your system? I thought we won WW2, guess I was mistaken.
  • Dartman If one is so hellbent on drawing attention to themselves just mount a big “Trump 2024” or “Black Lives Matter” flag (your choice) on your truck and call it day. Lot cheaper, same result.
  • AZFelix I'd buy a 'harlequin' edition if it was composed of a company's complete palette of greys and silver.Family had a couple of Pontiacs in teal and purple in years past. I was not a fan.My current ride is Lakeside Blue.