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Can't speak towards reliability. I just purchased a 2015 Hyundai Elantra SE in January. The ride is smooth over bumpy roads. It is front wheel drive. All the new vehicles have traction and stability control which should help in snow and wet roads. If traveling in mountain areas, I'm not sure the base engine's 145 hp and 130 something torque would be enough. I live in south Louisiana and rarely ever see snow. Nissan Sentra is a smooth ride, big interior, comfortable seats. Not sure on reliability or if powerful enough for mountains. Another option to consider is a diesel power compact. VW Golf, VW Jetta, and Chevrolet Cruze all offer a diesel option. Advantage is high highway fuel economy and high torque for dealing with mountains. Don't know how smooth they ride nor reliability. One person mentioned the Buick Verano. Good if only two people. Very little room in the back seat. Both engines are easily powerful enough for going up hills and mountains. Subaru Impreza is a compact all wheel drive sedan so it could easily handle snow.
Oh the Hyundai Elantra has a sport and GT (4 door hatchback) with a more powerful 2.0L engine but the suspension is a little firmer than the regular Elantra. The Toyota Corolla is roomy and smooth ride over bumps. It may be a good fit for your needs. At your price range, you can get one fully loaded with money left over.
There are plenty of compacts to choose from. The comfort will depend on your body. A seat comfortable for one person may be uncomfortable to a different person. Shop, test drive, research, narrow down choices, and don't let them pressure you. Remind them there are other dealers.
You mention long trips, have you thought about compact crossovers? I know you said you wont need a lot of space, assuming that would be for everyday use.
2016 Honda HR-V, 2015 Mazda CX-5
A little more space is always good to have on trips
Just my opinion.
I have a 2015 CX-5 with the 2.5L and AWD, and love it, but I view it as a utilitarian tool. Certainly not the "last vehicle I want to own". It is an amazing vehicle...for it's rather boring purpose.
Maybe a new Chrysler 200 V6 with all wheel drive? The newest ones are far improved from the 2011-2014 200s. Though most 200s are sold with the 2.4 liter 4-cylinder, I would pay the extra charge for the Pentastar 3.6L V6, which is a Ward's Best Engine winner.
maybe a new chrysler 200 v6 with all wheel drive? The newest ones are far improved from the 2011-2014 200s. Though most 200s are sold with the 2.4 liter 4-cylinder, i would pay the extra charge for the pentastar 3.6l v6, which is a ward's best engine winner.
NOPE!
Buy one of those POS's at your own risk.
Two kinds of people buy Chrysler. Stupid people, and people who don't know better or don't believe the data and have to get burned for themselves. I myself fully own making the latter mistake with my Grand Jeep Cherokee (Just traded that POS off for a Mazda), and will NEVER! own another Chrysler. Ever. Because I'm not stupid, and I found out the stove was hot, I'll leave it alone! http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2...cars/index.htm
I suggest, you look into the Mercedes Benz "C" class.
Smaller.
Comfortable.
Quiet.
Available with 4wd, know by Mercedes Benz as the "4matic".
Lastly, nice build quality.
While the 35K might be too tight on the budget...
If you shop around it might be possible in the low 40's.
I think it is definitely achievable on the used market.
I would recommend a Prius. It has the wheelbase of a Camry, but is no longer than a Corolla, and the longer wheelbase and decent weight makes it nice from a ride quality perspective. For your budget, you can get an upmarket version.
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