Looking for the mother of all cars

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Dear Jeremy and Michael:

My mother is in her early 70s. Recently, her 10-year-old Honda Accord was rear-ended. She is using the insurance money to purchase a new car.

She lives just north of Toronto and does not like driving in the snow or rain. Since the accident, she is a little more cautious and wants a "safe" car, and not anything too small. However, it can't be too big as it must fit into her smallish single-car garage.

This will probably be her last car purchase, so she is looking for something that she can keep for 10-12 years. She drives less than 10,000 kilometres a year. Her spending limit is around $30,000 and she prefers something new. Any SUV/CUV that has too high a step up is also out.

I have recommended that she look at four vehicles:

1. Hyundai Sonata: Five-year warranty and a lot of content for the price, appealing to her frugality.
2. Mercedes B-Series: Something safe that will last 10 years.
3. Honda Accord: She has driven Hondas for more than 20 years and has never had problems with them.
4. Subaru Legacy: This is the one that I think she should get. The all-wheel drive seems best suited for her needs/fears.

Hope this is something that you guys feel is worthwhile.

Dan

Cato: Dan, you're a good guy. Looking after mum like this. Did you remember Mother's Day?

Vaughan: Of course he did, Cato. We also want to keep the old girl on the road.

Cato: Old girl! In Britain, you'd been facing a fine for making an ageist comment. What are you thinking there, Mr. Sensitivity?

Vaughan: I am thinking we need to get to the point. Cars are freedom machines and older people ought to keep their roadly freedom as long as they can drive safely.

Cato: Roadly? Now you're making up words. There is no hope for you, Vaughan.

Look, let's go through Dan's list, starting with the Hyundai Sonata.

Vaughan: Before we go further, Cato - you of the champagne tastes - note that Dan's mother values frugality. Hear, hear.

Cato: I'm sure she's not as cheap as you - you spend your evenings rolling pennies saved up from cashing in the recycling.

Look, a nicely equipped 2011 Sonata - the brand-new one - starts at $22,640. That's the cheapest on Dan's list.

Remember, the 2011 Sonata is a totally re-engineered and restyled sedan. It's got curves like J-Lo, room inside for four adults - five in a pinch - a fantastic interior design and, best of all, Mr. Penny Pincher, Hyundai only sells a four-cylinder version.

Vaughan: Hyundai's new four-cylinder has more power than many old sixes. This is Hyundai's new direct-injected DOHC 2.4-litre four-banger. It's all-aluminum with variable valve timing and 198 horsepower. The tranny for Granny is the new six-speed automatic. This is an excellent and economical combination.

Cato: But you've missed the most important part. That fancy direct injection is good both for performance and fuel economy: 8.7 litres/100 km in the city.

A base 2011 Toyota Camry LE starts at $25,310, has a 169-hp four-banger - no direct injection, either - and gets 9.0 litres/100 km in the city, also using regular gas.

Vaughan: Dan, just let Mum know that when she starts the engine on a cold morning it will rattle like a diesel. That is one characteristic of direct injection.

Cato: Mummy will like the economy and the safety here, especially after that rear-ender. This Sonata is stuffed with all sorts of electronic safety aids, airbags galore and even has active front-seat headrests to reduce whiplash.

There's also loads of computer-controlled assists including electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution and traction control. Plus six airbags and a good strong structure means "good'' ratings for all four collision types by the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Vaughan: Okay, on to the Merc and it's a good one.

I like the B-Class. It's stylish and fun to drive.

But I'm afraid it's a rule-out. One of its safety features is a sandwich floor. In a crash, the engine goes sliding under you instead of into your lap, but this creates a fairly significant step to climb over every time you get in.

Cato: It's also the most expensive vehicle on the list - $29,900 to start. It's out.

Vaughan: Alright, now the Accord. If Ma's happy with them after a 20-year run, maybe she should just stick with another Accord. Nothing really new for 2010.

Cato: And at $24,790, it's more than a couple of grand more than the Sonata.

Vaughan: Cato, Cato. Honda lowered the price on the base Accord for 2010, from $25,290. The engine is good: a 2.4-litre, 190-hp four-cylinder. I'm sure Dan's mother would find the ride just soft enough and very comfortable.

The Accord's interior is the best of the lot, at least in terms of materials. Unfortunately, the controls feature about a hundred little buttons. Buttons for this, buttons for that. I find it confusing and distracting. Might be worse for mum.

Hondas hold their value, though.

Cato: Ah, the Sonata is prettier. And by the way, if you want a five-speed automatic transmission on the Accord LX, add $1,200. The Sonata has a six-speed auto, standard.

Vaughan: Speaking of great value, let's go right to the 2010 Legacy. This new one is bigger, has better fuel economy, looks good and they dropped the price by three grand to $23,995.

Cato: Yes, but the automatic transmission is, like with the Honda, $1,200 extra.

At least all-wheel drive is standard; that matters to Dan and mom. Also, the Subaru brand has the best resale value of any mainstream brand in Canada.

Dan, Subaru's engines are traditional "boxer" or horizontally opposed designs, which means they are mounted lower in the engine bay, lowering the centre of gravity and improving handling. At 170 hp, the base engine a bit limp compared to the Sonata's and, at 10.6 litres/100 km, the Subie is a bit thirstier.

But the Subie is safe, Dan - a Top Safety Pick from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Vaughan: Danny, you put together a good list. My first choice would be the Sonata, my second choice Accord. But of course let Ma try them both.

Cato: My first choice is the Legacy, followed closely by the Sonata. But, as we all know, Mama ultimately knows best.

How they compare

Jeremy Cato and Michael Vaughan are co-hosts of Car/Business, which appears Fridays at 8 p.m. on Business News Network and Saturdays at 2 p.m. on CTV.

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