Two years ago, my wife thought she made a sound decision when she bought a 2012 Scion iQ. In her eyes, the iQ was cute and fun like my Smart Fortwos, but should be reliable because it’s a Toyota. Unfortunately, not only has the car been a reliability disaster, but it seems nobody else thinks the car is cute and fun. My mom just revealed that she thinks Sheryl’s car is a massive disappointment and disrespectful to her profession (she’s a lawyer). Now, my wife is looking for a new car that fits her career a little better. What should she buy?
If you’ve been in the car community for long enough, you’re probably well aware of the concept of buying a cheap car that makes you look like you have money. In theory, this is especially handy if you work in a profession where you need to project a certain image, but you might not have the dough to buy a new ride for that purpose. I didn’t subscribe to that idea for a long time. I thought that if you bought a 20-year-old Mercedes-Benz, you wouldn’t be fooling anyone. I thought that you didn’t have to be a car enthusiast to deduce that someone’s driving an old car, no matter the badge that’s on it.
Witnessing my wife’s experiences with her cars has taught me that the concept of “balling on a budget” is shockingly and confusingly accurate. When Sheryl drove a 2010 Toyota Prius, she was seen as a sort of environmentalist lawyer, and she got no complaints. Sheryl told me that she even blended in, as some lawyers do drive Prii and other hybrids because hybrids are green and trendy.
When Sheryl switched to the 2001 BMW 525iAT that we bought from our secret designer, the Bishop, her positive-image score spiked off the chart. Almost daily, she would get compliments about the BMW. There were several instances where guys offered her $5,000 on the spot for the wagon. It blew my mind because that BMW was a rustbucket that I had purchased for just $1,500 – but it did look really clean with tinted windows and fresh wax.
Everyone complimented the BMW, from Sheryl’s clients and opposing counsel to my family. Everyone sort of treated the BMW as a massive upgrade from the Prius. It was almost like Sheryl had won it big or something. Practically overnight, Sheryl was taken as seriously as those lawyers with the billboards and expensive suits, when all she had done was trade a decent hybrid for a cheap and rusty BMW. Clearly, people didn’t care. She really was balling on a budget.
Unfortunately, the BMW’s rust advanced to the point where the car’s jacking points could no longer be used. Worse, driving it 40,000 miles in a single year did a number on the BMW’s engine. So, she decided to pass it on. In hindsight, this was the wrong decision. We could have fixed Wanda the BMW. Even worse, the guy who bought it ended up committing a hit and run with the vehicle after failing to register it for months. Guess who had to mop up that mess? Oh, and then the friend that we loaned the Prius to managed to destroy the car by ramming a deer.
The Cute Mistake
Sheryl found herself in the car market again, and this time, she decided to get weird with it. She adored driving my Smarts, but I warned her that Smarts are way too finicky to drive 40,000 miles a year without major headaches. Sheryl chose the next best thing, the car that was more or less a Smart, but by Toyota.
At the time, I thought it was an okay decision. The example she chose appeared to be in great shape with tons of life left in it. While I didn’t think it was a “lawyer car,” I also knew that Sheryl typically enjoys being underestimated. She sort of plays a character not unlike Peter Falk’s Columbo, and it’s amazing how well it works in real life.
So, she got the iQ, and at first, things were great. The car scored 40 mpg, everyone thought it was oh so cute, and we got a decent deal on it. At first, the car didn’t even give us any issues. It started every single time without failure, even when my own cars failed me. We then drove the iQ most of the length of Route 66, and the car was an absolute joy on that monster of a road trip.
Then, the house of cards began falling apart. We installed an aftermarket cruise control system, which eventually grew a hunger for accelerator pedals. The cruise control managed to kill not just one, but two accelerator pedals over the course of just 10 months.
The problems only get more frustrating from there. The engine had a mystery issue of randomly sputtering and then shutting down while at idle. I replaced the spark plugs and coils, which fixed the issue. Now, the car has an intermittent rough idle. The engine stays running, but something is sometimes unhappy. I went through the work to put the old coils back in, and there was no change.
Update: The iQ has developed a new and fun problem. Last week, it blew both of its low-beam headlight bulbs at the same time. I replaced some somewhat crusty-ish headlight relays and the bulbs. Well, the bulbs just stopped working an hour ago, then came back to life 10 minutes ago. This is fine, totally fine.
As of a couple of weeks ago, gas pedal number three has intermittent failures. This is concerning since we did have the cruise control uninstalled. Previous diagnosis seemingly confirmed that the cruise control killed the gas pedal. But that’s no longer a factor. What’s going on now?
This morning, the iQ presented a new issue when the heater refused to blow warm for 30 minutes of Sheryl’s freezing morning commute. The coolant looks great. Maybe the blend door got stuck? There’s more, from the incessant whining of the CVT and the rust that’s appearing in strange places, to the fact that it occasionally throws traction control errors.
In fairness, the Scion didn’t get like this all on its own. Sheryl crashed the iQ during the summer, and then crashed it again only three weeks ago. Many of these recent issues cropped up after that second crash.
Everyone Hates The iQ
Yet, it wasn’t exactly the unreliability that soured Sheryl’s relationship with her car. Over the past two years, we’ve witnessed how people who used to think of the car as something cute and novel have turned on the vehicle.
The same people who complimented the car or expressed wonder two years ago now call the car a total piece of junk. Clients think Sheryl is a joke because of the car, and opposing counsel have gone from underestimating Sheryl to just openly mocking her. Somehow worse is that Sheryl seems to now have a negative reputation. I cannot begin to type out what these people are actually saying, but they’re calling her a type of transphobic slur who drives the tiny piece of garbage. [Ed note: What is wrong with people? Gee whiz. – Pete]
This negative reputation has reached the point where she lost a lucrative contract, largely because of the car. Her own clients have cursed Sheryl out over her car. Mind you, Sheryl’s law practice is unique in that the client names the price they pay for her work. Many of these people do not pay for her services at all, but demand that she drive a new luxury car. Basically, she’s no longer Columbo.
But the worst sting came from the inside. Not only does Sheryl’s best friend want to commit violence against the iQ, but my mom spent a great portion of Christmas dinner dressing down Sheryl in front of everyone about why she thinks Sheryl’s car sucks.
Seriously, this conversation went on for longer than an hour, and my mom went hard. She said that, by driving the iQ, not only is Sheryl insulting me, but she’s disrespecting the family and me as a whole. Mom also said that if Sheryl cared about me and actually respected me, she’d drive a real lawyer car and make more money. This conversation would normally be way too personal to publish, but it hit me like a ton of bricks because it came out of the blue and was weirdly harsh. Long story short is that, apparently, over the past two years, my mom has lost respect for my wife because of the iQ.
I defended Sheryl throughout this conversation. I have a fleet of crappy, weird cars. I am not disrespected by my wife choosing to drive a weird car. She’s a grown woman and can make her own choices with her own money. But Pandora’s box has been opened. The words that have been said cannot be taken back. It’s clear that everyone now hates the iQ.
Our conclusion is that the iQ is actively harming Sheryl on multiple fronts. She has been depressed about this, and I have been dealing with headache after headache. I honestly have never seen a car cause so much strife before. Yet, most people seem to agree that the iQ sucks. In fact, our very own readers have been saying it for over a year now.
We’ve made the decision to get a different car, but the question is: What car?
So Many Choices
When I posed this question to The Autopian‘s staff and contributors, I used the qualifier that it should be somewhat “lawyer-like.” Ideally, I’d love to pay cash for this car, but that would mean a budget under $10,000. Financing also works, but Sheryl’s not looking to get into a loan on a $40,000 car anytime soon.
First out of the gate was Jason Torchinsky, who recommended a Scion xB. Or, specifically, he said that we should buy a dirt-cheap first-generation xB, and then pay someone to make it the most luxurious xB in the world.
David Tracy was next, and his recommendation was a 1980 Subaru GL wagon. I’m not even sure what to do with this recommendation.
Matt Hardigree returned us to reality with the recommendation for a Lincoln Town Car, but specifically one that isn’t black. The idea there is that Sheryl won’t look like a livery driver. Also, I guess she’d get to say that she’s a Lincoln lawyer?
Stephen Walter Gossin recommended a 2000s Jaguar on the account that they look great, are plenty luxurious, and can be had for dirt-cheap.
My mom said Sheryl’s new car has to be high-end luxury. The wildcard is Sheryl’s best friend, a Honda fangirl, who recommended a mid-2010s Civic, an early 2010s Accord, or an Acura.
As far as Sheryl’s own picks, she wants something like a mid-2010s Subaru Legacy, an Infiniti G37, an Infiniti EX35, a Toyota Avalon, a Lexus LX470, a Lexus LS400, a mid-2010s Mazda3, a Hyundai Veloster, a Hyundai Genesis sedan, or another Toyota Prius. She also wants another BMW E39, but she’s reluctant since the last one didn’t go so well.
The good news is that Sheryl’s mileage has gone down over the past two years. As of now, she puts about 25,000 miles a year on her car, an improvement over her old mileage of 40,000 miles a year. Still, that’s nearly double the national average, so Sheryl needs something that’s at least somewhat durable.
I don’t think a Civic is a good pick. Civics are extremely hearty cars, but I’m not sure it would give Sheryl the image she’s looking for. Likewise, early 2010s Accords are often seen as great first cars, so I’m not sure that will also complete the mission as desired. I know Sheryl also loves the Hyundai Genesis, but will the Hyundai badge turn people off? I also adore Stephen’s suggestion for a highly depreciated Jaguar, but I’m positive my wife will get murdered by repair costs.
The Legacy, Veloster, and Mazda3 are Sheryl’s bucket list cars, so those would be considered in spite of how anyone feels about them.
Since we have direct access to the people who hate the iQ, we started polling them on my cars. I have like 13 crappy cars, so I can easily sell some or give one to Sheryl. Apparently, the most “lawyer” car in my fleet is the BMW E61 wagon that I bought from the Bishop, but that has over 180,000 miles and is already very finicky. I do not trust that BMW to take Sheryl’s beatings without breaking in a hilariously expensive way.
The three cars that both line up with the image goal and with Sheryl’s own desires are the BMW E39, a Lexus LX470, and a Lexus LS400. E39s are easy to find in decent condition for cheap enough. But Sheryl has deep concerns about long-term reliability, which is fair. The two Lexus (Lexi? Lexuses?) are great ideas, but I’ve been gobsmacked at old Lexus values.
Most of the Lexus in my local area have well over 100,000 miles, and their sellers are still demanding $7,000 to $8,000 for them. I could have sworn that these were $3,500 cars back in 2019.
Anyway, I have found some affordable Avalons, Priis, Camrys, and some newer Honda Accords. What’s stopping us from moving forward is just being unsure. I don’t want to blow a ton of cash on a car that fails at improving Sheryl’s image, or worse, is a car she ends up hating.
The shortlist for now is a Toyota Avalon, a BMW E39, a Toyota Prius, a Subaru Legacy, or a Honda Clarity. But we cannot seem to make a decision for fear of making the wrong decision. It’s funny because I’ve purchased cars entirely on impulse before. But that’s me. I can get away with buying a dumb car. My wife doesn’t have that luxury, so I want to get this right.
Whew, it sure took a long time to get here! Now I want to turn it over to you. What car should she buy? Should she just tell my mom and her haters to buzz off? What car would you expect someone who functions like a public defender to drive? Please help me, my brain is melting from the indecision.
Top graphic image: Mercedes Streeter
It is a shame how so many size up a person’s value by their wealth, whether perceived or real. Or the vehicle they drive. I drive a Subaru, so some have asked if I am a lesbian, to which I answer: HELL YEAH! 100%.
I like the Infiniti suggestion. An EX35 has the proportions she seems to like in a car. Infiniti is obviously in a bad way, but I think the badge has enough residual appeal to satisfy your mom (using her as a stand in for other lawyers, clients, etc.).
Late model Impala LTZ with the midnight appearance package. Reliable, good ride, cheaper to fix, bit of bad ass don’t mess with me vibe while still encouraging the opposition to underestimate her abilities.
MINI
The MINI is a downsized BMW, driven by professionals who are looking for something small and sporty. I’ve got a 2020 Cooper SE myself, but I don’t think the electric range is up to your wife’s needs—unless she has access to a L2 charger to plug in every night.
Never had an ICE MINI, but my understanding is that you want to avoid the first two generations as they have high maintenance costs.
Toyota Avalon hybrid. Caution as the 2013-2015 had an incredibly stiff suspension on some trims. This can be edited through replacement with direct-fit 2016-2018 springs and shocks. The newest generation may be the best, though, but it would require a loan. These offer such a premium experience for the cost.
People are horrid. Present company excepted.
That said, a Lexus hybrid seems to be the way to go. Fuel is expensive at 25k miles a year. Non car people will not turn up their noses at the badge. Plus it’s a Toyota hybrid under the sheetmetal. It’ll run until the heat death of the universe if the tin worm doesn’t get it first. Hold your nose and pay the Lexus tax. It’ll be worth it in the end.
First of all, bad call mom! There is a time and a way to state her case. That wasn’t it.
Now for the car. I recommend something very lawyery, an Alfa Romeo Gulia.
Sheryl needs something that will take her places other than the mechanic.
Yes but the stories.
Pffft. Honda fans. Only they would think a 10 year old Civic or Accord is something more than just another random used car. Whatever clients and peers are judging your wife on the iQ are not going to be impressed by an aging Accord.
The Legacy has no cachet. At all. If you need to Subie, get a high-trim Outback in a nice color. The new Prius is a very sharp looking car but they’re not cheap yet. Do not go for the weird-looking prior gen if you are concerned about image. The final Avalon is a very nice car and came as a hybrid. It doesn’t look like the grampa barge of older Avalons but I’m not sure how others perceive the nameplate. LX470 for 25,000-40,000 miles per year? They get something like 15mpg in combined driving.
Go with what worked before. BMW wagon or current gen Prius.
And I’ll second the recommendation for an LS400. The 1997-1999 refresh is a stately and sharp looking sedan. The 2000-2006 is kind of a bar of soap but legendary in its quality and durability. Neither will get good fuel economy and while they don’t break often, they will be expensive when they do.
While I drive a Celsior and not an LS400, I think they are close enough for me to endorse the choice of one. I get compliments on mine all the time, it’s comfortable for long drives, and has never had any significant breakdowns. Keep doing the maintenance on it, and it’ll take you as far as you want to go.
When I was a kid in the 60s, and some of my parents’ friends were lawyers, the strategy with cars was to project success, but not too much success, since clients would think you were overcharging. Therefore the lawyers drove Buicks, and saved the Cadillacs for the MDs, who did need to project full on success, overcharging or not.
I don’t offer a particular car brand or model, but just keep that strategy in mind. Mom is right about what the iQ projects. She sounds old school like me on this. Did I mention I used to be a lawyer, too? I drive a 2019 Lexus ES 300h from new.
I’ll tip my hat to your wife for driving 40K miles in an IQ in a year, that’s quite the commitment to a car.
I’m hoping that your mom is trying to express what you said about your wife’s business suffering because of her car and maybe those feelings boiled over in the wrong way? I do see how it happens, if you’re spending your last few dollars on a lawyer to keep a roof over your head you want reassurance that they’re good and that image needs to be projected rightly or wrongly.
A Lexus or a Toyota would be fine but the image of reliability means the price is too high for me to pay. When my other half needed a car for work and looking a prices here in the UK of a Corolla or an Auris was just depressing and I decided it wasn’t worth it.
I think you both could do with some anonymous luxury for a bit of a reset, get something like a Lincoln or a Mercury where they are bland enough to project the image that your wife needs while not costing an arm and a leg. Taking a look at Autotrader a Kia Cadenza could work? It would be a much nicer place to spend time in while not costing much more than a similar age/milage Accord or Camry.
My suggestion which my Autopian wife neglected to mention was to just lease a new three series, but Sheryl’s annual mileage requirements would seem to exclude this as an option.
If anyone knows any different now’s the time.
Had the same thought. IIRC from the last time I considered leasing, mileage can sometimes be negotiated up front.
We should totally bring back “what car should I drive”
First of all, people hating on your loved one suck. I’m a self employed engineer, a respectable job that earns me a good living, but I still drive around in my 200k miles Clio with 58hp because it makes financial sense. No one is give ng me grief about it.
That being said, I also attend events with business owners where I do some networking, and I tend to use my 22 years old Z4 for those events. She’s old and hailed but people still compliment me on the car.
So I understand Sheryl’s issue. Sometimes you have to project a certain image for your business. I couldn’t show to one of those networking event in my rusty Datsun 720!
My advice is to go to a used BMW. Anything German (VW aside) will project success to the normies. I hate the VAG group with a passion so I won’t recommend an Audi, and I find Mercedes (Benz) to be either boring or to complicated to fix. My Z4 is shockingly capable as an all rounder, but a sportcar may not be what Sheryl needs.
I’d go for a 5 series. The E39 was a great option and still is, but you could look at the Bangle cars too, despite their finickier nature.
Weird that it matters what cars Sheryl drives but I get that it does. Your mom going on and on about it may have some additional issue behind it she didn’t bother to bring up (maybe mom is also worried about safety? long term financial goals like home ownership? dunno).
Lexus or Mazda, as long as it’s a car that Sheryl likes as well as “fitting the image” and being reliable.
Family can often be both a joy and a pain. And both and everything in between all at once.
Ah, pushrod subaru, delightful. The car that you can drive to the junkyard when you get tired of it.
Unless your mother is your wife’s boss, please don’t let her dictate what kind of car she gets. If the iQ was working well enough for her and her clients weren’t fazed by it, I would keep it.
And, really, something like an E39–even a mint one—isn’t going to impress anybody. I know those of us around here appreciate a good stealth wealth car, but most people are just going to see she’s in an old luxury car.
I would definitely recommend reading the whole thing. 🙂
Everyone loved the E39, everyone hates the iQ. As in, mom’s complaining aside, Sheryl lost a contract because the clients did not think she was serious with a car like the iQ. So, it’s causing some financial losses, which is so bizarre.
Non-car people didn’t seem to realize how old the BMW really was, or thought that she was keeping a “classic” car alive. Stupid, I know. But another E39 is not a good idea for the kind of driving she does.
We’re currently leaning Avalon, Prius, or a Lexus-ifed Prius.
“So, it’s causing some financial losses, which is so bizarre”
Some professional fields are like that. The dress code extends to your vehicle. It sucks, but perhaps it’s an opportunity to enjoy landing another nice set of wheels. Lemons into lemonade and all that.
I’d add the 2018+ Camry hybrid to your consideration list. XLE trim. It’s a refined platform, looks modern and vaguely expensive/respectable, and in that trim level the interior is pretty good too.
Ah. You’re right. I skimmed.
My recommendation, if she can swing it, is the Avalon Hybrid.
How about a white ‘97 DeVille with a vanity plate that says LWYRUP? That should make things all good.
There are people renting cars for atmosphere that barely run or don’t run at all, just cosmetically done.
That includes exotics.
Running costs on anything driven under 500 miles a year will be lower.
Or, if you need a truly serious image, get something slightly off-roady, proper roo bars, and convert the back to a gun deck with a mount.
There are proprietary rigs available or just go the technical route.
Don’t mount a gun on it, and you can still go anywhere.
If you need more, dump a bucket of empty cartridges in the bed for special occasions.
I can get you a Barrett bumper sticker.
I bet you get no rude comments.
Comments from opposing counsel are just a tactic, and should be ignored.
> We’re currently leaning Avalon, Prius, or a Lexus-ifed Prius.
This is the way.
And I hate your mom.
I agree with Pete. What is WRONG with these people?
I suggest your wife buy a car that suits her needs and makes her happy. When I worked in the court system, my daily was a 94 Roadmaster wagon. I liked the fact it had close to 50/50 weight distribution and turned and stopped well in snow (I lived in northern Wisconsin). It would hold second from a stop if you selected it. I had room for passengers and their children, and it was comfortable, which is important to me because I have an injured back. All anyone could tell me was that you can’t drive a rear drive car in snow. What did I know about driving? I was going to cause an accident (really!) I can tell you, put 4 Blizzaks on a Roadmonster wagon and you can go anywhere you want. Let the haters whine.
My other car was a Geo 3 cylinder. Loved it, like a little go-kart. Fun. People said it was too small, a deathtrap – why should I care? I was the one driving it, and it made me happy – especially when it was too cold to ride.
Drive something that satisfies you. If people judge you by your taste in cars, you know those are people to be avoided in the future. Any business you get from them will require constant attention, since they have already demonstrated an ability to act stupid and mean.
Used Lexus UX or NX Hybrid. Toyota quality with a bit of image…
My wife just replaced her tiny, loud but brilliant Suzuki Swift Sport with a Lexus UX.
She loves it so much that she said yesterday she’s only going to look at other Lexuses/Lexi to replace it, if it ever needs replacing.
We’ve had 2 NX’s and a UX. In fact, actually bought a 26 NX 450 plug in hybrid 3 days ago. Built in Japan, so the quality shows. Not to offend, simply stating opinion…
I do think she should be the Lincoln Lawyer, but even though I’m a big Panther fan with some in the fleet and many previous examples, not a Town Car. Instead I’d suggest what I use for my daily driver a MKZ hybrid. It will cost half as much to run as the TC. I’ve received a fair number of complements over the years both from those seeing it from the outside and those ridding in it. With the long drives she regularly does look for one with the adaptive cruise and massage seats.
The MKZ is a fine looking car.
The most memorable compliment I received was while topping of my tires, due to the weather change at Costco.
I was standing there waiting for a tire to finish and a stylish and attractive “soccer mom” is heading to her vehicle with a heaping shopping cart. She stops right behind the car and says “I just got to say that is a really good looking car.” I said thanks and she asked “What is it?” That got me curious as to what she drove so I watched her and she got into a 4-Runner. That does point out what is probably Lincoln’s biggest problem limited brand awareness across the buying public.
I’ve seen several other comments suggesting an Acura TSX wagon, but even the newest ones are over a decade old now and hard to find in decent condition…
I haven’t seen anyone bring up the Buick Regal TourX? Seems like a relatively unique option that would be great for those long commutes and still be perceived as classy enough for a lawyer. You probably won’t find one at the $10k price point but a $10k loan with a $10k down payment would get you a very decent one.
she drives way too much to get a real luxury gas guzzler. i know you’re not in california or whatever, but gas still costs money everywhere. find like a…lexus NX 4 banger hybrid or something. seems like bigger tires, higher ride, ome gas efficiency, and decent reliability would be the right choice here.
and disrespectful to her profession (she’s a lawyer)
Disrespectful? How is driving a cheap, fuel frugal car disrespectful?
For the most part the lawyers I’ve met don’t deserve respect. I’ve used the services of eight different lawyers, and only two of them are ever getting repeat business.
One of them sent me a bill for receiving a letter from me. That “letter” was a cheque I’d sent them paying their previous bill in full.
Obviously, you shouldn’t have paid them.
I’m kidding, as that would lead to even more fees, but it does seem like they’ve got an interesting racket going there: Receive payment, charge for it, receive payment, charge for it…
So you go in to pay in person, and they charge you for the time…
Sounds like a law firm to be avoided.
Well that’s ONE way to pay for a fancier car.
I know she stacks on the miles AND ITS A BUSINESS EXPENSE so to maximize profits, she should get a hybrid, but not a boring one.
Lexus CT200h, yeah it’s a prius, but it’s LOADED and comfortable and I’d imagine a lot of aftermarket parts of the prius would bolt up, the stereo kicks ass, and it gets 40mpg
Caddillac ELRs are also coming down in price and they look incredible, and get 80mpg plugged in and 30ish on the highway.
Both are luxury but eco friendly and likely pretty enjoyable to drive, AND RELIABLE so you can focus on fixing your own projects instead of messing with her daily.
An ELR is a great option. They’re beautiful and pretty reliable.
2200 ever made. Trust me, you’re not finding one with without divine intervention, and you’ll need more for one in good condition at a decent price.
The FB group is a great place to look, and if they aren’t afraid to look nationwide, they can find one. CarMax still get them occasionally as well. I used to watch these like a hawk.
Allow me to combine two suggestions into one: A Lexus CT200h. Essentially a 3rd-gen Prius in fancy clothes, it has a the snob appeal of the Lexus badge, 40+mpg, and it’s a compact station wagon.
There are some issues with the 3rd gen Prius drivetrain, but if you can handle a Jetta and a BMW then it should be a walk in the park – they’re well documented, detecting existent problems shouldn’t prove difficult, and the preventative modifications straightforward. (Selfishly, I’d like to see it written about.)
Posted the same suggestion at about the exact same time as you, scroll up lol
The CT200h is gonna be one of those cars that’s going to have a cult following sooner or later for being one of the few luxury cars designed to a minimal size sold in in the US market.