Prictical reliable under $16,000

Hey guys Im doing a car search for a friend...I know speed isnt essential on the car but I definately trust your opinions... heres the basic criteria

Car or SUV
Reliable
Fuel effecient
Can hold lots of stuff (driving cross country w/univ stuff)
$16,000 Cdn so about $13,600 USD
must be auto

Right not I've suggested a Mazda3 and a Pontiac Vibe, both used to him...Hes also looking at a mid 90's 2 door Blazer...oh and It can't be a Civic, he doesn't want a Civic

Scion XB!

Rsx

No Scion's in Canada...rsx can't hold enough stuff...thanks guys keep em comin

Hmm does it matter on the year of the car? Cuz if it doesnt I'd say a 96-99 Maxima, but if year matters than maybe the new ones? Used 96-99 Maximas cost around 10k easy, very reliable, with decent mpg.

Toyota RAV4?

Chevy/GMC Blazer/Jimmy?

Four door golf.

Girlfriend just bought a new Vibe with that Toyota motor in it.

I will stick to my Grand Am with less room and only slightly less MPG.

I get this feeling that mr. Luos is red shield till the day he dies.

I get this feeling that mr. Luos is red shield till the day he dies.
Hell no. Pontiac only has the GTO in their current line-up that is worth a damn to me. Everything else is crap. At least in looks. Those GXP Grand Prix's have a mean motor.

Next daily driver will be either a small truck (Nissan, Ford, or GM) or a sedan (WRX, Maxima, Altima).

One of the Hybrids...

I don't think you can touch one of them Hybrid cars for $16,000...

I haven't looked into them, but they're damn expensive new. So... I'd assume their resale is pretty good.

I don't think you can touch one of them Hybrid cars for $16,000...

I haven't looked into them, but they're damn expensive new. So... I'd assume their resale is pretty good.
The insight is close, but only a two-seater.

get a saab 9000 series...

how bout a used Subaru Outback or Forester ? hell them things got lots of Space

how close are yo uto the states... xB is a nice lil car... you can go across the boarder cant you? we can go across the boader...but the vehicles are in kmh and not mph... my grandpa just baout bout his 2500 HD from canada but he would have to take it back here and then get new guages put in and didnt want to hassle with that...so he just paid the few grand extra for it here.

GGGGG Geo prism :iceslolan

Hmmm, Mazda 5. That hatchback lookin one. Pretty descent cars, plus I've seen them with the suspension package and they look pretty good IMO. That's what I'd go with. They're also a bit peppy. Nothing special, but a just a bit.

Toyota RAV4?

No. Just flat out no. 0-60 is a tested 17 seconds and somewhere around 2 hours in the 1/4mile...no power whatsoever...the other day, I kicked off over drive, stood on the thorottle, and flaped my arms like wings...it still took about 10 seconds to go from 65-70...

This guy isn't a car guy, it won't make any sense to him why he should go to the states to buy a car, he won't do it...

Grand prix is a good idea, ill throw that by him, and same with the Mazda 5, and ill ask about the Rav 4...