need help choosing a new car

[kensai]

So, I live in California, but I am about to start graduate school in upstate New York, and my father has offered to buy me a new car (well, any car that comes with a decent warranty will do, so certified pre-owned is ok). Can someone suggest a few cars for me to look at based on the following information?

1) 95% of the time I will be using my car for short commutes each day with a single passenger. The other 5% I will be driving to New York City or other places on the East Coast and/or hauling stuff around (suitcases, books, computers, etc). I would also like to be able to transport multiple passengers.

2) I will be using this car to move from California to New York, so it will either need to be able to carry everything I (and my passenger) own, or be fitted with a hitch to tow a uhaul trailer.

3) It should be able to perform well in the variety of weather that upstate New York has to offer (like snow).

4) My father is offering to pay $20k up front, but anything above that I will be paying over the next few years. As a starving graduate student I can afford $450 per month at most (that's about 20% of my take-home income). I actually would like to have some kind of monthly payment so I can build a good credit history.

5) On that note, something with high MPG and/or low "true cost to own" would be nice.

6) Also, the trade-in value of my current car is about $2k.

Some things that are not absolutely necessary, but would be really nice:
- a good range (as in MPG*gas tank size) so that I can make fewer trips to the gas station
- a navigation system (to make the drive across the country easier)

I have done a little research myself, but there are so many options I thought I would ask you guys. I was thinking a hatchback like the Toyota Prius would be a good choice because the foldable rear seats would allow me to transport a lot of stuff. However, I have no idea how it performs on hills, in snow, etc. (I don't have a feel for what 130 hp really means; I always imagined the Prius struggling painfully to accelerate)

Thanks for your help.

[autoinsureusa]

I used to drive a Toyota Prius. I lived in Canada, and as I'm sure you know, the weather is not all that great there in the winter. I never had any trouble with the car. If you're wondering why I do not have the car anymore, it is because I upgraded. There was nothing wrong with the car -- my increased budget just allowed me to upgrade to something a bit better

The Toyota Prius would be a great car to buy -- my two cents.

[whatugiv]

I am originally from RI and my sister went to NYU! Love the snow in the winter there. Well except when it gets a gray and dirty.
The Toyota Yaris is way under $20,000. and its great on gas!
The Prius is wonderful. My sister lives in Boston and she hasn't complained about how her's handles in the snow and ice.
Its quite roomy!
It fits a car seat, all of my nieces' toys, extra clothes, etc. as well as a chocolate lab!
Toyota makes a great ride. If you need any help getting one let me know. I would be happy to help and maybe get you a little more for your trade.
Good Luck,
JC

[wrenchboss26]

subaru forester