Mom Needs A Newer Car

[deutschman]

So my mom has this POS 2001 Volvo V40 which has been nothing but a pain in the ass. Constant front suspension problems, electrical problems, and turbo/engine problems.
Long story short she is looking for a newer car, and as I have owned nothing but old BMWs I need some help finding a good fit for her.
She is a home birth midwife, so she needs room in the car for medical bags/equipment. She likes automatic cars with cup holders for her tee and some comfort. She needs something reliable that she doesnt need to bring in every month and spend $800 on.
She is curently looking at Golfs and Passat Wagons, but is open to any other ideas. She prefers European cars.
Are there any years and/or models of Golf or Pasat wagons any of you would recommend? Or is the VW idea a bad one?
Any recommendations are appreciated!

Cheers guys and girls

[Aufbau Principle]

Well sorted E39 touring?

[CrusherCurtis]

x3. If she'll consider American get her a Jeep.

[knuklehead92]

e46 325i... stylish still, nice, reliable.

[doucy2]

Some passats Ive encountered have electrical issues. MKV/VI Golfs and Jetta's are solid.

[Holland]

Honda Odyssey.

[ethirtydavid]

soo, newer like late model? 318i/is?

..course that doesn't have the cup holders she wants ....

[deutschman]

Thanks guys.

[deutschman]

I dont think she needs an e30 :). Think she is looking for something easy to maintain with out having me over all the time. Nether of us have a drive way or a garage at the moment.

[CrusherCurtis]

I actually here that the X3 is the most reliable of the newer BMWs. I wouldn't know, I'm sure some one here can confirm or deny. I bought my my a Jeep. Dirt cheap to fix and she can drive and maintain it like a "woman" and it won't break.

[ky0u]

I dont think she needs an e30 :). Think she is looking for something easy to maintain with out having me over all the time. Nether of us have a drive way or a garage at the moment.

They make 318i/iS e36's too, unless she's looking for newer

[deutschman]

Ill check out the x3 idea. Might come down to gas mileage on tat one though...

[Holland]

She needs something reliable that she doesnt need to bring in every month and spend $800 on.

She prefers European cars.

Really not two things that go well together. European cars are complicated and maintenance heavy.

[deutschman]

^ I wouldnt agree with that. My landlord has two newer v70 wagons and has never had a big problem with ether of them. I know plenty of other people that have newer European cars who are happy with them. I think as long as you stay away from the super fancy sports or luxury models with lots and lots of options and large engines your ok.
Its about finding a balance. Sure Japanese and American cars are cheaper and easier to fix but they often feel cheap and are not as comfortable. If she can get a little of both European comfort and reasonably easy maintenance that would be best. I am looking at other options though.

[Blowchacho]

My mother actually has a 2011 Hyundai Sonata and loves it, does 90 mile round trips in it everyday and can't recall her ever having any problems with it. I recommend the newer Sonata's lol.