Randomize

My ’02 Nissan Altima, which I’ve loved having for almost 8 years, has a nasty little problem.

When the catalytic converter starts to go, it throws catalyst back up into the engine. This happens usually after the warranty mileage, and the cat doesn’t throw a code until WAY too late. In the meantime, the only symptom is increased oil consumption until the engine is beyond repair. Now my $5k Blue Book Altima needs a $5k engine, and it’ll happen again at any time, even if the rest of the car holds up. /rant

So the wife and I are in the market for a new car, and fast! I’m hoping the intelligence of crowds can help me find a solution.

Wish list:

– Mid-sized to large 4-door sedan.

– My wife wants a cross-over. I don’t–gas mileage, higher cost and center of gravity.

– 30+ mpg

– Flat as possible fold-down seats, including front passenger (wife is an interior designer and sometimes hauls rugs, etc.).

– Aux input for iPhone

– Bluetooth speakerphone compatible with iPhone

– Kick-ass audio.

– Leather

– Roomy trunk and back seat (for traveling with friends and evacuating for hurricanes)

– Good back seat leg room

– GPS would be a nice-to-have, but already have phone

– $20-24k well-equipped

– Very low-interest 36-month financing (I don’t believe in long-term car notes)

– Stylish body

– I get a special work-related discount for Dodge, Chrysler, or Jeep

– Conveniences–power seats, steering wheel controls, nice key fobs, etc.

– TPMS

– ESC

– Affordable, long-term warranty

– Automatic

– Cruise control

Don’t care about:

– Sunroof

– 4/6/8 cylinder or horsepower (we live in flats-ville)

– Satellite radio (I don’t think I would pay for the subscription)

– OnStar (ditto)

Current options:

– Mazda6

– Dodge Avenger R/T

– Kia Optima 2.4 EX A/T

– Hyundai Sonata SE

Not looking at:

– Camry or Accord (zzzz……)

– Nissan anything (burned once, twice shy)

– Ford anything

– Audi or Passat ($$$)

– GM anything

Any other cars I’ve missed, or thoughts about my current contenders?