Advice on a new car..anyone? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Displaced Flames fan · 12-31-2005, 06:16 PM

We have a Ford Escape. The 6 cylinder version and love it. Great performance and decent gas mileage. A new one will be out of reach of that payment window though.

ah123 · 12-31-2005, 06:22 PM

Invest in a Lemon-Aid guide by Phil Edmonston - it might save you thousands...you might also want to check out the related website http://www.lemonaidcars.com/

Good luck!

Reggie Dunlop · 12-31-2005, 06:41 PM

I always pictured you behind the wheel of the "Fotzmobile."

I-Hate-Hulse · 12-31-2005, 06:48 PM

Generally I haven't liked the RAV4 type of cute-utes but was reading this article on the new RAV4 and have to say it's left me impressed!

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....ticle_id=10394

Seriously, 269 horse in a little thing like that? No wonder why the 0-60 time is 6.3 According to the C/D article above that makes it the fastest car or truck in the Toyota lineup (Excluding some super Tacoma). Add the versatility of a mini-ute for toting around all the tot stuff and I think it's hard to beat. A little pricey though but you might be able to get some sort of deal this Boxing week.

Until resale goes up on a Korean car, i'd stay far away. The memory of the Hyundai Pony is all too vivid for me...

Isn't the Escape due for a redesign soon? Certainly been a while since it's been out.

How about a wagon, lots of newly released model out like the Volvo V50? Room, plus better handling than a mini ute.

EDIT: Totally forgot until a commercial came on for it. Check out the Nissan X-Trail - Was really impressed by it at the last car show and I believe it's quite competitive, especially in pricing. Price band is 26-34K.

http://www.nissan.ca/en/vehicles/xtrail/

Displaced Flames fan · 12-31-2005, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

I was thinking of a down payment of 10k

Sorry man, you should definitely test drive one then. We were literally stunned at the performance level. We drove it all the way from Wichita to 108 Mile and back this summer. It was a pleasure. Got nearly 30 MPG for the trip overall.

Displaced Flames fan · 12-31-2005, 06:59 PM

off topic here, but has anyone seen what the new Dodge Challenger looks like?

WOW.

Mustang X 2 IMO.

That is, if you're into the retro muscle car thing like I am.

Reggie Dunlop · 12-31-2005, 07:16 PM

I've been happy with my RAV. When the time comes, I'll probably get another one.

Reggie Dunlop · 12-31-2005, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

I would have seen you in an old chevy station wagon with fake wood on the side.

Traded that one (with the eight track sound system) in years ago.

If you're looking at Toyotas, consider a four-door, 4WD Matrix. Feller at work with a little gaffer just upgraded his Escort for one.

Swifty · 12-31-2005, 07:45 PM

http://www.honda.ca/Honda/Models/Ele...efault.asp?L=E

Buy the Honda Lunchbox.

Griz · 12-31-2005, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotze

I think habernac just bought an x-trail, maybe he can take me for a ride.

I bought an X-Trail myself a few months ago. I test drove most of the Japanese and Korean compact SUVs (CR-V, Rav 4, Santa Fe, Tuscon, Forester, etc.) and the X-trail was easily the best. It has more features for the money than Honda or Toyota. One of the best is the ability to select the 4WD mode between "lock" (all 4 wheels engaged... good for getting out of snow drifts, mud, etc.), auto and 2WD. Most competitors only have an auto mode.

Let me know if you have any specific questions about the car.

GreenTeaFrapp · 12-31-2005, 08:25 PM

We currently have a Subaru Forester, which is a great car. Great safety record, the best AWD in the class, and I don't think you'll find any of its competitors come close to the interior space behind the second row of seats.

The big problem with it is the back seat doesn't have much room and when you have to turn the car seat backwards, it doesn't leave much room for the seat in front of it.

Because we're on to our second child, we're trading it in for a Mazda5. It might not be a small SUV but its a pretty damn good deal for what you get. Way more interior room then any SUV in its price range. Its not a huge boat like the Honda or Toyota minivans. Way better quality then the crappy North American minivans. The sliding doors will make getting kids in and out of their car seats far easier. Seating for 6, or seating for 4 with lots of room behind.

And it comes pretty well equipped in it's base model that's priced under $20,000.

At the very least, I'd recommend taking one out for a test drive. I wasn't even planning on getting one until I took a look at one up close in a dealership.

I-Hate-Hulse · 12-31-2005, 08:28 PM

If something more domestic is in your favor, there's always the Chevy Equinox:

http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/05equinox.htm

Quite good pricing, and got a pretty good review at Car & Driver. With inventives and what not I'll bet you could get the top line AWD done for less than $30K

duncan · 12-31-2005, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Displaced Flames fan

We have a Ford Escape. The 6 cylinder version and love it. Great performance and decent gas mileage. A new one will be out of reach of that payment window though.

I bought an Escape XLT this October, and love it. We drove it to Florida, and found it decent on gas, and great to drive. I would definitely recommend it.

photon · 12-31-2005, 10:57 PM

Just got my wife a Nissan Murano a month ago and we both really like it.

FurnaceFace · 01-01-2006, 10:25 AM

I'm a big mark for the Outback, or Subaru in general. I bought mine in Dec 98 and have had no problems with it so far. For insurance the Outback is classified as a Station Wagon, so you get car rates as opposed to SUV/truck class which IIRC is more $$.

My bro-in-law recently bought a Mazda5 and it seems a lot of car for the size. Would likely be good for getting the critter(s) in and out of.

PYroMaNiaC · 01-01-2006, 12:10 PM

Bought a Hyundai Santa Fe a year ago. Love it. Reasonable price tag even new. Decent gas mileage for a sorta SUV. (I believe it comes in second to the Toyota) Great service from the team at Precision. Couldn't be any more pleased with my choice.

nieuwy-89 · 01-01-2006, 12:37 PM

I'll be the first to pitch a mini-van to you. Great family vehicle, especially if you do a lot of highway driving, camping, and taxiing friends and family around the city. The sport-utes, especially the wee ones, can't compete with the space and convenience. And most mini-vans will outperform the full size SUVs on gas mileage. Mini-vans are incredibly versatile in their ability to haul day-to-day loads, tow, and accomodate a growing family. Finally, when that kid (or kids) of yours grows up, you'll appreciate the sliding side doors which will save you from many dings on your doors and the vehicles parked beside you.

We have a 2004 Toyota Sienna, and have been satisified. It is a comfortable ride, fairly good on gas, and has lots of extras that you don't get in a comparable Honda Odyssey. However, we have had warranty issues and numerous recalls, meaning more trips to the dealer than I expected when I payed a premium to get a Toyota. (My other car is a 1999 Corolla which has been, and still is, an excellent vehicle)

Before buying our van I did a lot of research, and as lame as it sounds am a bit of a "mini-van buff". If you would consider a mini-van, start by test driving a Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey, Nissan Quest, and Dodge Grand Caravan.

4X4 · 01-01-2006, 12:51 PM

I still remember the day my dad bought a minivan. Up to that day, he went back and forth from cadillacs to sports cars. More often than not, a cadillac.

Then came the minivan. Within 4 years, I suddenly had 3 little sisters, and my dad stopped taking my to flames games. I blame it all on my stepmother and her insistance upon the minivan.

Sylvanfan · 01-01-2006, 02:31 PM

Yeah, especially with the domestics it makes sense to look at a used vehichle. Just be mindfull of the mileage as domestic manufacturers purposely design these things so that you'll always need to do minor repairs to keep money flowing to the company. The depreciation on the domestics still astounds me to no end. So if you can find one thats 2 years old it's probably about 60% of the price of the brand new one.

Get the lemonaid guide and try to determine the time frame you want the vehichle for, and how long you'll be using it. If you want something for the long haul than the Toyota or Honda's have as good a track record as you'll find.

I'm afraid I'm finally going to have to give in to reality and give up my 2002 Mustang GT convertible. As much as I would like it to be for a new Mustang that won't be the case. Than again I probably never should have bought it in the first place. But how often in your life do you get the chance to own something that impractical and get away with it? But me being the arrogant prick that I am will still try to get away with something like a V8 Toureg or something rediculous like that which I really can't afford. I just would love to see the look on the faces of my stuck up neighbours who complain to no end about how my 79 Dodge truck is ruining our neighbourhood.

transplant99 · 01-01-2006, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reggie Dunlop

I've been happy with my RAV. When the time comes, I'll probably get another one.

Agreed.

Had mine for almost 5 years now and have only had to replace one oxygen sensor in that entire time.

Good gas mileage and oodles of room when the seats are layed flat.

Still may go back to a car though.