Advice on small SUV/Crossovers

[psicodude]

Just FYI, the Ford employee pricing ends Aug. 31st. This saves us about $3500 on the Escapes we have been looking at.

Another big factor in your decision should be how you plan on paying for the vehicle. Finance and lease rates differ vastly depending on manufacturer. This was the main thing that kep us away from the Rav and CRV.

[Dion]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

True, but I'd call that more of half a redesign. Definately refreshed the exterior and interior styling (although not exactly groundbreaking) but the powertrain and chassis's the same.

You have a vehicle that's selling like hotcakes. Why would you mess around with the powertrain and chassis?

Look what happened when Ford did a major redesign on the Taurus and Sable. Hottest selling car in north america between 92 and 96. No need for a major redesign, still they did it. Sales dropped off the planet resulting in the models being discontinued.

[beachy]

I used to own a RAV4 - really an amazing vehicle, one of the very best!! Absolutely zero complaints/problems with it - great on gas, fun to drive (feels like a car), always started (even when at UofC in -35 when I forgot to plug it in!) and its a Toyota (ie. quality, durability and great re-sale value)

It was a sad day when we decided to sell it - I really can't recommend it high enough!

[GreenTeaFrapp]

The new Hyundai Santa Fe is nice.

If you're willing to buy in the US, the Hyundai Veracruz can be had for under $30k CDN, although its not a small SUV, but I was REALLY impressed with the one I test drove.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Originally Posted by Dion

You have a vehicle that's selling like hotcakes. Why would you mess around with the powertrain and chassis?

Look what happened when Ford did a major redesign on the Taurus and Sable. Hottest selling car in north america between 92 and 96. No need for a major redesign, still they did it. Sales dropped off the planet resulting in the models being discontinued.

Because in the Auto Industry, if you stand still you get run over. You HAVE to change even the best selling vehicles as the competition just gets better. Case in point the Ford Windstar. A half assed makeover in 2005 that no one could tell had changed resulted in the "Freestar", a marketing ploy to remind people that it was indeed a new vehicle even though it didn't look like it. Meanwhile the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey have pretty much eradicated all competition (including the Freestar) other than Chrysler in the minivan segment.

The Escape might have been a great seller in 2006, but how much of that was due to major incentives? The Crossover SUV is the HOTTEST segment of the auto market with everyone from KIA, Hyundai, with new offerings and old model refreshenings happening daily and if Ford stands still it's only going to have a lousy product relative to the competition.

The new 2008 makeover looks pretty good, but it's the powertrain I'd cast a wary eye at. Didn't those same powertrain options exist in 2001? The 2.3L I4 and the 3.0 V6? All with a 4 spd auto (with many of the competition now offering 5spds? Harsh and anemic are words I commonly read about the powertrain - but that's all subjective and I'd recommending Beanz driving one to judge for himself. The V6 in a small SUV was a novelty at the time but it's a pretty common option now.

Your Sable/Taurus makeover was a bad example - fleet sales accounted for most of the final sales as it was a very tired design by the end and most of all - the new design sucked! Had they done it better, sales could have spiked upwards.

[BEANZ]

I've never really liked Fords other than their trucks but will be looking at an Escape. I am slightly hesitant based on their unwillingness to change the platform of this vehicle.
I think I'm leaning towards the Torrant, Outlander and the RAV. I need to find good non-baised reviews. If any one knows a site please let me know.

Again thanks all for your opinions

[Dion]

Originally Posted by BEANZ

I've never really liked Fords other than their trucks but will be looking at an Escape. I am slightly hesitant based on their unwillingness to change the platform of this vehicle.
I think I'm leaning towards the Torrant, Outlander and the RAV. I need to find good non-baised reviews. If any one knows a site please let me know.

Again thanks all for your opinions

You may want to head to a book store or the public library and get a copy of this guys guides. He gives excellent unbiased views.

http://www.lemonaidcars.com/

[Dion]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Because in the Auto Industry, if you stand still you get run over. You HAVE to change even the best selling vehicles as the competition just gets better. Case in point the Ford Windstar. A half assed makeover in 2005 that no one could tell had changed resulted in the "Freestar", a marketing ploy to remind people that it was indeed a new vehicle even though it didn't look like it. Meanwhile the Toyota Sienna and Honda Odyssey have pretty much eradicated all competition (including the Freestar) other than Chrysler in the minivan segment.

Ford did make changes on the Escape. Where we will agree to disagree is weather they did enough. Regardless the Escape is one of the best selling small SUV's on the market.

The Windstar is not a good example as it was a lemon from the beginning - dogged with engine and transmission problems. The Freestar wasn't that much better. Chrysler on the other did well due to the fact it's base model minivans could be had for around 20 grand.

The Escape might have been a great seller in 2006, but how much of that was due to major incentives? The Crossover SUV is the HOTTEST segment of the auto market with everyone from KIA, Hyundai, with new offerings and old model refreshenings happening daily and if Ford stands still it's only going to have a lousy product relative to the competition.

Judging by the number of escapes on the road these days, I hardly think it was because of incentives. The dealership here has trouble keeping them in stock.

The new 2008 makeover looks pretty good, but it's the powertrain I'd cast a wary eye at. Didn't those same powertrain options exist in 2001? The 2.3L I4 and the 3.0 V6? All with a 4 spd auto (with many of the competition now offering 5spds? Harsh and anemic are words I commonly read about the powertrain - but that's all subjective and I'd recommending Beanz driving one to judge for himself. The V6 in a small SUV was a novelty at the time but it's a pretty common option now.

The 05 model had some changes to the power train.

There's the new ‘intelligent’ four-wheel drive system, replacing the Control Trac II system used in previous years.

Or how about the new 2.3 litre engine that improved the horsepower from 127 to 153.

Towing capacity with the four cylinder Escape was increased from 454 kilograms (1,000 pounds) to 680 kg (1,500 lbs.).

Ohhh and 5spds are availabe with the base 4 cylnder models.

[I-Hate-Hulse]

Here's one to watch out for: The all new Nissan Rogue coming out soon:

http://www.nissan.ca/en/ms/futuremodels/rogue/

2.5L 4 cyl - 170 hp
Under 30K CAD

I'd watch the available cargo room to see if it has the same issue as the FX/Murano. Friend of mine has an FX45 and it's my Accord Coupe we take to haul 4 boys and their clubs on a golf weekend.

You keep asking for non-biased reviews but I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for. Read the reviews, try and pick out the common theme and test drive them yourself to see if the common themes in the reviews are true. Your own test drive can not be replaced by any guide bought or found on the net.

Besides, test driving can be awesome fun!

[Burninator]

Originally Posted by Dion

You may want to head to a book store or the public library and get a copy of this guys guides. He gives excellent unbiased views.

http://www.lemonaidcars.com/

I'll second that. Great resource for buying a new or used car or truck. I found it to be quite helpful when I was buying a car.

[DFO]

What about the new 4 door Jeep Wrangler? It'll definitely tow without a problem with that V6. They also have great re-sale value.

[BEANZ]

Originally Posted by Dion

You may want to head to a book store or the public library and get a copy of this guys guides. He gives excellent unbiased views.

http://www.lemonaidcars.com/

Haven't been to a library since University but will definetly be heading there soon.
Cheers!

[14]

A test drive of the Murano with a 2% lease rate right now and a check on what you can get for resale in 4 years and it will be a done deal. I guarantee it. It has all you want: largest towing capacity of the vehicles listed (I have a simliar tent trailer as yours), large interior, bose 6 cd changer, rearview camera, LCD screen, reclining rear seats, dual climate control, etc.

[14]

www.auto123.com is where I got alot of my information when I was comparing. Canadian reviews which are sometimes hard to find.

[Lanny_MacDonald]

Originally Posted by I-Hate-Hulse

Here's one to watch out for: The all new Nissan Rogue coming out soon:

http://www.nissan.ca/en/ms/futuremodels/rogue/

2.5L 4 cyl - 170 hp
Under 30K CAD

I'd watch the available cargo room to see if it has the same issue as the FX/Murano. Friend of mine has an FX45 and it's my Accord Coupe we take to haul 4 boys and their clubs on a golf weekend.

You keep asking for non-biased reviews but I'm not sure exactly what you're looking for. Read the reviews, try and pick out the common theme and test drive them yourself to see if the common themes in the reviews are true. Your own test drive can not be replaced by any guide bought or found on the net.

Besides, test driving can be awesome fun!

Interesting. I've had four sets of clubs (tour bags) and luggage in my Murano, along with four golfers and never had a problem with cargo space or passenger room. First time I've heard anyone claim cargo issues with a Murano.