Another help me pick my next car thread

[Kolbe31]

Originally Posted by Canehdianman

I'm looking for a new SUV at the moment as well. I'm looking for something a little larger than the Cherokee, but here are my thoughts.

If I was looking at a smaller SUV, I'd be looking at the Ford Edge (love the tech that Ford has been coming up with), and especially the Kia/Hyundai in that class.

We own a 2011 Kia Optima and it has been, without a doubt, the best car we've ever owned. Hasn't had a single problem and has so many bells and whistles that it didn't compare to anything else being offered in the class. Most of my friends are amazed when they get in it. Really top notch.

I looked at the Sorento and Sante Fe when I was doing my preliminary research for my new SUV, unfortunately, they are just a little too short to be comfortable for me (I'm 6'4").

Of course it is going to depend on what your gf wants her vehicle to do. Does she tow anything? Does she need off-road capability? (the Cherokee looks to have the best towing and off-road capabilities in its class - if she's not doing either of these, perhaps something else might suit her better).

Honestly, it's really just a point A to point B vehicle. It won't be used for any towing or off roading. She's only looking for three things: Is it nice? Is it reasonably priced? Do I like driving it? With those things in mind, most vehicles nowadays are a pretty easy sell for her. So I'm doing my best to try and filter out the trash, but I don't necessarily know what I'm doing either!

My family are Honda people as well, so trying to look at anything else is proving to be really difficult for me.

[Hack&Lube]

I need new car advice.

I'm currently driving a 16-year old Accord which only has about 150K on it because, as a latte-sipper I prefer to run or bike to everywhere I go. Nevertheless, it's become a pain when I need to move something, carry cargo, want to carry my bike inside the vehicle, go into the mountains, etc. to not have any cargo space. Utility is something I sorely need. I have been borrowing people's SUVs and trucks or asking for favors when I go to Costco or buy furniture, etc. and that's getting old. I am starting cycling more seriously and want to carry my bike inside the vehicle.

I'm looking for a Japanese, European, or Korean SUV or crossover vehicle that looks good. Would I be better off spending $25-$40K on a 3-5 year old used MDX, BMW X5, or buying a brand new vehicle like a maxed out Rav 4, Venza, Forester, etc.?

I had been looking at the Toyota's as the new Rav4 has 34 inches of clearance in the rear cargo hatch but the interior looks a bit cheaper and the new models don't have V6's available. The Venza is interesting but it's really just a big Camry station wagon although the look is quite sleek and they come with 20 inch rims. Is it worth spending the extra money getting an AWD model?

No American vehicles for me. I grew up driving Plymouths, Oldsmobiles, etc. and I just have an irrational/emotional bad taste about American brands and simply do not like the brands even if the vehicles are good.

[wretched34]

Originally Posted by Kolbe31

Does anyone have advice about Jeep? My girlfriend is looking at a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited. It was pretty nice to drive, but I expect everything to be pretty nice considering it's new. I'm more worried about 5 years down the road, is this thing going to be a headache?

Personally, I'm a big Honda guy. I've had two CRV's and now a Ridgeline, and have never had even the smallest issue with any of them. Honda's reputation is that they generally don't die and you can drive them for years and years. But I don't know much about Jeep or their reputation.

I'm a Jeep guy, always have been always will be. I've owned a handful, starting as far back as an '85 Cherokee, currently have a '08 Compass and '07 Grand Cherokee CRD. I'm not a fan of the new body style though, which is why I haven't upgraded yet.
When it comes to Jeeps, my first suggestion, is decide if it's practical for you?
There are lots of other options, that are cheaper, if you're just looking for a mid sized SUV to drive around town in. If you guys like camping, off-roading or towing, then that's when Jeep should be near the top of your list.

As far as maintenance goes, if you take care of them, they'll take care of you.
I've never had a Jeep die on me, unless I killed it (which to be quiet honest is the best part about a Jeep... When they're at the end of their life, take it out to the bush and have some fun), and I've never had to kill one with less than 400,000km's on it.
I'm no mechanic, but consider myself handy, I have always done my own regular maintenance, and with all the gas engine Jeeps, have never had to bring them into an actual mechanic. As for the Diesel, it was new to me, and did bring it in once for testing when the transmission was thrown into LAG. Unfortunately, dodge/chrysler were not much help, and I eventually figured it out on my own (swirl valve motor).

TL : DR: Jeeps are great, and easy/cheap to maintain.

[Canehdianman]

Originally Posted by Kolbe31

Honestly, it's really just a point A to point B vehicle. It won't be used for any towing or off roading. She's only looking for three things: Is it nice? Is it reasonably priced? Do I like driving it? With those things in mind, most vehicles nowadays are a pretty easy sell for her. So I'm doing my best to try and filter out the trash, but I don't necessarily know what I'm doing either!

My family are Honda people as well, so trying to look at anything else is proving to be really difficult for me.

Go test drive a Kia Sorento and Sportage. I can pretty much guarantee she will like them (you probably will too)

[burn_this_city]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

I need new car advice.

I'm currently driving a 16-year old Accord which only has about 150K on it because, as a latte-sipper I prefer to run or bike to everywhere I go. Nevertheless, it's become a pain when I need to move something, carry cargo, want to carry my bike inside the vehicle, go into the mountains, etc. to not have any cargo space. Utility is something I sorely need. I have been borrowing people's SUVs and trucks or asking for favors when I go to Costco or buy furniture, etc. and that's getting old. I am starting cycling more seriously and want to carry my bike inside the vehicle.

I'm looking for a Japanese, European, or Korean SUV or crossover vehicle that looks good. Would I be better off spending $25-$40K on a 3-5 year old used MDX, BMW X5, or buying a brand new vehicle like a maxed out Rav 4, Venza, Forester, etc.?

I had been looking at the Toyota's as the new Rav4 has 34 inches of clearance in the rear cargo hatch but the interior looks a bit cheaper and the new models don't have V6's available. The Venza is interesting but it's really just a big Camry station wagon although the look is quite sleek and they come with 20 inch rims. Is it worth spending the extra money getting an AWD model?

No American vehicles for me. I grew up driving Plymouths, Oldsmobiles, etc. and I just have an irrational/emotional bad taste about American brands and simply do not like the brands even if the vehicles are good.

It's probably smarter to go with something used from a depreciation standpoint. I would avoid a high mileage X5 since out of warranty work is pricey. There is probably some years that are better than others so a bit of research online would help narrow things down. What about a Tiguan?

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by Hack&Lube

I need new car advice.

I'm currently driving a 16-year old Accord which only has about 150K on it because, as a latte-sipper I prefer to run or bike to everywhere I go. Nevertheless, it's become a pain when I need to move something, carry cargo, want to carry my bike inside the vehicle, go into the mountains, etc. to not have any cargo space. Utility is something I sorely need. I have been borrowing people's SUVs and trucks or asking for favors when I go to Costco or buy furniture, etc. and that's getting old. I am starting cycling more seriously and want to carry my bike inside the vehicle.

I'm looking for a Japanese, European, or Korean SUV or crossover vehicle that looks good. Would I be better off spending $25-$40K on a 3-5 year old used MDX, BMW X5, or buying a brand new vehicle like a maxed out Rav 4, Venza, Forester, etc.?

I had been looking at the Toyota's as the new Rav4 has 34 inches of clearance in the rear cargo hatch but the interior looks a bit cheaper and the new models don't have V6's available. The Venza is interesting but it's really just a big Camry station wagon although the look is quite sleek and they come with 20 inch rims. Is it worth spending the extra money getting an AWD model?

No American vehicles for me. I grew up driving Plymouths, Oldsmobiles, etc. and I just have an irrational/emotional bad taste about American brands and simply do not like the brands even if the vehicles are good.

Get a Subaru. There is a pretty limited selection of used ones so you might have to go new. The XV is nice and if you think it is large enough for your needs it would probably be the best choice.

[FlamesAddiction]

As a former Land Rover (Disc 2) owner, I recommend against them.

On one hand, they are super comfortable and nice to drive. The 4x4 abilities were good.

On the other hand, they are very high maintenance. You really need to stay on top of maintenance, or you will have problems. If you go onto LR forums, they warn people about this all the time. You need to use special oil filters and the engines are designed for high octane fuel (and they are terrible on gas). It was a real money pit.

I loved driving it, but I hated having it (if that makes sense). I was both sad and relieved when I sold it.

[socktape]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Get a Subaru. There is a pretty limited selection of used ones so you might have to go new. The XV is nice and if you think it is large enough for your needs it would probably be the best choice.

I have an 09 outback with the V6. I love this car. My next vehicle will be a Subaru unless I win the lottery and I can get a new Subaru Outback and a sports car of some kind (BRZ maybe) The only thing that isn't as good is the gas mileage for mine but the newer models are a lot better than mine. I have never heard of anyone having issues with their subs if regularly maintained. Never had a recall, high resale value. The new foresters are are a little more cookie cutter SUV but they are solid vehicles.

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by socktape

I have an 09 outback with the V6. I love this car. My next vehicle will be a Subaru unless I win the lottery and I can get a new Subaru Outback and a sports car of some kind (BRZ maybe) The only thing that isn't as good is the gas mileage for mine but the newer models are a lot better than mine. I have never heard of anyone having issues with their subs if regularly maintained. Never had a recall, high resale value. The new foresters are are a little more cookie cutter SUV but they are solid vehicles.

This is what I generally hear from Subaru owners as well and they never want to give up their vehicles which is why the used market for Subaru's is so tight and why used prices are very high. Buying a new Subaru is much easier than trying to find a slightly used one and saving a few bucks (not worth the time or hassle.)

I wanted to get a final year Legacy Wagon a few years ago but during my half year search I only saw 2 listed for sale. One was really beat up and had very high miles and the other was ridiculously priced.

[iggyformayor]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

Try the Flex as well in comparison to the Explorer.

Sooo ugly

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by iggyformayor

Sooo ugly

To some people, yes. But not everyone wants to be driving around in a cookie cutter, bland, generic CUV/SUV. Some people appreciate a unique, bolder design such as the Flex. Besides, once you get beyond the polarizing exterior it is one of the best vehicles for interior comfort and ride quality.

[Table 5]

If cargo space is important to you, get the boxiest ass you can find.

Because have you looked at the back of the Venza? Like a lot of crossovers these days, it's sloped down at the back (presumably for style), which negates a lot of the practicality you get in boxier cars or wagons of old. Being jacked up, and looking big and bulky from the outside doesn't mean you get more cargo room inside.

Apart from something like a Subaru, you may want to consider something like a Volvo xc70 or xc90. Both of them have nice boxy rear ends.

[undercoverbrother]

Does anyone have a suggestion for a website that allows you to compare vehicles across manufacturers?

[calgarygeologist]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Does anyone have a suggestion for a website that allows you to compare vehicles across manufacturers?

I use the comparison tool on cars.com (it is American but it provides easy access to most/all the data.)

http://www.cars.com/go/compare/index.jsp

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Does anyone have a suggestion for a website that allows you to compare vehicles across manufacturers?

http://www.auto123.com/en/new-cars/compare/

[undercoverbrother]

Originally Posted by calgarygeologist

I use the comparison tool on cars.com (it is American but it provides easy access to most/all the data.)

http://www.cars.com/go/compare/index.jsp

Cheers, I am finally looking for a new vehicle after 11 years and 240,000 km in my current vehicle.

I only hope the new one is as much of a gem as this one has been.

[FLAMESRULE]

[Regular_John]

Originally Posted by undercoverbrother

Does anyone have a suggestion for a website that allows you to compare vehicles across manufacturers?

Not sure about how impartial it is, but I found myself using TheCarConnection.com/ when we were car shopping. Really good for comparing model years as well.

[Reaper]

Originally Posted by Table 5

If cargo space is important to you, get the boxiest ass you can find.

Because have you looked at the back of the Venza? Like a lot of crossovers these days, it's sloped down at the back (presumably for style), which negates a lot of the practicality you get in boxier cars or wagons of old. Being jacked up, and looking big and bulky from the outside doesn't mean you get more cargo room inside.

Apart from something like a Subaru, you may want to consider something like a Volvo xc70 or xc90. Both of them have nice boxy rear ends.

The rear rake on the Venza doesn't really start until the glass. I've found it quite capable in terms of cargo room. I've managed to fit a full Costco load with a hockey bag on top of it in the back without folding down the seats. If you need more room the handle release for the rear seats is quite handy.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by Reaper

The rear rake on the Venza doesn't really start until the glass. I've found it quite cabale in terms of cargo room. I've managed to fit a full Costco load with a hockey bag on top of it in the back without folding down the seats. If you need more room the handle release for the rear seats is quite handy.

The Outback is a better value than the Venza as it's more rugged, has real full time AWD (not the FWD based system in the Venza), more interior space, etc. The Toyota may have a more refined interior but that's really all it does better.