Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2017 12:05:08 GMT -5
My car has what my mechanic called "the death rattle". I'm still waiting on a call after he's had a chance to check it out, but it's not looking good. I was hoping this car would get through my son's college years.
I have a pickup, so don't need another one of those. The "new" car will be for me, and DS will drive the pickup (he doesn't do a ton of driving, mostly short in-town trips). However, he is about 6' 4" and will occasionally drive my car, so it's something to consider.
I prefer a small SUV, but want to keep price down. I currently have a 2002 Ford Escape, with over 200k miles, and I really like it. We have newer Escapes at work, and I hate them. So, a newer Escape might not be an option unless they are completely different than the ones at work. I like the size of mine, both inside and out. I'd prefer not to get a smaller car, but will if I have to.
I've had a '92 Honda accord, and would love to have a Honda again (I'm always tempted by the CRVs).
Depending on price, I would do new or used, since a lot of used cars seem so close to new car prices lately. I'm still saving to build a house and help DS with college, so this is just really sucky timing.
So, I know I like Hondas. I know I loved my Ford Escape (but hate the newer style). What else is out there? One of my coworkers really likes his Nissan Juke, but the newer years aren't rated as well as the older years.
Oh, also... We get ice. Black ice. Thick ice. Thick as hell ice. And salting the roads is not allowed. My current commute is just a few miles, but eventually, I'll be driving up the side of a mountain into quite a bit of snow. My Escape was just FWD and I did ok with studs, but with that future drive, I'd prefer AWD or 4WD.
Suggestions?
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busymom
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Post by busymom on Aug 18, 2017 12:41:01 GMT -5
They don't allow salt on the roads?!? Whatever vehicle you get, buy yourself some Blizzak tires (Bridgestone). They've held the road for me at times when a tire logically shouldn't have. However, I won't guarantee that if you're going the full speed limit on ice. I'm not sure what you consider a small SUV. I'm a big fan of the Chevy Equinox, but if I had to buy another, I'd probably get a V6 for better highway acceleration. Other than that, I really LOVE my Equinox.
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andi9899
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Post by andi9899 on Aug 18, 2017 12:45:57 GMT -5
I have a Nissan Rogue and I love it. It is AWD and loaded up. You can find them used for a decent price. And they will last way longer than an American car if you take care of it. If ypu only drive American, I'm no help.
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alabamagal
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Post by alabamagal on Aug 18, 2017 12:52:25 GMT -5
I like Hondas in general, but have had some friends with CRVs that had problems.
Nissan Juke is a crossover. I had a rental in Europe. I thought it was fine, but my coworkers called in a Nissan Junk.
My mom did a bunch of comparison on Toyota RAV4, CRV, Hyundai (not sure which one) and Mazda 5. Her 2 favorites were the Hyandai and Mazda, ultimately chose the mazda because she liked the color of blue that it came in.
I am recently a fan of Kia. We have had recent good reliability experience with them. I think Kia and Hyundai are what Honda and Toyota used to be - value price reliable cars. Honda and Toyota prices are not higher.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Aug 18, 2017 12:57:24 GMT -5
When I was shopping a few years ago I found that the small SUV's were smaller than the medium sized sedans. Especially the back seats. I can't recall now, but there was a website where I got the measurements of all the front and back seats and eliminated all the ones I deemed "too small" - I was so surprised how many of the SUV were off the list. Maybe the website was Edmunds?
Just something to consider. If all you need is front seat room, you might have a larger selection.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2017 13:06:10 GMT -5
When I was shopping a few years ago I found that the small SUV's were smaller than the medium sized sedans. Especially the back seats. I can't recall now, but there was a website where I got the measurements of all the front and back seats and eliminated all the ones I deemed "too small" - I was so surprised how many of the SUV were off the list. Maybe the website was Edmunds? Just something to consider. If all you need is front seat room, you might have a larger selection. For me, it's mostly the room in the back. Although, now that I have a pickup, it might be less important. But then, the pickup is old too... I tend to haul stuff all over, so it's nice to have the room in the back. Back seat is rarely used. I might have to go "try on" a few though.
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movingforward
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Post by movingforward on Aug 18, 2017 13:07:07 GMT -5
I really like my Hyundai Tuscan. It seems to be a good little SUV so far (knock on wood). I bought it in 2014 (used with 23K miles on it).
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2017 13:08:11 GMT -5
They don't allow salt on the roads?!? Whatever vehicle you get, buy yourself some Blizzak tires (Bridgestone). They've held the road for me at times when a tire logically shouldn't have. However, I won't guarantee that if you're going the full speed limit on ice. I'm not sure what you consider a small SUV. I'm a big fan of the Chevy Equinox, but if I had to buy another, I'd probably get a V6 for better highway acceleration. Other than that, I really LOVE my Equinox. An Equinox is just a little longer than my Escape, so probably about right. The Escape is/was a V6, it had some pep to it that was really handy for passing on two lane highways!
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2017 13:09:49 GMT -5
I have a Nissan Rogue and I love it. It is AWD and loaded up. You can find them used for a decent price. And they will last way longer than an American car if you take care of it. If ypu only drive American, I'm no help. That's one that popped up on my search... I drive whatever I find for the right price, that seems reliable and likely to last a long time! Good to know it's a good option.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2017 13:11:47 GMT -5
I like Hondas in general, but have had some friends with CRVs that had problems. Nissan Juke is a crossover. I had a rental in Europe. I thought it was fine, but my coworkers called in a Nissan Junk. My mom did a bunch of comparison on Toyota RAV4, CRV, Hyundai (not sure which one) and Mazda 5. Her 2 favorites were the Hyandai and Mazda, ultimately chose the mazda because she liked the color of blue that it came in. I am recently a fan of Kia. We have had recent good reliability experience with them. I think Kia and Hyundai are what Honda and Toyota used to be - value price reliable cars. Honda and Toyota prices are not higher. We don't have any Kias here in town, so would be harder to decide on those. There is a mazda that looks like it would be nice, but I need to check into insurance costs, because Mazdas seem like they are one of the more expensive ones to insure (IIRC).
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2017 13:12:35 GMT -5
I really like my Hyundai Tuscan. It seems to be a good little SUV so far (knock on wood). I bought it in 2014 (used with 23K miles on it). I think there is one in town, I may have to look into it.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2017 13:16:21 GMT -5
I'm headed to bed (late...) so won't be on for a while, but I'll catch up later.
We can get by with one vehicle for a few weeks, and if I get desperate I can borrow one from my parents, so not in a huge rush.
Thanks for the suggestions so far! I've only bought four cars, and three of them were bought from friends or family. So, not real experienced at this... I tend to drive whatever I have for year and years until it dies beyond reasonable repairs. Add that to the fact that I don't look at cars so that I can avoid temptation, it makes it really hard to know what is out there and what is good!
ETA: I was thinking Labor Day weekend or thereabouts might be good if I decide on a new car. Not sure what used car sales will be going on that weekend, but they might be good too.
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andi9899
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Post by andi9899 on Aug 18, 2017 13:44:21 GMT -5
Look at Enterprise Car Sales too. They have decent rates on the cars and they take care of them. They're rentals, so they may have a little higher mileage for their age, but you get a good price.
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Happy prose
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Post by Happy prose on Aug 18, 2017 14:04:08 GMT -5
I'm a huge Honda fan too. I think my next car will be the Honda HRV. It's their new crossover. I love it!
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chiver78
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Post by chiver78 on Aug 18, 2017 14:11:57 GMT -5
I like Hondas in general, but have had some friends with CRVs that had problems. Nissan Juke is a crossover. I had a rental in Europe. I thought it was fine, but my coworkers called in a Nissan Junk. My mom did a bunch of comparison on Toyota RAV4, CRV, Hyundai (not sure which one) and Mazda 5. Her 2 favorites were the Hyandai and Mazda, ultimately chose the mazda because she liked the color of blue that it came in. I am recently a fan of Kia. We have had recent good reliability experience with them. I think Kia and Hyundai are what Honda and Toyota used to be - value price reliable cars. Honda and Toyota prices are not higher. We don't have any Kias here in town, so would be harder to decide on those. There is a mazda that looks like it would be nice, but I need to check into insurance costs, because Mazdas seem like they are one of the more expensive ones to insure (IIRC). I was coming in to recommend a CX-5. they have a smaller one (CX-3) but it didn't seem to have the zoom zoom thing going on, according to reviews. I have a 3 - the small car, mine's a hatchback - and it isn't very pricey to insure. I think the sportier models might be pricier, since they are actually sports cars. but the basic models shouldn't be that bad. I my 3, and had an extended test drive of a CX-5 when I had one as a loaner car last month. I am considering that model if they are still making it when I need to replace the 3, since it would give my pups a lot more head room in the back seat than they have now.
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Shooby
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Post by Shooby on Aug 18, 2017 14:20:41 GMT -5
I bought a CRV EXL last year so I have a 2016. Bought it new in cerulean blue. Very cute. Got it pimped up with a roof rack and side moldings and mud flaps. Has leather interior, moon and moon roof. Very happy with my purchase.
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NastyWoman
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Post by NastyWoman on Aug 18, 2017 14:22:14 GMT -5
Several of my friends have a Toyota Rav4 and they all really like them. I drive I Nissan Versa which is far too small for you though it is does meet your height requirements (my sons are 6'3" and 6'4" respectively so I have tested that out )
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alabamagal
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Post by alabamagal on Aug 18, 2017 14:45:14 GMT -5
ETA: I was thinking Labor Day weekend or thereabouts might be good if I decide on a new car. Not sure what used car sales will be going on that weekend, but they might be good too. Labor day weekend always has a lot of ads. But last 2 vehicles we bought were on the last day of the month (one used, one new), and the sales guys were really anxious to get the deal done THAT DAY so it would count toward the monthly sales goals. We didn't intend to shop then, that was just the day we went looking, and I think we got better deals. The "I am going to go home and think about it" ploy will get them to really try to deal.
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Anne_in_VA
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Post by Anne_in_VA on Aug 18, 2017 15:53:45 GMT -5
I love the Honda's too and would buy one in a heartbeat if I were in the market. A friend has a RAV4 and loves it.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2017 15:57:16 GMT -5
Rav4 in Hot Lava. That's what I want.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 18, 2017 16:36:08 GMT -5
I have a Subaru Forester and it has been awesome. Mine is a 2007, but the newer models are a little bigger now. In 0 years, all I've done is belts, brakes, tires, battery and timing belt/water pump (after TD's timing belt failure, I did it as soon as I got my car back, even though it didn't have the miles on it.
ETA: We live on a major hill, and regardless of snow or ice, we've always been able to get up it. I will very likely replace with the same when the time comes.
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emma1420
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Post by emma1420 on Aug 18, 2017 17:26:08 GMT -5
I have a 2007 CRV. I love it. I bought it brand new, and I've only done regular maintenance and replaced the air bags as I was part of the air bag recall. It's been awesome. I plan to keep it until it dies. I'm hoping to get another 8-10 years out of it.
I can't recommend it enough. Honda also has an HRV which has less cargo room, but is nice as well. An HRV or Subaru Forrester will probably be my next car, but hopefully not until 2025 or later.
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Jake 48
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Post by Jake 48 on Aug 18, 2017 17:27:52 GMT -5
DW loves her Subaru Outback ( our 3rd ) never had issues in Michigan winters
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 18, 2017 17:33:39 GMT -5
When I went looking, the Forester, RAV4 and CRV were on my short list. I ordered them due to price, as all got good reviews (at the time, AWD was not standard on the RAV4 and the CRV). I started at Subaru, but drove a used CRV that was on the lot too. It felt like the Subaru had more power than the CRV. I never got off the Subaru lot!
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Phoenix84
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Post by Phoenix84 on Aug 18, 2017 17:57:13 GMT -5
My car has what my mechanic called "the death rattle". I'm still waiting on a call after he's had a chance to check it out, but it's not looking good. I was hoping this car would get through my son's college years. I have a pickup, so don't need another one of those. The "new" car will be for me, and DS will drive the pickup (he doesn't do a ton of driving, mostly short in-town trips). However, he is about 6' 4" and will occasionally drive my car, so it's something to consider. I prefer a small SUV, but want to keep price down. I currently have a 2002 Ford Escape, with over 200k miles, and I really like it. We have newer Escapes at work, and I hate them. So, a newer Escape might not be an option unless they are completely different than the ones at work. I like the size of mine, both inside and out. I'd prefer not to get a smaller car, but will if I have to. I've had a '92 Honda accord, and would love to have a Honda again (I'm always tempted by the CRVs). Depending on price, I would do new or used, since a lot of used cars seem so close to new car prices lately. I'm still saving to build a house and help DS with college, so this is just really sucky timing. So, I know I like Hondas. I know I loved my Ford Escape (but hate the newer style). What else is out there? One of my coworkers really likes his Nissan Juke, but the newer years aren't rated as well as the older years. Oh, also... We get ice. Black ice. Thick ice. Thick as hell ice. And salting the roads is not allowed. My current commute is just a few miles, but eventually, I'll be driving up the side of a mountain into quite a bit of snow. My Escape was just FWD and I did ok with studs, but with that future drive, I'd prefer AWD or 4WD. Suggestions? I have a 2016 Mazda CX-5 and I'm very happy with it. It has all wheel drive. My parents have a Toyota RAV4. And it's pretty nice too, very roomy back seat.
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plugginaway22
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Post by plugginaway22 on Aug 18, 2017 18:16:07 GMT -5
I have a 2015 Rav4 that I just love.
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ilovedolphins
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Post by ilovedolphins on Aug 18, 2017 18:16:29 GMT -5
Apple - I have been looking at the newer Escapes. Could you tell me what you didn't like about them? I haven't driven any yet.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2017 18:21:06 GMT -5
Does anyone have any experience with a Honda Fit?
Looking at the other cars mentioned as well. Appreciate the input!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2017 18:53:12 GMT -5
The Fit doesn't come with AWD.
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souldoubt
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Post by souldoubt on Aug 18, 2017 18:57:40 GMT -5
Just bought a certified pre-owned 2014 Honda CRV last weekend after my car's transmission started to go and it cost about 8-9K less than the 2017 equivalent. So far I like it a lot and I'd recommend it but the model I got isn't AWD and if I lived anywhere with snow or icy roads I'd make sure to get the AWD model. The HRV was intriguing but it wouldn't be ideal for when we try to start a family otherwise I probably would have opted for a new HRV that's a manual transmission. I've driven sedans all of my life and the HRV is a subcompact SUV which isn't what I wanted at this time. I always thought my next car would be a Subaru most likely a forester but I really don't need the AWD and didn't want to sacrifice mileage for it.
Edit - was about to post what MPL did as I didn't think there's an AWD fit. It wouldn't be anywhere on my radar with snow and icy roads.
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