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What is the Best SUV For me?

193 messages,  Last post on Mar 05, 2013 at 5:28 PM

You are in the SUVs Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Xterra, Toyota RAV4, Honda Pilot, Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, SUV

Messages Page 17 of 20

#157 of 193 Which SUV to get? by yuri_s

Nov 09, 2011 (8:29 am)

Hello,
 
I need some advise on buying SUV.
I have two sedans (wife's and mine). We love doing home improvement, gardening and such. I got tired asking friends or renting BORG trucks for hauling bulky things and considering having something for the tasks.
 
I poked around and saw many old large SUVs in 2k-5k range. I could spend that amount to get decent vehicle. My requirements/thoughts
 
* Able to haul 4x8 goods (plywood, sheetrock ...) inside;
* Strongly prefer 4x4/AWD for those tough days when we have snow storms;
* Reliable and cheap to repair/maintain;
* not going to drive daily, will use for couple thousands miles per year;
* not much concerns about cosmetics;
 
What should I get?
I mentioned that I made quick check and it seems that there are some cars matching my criteria, like Ford Expedition, Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, maybe Toyota Sequoia, but they are VERY high millage. Do those cars may serve me? In my price range they are going to have more than 100K on odometer, more likely around 150k, are they capable still going well for another 20-30k? What you thoughts? I've never had an SUV before.

#158 of 193 bigger is better? by steve_ HOST

Nov 21, 2011 (3:28 pm)

A reporter is interested in talking with someone who considered buying a small car, but instead bought a Ford, GM or Chrysler SUV or truck after deciding that the size sacrifice wasn't worth the savings at the pump. If your experience fits this description, please send a brief overview and contact information to predmunds.com by Sunday 11/27.

#159 of 193 Re: Need help picking an SUV or SUV-Type of Vehicle [littleceli] by batavia02

Nov 23, 2011 (8:10 am)

Replying to: littleceli (Feb 10, 2010 12:57 pm)
currently shopping for a suv, for the wife who had trucks mostly switched from a canyan this spring to the new regal so she could get better gas milleage we both hate the car gas milleage no better then truck and seats rock hard have it narrowed down to a pathfinder and a xterra we want rear drive not front any one have either and what about nissans reliabity ? or are there any other choices out there ,dont need 4wd has we live in the south thanks

#160 of 193 Edmunds review is useless by antons911

Nov 27, 2011 (12:38 am)

Hello all, just wanted to mention my frustration about Edmunds review of Honda Pilot. The whole review is based on pure statistics about the car and nothing about how a driver would use the car daily.
I been shopping for an SUV for some time and there is no comparison with Honda Pilot.
Here is my take on competitors:
Toyota Highlander -small, third row is useless if you want anyone to sit there, might as well get a Sorento. Interior is really bad quality and not to mention that all of the interior is made for seniors, and not for a family. Once you drive it, you will feel as if you are in a Buick.
Mazda CX-9 is a great car, but once again, its a bit smaller than Pilot. Also, if you get all the features that you get in 2012 EXL Pilot your CX-9 price goes much higher and given CX-9 worse fuel economy there is no reason to choose CX-9 unless all you care is its looks (it does look very nice).
Ford Flex - so cheap inside I didn't even test drive it.
Ford Explorer - much smaller than Pilot (about the size of European Chevy Captiva), and for its price its just not worth it.
Chevrolet Traverse - first of all, are people selling this car at these prices mad? Almost 2k over Honda Pilot, its crazy! Second row - have you tried folding it with one hand? Don't even try to have your wife do it; flimsy, cheap plastic handles, and if you do get one, hope your kid never sticks their hand while you are folding the seats - it will hurt. Pretty good driving dynamics but the second row folding procedure turned me away - and I am not willing to pay more than for a Japanese car - sorry.
Now about the Pilot it self - yes the looks are not the best but it has way to many positives to forget about that; the new grill fixes many issues about its style.
Main reason, its a people hauler - fits people on all rows with room to spear. Soft and quiet.
Breaking that Edmunds keeps talking about - brakes just like any other car. Do you really plan to emergency brake every block? I mean, sure its a good thing if it braked like a sports car, but its not a sports car.
 

#161 of 193 Re: Edmunds review is useless [antons911] by steve_ HOST

Nov 27, 2011 (7:02 am)

Replying to: antons911 (Nov 27, 2011 12:38 am)
Edmunds' 2012 Review seems to fall in line with the Consumer Reviews here.
 
Today's numbers for the consumer reviews are:
 
2011 Mazda CX-9 gets 5 stars (22 reviews).
 
2011 Highlander gets 4.5 stars (39 reviews).
 
2011 Ford Flex gets 4.5 stars (11 reviews).
 
2011 Chevy Traverse gets 4.5 stars (26 reviews).
 
2011 Ford Explorer gets 4 stars (45 reviews).
 
2011 Honda Pilot gets 4 stars (79 reviews). (2012 gets 4.5, 4 reviews).
 
Past years of the Pilot get 4.5 stars, so it looks like Honda dropped the ball a bit in 2011 and is getting back to where they were, but there aren't many 2012 reviews yet. And it looks like there's still room for improvement.

#162 of 193 Small SUV Purchasing Help! by mwood31781

Nov 30, 2011 (10:59 am)

Need some help!
  
I am currently leasing a 2010 Jetta- long story short, moved, waaaay over milage. Need to purchase something soon before trade in value goes down even further.
  
Looking to purchase a midsize suv/crossover. I spend a lot of time in my car, fairly long commute each day.
  
I can't spend a lot, would like to keep it under 27,000 and REQUIRE, leather/leatherette heated seats.
  
I have look at everything under the sun, but nothing seems to stand out to me. Would like to hear from others what they think, Safety? smoothest ride? Comfortable cabin? Excellent Technology? Etc...
  
Would really like to hear what others recommend.
  
Thanks!!!

#163 of 193 2011 rav4 vs. 2011 rogue by drums

Dec 06, 2011 (12:42 pm)

I am looking for a suv with great gas mileage and awd for snow. live in Northeast and we get our share of snow.
 
both have zerop percent financing for 36 (rav4) and 60 months (nissan rouge).
 
which is better buy and has better value?
 
looking for higher end model of either one.
 
any rav4 or rouge owners out there - your advice will greatly be appreciated and valued.
 
I am also wondering about resale value for both

#164 of 193 Which car? by carteach

Dec 29, 2011 (4:04 pm)

Like everyone else on this thread, I could use some input. Right now I'm driving an '06 Acura TL and a '95 Subaru wagon. The wagon is on its last legs. I have two golden retrievers and two grandchildren (don't usually take all four around at the same time.) But, I want a car with a "way back" for two large dogs. I will have to sell the Acura to get a new car. The cars I'm considering either seem too small or too big. The Toyota rav4 ( I hate the back tire), the Highlander, the Subaru Outback, the Honda CRV. Like everyone, I want a car that's reliable with a little bit of class. Can't afford anything in the BMW class. So those are out. And most of the crossovers don't offer much room in the back.
 
Any thoughts? I'm especially interested in a problem free car. The Outback would be my first choice because of size and looks, but I keep reading about problems with it.

#165 of 193 new loan or lease? by steve_ HOST

Jan 04, 2012 (9:58 am)

A reporter is looking to speak with consumers who are in the market right now for a car loan or a car lease or who just recently secured a loan or lease. Is/was it easier or more difficult than you expected? Please send a quick note discussing your experience and your preferred contact information to predmunds.com by Friday, January 6, 2012.

Messages Page 17 of 20

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