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Smart Shopper What's the best vehicle for my needs?
1145 messages, Last post on Sep 17, 2009 at 12:59 PM
You are in the Smart Shopper Forum. Your Hosts are kirstie_h & tidester
| Having a hard time finding the right vehicle to fit your needs? Let's talk about it here! | |
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Replying to: tidester (Aug 02, 2006 5:27 pm) I plan on driving the truck until it quits, though I've heard with proper maintenance, that 4.3 Vortec V6 will run forever. I managed to suck up some water into the engine on one day  , but after draining, drying and new fluids, it runs even better (mileage actually went up from 12 to 14 after that, though I can't figure out why ).  I've looked at numerous small SUV's (RAV4, CRV, Element, new FJ Cruiser, Escape Hybrid, HHR among many) and even some cars, though I don't really need another car since my 96 Beretta with just over 80,000 miles is still running strong and delivering right around 30 mpg. The only requirements necessary are being able to drive the vehicle from on or half-of the passenger seat without sitting on a gear shifter and plenty of storage space. The Element seems to fit the overall package, but I'm a little concerned with some reports of poor gas mileage, and that's just regular driving, not the hard stop-and-go I subject my truck to. Plus, I don't know if I void any warranty coverage since I'm sure the hard work will strain some parts. I ask this because one of our other rural carriers bought a right-hand drive Jeep Wrangler (made specifically for rural mail delivery) but was told if she used it in that manner, she voided her warranty coverage. How crazy is that? Sorry if I rambled on, but if there are any other rural carriers out there, I'd like their thoughts. Any other thoughts are appreciated as well. Steve Panama City, Florida
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| We are presently driving a 1997 Lincoln Towncar that we would like to replace within the next few of years. We like the Lincoln's comfortable ride and the fact that the seats sit higher than many other cars. (It is getting harder on our knees to get in and out of vehicles that are too low to the ground.) For our next car, we have considered SUV's, but believe the ride would be rougher than we are used to. Minivans are a possiblity, but that's more space than we need. Any recommendations on a car that would meet our needs? Is there any way we can compare seat heights other than physically getting in and out of each car? Thank you! | |
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Replying to: yorose (Aug 05, 2006 4:51 pm) the link is Disabled and elderly
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Replying to: imidazol97 (Aug 05, 2006 5:13 pm) Anyone got any suggestions for bigbutr or yorose? Thanks! tidester, host |
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Replying to: yorose (Aug 05, 2006 4:51 pm)
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Replying to: yorose (Aug 05, 2006 4:51 pm) |
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Replying to: prosa (Aug 05, 2006 7:52 pm) I'll second this recommendation. The Ford Five Hundred has a similar step-in height to a minivan (I believe it's the same platform Volvo uses on its XC90 - station wagon looking thing). My mother uses a Nissan Quest (and Pontiac Montana before it) to tote my disabled 90 YO great aunt around. |
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Replying to: bigbutr (Aug 04, 2006 5:24 pm) I would try to find a Ford Ranger with a bench. Those things will literally run forever, and are much heavier-duty than something like an Element. I've seen local mail carriers using Ford Escapes, but you can't get those with bench seats. |
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Replying to: yorose (Aug 05, 2006 4:51 pm) There are many crossover utility vehicles that may fit your needs. I have osteoarthritis in my hips and currently it is hard for me to get out of my Intrepid. Examples of crossovers are the Toyota Highlander, Ford Escape, Acura MDX, Mercury Mariner, Honda Pilot, etc. My favorite and the one I will buy is the Hyundai Santa Fe. I'm getting it because it is easy to get in and out of. I have also tested the Highlander and it was easy, too. The others would be similar. |
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