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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
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Replying to: plekto (Oct 30, 2008 10:30 pm) I have to agree that the Grand Prix isn't an awful car. I had a 2006 (base model, only a few options). While I only had it about 2.5 years / 65,000 miles, the engine/transmission never had a hiccup - with the exception of one annoyance - it had a cold start piston slap. Apparently not a problem, but it sure sounded bad until the engine warmed up. The only problem I did have with the car was that the 'Driver Information Center' (odometer, trip computer, etc.) was faulty on delivery of the car and had to be replaced right off the bat. Otherwise, there wasn't much in terms of quality/reliability that I could complain about. My biggest problem with the 04+ Grand Prix is the roof slope in the rear of the cabin. It cuts out a lot of head room and makes entry/exit a lot more awkward, particularly if you're putting a kid in a car seat. I didn't consider it to be a sporty car in any way other than appearance. Good power from the 3.8, but the steering is over-boosted and handling felt front-heavy and soft. Better than a Camry, worse than an Accord. |
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Replying to: plekto (Oct 30, 2008 10:30 pm) My last two used cars i purchsed were $3300 and $5000 (current vehicle), both GM products. I'm familar with the 4 speed tranny and again, the cost I have been reading are in the $2500 range for a rebuilt 4 speed. Hopefully i never have to find out. I think the OP basically has the cars that fit his requirement.
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Replying to: dtownfb (Oct 31, 2008 8:43 am) Other than the awkward looking Driver Information Center, it's actually a pretty fucntional design, in the Grand Prix. Climate controls are simple to decipher, and while the stereo could be higher in the dash, it is pretty easy to use (having just ridden with a friend who has a Grand Prix GT, I saw for myself). To be honest, I didn't like the Grand Prix at all (feels tiny inside, with poor headrest design), but it really wasn't a product of interior functionality, but rather the car as a whole. 
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Replying to: thegraduate (Oct 31, 2008 10:28 am) But the LaCrosse is a better version of the same car in most every other way. |
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I am in the market for an SUV that is AWD/4WD and has a third row seat (must fold flat). Crunch time and need to make a purchase very soon. Have considered the following vehicles lately... '08 Highlander '09 Plot have not drive the Acadia and Envoy, but plan to ASAP (am I nuts for considering GMC given the recent news??)Looking to keep the price around $28-$32 Suggestions? |
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Replying to: pasuk (Dec 09, 2008 5:55 am) We have an '05 Odyssey and perhaps are spoiled by the gobs of space and passenger room. But we also have just gotten by with snow tires on FWD and with our rural locaction an AWD with snow tires would perform even better for us. So we did some shopping this year and drove the Highlander, MDX, Sienna awd, RX350, and Enclave. We decided on the Enclave and then decided to no buy anything because we really don't want to come off the cash. But in terms of best overall package, the Buick won hands down. It's bigger than the others, but that's a plus in my book. As close to the space and comfort of a minivan as you can get. The Sienna really wasn't bad and that would be our second choice, but we really liked the Enclave. Of course some of the draw was the features and at your price point it doesn't sound like that's a major issue. So honestly, I'd say an AWD Sienna would be the far better pick. Unless of course towing is one of your needs. FWIW, our Odyssey gets around just as well with snow tires as our SUV's have when they just had regular all-season tires. So if you don't have any extreme needs for snow like we do and don't plan to put snow-tires on the SUV, you might consider other fwd choices and just put snow tires on it. You would have a lot more choices at that price point. I'm not really worried about the GM situation....I just can't fathom they're going away. Maybe GMC/Buick/Pontiac....I dunno. But there is the Chevy Traverse if you were that worried. I don't see them cutting warranty if a bankruptcy was declared because it would kill their business. |
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Replying to: sebring95 (Dec 09, 2008 7:36 am) Some add'l info. I do need AWD/4WD as I live in the mountians of Western PA and need the reliability of getting around when the weather is downright terrible. I do also need the ability to tow.
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Replying to: pasuk (Dec 09, 2008 5:55 am) I would also throw a used Volvo XC90 in there. We compared an '05 XC90 to a new '08 Pilot and it was simply no contest for us. Much more vehicle for much less money. We our loving our volvo. 
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I currently own a 2006 Acura TSX w/ Tech package. I "like" this car but do not "love" this car. I'm looking for ideas on new sedans / coupe vehicles around 30K (not above if possible). I am probably going to buy sometime in 2009 when I get home from my deployment. My dream car is a 3 Series but I doubt they will ever hit the 30K range.... Thanks in advance, Shawn
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Replying to: jsstull3 (Dec 09, 2008 12:27 pm) |
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