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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
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Replying to: jchan2 (Dec 10, 2008 7:38 pm)
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Replying to: pasuk (Dec 09, 2008 8:11 am) |
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Replying to: pasuk (Dec 09, 2008 8:11 am) They transfer power too slowly to actually make a difference, take up to 1-2 seconds to actually figure out what to do when trying to get up a hill or over something, and often just completely crap out and do NOTHING at all in situations where you'd figure at least the main drive wheels would still be turning. You need 4x4 if you live in an area with bad winter conditions. Not some overblown slightly raised 7 passenger minivan that's trying to look like a real SUV. Note - the Subarus do have actual 4x4 on them as does the Jeep Patriot and Toyota Rav-4 since the latter two have a manual 4x4 lock/override switch that forces it to stay in 4x4 mode. Most everything else is a massive failure. Just look on YouTube for examples and gape at the simple tests that the AWD systems all fail at.(note - the Rav-4 and the Patriot also completely fail at these tests unless you manually lock the transfer case into 4x4 mode, THEN they work fine) Or just get a real 4x4 like a Suburban or 4Runner. These really DO get you through the really ugly stuff as they are supposed to. |
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Replying to: jsstull3 (Dec 11, 2008 11:56 am) There's also a special lease deal at $349/mo. for 39 months on 2008 G35s... So if you're into leasing, there's a deal on that. On another note, I would also consider a Volkswagen CC; it won't have the premium cachet, but it might provide the driving experience you're looking for.
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Replying to: jchan2 (Dec 11, 2008 6:56 pm) Typical AWD systems http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7dVFY5CxT0&feature=related More stuff. Yes, it's hideously Subaru Biased. http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/reviews/patriot/index.htm Jeep's system works, too because of the locking diff mode, which overrides the computers and transfer systems. This is slightly similar to 4x4 (not to be confused with full time AWD or "full time 4WD") In my 4Runner, There is a 4WD high and 4WD low and a warning sticker saying to only use 4WD when you're not on pavement. But work it does, and exceedingly well I must say.  Without locking diffs and transfer cases, or something similar, most of the fancy systems are a joke in real off-road environments or snow or even mud. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2SJe9eDS4s&NR=1 Actual 4x4. It's a normal 4Runner.(only ~140HP!). Night and day difference here. If you are worried about bad weather and winter roads, there's really no substitute for true 4X4. It's also not lifted and has IFS. Pretty much stock other than a locking rear diff being added. It struggles but gets up the hill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xo8WeWzZD8&feature=related 4X4 vs SUV yuppie toy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NI4HiiSL5aE Got Snow? Heh. |
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What I need: A small to midsize SUV. Must have AC, 4wd, be under 25,000. Must have good safety and a good size backseat, as I have a kid in a carseat. Looking to buy used. (Right now I have a '98 Mercury Tracer. Awesome car, no problems.) NO AWD, unless you can explain to my husband why it's better than 4wd. I am interested in: A) the Kia Sorento. My parents have one and they haven't had any major problems with it and it is affordable with good safety. I like being able to put the car in 4wd manually. B) Kia Sportage. Same deal as above, but a little smaller and I like the ride a little better. How ever, it doesn't compare as well safety-wise to the Sorento. C) I like the CR-V, but you can't turn on the 4wd manually. And it's more expensive. D) Ford Escape. SO pretty! SO shiny! However, we had a friend slide on ice in hers and it totaled the car because the sensor didn't catch the slide and she went off the road into a tree. It's not very icy here, but it clearly does happen. (I know that's not very technical, but I'm new to the car thing and I'm learning so I can make an informed choice.) Suggestions and comments, please! |
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Replying to: TWoP_Fan (Dec 28, 2008 6:31 pm) My wife has an '07 Santa Fe, and we do see a fair amount of snow and ice. We've never had a problem with traction (even with the stock all-season tires), and even in the worst cases we've only needed to push the button to get going. I wouldn't get such a vehicle for any kind of serious off-roading, but the Santa Fe does fine on dirt roads. It might be worth considering the AWD vehicles with this feature, provided you don't need low-range 4wd.
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Replying to: stovebolter (Dec 28, 2008 7:55 pm) The RAV4 does have a 4wd lock mode as does the Jeep Patriot. These systems are much simpler and less likely to break. They also give power to all of the wheels at the same time, so when you really need it, there's nothing trying to get in the way. The 4 door Wrangler that recently came out is, of course, the real deal. It's pretty nice inside and it can be had for about $25K. Of course, the real solutions are things like a 2-3 year old 4Runner(though, new they are about $28-29K...) or a 2-3 year old similar 4x4 SUV. The type that you push a 4x4 button on the dash and you hear the front hubs auto-lock. Most makers have one vehicle like this at least. Nissan, Toyota, and even GM and Ford. Yes, you might have to get used at $25K, but the alternatives in that range pretty much are the RAV4, Patriot, and the Toyota FJ, which are all kind of mediocre choices. Oh - one more choice. You could always just get a truck. Most trucks have 4x4 as an option, and if you get one with an extended cab, you can fit 4-5 people in comfort. Some, like the Dodge trucks, are being sold at insane discounts now. MG and Ford have discounts that are equally insane. Then there's always the Toyota and Nissan trucks. Nissan Frontier Crew Cab(short bed) with 4WD and automatic and a tow hitch - $27K MSRP $1500 cash back on 2009 models and $2500 or 1.9% on 2008 models. Cars Direct price, delivered - $23,863 The Manual version - yes - 4WD and manual! is $22,880. Either option will leave you with room for a matching shell and carpeted bed liner to match. IME, Unless you absolutely NEED that 3rd row, there's no difference between this and a larger SUV, except for looks. Or get the XTerra. $22,625 at Cars Direct for the base 4x4 model. I don't think it gets cheaper than this. $25,782 for the off-road trim(recommended for bad weather)
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Replying to: TWoP_Fan (Dec 28, 2008 6:31 pm) Ok, first of all your friend screwed up, not some "sensor". The sensors are there to help correct screw ups. Sometimes they can help, sometimes they can't. Depends on how bad you screwed up. I don't really like anything on your list, but the Sorento would probably be the winner if I had to choose. How about the Subaru? It's going to handle, drive, and ride better than any of those and yes it's AWD system is better than most 4x4 systems, nevermind it easily trumps ALL the picks above. |
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Replying to: plekto (Dec 29, 2008 1:08 am) Care to list which 4x4 vehicles will spin all 4 wheels at the same time? Me thinks I can do it counting on one hand.....but curious what your take is. |
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