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Rondo vs Outlander/Rav4/Santa Fe/Mazda5

271 messages,  Last post on Jul 30, 2008 at 12:09 PM

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What is this discussion about? Kia Rondo, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Toyota RAV4, Mazda MAZDA5, Car Buying, Wagon

#183 of 271 Re: SUV [conwelpic] by coolmazda5 Sep 12, 2007 (6:39 pm)
Replying to: conwelpic (Sep 12, 2007 2:32 pm) How manufacturers measure stuff is so confusing. I usually focus in more factual down to earth measurements :       behind the 3rd seat in the Mazda and Rondo is almost non-existent   Agree, it is tight when having a full house. There is just enough space for a stroller or so:       I don't think the VUE has a 3rd seat   Yes, no VUE 3rd seat for NA . Here is the context on why the VUE type "model" with the 3rd seat came into the topic: coolmazda5, "Rondo vs Outlander/Rav4/Santa Fe/Mazda5" #172, 3 Sep 2007 5:21 pm
#184 of 271 Re: SUV [conwelpic] by ateixeira Sep 14, 2007 (6:31 am)
Replying to: conwelpic (Sep 12, 2007 2:32 pm) True, true.   That's a big stroller. We had an Evenflo on-my-way that was sized like that. The infant carrier snapped in.   Test-fitting them in the car you're buying is important.   I remember my Forester could fit the stroller length-wise behind the 2nd row, and the RAV4 and CR-V could not. You had to put the stroller in width-wise. That meant it took up the whole cargo floor, so you'd have to stack stuff up.   I bought the Forester.   Nowadays I have a van, but we have the opposite issue - it's too BIG! You have to tie things down so they don't roll around! Replies to this message: coolmazda5 (Sep 14, 2007 9:36 am) ateixeira (Sep 14, 2007 10:02 am)
#185 of 271 Re: SUV [ateixeira] by coolmazda5 Sep 14, 2007 (9:36 am)
Replying to: ateixeira (Sep 14, 2007 6:31 am) Forester and Legacy, nice Subarus! I was enthusiastic about a Legacy when shopping around for the Mazda5 but the back seat is terrible for riding with babies on a car seat. The Mazda5 is great in that sense (the sliding door is funky but damn useful, no hunching nor space trouble when fastening baby seat harnesses/commuting with a baby).   Yes, a big stroller, I agree. I have done what is in the picture only 2-3 times since I bought the car 2+ yrs ago (5 adults, 1 baby on car seat) but usually the 3rd row is not used and is folded. The seat is not really pressing hard against the stroller but is soooo tight in there (and the wheels are very close to the heads of the lucky ones riding in the 3rd row ).   When using the 2 row seat mode the stroller fits both ways, length and wide-wise (length-wise it does not leave an inch left around the liftgate ) so it has worked well for our case.   When we bought the Mazda5 my wife actually measured around, but not for baby stuff, she checked if it was IKEA box fit compliant, and it is. That was not a deal breaker of course, but the CR-V we test drove did not pass that "test"   As per the van, if we ever get "upgraded" to more than 2 kids, yes, definitely it is best. Mazda5 would be extremely tight IMO. Replies to this message: ateixeira (Sep 14, 2007 10:02 am)
#186 of 271 Re: SUV [coolmazda5] by ateixeira Sep 14, 2007 (10:02 am)
Replying to: coolmazda5 (Sep 14, 2007 9:36 am) IKEA box fit compliant       Good one! They should use that in the brochure!   We also have 2 kids, but add a nanny and a dog in our case.   This weekend we're taking a trip with a family of 3, all coming along in our van for the ride. The nanny isn't coming, but it will be 7 people plus luggage, and one dog!
#187 of 271 RAV4 vs Santa FE vs CRV by gunga64 Sep 25, 2007 (5:36 am)
Like something from all 3 but have some doubts.   Santa FE 6 cylinder 2.7 GLS with auto 2007: When I went to two dealerships, noticed fit and trim problems with the Santa Fe as far as wiper blades that seem to already be rusting, deep scratches on the paint on new car, after market parts falling off. Twice on two different cars right in front of me. Really scares me that these issues are there though cosmetic they could lead me to believe there are mechanical issues that I should also be concerned with. Not sure I trust MPG that is stated on window, edmunds forum tends to agree. Two interior colors camel and light grey. Rather have darker interiors. Nice looking SUV on the outside. Large cargo and interior.   CRV: 4 cylinder 2008 Thought it was a bit smaller and noiser and slower then the other two. I seem to have issues with inline 4. Rather have the DOHC, Real time price was slightly higher then other two. Great colors for inside and out. Like it that it comes with a dark interior. But could always use more colors. MPG also goood, Honda MPG rating not as reliable as Toyotas.   RAV 4: 4 cylinder 2007 Not as noisey or slow as the CRV maybe due to DOHC. Limited interior colors but darker grey then the Santa FE. Gets pretty good MPG and I actually believe the window when it comes to that since I have had many toyotas with stated MPG being realistic. Prices tend to fluculate depending on what is available on the lot at the time.   Not sure there are any other SUV's I would be interested in. The Saturn hybrid VUE was interesting but I tend to think GM can't make decent engine/transmission/suspension/electrical. They even went as far as putting in a honda drivetrain at one point. The 2008 dont even have the plastic door panels which I think was a big mistake to get rid of.   Interior colors a big problem with me when they are too light. I want to keep these cars for many many years. If they get nasty looking it turns me off. Replies to this message: ateixeira (Sep 25, 2007 8:01 am) mpuzach (Sep 25, 2007 8:36 am)
#188 of 271 Re: RAV4 vs Santa FE vs CRV [gunga64] by ateixeira Sep 25, 2007 (8:01 am)
Replying to: gunga64 (Sep 25, 2007 5:36 am) The Vue now uses GM engines.   Try an Outlander and a Forester. Maybe a RAV4 V6 as well, given it only gets 1mpg less than the 4 banger in real-world tests.
#189 of 271 Re: RAV4 vs Santa FE vs CRV [gunga64] by mpuzach Sep 25, 2007 (8:36 am)
Replying to: gunga64 (Sep 25, 2007 5:36 am) The Santa Fe is also available with a black interior (though only in the Limited model). As for your concerns about "fit and trim problems", the items you mentioned reflect mishandling by the dealer, not a quality problem with the vehicle.   Have you driven any of these vehicles? If not, I suggest that you do.   I also suggest that you take a close look at the Hyundai Tucson. It comes with the same 2.7 liter V6 as the Santa Fe GLS and it's a FANTASTIC little SUV, especially in Limited trim. Check it out.
#190 of 271 Toyota may add a competitor... by ateixeira Oct 04, 2007 (11:47 am)
Looks like a 2-2-2 seating arrangement. The 3rd row is optional.   They'll have to change the name as I'm sure Ford would object.   http://youtube.com/watch?v=97bFi1Z7w7E Replies to this message: coolmazda5 (Oct 04, 2007 6:39 pm) ateixeira (Oct 05, 2007 6:44 am)
#191 of 271 Re: Toyota may add a competitor... [ateixeira] by coolmazda5 Oct 04, 2007 (6:39 pm)
Replying to: ateixeira (Oct 04, 2007 11:47 am) I like the design, More high-end than sporty IMO (i.e. the Mazda5) W/o the 3rd row it will be difficult to justify it as a family car/crossover/Mid Size Mambo Jumbo SUV category I guess (4 seater?). Is it confirmed for North America?   Mercedes R350 influence? That 3rd row seat is becoming so popular all 6-7 seaters interiors start looking alike   Some pics: http://www.toyota.jp/markxzio/ Replies to this message: ateixeira (Oct 05, 2007 6:44 am)
#192 of 271 Re: Toyota may add a competitor... [coolmazda5] by ateixeira Oct 05, 2007 (6:44 am)
Replying to: coolmazda5 (Oct 04, 2007 6:39 pm) At this point it's just a rumor.   The concept that previewed it was nice, but I think it came out looking a bit bland in the end. Toyota should take more risks.   Style it better and market it as a Scion.

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