I am in the market for a new (used!) car. My husband wants me in an SUV because so many people have them--not for status but so that I don't get rolled over or crushed when a big honkin' SUV hits me and misses my bumper because they're so high. (If you can't beat them??) Anyway, I like the compact SUVs, so I've been looking at them. Vans and small trucks are also acceptable, as they're higher up.
I made a wishlist of compact SUVs that are in my price range and have good reviews on edmunds.com, but not many of them are available around here. They include the Honda Element, Jeep Liberty, Mazda Tribute, Toyota Rav4, Kia Sportage (2004 only), and the Ford Escape. (There were 7 on that list--I seem to have forgotten one.) All of those on my list were in years between 2000 and 2004. Anything newer is too expensive.
Since I've recently been approved for financing (yay!) there are certain age and mileage guidelines. So, in keeping with that and what's actually available around here, I've made a list of possibilities. There's even a sedan on the list. (Sometimes we can't have what we want!)
1. 2005 Volkswagon Jetta GLS (Sedan) 2. 2002 Land Rover Freelander AWD SE (SUV) 3. 2002 Jeep Liberty 2WD Sport (SUV) 4. 2002 Nissan Xterra 2WD V6 (SUV) 5. 2002 Mazda MPV Wagon (Van)
As you can see, only one is on my wishlist. (2 if the Nissan Xterra ends up being the one I forgot.)
I loooooooooove the newer Jeep Liberties. They're just so darn cute. There's hardly any information on it on the site, though. And I would love a Honda, but not enough people are selling theirs.
So, any experience with any of those 5? Suggestions?
Posted by Flaming Toad on a Stick (Member # 9302) on :
Buy all five.
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
Too bad the Element's not on the list. My ladyfriend has one, and while I was innitially offput by the boxy exterior, I am now a huge fan. The only problem is that she insists it would be odd if we both have the same car.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Can I talk you out of a SUV? Of that group, I liked the MPV best for my purposes. Otherwise, I would lean towards the Jetta.
Christy and I wound up deciding on (and being very happy with) a 2005 Hyundai Elantra GT hatchback.
Posted by breyerchic04 (Member # 6423) on :
My parents are probably buying a Jeep Liberty or a(nother) Dodge Caravan this summer, probably in the 02-05 range. But they have connections to chrystler dealers and employees, so it's what we usually look at.
Posted by Katarain (Member # 6659) on :
I do like the MPV. (I haven't actually seen any of the cars yet.) I kind of like the idea of having a van. I certainly wouldn't be disappointed to have one. I'm not sure if I can convince my husband. I know he's more likely to want a van over a car, though. (It's not like he'll tell me I *can't* get a sedan, he just wants me safe.)
Why not an SUV, Tom?
Have any of you ever had a PT Cruiser? We ended up renting one lately. It was SUCH a gas hog! UGH. I'm glad we rented it, though, or we might have been talked into getting one. We found out that it's because it has a Dodge Neon engine, and it's just way too big for that.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
I should point out that all five on your list have mediocre quality ratings at best. If you're looking at minivans, though, I'd recommend the Honda Odyssey. My in-laws have one, and it's a great vehicle. I believe it's often regarded as the best minivan on the market.
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
Odyssey: nice vehicle, but very expensive.
quote:Why not an SUV, Tom?
All else aside, the idea that your husband fears for your safety if you aren't in one rubs me the wrong way. It's the same reason I don't own a gun, even though I enjoy shooting.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
Have you considered the Scion xB? Its made by Toyota and although the shape shocks you for a second it has really grown on me, everyone (about 5 people) I have talked to about it likes it alot. Its very affordable, around 13k NEW and hey its Toyota so it won't break on you often. Its marketed towards poor college students but its not like its a rule that only students can purchase a car right?
Posted by TomDavidson (Member # 124) on :
There are a number of downsides to the Scion, IMX. The xB in particular lacks any cargo capacity when you've got passengers, and mileage isn't good for the size.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
quote:Originally posted by TomDavidson: There are a number of downsides to the Scion, IMX. The xB in particular lacks any cargo capacity when you've got passengers, and mileage isn't good for the size.
define "mileage isn't good"
It is certainly better then a 12mpg POS FORD suv.
edit: the xB is listed at 30-31mpg in the city and 34-35mpg on the freeway. Thats pretty good IMHO.
Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
Well, for comparison, the Toyota Yaris, which is built on the same platform and has the same engine, gets 34/39 with an automatic transmission.
Posted by Katarain (Member # 6659) on :
This car buying business is confusing.
I was completely discounting new cars because I want a low monthly payment. I'd PREFER $150/month (who wouldn't?) but I'm willing to go up to $200, kicking and screaming.
I just got off the phone with a dealer who offered me a 7.9 interest rate, 5.9% with a down payment. I don't have stellar credit, so this really blew the 10.9% I got elsewhere out of the water. The only problem is, the 10.9% is good at any dealer, and the 7.9 (maybe 5.9) is only good at the dealership. They don't have anything I want. But with a good interest rate, and a car 13,000 or less (probably much less), and a huge term, I *might* be able to get a newer car.
Thing is, I'd have to have a long term anyway, so wouldn't it be better to have a newer car at the end of it?
Ugh! Decisions!
And then there's insurance to think about.
Posted by BlackBlade (Member # 8376) on :
I personally have no intention of going into debt when I buy a new car, only when I buy a house. Ill save up all the money beforehand when I purchase. Obviously thats not always possible for everyone, but I would strongly guard against going into debt for a car, the fact you have to pay more money as a gross total on a pay over time program makes the scrooge inside me angry.
Posted by BaoQingTian (Member # 8775) on :
My advice is: don't stretch the budget because someone has suggested buying new or stepping up a class in vehicles (not that a salesman would ever suggest that). Know what you're willing to pay, and what you can realistically find for that amount so you're not trying to rationalize your way into a more expensive vehicle. It's really easy to budget $150 a month for a payment, and then talk yourself up $50-100 a month to get something you really want. Depending on your financial situation, it could make you regret getting that car for years, negating any positive emotional experience you may get from getting a car that you really want.
Posted by Katarain (Member # 6659) on :
I need a car now. I do plan on paying it off early, though.
Believe me, my buying a car is better than when I was duped into getting a lease. At least this time I'll be paying less every month and when it's done, I'll actually have something to show for it--namely, a car.
$255/month for 5 years for a LEASED Toyota COROLLA. Boy, was I stupid.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
Make sure there are no penalties involved with paying off the loan early. Some loans include payoff penalties which can be hefty.
Posted by MightyCow (Member # 9253) on :
quote:Originally posted by Katarain: I am in the market for a new (used!) car. My husband wants me in an SUV because so many people have them--not for status but so that I don't get rolled over or crushed when a big honkin' SUV hits me and misses my bumper because they're so high.
A lot of SUVs actually have relatively low crash-test ratings, and can be prone to rolling over. It's a myth that you're automatically safer in an SUV. Many regular cars have excellent crash protection, and are more stable and easier to drive, meaning you'll be less likely to cause an accident yourself.
Besides, buying an SUV to be safe from the SUVs just makes you part of the problem Posted by Jon Boy (Member # 4284) on :
An SUV with some sort of stability control will be far less likely to roll over, though. Be sure to ask about that.
Posted by Dragon (Member # 3670) on :
Get the pink one.
(sorry I can't be of any help at all - good luck!)
Posted by Bokonon (Member # 480) on :
Get a minivan. All the height of an SUV, without the penchant for rolling over, and generally better gas mileage to boot.
Or you can not get involved in the automobile "arms race" and get a compact car. I get along in my Civic Hybrid just fine, and I drive in Boston, which Verily can tell you is quite a feat.
-Bok
Posted by anti_maven (Member # 9789) on :
If you're thinking of buying from a dealership, have a quick gander at the following - it's quite long but I found it compulsive reading:
It gets about 19 miles in town and up to 24 on the highway. We have the LT with the automatic doors and DVD player. The DV player has wirless headphones. Very nice.
Posted by rivka (Member # 4859) on :
How many does that seat?
Posted by Occasional (Member # 5860) on :
I would go for 1. 2005 Volkswagon Jetta GLS (Sedan). A Jetta is the next car I want, but I can't pin down why. They just have a simple beauty to them.
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