Aces High Bulletin Board
General Forums => The O' Club => Topic started by: republic on February 23, 2008, 05:10:20 PM
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We currently drive a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR 5 speed. Great little car but...it's too little for our growing family. I've been in the market for a....gasp....minivan. I need something with lots of room, and I'm on a very tight budget. (I've got an old pickup I'll need to be replacing soon as well.) I really like the Kia sedona but where I live there are almost as many Chevrolet dealerships as there are trees so I've been looking at the Chevrolet Uplander.
Any of you have any experience with the Uplander, what should I look out for?
I had been holding off hoping I could find an idividual to sell my Matrix to rather than have to fool with trading it in...but it's getting really frustrating traveling with the baby in the matrix, especially with another one likely on the way soon.
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The mini vans are totally wonderful for budding little families. I know txdad hated ours every single day, but I[/I] loved it ~ and seeing as I was the one doing most of the carting around in it... we kept it until it outlived it's usefulness.
*edit* if you need to get a minivan... don't feel too badly about it. It will be completely convenient. And you can go back to cool cars later. :)
*edit* congratulations =)
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Isuzu Bighorn, a vehicle OEM'd so much can be wrong :D ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Trooper
Also called
Isuzu Trooper
Holden Jackaroo
Opel Monterey
Vauxhall Monterey
Honda Horizon
Chevrolet Trooper
(loves my isuzu)
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Originally posted by Vulcan
Isuzu Bighorn, a vehicle OEM'd so much can be wrong :D ...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isuzu_Trooper
Also called
Isuzu Trooper
Holden Jackaroo
Opel Monterey
Vauxhall Monterey
Honda Horizon
Chevrolet Trooper
(loves my isuzu)
Unfortunately the only thing Isuzu sells in the states are rebranded Chevrolets lol
I really wish more European vehicles were offered in the states. The Mazda5 is right up our ally but, it's just a wee bit small. We're suppost to go look at one in a few weeks before we decide on the Uplander.
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I despise minivans. We have a small fleet of mid nineties S-10 4 door 4WD Blazers in the family, and I love the little trucks. Plenty of room for a family of 4, plenty of power, good handling, reliable, and very versatile. We may even pick up a late nineties or later model. They get over 20MPG in the city commuter traffic, and closer to 28 on the open road. And they are tough. My daughter ran off the road in hers and hit a tree head on at about 40MPH. It took the lick, laid over on its side, and she had nothing but a seat belt bruise. I can jump in any of them and go to the local warehouse, or go on a hunting trip. They'll haul two big guys, all their gear, and still pull a trailer with 2 4 wheelers, no strain.
I rarely buy a new vehicle, and opt for a well maintained used one instead. A couple of the Blazers had 150K on them when we bought them. No problems nearly 100K later. They are not hard or expensive to maintain, either. A full set of tires can be had for under $350. A major tune up with factory parts is under $100.
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Honda Oddesey if you must get a van, at leat they still look cool. :lol
Mitsubishi Pajero or Jeep Cherokee if you just want some extra room, but IMO unless you get the Grand the Jeep isn't all that much roomier than a large sedan.
We have a Ford Fairmont sedan (I have no idea what it's US equivalent is) and it's got plenty of room for us. It's also got dual fuel so when we get out on the open road we can go for some 1400km before we need to stop for fuel but since Sarah frowns on the use of range extenders we never make it that far and consequently we rarely have to top off the ULP tank.
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Don't buy a new car. If you're on a tight budget, buying a new car is a terrible idea. Buy something one or two years old so someone else has the privilege of paying the worst depreciation. Any nonsense about 'saving money w/ warranty coverage' is exactly that, nonsense. Wifey drives a Volvo XC-90 that cost over 40k new, it's just a few years old and we bought it for half that. If you really think you'll manage 20k in warranty repairs, then you need to buy more reliable cars.
Don't be a sucker.
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if you buy a van, expect to cart other peoples children around in it.
theres plenty of mid-sized sedans with more than enough room for a family. my alero comfortably seats 4 men, and has room in the back for 2 decent sized suitcases. its not a particularly large car either.
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If you're really going for a van... get a Honda. It's a no brainer here.
If you want an SUV with a car handling, get a Nissan Murano or Infiniti FX.
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Originally posted by mg1942
If you're really going for a van... get a Honda. It's a no brainer here.
If you want an SUV with a car handling, get a Nissan Murano or Infiniti FX.
Hehe, my budget is 20k or less. I'm shopping mostly used, except for the Mazda5 or Kia Sedona which I can afford new.
Just trying to get an idea of what other people drive and how they like it.
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Do you have any kids in car seats still?
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Originally posted by kamilyun
Do you have any kids in car seats still?
Yes, a big one, and we plan on a 2nd child sometime next year so it'll need to handle 2 carseats AND another 2 adults, so 6 total people. Which is why i'm thinking minivan.
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Buick Rendezvous? I haven't driven one, but I've been super happy w/ my 99 Regal and have been considering the Rendezvous.
cars.msn.com has the following prices and ratings:
2006 Buick Rendezvous $16,400 - $18,050 6.9 out of 10 8.8 out of 10
2005 Buick Rendezvous $14,450 - $17,200 6.9 out of 10 8.4 out of 10
2004 Buick Rendezvous $12,550 - $16,000 6.9 out of 10 9.1 out of 10
2003 Buick Rendezvous $10,850 - $12,400 6.9 out of 10 8.6 out of 10
2002 Buick Rendezvous $9,300 - $10,800 6.9 out of 10 8.5 out of 10
It's listed as seating 7, and doesn't ooze the defeated air of a minivan.
Here's the fuel economy:
All-Wheel Drive
City (mpg) 17 - 18
Highway (mpg) 24
Front-Wheel Drive Trims
City (mpg) 19
Highway (mpg) 26
Wifey had a Chevy Venture, seemed to like it, but it didn't put out the image she needed for her real estate biz.
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Originally posted by republic
Yes, a big one, and we plan on a 2nd child sometime next year so it'll need to handle 2 carseats AND another 2 adults, so 6 total people. Which is why i'm thinking minivan.
Yeah...sitting next to a child's seat isn't fun beyond a run to the grocery store. 3 rows of seating are a must, so minivan is probably the way to go.
I just have one child, me and the wife, so we get away with a smaller SUV. But still haven't figured out what we'll do when we want our 2nd or 3rd...
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6 people in a minivan is a squeeze, especially if the kids have toys, equipment to bring along. Anyone who tells you they comfortably fit 6 in a minivan is not being honest with you. I looked at about every minivan on the market when my wife was pregnant with our brood, there wasn't a single one that would seat 6 comfortably.
Look into a conversion van. They are not as expensive as you might think and you can comfortably fit 6.
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We're in a similar situation. Right after my girlfriend paid off her Dodge Caravan, all the warning lights pop on monthly. This month its brakes. Last month we noticed an advanced case of rusting around where the front strut mounts into the driver side frame. The thing is dying and fast.
The Honda's are clearly the best of the bunch (and well reviewed)...but like all Honda's, they keep their value for quite some time.
In our travels lately, we've been renting for our weekend getaways for longer trips. The Chevy Trailblazer we liked initally. The gf read up on them and noted the value drops on them quick...anything that gets sold to the rental companies falls into this trap. But that just convinced us that if we did find one we liked in the future, shop used. You'd be a fool to buy new then see the huge value drop.
The kids are 6 and 9 so we've still got one in a booster seat.
Being in the Northeast, we want something that's good in snow, miserly on the fuel yet ample room for beach days, robot hauling and camping trips.
I don't think we'll do new. Captain makes an excellent point...lightly used is a good market to shop in.
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Four adults AND two children is NOT a comfortable package in a mini van, the longer the trip the worse it is. The more "stuff" in the van the worse it is. A full sized van (doesn't have to be huge, like a 10 or 14 passenger van) is a better choice, they're better on fuel than they used to be. A decent sized SUV is not a bad choice IF it has 3 rows of seats. Again, with the right package they're better on fuel than they used to be. I don't think minivans are safe when you put more than two adults and two children in them. Just my opinion, from 3 decades in the automotive business.
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Yup, you'll be safer in a full sized van than any minivan.
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If you go with a full size van, you need a full sized paint job:
(http://hallert.net/images/ateamvan.jpg)
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72' duster with bench seats.. seats 6, with enough room for 3 bodies in the trunk. :lol Or you can convert to buckets up front but you'll still have enough room for 3 bodies in the trunk.
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yea go with the oddesy my parents got one in Dec of 05' and its really comfortable and spacious dont look to bad either, and you might get a sports car feeling on, on ramps it can accelerate pretty good for a van, we drove all the way to montreal (5 adults if i consider my self one and one kid my tiny little bro) and back and it was fine it was a total of like 1200 miles. we also drove to the obx bout a 7 hour drive and it was fine. Nice 3rd row folding seats and 1st and 2nd row seats are great they are pretty much the same seats. Its a great van but if you dont want a van just get a station wagon they have nice room and its not a van or and suv
:D
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(http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/images/smilies/iono.gif)
(http://sheshavingababy.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/overloaded-car.jpg)
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Toyota 4 Runner
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I just rented an Uplander for week in Los Angeles and liked it a lot. But always start any vehicle search with whatever Toyota and Honda make in the category you're interested in.
I really like high seating positions with max forward visibility. Otherwise you're dwarfed by all the two-story vehicles dominating the roads.
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Originally posted by Chairboy
If you go with a full size van, you need a full sized paint job:
(http://hallert.net/images/ateamvan.jpg)
Winner.
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For all the evil I have done...
When I die the devil will make me drive a green or silver minivan.
lazs
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With six or more people you really do need a minivan. I agree that Honda has the best vans out there. There really are a lot of good reliable vans out there for under $10K. Most likely you will need more repairs and maintenance the older you buy, but saving over half on the initial cost/payments usually will offset this. One mistake that people make is assuming that new or near new makes a vehicle 100% reliable and maintenance free. Nothing is 100% reliable and you have to spend a heck of a lot more money to get a vehicle that stands a 1% chance of breaking down/needing repairs versus a vehicle that stands a 3% chance of breaking down/needing repairs.
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Originally posted by lazs2
For all the evil I have done...
When I die the devil will make me drive a green or silver minivan.
lazs
With six car seats and toddlers…
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Originally posted by eskimo2
With six or more people you really do need a minivan.
again, 6 people in a minivan doesn't really work.
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With 5 people in a minivan it doesn't work. We had one up until recently (Ford Windstar) and it was a monstrous POS!
Now my wife is driving a 2004 GMC Yukon XL with the 5.3L engine and gets around 20mpg in the city and we can get 27-28mpg on the interstate.
We have the captains chairs in the mid passenger seating area and a bench in the back. We can pack 3 kids (11, 4.5 and 1) with all their associated junk into it and still have room for 2 large suitcases, a large cooler and my mother-in-law gets strapped on the roof. No we can shift our second into the back seat with the oldest and my mother-in-law can ride next to our little girl.
I think we ended up paying around $24,000 for it with 42,000 miles on it and still have plenty of factory warranty on the vehicle. The original warranty was for 6 years or 100,000 miles.
I echo the previous statement though....DO NOT BUY A MINIVAN! It was the worst time of my life and unless you get a Honda the value falls about 100% the second you sign on the dotted line to take possession.
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Wagon Queen Family Truckster
(http://x-plane.org/home/RedDog/Truckster.jpg)
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Originally posted by RedDg
Wagon Queen Family Truckster
(http://x-plane.org/home/RedDog/Truckster.jpg)
that's not the color i ordered.
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Originally posted by SteveBailey
again, 6 people in a minivan doesn't really work.
I have a 97 AWD 7 passenger Extended Ford Aerostar (the “extended” in the cargo area is maybe 18 inches). We have three kids, my in-laws and my wife and I in our household. This is the vehicle we take when all 7 of us go somewhere together. We’ve driven it from Ohio to the beach in NC and also a trip to Minneapolis. Three car seat fit in the back just fine and the middle seat holds the women just fine. The cargo area helps a bunch; we can go on overnight trips without resorting to the roof for cargo.
My parents have a Honda Odyssey; we use that when we visit them to Alaska. It’s much tighter on cargo; 5 people with camping gear can work but I think it only seats six. Here’s an interior shot with one of the middle seats folded down:
(http://hallbuzz.com/images/6_29_06_car.jpg)
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Originally posted by RedDg
Wagon Queen Family Truckster
(http://x-plane.org/home/RedDog/Truckster.jpg)
You think you hate it, just wait 'till you drive it!
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Had a minivan for a few years when the kids were at "that" age when they all had to be somewhere.
It's hard to look cool in a mini van but hey, it served it's purpose.
Take heart Republic! It doesn't really matter what you get as long as it is safe. As soon as the kids get older you will dump it like a hot potato ("potatoe" for the Kerry fans) anyway.
Before you know it you'll be cruise'n in style again. Trust me...they grow fast!
I don't have a pic of the old "family wagon" but here's what the Mrs and I drive now.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a207/RTR421/Mustang001.jpg)
Get them kids growed and cruise man!
cheers,
RTR
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A used Honda Pilot is definitely what I would buy if I had your needs. It can seat up to 7 quite well. You can find them used under $20,000 here where I live from dealers. The way car sales are going these days, you could probably negotiate an even better deal.
The Honda Pilot has fantastic reliability and safety ratings from Consumer Reports, much higher than the vehicles you mention. Hondas can generally easily go for 200,000 miles or more, if properly cared for.
Even the standard LX models come very well equipped. I found a used 2004 locally with only 26,500 miles for under $20k:
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.jsp?car_id=228116758&dealer_id=95169&car_year=2004&model=PILOT&num_records=25&systime=&make2=&start_year=1981&keywordsfyc=&keywordsrep=&engine=&certified=&body_code=0&fuel=&awsp=false&search_type=used&distance=200&marketZipError=false&search_lang=&make=HONDA&keywords_display=&color=&page_location=findacar%3A%3Aispsearchform&min_price=&drive=&default_sort=priceDESC&max_mileage=&style_flag=2&sort_type=priceDESC&address=97477&advanced=&end_year=2007&doors=&transmission=&max_price=20000&cardist=104
This is a nice car with great features:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/2/2/228/116/4049398585.228116758.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/2/2/228/116/4049398592.228116758.IM1.08.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
And here is a 2005 model with 44k miles also listed for under $20K:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/2/21/239/473/6266515930.239473770.IM1.07.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
And here is a loaded 2004 EX model with leather and 49,000 miles, also under $20k:
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/2/8/237/884/4107597786.237884281.IM1.MAIN.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/2/8/237/884/4107597789.237884281.IM1.04.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
(http://images.autotrader.com/images/2008/2/8/237/884/4107597794.237884281.IM1.09.565x421_A.562x421.jpg)
One of my relatives has an Accord that is still going strong with 245,000 miles on it. Whatever you do, do check and confirm how well Consumer Reports rates a car before you buy it.
Anyway, a used Pilot is hands down what I would get, in your situation.
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I've actually been thinking of looking at a Pilot, I didn't know it had rear HVAC controls. Good suggestions from most everyone, keep em comin!
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Originally posted by SIG220
A used Honda Pilot is definitely what I would buy if I had your needs. It can seat up to 7 quite well.
:lol
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No kidding. 7 what? Cats?
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Consumer Reports is an over rated, self inflated, crock of crap. They are a Honda/Toyota shill, their bias is so obvious it isn't even funny any more. A bigger truck load of drivel would be hard to find as far as their automotive scribes go.
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You mentioned a tight budget, 2 kids, but not locale, average mileage, or expected length of ownership.
FWIW, think minivan. Think NEW minivan. I'd advocate a MOPAR. The Odyssey is a pretty good choice but they are pricey and I don't know if they stack up cargo room wise. They're also MUCH more user friendly than a full size van or wagon.
Beside the interest rate/payment term issue, buying used is a crap shoot money wise. All used vehicles have flaws. Most are not covered by warranty after the first year. A funky cup holder or bad dome light may seem like a small price to pay but trust me, after a few years that defect becomes the "telltale heart" that makes your Blood pressure rise every time you look at it. And if you knew what people do to re-con cars.........
Lets just say sawdust in the differential is the least of your worries.
Cost of ownership is much more than payment. Last time I looked the cheapest car to insure was a Chrysler MiniVan. Better gas mileage and fewer major maintenance issues are considerations as well as a longer post loan service life if you choose to keep it longer than the loan term.
If image is an issue, well.....
Probably shoulda thought about that before you got yer tukus married and started having kids.
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my Lincoln Town car seats 6 pretty well and gets 23 or so mpg.. it has a 2 body trunk too.
lazs
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The numbers just don't add up, Thruster.
The depreciation is immediate and harsh. Wife owned a Suburban a while ago. It was two years old when we bought it and had depreciated by almost 20k already, very much like her Volvo. Think about it, that means that even if she pays ten THOUSAND dollars in unexpected repairs, she still comes out ahead. And of course, we never had anything anywhere near that. A used vehicle may have a problem, but you perform a mechanical inspection before purchase to make sure there aren't any expensive ones.
Is that funky cup holder really worth $20,000 in real money to you? Because that's basically what your argument comes down to.
If you buy new, buy because you want new and are willing to pay a premium, not because you think you'll save money. That's a fool's errand.
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Of course the numbers add up. Otherwise I wouldn't have mentioned it.
Comparing high end cars to what a young family needs for day to day transportation seems a fools indulgence to me.
From what I read, the total purchase price of their new vehicle will probably be in the 20k range and with two little ones and a "tight budget" my advice is spot on and time tested. A 20k purchase price differential is an inappropriate assumption.
Besides the real world issues of buying cars that were not premium when new, there's the issue of higher interest rates, and abbreviated loan terms that affect monthly out of pocket.
For the vast majority of people in Republic's position, that is the most reasoned solution. That's why there are so many out there.
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Originally posted by republic
We currently drive a 2006 Toyota Matrix XR 5 speed. Great little car but...it's too little for our growing family. I've been in the market for a....gasp....minivan. I need something with lots of room, and I'm on a very tight budget. (I've got an old pickup I'll need to be replacing soon as well.) I really like the Kia sedona but where I live there are almost as many Chevrolet dealerships as there are trees so I've been looking at the Chevrolet Uplander.
Any of you have any experience with the Uplander, what should I look out for?
I had been holding off hoping I could find an idividual to sell my Matrix to rather than have to fool with trading it in...but it's getting really frustrating traveling with the baby in the matrix, especially with another one likely on the way soon.
(http://hyundaiblog.info/immg/veracruz.jpg)
(http://image.automobilemag.com/f/reviews/suvs/6710807/0706_z+2007_hyundai_veracruz+interior.jpg)
ASK ANY Post 1999 HYUNDAI OWNER:
Then Look at anything Hyundai.....
Safest...best backed....best built.....more extra features........least expensive. Hyundai is the toyota of 1982....best thing going....just that nobody knows it yet. DONT LISTEN TO THE UNEDUCATED...GO TEST DRIVE SOME OF THE HYUNDAI VEHICLES & SUV'S....or talk to Hyundai owners....they literally don't break. so much so that dealers typically don't even stock common things like a/c compressors/alternators/starters/etc...
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Unfortunately the Veracruz is outside my price range. My max is 20k because within a year I'll need to be replacing my work truck as well. I don't want to be a slave to my vehicle payment. I just want something comfortable, safe, and reliable for my family.
I'll probably just replace my work truck with a rebuilt salvage job from a local guy. (I just need something to get from point a to point.)
I'm definitely in the American middle class that is being squeezed more and more every year.
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New or used is always a dilemma. For years I tried to keep older cars going. Since I am mechanically inept, it got frustrating because eventually you never knew what was going to wear out next.
No fun driving a car when you feel uneasy taking it out on the interstate or for any trip longer than locally. Several times old cars crapped out unexpectedly (is that ever expected?). Made for some unpleasant trips and memories.
We've evolved to a Camry and a Corolla. So far, so good. We have them regularly serviced at the dealer. No more hunting around for bargain maintenance at various independents or service stations. Might cost a little more, but dealer has the best parts and the most resources.
My threshold of pain is $20k, which buys less every year and limits selection. I prefer buying new because then I know the car's entire history. Have bought new, recent used, and old used, and to me new is by far the most desirable even though I appreciate the case for buying recent used after the worst depreciation hit.
New also worked best when our kids were growing up. We bought the lowest priced basic cars knowing what a beating they would get.
Neighbors with kids have been buying Hyundais and like them a lot.
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Originally posted by republic
Unfortunately the Veracruz is outside my price range. My max is 20k because within a year I'll need to be replacing my work truck as well. I don't want to be a slave to my vehicle payment. I just want something comfortable, safe, and reliable for my family.
I'll probably just replace my work truck with a rebuilt salvage job from a local guy. (I just need something to get from point a to point.)
I'm definitely in the American middle class that is being squeezed more and more every year.
take a look at the sonata then.......they are better built than the camry now...also better backed....and about 5K less. you can get a basic sonata for 17-20
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Unfortunately, I'm needing seating for 6.
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Originally posted by ZetaNine
(http://hyundaiblog.info/immg/veracruz.jpg)
(http://image.automobilemag.com/f/reviews/suvs/6710807/0706_z+2007_hyundai_veracruz+interior.jpg)
ASK ANY Post 1999 HYUNDAI OWNER:
Then Look at anything Hyundai.....
Safest...best backed....best built.....more extra features........least expensive. Hyundai is the toyota of 1982....best thing going....just that nobody knows it yet. DONT LISTEN TO THE UNEDUCATED...GO TEST DRIVE SOME OF THE HYUNDAI VEHICLES & SUV'S....or talk to Hyundai owners....they literally don't break. so much so that dealers typically don't even stock common things like a/c compressors/alternators/starters/etc...
damn... I knew someone's gonna post about Hyundai! I almost forgot that their SUV model that competes with the likes of Lexus RXs
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Originally posted by eskimo2
I have a 97 AWD 7 passenger Extended Ford Aerostar (the “extended” in the cargo area is maybe 18 inches). We have three kids, my in-laws and my wife and I in our household. This is the vehicle we take when all 7 of us go somewhere together. We’ve driven it from Ohio to the beach in NC and also a trip to Minneapolis. Three car seat fit in the back just fine and the middle seat holds the women just fine. The cargo area helps a bunch; we can go on overnight trips without resorting to the roof for cargo.
My parents have a Honda Odyssey; we use that when we visit them to Alaska. It’s much tighter on cargo; 5 people with camping gear can work but I think it only seats six. Here’s an interior shot with one of the middle seats folded down:
(http://hallbuzz.com/images/6_29_06_car.jpg)
You got the cutest damned family! Everytime I see pics of your kids I'm certain that they didn't come from your genes! :p
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Originally posted by RTR
Had a minivan for a few years when the kids were at "that" age when they all had to be somewhere.
It's hard to look cool in a mini van but hey, it served it's purpose.
Take heart Republic! It doesn't really matter what you get as long as it is safe. As soon as the kids get older you will dump it like a hot potato ("potatoe" for the Kerry fans) anyway.
Before you know it you'll be cruise'n in style again. Trust me...they grow fast!
I don't have a pic of the old "family wagon" but here's what the Mrs and I drive now.
(http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a207/RTR421/Mustang001.jpg)
Get them kids growed and cruise man!
cheers,
RTR
Where's the snow? I thought you folks in Alberta had snow 24/7/365? :p Nice car RTR, get to picking those weeds though dude, it drives me nuts to see weeds. :)
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Originally posted by Chairboy
No kidding. 7 what? Cats?
The Honda Pilot is available with 7 seats. Since he has kids in child seats, that should be no problem.
Room in the Pilot is superior to that piece of junk Buick Rendezvous that you recommended that he look into. So your own comment can be turned around and directed right back at yourself. And the Rendezvous cannot begin to compare in any way with the quality and reliability of the Pilot. Just check what Consumer Reports has to say.
Are you aware that Rendezvous sales were so extremely bad in 2007, that GM took the most unusual step of canceling the car halfway in the production year? The vehicle has been out of production for a full year now.
The Pilot may not be the perfect solution, but it is clearly heads and shoulders above the truly awful recommendation that you gave him.
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Meow! Hiss!
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Originally posted by Chairboy
Meow! Hiss!
If you wish to go out of your way to ridicule my recommendation to Republic, then I have the same right to let you know what I thought of yours.
I was not the first person to criticize. It was you. And it was very, very petty of you.
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Originally posted by SIG220
And it was very, very pretty of you.
It just looks sooooo small from the outside, never been in one. I understand they drive very much like a car, which is great. Likewise, I've never been in a Rendezvous, but I've been quite happy with my Regal. McDonalds is the most popular restaurant in the world, right? By your implication, this should suggest that they're the best. Without trying the Rendezvous for myself, I'm not willing to assume it's a crummy ride just because it has sold poorly.
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Originally posted by Chairboy
It just looks sooooo small from the outside, never been in one. I understand they drive very much like a car, which is great. Likewise, I've never been in a Rendezvous, but I've been quite happy with my Regal. McDonalds is the most popular restaurant in the world, right? By your implication, this should suggest that they're the best. Without trying the Rendezvous for myself, I'm not willing to assume it's a crummy ride just because it has sold poorly.
You simply need to read the driver feedback data from Consumer Reports to figure that out.
Look, we have had a previous run-in here in the past on another issue. And you went so far as to publicly state back then that you have a strong dislike of me. Well, I did not appreciate your comments about me that you made back then either, and I fully assure you that this feeling is quite mutual on my part too. And I have stayed WELL, WELL CLEAR of you on this forum ever since that time. I have not commented or said anything about any posts that you have since made.
However, if you want to go out of your way like that and take a hypocritical potshot at me, I am going to let you know what I think of your unfair comment.
I really have nothing further that I ever want to say to you. I don't plan to ever start a conversation with you or comment on your posts, no matter what the subject or what you may say.
The best news that I could hear would be that you will do the same.
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Originally posted by SIG220
You simply need to read the driver feedback data from Consumer Reports to figure that out.
Look, we have had a previous run-in here in the past on another issue. And you went so far as to publicly state back then that you have a strong dislike of me. Well, I did not appreciate your comments about me that you made back then either, and I fully assure you that this feeling is quite mutual on my part too. And I have stayed WELL, WELL CLEAR of you on this forum ever since that time. I have not commented or said anything about any posts that you have since made.
However, if you want to go out of your way like that and take a hypocritical potshot at me, I am going to let you know what I think of your unfair comment.
I really have nothing further that I ever want to say to you. I don't plan to ever start a conversation with you or comment on your posts, no matter what the subject or what you may say.
The best news that I could hear would be that you will do the same.
If all you have to back up your position is Consumer Reports, you don't have anything to back it up with. As a veteran of almost 30 years in the automotive industry, I can tell you the best use for Consumer Reports is to line a bird cage or house train a puppy.
The biggest problem with the Buick was it was UGLY as sin. And Buick owners don't care for that type of vehicle. Same stupid mistake GM is known for, same thing that killed Oldsmobile. GM assumed they could force Oldsmobile buyers to accept front wheel drive butt ugly reskinned Chevy econo cars with upgraded trim. So Oldsmobile buyers didn't buy Oldsmobiles.
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CLICK ME (http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;?tracktype=usedcc&searchType=21&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=descending&sortfield=PRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7cE-%7cM-_14_%7cB-20000%7cD-_171_%7cN-N%7cR-10000%7cI-1%7cP-PRICE+descending%7cQ-descending%7cZ-64772&aff=national&paId=249207860&recnum=2&leadExists=true)
Thats what you need, Very Reliable GREAT on Gas, and has AC/Heat available in all 3 Rows of seats. Our local Railroad uses them to haul Traincrews long distances, these vans are ran 24/7,365, and they run great, occasional tune up but its one of the best vans ive seen.
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Originally posted by mg1942
damn... I knew someone's gonna post about Hyundai! I almost forgot that their SUV model that competes with the likes of Lexus RXs
they have lots of things in store in the pipeline...including a swipe at some bigtime expensive sedans in the new Genesis.
**as hyundai sold as I am...I would never want the first model year of any vehicle....
(http://img.drive.com.au/drive_images/Editorial/2007/04/13/12Genesis2_m_m.jpg)
"While Genesis will compete for customers with cars like Chrysler 300 and Pontiac G8, our engineering benchmarks were Mercedes E-Class, Infiniti M, and Lexus GS," said John Krafcik, vice president, product development and strategic planning, Hyundai Motor America. "Genesis provides a potent combination of performance, luxury, and value. We think it has the opportunity to be an extremely disruptive force in the large sedan and near-luxury segments."
The sedan model is the first of a potential series of Genesis vehicles from Hyundai. The company has already confirmed plans for a coupe, and there are rumors of other variants, too.
Powertrains
The car is offered with a choice of three powertrains, including 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter V6 engines, and Hyundai's all-new 4.6-liter Tau V8. Tau will produce an estimated 368 horsepower. For the V8 model, the sprint to 60 mph takes less than 6 seconds.
The V6 models also promise plenty of performance. The all-aluminum 3.3-liter and 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engines deliver an estimated 268 horsepower and 233 pound-feet of torque and an estimated 290 horsepower and 264 pound-feet of torque, respectively. Technologies include Variable Valve Timing and a Variable Intake System.
Both Genesis V6 engines use an Aisin 6-speed automatic transmission that features an overdrive lock-up torque converter for improved highway fuel economy. The V8 model has a ZF gearbox to handle the extra power. The transmission also offers manual shifting via a Shiftronic mode.
Chassis
The car boasts a 53/47 front-to-rear weight distribution, which comes fairly close to the coveted 50/50 ratio made popular by BMW. Hyundai says the car's body structure is 12 to 14 percent stiffer than a BMW 5-Series or Mercedes E-Class. Despite this, the unibody is lighter than that of either the 5er or E.
Luxury features
High-tech equipment includes: electronic stability control, XM NavTraffic, adaptive headlights, radar-based active cruise control, a 500-watt 17-speaker Lexicon audio system, and electronic active head restraints.
A leather-wrapped dash, door panels, and console lid surround the driver, while heated and cooled seats provide added comfort. The steering wheel is wrapped in engineered ultraviolet reflective leather to remain cool to the touch in extreme sunlight.
Genesis has a total of 8 ultrasonic sensors located on the front and rear bumpers.to help park in tight spaces. The car also offers a power rear sunshade, automatic electronic parking brake, proximity key and push button starter.
The car's eight airbags include dual front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side-impact airbags, and roof-mounted side curtain airbags.
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Originally posted by SIG220
Look, we have had a previous run-in here in the past on another issue. And you went so far as to publicly state back then that you have a strong dislike of me.
Sorry, don't recognize your username, and don't recall the conversation. Got a link to bring me up to speed?
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(http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/01/holdencrewmantop.jpg)
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Originally posted by Holden McGroin
(http://jalopnik.com/assets/resources/2008/01/holdencrewmantop.jpg)
That's just awesome... I don't understand why so many niche market vehicles never make it to the US. :(