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perc-o-prince

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Joined
Oct 23, 2005
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Location
Southboro, Mass
Hey folks!

So, I'm now in the market for a vehicle since mine was totaled, and I know a number of you have a lot of experience with cars. I need to go used, would like something that will go at least 4-5 years, and am hoping to set my ceiling at $8k. I drive about 9-10K miles a year. I'm looking for a cross-over or small-to-mid SUV as mine is the vehicle that goes to HD and Lowes for things like bags of mulch and the like. Here are a few I've looked at, and I'd like some opinions!

2003 Saturn Vue: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...t=[SATURN[VUE[]][]]&listingId=367213135&Log=0

2003 Chevy Trailblazer: http://www.durandchevrolet.com/Vehi...t-TrailBlazer-4dr_4WD_LS-Hudson-MA/2024403943

2007 Pontiac Torrent: http://www.herbconnollychevrolet.com/auto/used-2007-pontiac-torrent/1336725/

2007 Saturn Vue Hybrid (not thrilled about a 4-banger): http://natick.bernardihonda.com/used-Natick-2007-Saturn-VUE-FWD+4dr+I4+Auto+Hybrid-5GZCZ33ZX7S866137

2003 Ford Explorer: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...s=10&maxPrice=10000&listingId=367642696&Log=0

Thanks in advance, all!!!
Chuck
 
I'd lean towards something like the Subaru. The 2000s weren't a great time for reliability in American cars, and now that Saturn is defunct it'll be especially hard to get parts for them.
 
A good friend of mine was in a similar position about a year ago. The lease on his Audi had expired and he did not want to take on another lease or payments so was limited to $10k cash. After much looking he found a Dodge Caliber in very nice shape at the dealership, low miles and lots of remaining warranty. I'm not a big fan of these cars aesthetically (nor is he) and in general am a bit skeptical of Chrysler quality, but then again these negatives have helped give the Caliber low resale and thus make them excellent buys secondhand. So far it's been a very good car for him,  a bit of a downgrade from the Audi and BMW that proceeded it but he has had no significant problems and is very happy with being able to rely on the factory warranty if something crops up.
 
Chuck, if you get a chance check out Sabaru Legacy. We bought one new in 2005. It is a great vehicle. Goes thru rain and snow like a champ. We drove thru snow storms every Christmas since we bought it and it never let us down. We even went thru when 4WH were stuck. It has plenty of room for hauling from hardware or nursery and back seats fold down. Our Sabaru was built in Indiana. Good luck with what you find. Dan
 
The 2003 Trail-blazer has some huge engine issues.My Ex has a Saab but it is a Trail-Blazer platform and the engine has problems

with the coil-on-top plugs,plus his transmission went out in it.

The all-wheel drive is a nightmare to work on because, the drive-shaft for the front goes through the oil-pan.

The head gaskets go quite easy in those.

This is when G.M. made those new engines the inline 4,5,and 6. The 6 has a lot of power close to 300 but it is always broke

down.

Even though it says Saab it is a G.M. the only difference is his has the air-bag instead of springs which I warned him about.

I would get the Pontiac Torrent.There good cars the engine and G.M. makes some of the best transmissions out there.

The Saturn had a Honda V6 in it and was a great car but Honda had HUGE problems with there transmissions

for the V6.Everybody I know who had a 1998-2004 Honda V6 anything has had to have it replaced to the tune of 5grand.

I love Honda's I have two of them but I only but the in line four. I have a 1998 Honda Civic which never breaks down and a

2007 Acura RDX Turbo 4 and it is a rocket to drive.I love the power it has to pass on two lane roads and I have never had

one problem with it save for a timing belt but, that is normal wear and tear.It has 240 H.P. but mine I have tweaked to over

300 H.P. and it is also not as tipsy as a Ford Explorer which scares the hell out of ya if you have to make a quick move to avoid

something.The Explorer is really bad at wanting to tip over. Pontiac I think might have what my Acura has

if it senses it is going to flip it will pulse one of the brakes in the rear to keep it from going over.It does work and has saved me

from flipping over but, the smaller ones that are front drive and sit-lower are less likely to do that.
 
The Dodge Journey is also a very nice mid-size suv.  The Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep dealer I work for has been selling these and Jeep Grand Cherokee's like crazy lately.  The reliability of Dodge and Chrysler products has improved dramatically over the last number of years.  Our city is also in the process of switching over to Dodge chassis based ambulances.  
 
The Dodge Journey is also a very nice mid-size suv.  The Dodge/Chrysler/Jeep dealer I work for has been selling these and Jeep Grand Cherokee's like crazy lately.  The reliability of Dodge and Chrysler products has improved dramatically over the last number of years.  Our city is also in the process of switching over to Dodge chassis based ambulances.  
 
Our neighbors have a 2004 Mazda Tribute with 120K miles on it and no problems yet. It still looks pretty new. I've driven it a few times and it sticks to the road pretty good without feeling top heavy. In fact it drives more like a car.

Stay away from anything Audi. I have yet to know anyone with an Audi that has been reliable.
 
Chuck,  I may have missed an original post.  Are you Ok?  I sure hope so!   Good luck with the car search.  alr
 
Scott, alr...

Yes, I was the only one in the car and I'm just fine. Thanks for asking.

Thanks for the help, guys! However, the other thing I forgot to mention about a vehicle for me is that I need a higher seat. Getting in and out of a sedan or similarly-heighted vehicle (Subaru Legacy/Outback, etc.) is tough on my knees. This necessitates something like a minivan, crossover, or SUV of some sort.

Chuck
 
Thanks, guys!

I knew I could count on folks here having knowledge about all these different cars! I appreciate hearing about the inherent problems that some of them have as I don't want to be another of the people who has the same problem!

I did a little more searching this morning, and a few new prospects popped up as well. If you'll indulge me, opinions please?

2007 Grand Caravan: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...f1Dir=DESC&prMx=10000&aff=national&listType=1

2007 Town & Country: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...f1Dir=DESC&prMx=10000&aff=national&listType=1

1998 Grand Cherokee Ltd: http://www.cars.com/go/search/detai...f1Dir=DESC&prMx=10000&aff=national&listType=1

2003 Subaru Forester (mileage?): http://www.herbconnollychevrolet.com/auto/used-2003-subaru-forester-25xs/1226015/

2006 Chevy Equinox: http://www.herbconnollychevrolet.com/auto/used-2006-chevrolet-equinox-lt/1279652/

2007 Chevy Equinox: http://www.herbconnollychevrolet.com/auto/used-2007-chevrolet-equinox-ls/1299332/

2004 Hyundai Santa Fe: http://www.herbconnollychevrolet.com/auto/used-2004-hyundai-santa_fe-gls_27l_v6/1316929/

The 2007 Pontiac Torrent is still in the running as well.

Thanks!!!!!
 
I have fairly recently purchased a Ford Taurus station wagon for hauling needs, it's been a great car.

I was looking for a Ford Freestyle or Taurus X crossover wagon as they are very nice and roomy but I was looking in the $2500 range. The Freestyle/Taurus X sit up higher like a minivan and most around here were sold with AWD

My father bought a new Dodge Ram C/V van last year and it is very substantial and much nicer then the other small cargo vans. You could go for a grand caravan since it's the same size
 
Honda Element.

I have a 2008 Honda Element EX All Wheel Drive with a manual transmission. I love it! Not as much as my '87 Volvo, but I still like the Honda quite a lot (when I'm not driving my Volvo).

We had a rough winter this year with lots of snow and ice, and the only thing that could stop my Honda was when a snowplow got stuck on my street in a position blocking the end of my driveway. When that happened, I just had to wait.

I've had it for 2 years and NOTHING has broken on it. Maintenance is inexpensive, it gets around 20 mpg, an it holds appliances nicely. The 2007s and newer have better safety ratings than the older ones. It's a well designed vehicle that does everything I want it to and it has been a joy to live with.

The Honda Element is the closest thing I know of to a good Volvo 240 station wagon in recent years. Go check one out!
Dave
 
Avoid the Equinox.....

My co-worker's husband has a Chevy 2010 (she thinks) Equinox and it's spent more time in the dealers bay than in their driveway. It's had a new engine, new transmission, etc, etc.... He's on his second or third loaner or rental already this year - it failed on the highway (the Dan Ryan in fact, for those you in Chicago) while he was driving.

One of my best friends had a Saturn which he hated but refused to die and was reasonably reliable.

All my friends with Subaru's love them and haven't had any trouble that I'm aware of.
 
in a hurry?

If your not in a hurry, keep looking. 07' was the last year for the old body chrysler/dodge vans. While most of the engines carried over, the way they drive otherwise is night and day. the 08' and newer drive a lot better than the previous generation. The chrysler/dodge vans will not be the most reliable. Despite all the hype, ads, and what certain publications may say, the one brand that will never darken my driveway again is toyota.
 
Element back seats.

There are 2 ways to deal with the back seats. You can recline them and then fold them up against the sides so the floor is entirely clear (it takes me a few seconds). For bigger things, I take my seats out (more cumbersome). Right now I have 1 rear seat in, and one sitting in my basement. It's a good mix for me at this time. The floor is rubber, so it's a piece of cake to clean.

Mine is up to 50,000 miles and hasn't had a single thing break yet.

Again, I cannot say enough good things about my Element.
Dave
 
If I didn't haul repeatedly, cool. Right now I'm looking for something with more room, however. Hopefully the third-row seating in the Dodge vans is completely removable instead of just foldable.

Scott- thanks. I really should be getting something in the next week or so, and am looking furiously. There's an 02 Grand Caravan w/ 72K miles on it at Boch (lifetime powertrain warranty). They're saying $7990 but KBB says $6K. I have a query into them to find out why the difference. There's also an 07 with 116K for $6500.... we'll see. I'm a bit skeptical about Dodge- always have been, but I thought they kind of straightened up their act?

Still looking at the ads every day! I appreciate any and all input!

Chuck
 
stow&go

If the 3rd row is called "stow&go" they are not removable. Mine are not. I suppose you could use tools and remove then once and for all but if your looking to go in and out with the seats, then avoid the stow&go.
 
Have you though of a midsize truck. Tacoma or something of that nature. If you don't usually carry a lot of people they are fine. great for hauling stuff like you guys do. I have a 92 6 cyl which my son is driving now and a 2011 extra cab which is our travel long distance rig.. Midsized trucks are easy in and out pretty comfy driving and you can see all around you.
 

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