Time to buy a new car....suggestions??

[~sudsshane]

What opinions/suggestions does anyone have on a new car for moi?
I am beyond confused and since the people here are such an informed,intelligent bunch. I thought I would ask.

My heart is telling me to go American, Chevy/Ford, but my partner is insisting I buy import.

These are the vehicles I am considering so far:

Import:
BMW X5 -SUV
Saab -SUV
Volvo-SUV

Domestic:
Jeep Grand Cherokee V6
Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV

 

[brisnat81]

What about

A Toyota Highlander
or the Lexus GX or RX?

At least with the Highlander its still made in the USA, even if the company is from OS.

 

[hooverwheelaway]

Mazda!

If you're looking for an SUV, this is one that I've seen on the road... They've really caught my eye - I think it's a sexy SUV.
Mazda CX-7... (see link).

I really do love Mazdas. My father had a 1994 Mazda Protege, which my sister got a few years back... then Joe got it about a year and a half ago. With 150,000 miles on it, it was still running strong.

I've had a 2000 Protege for about 4 years now, and I love it.

Back in August, we traded Joe's Protege for a new 2007 Mazda 3 - and we love it!

Problems with Mazdas are few and far between - only routine maintenance, and little things here and there. They're great cars... and they are a brand under the Ford umbrella, if that makes it any more American.

~Fred

Mazda USA Official | Cars, SUVs & Crossovers

The official Mazda site to research and shop for all Mazda vehicles. Explore our models, features, photos, specs, build your own, and more on MazdaUSA.com.

www.mazdausa.com

 

[nurdlinger]

FWIW

I'm a big proponent of "form follows function". Since 1980 I have driven an assortment of VW Vanagons and Ford Windstar vans. I find the minivan format to have lots of interior room, be comfortable for trans-continental trips, and get reasonable gas mileage. (you can't drive it like it's a sports car) Style for me is not important, nor is the association with "soccer moms".

Recently my Windstar got totaled in a collision, and now I have a Honda Odyssey minivan. It is the equal of the Ford in many ways, and excells in some others. I haven't owned it for a month yet, nor driven a thousand miles, so my opinions are still forming. However, it seems a very well made, comfortable, and roomy van. (worthy successor to the Ford)

I don't know how much help this will be to you since all your choices seem to be SUVs. If you go four-wheeling, tow trailers, etc. these provide what you need. If, however, you are leaning that way for the upright, comfortable driving position and commanding view these vehicles possess, then I can suggest to you that others do as well.

 

[~sudsshane]

Thanks Fred~

I think your right, that is a very nice looking SUV..!

 

[appnut]

All 3 of those imports you mention have extr3emely expensive maintenance needs.

 

[zipdang]

extremely expensive maintenance needs

Bob's right about that. We have a 2003 BMW and a 2004 Saab (both are wagons), and even small repairs can be costly. Just replacing the front brakes on the Saab was over $500, and the self-levelling headlight assembly on the BMW was over $1,000 (but fortunately covered under warranty). In their defense, though, I'm not sure if any car is "cheap" to fix nowadays.

 

[petek]

I would keep my eye open for a nice 70ish Mercury Colony Park or Ford Country Squire LOL

 

[selectomatic]

I'm with you, petek.

I can't stand SUVs, but a huge Colony Park with the faux-wood paneling would be great. Just be sure to stock up on Pledge!

-kevin

 

[~sudsshane]

petek~

Think I will pass on that..

David, doesn't BMW have "free maintenence program" though? I never keep a car longer than 3 years and I average about 10-12k miles a year.

 

[jmirawm]

jeep grand cherokee V6

I have a 2000 yr model with 115,000 miles on it....only have had regularly scheduled maintenance. There was a problem with brake rotors - but supposed to be getting reimbursed through a class action law suit. other than that I have absolutely loved the grand cherokee.

 

[zipdang]

Shane, BMW does have a fairly comprehensive maintenance program. It even covers friction items that other manufacturers don't warranty, like brakes and wiper blades. The Saab warranty isn't as comprehensive (it doesn't cover friction items), but does include the first three years of oil changes and inspections.

 

[ironrite]

Hybrids

Unless there has been a change, do check how the AC works on the hybrid Mariner. Nice car, however when I was looking at them, the AC would shut off at a stop light, as it needs the gas engine to run the compressor. You could bypass that little feature by setting the AC to MAX mode, but that kind of defeats the benefit of saving gas. Plus for Las Vegas, it would run on MAX for most of the Summer here. Not sure if this would apply to other hybrids.

Oh and on my 2003 Mountaineer, the transmission needed a full rebuild at 30,000 miles, thank goodness for warranties.

 

[alexb1186]

On your list I'd go for the Mariner, mostly because it can take regular and Chrysler products scare the crap out of me.

Fred, I have had my eye on Mazdas and would love to have a Mazda6 wagon. The CX-7 although ok looking requires premium and what kind of gas a car needs is usually on top of my list.

 

[volvoguy87]

Honda.

I own a 1987 Volvo 240 with about 145,000 miles, but the new Volvos ain't what they used to be. I also own a 2002 Saab 9-3 which just passed 70,000 miles. I will never buy a Saab of any type again. The repairs and breakdowns for the last 3 years have been frightful. The dealer service for the Saab has been dreadful, and the bills for 2007 for the Saab have passed $4,000.00 for the warranty company.
I would look into the Honda Element. It is an ugly cube on wheels, but they drive very nicely, come in 2wd or 4wd, with an automatic or a stick-shift, and are so easy to load. They hold so much, and are so easy to clean. I think the Element is one of the best thought out vehicles on the road. A friend's Element held my Maytag DE308, so it fits all my needs. I would get rid of my Saab and get an Element in a heartbeat. I will never get rid of my Volvo, however.

Test drive the Element, you may be pleasntly supprised,
Dave

 

[hoover1060]

my choices were originally:

Honda Accord V6
Mazda 6
Nissan Altima

Please note the absence of Mercury Milan...

I can say I have driven a few Accords, and this Milan is every bit as nice and "together" as an Accord

 

[pturo]

Pardon me for being green, but what do you need an SUV for in Florida? The 4 wheel drive for mountains and all the snow to get to work? There isn't a hill for 400 miles and no snow till you get to Pennsylvania. Get a golf cart, or at least a Prius. I just cant belive the bohemouth vehicles there are in Florida, and can't understand the mentality of big gas guzzling vehicles down there, and I have a place there. Vermont has smaller vehicles. I just don't get it.

 

[~sudsshane]

Pturo~

None of the vehicles I am considering are "bohemouth" as you put it.
An SUV is more practical for me considering my partner has a sedan and we have 3 dogs. There are several SUV's I am considering that are very fuel efficient Also, you are correct, 4WD is not a feature I am looking for. 2WD is fine with me.

 

[sudsmaster]

If I had 3 dogs and a need for some cargo hauling, 2 wd, and also wanted good mileage and reliability, I'd be looking at a Scion XB. The 2008 models are more powerful and roomy than the previous version, which was in itself quite successful.

Another option is the Honda Element.