RealGM

I gotta buy a new car.

Drove my old van til the engine went out and the repairs cost more than it was worth. (Just donated my van to Kidney Cars. you get a $500 deductible, and if you're like me you'll feel good knowing the parts profit a good cause.)

Due to a lot of personal financial stuff going down in my life right now, I really do not want to spend any more than 30K-35K on an SUV. (Add about 3K for a local Hawaii purchase)

I am having a doozy of a time deciding....

Here is what I do not want:

(1)A Ford. Find on the road dead. Fix or repair daily. My Windstar was a piece of _ _ _ t
(2)A sissy car. If you are a sissy I mean you no offense.
(3)The worst in gas mileage. SUV's getting less than 18MPG are out of the question.
(4)An SUV with no nice options. Need latest technology even though I'm though I'm still in the 20th century. I want IPod, Bluetooth, phone ready stuff.
(5) Gotta have rear A/C. My kids in the back seat are unruly enough. Maybe with the air on they go to sleep and shut the hell up. (Seriously, I just made that part up. They're adorable. I don't want them hot).
(6) SUV should not drive like a truck.

Here is what I like in the 27-37K range:

(1)Nissan Xterra. Looks like a grown assed man's car.
(2)Nissan Pathfinder SE or LE. I don't have LE money per se, but I'm thinking of splurging. Some dumb credit union gave me the dough.
(3)Hyundai Tucson. Cannot beat the warranty on the powertrain. I am not crazy about the look of the car, but it's my ego talking. My wallet can live with it.
(4)Hyundai Santa Fe, fully loaded. This car goes forever on a tank of gas. Again, great warranty. Love the budgetary aspect, but I really desire a better ride.

Anybody else got any ideas? I am sure there are many brands of SUVs I haven't considered.

I have a Santa Fe SE. Love it, but then again I have a strict under $25K policy on buying cars.

Nigel Tufnel wrote:I have a Santa Fe SE. Love it, but then again I have a strict under $25K policy on buying cars.

Nigel, it seems like a great car. My ego and my wallet aren't the same size. I really need to stay in that 25K range, also. Thanks. I haven't ruled the Sante Fe out.

CCJ, first of all, I'd suggest you buy a slightly used SUV and not a brand new one. Slightly used meaning 2008, 2009 or 2010 with under 20K miles. The first 10K are just breaking the car in and the price is significantly lower.

Here are some cars I think you'd like (keep in mind, the autotrader.com links are just the type of car I'd recommend, not the exact car, considering you live in a different area than I do)....



2008 Acura MDX w/ Technology Package

* Known as one of the more technologically advanced SUVs on the market
* Sedan-like ride
* 15mpg city / 20mpg highway



2008, 2009 or 2010 BMW X5

* powerful engine
* smoothest ride
* highest quality interior
* 15mpg city / 21mpg highway



2007 Chevrolet Tahoe

* spacious interior room
* standard 3rd row seating
* 16mpg city / 21 highway



2010 Honda Pilot - Touring Edition

* newly redesigned for 2010
* more than meets the eye in terms of space
* 3rd row seating
* 17 city / 23 highway



2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 GMC Yukon

* Essentially the same as a Chevrolet Tahoe and a Cadillac Escalade (same body-frame and engine)



2010 Toyota 4Runner

* newly redesigned for 2010
* 18 city / 23 highway



2007, 2008 Mercedes Benz ML350

* sedan-like ride
* 15 city / 20 highway

Thanks, miller. I like pretty much all you posted and will do some shopping and web searching of local dealer inventories, as well as Craiglist on brands you're listed.

I have no problem at all purchasing a used SUV with 20K or less.

Good idea if I can find one within budget and with decent remaining factory warranty. Most of what I've seen used so far have a lot more miles. I just don't want to get burned on hidden cost of used like I did with the Windstar.

20K or less miles is a good bet to be in great shape ...

Chocolate City Jordanaire wrote:Thanks, miller. I like pretty much all you posted and will do some shopping and web searching of local dealer inventories, as well as Craiglist on brands you're listed.

I have no problem at all purchasing a used SUV with 20K or less.

Good idea if I can find one within budget and with decent remaining factory warranty. Most of what I've seen used so far have a lot more miles. I just don't want to get burned on hidden cost of used like I did with the Windstar.

20K or less miles is a good bet to be in great shape ...

If you don't mind me asking, what is your zip code (feel free to PM it to me if you want)?

Autotrader.com is much more credible than anything you'd find on craigslist and I'd be happy to do some research for you...it's a hobby of mine (I've found cars for my brother, his wife, my sister, her husband, my old girlfriend and another friend).

Consider a Volvo. You can either get a sports version xc-70 or a regular SUV version. They're very nice.

miller31time wrote:

Chocolate City Jordanaire wrote:Thanks, miller. I like pretty much all you posted and will do some shopping and web searching of local dealer inventories, as well as Craiglist on brands you're listed.

I have no problem at all purchasing a used SUV with 20K or less.

Good idea if I can find one within budget and with decent remaining factory warranty. Most of what I've seen used so far have a lot more miles. I just don't want to get burned on hidden cost of used like I did with the Windstar.

20K or less miles is a good bet to be in great shape ...

If you don't mind me asking, what is your zip code (feel free to PM it to me if you want)?

Autotrader.com is much more credible than anything you'd find on craigslist and I'd be happy to do some research for you...it's a hobby of mine (I've found cars for my brother, his wife, my sister, her husband, my old girlfriend and another friend).

96813 or 96789 both work for me at the moment. Sorta in-between. Craigslist does require some serious scrutiny. I did find a nice apartment that way ... but not after weeding through some bad ones.

I do appreciate your help, miller. Car salesman and divorce attorneys both give me the creeps. The less time spent with either, the better.

sfam wrote:Consider a Volvo. You can either get a sports version xc-70 or a regular SUV version. They're very nice.

I'll peep edmunds.com on them, too. Thanks, sfam.

Hmm, I forgot you live in Hawaii. That makes the search a bit tougher because the search radius is so small and there are fewer available dealerships.

Here are two options I found right away...

2008 Acura MDX

* a little over your price range
* no navi = negative
* still lots of technological features and an overall beautiful looking automobile

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe LT

* I'd strongly recommend taking a look at this car
* navi system
* near your given price range
* almost brand new with extra low miles
* located extremely close

Here are the listed features...

Great looking and affordable SUV! Well maintained and perfect for a starting family! Great safety features and comfort have made the Tahoe, the #1 Best Selling Full-Size SUV in Chevy's line-up for years!! Please call us at 808-564-9777 to schedule your test drive today! (Internet Pricing is much lower than "on the lot" pricing and must go through the Cutter Chevrolet Internet Sales Department Manager to receive special pricing.) Steering Wheel Controls, Traction Control, Passenger Vanity Mirror, Passenger Illuminated Visor Mirror, AM/FM Stereo, Front Reading Lamps, Bucket Seats, Power Driver Seat, Power Passenger Mirror, Rear Defrost, Additional Rear Seat, Rear Head Air Bag, Fog Lamps, Driver Illuminated Vanity Mirror, Aluminum Wheels, Power Passenger Seat, 4-Wheel Disc Brakes, Trailer Hitch Receiver, Running Boards, Power Windows, Auto-Off Headlights, Pass-Through Rear Seat, Driver Air Bag, MP3 Player, Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel, Vehicle Anti-Theft System, Navigation from Telematics, Rear Seat Heat Ducts, Driver Lumbar, Heated Mirrors, Driver Vanity Mirror, Keyless Entry, Tires - Front All-Season, Auxiliary Audio Input, Full Size Spare Tire, CD Player, Passenger Air Bag, Power Driver Mirror, Front Floor Mats, Telematics, 2nd Row Bench Seat, Luggage Rack, Rear A/C, Power Steering, Daytime Running Lights, Auto-On Headlights, Auxiliary Pwr Outlet, Power Door Locks, Satellite Radio, Rear Floor Mats, 4-Wheel ABS, Rear Seat Audio Controls, Remote Engine Start, Rear Wheel Drive, Adjustable Steering Wheel, Rear Reading Lamps, Passenger Air Bag On/Off Switch, Dual Zone A/C, Wireless Cell Phone Hookup, Cruise Control, Tires - Rear All-Season, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, Side Head Air Bag, Privacy Glass, Heated Exterior Passenger Mirror, Heated Exterior Driver Mirror, Electronic Stability Control

I highlighted a few features I know you'd specifically enjoy

Here is the dealership website...

http://www.cutterchevy.com/ou/honolulu-chevrolet/

If you want something bigger (which I doubt, but you never know...), the same dealership has a Chevrolet Suburban which is a size bigger than the Tahoe.

2008 Chevrolet Suburban

* It doesn't have a navigation system but does have black leather seating and room for 7-8 adults
* good price for the year (2008) and miles (30K)

is in-dash nav a necessity? i'm betting that it'll shave a good bundle off if you just get a after-market one from best buy, ebay, or amazon.

Just for giggles, anyone, what do you think about at 2010 Nissan XTerra for 25211 total?

You calling me and my car sissies?

Chocolate City Jordanaire wrote:Just for giggles, anyone, what do you think about at 2010 Nissan XTerra for 25211 total?

Personally, I'm not that big of a fan. First, because it's at the end of its current generation. Either in 2011 or 2012, they'll be releasing a modified Xterra that will look very different than the current generation. Secondly, the interior of the Xterra and Nissans in general is made of poor quality materials. If you're going to pay $25K+ for a vehicle, I'd try to get something with better ergonomics. Otherwise, the gas mileage and powertrain are comparable to other mid-size SUVs on the market.

However, if you test drive it (along with other potential SUVs) and find it to be comfortable and have it meet your criteria, then go for it.

Question: What trim level is the one you're interested in? SE? If it's the SE, then it comes with Leather, navigation, an upgraded stereo and wheels.

CCJ, Acura RDX is an awesome car. I recommend you getting a used car though, maybe <20k miles, but much cheaper than buying a new one. Like miller said. Might save yourself about $6-7k.

Must it be brand spankin' new, or can you be fine with a 1 or 2 year old SUV? If you are fine with an older SUV, then you may have more choices. Consider that with most 1-2 year old SUV's, you can purchase an extended coverage for very little and at the same time not pay for the big depreciation caused by driving a new SUV off the dealer lot. Check out the 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. $28K + tax + $3K Hawaii + $1500 extended warranty.

miller31time wrote:

Chocolate City Jordanaire wrote:Just for giggles, anyone, what do you think about at 2010 Nissan XTerra for 25211 total?

Personally, I'm not that big of a fan. First, because it's at the end of its current generation. Either in 2011 or 2012, they'll be releasing a modified Xterra that will look very different than the current generation. Secondly, the interior of the Xterra and Nissans in general is made of poor quality materials. If you're going to pay $25K+ for a vehicle, I'd try to get something with better ergonomics. Otherwise, the gas mileage and powertrain are comparable to other mid-size SUVs on the market.

However, if you test drive it (along with other potential SUVs) and find it to be comfortable and have it meet your criteria, then go for it.

Question: What trim level is the one you're interested in? SE? If it's the SE, then it comes with Leather, navigation, an upgraded stereo and wheels.

I had a friend who had terrible problems with his Nissan XTerra. It may be an isolated incident, but I would at least look careful at some reliability ratings.

I recommend going with a low mileage used SUV rather than new. In addition to reliability I would check out the depreciation. If you get a vehicle with low depreciation, and it doesn't meet your needs you can basically be in a situation to trade it in for another vehicle(that would be a couple years old at that point)you were considering. However if you go with a new vehicle that depreciates quickly, you end up pretty much stuck.

CCJ, I always pictured you cruising the streets of the HNL in a huge impala convertible or something

willbcocks wrote:You calling me and my car sissies?

Not to your face ... But when you step out of that I would not be shocked if you are wearing a skirt.

In all seriousness, I don't care how many miles that thing goes I can't see me even getting in one of those. When I stepped out I'd be looking around to see who's laughing. I'd be like WTF are you looking at? Folks that know me, I just know the look I would get coming out of that.

Women would give me the small penis look and guys, willbcocks, they wouldn't say anything to my face but I know what they'd be thinking.

I don't really have that car. Or any car. The only wheels I have get much better mpg (following is a photo stolen off google, not my exact bike).




Get your kids some bikes and tell them if they want to cool down, they can pedal faster and get a breeze.